30

When I came into this world, I was blessed with two of the most amazing grandparents that ever walked the face of this earth. I wasn't their first grandchild, but, I was their favorite. (At least in my mind!) 

My Mammaw and Pawpaw are two of the greatest people that you will ever meet. They are kind, loving, giving...this list could go on for days on end and never list all of their wonderful qualities. They are amazing people. 

When we were little my Mammaw kept us while our Momma worked. We went to the grocery store and had break with Pawpaw. We built tents using sheets and chairs. We had tea parties with fancy glasses. We played outside in the boat. We had our own bible school durin the summer. We always had a blast. 

Mammaw taught me early to love cooking. She's taught me how to make her famous chocolate cream pies & her stuffing. We have always had fun cooking together. 

My Pawpaw taught me to fish. I remember going with him out on the boat. It was (and still is) one of the most thrilling things ever. 

Through my life I've always looked at my grandparents as an example of what a marriage should be. They have been married for what seems like a lifetime. They love each other completely. They take care of each other. They are best friends. It's a love like no other. One everyone should strive for. 

My grandparents have also been a constant example of how to live a Christian life. They love Jesus with all they have. They would drop everything to be with someone that needed them. They are true examples of what it is to live a Godly life. 

I'm so thankful that I've been able to spend so much time with them growing up. I'm glad I have them here to spoil my child and let him see what amazing people they are. I'm thankful that God blessed my family with such wonderful leaders. I love them more than I could ever express. 

29

I get up each day with aches and pains. I have problems with my jaw and am in pain a lot of days. I have a problem with migraines. I also have something wrong with my foot that I'm too scared to get checked out. But honestly, I'm not too bad off. I complain about these petty little aches and pains and never stop to think about the people that have it so much worse than I do. 

A friend's wife is having surgery next week. She has breast cancer. He has applied for FMLA and his employer did something wrong with the paperwork so he isn't going to get paid for the time he has already used taking her to the doctor and chemo. I am praying his employer does the right thing. I am also praying for his wife as she goes through surgery. 

There is a girl in my hometown who is dying of cancer. She is younger than me. She's a very talented photographer. Her family has chosen to be very open about this process. I haven't been able to get her out of my mind. She's brave in a time most people would fall apart. She chose not to do chemo. She didn't have good odds if she was treated with chemo so she decided she would rather not go through with it. I pray for her family and for her that they can get some sort of peace. 

I am thankful that I am not seriously ill. And I'm also thankful that God has given me the ability to pray for these people. I hope that instead of focusing on so much of my petty stuff I can remember to be thankful for what I have. 

28

I am so thankful for time spent with family. Thanksgiving was a long day but such a great day. We spent lunch with my parents and grandparents. It is always a blessing to be with them. Talent was spoiled, of course. 

Thanksgiving evening we went to my inlaw's house for dinner. We stayed and watched a basketball game and a little football, the guys were switching back and forth. Talent played with everyone. It was a nice time. 

I'm thankful for the time spent with family. I'm thankful for traditions we have started and continued. We are truly blessed with the family we have. 

27

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I remember when I was growing up we would get up and my Mom would have the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on every tv in the house. She would be cooking and we would be watching the parade. We had this tradition every year. It's something that my brother and I still do. We get up and turn on the parade.

This year, I get to continue this tradition with my own baby. We tried it last year but he was so sick that it just didn't work out very well. But, I'm hoping tomorrow he will be excited about it. Tonight when I tucked him in, I told him about the big balloons he would get to see. I also told him about the "big booms" (floats/cars) he would see on tv. He seemed excited. I hope he enjoys it.

To get him started on a new tradition of our own tonight, we watched a movie as a family tonight. Mom sent home "Planes" yesterday and we decided to watch it. It was fun watching a movie together as a family. Afterwards Seth and Talent played ball in the hallway and I made pies. It's been a fun night together as a family. We let Talent stay up later than usual, I let him read more books than normal, and we just had a laid back night. It was fun. I'm looking forward to more new traditions with my sweet little family.

I'm so thankful that we are able to start new traditions and continue old ones. Having time with my precious family is always a blessing. But nights like tonight that are so relaxed and fun are just the best. I'm thankful that I have what I have. I'm thankful that my little family can spend holidays together. I am truly blessed beyond what I deserve. I don't know what I ever did to deserve the things that God has blessed me with, but, I am eternally grateful.

Some of my favorite pictures from recent family time.

26

I grew up in the center of my little hometown. I was right smack dab in the middle of "the city" and all the action for all of my life. That is until I met my husband 11 years ago. He introduced me to a world that I am forever thankful for. 

My husband is a "country boy" and all that entails. He loves the outdoors, wildlife, and working with his hands. We live on 31 acres with cows and a donkey. Now I had never had livestock before I met this man. But I find myself fascinated by all of the new adventures that having cattle brings to my life. 

