Daisypath Anniversary tickers

Anna

Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers

Baby #2

Lilypie Maternity tickers

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Time to Enjoy My Husband

I'm thankful to for Time to Enjoy My Husband.

Everyone knows that I've always wanted to have children and start our family.  This seems to mean that because I want it so much, it won't come to pass for a long time.  Remember this post where I opened up about the subject.  It's been a struggle to be patient.  Through everything, months of disappointment, a miscarriage, and the time following, my husband has been a true constant light of love for me.

I truly am grateful to have my cute husband all to myself.  In fact, I almost made this month "Reasons Why I'm Thankful to Have Time With Husband."  There are so many things that we are able to do because we don't have little ones on our heels.  Traveling is certainly easier.  There's less to clean up.  I have sleep.  No interruptions.  My husband and I know each other and what we are like without crazy hormone levels or without kids stressing us out.

Even though I probably don't fully appreciate it now, I know someday when I have no time with my husband I'll be looking back on the days when all we had was time.  We're still thoroughly in love with each other and the newlywed phase has continued to linger.  How can I not love a man like Ty?  He's the most amazing, loving, and kind person I've ever known.

I'm thankful to have Time to Enjoy My Husband because when we have kids we won't have this time.

I'm thankful to have Time to Enjoy My Husband because he's the best person to spend time with.

What do you enjoy or miss about having extra time with your spouse?

Monday, November 29, 2010

Diet and Exercise

I'm thankful for Diet and Exercise.

WHAT?!  Did I just say that?

Yes, it's true.  I do tend to put both of them off for as long as I can, but it's inevitable that I come back to it.  After the holidays, I will definitely need to be back on a diet.  TOO MUCH GOOD FOOD!!  Diet starts tomorrow.  I plan on getting back to my food blog and logging everything on Daily Plate.  I'm probably crazy for trying to do this before Christmas, but I feel the need to look better for the camera.

Even though Diet and Exercise aren't as pleasurable as eating junk food and being lazy, it still makes me feel good when I really try to be healthy.  I like feeling like my body is clean and healthy.

Let's all make a commitment to eat better and work out before the New Year.  I bet it would increase our chances of actually achieving the resolution to loose weight.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Gospel Lessons That Uplift

I'm thankful for Gospel Lessons That Uplift.

I love when I go to church and there is a lesson being given that's exactly what I need.  The Lord knows how to bless us in ways that we don't even realize.  How many times in our life do we go through trying and difficult times and then when we aren't expecting it, we hear the perspective of others and something clicks in our head?  Or we read the scriptures or a talk and the words of the prophets give us the hope to continue.

General Conference is one of those times that I pretty much always feel enveloped by the love of my Father in heaven.  Everything I ever need to hear is right there.  How they ever manage to receive the inspiration just for me I'll never know.  ; )

The best is when I'm preparing a lesson to teach others, or I'm writing a talk, and the message seems like it's really for me.  Most often it's about patience.  I don't think I'll ever stop learning that.

I'm thankful for these Gospel Lessons because of how they build me up when I am down.

I'm thankful for these Gospel Lessons because they always seem to come right when I need them.

I'm thankful for these Gospel Lessons because I know they directly from my Heavenly Father.

Do you have a favorite moment like this?

Saturday, November 27, 2010

The Holy Ghost

I'm thankful for the Holy Ghost.

What an amazing gift it is to have.  It is also referred to as the Holy Spirit.  Others may call it your conscience or intuition.  Personally, I think that's giving ourselves to much credit.  ;)

Through the power of the priesthood, I received the gift of the Holy Ghost after I was baptized at 8 years old.  Since then, I've striven to have a strong connection with it.  This involves keeping the commandments and following the promptings the Holy Ghost offers.  The less often you do these things, the less often you be able to be guided by the Spirit.  It's not always easy, and I'm the first to admit that I haven't always done my part.  Good thing we have repentance and forgiveness.

