New Year, New Adventures......

Well today was my last day at my job. I had a great day and it was so nice to get to enjoy my last day. I got to hear a lot of really nice things today. How much I meant to people, how I was "one of the good ones" , and how much I will be missed. You know, it occurred to me that if I hadn't quit, I probably would have never gotten to hear those things. I mean how often do you tell people what they mean to you? I know I'm guilty of not saying enough. I know I don't tell people how I feel about them very often. I don't let them know how thankful I am that they are in my life. I am going to work on that from now on. It was a great feeling today. To know that I meant something to someone. Some of them I was so shocked, I didn't expect to hear such sweet words. It was nice. So today as I end my 2010, I'd like to remind you all to let people know how much they mean to you. You should tell people you care about, that you care. Let them know what they mean to you. Don't hesitate to make someones day a little brighter. It's great to be appreciated. And as for my former employer, I enjoyed the 4 years I had there. I know that there were days that I hated that place, but I made some great friends. I met some wonderful people. I'm thankful that I had those 4 years to get to know all of these wonderful people.

Thankful Thursday

Today I have more things to be thankful for than I could probably put into words. So I'm going to give it a shot and say my thank you's.

This week has been a long and trying week. I love holidays but they bring alot of stress sometimes. Seth's best friend, Michael is home. I'm glad he was able to make it home safely and that he & Seth have gotten to spend some time together hunting and shooting guns. I'm glad that they have had that time together this week.

I am also thankful for my own best friend. I know I praise her alot on here but she really is the greatest friend a girl could ever want or have. This week I went home from work very upset one day and I called Shawna on the way home to just get myself together. I know that at any time I can call her and she will be there to listen to me cry, rationalize, or just cuss about the day. She never judges me and she never thinks, "OMG why does she call me when she's like this?!" .... she's just there. She has an amazing ability of knowing how to deal with me. Whether it's letting me vent or letting me cry. She always helps me tremendously. She will distract me when I don't want to face whatever is going on, she will let me talk to the sweet angel boys that I love so much. She is just the greatest thing. I am so thankful to have her....my very own "Emma"....I couldn't be more grateful that God brought us together. I love her like a sister....hell, she is my sister, just not by blood. I have never had a friend I cared about more. She's just awesome and I hope she knows just how much she means to me.

I also want to say I'm thankful that my brother & Rhy came home this week. They are here for the holidays and I love that they came home. I miss them so much since they left. Rhy was able to feel the baby move today while I was at Mom's visiting. It was great to be able to experience that with her. I hope that the baby kicks for my Bubba too while he's here. I know that boys don't get as excited about this stuff but I think  he will still think it's neat. I'm thankful to have them home. I am looking forward to tomorrow. We will get together and open presents and have lunch. It will be a blast to have us be all together. I love when we get to do our own Christmas at my parents house. We always have a good time. We get to enjoy time together. I am so ready for that. Next year we will have a little baby boy to take part in this fun adventure! I can't wait!

I am going to close this blog today by saying, Merry Christmas. Enjoy your family, spend time together, love one another. It's so much fun to make memories with loved ones. So just enjoy it. I hope your holiday is blessed. Merry Christmas!!!

Closure

Closure: the state of experiencing an emotional conclusion to a difficult life event.

Sometimes closure is one of the hardest things to attain. I recently found some closure in a situation that has been eating at me for over a year. I'm thankful for the friends that have helped me along the way to finding closure. It's been a rough time with this one but I'm finally good. For the one I've "left behind"....thanks for the memories. Good luck in the future. I hope your life is richly blessed and I will never stop praying for you. To those of you that helped me to get to where I am today with this situation, thank you. You have no idea just how much you helped me. I appreciate you and all the advice, hugs, and support you have given me on this situation over the last year. Your awesome friendship amazes me. I hope you know just how much your friendship means to me.

Thankfulness.....

I know I said I was going to try and write every Thursday about something I'm thankful for. I have not kept up with that because there have been alot of things going on. Last week my Daddy had neck surgery. He had 3 bones taken out and replaced with cadaver bones. The surgery went well. He came out and was chatty and feeling good. Around 8 he started feeling funny. He was taken back for emergency surgery at 8:30. The doctors that worked on him Tuesday were amazing. The two heart doctors did an amazing job and really made sure that Daddy was well taken care of. His neck surgeon, well, he was amazing. He came up to the hospital and watched Daddy's surgery. He calmed our fears and really went above and beyond anything he had to do. That was one of the scariest nights I've ever had. I am a Daddy's girl and am so thankful that those doctors were there. You know, I believe that God knew what he was doing putting those men there at the time we needed them. They saved my Daddy. I'm thankful that God had them there and that they were able to do what needed to be done. Daddy is home now and recovering well. He's up walking, talking, and driving Mom crazy because he's home bound for the next 2 weeks. He looks good. He feels good. And I'm so thankful he's okay.