Today we went to look at cows that Seth is wanting to buy. This will add two more to the sma herd we have. When we arrived the man we were going to buy them from was feeding them. He offered me cube from the feed bucket and I got to feed these cows by hand. I've been doing this with my cow at home since my husband bought her. But to know I will have two more soon that will let me hand feed just makes me so happy. 

Something about this new aspect of my life is so calming and relaxing to me. I love having these animals to take care of. I love feeding them. I love watching the new babies as they grow. I even love watching the birth process. These animals have been a real blessing for me. 

I'm thankful to have this new experience. I'm so glad that my husband has taken the time to teach me a few things along the way. I'm learning and growing. This is an adventure that I'm thankful to go on with him. I'm also thankful that my son will get to have this experience as he grows up. 

24

Two years ago my life was forever changed. A chunky little boy came into this world screaming and he hasn't slowed down since. My sweet nephew have me the gift of becoming an aunt for the very first time. I've claimed my best friend's children for years. But nothing is quite as special as knowing that this one had my blood running through his veins. 

Flynn Bazil, or Flynnard Skynnard as I affectionately call him, is a funny little chunk that reminds me of my baby brother in so many ways. He has a lot of my brother's mannerisms and looks a lot like my brother did growing up. He's smart and learns so quick. He even calls me the same thing my Bubba did growing up, Sissa. 

I am thankful for that little ornery mess. He makes me laugh. He keeps me on my toes. I love him. 

25

Social media. It's all the rage these days. We are constantly streaming, uploading, downloading, and keeping up with who is doing what. We are hardly ever out of touch with the people we graduated with, family, friends, and the ones we just want to be nosy and follow them for the gossip. Let's be honest, most of the time, all of this social media can be a total pain in the hind end. But, there are also times it can be a complete and total blessing.

Take today for example. My Pawpaw's best friend, Don, had a massive heart attack. Things are looking pretty bad for him. My Mammaw and Pawpaw have been at the hospital all day with Don's family. My Uncle Joe went straight home from work, showered and went back up to the hospital to be there to see Don, and he has to go to work again tonight. This man is someone I've known for pretty much my whole life. When I found out he had been taken to the hospital, I posted a prayer request on my facebook page. Many responded. Several have called and sent me text messages. I'm pretty sure that before facebook, I would have been calling all of my "prayer warriors" and telling them what is going on. Now, I can just send it out to my facebook friends and anyone that wants to pray, can. Technology can be a wonderful thing on days like today.

So today, that is what I'm thankful for. Technology that let's you get in touch with people faster. Being able to have more prayers when you need them the most is a wonderful thing. It's been a great thing for me to be able to ask for prayers and also to find out who will pray with and for me. I have even met knew prayer partners along the way. It's an amazing world out there in techonology land. One that I'm thankful we have.

23

When I was really little I can remember sitting in my Uncle Joe's lap and coloring for hours. I remember when I learned to color the "right" way. He taught me by holding my tiny hand in his and showing me to make little circles. That is a very vivid memory for me. One of my most treasured memories. 

My Uncle Joe is one of the people I love the most in this world. When I was dating, if you didn't like him, you didn't stand a chance in hanging around for long. Either he would make you crazy enough you would break up with me or I would get sick of you whining about him and break up with you. My uncle terrorized the boys I dated. It was all in good fun, although at time it was embarrassing. I don't know how many boys he uttered the phrase "keep your pecker in your pants" to, but I know it was a lot. He had good intentions. 

My Uncle Joe is a lot like me in a lot of ways. He's very artistic, he keeps most people at arms length, and when he loves you, he loves you with everything he has. I'm glad that I have such a great relationship with him. I've worked very hard to have a good relationship with him. 

I am so thankful to have my Uncle Joe in my life. I don't know what I would do without him. He makes me laugh and fills my heart with love. I know not everyone sees him the way that I do, but, those people are missing out. He would be there for me no matter what I needed. Always. I know that without any doubt in my mind. I'm thankful to have such a wonderful uncle. God broke the mold when he made him. 

22

Sometimes we pray for things so hard and want them so badly, but, those prayers go unanswered. Or at least that's what we think anyway. When in reality God is answering is in another way. 

I am truly thankful for those "unanswered" prayers. If some of those prayers I had prayed had been answered in the way I had wanted, I wouldn't be where I am today. I wouldn't have this amazing family that I have. I wouldn't have this truly awesome husband and totally adorable son. My life would be so different. God had greater plans for my life than I did. I'm glad he knew better than me. 

Next time that you are praying about something and it seems he isn't answering, think about this-- God has great plans for us all- in HIS time. We are often in such a hurry to see what the future holds that we keep rushing him to show us results. Sometimes we have to accept those unanswered prayers for what they are, blessings in disguise. 

I'm so thankful for all of the unanswered prayers God has given me over the years. Whether I knew it at the time or not, He was answering my prayers, just not how I was asking him to. I'm thankful for that. So very thankful. 

21

Have you ever made biscuits and burned them so bad that they were hard enough to break a window? Well, my Momma did once. This was a long running laugh between her and my Pawpaw Bazil that was kept alive for years. 

