Thankful Day 28

Today I am thankful that I got to have a lovely Thanksgiving meal with my husband and my parents.  Adam has to work today but we ate around 1pm (he works second shift and leaves around 3pm) so that we could still enjoy the day, food and each other.  Mom and I made things we always make (broccoli casserole, Gam's cranberry salad, Gam's sweet potato casserole, stuffing, pumpkin pie, turkey) and some new things (a new corn pudding/casserole, fresh asparagus).  It was a nice morning in the kitchen.  Now we're enjoying letting our meal settle and looking at the Black Friday ads.  Not sure if we're going out yet (it seems especially crazy this year) but it's a tradition and always fun to thumb through the adds.  I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.

Our yummy Thanksgiving lunch

Pumpkin pie for dessert made with the pumpkin Mom and I cooked and pureed a few weeks ago

Thankful Day 27

Today I am thankful for my Mom.  I am lucky enough to not only have her as my mom, but also as my friend as I've gotten older.  She has always been there for me and supported me in my endeavors.  She was a band mom and chaperoned when we went to competitions.  She was one of my Girl Scout leaders and even went with me to visit three of the world centers: Pax Lodge in London, UK, Our Cabana in Cuernevaca, Mexico and Our Chalet in Adelboden, Switzerland.  She took piano lessons with me.  She was very involved and on the board of Backstage Players, a youth theater group I was involved with starting in middle school.  She also knew it was important to support me but let me be involved by myself in some things.  One of them was a therapeutic horseback riding program.  She helped me get involved and got me there, but let me do it on my own.  I eventually ended up leading a session by myself.

She always gives good advice and is a great listener.  She makes me try things I wouldn't necessarily try on my own and most times I'm glad she did (especially with clothes).  She's always there with a hug when I need one.  She's braved black friday shopping with me.  She is very handy and helps me with projects around the house.  She is a great cook and has helped me become a fairly decent one.  We have craft time together.  Dad accuses us of having "too much fun" when we're together.

She has been especially wonderful through everything with Madeline.  I called her on the way to the hospital (at around 2am) and she packed a bag waiting to hear when to hit to road.  From that first day she was here.  She was either at the hospital with me or at home helping to take care of the animals and the house.  She took care of Adam too which meant so much to me.  She cleaned our bathroom and the carpet in our bedroom.  She put away all the baby stuff and my maternity clothes before I came home because I asked her to.  I couldn't deal with it.  I appreciated it so much because I know it couldn't have been easy on her either.  Even though she has been grieving (and watching me go through this which I couldn't imagine) she has been there for me unconditionally.  That includes giving me space when I need it.

I'm truly lucky to have her as my mom and my friend.  Love you more!

Mom and I on a camel outside Petra, Jordan, 1985

Mom and I at my Centre College graduation, 2005

Thankful Day 26

Today I'm thankful for Madeline.  I'm thankful for her every day of course, even though I wish things were different, but it's 5 months today to it seemed appropriate to make her my post today.  Focusing on the positive has helped a lot this past month (even the frivolous ones) but I would be lying if I didn't say that Christmas approaching hasn't affected me.  Mostly it's when we talk about gifts.  When people ask me what I want I can't come up with anything because what I want I can't have.  And what I had envisioned wanting (a photography session for example) don't apply anymore.  Hopefully as December starts it'll get easier.  But enough of this, I'm supposed to be focusing on the positive right?

Even though I wish Madeline were with us right now I'm still thankful for the time we got to be with her.  I'm thankful that her entire life she was surrounded by nothing but love (that's not something most people can say as a family friend pointed out to me not long after she was born).  I'm thankful that she gave Adam and I hope for children in the future.  Before we got pregnant with her we both had worries that maybe I wouldn't be able to get pregnant and then make it through the first trimester.  Now we know it's not going to be easy, but we know it can happen so it's likely it will happen again.  I'm also thankful that in the future we will already know about my body's shortcomings and thus be prepared and able to do something about it before it's too late.  I would much rather have Madeline, but I'm thankful that at least we have something good to take away.  I'm thankful that she was able to bring me closer to several people in my life.  I'm thankful we were able to see her and be with her until the end.  I'm thankful we were able to find ourselves in her even though she was so very small.  I'm thankful for the parts of pregnancy I did experience.  I know it was a gift that not everyone can experience and even though the result was not what anyone wanted it's still more than some have ever gotten.  Mostly I'm thankful that Adam and I were able to create such a beautiful little girl.  I sometimes still can't believe it.  It's truly miraculous.  I wish I had her right now (she'd probably be around a month old), but I'm thankful for the time I did get with her.