My heart is no longer mine!

So today we had our "official" ultrasound at the hospital. We were already told that it was a boy but my husband couldn't get my doctor to say she was 100% sure. Today while we were in the ultrasound room, the tech finally said, "100% sure it's a boy!" ....So my husband was relieved and I was ecstatic! I thought I would share a few of my favorite pictures from today. He's going to be beautiful! I can't wait until April!

He was hiding his little alien face! He was getting tired of the ultrasound tech pushing on him!

His little profile view! He is starting to look more like a baby and less like ET!

Happy Birthday Pawpaw!

Today is the birthday of one of the greatest men I have ever known. My Pawpaw. He is such a wonderful man! I can remember when we were little, "Miss Piggy" came to the grocery store to wish him a happy birthday. I was amazed that he knew "Miss Piggy". Mammaw has a picture of that somewhere at her house. I have so many wonderful memories with my Pawpaw. He took us fishing, bought us candy, spoiled us, and loved us so very much. He buys me stuff still. Last time he went on a vacation he found me a new pocket frog. He has a way of always finding those. The first one he got for me was just a little silver frog that is about the size of a dime. Last year he got me a new one. It's a little different, has a heart cut out of it's center and it kinda flat. I treasure those frogs. He always finds me the greatest things! Today I went to see him and took him is usual birthday present. A Snickers & and Almond Joy. Mammaw doesn't let him have sweets very often so on his birthday I always buy him candy! I love my Pawpaw. I called him this morning and was probably the first one to do so. I always remember. I just adore him. He's amazing. I love him very much. So happy birthday, Pawpaw! I love you........

Love,
The Good Grandkid

Thankful day 30

Well, this month has been a better one that I had imagined it would be. I started this 30 days of Thankfulness to help me through a month that was very painful for me last year. This really helped me to see all the things I should be thankful for. There really aren't enough days in the year to post all the things I'm so very thankful for. So I may start trying to post "Thankful Thursday" each week to kinda show what I'm most thankulf for. Today I'd like to say that I am very thankful for a group of women I have never even met. I am a part of a women's prayer group. We receive an email each Wednesday on ways to pray for our spouse. I love being a part of this group. I read new things each week about different ways to pray for my relationship and make it the best that it can be. Tonight I was reminded just how wonderful these ladies are. Whenever one of our group members have a prayer request the leader of the group will send out an email prayer to everyone about a couple that needs prayer. She says a prayer about it and so do all the other women in the group. It's amazing to have that kind of group to depend on. I am truly blessed to have met the leader of the group through facebook & myspace. She lives about and hour or so away from me and I am so thankful for her introducing me to this group. It means so much to me to have these women in my life. Even if I've never met them, they bless my life more than they could ever know. So to my prayer ladies.....you girls are a true blessing to my heart. Thanks for praying with me each week. And to Mary, sweet Mary....you are the kindest person I think I have ever "met" and I am so thankful for the friendship that we have. I know we don't talk often but you are truly a blessing in my life. I'm so glad that I met you via myspace and have been able to keep in touch.

Thankful day 29

Today I kinda have a strange "thanks". I watch this show on MTV called "The Buried Life". It's a show about 4 guys who have set out on a journey to conquer a list of 100 things they want to do before they die. The list has some crazy things on it, including: streak and get away with it, become a millionaire, help someone build a house, and dance with Ellen. There are several things they have already done and trust me it's always a memorable show. The part I'm most thankful for is that these guys are all in their early 20's and for everything they cross off of the list, they help a stranger cross something off their own list. I've seen them help a homeless man find a home, reunite a child with his biological father, help a Katrina victom finally get closure by visiting her mother's grave in another state, and build a skate park in memorial of some teens that died in a small town. They always do something wonderful for complete strangers. It's refreshing in a world like ours where most of the time everyone is out for themselves. These boys want to do good for people they don't even know. It's an amazing thing to watch. These boys are really making a difference. I think what I like most about this show isn't the crazy stunts they try and pull off, it's the helping people. How often do we think to help some complete stranger or even help someone we know? I know it's probably not often enough. These guys remind me weekly that you should give back when you are given the chance. It could make a real difference in the world if we all took one day out of the year even to think about someone other than ourselves. So I'm thankful for The Buried Life boys. They are making an amazing difference in lives that would have remained untouched and are inspiring others to do the same. I'm thankful that there are still people out there like that. So if you have never seen the show, I would seriously recommend that you look it up on MTV.com and just watch it. I always walk away feeling so good. They are kind and caring and now a days that is so rare.

