Thankful

With the holidays coming up and other events in my life, I've been spending a lot of time thinking about how blessed I am and all of the things that I'm thankful for. I know it's not November, but I wanted to share with you a few of the things that I've been thinking about lately and some of the things I hold dear to my heart.

* My Mother-in-law: I am so lucky that I've been blessed to marry into a family that feels like my own. Chris' Mom often rearranges her schedule so that she can watch Bailey while we are working, is always happy to spend time with her Granddaughter {and Son and Daughter-in-law, I'm sure}, opens her home to anyone that needs a comforting, accepting place and is overall a good person.

* A comfortable home. As temperatures are dropping {ok..only to about 50 degrees, but still cold} I am more and more thankful that we have warm shelter, a cozy bed, and more than enough to keep us safe and secure. I think about those who don't have heat or even a home to live in and I am even more appreciative of all that we have.

* Bailey's smile. Her two year molars are coming in (early) and it is easy to see when they are bothering her because she turns into a fussy, clingy, disobedient child. It makes me appreciate my usual happy, sweet, cuddly, loving girl. {Yes, there is a difference between clingy and cuddly!}

* Trying out new recipes, even when they don't come out how I imagined. I tried to take a short cut when making these S'mores cookies. Instead of following the recipe, because I put a lot on my to-do list, I bought pre-made sugar cookie dough, rolled it into balls and rolled them into crushed graham crackers. Then cooked them as directed and added a half of a marshmallow and chocolate at the end. But they came out hard and the marshmallows were unrecognizable...but they were still delicious. I still really like the idea, so I will definitely try them again, when I have time to do them right.
I'm obsessed with all things S'mores right now...no clue why but they always sound delicious!

* Our backyard. We had it landscaped last June and I am loving how much use we get out of it. We have lawn (that I don't mind mowing) and Bailey always wants to be outside playing. I love being able to let her run around, watch the birds and just relax outside. It is so peaceful and I feel so content when I take a few moments to breathe in the fresh air.

* Cousins. Growing up, my cousins lived pretty far away (in Alaska to be specific) but whenever we got together we had a great time, which is still true today. I'm so thankful that we have memories together...especially ones like this of my cousin Emmy and I dancing at her brother's wedding.

*  Music. I constantly have music playing...in the car, the kitchen, when I'm cleaning, and even when giving Bailey a bath. We often have spontaneous dance parties and it is amazing how a song can put into words what you, yourself can't. Amazing how a song can immediately remind you of another time and place, good or painful memories intertwined with the tune.

 

* Our honeymoon. The other day, Chris and I were saying how wonderful it was that we spent our honeymoon relaxing in Tahiti. It was exactly what we hoped it would be and remembering that time spent together brings up all of those 'newlywed feelings', reminding me of how special our bond is.


Well...I think that's a good start for now. Maybe another post will be about less substantial things I'm thankful for, those things that make everyday life a little better/easier.

Happy day friends, I"m thankful for you always!

P.S. speaking of dance parties...here is a little video I took of Bailey today. She dressed herself and is showing off her unique style...in fashion and dancing! Enjoy!