Butterflies will always make me think of Madeline.  Adam and I released monarchs at our wedding so it seemed appropriate to use one now.

Thankful Day 25

Today I am thankful for screen share on Skype, Doctor Who and friend time.  By using the screen share option I am able to watch videos with friends even though they are far away as well as look at anything they want to share on their computer screen.  Tonight I watched the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary with one of my friends.  Doctor Who is one of the first things we bonded over when we were becoming friends and it became something we would watch together when we would hang out.  When she moved away we thought we wouldn't be able to do that anymore.  Then we discovered screen share and we were once again able to have our friend time while watching Doctor Who.  It was nice to have that time again tonight, especially for such a big episode.  Allons y!

Thankful Day 24

Today I am thankful to be covered in animals on this really, very cold day.  Also for our heat (which we finally turned on . . . those of you who know us . . . be impressed).  It was the perfect day to stay inside, cuddle on the couch and watch all the Indiana Jones movies (which we did thank you very much).  A lovely, lazy Sunday.

My animals keep me warm

I never get tired of Indiana Jones

Thankful Day 23

Today I'm thankful for another date night with my husband.  We don't go out every weekend and to do it two weekends in a row is noteworthy.  Having several movies out that we want to see helps of course.  This evening we went to see The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.  We both read the series and really enjoyed it.  The first movie was good (and starring Kentucky native Jennifer Lawrence was a nice icing) and we've been looking forward to the second one.  It did not disappoint.  I really enjoyed it (we both did).  It was fairly crowded, but not overly so and made for a lovely evening.  Thankful that we are able to have a date night.  Being a normal couple and not thinking about things is really nice.

Thankful Day 22

Today I am thankful for my A2J2 weekends because our next one is only 2 weeks away!  3 of my sorority sisters and I remained close after we graduated but didn't see each other as often as we would have liked.  Through lots of messages we finally decided to get together 4 times a year, rotating houses.  While we all live in different places and have lots of different things going on in our lives, 4 weekends a year is doable.  As life changes we know our gatherings will change, but we'll still have them.  They just might be family vacations, or 2 weekends instead of 4, or any other variation.

Our first official A2J2 gathering was December of 2011 here at my house.  It's hard to believe this one coming up will be the 3rd one at my house.  We did a lot of baking, did one leg of the bourbon trail and just enjoyed each other's company.  We brought our calendars and planned the gatherings for the following year.  The advantage of doing them a year in advance is that they're more likely to happen.  We've had to move things around at times, but for the most part we've made it work.  We try to have some sort of plan or project when we get together, but mostly we just enjoy the time together and catching up.  We've done baking, made quilt squares, made aprons, done Pinterest craft projects, enjoyed things each of our towns has to offer, played games and much more.  We all have different strengths and it's fun to pull on them at different times and to learn new things.

Our weekends mean so much to me.  Knowing that we all mean enough to each other to make the time and enjoying our weekends means the world.  I know these ladies will be here for me no matter what (and I for them).  We've all helped each other through some trials as well as happiness and I know we will continue to do so.  I'm truly thankful to have these ladies in my life and to get these special times with them throughout the year.  I tried to pick my favorite couple pics to post, but in the end ended up posting them all . . . there's only 7 so far anyway.  Plus they show the different places we've been and that even though time marches on we're still enjoying each other and having fun.