It's sometimes hard to define if the feelings I'm receiving are my own or from the Holy Ghost.  Thankfully, we can also have the give of discernment to know the difference.

I've been blessed many times because I've followed the promptings I've been given.  Marrying Ty is one of them.  Whenever we've found a home, it was a repercussion following the Holy Ghost.  

I'm thankful for the Holy Ghost because of the great guidance it gives me and that knowing that as long as I continue to do what it is right I'll always have that blessing.

Friday, November 26, 2010

“I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes.” Oprah Winfrey

I'm thankful for Shoes.
These are not all of my shoes, just my favorite pairs.
 
I love Shoes.  I love being able to have a pair of Shoes that go with different outfits. 
When I can find a great deal on a nice pair, I get giddy.  

I'm thankful to have Shoes.  In May when I went to Time Out for Women, the speaker Mariama Kallon spoke about her life in Sierra Leone.  Among the many things they had to do without, Shoes was one of them.  I can't imagine walking around without Shoes.  

My feet are soft and unbroken because I'm fortunate to wear Shoes.  I can run and not hurt my feet because I wear Shoes.

I'm so thankful for Shoes because of all these reasons and I'm also thankful I'm not (and probably will never be) in a position where I would have to give them up.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Writing

I'm thankful for Writing.

Specifically, I'm thankful for the ability I have to write (or type) my thoughts down and express myself better than if I were to simply speak aloud.  I love being able to join words together and form intelligent sentences.  Sometimes, I even pretend I'm incredibly witty.  :)

Writing is therapeutic to me.  When I write things down, all the pieces of my thoughts come together to create the picture I see in my mind and can portray to others.

Ty and I were both asked to give talks this last Sunday on two different aspects of Gratitude.  My chosen topic was "Expressing Gratitude to Others and to the Lord".  Unlike my husband who can just scribble a few quotes and ideas down, I have to write basically every word I plan on saying so as to not make a fool of myself.  It may be a tiny bit lengthy, but I thought I would share that talk with you.  Especially seeing how today is Thanksgiving, it's appropriate to talk about how to express our thanks.

             "My topic is “Expressing Gratitude to Others and to the Lord”.  I thought about how I express my gratitude to Others.  Last year, a talk was given in the ward we were in about Gratitude and the woman speaking mentioned finding one thing each day that we were grateful for and writing it down.  Immediately, I felt the need to do this right away and instantly began writing down things that I was grateful for.  I have a blog and I decided to dedicate a daily post to each of these things to really get my mind thinking about why I was grateful for them.  Included in that list was:  My husband, my German heritage, Christmas, dancing, music, food, my head and everything on it, being a member of the church, the temple, family, my hands, books, internet, my big purse, chocolate, paper, trials, my kitchen, plants, callings, and my husband’s job.  When I started this little project, I was not in a good place emotionally.  However, by the end of the month I felt so happy and joyous with life.  My outlook had completely changed.  Everything around me seemed miraculous and extraordinary.  

                Considering the success I had previously, I wanted to continue to make a list and share a post on my blog about each of the things on it.  This year my list consists of Leftover Halloween candy, Craigslist, Farmer’s Market, baking, having a sense of humor, laughing, service, family (again), walking trails, Autumn, veterans, my nieces and nephews, electricity, furniture, my laptop, Dollar Tree, my home décor, our new home, our new bigger kitchen, our back up fridge, my scriptures, shoes, having the time to enjoy my husband, the Holy Ghost, my cellphone, diet and exercise, gospel lessons that uplift and inspire, forgiveness, and writing. 
I love finding joy in the little things and I feel it’s important to acknowledge how lucky we are because of them.  Vaughn E. Worthen wrote in the March 2010 Ensign, “Gratitude is a positive experience that comes from recognizing gifts or blessings and feeling thankful.  It is also an attitude, a way of perceiving life, in which individuals are willing to receive and acknowledge the beneficial actions of others on their behalf.  Those who consistently display such an attitude are said to have a grateful disposition.”  1 Thessalonians 5:18 says , “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