You see I started this 30 days of thankfulness as a way to deal with a month that holds so many painful and bittersweet memories for me. I lost a lot of loved ones in the month of November. It was also a month that we brought my Pawpaw Bazil home to spend Thanksgiving with us for the last time. That holiday was a great one. He enjoyed my Mammaw and Pawpaw and all of my other family so much. He ate and talked and was just happy. 

Tonight I was making biscuits for Seth to eat for breakfast at work. I do this all the time. I've never in my life burned them, until tonight. I guess that was my Pawpaw Bazil's way of saying he's watching and he's laughing still. At least that's what I'm going to take from it. 

So today, I'm thankful for those happy memories of burnt biscuits. Seeing my Pawpaw Bazil enjoy his last Thanksgiving with us was a blessing. Saturday I will partake in another of his favorite things and buy myself a box of chocolate covered cherries. Do I NEED them, no. But, I'm going to buy them and savor the moment and the memories. It's not every day that I burn biscuits. I love you, Pawpaw. 

18 & 19

Have you ever heard the saying "Dog is man's best friend"? Well I couldn't agree with that more some days. Some people probably think it's pretty silly to feel that way about an animal, I don't. 

You bring this little furrball home. You nurture it, teach it, take care of it, and you fall in love. They are always there to greet you with the wag of a tail and a happy bounce when you pull into the driveway. At least that's how it is at my house. 

I have two of the most lovable dogs ever. There's Riley, my "first born", who is a golden retriever/lab mix. He is almost 10. He's a lover. We like to snuggle up under a blanket and take naps. Although that doesn't happen as often now that I have Talent. Then I have my monster dog, Redick. He is an English Mastiff. He hits me at the waist and is every bit of 150 lbs. He thinks he is still a tiny puppy even though he is the size of a horse. He likes to sit in my lap. This dog is a lover too. But he's also very protective. 

These two dogs have been such a great addition to our family. I got Riley before we got married. We received Red three weeks before we found out about T. They are a blessing for me though. 

Seth works a crazy schedule. With these two dogs I never have to worry. Red would never let anyone get out of their car to approach this house without biting them. Riley would probably beat them to death with his tail but I know if I was in real danger he would be protective. I've seen him in action twice so I know he's capable of acting that way when needed. 

These dogs aren't just here for protection. They also offer love and companionship when I need it. When Seth is working or if he goes to bed and leaves me in the living room, I am never alone. Redick is always with me. Redick will even sit outside the shower if I'm home alone. He makes sure to be where I am. It's funny to me because I will get out of the shower and it's like I have dogs standing guard. One for me and one for the boy. Red will be where I am and Riley will be laying in the hall where he can hear Talent. It's sweet and comforting. 

I'm thankful that I have these loving furry critters. They are sweet and happy. They love my baby and they try and protect us and keep us safe. I couldn't have found better members of our family. I picked one and prayed for the other. I'm thankful for them. I know some people will think this is a silly post but I love my dogs like family. Right as we speak I have a husband, baby, and two dogs snoring as I type, and I couldn't be happier to hear all of their noises. 

20

Have you ever had a friend that you wondered what on earth you did to deserve them? I do. I met Elizabeth over 13 years ago. She and I have been friends for so long that we are more like sisters.

Elizabeth is the kind of friend that you can call at 3:30 in the morning and say, "Meet me at the hospital, it's time." And she says, "I'm there." That actually happened almost 3 years ago when my son was born. Elizabeth was the one person I wanted with me other than my husband. She has taught me yoga for years and her voice is a calming sound for me. During labor, Elizabeth stayed with me. She cleaned my face every time I threw up. She made sure when the doctors came in to check me that no one could see what they were doing. She held a bucket for me when I got sick. She rubbed my swollen feet. She fed me ice. I could go on with this list for hours. She never left my side. She stayed until they took me back for my c-section. Then she left and said she'd be back the next day. She was there the next day to help in anyway that she could. She brought groceries and meals in the first few weeks after Talent was born. She was so amazing.

That's only one reason that Elizabeth is so amazing. She has helped me in so many ways that I can't even sit here and list them all. She is always there whether it's to give advice, let me cry, or just to listen. Elizabeth has also pretty much adopted my child as her own nephew. Let me tell you, she's the best aunt ever. She buys him books, clothes, shoes, and whatever she feels like he needs. She spoils us beyond what we deserve.

I don't know what I ever did to deserve a friend like Elizabeth. But, everyday I get up, I am thankful that I have her. She's family in my eyes. She is one of the few friends that my husband actually likes. I'm so thankful to have someone like her in my life.

17

Almost 29 years ago I was given a baby. He was naked when the doctor brought him out to meet me. I didn't quite understand why he didn't have any clothes and I made that quite clear to the doctor. My brother came into this world on Super Bowl Sunday in 1984....screaming. He hasn't shut up since. He has spent countless hours drumming on every surface that could possibly be used as a drum. He has played every instrument you could ever imagine. He has always been noisy. But, he was mine. From the moment the doctor introduced me to that naked little bundle of noise, he was mine.