December 2011

April 2012

August 2012

December 2012

April 2013

July 2013

August 2013

Thankful Day 21

Today I am thankful for one of my best friends.  We did a 5K tonight, the Southern Lights Stroll at the Kentucky Horse Park, and I had a great time.  It's something I've always wanted to do but never have.  She and her husband did it last year and said I should join them this year.  She's good at that . . . getting me to try new things and come out of my shell.  I'm so glad she's willing to put that time and encouragement in.  I always end up enjoying myself.

Centre made us roommates freshman year, 2001, and I am so greatful they did.  We had a lot in common but enough differences to keep it interesting.  From the beginning she's always been someone I knew would have my back (and has more times than I can count).  Our sophomore year we studied abroad for a semester in London.  We lived together our junior year as well.  After college we lived together in an apartment in Lexington for 2 years.  It was not the best place we later learned and I'm so glad we were there together.  Even though we haven't always lived in the same place we've still been a part of each other's lives and all the things that come with it.  I call her family my "Lexington Family" because they have always made me feel like a part of it.

Throughout everything with Madeline she has been so supportive and kind.  She knows when to push me to get out of the house (and not wallow) but also when I need some space.  Plus she only lives 5 minutes away.  I know she's always there when I need her.

I am thankful that a random pairing for a roommate in college has led to such a wonderful friendship.

In London with Paddington Bear, 2003.

Before one of our friend's son's baptism, August 2013.

Thankful Day 20

Today I am thankful for my family.  I am lucky enough to have two amazing parents who are always there for me and support me in whatever I do.  I have two brothers who love and support me (even though we're all 7 years apart . . . but the age gap can be good sometimes when I need advice from someone who's already been there).  They both have awesome wives who I appreciate and know I could call on whenever I needed them.  Between them are 7 kids . . . my awesome nieces and nephews who keep growing up and I can't quite handle it (when did I get so old?).  I have a great aunt and uncle who are always interested in and supportive of my life.  I have cousins galore who even though we don't get to see each other often are caring and we always enjoy the time we do get together.  I have an aunt, uncle and cousin on my mom's side who have always shown me nothing but love.  And that's just my family, I also married into an amazing family.

Adam's parents and sister have always made me feel welcome and a part of the family.  I call them Mom and Dad and I mean it.  He has 7 aunts and uncles on his mom's side, plus their kids . . . it's a large crew.  Even though there are a lot of them I've never felt out of place.  They were all just as welcoming and I always enjoy my time with them.  His grandmother (Dad's mom) is the only grandparent we have left (by blood anyway) and while I will fully admit I was nervous meeting her for the first time, she loves me like her own and that means a lot.  He also has an aunt and uncle on his Dad's side who are always loving and we enjoy our time with them.  And that's just my family by marriage, I also have "family" through friendship and other family.

My brothers are half brothers, they have a different mother.  But that side of the family was still a part of my life and I'm thankful I get them too.  There are also close friends who I consider family and I'm glad I get to add them.  I truly don't know how I would have gotten through the last year without all of them.  Love you all!

This is a collage of our family that I started in our hallway.  We're still waiting on a few pictures, but it'll get there.

Thankful Day 19

Today I am thankful for a visit with my best friend since 4th grade. We met at our usual place, Applebee's (don't judge it's been a tradition for many years), and ate dessert while catching up for several hours.  When my family moved to Flatwoods, Kentucky and I started at a new school I was nervous of course but she quickly befriended me and we've been friends ever since. She's known me and been my friend through puberty and middle school, that's not something to take lightly. We have the kind of friendship that is easy to pick up each time we talk even if it's been a while (as life tends to get in the way sometimes). It's something special and I'm so glad that we're able to do so. She's there for me when I need her and never fails to make me laugh. I'm thankful we're still in each other's lives even after all these years (and for many more).

At our senior prom in 2001.  She made me a mug with this picture that I still use to this day.

At Keenland for her 30th birthday this year.  I just noticed I chose pictures where we're wearing mirror colors . . . yup, we're friends that have known each other for quite a while.

Thankful Day 18

Today I am thankful for three women that were born today. My Grandmother, my Great Aunt and one of my best friends. They are all amazing women and have had such an impact on my life. I've been lucky to have them.

