It's the last day.  My last blog post of this series.  This month has forced me to find at least one thing I'm thankful for every day. Some days were more challenging than others. Most days, though, I found it easy. I am a lucky and blessed and loved gal. I want to continue being thankful because I realize that expressing gratitude daily makes me more grateful in the long run.  Today, I'm thankful for the following: ~ I was raised by two amazing, loving, thoughtful parents, who continue to be JUST THAT.  ~ I had two sets of PHENOMENAL grandparents, who showered me and all of the other grandkids with adoration and some of the most snuggly hugs. ~ I was lucky to have a sweet and caring sister, who ALWAYS has been there for me.  ~ I have aunts and uncles, who are truly some of the nicest, funniest, warmest people I have EVER known, a few of whom I cannot wait to squeeze oh-so-tightly when we meet up in Heaven.  ~ I have many cousins that I share such wonderful...

Today, I'm thankful that The Husband hung my new shelf (half off at Hobby Lobby!).   I think it looks so nice with the bench underneath, and it looks even prettier with our stockings hung on it! I'll add a few decorative pieces eventually, but I like how simple it is right now.   I sense adorable Christmas pajama pictures in our near future ;)

Y'all. The pie wasn't terrible! The Husband had a slice at dinner, and he said, "oh wow! It just needed to set." I looked over 20 seconds later, and his plate was clean. So. Yeah.  My pumpkin pie, the first pie I've ever made from scratch, wasn't horrible. It just needed to be chilled :) I'm thankful my pie didn't suck after all. And, thank you to The Bestie for sharing the recipe!

Oops! Almost forgot. Busy day.  Lots of baking and cooking today.  Today, I'm thankful that even though this pie didn't turn out like I'd hoped, it sure looked pretty and the people that ate it were nice and told me it wasn't terrible.  So there's that. 

It's been a quiet day around here.  The kids and I did a painting craft (a little tricky with the one-year-old), and we played outside some.  I know you can't tell from the pictures, but honestly, they've both been really cranky today; maybe they were feeling a little stir-crazy, too.  Tonight, we had a lovely, quiet dinner with my sister and her family. Thanks, y'all, for having us over and for the delicious food! And, for holding and entertaining our curious kiddos :) Today, I'm thankful for a set-aside day that encourages thankfulness. I'm thankful for my children, who sometimes drive me crazy, because I know there are so many people who are heartbroken and who desperately want a child to call their own. I'm thankful for my house, that seems like it's falling apart all the time, because I know there are so many people who don't have a place to come home to. I'm thankful for The Husband, who also can drive me all kinds of crazy, because he'...

I'm thankful that my kids are entertained by simple things like boxes.  We got two huge boxes delivered to us yesterday (thanks, Mom, for the disposable diaper stash and the giant box of wipes!!), and those boxes have been a source of pure enjoyment today. They'll survive a few more days before making their way to the trash, but we will enjoy them until then! :)

I'm thankful tonight that The Husband is getting to work in a job he truly enjoys. It's hard and exhausting and frustrating and time-consuming, and we miss him a lot, when he's working and when he's studying and when he's sleeping.  But.  He's happier than I've ever seen him (aside from the negatives I listed above, haha!), and that makes me happy, and that, in turn, helps our relationship and the overall mood of the household.  It's still a training period. Something could change. Bad things happen, yada-yada-yada.  But.  Things could work out beautifully.  He could ace this training period, he could be accepted into the fold officially, this could be the right place/right time job.  I hope hope hope it's the latter.  Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity you've given him. Please let this be it. 

Tonight, I'm thankful for white noise on sound machines and nifty projection night-lights.  The sound machines allow the people who take naps in my house to nap peacefully with fewer outside noises disturbing them. We had three going this afternoon! One for each child and one for The Husband, haha! The night-light is a new addition to our household. Jack has been very emotional at bedtime the past week. Whining and crying for what has appeared to be no reason. The Husband and I finally decided to try a night-light that he had bought months ago. It's a projection one that shines a picture on the wall or ceiling. The kids, especially Jack, think that it's so neat, and for the last two nights, it seems to be doing the trick. Although, I think it keeps Ella up longer because a dark room is her sleepy-time friend. We'll have to remember to take it with us if we have to stay with my parents or if we visit out-of-town family! One more important thing to not forget, haha!  I...

So, I made blueberry waffles with a healthy dose of shredded cheese mixed in.  I'm thankful that my kids enjoy blueberries, cheese, and waffles, so the combination didn't throw them, and I'm thankful that The Husband will eat pretty much whatever I put in front of him :)  With a little melted butter, they were actually pretty tasty!

Tomorrow is supposed to be our first really cold day of the season.  Looking at my wardrobe and my shoe collection, I realized I have very, very few winter show options.  I was at a loss, especially because it was pouring down like cats and dogs all morning.  By lunchtime, though, it had quit, and my sister graciously agreed to go with me and the kids to be an extra pair of hands while I looked for some boots. She and my niece took care of Jack while we shopped, and although I wasn't able to find anything that worked, it was still nice getting to be with them for a little bit, and I really appreciate their help.  After The Husband got home from work this evening, I hopped in the car and ran to one more store. They had several styles (for far better prices), and I thankfully found a pair that will work (and they were on sale! Yay!). They're very wintery-looking, so I may need to look for a pair that are a little more every-seasonish, but these will work for now....

