34 years old; it ain’t the end, but it sure ain’t where I began…

The past two years I’ve written a post on my birthday and even though I guess I don’t write much anymore, I would feel remiss if I skipped this year.

I re-read both of my previous posts and wonder if I’ll be able to do them justice…they were just a perfect reflection of where I was at the time.   Funny how that works.  You can read 32 here and 33 here.

But I think the one that struck me the most was last years.  I had listed six thoughts about the coming year.  So I thought it would be fun to go back through them and see how things turned out.   Ready?  Ok.  (Hit it!)

1. 33 will undoubtedly be the hardest year of my adult life. I know this already because I’ve spent the last 10 weeks with a little taster of what’s in store for me.

I should probably just go ahead and buy a crystal ball to set up shop, because this prediction was dead ON.  Wow.  This past year has been hard.  Really hard.  I’ve struggled with a lot with things….big things like “who am I now?”, “what kind of mother do I want to be”, “can I handle this?”,  “am I happy?”  “do I want/need to work?”  and “how the hell do you get a kid to nap?”  to little things, like “what am I supposed to feed my kid?”, “should I really go to Target every week?”,  “where can I buy dry shampoo in bulk?”  and “can I really wear yoga pants every day?”

Let’s just say it’s been an adjustment.  Having kids is hard.  Do people talk about this?  Am I supposed to be talking about this or should I just gloss over all of the tough times?   I feel like it’s ok to talk about it, because yes, it’s hard.  It’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do….but it’s also the most important.  To acknowledge that something is bigger than yourself, and LET it be bigger….is very humbling and surprisingly rewarding.

2. 33 will also undoubtedly be the most rewarding year of my adult life. As hard as it’s going to be, I believe that it’s the most important job I’ll ever do.

Yes.  Just, yes.

3. I want need to make sure I don’t lose myself in all of the changes happening in our lives. I still want to be me.

This has been harder.  I had really good intentions to make myself a priority, but it’s obviously easier said than done.  I think the resounding question regarding this is….WHEN?  When can I focus on myself?   At 5:00 a.m. before Abby gets up at 6:00?  During one of the ONE hour naps she’ll MAYBE take?  Or is it after she goes to bed at 7:00 when I’m utterly exhausted?   To be honest….none of those are appealing.  Obviously.  I think that’s why I’ve struggled with blogging.  I desperately want to.  And I guess if it were more of a priority I would MAKE time.  But there are so many other things I need to do that it unfortunately takes a back seat.

So, obviously I need to work on this.  And I think I’m doing better.  Now that I’m done nursing, Abby doesn’t physically need me.   She’ll always need me, but not in the same way (where I’m her main food supply).    I think this has helped me mentally as well.  The Hubs can feed her just as easily as I can now.

I didn’t expect it to take so long, but I’d say now (within the last month), I’m finally starting to feel like me.  To feel adjusted.  To feel normal.  So I joined the gym so I can return to Oula (you should really watch that video, it’s kinda hilarious).  I signed up for a training class to run a half marathon.  I’m getting back to me.  Slowly but surely.   This is something I’ll continue to work on….and hey.  Maybe soon I’ll get back to blogging (I mean, I’m dying to tell you about the awesome rug and play area in Abby’s room, my ombre kitchen stools and my banishment of all-things-red from the kitchen!).

4. I want to create an environment where Abby can learn and explore her passions.

I consciously make an effort towards this everyday.  I know Abby is still young, but I think if I start now it will help when she’s older and starts forming opinions.

I just really hope she likes to ski.  Please please like to ski!

5. Speaking of passions…I want to explore my own. Lately I’ve been feeling a little lost…as if I don’t really know what I’m passionate about anymore.

Still working on this one too.  But after a conversation with my step-mom about this, I think I’m re-defining my view of passion.  Just because I don’t feel passionately about things like hunting, running or rafting ….doesn’t mean I’m not passionate.   I’m passionate about family.   Being a mom.  Being a sister, daughter, aunt.  I like to make things with my hands….like healthy meals and (ok) cookies.   But I also (strangely) like to build things with wood, paint, decorate and refinish things.  I like the outdoors….hiking, skiing, walking and taking in the beauty of this wonderful place.

I have a lot of interests and maybe I don’t need to have strong passion for one thing. Maybe it’s ok have a little passion for a lot of things.

6. I want to slow down.   I want to refocus on what’s really important: Friends. Relationships. Family. Memories.

I actually think I’ve done ok with this.  I don’t over-extend myself often.  I’m learning to say no.