My Grandmother (Dad's mom) was Gam or Gammy to us. She was full of love and was an amazing cook. Some of my favorite memories are cooking with her, especially her famous brownies.  We would peel an entire bag of caramels to melt, always making sure to steal one or two along the way.  When I was little and would sleep over at her house she would come to the guest room with me and read me stories and play games.  She always made me feel special.  She came to as many of my events as she could during middle and high school to support me.  When I would come home from college she would always send me back with some sort of baked good.  She passed away in 2008 and while I still miss her I'm thankful for the time I had with her.  I always knew I was loved.

Gam and I when I was a little over a year old in 1984 (with my great grandmother in the corner)



Gam and I at my wedding in 2007.  I'm so glad she was able to be there.

 

 





My Great Aunt (Gam's sister) was also born today a few years after my grandmother.  To this day it's still hard to get out of her exactly how many years that is (even though we all know).  She has always been loving and supportive but I've grown much closer to her as I've gotten older.  She tells great stories about growing up, about Gam, about my great grandmother (Mamaw) and our family in general.  She's the go to person when you find an old family photo or heirloom and want to know more.  When Gam passed away she helped me go through the house and point out things that had meaning that I never would have guessed.  She writes me letters to this day and has been very supportive through everything with Madeline.  We went over to see her tonight and I'm thankful that I've been given this time to get closer to her.

My Great Aunt on her wedding day with Gam as a bridesmaid in 1957.

 

My Great Aunt, Mamaw and Gam in 1999.  It was Mamaw's 100th birthday.

 

 

The other woman I'm thankful that was born today is one of my best friends.  We met in college because we joined the same sorority.  We knew each other but didn't become close until our Junior year.  Another friend knew we'd get along really well and started ensuring we hung out more.  Then we were pretty much joined at the hip.  She is one of the strongest, kindest, wittiest, most thoughtful people I have ever known.  She's been there for me through thick and thin.  Even though life has thrown us both curve balls throughout the years and we don't live in the same place (haven't since I got married . . . she even lived in Berlin, Germany for a while) she is my sister and I know she'll be there for me.  Time and location don't affect that.  She is also an amazing mother.  I hope someday I'm half as great at it as she is.

 

 

Us in Rome. She was teaching abroad and I went to visit for her Spring Break.

She and her son, 4th of July 2012.  We met at IKEA for a fun day. 

Thankful Day 17

Today I'm thankful for my garden.  I was able to get quite a few things out of it this year, especially zucchini.  It was so abundant in that regard that I shredded over 30 cups and was able to give some away and keep some in the freezer.  We also ate some regularly throughout the summer.  I'm thankful I can go to my freezer and pull some out now and throughout the winter and know it's healthy, safe and feel a bit of pride since it's from my own garden.  I've never really had a green thumb so I'm thankful we got anything out of the garden at all.

My garden partway through the summer.  Lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, rhubarb and various herbs.

 

One of the many giant zucchini that came from the garden this year (that was promptly shredded).

 

Thankful Day 16

Today I am thankful for a quiet evening in with my husband. We're pretty boring, but I love it. I enjoy the time we get to spend together. I know it may sound cliche, but most times I really don't care much what we do. I just like being with him. He makes me laugh or we have serious conversations or we just sit with each other taking comfort in knowing we're there for one another now and always. Snuggling with animals helps too.

         

 

Thankful Day 15

Today I'm thankful for fresh sheets on my bed.  I know it's not something deep or meaningful, but there's nothing quite like sliding into your bed with fresh, clean sheets.  The corners are all still tucked in well and the blankets haven't had time to meander to one side or the other yet.  It's very cocoon like and cozy.  Not to mention the smell of freshness, especially if they're just out of the wash.  That fist night I always sleep better.

I especially like putting on the snowflake sheets this time of year.