Two things.  I'm thankful for date nights. The Husband and I are on our way to eat a late dinner together now.  We very rarely have one of these nights, and I'm always so thankful when we get to have this time alone together.  It's really because of my parents that we get to have these evenings. Thank you so much, Mom and Dad, for staying with the usually-sleeping kiddos while we're away. They love you, and so do we! 

Oh, y'all.  My CHI iron died this morning.  One last hurrah -- I straightened my hair and turned it off.     I came back and saw I had missed a section, so I turned it back on.  Nothing.  I tried resetting it wth that little red button.  Nothing.  I tried changing plugs.  Nothing.  Oh, old friend.  How I'll miss you.  You gave me 14 good years.  Thank you for your service.  My unruly, frizzy, curly hair thanks you, too.  Now to save up for your replacement :(

It was a gorgeous day. Cool but warm enough to walk outside without being chilled. Blue skies. Just pretty.  I wish I could have taken the kids out to enjoy it, but the mosquitoes are AWFUL. And gigantic. And Ella gets huge welps when she gets bitten. So, we stayed inside. Again.  Oh well.  I'm still thankful we had a non-rainy day. :)

Today, I'm thankful for each new day I'm given to share this life with my family and friends.  I was feeling quite sorry for myself today, and then I found out that a sweet friend of mine from our days in Houston, who was put on life support yesterday and is now in a medically-induced coma, is not expected to make it. I do not grieve for her, though, because I know where she is going. She knows and loves Jesus. She will be held in the arms of her Savior, and for that, I am very, very thankful. I do, however, grieve for her loved ones.  I am so heartbroken for her family. I was blessed to teach one of her granddaughters several years ago, and I became friends with her daughter that year. They have a very close-knit family, and I know they are all grieving deeply.  Thank you, Lord, for my friend, Cheryl, and her life well-lived and for the chance to know her even for a little while. If it is your will that she leave this earth far too soon, it seems, then I humbly ask that ...

I'm thankful today for the wonderful neighbors we've been blessed with, especially the sweet couple who are like another set of grandparents to our kiddos. We feel like they're part of our family. They are kind and considerate of others.  They have blessed us often with food and prayer and helpful deeds.  Just this afternoon, while my kiddos napped, I noticed that our empty garbage can had been moved from the street back to its resting spot.  Thank you, Pate! And, thank you, Lord, for the kindness of neighbors :)

I was going to write about being thankful we made it to church two weeks in a row, and then Jack fell and busted his lip wide open 10 minutes before we had to leave. I spent all of that time cleaning up the blood and dealing with the sobbing and then another 10 minutes with him on my lap refusing to stop crying. This means that Ella did not get woken up from her nap or get changed and dressed until 15 minutes after the church service had already begun. Then, when I explained to Jack that we would not be able to go, he lost it again and hasn't truly recovered. He's an emotional mess this morning, and pretty much everything disappoints him.  I'm not great either. I never dress up anymore because, really, the only people I see all day long are my children on a daily basis, so Sunday mornings are my one day a week to feel "pretty."  But, not today. Back in sweats I go on this chilly morning.  So, today, I'm thankful that I have the option to freely worship in a co...

I found them like this this morning while they were having some brother/sister time before her morning nap.  **Love this and love them.**    Today, I'm thankful that my children are sweet to one another (Jack is especially kind to Ella) and that they are on the road to becoming good friends. Thank you, Lord.   

I almost forgot to write this!  Tonight, I'm thankful that, even though my husband works an awful lot during the week, we do get to enjoy three days in a row together as a family. This "weekend," he has gotten to play with and snuggle with our kids, and he and I have gotten to spend quality time catching up and relaxing.  We even got to watch two great movies together the last two nights after the kiddos were snoozing ( Interstellar and Inside Out )! Thank you, Lord, for The Husband's days off. I appreciate them almost as much as he does :)

I'm thankful for Sonic "Happy Hour" on this gorgeous fall day.  I'm so glad I had child-free errands to run while the kiddos napped this afternoon. It gave me a great excuse to stop at Sonic while out! I, also, think it's fantastic that I only spent $1.02 for a medium Cherry Limeade.  Yum and hooray! I think next time I'll have to try that Strawberry Vanilla Sprite that looks so appealing!

It's Veterans Day. I've seen pictures of poppies filling up my FB feed, and I was curious about their meaning. Though it's a mostly European/U.K. thing , I think it's a beautiful sentiment.  " Mr Godsmark explained: 'The red represents the blood of all those who gave their lives, the black represents the mourning of those who didn’t have their loved ones return home, and the green leaf represents the grass and crops growing and future prosperity after the war destroyed so much.'” I'm so very thankful for the men and women who have served this country at home and abroad. I'm thankful for the freedom I have because of them, and I'm especially proud of the men and women in my family who have served:  Papa, Uncle James, Uncle A.D., Aunt Joan, Melvin, Chris, Uncle Gus, and Uncle Ronald (I apologize if I've forgotten anyone! Send me a message if I did, and I'll fix it!).  The men and women who serve this country use their gifts ...