Duncan Penn, Ben Nemtin, Dave Lingwood, & Johnny Penn

Thankful day 28

I am such a lucky girl. I have the greatest people in my life. I know I've already blogged about my husband but I feel the need to do it again. Today we've spent the day doing nothing but hanging out watching tv and just being silly. I love days like these. I know that it sounds like we are just so lazy today but every once in a while you just need to take a day and relax together. Today we've watched tons of football and a few other shows. It's been nice to just stay home and relax together. So I guess today I'm thankful for lazy Sundays. They don't happen very often in our house. We have church, football, dinner with his family.....just normal things that keep us busy. So when we get a lazy Sunday we really enjoy it. I'm always thankful for the time I get to spend with my husband. Today is no different. I'm thankful for this lazy Sunday at home with the love of my life and our adorable pups. It's been a great day.

Thankful day 27

Today I'm most thankful for our wonderful vet. Riley & Redick always play and wrestle outside. Well today they were playing and Riley knocked Redick underneath Seth's pick up as he was driving by. Redick's back legs were pinned under the truck when Seth got out. He quickly moved the pick up and we called my vet and took him in. The vet was amazing. She looked him over and said nothing is broken. He has some soft tissue damage but he should be alright. It was so scary but she was good at putting our minds at ease. So today I'm very thankful for my vets office for working us in and taking such good care of our baby. He's been sleepy and a little sad today but he's going to be fine. I am so glad that there are other people in the world that love animals as much as my husband and I do. Those people have a special place in my heart for taking care of my babies when they don't feel good.

Thankful day 25 & 26

So because yesterday was so packed I didn't get the chance to blog. I was busy spending time with my awesome family. We had Thanksgiing at my Mammaw's and the house was packed. It's always this way but it amazes me how many people will deal with over crowding when it comes to Mammaw's cooking! She's pretty amazing. I had a very wonderful Thanksgiving. I got to see both my family & Seth's. It was nice. So yesterday I went to Mammaw's and had Thanksgiving there and then Mom, Rhyan, and I went to the movies to see Burlesque. It was an amazing movie! We had a great time. I'm so thankful that I got to have that "girl time" with them. It was much needed and I enjoyed it so much. When I got home from the movies Seth & I went to his parents and ate dinner. His Mom made me Waldorf Salad. It's my absolute favorite thing she makes. It's delicious. If you have never tried it, run don't walk. It's so good. I'm sure there is a recipe for it online somewhere. I enjoyed my Thanksgiving. I'm thankful I got to spend the day with most of the people that I love. So there's day 25. I'm thankful for getting the time with my loved ones that I needed so much. I love getting to spend time with them.

Now for part two of this "thankful" blog. Seth and I discovered in August that we are expecting our first (and only) child in April. We got to find out this week what we are having and I'm so excited. We found out in time to share the news with my baby brother & sister in law while they were home. That was so awesome. It really meant a lot to me to have my brother home when I told my family. I've never been so happy in my life. Yesterday when we were at Seth's parents, Seth was sitting on the couch letting me lay with my head in his lap because I was exhausted. I had been up since 7 and was so tired from all the festivities. So while I was laying there he reached over and put his hand on my belly. The baby went crazy. That boy knew his daddy's touch when he felt it. It was the sweetest and most exciting thing for me. See right now I feel him move all the time. I'm kinda thankful that only I can feel him moving right now. It's like a little "mommy secret" that only I get to enjoy for a little while and I love it. It was so awesome to feel our baby go nuts when he felt his daddy's hand. I can't wait until Seth can feel him move. It's the neatest thing I've ever experienced. So today I'm thankful for the joys of being pregnant. I'm enjoying this 2nd trimester so much. Feeling those first little movements.....aww be still my heart. Seeing his little face on the ultrasound machine this week.....my heart is no longer my own. I'm so thankful that in April he will be here for me to hold and see. I already love him so much.  So that's my thankful blog today. I am truly blessed with this life that I have.