Thankful Day 14

Today I am thankful for support. It's the same thing I was thankful for last year because a year ago today I had a D&C. It still rings true a year later. Life has thrown a lot at me in the past year but I've gotten through in large part due to support from my friends and family. I don't know what I'd do or where I'd be without it and all of you. Thank you to all of you. I hope I'm able to return the support and love the way you all deserve. 

     

       Double rainbow behind our house this summer. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy just like the

                                                      love and support from all of you.

Thankful Day 13

Today I am thankful for warm, cozy sweaters.  I know it's another frivolous one, but with how cold it was today I thought it appropriate.  Sweaters are one of my favorite items of clothing.  I have an unhealthy number of them (to the outside observer . . . I think it's just fine).  They are soft, warm and comforting.  I have patterns, solids, various colors and styles.  I even just got a sweater dress (don't judge . . . it's cute and purple).  They always make me think of times spent with family and friends huddled inside during the cold days and nights, especially around the holidays.  I associate lots of memories with them as well.  When I pull them out this time of year I can't help but think of those times.  I can remember the sweater I wore the morning after Adam proposed (black, solid with a small cable knit pattern).  I can remember the sweater I wore the day one of my nephews was born and I drove to see him (teal, solid, v-neck).  I can remember the sweater I wore for Adam and my first Christmas that we got to spend together as a married couple (royal blue, solid, v-neck).  I can remember the sweater I wore to celebrate on of my best friend's birthday out at 4th street because it was so good to see her and my friends after being at Ft. Campbell (3/4 sleeve, black, with larger knit stripes).  I can remember the sweater I wore to host another of my best friend's baby shower (pink cardigan with black, grey and silver argyle).  I remember the sweater I wore to celebrate my best friend since 4th grade's 30th birthday (solid magenta cardigan).  There are so many more . . . those are just the ones on the top of the tote I am unpacking today.

I've always wanted one of these Scandinavian/Nordic sweaters  . . .  still looking.

Thankful Day 12

Today I'm thankful for my Keurig.  It's a luxury and a bit frivolous I know . . . but so handy.  Especially on a cold, windy, wet day like today.  I can curl up this evening with something warm to drink and just revel in the comfort.  I like that I don't have to drink the same thing twice in one day too. I can have pumpkin spice in the morning and then a carmel macchiato in the evening (made by Gevalia on sale at Kroger right now . . . soooo good).  Or hot chocolate, or apple cider, or some other wonderful flavor, or just plain coffee, or tea.  They also have lots of iced things for warmer times like iced coffee, lemonade and Snapple peach iced tea.  Now I'm going to make my hot beverage, cuddle under a blanket with my animals (who will pile on top of me inevitably, but I'm just fine with that) and read.  Thankful I'm able to do so.

Seriously . . . soooo good

My favorite of the flavored coffees . . . we're all surprised I know

Thankful Day 11

Today I am thankful for veterans.  Those I know, those I don't know, those past, present and future but most of all my veteran.  I can still remember our senior year of college talking to Adam about our plans for the future while waiting for choir practice to start as we were getting to know each other again.  He said he'd been thinking about joining the Army.  Both of his grandfathers  had served during WWII and he had other family members who had served including an uncle during Vietnam.  He's always wanted to give back and this seemed like a good way to do that.  He has such a sense of honor and service to others that I've always admired and it seemed very logical to me that he would choose that career.  I wasn't surprised.  As we became closer and ended up starting a relationship he was still planning on joining after graduation and I supported him.  I knew it from the get go so I was prepared and proud.  He went in for Basic Training in October of 2005 and left active duty, after an almost 15 month deployment to Iraq, in September of 2009.  He then served in the reserves until October of 2012.  I am so very proud of him and all he sacrificed and did.  As I am of our veterans in general.  We are privileged to have the freedoms we have because of their service.  Thank you to all of you.

Adam and I the day he left for his deployment

The day he came home!

Adam in his dress blues before the Ball after he came home

Adam's grandparents with pictures of them in their younger days, both grandfathers holding pictures of them in uniform.  They were in the Army.

My grandfather and grandmother (Dad's parents). He was in the Navy. 

My other grandparents (Mom's parents).  He was in the Army.

