Tuesday, November 20, 2012

30 days of thanks. days 12-10

Hmm, well, committing to something for 30 days doesn't seem to be working out for me! I'm a bit behind.

All I have to say is that today I went to Kalli's school for a Thanksgiving lunch and I cannot tell you how full my heart was when I left. She was so happy to see me, chatting to me in her excited little voice, telling me about her classmates and teacher. The teacher told me that she was very smart, a great helper, goes above and beyond to help anyone in the class, she's very playful and happy and is very disciplined and organized and overall just a great kid. I was so proud in that moment that I wanted to cry! I know all of these things about Kalli, but as a parent you wonder how your little people act when you aren't around. You worry if you're a good influence, teaching them the right things, molding them into good people.  I know that all mothers say great things about their kids, but honestly, she is the brightest ray of sunshine. She is always happy and bubbly.  She's a passionate little thing and I absolutely love that about her. She's always twirling about, singing songs. The kid literally bops around with joy.  She appreciates every little thing I buy her and give her. If I pick her up a pair of cute socks while I'm out she will thank me and tell me they're the best socks she's ever had.

So, I'm thankful for my daughter. I'm so thankful that she is healthy, and bright and smart and happy and kind to others.  What a beautiful gift for a mother.  I love my little girl. This picture is so her. Full of brightness and joy.


Monday, November 12, 2012

30 days of thanks. days 11 and 12.

I'm thankful for warm jammies and movies on a cold, rainy day. And for a brother and sister who love each other :)




Excuse the mess. That's just how we roll!


Saturday, November 10, 2012

30 days of thanks. days 9 and 10.

I'm so thankful for my friends, old and new. They encourage me, listen to me, care for me, laugh with me and love me like family. Without them I wouldn't be who I am today.

Today, Tabitha and I are taking the "big girls" to the movies. A little girls day for Kalli and Kylee! So thankful that they have each other and can grow up together. Their friendship is so sweet and so dear already, even at the ages of 4 and 5. Love those sweet little girls <3 And us moms can talk about Christmas shopping and black friday, hehe. Can't wait! Love the Dillon family and am so thankful for them!


Thursday, November 8, 2012

30 days of thanks. days 7 and 8.

1. Coffee. Oh, oh how I had no idea how detrimental coffee would become in my life! I didn't start drinking it until age 32 (which is now, haha) and I can't start my morning without it! Oh, and the Keurig for easy brewing.



2. Makeup. Oh, makeup how I love thee. Anyone who grew up with me knows my love for lip gloss and all things related to cosmetics! Some days I barely slap it on, but you'll never catch me without it.  The world is a much less scary place because of this, I promise!!




Wednesday, November 7, 2012

30 days of thanks. days 5 and 6.

I'm THANKFUL to be an American. I am lucky enough to share dual citizenship to Australia and The United States.  Many people live in places with opression and suffering that your average American knows nothing about.  Our liberties and freedoms should never be taken for granted and I'm thankful that women gained the right to vote so many years ago. Everyone should exercise that right!

I'm thankful that so many people stood in line and voted yesterday. When the east coast is going through tremendous loss and suffering, people were voting with only the light from a flashlight! It just shows how much the people really care about the future of this nation.

This political race was ugly, but in the end, the people have spoken. I'm thankful that for the first time in many years I feel like my vote counted!


Monday, November 5, 2012

30 days of thanks. day 5.

I'm thankful for my Grandma Jill. She is one of the most intelligent people I've ever known and is a fabulous conversationalist. She is an avid reader, stays in touch with the latest news (political and otherwise) and is downright a cool Grandma! I love her sarcasm and wit and you would never guess her age! She just bought an iPad and is addicted to it, haha. She is a blog-o-holic!! She reads mainly political posts.

She is an amazing cook and can sew and embroider beautiful works of art. She is always willing to cook you a meal and make you feel welcome in her home. Too bad I rarely get to visit!

And mostly I'm thankful that she's braving the massive trip from Australia to come here for Christmas again this year.  Absolutely cannot wait! Love you, Grandma!


Sunday, November 4, 2012

30 days of thanks. Day 4.

I'm thankful that I have a nice, cozy home. I understand that many people in the world do not have the stability and comfort that we do, and for that I'm truly thankful.

 {This is an old picture, the fence has been fixed but it pretty much looks the same}


Saturday, November 3, 2012

30 days of thanks. day 3.