          Brother Worthen also suggested to Keep Gratitude Journal.  I might add to this that instead of posting on a blog, you could write an entry in your journal every day with something you give thanks for.  He also recommends eliminating ungrateful thoughts and recognizing that things could be worse.  It’s difficult to find the joy in things you could be grateful for if you are continuously spending your time focused on how much different you wish those things were.  Sure, there might be a few things I might change about our home, for example, but it’s better than no house at all.  If I dwell on what isn’t, how can I appreciate what is? 
           It’s also important to share your gratitude for someone you might need to properly thank.  It’s not just good manners to thank them for a meal or for giving you a ride or helping you with whatever task you needed assistance with.  Consider how you would feel if no one EVER thanked you for anything ever again.  Kindness should never go unnoticed or unappreciated.  A letter detailing your gratitude for that person and their actions can go a long way.  If you add a plate of cookies, it could inspire a repeat.  Just so you know, food speaks volumes to me.  A phone call might even do the trick and adds a little more personal touch.  The point is when we show gratitude to others for their kind actions; it’s like the icing on the cake.  I’ll confess there may have been times where I’ve lent my hands half-heartedly, but seeing the gratitude they felt and knowing that I truly uplifted them, my heart softens and the task is more enjoyable.  We should never make someone feel as though we simply expect them to do what we ask.  That it is their duty or “Hey you’re just going to receive more blessings”.  Are you ready?  Because a challenge is coming.  Let’s all do this, it’ll be fun.  Whenever someone does something for us, even if it seems small, sincerely thank them.  Not just a “Hey thanks!”, but a real “Thank you so much for doing this.  You’re amazing.”  Make eye contact with them.  Do this with your family, your friends, colleagues, cashiers, restaurant servers, anyone who shows kindness.
           Now, how do we express gratitude to the Lord?  One of the greatest ways is to tell him directly through prayer.  I always feel like I’m leaving something out when I’m praying because I always feel like I have soooo much to be thankful  for, but not enough time before my eyes start to droop and I’m out for the count or I have to get ready for the day.  Regardless, it’s important for us to share those thoughts with our Heavenly Father so we show him just how grateful we are.  Try to be specific as well.  No need to go into great detail, but try not to generalize.  Something I’m often guilty of is saying, “Thank You for our many blessings” or “Thank you for all we have been given” and leaving it at that.  Acknowledging the individual things you are most thankful for is so important. 
Through our actions we are also able to show our gratitude.  Obeying His commandments and doing what He asks of us shows that we are paying attention and heeding His word.  Showing kindness and blessing the lives of others is a wonderful way to share our gratefulness.  He gives us blessings in our lives and by sharing those gifts with others we are in turn sharing it with the Lord.  Matthew 25:40, “Verily, I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  As a small tangent, I should also mention that testimony meeting isn’t the place to give a detailed list of everything we are thankful for.  That is the time we share what we believe in.  But that’s a subject for another talk.

         Everyone needs to know they are appreciated and our Heavenly Father isn’t exempt.  I feel as though we so easily forget our Heavenly Father has feelings.  Let us not forget the one person we should be the most grateful to.  He has given us everything we have, all opportunities to progress and be strengthened.  We owe Him everything and He asks so little.  Let the season of giving thanks inspire us to renew ourselves to our Heavenly Father and remember to give thanks to Him for all the blessings He grants us with."
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Enjoy your turkey and stuffing and all the deliciousness that comes with them.  And remember to give thanks for the many wonderful things you are blessed with.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Our Car

I'm thankful for Our Car.

We said good-bye to Little Red this Summer when we sold her to my parents.  It will probably be used my youngest brother while he learns to drive.  (*SCARY THOUGHT*)

We've actually been doing quite well as a one car family since it's just the two of us.  Living so close to where Ty works has helped also.  (That never gets old.)  It's been such a blessing to have this car.  I'm so grateful that we have such a nice car that works so well.