Thankful day 24

Last year on Thanksgiving we lost a very great man. My Uncle Paul was someone that I looked up to and learned from. Someone that I loved so very much. Part of the reason I started this 30 days of thankfulness was to help me to avoid some of the pain that is associated with Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was the last holiday we had my Pawpaw Bazil here for. It was the day my Uncle Paul died. Last year November was a very difficult month for me. To actually lose my uncle on Thanksgiving was devestating. I can remember his voice. He had the deepest voice and he could make a 5 minute story last an hour. He was the slowest talker I've ever met in my life. But I loved him with all my heart. So I'd like to take a minute to just say that I'm thankful for the time I had with this wonderful man. He will be very missed this year but I know in my heart of hearts that he is having a much better time where he's at now.

Thankful day 23

Today I got to see my sweet sister in law, Rhyan Kae. She and my brother came in from Illinois for Thanksgiving. I don't get to see them much since they moved and I was so happy to see her. I didn't realize just how much I have missed her until I saw her smiling face today. She's been married to my brother for about 2 years. They dated for like 5 years or more though. She's been a big part of my family for a while and I enjoy spending time with her when I have the chance. So today I'd like to say that I'm very thankful for her!

Thankful day 22

So I don't now if I've posted on here before that I grew up in the "city". Well when I got married I had to move to the country. I wasn't sure that I would fit in out here. I mean we didn't have critters in town. We couldn't sit out at night and actually SEE the stars. I love it out here. We can see the amazing beauty of the night sky. I've seen several meteor showers out here as well as some really interesting moons. We've seen fire flies by the millions. I've sat in my backyard and watched deer walk through my pasture not 50 feet away from me. I went out tonight to take my dogs to the bathroom and could hear an owl somewhere really close. Usually there is one really big one that sits in this huge tree that we have in the corner of our back yard. When I looked up there tonight it wasn't there. I scanned all the other trees we have and spotted two of the biggest owls I've ever seen. It made me think of all the things around me that I often take for granted. I'm really thankful that I live in the country and get to see so many amazing things. I tried to take a picture of the owls. It's not the greatest but I'm going to share it anyway.

Thankful day 21

Well today I'd like to say I'm thankful for......

My very stubborn Aunt Leaoma. She's always been like a second mom to me. I can remember when I was little and she would either bake ookies for me or she'd go buy me a box of Danish Wedding Cookies. She always did sweet things. She still does. She sends me Avon goodies from time to time and I love it! She spoils me rotten. As I've gotten older she's become a great friend of mine also. We can talk and exchange recipes. We could get into alot of trouble if we lived in the same town. She is pretty awesome. I love her very much and am so lucky to have her. She's a great part of my life and I'm very thankful for her.

Thankful day 20

Today I'm going to make this short. I have so many things in my life that I'm thankful for There are people, animals, and many other things that I'm so lucky to have in my life. I know that when I was younger and dreamed of being a "grown up" I never pictured my life quite like it is. I'm living out my own little fairy tale. I have a man I love more than anything, baby on the way, awesome family, loving animals, and great friends. There are just so many things I'm thankful for in my life.

Thankful day 19

Today I'd like to say how thankful I am for my friend Holly. She's one of the greatest people I've ever known. She never judges and is always there to talk me off the ledge. She's supportive and just all around amazing. We've never met in person, she lives in Minnesota. I met her through a podcast that I listen to. She's one of the hosts. She always makes me laugh and she's one of the most thoughtful people I've ever met. She's gotten me addicted to Nutella, hummus, and many other tasty treats. She's honest with me when I need it and I absolutely adore her. She and I would probably get into trouble if we lived closer! I'm thankful that I found this friend in an unexpected place. She means alot to me and I thought I'd just say, "Thanks Hol!"
So thanks Holly for always being around when I need to scream and yell and cuss and also for being there to make me laugh when I needed it most. I think you are pretty awesome and I'm so thankful for our friendship!

Thankful day 18

Today I'm most thankful for.......