I spend the majority of our youth mothering him. I would rock him when he was a toddler. I had a tiny rocking chair and I would try and pull this chunky bodied baby up into my lap and rock him. Mom has video to prove it. He was my best friend and favorite playmate. When we got older our bond got stronger.

Bubba, what I've always called him, rode to school with me most of his freshman year of high school. We went to lunch once a week, every week, the entire year. It was my senior year and I have some great memories with my brother from that year. I went through a terrible break up that year with a boy I had dated for two years. I was heart broken and my brother knew how bad I was hurting. I remember his attempts to make me laugh on days that seemed so dark and empty. My brother was always there. He always made sure that on my hardest days, he made me laugh.

Since we've gotten older our relationship has changed a lot. Some of it has been difficult. We were always this odd dynamic that no one really understood. We had the same friends, we enjoyed being together, we were great friends, and we were each other's greatest protector. It was something most people didn't understand. It just was how we were. Getting married and having babies has changed our dynamic a lot. I'm not saying that we aren't still there for each other, we are. But, there are times that have been stressful and hard for both of us. We don't always see eye to eye on everything. But we still love each other.

I'm thankful for all of the wonderful memories I have with my brother. I'm thankful that we've had such a great bond growing up. I was able to mother him when we were little and rock his chunky little baby self in my rocking chair. I'm glad he was there when I needed him during high school. Even if we have disagreements sometimes, he's my brother. I'm glad he's mine.

16

Today I'd like to share something that I came across this evening when going back through my notes from a Bible study I did last year. 

"Let go of the old you and take hold if the born again you. You haven't learned anything by holding on to the past. Let go and cling to Christ" 

I wrote this as I read Ephesians 4:20-24

Apparently it is what I took away from those versus or that particular part of the study. 

I shared this today because I'm thankful for my growing relationship with God. I'm nowhere near where I want to be in my relationship with God. But I am working on it. I'm thankful that I live in a place where I have the freedom to believe how I want. I'm thankful that I have a God who loves me so endlessly. 

Let's be honest, I am far from perfect. But my God loves me despite all of my awful flaws. I'm so thankful for his love and grace. 

15

When I was little I would get a phone call every year on my birthday from Mickey Mouse. I realized when I got older that it was my Daddy's twin brother. Even when I figured it out, I still loved getting those calls. 

Tonight my uncle called Talent as Mickey for the first time. I'm getting ready to start potty training and in our house nothing is cooler than Mickey. So I talked to my uncle this week about calling from the clubhouse and talking to T about using the potty. I've never seen my child so excited about the phone. His eyes lit up. He was so excited. We hung up the phone and he said, "Mommy, Mick Mouse EE in potty!" It was funny. He talked about his phone call all night. 

I'm thankful that I have my uncle to do such fun things for Talent. I know when we were little and he called as Mickey it was the highlight of our day. I am thankful that he is willing to do those fun things for my baby too. Even if it's to help me potty train. I love my crazy double mint twin uncle. He is and always has been a fun guy! 

14

I live in a very small town. It's one of those towns where everybody knows something about everyone else, or at least they think they do. I love my small town, don't get me wrong. But there are times when it can feel a little bit "Stepford" if you will. 

I've lived here for at least 10 years. I've tried over the last ten years to make friends with local girls and it just never has happened. They all have this weird bond with one another. No matter what you do or how hard you try, you can never be truly accepted into their circle. Heck, they aren't even really accepted in their circle. Trust me, I've been to plenty of hen gatherings where I've had to sit and listen to them bash the one who left the room to pee. There's no telling what they say about me, the outside from another town. 

I've never fit in with the girls here. Until recently I thought every girl in this town was awful. Then I met Jessica. She is the owner of a shop here in town that I love to shop in. It's called Little Boy Blue and they have the cutest boy clothes. 

Jessica is the sweetest "Marlow girl" I have ever met. She has never judged me on my appearance. She doesn't look down on me because I graduated from a different high school than Marlow. She is just kind and caring. She asks about my baby and my family. She is a good Christian friend. She prays with me and for me. She's just amazing. 

As Jessica and I have gotten to know each other this year we have come to find that we have a lot in common. We are both pretty blunt, we share a deep love for George W. Bush, and we love being boy moms. I'm sure out mutual likes and dislikes will vary along the way, but, I'm so thankful to have found a friend here. I'm so glad that Jessica has proven my Stepford theory wrong. Not all of the girls here were cut from the same mold. There are still a few that are good and sweet. I'm glad to have found such a sweet new friend. 

13

I've been very blessed with family. I'm not just talking about the family I was born into either. I married into a pretty great family too. 

One of the things I love most about my inlaws is that they care about my family too. We can get together as a whole big group to do birthday parties or dinner. It is always comfortable for everyone. I'm thankful that we can do that. Not all families get along that well. 

