Grateful

It's so hard for me to believe that another year has passed and today brought around another Thanksgiving. The older I get, the more and more I realize how much I have to be thankful for. And, the more and more I realize how fast times goes by and how short of a time I truly have to enjoy the moments God has given me. To say that I am blessed doesn't even cover it. My life is so much more than I deserve; it really is. Here are some of the reasons why I am thankful this year.



My marriage: no, it's not perfect. We have ups and downs just like any other couple. But I can honestly say that our ups are WAY more abundant than our downs. Joey understands me in a way that no one else does. He has loved me unconditionally for 10 years now and I really have no idea where I would be without him. I am so thankful to be able to share this journey with him.



Tripp: oh, my boy. He makes my heart sing. He is so full of life. He tells me he loves me numerous times a day for no reason. He has the best sense of humor and he is so smart (yes, I'm bragging). God knew exactly what he was doing when he gave me my first born.



Makinley: my miracle girl. I think I will always call her that even when she's old and gray. She is such a momma's girl...no matter how hard I try to make her a daddy's one. She's so sweet and snuggly and she rarely shows the side of being "2". She is so independent and can hang with any boy...yet, she is so caring and loving to her babies and can be such a girly-girl. She is Tripp's perfect counterpart and the perfect addition to our family.



My parents: I am one blessed girl. I have parents that have always loved me unconditionally and layed me and my needs at the feet of God's throne every day of my life. It's such a comfort to me that my parents love for each other has grown over the years and I can tell they love each other even more today than ever before. It's such a strong testament to me as to what a Godly marriage should be. I'm thankful for them in way more ways than I can name.



My brother and Jen: they have had a tough year and it has been so wonderful to see what God has done through them. This is a tough week for them because their baby was due this week. But, Jesus is holding them and their precious little one right in the palm of his hand. I'm so thankful to have them as a part of my life and that my children have such a wonderful aunt and uncle.



My home and job: in economic times such as these, I'm blessed to have a wonderful job and a beautiful home.

Extended Family: I am lucky to have a close extended family. We don't get to see each other nearly as often as I would like, but I sure do treasure the times that we do!

Friends: Near and far, God has brought some amazing people into my life. I don't know what I would do without my friends....especially those that know exactly what I'm thinking and feeling without me having to say a word.

Jesus: I've never done anything to deserve His love for me. I definitely didn't deserve the sacrifice that he made on the cross for me. I am so thankful that He chose me and that He gives me the abundant blessings that he gives me every single day.

Let us remember every day to be grateful!

Thanksgiving Feast

These pictures loaded in some kind of crazy order, but Tripp had his Thanksgiving feast this week. Joey went on Monday and I went with him today. On Monday, he was a turkey and on Tuesday he was a Pilgrim. He looked so darn cute. (Although he does have a crazy looking hair cut right now that I'm not too fond of). The kids sang songs, and ate their "feast". It was super cute and I am so glad that I work at a school that is close enough to Tripp that I can go and be a part of these things (plus, my principal lets us leave during school hours to go do things). Anyway, enjoy our little turkey and pilgrim!

Here he is as a Pilgrim!

His feast!

Eating with his friends

Picture with mommy

Such a good mommy

The other day, Makinley said, "Mommy, see my baby? Isn't she booful? Wanna pet her?" I guess that's what she thinks we are telling her to do when we tell her she can't touch a baby on their face or hands. She can only touch a baby on their feet. She is becoming such the little mommy carrying around her baby dolls and taking care of them. Wish I could convince her daddy that she would make a GREAT big sister!! :-)

I love him

To say that he puts up with a lot would be putting it mildly. It's not always easy being married to me (as hard as it is for some of you to believe, I'm sure :-))! But, he does it and he does it well. He is so good to me and he does things most husbands wouldn't even think about doing. He cleans up every night before sitting down to watch T.V. He pretty much does all of the laundry himself. He helps me with the kids. He prays with me. He kisses me bye EVERY day before work and tells me loves me. He is my best friend. And I love him.

Tripp is Thankful For...

Mommy
Daddy
My sister
GiGi and PopPop
Grammie and Tom
Uncle Trey and Aunt Jenni
Football
the beach
Power Rangers
Bananas
Scruffy (a dog he has seen once in his life)

This was the list of things that Tripp came home from school with today. More pictures to come from his Thanksgiving feast!

Worth the Wait

One word...wow. I am a die hard Edward fan...but Jacob gave him a run for his money in this movie. It's been a year since I finished reading the Twilight Saga. I remember when reading New Moon that Jacob got on my nerves and I wanted him to just go away and Edward to come back. Let's just say, I wasn't exactly thinking that watching the movie. As my friend Maria said..."Am I a pedophile now for wanting to look at a 17 year old's body"?!?! :-) The producers did an awesome job of making Jacob toughen up for that werewolf transformation. The movie was SO good...and now I guess the countdown is on for June. Bring on Eclipse!!!!

"For my Bootie" and Christmas

Conversation with Makinley:

Mak: Mama, Santa Kaus gonna bring me a barbie horsey
Me: He is? (this is the first I have heard of it)
Mak: Yep, a Barbie horsey for my bootie
Me: A barbie horsey for YOUR bootie, not for your Barbie's?
Mak: No, my sit on barbie horsey on my bootie.
Me: Ok, baby

So, it appears my daughter wants a horse for christmas that she can actually sit on. The only kind that I know to buy her would be one of those old school spring horses like I used to have. Problem? They are like $100 for a pink/white one (which in Makinley's eyes makes it a Barbie horsey). I'm on a hunt for one though. When your 2 year old specifically asks for something for Christmas, it doesn't matter that you have already gotten her this really cool thing that you just KNOW she will love (and can't return because you got it on Craig's list), you go out and start looking for the asked for present.

The other problem. I got an email from someone today telling me that they had a Gator they would sell me for $75. Joey and I have been looking at these for the kids for months. But they are about $4o0 and that is something I refuse to pay for a toy. No matter how cool it is. I love the Gator because they can ride it TOGETHER, so I don't have to listen to them argue over it.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. I'm trying to stay within my Christmas budget this year, but it's going to be tough.