Of course there are times when things just get busy.   For instance, this is our first weekend home in three weeks.   But you know what?  We were spending them with friends and family having fun.  Making memories.   Is my house a disaster?  Of course.  But it can wait.   And I’m learning to be ok with that.    It’s not easy, but it’s important.

So yeah, I guess overall I’m doing ok.   I would still love to blog more.  But I’d also like a new house and a stylist (seriously, probably shouldn’t be wearing yoga pants and torn jeans all of the time).

For now, I’m just trying to be ok with the way things are.  My best friend here in town has always worked hard to be happy NOW.   Not “when “x” happens,” or “as soon as “y” happens.”   Be happy now.  Because life is short and you don’t know what tomorrow holds.  And you know what?  She is one of the most optimistic, happiest people I know….even though life isn’t perfect for her.    Heck, is it for anyone?

If I know anything, it’s that life is precious…and tomorrows aren’t guaranteed.  So hug your kids (hug yer wife!) and live for today.

(Please tell me someone got that little play on words??)

Anyhoo.  Guess I’m getting all sentimental this year.   I’m sure I’ll read this next year and wonder why I’m being such a sap.

OR, I’ll be running a very successful psychic shop and TELL you why I was being all sentimental last year.

As always, I’ve borrowed my title from one of my favorite Jewel songs, Stephenville, TX.   This year I thought I’d share it with you so you know what the heck I’m talking about.

have I told you lately…

Five years ago this Saturday I married my best friend.  In some ways it’s flown by faster than I would like (i.e. holy cow, we have a kid?!?!), and let’s be honest, some days it feels like….”is that all?  We’ve surely been married at least a century.”   That’s a normal feeling, right?  haha.

I loved everything about our wedding….the planning, the details, the lunch-time runs to Michaels and JoAnns, the projects, the crafts…and even the chaos.  It was a day we will never forgot.

Two weeks prior to our wedding I ran my first (and only) marathon with one of my girlfriends…I guess I was a glutton for punishment.  So when I reminisce about my wedding I often find myself reminiscing about that too….from the early-morning looooooong runs and hill workouts to the laughter and tears we shed along the way.   Both the marathon and my wedding are oddly intertwined in my memory and my heart.

 

But today, in honor of our five years together, I want to share some of my wedding pictures with you.  I had so much fun going back through these….it was hard to pick just a few to share.  I (with the help of my amazing family, sisters and friends) DIY’ed a lot for the wedding.  I wasn’t blogging back then or you would have heard all about it.   

You know it’s true. 

I’m one of those people that would totally have a wedding once a year if it were (1) free and (2) socially acceptable.  Since it’s neither, I must relive the one I had…which was pretty freakin’ fantastic in my opinion.   

Anyhoo, enough from me.  Here are some pictures of our very special day.

I absolutely adore this picture of me and my dad.

Duuuuude.  This was a big deal….I somehow got the lead singer of my favorite band (The Clintons Band) to play acoustic during the ceremony and MC our reception.  He did an amazing job. 

Now that’s a big dress….

We got married in Missoula at a golf course/restaurant called Shadow’s Keep.  We literally got married on the ninth green, which is just off of the back patio.  The general manager just drove a golf cart over (stocked with beer) to the tee box and asked the golfers to relax with a cold one while the wedding took place.  How cool is that?  So there were no stray golf balls flying at us or an unsuspecting guest. 

I may have been enamored with the fact that it looks like a castle.  What girl doesn’t want to get married in a castle?

Here’s the back patio of the restaurant….I love the draped linen and pink pom poms!  I distinctly remember walking in and tearing up as I saw how beautiful it looked. 

Our cake was am.az.ing.   Enough said.

Our favors…hubby’s favorite candy:  M&Ms….and mine:  circus animals.   I can’t wait until Abby is old enough to start buying them for her.  Ok, for me.  Whatever.

And how about a big shout-out to my sister Amy for picking out all of the RED M&Ms for these favors?  Ha Ha Ha.  Yeah, I may have been a bit bridezilla at times.  But red SO doesn’t go with pink.   And it was only like 10 giant bags that she had to do.

Now, if there was one itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie thing I would change about our wedding, it would be our flowers.  While they are certainly pretty…they are not what I asked for or envisioned. 

Yes, I rented a cotton candy machine.  And yes I made the cook in the kitchen make it.  And yes, this guy probably feels like a tool handing it out. 

But how cute does he look?

And how awesome is cotton candy!?  Hello.