This last month, we made our final payment on Our Car and it is now officially ours!  I love that we don't have anymore payments towards it.  It will help to be able to use that money towards paying off debt.

Yesterday, I, in my utterly terrified state, drove through on the icy roads to get the brakes fixed.  I'm thankful that we have a car that's in very good working order.  It's very comforting to know that.  When we travel to our families home this holiday, we'll can do so safely, without worry that we might brake down or in fear that something will give out or break.

I'm thankful to have Our Car because it truly is a blessing to have such a luxury.  Because we have Our Car we don't have to walk if so choose, we don't have to take a bus or a train (both of which I've ridden in and they aren't horrible, but pit stops are part of the fun of road trips).
THE END.
Haha.  Get it?  It's the end.
I'm so clever.  :)

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Forgivness

I'm thankful for Forgiveness.

I wanted to find a great quote for the title of this post, but after looking at them, I realized there are so many sides of Forgiveness I'm thankful for.

I'm thankful that I have the ability to Forgive others to help each of us move forward in our lives.
I'm thankful for the blessings I've received and the good feelings I've felt because I've Forgiven someone.

I'm thankful people can Forgive me for wrongs I've committed against them.
I'm thankful for the kindness they've shown me by Forgiving me.

I'm thankful for the Forgiveness my Heavenly Father grants me every day. There are days when I certainly feel like I don't deserve that gift, but He gives it to me anyway.  Where would we be without His Forgiveness?  It truly is a miracle to me that we receive such a blessing.

I don't have any pretty pictures to share of Forgiveness, but I hope that we can all create those moments by overcoming our pride and Forgiving those who trespass us.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Cell Phone

I'm thankful for my Cell Phone.

While 13 seems to be the typical age anymore that deems suitable for this rite of passage, I didn't receive my first Cell Phone until I was 20.  Believe me, it took a great amount of teeth pulling to get there too.  Once I finally procured the item, instantly, I became easier to get ahold of and Mom and Dad realized it's true magnificence.  

I've always had a slight fascination with Cell Phones.  Perhaps, it's my need to socialize.  Which is funny, considering my serious lack in text messages and actual phone calls.  Regardless, it's nice to know that if I ever find myself in need of getting in contact with someone, I'm able to do it.  

It's truly amazing that we are able to have this form of portable communication.  Yet another thing that shows how awesome our day and age is.  Any more, Cell Phones are not just for talking or texting.  They are for checking your email, facebook (or myspace, but that's so 5 years ago), blogging, and listening to music.  Mine has a feature where I can listen to the radio or MP3s.  It's really great for working out.

I'm thankful to have a Cell Phone because it provides a way for me to call or text my husband at any time of day.  Even if he's at work.  LOVE IT!

I'm thankful to have a Cell Phone because even if I'm not at home, I can talk to anyone I want.

What's your favorite Cell Phone feature?
P.S.  I so wish I had an iPhone, but my cute husband won't let me be that cool yet.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

MY Scriptures

I'm very thankful for My Set of Scriptures.

My parents got them for me just before my first Seminary class in High School.  I've kept them ever since.  People have said that it's a good idea to get a new set of scriptures to write notes in because you always learn something new every time you read them.  For me, I love looking at my old notes.  I had a great Seminary teacher and the notes from his classes are my favorite.  When I read through my scriptures, I love looking at the notes written there and remembering the principles we talked about when I wrote them.  I just can't imagine moving on to a new set.  Sure they are tattered and torn, but at least it looks used.

It's not just the notes and glue-ins or specific underlined verses.

I'm thankful for the Scriptures because they always uplift me.  I can always find a verse or two that applies to myself and I learn something I never thought of that will help me with what I'm experiencing at the time.

I'm so thankful our Heavenly Father knew that we would need these words of counsel in our lives and blessed us with them.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Back up Refrigerator/Freezer

I'm thankful we have a Back up Refrigerator/Freezer.