My inlaws check on my family when they have surgeries or are in the hospital. They offer to take food or do things for them if needed. They are some very sweet people. I'm glad I get to call them mine. 

12

"Sometimes in life there really are bonds formed that can never be broken. Sometimes you really can find that one person who will stand by you no matter what; maybe you’ll find it in a spouse and celebrate it with your dream wedding, but there is also the chance that the one person you can count on for a lifetime, the one person who knows you, sometimes better than you know yourself, is the same person who's been standing beside you all along."

-Marion St. Clair, Bride Wars

I've written before about Bride Wars and how it relates to the relationship I have with my best friend, Shawna. We have a different relationship than I have ever had with any other friend in my life. We've known each other for years, however, we did not become close until we were out of high school and college. When we reconnected we were both already married. Shawna had two babies, Alex was getting ready to turn 3 and Logan was around 18 months old. We connected over a social media site and a silly quiz. For some reason we clicked, instantly. Sure, we've had our ups and downs. All friends do. We've had moments when we've driven each other nuts. That's what you do, you drive each other crazy, but you also love each other like nothing else in the world. We've been there for each other through some pretty tough times. We've gone long whiles without talking. I'm sure at some point we've both thought about throwing in the towel over something stupid. But, we've always come back to the friendship. We've always been there for each other.....no matter what.

We've now been through pregnancy together. We've been through deaths of loved ones together. We've been through personal failures together. We've also been through personal triumphs together. Together we have found a place that feels complete in a friendship that most don't understand. She can text me something and 9 times out of 10 I can tell her tone without ever hearing her voice. She can email me and I can read between the lines of that email better than if I was sitting in the same room with her. She's pretty much the same way with me. We both have our own individual "tells" and we each have come to know them so well. It's scary at times.

What makes our friendship unique? Well, we live three hours away from each other. We have never lived in the same town or even close enough to be in convenient driving distance since we became best friends. All of our friendship depends on us working at keeping in touch. It's a long distance relationship that we both put so much time and effort into. Whether it's emailing, texting, or calling, we both work really hard to keep our friendship in tact. Living three hours away from your BFF is hard. It's hard when she's having a hard day and you want to be there to hug all the hurt and frustration away. It's hard when you are having a hard day and you wish more than anything she could just come over and eat a jar of Nutella with you. But, we've made it work for so many years now, and we've done it pretty effortlessly, with the exception of when we both had tiny babies. That was a hard time for both of us. Babies don't cooperate well!

I don't write all of this so you feel sorry for us. I write all of this so you know how thankful I am to be able to have a friendship like this one. My BFF may not live in the same town. We may secretly (or sometimes not so secretly) despise all of those girls who have their BFF's in the same town most days. But, we are really grateful to have each other. I've had some great times with Shawna. When we do get together, we know how to have fun! Even if we have to bring along all of our little gremlins!

So, here's to my "Emma girl". I love you, sister. You are the one person who knows how to make me spill my guts when I'm having a crappy day and don't want to talk. You are about the only person I will vent to openly about things and never worry about you getting upset with me. I'm so thankful for that. I'm thankful that you don't take everything I say to mean exactly what it sounds like I'm saying. Thank you for taking the time to understand me and my big mouth. I love you, I love you, I love you. I hope you know how thankful I am for your friendship. Here's to many more crazy years and to a lot of memories of embarrassing our children! Oh, and at least ONE more NKOTB concert! :)

 

 

11

In this day and age you'd be lucky to find one person who doesn't know someone who has been affected by a deployment. My family has been affected directly. My husband's best friend, Michael, is a Marine. He has been on active duty for the 10 years I've known him. 

During the time I've known Michael he has been stationed in Japan twice, San Diego twice, deployed to Afghanistan twice, and stationed at Quantico for a year. He is now serving 3 years here at a base thirty minutes from home. 

Michael isn't the only one I've known that has been deployed to an active war. I remember men from my church being in Desert Storm. I wasn't very old when all of that was going on and don't remember a lot of it. But I remember my "Big Isaac" was deployed along with a few other men from church. 

Now that I'm older and have a grasp on the reality of the situation of what war is, it terrifies me. I can't imagine being one of those soldiers who signed up for that job. I know when Michael was gone we prayed daily and hoped to hear from him. It was sometimes weeks or months between calls or letters. He was in a place we couldn't know about. We knew a little about what he was doing but for the most part it was classified. We worried a lot. It was one of the very few times I've ever seen my husband genuinely fearful for a friend. We didn't watch the news much. It was too much for us to take. 

Michael is like family to us. He is like a brother to Seth. He has become a very close friend of mine. He is important to us. I can't even begin to imagine the sacrifice that families of soldiers make each day. I'm thankful, but, it's hard to wrap my mind around. 

We take so much for granted each day. These men and women go out and choose to go to war and fight for a country that is (in my opinion) falling apart right now. They never know if they will come home or not. They don't know if that goodbye is the last one or not. To me they deserve so much respect and admiration. I know I couldn't do that. I couldn't leave my loved ones not knowing if I would return. I couldn't leave my baby knowing I might not get to see him grow up. I couldn't do it. Yet these men and women make this sacrifice every single day. 