You know you are loved when your brothers and brothers-in-law spend all morning making pink pom-pom poofs for you. 

Well, either that or I owe them big time. 

And he doesn’t even like cotton candy.  What a sweetie.

What a wonderful day.  I am so lucky to have such amazing friends and family.  And I am so thankful that I have a loving, caring and adventurous husband.   Someone who will go along with my cotton candy schemes and daydreams, but also someone who pushes me to be a more outgoing/adventurous person and soak up my beautiful Montana surroundings.   We may not have the perfect relationship or marriage; it’s hard at times.   But I suppose that just makes you appreciate the happy, carefree times that much more.  So, in case I haven’t told you lately, Hubs….I love you!  And happy anniversary!    And in case you don’t remember (it’s ok, I know you don’t have an eye for details), this was the song John sang during our ceremony.  :)

Have I told you lately that I love you
Have I told you there’s no one above you
Fill my heart with gladness
Take away my sadness
Ease my troubles, that’s what you do

Oh the morning sun in all it’s glory
Greets the day with hope and comfort too
And you fill my life with laughter
You can make it better
Ease my troubles that’s what you do

There’s a love that’s divine
And it’s yours and it’s mine
Like the sun at the end of the day
We should give thanks and pray to the one

Have I told you lately that I love you
Have I told you there’s no one above you
Fill my heart with gladness
Take away my sadness
Ease my troubles, that’s what you do

33 years old; it ain’t the end. but it sure ain’t where I began…

I’m 33 years old today; but that’s not what I would tell you if you asked. Our conversation would go something like this:

Friend: “How old will you be this year?”

Me: “32. No! Wait. 33? Crap, I don’t know. Husband, how old are you?”

Hubs: “I’m 34. You’re going to be 33.”

Me: “Oh yes. Right. I’m turning 33.”

I can’t seem to remember anything anymore, especially my age! Perhaps it’s because I can relate all-to-well to George Straight when he sings…”I still feel 25, most of the time…”

Except now I’m married.

And have a baby.

Weird.

Last year I celebrated my birthday with a post that revealed 32 juicy facts about me. I’m not really up to the task of coming up with 33 new random facts…so instead I thought I’d put together just a few thoughts I have about this upcomming year. How about six? (3+3=6).

Genious.

1. 33 will undoubtedly be the hardest year of my adult life. I know this already because I’ve spent the last 10 weeks with a little taster of what’s in store for me.

2. 33 will also undoubtedly be the most rewarding year of my adult life. As hard as it’s going to be, I believe that it’s the most important job I’ll ever do. It’s hard to articulate or describe the intense love you have for your child. It’s different than the love you have for your husband, family or dog (hey, I really love my dog!).  And I’ll be the first to admit that when other parents told me this before I had Abby, I kinda thought, “well yeah, they’re your kid. Obviously you love them.”

No.

Now I understand. Being a mom is the most amazing feeling in the world.   It’s a fierce  love.  And in some ways I feel a bit bittersweet experiencing all of this, because now I truly understand what my mom must have felt for me. And it’s so special. It’s really formed a new connection to me and my mother, even though she’s been gone nearly 25 years.

I feel so lucky to have this time with Abby.

3. I want need to make sure I don’t lose myself  in all of the changes happening in our lives. I still want to be me. I want to go on adventures with my husband, train for races, make our house a home, experiment with cooking and baking, spend time one-on-one with my husband, and blog! It will be hard. And I’ve already caught myself “not” doing something because I’m tired or because I don’t want to leave the baby. I want to make a conscious effort to retain a bit of me through all of this. Because it’s so easy to just give all of yourself to someone (or multiple people). I’ve always done this to some degree, but with a baby it’s so much easier to put yourself last. I’ve struggled with depression in the past and I know this will be a ticket right back to it if I don’t take care of me first.

It’s easier said than done, but it’s something I feel strongly about and will work towards.

4.  I want to create an environment where Abby can learn and explore her passions.   Of course we’ll be toting her around with us camping, skiing, rafting, hiking and everywhere else; and we hope that she learns to appreciate them all….I still want to make sure she does what makes her happy in life.   I realize we are a ways off from this, but I want to remind myself everyday that my job is to guide her and make sure she has all of the right tools in her toolbox.   Not to force her into our type of lifestyle or beliefs.

For example.  Ya’ll know I hate birds. But I promise to let Abby form her own opinion on them. So long as she doesn’t want a pet parrot or something stupid.

