Kids, meet snow.

This was the kids first time to play in the snow. They had a blast.

Warm in January

I think 65 degrees in January calls for a little fresh air and chalk, of course.

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.

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!

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!

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!!

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!