These service men and women are heroes. They deserve the honor and respect of a true hero. I'm thankful that they do what they do. Because of them I can write this blog. I can stay home and read Facebook. I can stay at home and play with my baby all day. I can wake up tomorrow knowing that I have the right to think and feel how I want to. 

So thank a soldier. Treat one to a meal. Do something to show your appreciation. Heck, sock one of those WBC members in the jaw for picketing a soldiers funeral. Who cares if they sue?  Let's honor our soldiers the way we should. Show them how thankful you are for their service. 

Today, that's what I'm thankful for. Without soldiers fighting for our freedom, where would we be? 

10

When I was little I remember every time we visited my Aunt Leaoma she would make sure to have a box of my favorite cookies, Danish Wedding cookies, and all kinds of fun stuff for me to do. Now that I'm older, she sends me boxes of makeup, bubble bath, and kitchen goodies. 

This woman is like a second mom to me. I love her so very much. She's there to listen when I need an ear. She is a shoulder to cry on when I'm upset. She is just an amazing friend. I'm so thankful to have her in my life. 

Not only does she spoil me, she spoils my baby too. I haven't had to buy him clothes since he was born. My Aunt Leaoma sent me 4 big boxes of clothes that were anywhere from 2t to 5t and we are still working our way through them. She has sent clothes for birthdays and holidays. And of course just randomly when she finds something she thinks he needs. 

I am beyond blessed to have an aunt as cool as her. She loves me like her own and would do anything in the world for me. 

9

I was raised by these two wonderful people that loved my brother and me so much. They provided for us, the went without at times so that we could have, they spent time with us, they taught us the hard lessons, they taught us about God, and they showed us what it was to have a happy healthy marriage. My parents are awesome. I always hoped when I grew up I would marry someone and have a happy home like mine was when I was growing up. I sit back and look at my house and see that I have come pretty close to achieving a home like that one I grew up in. It's because I was taught very early on what love was. I was shown what it was to have a happy home. I had parents that were a great example of what to be.

I can remember when my Daddy started working at Goodyear. They worked a much different schedule than they work now. They worked 7-3, 3-11, and 11-7, instead of the 12 hour days that they work now. For those that don't know, I'm a Nick at Nite junkie. It all started when my Daddy started at Goodyear. I would stay up and wait for him to come home when he worked 3-11 because I missed having him home. I would watch Nick at Nite until he got there and then I would go to bed after spending a little time with him.

I remember when I got my driver's license I started surprising my Momma at her work. I would go pick up her favorite treat and drop it off at her office after school or just whenever. There are still days that I do this. Days when I know she is having a bad day and just needs some love. So, I take Talent and stop by to see her. Sometimes, she just needs that extra little hug to get through the day.

I love my parents. I cherish the time I have with them both. I enjoy my Saturday shopping day with them. I enjoy getting to spend whatever time I have with them. They have done so much for me. They love my husband and my kid. They are the most giving people I know. They have taught me to be a good parent. I've learned so much from them. I love them.

I don't know where I would be today if God had given me a different set of parents. I'm so thankful for the ones he did give me. I'm thankful that he gave me a Daddy that I can go to anytime I need to vent and he will just listen. I'm thankful that he gave me a Momma that wants to "fix" everything...even though I don't always need things fixed. I'm glad she still wants to take care of me. Not everyone has parents as awesome as mine. I'm fully aware of this. So, I am very thankful for what I have.

8

Walmart. You either hate it or you love it. There just is no gray area. For me, I have a serious love for this store. It isn't about the things in it. But more about the people that work in it. 

When Walmart first came to my hometown, I was probably 6 or 7 years old. My Mom got a job there when it first opened. She worked there for several years and yes, I was a Walmart brat. I knew everyone that worked there. I grew to love many people inside that store's walls. My Mom eventually quit and found a better job with better pay and hours. But we still always had our "Walmart Family" anytime we walked through those doors. 

Then, I turned 16. I needed a job for gas and spending money. So where do you think I went? You guessed it....Walmart. I worked there at the tiny store until they built our super center. Then I helped them move and set up. I worked there for about 4 years and found another job. In my time there I made more friends who became family. 

After two other jobs, I returned to Walmart. It always felt like home to me. I knew that I could do that job no matter what. I worked in every department except the bakery/deli and TLE. 

The last Walmart facility I worked in was a different experience. It was a totally different division. I worked for the Jewry Repair Center. Yes, when you buy jewelry and get it sized or repaired it goes to a special facility and that is where I learned how to make and repair many types of jewelry. I made many very special friends there that became more like family. I have missed them since I quit to be a stay at home mom. 