When we were living in Moses Lake, Ty's Grandma Robbins gave us her old refrigerator because she got a new one.  Well, we didn't want to get rid of the one we had because it still functioned well and we didn't know where else to take it.  So, we kept it as a back up in the garage.  After we moved to Kennewick, we weren't able to take it with us and that made me sad.  Having the extra freezer space, especially, is wonderful!  You can imagine how happy I was to get it back when we moved to Richland.  (Thank you SOOOOO much Rex for helping us our with that and other things you also put in that trailer of yours.  You're AMAZING!)

It's not a mandatory thing that we require, but that's really why I'm thankful for it.

I'm thankful for the little extra we have.

I'm thankful it's there if we happen to need it.

Do you own something extra that you don't necessarily require, but is nice to have just in case?

Friday, November 19, 2010

Big Kitchen

I'm thankful for our BIG Kitchen.

I say it's Big because of the size of the one in our last apartment.  The lack of counter space was not my favorite feature.  However, I now know that I can operate in such a small space.  Though, I think I'll stick with this guy.  I'm still wanting to add a little bit of light.  The two lights that are in there are really only illuminating one side.  I'm thinking of getting some rope lights and putting them on top of the cupboards.  What do you think?

Having such a small Kitchen before has really helped me to appreciate having so much more space.  I love having the work space.  The little "peninsula" is my favorite area.  Since, right now, it's just Ty and I, we tend to eat there a lot.  Creating a buffet style meal is certainly MUCH easier.  

I'm thankful for my Big Kitchen because of the space.

I'm thankful for my Big Kitchen because of how it allows me to make yummy foods.  (Not that the small one didn't.  Just sayin' a kitchen does that.)

I'm thankful to have a wonderful Big Kitchen because I know I don't have to go without.

What do you like most about your Kitchen?

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Our New Home

I'm thankful for our new home.

It's kind of wondrous that we found such a great place at such a great price so VERY close to Ty's work.  We are VERY pleased.

We have so much more room than before (except for closet space, I could do with a whole lot more a that here).  Finally, we have a "laundry room" in the basement".  I love that it's not next or even in my kitchen.  Speaking of the basement, it's a finished basement so there are two rooms down there.  The tentative plan is to make one a work out room and the other a kind of storage room for boxes and things.  I'd love to get some shelving and make the extra room in the "laundry area" more pantry-esque.  When it's a little more (or even at all) cleaned up there I'll take pictures and get some advice from you guys.

It's a duplex, so one half of the building another family lives in.  We don't hear them too often so that's lovely.  I love our big backyard.  It's funny though, there's this telephone pole in our neighbors yard and it's one of those that needs to be supported with wires and so one side of wires is in almost the middle of our yard.  Not that big of a deal since I doubt it will ever be in our way, I just think it's funny that they choose to put one right there.  The yard is nice and big though and I love it for when we have kids over.
This house has been amazing and I'm so glad we decided to make the move.  Randomly I'll say to Ty, "I'm so glad we moved here."  The move part may have been a little crazy, but the living here has been awesome.  Hopefully, we won't move again until we're get into a house.  That's how much we love Our New Home.

I'm so thankful that I went on craigslist and started searching for a new place to live.

I'm so thankful that Our New Home was available right when we were looking.

I'm thankful that it's so close to Ty's work that he can walk to work when it's nice outside (or if I really just need the car.

I'm thankful Our New Home has Central Heating and Air.  Woot!  Woot!

I'm thankful for Our New Home because it really does feel like home.

What's the best thing about your home?

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Home Decor

I'm thankful for my Home Decor.

I know I'm biased, but I love my Home Decor.  It's pretty, warm, and inviting.  The colors are lovely and make me happy.  Putting together the pieces and creating something nice to look is quite rewarding.  Since moving into our new home, I've been busy with figuring out how to arrange the Decor here.  One day I'll give my husband a break.

Growing up my mom always had our house nicely decorated.  When I got married and started decorating my own home, I realized I inherited her taste.