5.   Speaking of passions…I want to explore my own.  Lately I’ve been feeling a little lost…as if I don’t really know what I’m passionate about anymore.   I look at my husband and he is passionate about so many things…especially hunting.  Many times I’m envious of that passion because I don’t feel strongly about anything like the way he feels about that. 

Maybe that’s ok.  But again, I want to explore and solidify how I want to spend my time and what I want out of life. 

via

6.  I want to slow down.  It’s not important that the house is perfect, the dishes are washed and the bed is made.  Yes, I like those things done.  But it’s not worth stressing myself out over to make it happen.  I want to refocus on what’s really important:  Friends.  Relationships.  Family.  Memories.   

To do this, I’m going to stop reading some of my favorite DIY blogs on a daily basis, like Young House Love and Centsational Girl.  I love, love, love watching them transform and decorate their houses.  But it’s a double-edged sword because while reading them is inspiring and encouraging…sometimes they make me feel inadequate.  And it’s certainly not the bloggers intent.  It’s just me.   Well, it’s just me and apparently a few other people…here’s one of my favorite posts over at Jones Design Company.  What she writes in this post is a perfect reflection of how I feel. 

So, for now…I just need to slow down and focus on the present.  The things I do have instead of the things I wish I had.  This doesn’t mean I won’t work on our house or start a few projects (I am still dreaming of a patio in the back).  It just means they will happen on my own time, with my own vision.  Not because I’m feeling insecure about my reality when I read about someone elses.   

Hopefully I can get back to reading these blogs regularly someday.  But for now, I need a break.

via

So there you have it.  A little bit more serious than last years post I suppose, but me all the same.   I hope that I look back at this list often within the next year to make sure I’m staying on track.  

Isn’t it amazing what a difference a year can make?  Last year at this time I was just about to get pregnant.   This year I’m cuddling up to my little baby.

It kinda makes me wonder what I’ll be writing about one year from now…

Wait.   What’s that you say?  You want just one juicy random fact about me? 

Gosh. 

Well ok.

This is something I’ve only told a handful of people…and once you know I think you’ll understand why.   I love Court TV. 

Gah!  There.  I said it.  You know, like Divorce Court, the People’s Court, Judge Mathis, Judge Alex?!  Yeah.  Any of them will do.   I’m not exactly sure why I like to watch it…maybe it’s the drama or how ridiculous it is.   But it cracks me up!  I mean, on one episode, a dude was suing another dude over a game of Cornhole.  Ha!  Who does that?! 

So yeah.  It’s realllllly hard, but I do not let myself watch any CourtTV while I’m home now.  I know, I’m so composed. 

And there ya go.  I hope you’re happy!

 

p.s.  Once again I’ve borrowed the title of this post from a lyric in one of my favorite Jewel songs: Stephenville, TX.

more random ramblings

I’m kind of digging my Friday random ramblings because I often have several random musings running through my head that aren’t necessarily  posts in themselves….but are still worth mentioning.   Plus maybe it will give a few of my readers that don’t know me (I know there are a few of you!) a bit of insight into who I am.   Think of it as us sitting down and chatting over coffee.  Coffee with no foam of course.  

Well, I guess it’s kind of like coffee-talk except I’m doing all of the talking.  I promise that if we were in fact face-t0-face I wouldn’t dominate the conversation.   For reals.

I realize that the last place an 8-month pregnant woman wants to be is on vacation in Las Vegas.  However.  I am insanely jealous of my friends that are currently down there for the National Finals Rodeo.   Any other year the Hubs and I would be down there with them…walking the strip, staying in fancy hotels, shopping at the outlets, eating awesome food, drinking way too much…and of course watching the rodeo.   

Sigh. 

I love Vegas. 

For about 3 days max.

But for those three days it’s awesome.    

And going during the NFR is amazing!  It’s so cool/funny to see cowboys walking around everywhere and the big fancy hotels playing country music.  It’s quite entertaining.  AND…of course it’s the Holiday season so the hotels are dressed up to the nines with their decorations.   Gah!  It’s awesome.  And so much fun.   And I’m totally missing it right now. 

Have one for me ladies.   Maybe next year.  

Stop your side-eyes moms.   I.  will.  be.  in.  Vegas.  next.  year.

Everyone said it would happen. 

I didn’t believe them.

But I’m starting to regret not taking more pictures of me during this whole pregnancy journey.   I mean really.  How hard would it have been to just snap a photo once a week to watch the journey progress? 

So far I’ve taken one picture at 28 weeks.   On my phone. 