I'm thankful for good books today.  Books that pull you in and keep you there until your eyes just won't stay open any longer. Books that are filled with language and imagery. Books that make you think and imagine and discover. Books that make you feel, especially books that leave you sad when you reach that last page.  I'm reading this book (the third and final book in the series), and it's kept me turning page after page when I should have been folding laundry or cleaning the bathroom while my children slumbered. Good books make you forget where you are and what you should be doing. :) I've read some truly fantastic books this past year, and I can't wait to read more. My son asks me to read book after book to him, and Ella enjoys being read to, especially when I use different voices and facial expressions. I hope they both develop a love of reading and that it grows as they do.  Do you have favorite books? Any recommendations to add to my list?

Today, I'm thankful for ice cream.  I've convinced my body and brain to continue functioning rationally just a little bit longer, and as a reward, as soon as the children are in bed in one hour and 12 minutes, I will be chowing down and indulging in the unnecessary calories and fat and sugar.  It's not Bluebell, but it will do.  ***Oh good grief!  My boy, with his sister whining NONSTOP in the background, climbed up on my chair (while I typed this one handed and shoveled food into my mouth with the other hand) and gave me kiss after sloppy kiss on my neck and cheek with no prompting. Wow. My agitated self really needed that sweetness.*** Ok I'm breathing a little easier now. I can do this! Also, come on 7:30!  What are you thankful for today?

I'm thankful today for consignment shops and their gently used clothes and toys and shoes.  I got this dress at one of our local shops (Glory B's for my local friends!) last week for $9.  Love it! It needs some fixing of stitches, but you can't. I wore it to church this morning, and I plan on wearing it throughout the fall (maybe with a cute jacket that I'll be searching for!).  I have gotten so many of the kids clothes and toys at another local shop (Dudley D's -- love that place and the sweet owner!), and I've sold a ton there, too.  It makes life so simple and far less expensive to shop consignment shops :) Thank you, Lord, for the option of less expensive items that we need and want! 

Today, I'm thankful for getting to spend time out of the house. Even just an hour and a half of being "free" is such a relaxing feeling. Thank you, Mom, for inviting me out, and thank you, Dad, for sitting on my couch as those little people slept. I appreciate you both! Thank you, Lord, for minutes to breathe. 

I'm thankful today for The Husband's parents.  Pop-pop worked on fixing the hole in our office today, and Nonny has been able to spend a few days with us. She has been a big help with the kiddos and around the house. Jack (especially!) and Ella have really enjoyed spending time with them, and we've all had a nice time together.  Pop-pop even helped give Jack a haircut, and it looks so cute! Thank you, Lord, for in-laws who love us and our kiddos! :)

Today, I'm thankful for an acceptable and delicious substitute for the yogurt (soooo good) I typically eat for breakfast but ran out of two days before payday/grocery shopping day.  Nutella.  You and I have had a love affair for many years. Spoonfuls of you throughout the day kept me going while teaching kindergarten. Mixed in with smoothies, you helped me survive morning sickness. Warmed with milk, you make a splendid hot cocoa on cold nights.  This morning, you, blended with some peanut butter, made a nice (semi-healthy morning sandwich.  My tummy thanks you. 

Oy.  When this girl is happy, she is very, very happy.  Thanks to the amber necklace she's had on practically all day, those teeth pains haven't gotten the best of her. She has been such a good-natured little girl today.  Today, I'm thankful for Ella Hope.  She is daring and darling and delightful (98% of the time).  She has the best smile and the bluest eyes.  She is giggly and babbly and says her words so sweetly.  She plays peek-a-boo like a pro.  Thank you, Lord, for Ella-Bella. She is growly and girly and gorgeous, and she is all ours. 

Day 3 I'm thankful for bedtime for my super cranky one-year-old and very active two-year-old.  I appreciate that they willingly go to bed by 7:30 and usually rest well.  * Sidenote * Here's a handy chart for all of you parents of babies going through that special hell called "teething."  Ella is currently working on all four "first molars," and they're huge. Anyone who has been in the same house with her can attest to the truth that she's entirely unhappy with this fact. every. day. *Tired.* Thank you, God, for replenishing sleep.

I don't feel like doing this today. I just got some pretty crappy news, and to be perfectly honest, I'm not feeling all that thankful.  But, I set out to do this, and I'm not a quitter.  So here goes.  Day 2 Today, I'm thankful for this awesome kiddo.  He is hilarious and active and super loving and tries to be obedient. He's a great helper and does a fantastic job of cleaning up messes.  He loves his sister to pieces. He adores his daddy, and he is my shadow a lot of the day. He drives me bonkers sometimes!   He is friendly to all who say, "hello."  He gives the best hugs and kisses. He is a character and can be very dramatic. He's pretty special. He is a boy through and through.  Today, I'm thankful for Jack. Hadley made me a mother, but this boy made me a mommy.  So, what are you thankful for on this second day of November?