I really am thankful to be able to have home decor.  Back in my humble little apartment during massage school, I had zero Decor.  Very humble was my abode.  It's wonderful that I can bring my personality into my home and create an atmosphere that is relaxing and comforting.
Mom, do you recognize those pictures?  That's right.  My momma's art is hanging on my walls.  Isn't she awesome?!

Something I really enjoy is decorating for the current season or holiday.  I love creating an ambiance around what's happening in the world.  However, Thanksgiving is actually REALLY hard to find stuff for.  I'm always on the search for pilgrims.  If anyone finds some for me for super cheap, let me know.  :)

What's your Decor taste like?
Mine is sort of a combo of Contemporary and Traditional.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Dollar Tree

I'm thankful for the Dollar Tree.
It is such an awesome place.

Here are some things I've been able to purchase for waaaaaaaaaaay cheaper than anywhere else:
Candy
Holiday Decorations
Pieces for Floral Arrangements
Off Brand Tupperware
Wrapping Paper
Plastic Dishes

I'm so thankful for the Dollar Tree because it allows me to buy things that I would want to get, but don't have to brake the bank for.  This place was made for the newly married, starving students, and the penny skimpers of America.  There are four in the Tri-cities and I LOVE IT!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Laptop

I'm thankful for my Laptop.
 

It's a HP Pavilion dv7-2185DX.

I've become sort of addicted to my Laptop.  Or maybe it's just having the internet so readily available to me.  This Laptop served as our TV for quite some time, until we able to find better means.  I love that if I'm talking with someone and there's a small debate of topic, I can simply say, "I'm lookin' it up."  Flip open the Laptop and begin searching until we find I am who is right.

It's wonderful that I can use this as my primary computer and still be able to take it with me wherever I go.  Keeping with me all my pictures and documents.  Also, it provides a way for Ty to be on our computer in the office doing his thing, while I do mine.  Awesome!

Laptops are truly amazing inventions.  How on earth did we survive before computers?  Or the world wide web?  Encylcopedia, schmencyclopedia.  We've got WIKIPEDIA!

Basically, this is a post acknowledging how cool Laptops are and how lucky I feel to be in a time where we can enjoy this contraption.
Do you have a Laptop?  What's your favorite feature?  I still can't get over the remote for movies that can be pushed inside a slot of the Laptop.  Cool huh?!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Big Comfy Couch

I'm thankful for our Big Couch.

When we moved into our last apartment, we were so upset that our Couch didn't get through the door.  It sadly sat in my parents garage, covered by a tarp to protect it.  Even though we still had the loveseat, we always felt the loss of the Couch.  It was awfully difficult having people over with the limited seating and all.  Also, cuddling and lounging was a bit limited.  Consider the 6 feet and almost 4 inches that is my husband.  Not a whole lot of laying around room for him.

We've been thrilled to have the Big Couch back.  More cuddling, lounging, and seating room have been thoroughly enjoyed.  I love the comfy-ness.  I love that I can lie down on it and my legs down hang over.  It's absolutely DELIGHTFUL!  What's more is we finished paying off the couch and loveseat a little more than a year ago and that has been amazing!

I'm thankful that we don't have to make any more payments on the Big Comfy Couch (or loveseat).

I'm so thankful to have my Big Comfy Leather Couch back in our life because we have something nice and soft to sit on.

Do you have a piece of furniture that you love to use, but hate to loose?

Saturday, November 13, 2010

“We believe that electricity exists, because the electric company keeps sending us bills for it, but we cannot figure out how it travels inside wires.” Dave Barry

I'm thankful for Electricity.

Let me explain.

Last night the power went out on our block and possibly several others.  At first it was no big deal because it was still light outside and we weren't using anything that was required to be plug in.  However, the daylight was swiftly fading away and I remembered that we didn't have any emergency candles.  Also, dinner time was quickly approaching and my stomach was letting me know it.  There was no way we would have been able to make anything for dinner, so we headed out for some candles and take out.