I’m now 32 weeks and getting bigger by the minute.    I feel like I’m going to wish I had some more pictures during this time, so I’m going to try to be better about it.

In fact, I’ve asked one of our friends to do a little “photo session” with me and the Hubs.  Nothing fancy, just spending an hour or so outdoors taking some pics.  I can be all cute in some boot and tight combination…and the Hubs can be….the Hubs.   And then maybe we’ll have something to look back on down the road.  

I mean, for a sentimental sap like myself, I think it will be a good thing. 

Whoops….guess I haven’t told you about that yet, have I hubs? 

Surprise!

Cousin’s weekend in Spokane was a success!  (Remember when I mentioned that in the last random rambling?)  It was so much fun to hang out together.  I really do love that we all make time for this every year…it’s so important. 

The girls threw a baby shower for me and my sister one night (who had a baby earlier this year) which was so much fun.   Our collection of darling baby clothes is certainly growing and I couldn’t be more excited!   We also did some shopping, stopped by our favorite martini bar (fyi, virgin martinis are not the same), and ate some great meals.  

Oh, and the murder mystery you say?   Well that was a blast.  

And here’s proof (and further proof why some, uh-hem, professional pictures might not be such a bad idea):

I know you're all upset this pic isn't bigger...but it was taken with my phone so it might be as good as it gets. :)

Can’t you just see it now?  My little girl saying “mommy, mommy!  Show me a picture when I was in your belly!”   And all I can do is pull out THIS picture and say, “Why yes Virginia, I looked like a German man when you were in my belly.  Weird, huh?” 

P.S.  We are not naming our daughter Virginia. 

I’m NOT happy about this one.  Not happy at all.

I just found out that my favorite kitchen and cooking item has been recalled.   Ok, it was recalled back in August but I just found out now.   And the only reason I found out was because I went to buy ANOTHER one and couldn’t find them anywhere on Macy’s website. 

Behold my beloved enameled cast iron Martha Stewart cookware:

I own three of these.  The 7 quart, 5.5 quart and 2.75 quart.  And I use them all.  Frequently.  

In fact, I don’t even put the 5.5 quart one “away” anymore because we use it that much.   You can imagine my dismay then when I read the recall announcement this week:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Macy’s Merchandising Group in New York City announced a recall of Martha Stewart Collection Enamel Cast Iron Casseroles cookware. The enamel coating can crack or break during use and possibly cut or burn nearby users.

Macy’s has received two reports of the enamel cracking and flying off of the casseroles during use. No injuries, however, have been reported.

The recall involves casserole pans of three sizes: 7 quart, 5.5 quart and 2.75 quart.

Of course it’s ALL THREE sizes that I own.  Meaning my stock would go from 3 to GOOSE EGG.  

Now here’s my dilemma. 

There have been two reports.  TWO.  Two out of over 1 million of these suckers sold.   And no one even got hurt because of it!  There’s just potential to get hurt.  The odds are in my favor that I won’t be hit with any cracked enamel anytime soon.  Right?!

But….I’m about to be a mom.  I mean, how awful would I feel if something actually happened to me or god forbid my kid someday because of this!  And I ignored it?! 

Gah. 

Help.  

Perhaps it’s time to (1) return all three for a full refund and (2) invest in one 5.5 quart Le Crueset?    I mean, if I use these as much as I claim to, it would be a solid investment. 

Let’s not try to think about the fact that the closest Macys for a return would be 118 miles away.  Ugh.

We got our Christmas tree last weekend!

I’m sooooo excited for Christmas this year for some reason.  Like, it didn’t even bother me that stores were playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving.   That’s progress.  Or is it? 

We always snowshoe to get our tree and this year was no exception.  I was slightly worried about doing this “in my current condition,” because I just get so winded and tired these days.  But as long as I kept the pace slow-and-steady I managed ok. 

There’s so much snow on the pass already that it really surprised me!  But it was a bluebird day and we really lucked out on the weather…I think it was about 25 degrees when we started out.  

In the end, we snagged the perfect tree and I got a few boughs for decorating around the house.  

Summy and I were pooped afterwards, but I was just so grateful that I was able to still trek through the woods and feel somewhat normal for a day.     You would think I could have managed to snap a picture of me all cute and pregnant in the snow, right? 

Wrong. 

And I’m totally bummed!  See why I need to get better at this?  Our kid will never believe me that she was out there with us if I don’t document it!

Lastly, I’m sure you’re all just dying to hear an update on the skinny jeans. 

Well. 

Overall, they still make me feel like a spin top.   I just try to ignore it. 