My mom and Jim. I'm so thankful for my mom who has given me more than I could ever write in a paragraph. She's always on my team, rooting me along. Her generosity and friendship means more to me than I can express. I'm so lucky to have her! Grandma Sue (Or "shoe" as Parker calls her) is the light of little Kalli's life. There's not a day that goes by where she doesn't mention her or at the very least, her beloved Butterfly (aka Mariposa, one of Mom and Jim's young Paso Fino horses). The kids are happiest when they are spending time on Grandma and Grandpa's farm.

And Jim, whom has created a life with my mom that we didn't think was possible. After dad died there were so many uncertainties and fears about what the future held. He's truly the best thing that's happened to her since and has helped us rebuild our family into what it is today. Without him, I'm not sure where any of us would be! Thank you, Jim, for your undying kindness and love for my children.

I love you guys, and I'm so thankful for both of you.





Friday, November 2, 2012

30 days of thanks. day 2.

My kids! My fun, silly, energetic, loving, snuggly, smart, sweet, babies! There is never a dull moment here....there's lots of laughter and silliness every. single. day.

So thankful for my healthy, beautiful children. I love you, Kalli and Parker! Thank you for giving me a reason to smile every day :)












Thursday, November 1, 2012

30 days of thanks. day 1.

Grandma Betty...I love her so much it hurts. Everyone that knows her knows what a kind and tender person she is. She welcomes everyone into her home, cooks them a meal, makes them comfortable. She's a wonderful confidant and friend and I'm lucky to have a grandmother that has such a sharp mind and quick wit. She's in such good shape she could probably walk laps around me! She exercises everyday and is a fit old 'gal.

Thank you so much for being there for me my entire life, Grandma. I'm so lucky to have you, my kids are lucky to have you and we all love you so much. Oh, and you are beautiful...if I haven't told you that lately :)


Trick or Treat.

This is the first year we've taken the kids trick or treating. Kalli wanted to be a butterfly but it was too cold for a leotard and sparkly tights - so we ended up wearing something colorful and cozy. She loved it!  Parker was very impressed with his Spiderman costume and kept the mask on the entire time! I was so proud of him.  He kept looking in the mirror and checking himself out. It was very sweet :) We went to Judson's Trunk or Treat and had the best time!

While going from trunk to trunk, one man asked me if I needed some candy for myself and I said "No, there is a candy tax. They'll only get 60% of their candy. This is America!" and we had a good laugh. I admit, it's barely 10 am and I've already had a mini butterfinger and a twizzler!







Sunday, October 28, 2012

Sadness in fall.

I haven't updated the blog in a long time and I promised myself I'd change that. So, here goes.

I'm so happy fall is here.  It's amazing. Tennessee is one of the most beautiful places you could be this time of year. But, there's a sadness in our house at the moment. My loving mother-in-law, Libby, lost her battle with heart disease a little over two weeks ago at the age of 59. She was in the ICU awaiting a life saving operation which she sadly didn't live long enough to receive. She was truly one of the nicest people you would ever meet.  The kids called her Mamaw and when she would visit you could find her on the floor - playing Barbies or trucks, reading books, coloring, singing them songs.  She was tender and sweet and the kind of Grandma that a kid could just snuggle up to and enjoy. Her lap was always a safe and warm place to land.  It's left a void in our lives and we are especially sad for Papaw Jerry, who married his high school sweetheart almost forty years ago.

I don't have many recent pictures because on their last visit I didn't get out my camera. I'm mad at myself about that. I cannot express the importance of taking pictures. Sometimes they are all that you're left with (visually, anyway).

But, I do have a few to share. This was one of the best little trips we've ever taken - we went to the Smoky Mountains in stayed in a beautiful cabin. Here's Mamaw, loving her babies as she called them.







Monday, April 9, 2012

Easter and a trip home.











The kids and I took a trip home last week while Joe stayed home and went to work. My mom and Jim have a beautiful piece of property they call home, situated deep in the Southern Illinois countryside. It's a kids dream, especially little boys. We had the absolute best time playing outside with the cats, dogs and horses. The kids did an easter egg hunt and played with bubbles, chasing each other all over the farm. Little Parker was covered in dirt within the first five minutes. He is a natural animal lover like his Grandpa Dave. I wonder what my dad would have thought of him. I think they'd have been best buds.

Anyway, this was a great visit and my kids couldn't have had a better time. I got to see my family, my Grandma, Grandpa, Rhonda, Kingston, Sara, Mel and of course Mom and Jim. I love them all, dearly and am so thankful for all of them.

Monday, April 2, 2012

sandbox.






We got the kids a sandbox on Saturday. Neither of them has ever played in sand. Parker dumped it on his head. He ate some. No really, he swallowed a big mouthful! He won't get in, he doesn't like his feet in the sand, but he loves playing with it. They played for two solid hours today.

Note the sand goatee :)