Basically what I'm saying is, Walmart has provided for me and my family for many years in many ways. It has always been my fall back job. I have a Walmart Family that I love and I know if I needed anything at all, all I'd have to do is call. They would do anything to help me. I'm thankful for the connections I have with my people of Walmart. They are always there to greet me with a smile and a hug. So, I get a little defensive when I hear people complain about Walmart. I've worked that job. I know how it is to deal with all of those complainers. It's even more annoying when people think Walmart is beneath them. Walmart has opened up a whole world of experience to me. It is a great place to learn about being part of a team and also how to handle different people and situations. Walmart has helped shape who I am today in so many ways.  

Walmart is a crazy place. But for some people it is a place full of connections and support. It's a learning experience.  Full of love and a family that is there anytime, anywhere. I love my Walmart Family and I'm so thankful to have them in my life. 

7

There is a group of women that I have never physically met that I am so thankful for. They are my prayer warrior sisters. 

Many years ago I joined a marriage prayer group. The Wednesday Day of Prayer group is a group of ladies that receive a devotional every week on how to pray for their significant other or future significant other. Not all of us are married. Some of us are going through the single life, some have been married for years, some are going through divorce. What makes this group so special is that we pray for one another even though we don't know each other. 

We have a group page on Facebook and we post prayer requests from time to time. The responses are always so encouraging and uplifting. This group of women is truly amazing. I'm so blessed to have found them. 

So today I'm thankful for all of these women. The ones that I consider my prayer sisters. The ones that pray with me and for me each week. The ones I pray for and with each week. The ones that I've never met but have no doubt I love. These women are special to me. 

I'm thankful to our leader of the group, Larissa, for sending us such amazing resources each week. She is such a powerful influence. I'm just so thankful for this group of women and I pray that they know how special they are to me. 

6

"Ain't it funny how a melody can bring back a memory
Take you to another place in time
Completely change your state of mind"

-- Clint Black, State of Mind


Anyone that knows me knows that music is a very big part of my world. I can't function without music. My best friend says that music is my oxygen and she's right. I can't go one day without music.

Music for me is so much more than just a catchy tune. It is place of comfort when I need it. Music is my words when I can't find the words to speak. It's the way I release stress, express joy, sadness, and pretty much any emotion I ever feel.

I can remember when we were little my parents would have MTV on and my brother and I would dance on top of the laundry baskets. I can remember loving Prince and his "Little Red Corvette" as well as Tina Turner. For a very long time my favorite song was "We Built This City" and I remember shaking what my Momma gave me to every word.

I also vividly remember singing at church. I have favorites that mean so much to me and take me back to certain moments in time that mean so much to me. "Power In the Blood" always makes me think of my Pawpaw. He loves that song. He sings it with so much pep. It makes me smile now just thinking of it.

And as much as I love to say I hate Christmas music, some of it holds a very special place in my heart. I can remember my Momma staying up with us when we couldn't sleep or when we didn't feel good. She would rock us and sing "Away in the Manger" until we either fell asleep or felt well enough to try and go to sleep.

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I can hear a song on the radio or randomly on my iPod and it will take me to a place that my mind remembers and my heart can't forget. Music is forever a part of me. I'm thankful for music.

Tonight as I sit here and watch the CMA's on tv, I am reminded of how very much I love music and why. There is just so much passion and energy to it. One of my most favorite performers sang on here tonight. He has a new album coming out in February. Just by his performance, I can tell you, I am going to be going out and getting the new Eric Church cd. I never buy his stuff on iTunes. I always buy the cd. Always. Maybe it's silly, but, he's one of those artists that just grabs me by the heart.

I love music. I'm thankful that I have a musicians heart. I'm thankful that God blessed me with the ability to hear and love music the way I do.

5

Three years ago right now I was pregnant. We were just a few weeks away from finding out what we were having and the anticipation of that appointment was about to kill me. We both wanted a boy SO badly. I was having morning sickness, or as I like to refer to it, all day sickness, pretty much every day. I couldn't eat meat at all. I was pretty much a vegetarian for my entire pregnancy. I ate a lot of Mexican food. I ate a ton of apples....probably at least two bags a week if not more. Pregnancy was a roller coaster ride for me. But, I cherished the time I carried my sweet baby.

Fast forward to now. I have a beautiful little boy. He makes me laugh, he makes me smile. I am so thankful to have him. He is the most loving, kind hearted, and sweet boy that I have ever known. He's smart and never forgets anything.

Talent is one of the best things that has ever happened to my life. Being his Mommy has brought me a joy that I never knew existed. I remember the first time I saw him and heard him cry. There were tears of happiness in my own eyes. I remember the first time I saw my husband hold him, and how much my heart was filled with love for the two of them. I remember the first time I was home all alone with him and how nervous I was. But, I made it through. I remember my first time going out with him to the store all alone. It was the scariest thing ever, but, we survived. His first smile, first laugh, when he learned to crawl, walk, and now as he is learning to talk in full sentences.....watching him grow and learn has been one of the most rewarding things for me.