But I’ve found the right TOP is critical.   It needs to be a bit longer (thank goodness for all of those H&M tops I bought early on….they are the longest things I’ve ever seen!) so my butt is covered. 

I guess what I’m trying to say is I need to wear a tunic-style top with them.  And then all is good. 

All is good my friends.

This weekend we’re signed up for the Birthing Class at the hospital…it should be interesting.  I can’t decide if it’s going to be helpful and reassuring, or scare the crap out of me.    Let’s hope it’s not the latter because I’ll be experiencing all of that in T-minus 8 weeks.  Or less.  Or more.

We’re also slated to head back up into the mountains with a group of friends to get their Christmas trees.  So maybe, just maybe I’ll remember to snap some more pictures for sharing this time.

Happy Friday to all of you and have a great weekend!

thankful

Today I am thankful for many things. 

But mostly for pumpkin whoopie pies.

What? 

You thought I was going to get all sappy on you and talk about the things that I’m truly thankful for, didn’t you? 

Well, you’re in luck because I’m actually going to do that too…I’m pregnant remember?  I’m sappy unless I’m bitchy.   And today I’m sappy.  So far. 

But back to the pumpkin whoopie pies.  I brought some to work this week for a co-worker who hearts pumpkin even more than I do (if it’s possible.  I like pumpkin.  A lot).   I tried out a new recipe (which is always risky when you’re the one bringing birthday treats), but these were ah-mazing.  Not too sweet and just the right amount of pumpkin.  I may or may not have eaten four.    I guess the baby likes pumpkin too.  

So today I am thankful for pumpkin whoopie pies and their deliciousness.  Don’t worry, I’ll be sharing the recipe with all of you next week.

Now.  As my grandma would say, I’d “feel cheap” if I titled a post “thankful” and only talked about whoopie pies.  So I’ll attempt to report a few things without getting too long-winded on y’all…here goes.

• I’m thankful for my husband.  Even though I give him a hard time and often don’t understand him…I couldn’t ask for a better person to spend the rest of my life with.  With him I know I will always be exposed to new adventures and encouraged to try new things, but will also have support and stability.   He reminds me to focus on the fun aspect of life instead of getting bogged down by the obligations of it.   He makes me laugh, makes me think and inspires me to step out of my comfort zone.  He also reminds me that no matter how hurried life is we should always make time for a beer with our friends.  
• I’m thankful for my sisters and the bond that we share.  I can’t imagine my life without them and am so grateful everyday for the love and support that they provide.  I know how incredibly lucky I am to have that.
• I’m thankful for my family (immediate, extended and by marriage) and how close we are.  Again I know how rare it can be to have a loving and supportive family.  And while we certainly have our quirks, I’m so thankful for the values and traditions that are such a part of who I am. 
• I’m thankful for my job in a time where they’re hard to come by.  And my co-workers who make my job bearable most days!
• I’m thankful for having a warm house, a full belly and not having to worry about basic necessities.  I know not everyone is so fortunate.
• I’m thankful for my fluffy dog who is my constant companion.  I know some people don’t (or can’t) understand the bond between a person and their dog, but I’m constantly amazed at how much love I have for that little critter.   She truly brings more joy to my life than I can explain.  People could learn a thing or two from a dog’s loyalty and unconditional love.
• I’m thankful for this blog!  I’ve made so many special connections with old friends, new friends and other bloggers through it and am so touched by each and every reader, comment and lurker.   Ha.  Seriously.  Just the fact that one person takes the time to read what I’m writing blows my mind.  It’s been such a great outlet for me this past year and I’m so thankful for having the courage to start it and keep it up. 
• I’m thankful for our baby and a healthy pregnancy.  Each little kick reminds me of how lucky I am to have her with me and I simply cannot wait to meet her.   Even if she is turning me into a crazy person right now.  But it’s kind of amazing how much love you can have for a person that you’ve never met.  
• I’m thankful for my friends, near or far.   No matter how long goes between our visits I know we can always pick up where we left off.  I’m so thankful for the laughter, advice and connection we share. 
• I’m thankful for little things too….like coffee, chocolate, cheese and frosting.  Oh, and beer and wine!  Good God beer and wine.  We will be reunited soon my friends.

I could keep going, I’m sure.  But these are the cream of the crop.  Le creme’ de la creme’.   I’m a pretty lucky girl. 

Now Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I hope you have a wonderful day filled with food, fun, laughter and family.  

And if you’re lucky maybe some whoopie pies.