Thankful Day 10

Today I'm thankful for Harry Potter.  I could go broad and say I'm thankful for books or movies . . . but these specific books (and movies . . . the books are better but I still love the movies) meant a lot to me.  The characters taught me a lot about people and myself.  They weren't perfect, but none of us are.  The way J.K. Rowling was able to craft these stories and characters over 7 books and have it all make sense is still amazing to me.  I've read the series all the way through 3 times (and will probably start my 4th soon . . . I've had a hankering) and have watched the movies more times than I can count.

They all have memories associated with them that I enjoy too.  I can remember what was going on in my life when the books or movies came out.  I read Prisoner of Azkaban while visiting my brother and his family one summer.  My niece had it and we talked about it.  The first movie came out not long after I started college and several of us went to see it.  When Half Blood Prince came out I was a counselor at Girl Scout camp and had just graduated from college.  I told my girls who came in that they were not to talk about Harry Potter in my presence.  I had it waiting at home but didn't want to bring it to camp incase it got rained on or something.  I read it in a weekend between sessions.  The Order of the Phoenix movie came out 3 days before Adam and I got married.  We took a group of family and friends to see it and I will always associate it a bit with that wonderful time in my life.  Deathly Hallows book came out a couple weeks after we got married.  Adam was at Ft. Campbell and I was at my parents' house waiting for our housing to come through.  The series was ending as my new life was starting.  For the final movie I had a festivus at my house with several friends.  We made butter beer and various themed snacks, watched all the movies, and then went to the midnight showing.    It was also Adam and my anniversary.

They have also been a way for me to bond with others.  Discovering I have this love in common with several people has enhanced or sparked relationships.  When my best friend's son was born and I went up to help the first week the movies were always playing in the background.  While I was in the hospital Adam brought them in and we watched them.  I also watched them once we got home.  They have always given me a sense of home and comfort.

Those of us who went to the midnight showing of the last movie.  My SIL made my Gryffindor robes and my wand.   

So thank you J.K. Rowling for your imagination and such a wonderful series.  I look forward to sharing them with my children.  Now to get under my Harry Potter snuggie and either start reading Sorcerer's Stone or watching the movie . . . whichever sounds best on this chilly evening.

My HP snuggie.  Super comfy and stylish.

Thankful Day 9

Today I am thankful for a date night with my husband.  We've been homebodies lately for various reasons but today we decided to break out and have some normal couple fun.  We went a bit early because we don't like huge crowds if we can avoid them and Saturday night at the movies = huge crowds but still enjoyed ourselves.  We got some food and then went and saw Thor: The Dark World.  I'm a sucker for all these superhero movies.  They're just fun.  We had a good time and now are settling in for a quiet evening with our animals, cuddles on the couch and perhaps another movie.  We saw the preview for the second Hobbit movie and now I have a hankering to watch the first one.  Or perhaps a superhero festivus to continue the theme of the evening.

Thankful Day 8

Today I'm thankful for something frivolous again . . . bubble bath.  I know.  Pretty shallow, but I can't help it.  There is nothing that relaxes me more than a hot bath with some lovely fragrance from the bubble bath and a good book.  Everything just melts away.  I can lose myself in whatever I'm reading and let my body relax.  Afterwards I have such a sense of contentment and warmth.  Plus I can still smell the bubble bath on me later and it brings me back to that feeling.  I've had some great ones over the years, but I'm especially fond of the Philosophy brand.  So much so that I ration them.  They're a little more expensive, but the pure relief I find is worth it to me (especially the fact that the fragrance lasts so long on my skin afterwards . . . nothing else I've used compares).

I got this last Christmas and love it.  It's so warm and cozy . . . just like it says.

I got this one a couple Christmases ago and have been rationing it.  The lavender is so strong but I love lavender so that's just fine with me.

I just got this one last week.  It's very fresh and the lotion adds and extra layer afterwards.

In my search for pictures of the above bubble baths I discovered this existed.  How did I not know?!  Now I must find it.  Pumpkin and bubble bath?  I don't know what to do with myself.