My Pawpaw Bazil. I lost him 6 years ago in January. He was one of the strongest men I've ever known. He was a fireman, loved his family, and had a great sense of humor. I can remember one time when Mom cooked him breakfast and made biscuits so hard they could be used as a weapon. He always gave my Mom a hard time about that and the last year he was here, Mom made him biscuits that were cooked for so long they were as hard as rock. He laughed so hard. He came and spend his last Thanksgiving with us here in Oklahoma and it was so great to have that time with him. He always liked to tell you stories....most of the time they were about people that were already gone or people you had no clue who they were. I can remember the morning of Thanksgiving, sitting and listening to him talk while I watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. He was just such a great man. He was generous, loving, and very kind. I miss him every single day and when Thanksgiving comes around I miss him that much more. Thanksgiving the last year he was here is one of my greatest treasured memories. I'm thankful that I got the chance to know him, and I'm thankful that he was a part of my life. I loved him very much, I still do. I know in my heart that I carry him with me always. I'm thankful for the time that I had, and thankful for the things I learned from him. Below are some pictures of him that make me smile. I love that I have these pictures. If you have someone in your life that you care about, go spend some time with them, make a memory. Someday they may leave you but those memories will always be yours. Cherish what you have.

 My Pawpaw Bazil in his fireman uniform.

 Pawpaw, me, & Bubba at the firehouse.

My Pawpaw Bazil.....look at those beautiful blue eyes.

Thankful day 17

I am truly thankful for so many things. Today I'd like to say how thankful I am for my best friend, Shawna. I know I've posted about her many times before. She's just such an amazing part of my life. She's around when I need some support and she's around to make me laugh. She's just an amazing person. She accepts me for exactly who I am and never judges me for anything I say or do. With her I can be myself completely. We can have fun just sitting at Sonic drinking coffee and not even talking. We just have such an amazing time when we get the chance to be together. That doesn't happen near as often as either of us would like. But when we are together, we make the most of our time. I've never had a friendship quite like this one and let me tell you, if you ever find a friendship like this, hold onto it. Hold onto it with all your might. This one is worth the time and effort relationships require. Our friendship is complicated at times because she lives so far away and we have to rely on email and phone calls to keep in touch. But it feels effortless. That's because we love and care about eachother and we care about this relationship. We always talk things out when we have a disagreement and it's just an amazing bond. So if you have a best friend that you love with all your heart, let them know that you appreciate them. So today, Shawna, I want you to know just how amazing I think you are. You are the best  friend a girl could ever have. I could have never found a best friend as awesome as you on my own so I'm thankful God stepped in and pulled us together when he did. I love you.

Thankful day 16

Today I'd like to say I'm thankful for....

Giving and generous people that fill my life. Yesterday we were given tickets to the OU basketball game for yesterdays game and for Thursdays game. If you know me and my husband at all, you know we love college basketball. We ended up taking my father in law to the game with us. I expected to be sitting up a little higher than we did. Our tickets were 4th row, center court. Right behind the benches. The people that gave them to us didn't have to, but the gesture was very sweet and we really enjoyed going. I'm looking forward to the Thursday game too. You know, in all our lives we are blessed with generous people, whether we realize it or not. There are people from church, work, and just random people that you may know that are there, I think anyway, to bless your life. To show you the kindness that this world sometimes feels like it's missing. I am very grateful for the people God has put in my life to show me that kindness. So just stop a minute and think of the kind people in your own life. Do something nice for someone else. Pay it forward, as my mother would say. It's great when people show their generosity in ways you don't expect. So today that's what I am thankful for. The very generous people that are in my life. They bless my heart when I'm least expecting it.

Thankful day 15

Today, my thanks is pretty simple. I am thankful for my current employer. I'll be the first to bitch and moan about them when they are doing something I don't agree with. But I don't often praise them. Today they gave me a coupon for a free 10-15 pound turkey. How many employers out there give you free things like this around the holidays? Not many. I know my employer gives us a Memorial Day basket with brownies, popscicles, pizzas, and soda. Thanksgiving we get a free turkey. And Christmas we get a dinner to honor us for our dedication. Not many employers give you things just to show you that they appreciate you. So today I'd like to say thank you to my employer for showing me the appreciation that I should show more often. They give me a safe (for the most part) environment to work in. They do nice things for us and for that I'm thankful. I could be working somewhere that never showed appreciation. I've done that before and let me tell you the constant negativity and put downs can really weigh on you after a while. I know that I am quick to point out all the negative things. That's something I'm going to start working on. This job has a lot of perks and I just never take the time to realize how lucky I am to have an employer that wants to say thank you. So if you have a job that rewards you for doing a good job, take a minute to be thankful. Whether it's being a stay at home mom or working in some corporate office, just be thankful.