Everyday that I get to wake up to this beautiful child I am thankful. I am thankful that God heard my prayers and answered them. I am thankful that God chose me to be Talent's Mommy. I am so thankful that I get to spend each day with Talent at home. I am thankful I get to teach him new things, read to him, and tuck him in at night. I don't know how I lived before I had him. But I know I'm so thankful to have Talent in my life. I'm so glad I get to be his Mommy. I am blessed beyond what I deserve with this little boy of mine.

4

Blessings come in many disguises. Today I am super thankful for my chiropractor and his office staff. I've been seeing this chiropractor since almost a year after I had Talent. I had a lot of residual pain from my epidural. I had tried pain meds but just didn't want to be on them because I have a child to raise and a family to care for. 

After talking with a good friend whose husband is a chiropractor, I decided I'd give chiropractic care a try. I am hooked on this method of treatment. It has helped my back, jaw, & migraine pain. 

I'm not just blessed by the care I've received from my actual doctor, although he is absolutely wonderful. His staff is amazing. They have called to check on me if I've been in because of a migraine. They have texted me to remind me about appointments. They have called as soon as I've left if I have forgotten anything, like a piece of jewelry today. They look out for me. They care about me. I'm thankful to have caregivers and staff that are so kind and caring. 

In the busy world that we live in it is getting less and less common to find caregivers and staff that are truly caring. I'm fortunate to have such an amazing group of people taking care of me. So, today, I'm thankful for Dr. Ralph Lepien and his office staff. Cindy, Yadira, Tabrina, & Jessica---you ladies are the best ever. Thank you for all that you do! 

2

Many times in this life we take for granted those that put up with us at our very worst. We expect them to put up with our attitudes when our attitude sucks. We often treat these people worse than we treat strangers. 

I'm thankful that the people I love still love me despite my poor attitude. I know my family sometimes get the worst of me when they deserve the very best I have to give. I am so grateful that they put up with me and love me at my worst and my best. 

I'm blessed to have a family that loves me at my best and worst. I am constantly working to do better. It isn't always easy. Life is stressful. But I know that with a little prayer and an open mind, I can change my attitude. 

3

There is a song by Miranda Lambert called "Safe" and it reminds me of my husband. In this crazy life I always have him to keep me safe. At the end of a crazy week, stressful day, or just during a low point for me...he's always there. He is the one that makes everything better whether he realizes he's doing it or not. 

One great example is today. I have not felt good all weekend. I've been fighting off a cold and trying to keep Talent well also. I somehow got Talent well but I woke up still feeling puny this morning. I had sinus pressure and a migraine. But I got up and did three loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and took care of our child. 

When Seth got home from duck hunting I told him I wasn't making lunch because I wasn't cleaning the kitchen again today. He said he would get pizza. So we had pizza for lunch. Then I put T down for a nap after lunch and laid down too. Dinner rolled around and I made myself soup. Seth realized then that I was actually sick. So he cleaned the kitchen, made his breakfast for the week, made T quit arguing with me, and let me sit and rest without making me feel bad about not making his stuff for the week. He even took out the trash. 

I do a lot around here. I don't often get a night off to just sit. But tonight Seth realized what I needed so he did what I usually do without me having to ask. He even let me take a shower first. I know it sounds like a small thing but tonight it was a big thing. 

I am thankful for this man who loves me enough to want to take care of me. I'm thankful that I have a good marriage. I'm so thankful that I have a husband that realizes what he has. I am just thankful God sent Seth my way. He is not perfect but he is perfect for me. And I love him. 

Photos done by ToMorrow's Memories Photography 

November. Day 1

For the last couple of years I've done 30 days of thankfulness in November. I do it because a few years ago I lost several loved ones in the month of November and it makes this month a little hard for me to deal with. With each year it gets easier. But, I still like to do the thankful posts and share what I am thankful for. 

So to start my 30 days of thankfulness, I'd like to say how thankful I am for the people that made last night a fun and SAFE night for my son. 

Talent has several food allergies. The most severe is peanuts, tree nuts, and fish. Well, during holidays that involve candy, like Halloween and Easter, I am a candy nazi. I don't let him go to just any house. I don't let him go to community events. We have a few places that we know are safe and we only go to those places. 

Lastnight we went to only four houses. We went to my inlaws, my grandparents, his Aunt Boo's, and his Aunt Jenny's. In just four houses my child came home with a full bucket of goodies. My family and friends all asked ahead of time what Talent could have and they all had those things for him. He has a bucket full of suckers, M&M's, twizzlers, raisins, stickers, and bubbles. He had so much stuff! He was so excited to have a bucket full of goodies like all of the kids around him. 

I am not saying I want him to have all kinds if candy and things. I just want him to be able to feel included. I want him to be safe. It is really hard being an allergy mom during these kinds of holidays. People think you are so paranoid. They don't realize that your child could die simply because another child had a peanut candy and touched your candy bowl. 

I'm thankful that my friends and family take Talent's allergies seriously and take extra steps to make sure he is safe. Getting him books, stickers, bubbles, & safe candies that they have cleared through me are all so nice. The fact that they love him enough to want to do these things means so much to me. I'm very thankful to have these people in my life.