When we got back home we had a lovely candlelight dinner.  Just before we finished the power came back on.  Huzzah!  Don't get me wrong.  We could have sat around and played a gamed in the very dim light and had lots of fun.  However, we are a product of our generation and rely on many electronic devices for our entertainment.  It would have been especially tragic if the refrigerator and freezer failed to work for a long period of time.

I'm thankful for Electricity because it allows me to watch TV, use a computer, cellphone, store food inside, drive to places, not be cold or hot if I don't want to, and see a lot better in the dark.

Friday, November 12, 2010

“They are not royal. They just happen to have me as their aunt.” Elisabeth II

I am so incredibly thankful to be an Aunt.


Not having my own children yet is trying.  It's something I long and hope for.

However, what I do have are beautiful, wonderful nieces and nephews.  They are truly special to me and it's hard for me to not steal them and claim them as my own.  I love each of them and would do anything for them.  I think I'm probably the crazy aunt, but definitely the one they love to hang out and spend time with.  I wish I lived closer to my babies.  I miss their loves, cuddles, and kisses.

I love being Aunt Jen-Jen to:
Skyler
Hunter
Hailey
McKinlee
Mason
McKenna
Miles
Kamrie
Troy
Trevor
Ellie
Hayden
Beckam
Jaden
Sammy
Jacob
Eliza
Soon-to-be Baby Jude
And the many more that will come.
I love them all.  Including the ones I haven't met yet.

I'm thankful to be an Aunt because these kids bring me so much joy!

I'm thankful to be an Aunt because it means I can love them without all the work involved.  :)
Thanks to both Ty's and my brothers for having kids for us to love.

I'm thankful to be an Aunt because I know when Ty and I do have kids, we know they'll all be head turners.  My goodness!  We have some gorgeous kids in our families.
(The one in the middle isn't a niece.  She's my cousin's daughter, only solidifying that fact that we all have cute kids.)

I love my nieces and nephews and I love being an Aunt!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Happy Veterans Day!

Today in the U.S. of A. we are celebrating Veterans and today I, too, would like to express my thanks for all those who have sacrificed themselves for all of us in this country to maintain our freedom.  I really don't take that lightly. 

We have so many little things in our lives that we are able to do and say that wouldn't be possible if our freedom wasn't fully established.  So much of people's time and lives have been sacrificed that we may enjoy what we have.  

I'm thankful to those who have willing done so.  

I'm thankful to the families of those people for their sacrifice because theirs was the greatest sacrifice.

I'm thankful for this country and what it is and represents.

No matter who our leaders are, no matter what our issues may be that we are contending.  We have the right and the privilege to have them and for that I'm thankful.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower” Albert Camus

I'm thankful for Autumn.
(Note:  This is not my house.  I just like the way the trees framed this one.)
 
I LOVE FALL!

The colors are beautiful.  I find the weather lovely.  The clothes are my favorite.  I'm a sweater lover and it's kind of hard to wear those in the summer.  Just sayin'.

The earth seems more peaceful and divine when the leaves turn a different color and the air becomes cool.  Everything is quite and calm for a moment.  It somehow masks that Thanksgiving is soon approaching and Christmas is right around the corner.  With it, bringing the mass hysteria of gift shopping.  And even when that comes rushing back to memory, all you have to do is look outside and immerse yourself into the depths of the beauty nature has gracefully gifted to us again this year.

Bringing up the topic of holidays, isn't it wonderful that two of the greatest ones are sitting perfectly in the midst of this season?  Try and think of these celebrations occurring during a different time of year and I'll gather you'll be disappointed.  Thanksgiving in particular wouldn't be the same if the colors where an array of pastels.  Sure, if we didn't know any better, we probably would notice.  However, I, for one, am glad we do.

While on my walk yesterday, taking pictures of the trail, I wanted to take a few more to show the loveliness of what I see during this season.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hurrah for Fall!

I'm so thankful for Autumn because it makes the world beautiful and peaceful.

What's your favorite part of the Fall?
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