Thankful day 14

This is going to be a quick entry because I'm writing from my blackberry. Today I'd like to say just how thankful I am for a day without technology. I've spent the day cleaning and hanging out with my husband and dogs. So even though I LOVE technology somedays it is nice to go without! So enjoy a tech free day. You'll be surprised at how much you miss in the day to day shuffle.

Thankful day 13

Well today I'd like to say I'm thankful for......

Redick. He's only been with us since July but I've really gotten attached. He's growing like crazy and never ceases to make me laugh. He's got this personality that just doesn't stop. He's 6 months old and weighs 84 pounds. He's going to be a huge dog. I adore him. He seems to just belong here. He loves our cat, George, and he & Riley are always joined at the hip. He's made his way into my heart and I love this dog. So today I am just thankful for him. Last year this time we lost Cadon and it's eases that pain to have Redick here. So here's a few pictures of him from this week. He's huge already and still has a while to grow.

Thankful day 12

Today I'd like to say I'm thankful for.....

My grandparents. They are the coolest grandparents anyone could ever have. I can remember when my brother & I were little, staying with them. We would get there early before school and have breakfast. Then after school we'd be there having snacks and just hanging out. The summers were our favorite. We got to go everyday with Mammaw to see Pawpaw at the store and we'd get to "take break" with him and get soda and candy. We never got to stay long enough to finish our drinks so we'd have tea parties when we got home. I can remember Mammaw getting out our special glasses. And after all of that she'd get us some sheets and rubberbands to build a tent inside with her dining room chairs. We would get to go fishing with Pawpaw sometimes. We always just had so much fun with them. I still go and hang out with them and just go to see them. I love getting to spend time with them. They are two of the greatest people on this earth. I'm so lucky to have them in my life and couldn't imagine having better grandparents than these two. They taught us about the Bible, love, laughter, and just how to be good people. We learned alot being with them so much. So today I'm thankful for the example they set in my life. I'm thankful that I get to still have them here with me each day to watch me become a grown up. So if you have grandparents that are still around, go see them, let them know just how much they mean to you.



Thankful day 11

So today is Veteran's Day. What else in the world could I possible say I'm thankful for today? I have known many war veterans throughout my life and I thought I would take just a second to show the pictures I have of the men I have know that served our great country. Some of them are no longer with us, some of them still are, but each and everyone of them is very near and dear to my heart. I'm thankful for the sacrifices they have made to allow me to have the freedoms that I have every single day. So here's to the veterans I know and love. Thank you for making such great sacrifices to make my life easier. You are a great blessing.

 My husband's best friend, Michael Mahaffey, he is a United States Marine.

 My Uncle Paul, he was in the Army.

 My Uncle Frank, he was also in the Army

Mr Isaac J. Shider, he was in the Army.

I know there are more men and women I've know through out the years that served our country. These are just a few of the many that I'm very thankful for.

Thankful day 10

Today is kinda a mix of rememberance & thankfulness. About a year ago we had to put our beautiful rottie, Cadon, down. He was a very special part of our family. He was a great guard dog. I remember when Seth & I had first started dating he kept telling me he wanted a big dog to stay out here with him. I went to the shelter in Duncan and found Cadon. He was the most beautiful dog. He loved me, then he became a traitor and fell for my husband. He may have been a little rough around the edges and a little moody but we loved him. We miss him every single day. I'm thankful for the time we had him and I'm so glad that we were able to give him such a happy life for as long as we did. We got him when he was about 2 years old. He lived here with us for about 6 years. He had a good life. I'm thankful to have had the time with him that I did. He was a great dog. We loved him very much.

Thankful day 9

Well today I am most thankful for.....

My Bubba. I got to talk to him today and see his face and it was so wonderful. He moved to Illinois last month and I haven't really gotten to talk to him much since he & Rhy left. Today he wanted to talk on Skype and show me his office and see me. It was so nice to hear his voice and get to see him & Rhy on that computer screen. I didn't realize how much I have missed him since he left but getting to see him today made me realize just how much I miss having him here. I have always had him just a phone call and a quick car ride away. We have always been so close. I can remember when he was little, he was such a loud kid. Not much has changed there! And he was always so fun and we were always such great friends. He was there for me anytime I needed anything, a hug, a laugh, and sometimes help kicking some stupid boys butt. He's always been such a great blessing to my life. I loved him before he even got here. I was the proudest big sister and I still am. I love him very much. So today I'm thankful for my baby brother. He makes my world a happier place.

Thankful day 8

Well after much thought, today I am thankful for.....

My ears. I know, I know, you now think I'm nuts. But wait til you hear me out to judge. I am thankful for my ears because I LOVE music. I don't know what I would do if I was hearing impaired and had to miss the beauty of music. I listen to music every single day and there is nothing else in the world that speaks to me like music does. From Daughtry to Lady Antebellum and on to Eminem. My music tastes are very crazy. If you read this blog often you know that I am always comparing something in my life to a song. It's how I communicate best. You know, my best friend is an amazingly gifted writer. She can send me an email and tell me how she's feeling, tell me stories about her adorable boys, or tell me to have a good day. Her writing always impresses me. I wasn't blessed with that talent, but I was blessed with ears to hear the talent of others and find a way for myself to relate through music. I have been told many times that music is my oxygen, I couldn't agree more. Without music, I can't function. So today, I'm thankful for my ears and ability to hear such wonderful music.

Thankful day 7

Today I'm thankful for....

My Aunt Lita. My Uncle Joe married this wonderful woman when I was pretty little. I couldn't be more happy to have her in my life. She is always there when I need her. Today I needed her to take me to the Urgent Med because I was having migraine issues. She didn't even hesitate. She's always like this. Ready to help, love, and just be all around awesome. I'm lucky to have her in my life and wouldn't trade her for the world. We have a lot in common and I'm always glad to share things with her. We trade books all the time and just have a blast when we are together. I'm so thankful to have her in my life. Oh and she makes me the best deviled eggs I've ever tasted! So today, I want her to know, I love her. I'm so blessed to have her in my family.

Thankful day 6

Today I am thankful for my little gremlins.

I got to see my two favorite little boys today. Alex & Logan came to town to visit their grandparents. I was fortunate enough to run into them at El Palacio and then we got to sit and visit this afternoon. Those boys are so cute. I told my Mom while we were at EP that I was completely in love with them. She said she could tell and she could also tell they loved me just as much. See they live over an hour away from me and our visits are few and far between but everytime I see them, my heart melts just a little more. I adore them, love them like I would my own. They belong to my very best friend and I feel blessed to get to spend time with them. I was having kind of an off day today and seeing their sweet little faces was just what I needed. I even got lucky enough to get "I love you's" out of both of them. Alex doesn't give those up easy so I was truly thankful to have them around me today. So Alex & Logan, your Nisa loves you both very much. 



Thankful day 5

Today I'm most thankful for.....

My Momma. She's my very best friend. I tell her everything and spend every single Saturday with her. We have a bond that is freakishly strong. I couldn't imagine one day without talking to her on the phone. We talk about everything, we make fun memories, and we laugh a lot! She's a very strong person, whether she sees that or not. I personally think she's one of the most amazing people I have ever been so blessed to know. I love her with all my heart. I'm thankful for all the Saturdays that we spend together. Making memories that I'm sure I will treasure all of my life. I love you, Momma.

Thankful day 4

So today, I'm just going to say I'm thankful for.....

My Daddy! Today I was supposed to go take him some of the turkey chili I made yesterday. I always make a big thing so that I can share it with him. Well he decided it was too cold for me to be out in it so he volunteered to come see me! If you know my Daddy at all, you know he likes being home, he hates having to drive out here to my house unless he knows I need him here for something or unless Seth calls him to help with something. So he came out and even stopped at the chinese resturant here to get my favorite soup, hot & sour soup! I have been craving that soup for about 4 weeks now! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful Daddy! He makes life fun. I am not ashamed to admit I am a Daddy's Girl! We have alot of fun when we are together. We shoot guns, go eat chinese, and work on stuff. I can remember when I was little spending time with him in the garage, just tinkering around, "helping" him work on stuff. I even asked for a tool box from Santa one year, that way I could help my Daddy with stuff! We have a great relationship. He's pretty amazing. I love him very much!

Thankful day 3

Today I'd like to say that Im' very thankful for.....
My Riley. I have had him for 6 years and he's like my child. He is my baby. When I'm sick, he stays with me. When I'm sad, he wants to make it better. He is always around when I need someone to cuddle with. He makes me feel safe when my husband is working nights. He's just the greatest dog. I couldn't have picked a better dog, he's the best freebie I've ever gotten. I love this dog. He's one of my greatest friends. I know alot of people will think that is stupid, but he is. He's always there, always around when I need a hug. And he loves me for me, even with all my faults.

Thankful day 2

So today I wanted to say that I'm thankful for....

God amazing gifts in my life. He allows me to wake up each day to another beautiful sunrise. His sunsets are just as beautiful. The one below is one that I captured last summer. It doesn't even come close to capturing all of the beauty God has created for us.

Thankful

So I thought since it is November, the month of Thanksgiving, I would try to post something I'm thankful for each day. So for today, I'd like to say.....

I'm very thankful for my husband, Seth. He's one of the few people that can always make me smile, even when I don't feel like smiling. He's been there with me through some really hard times. He's always been this amazing constant, ever since we met. I don't know what my life would be like without him. I never want to find out. He's a great guy and I've been fortunate to find such an amazing man. We've been together for nearly 8 years now. And it's been the greatest 8 years of my life. So today, I'm thankful for this amazing man who has blessed my life in more ways than I can count. I love you, Seth.

November

Well, it's here again. November. Last year, November was one of the hardest months of my life. I had a horrible fight with a friend I'd had in my life for about 10 years, we ended the friendship. Seth & I had to put down one of our babies, Cadon. That was such a hard thing. It's still hard to think he's really gone. We miss him every single day. Then on Thanksgiving my Uncle Paul passed away. I miss him very much. He had the deepest voice. And he used to tell stories when he got around my Pawpaw, mostly about when they were younger. He had the slowest talk in the world and it could take him 30 minutes to tell a 5 minute story. He was just a fun guy. He will be missed so very much this year.

So hopefully November will be a little kinder to us this year. I don't want a repeat of last year. I think that we have a pretty good shot at having a good November. My brother & Rhy are going to come home for Thanksgiving. So I know that will be great. Plus Seth & I have some stuff going on that is really wonderful. I think this year is going to be much better. I hope everyone else has a good November. It's a month to be thankful. So be thankful for your loved ones. Be thankful for the things you have in your life that make you happy. Just be thankful.

Smile

Well, this week is going to be a very hard week for my family. My baby brother got a job as a youth director & music director at a church in Virden, Illinois.....for those of you in Virden, you are getting something amazing. For those of us here, it sucks. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for him that he's getting this amazing oppurtunity to serve God. I'm happy that he is doing what God has designed him for. It's just the sister part of me thinks this sucks. I have always had such a close relationship with my brother. He has been my rock during some very tough times in my life. He's a special kid. I loved him the minute I laid eyes on him in the hospital. He's been my world and held my heart in the palm of his hand every since that day. He doesn't have a clue how devastated I am. I have been trying to hide as much emotion as I can because I know that this is going to be a very hard move for him. He's going to be 700 miles away from home and he doesn't really know anyone. He's leaving behind all things comforting and going on this journey to the unknown. I know that he'll do fine. The hardest part for me is smiling through all of it and not letting him see my tears. I'm reminded of the song "Smile" by Lonestar. It says, "I'm gonna smile, cause I wanna make you happy, Laugh so you can't see me cry, I'm gonna let you go in style, and even if it kills me I'm gonna smile." There are so many songs that I could quote for how I feel right now. But for the most part the important thing to me is that I am able to handle this with a smile so he doesn't have as hard a time leaving. So if you are a person that prays, please pray that I'll be able to be strong at least for my brother. Pray that he will be able to do this and be as awesome at it as I know he will be. Virden is getting one of the most amazing people I know. And for the time he is there, a little piece of my heart will be there too. I hope they treat him well and that they come to love him. I don't think they really will have a choice. He's pretty easy to love for the most part. He and Rhyan leave on the 18th. I'm wishing them the best and going to pray endlessly for them.


Moving on away from the sadness because it's easier for me to just push it aside until I have to deal with it. I'm proud to announce that Redick has FINALLY learned his tricks! He can sit, shake, an lay down! This is a HUGE deal because this mutt is probably as hard headed as I am. He's a cutie though and he loves his Momma! I thought I would take a moment to post a picture and show how much he's grown! He's getting tall! He's almost as big as Riley! We haven't weighed him in a while but last time we did he weighed 64 lbs. He's got a lot of character and he LOVES Riley. I think sometimes he thinks Riley is his owner and Seth & I are just here for his entertainment. So here is a picture of him and Riley from Saturday. They are both adorable!