Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Day 30 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thank for....




Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Day 29 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for those that say thanks.

I work with a lot of professors at the university. I help them do A LOT for their courses in terms of delivery, managing, and handling grades. It's a lot of work and some of them are not fast learners. I don't mind though and I very much enjoy working with most of them. It's always nice to get a gift of thanks. It's nice to be appreciated.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Day 28 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for chocolate, diet soda, and that my dog is still alive. That is all.

Today has been horrible after following a horrible weekend. My dear doggie decided to eat 6 oz of toffee milk chocolate. You know the ones that look like an orange. He ate the entire thing. Well, minus one piece. We're not sure at what time exactly he ate it, but when we saw it, he was already vomiting everywhere. I mean everywhere. It was soupy chunky chocolate vomit and it was disgusting. Thank goodness for my husband. He cleaned it all up.

Now at 6 oz, that is NEAR toxicity levels for the size of my dog. He wasn't showing any other signs of poisoning so we waited it out. I slept on the couch in the living room after being up most of the night so I can hear him if he started seizing or vomiting again. Luckily he stopped and I was able to get some water him and I gave him some bread to help fill his stomach if he was hungry. The night was uneventful and I woke up to all the bread being eaten. We're still keeping a close eye on him but it looks like he's okay.

Last night A decided to have a scream fest and was up until past 1 am. I'm exhausted and I was late for work today. I couldn't stop for coffee AND I hit every single red light on the way to work. Every single one!

So today, I'm going to enjoy my Twix and drink my Pepsi max and be thankful that I have these. I have a migraine brewing and I'm hoping the extra dosages of caffeine will help.



Sunday, November 27, 2011

Day 27 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for my skill. Not many people have the skills I have and they really give me the ability to do things many people can't. They allow me to save money, be creative, and to be giving. I love making anything and everything I can. I love capturing moments, designing greeting cards, invitations, logos, and anything else my mind can think up. I also love to sew. It is an amazing feeling when you finish a product. Clothes especially since you start out with just fabric and you eventually turn it into this walking piece of artwork that your kids go around in.

Here is a Christmas card I just designed:

Front
 
Back 


Saturday, November 26, 2011

Day 26 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for my purse. My very large purse. It's perfect and can hold everything. My purse is actually a camera bag, but more stylish. I'm thankful that my husband let me splurge and get one. I use it for everything, it's the ultimate photographer mom's bag. I can hold my camera, two lenses, lens cleaner, filters, my ipad, wallet, keys, magazines, diapers, wipes, snacks, sippies, and a ton of other things. It gets heavy, but I have all I need. I would like to get a smaller version and the other style of bags are just gorgeous: http://epiphaniebags.com/

Friday, November 25, 2011

Day 25 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for Black Friday. Not in the sense that most will think. I don't go out for the sales, I don't shop, I avoid stores at all costs. But what I am thankful for, is the day off. I get to spend the day with my daughter as my husband sleeps off his work hangover. We will put up the tree, watch Christmas movies, make cookies, and truly embrace the holiday season. I'm thankful that I can do this and that I get the day off, paid.

I love putting up the tree, fluffing the branches, and finding the right home for each and every ornament. We will save the tree topper, a beautiful angel dressed in white, until my husband gets up and we will put it on together. We'll dim the lights and plug it in, and take it all in. I will probably make hot chocolate tonight, maybe I'll get a bit of peppermint to put in it. I could buy some egg nog and we'll nibble on some of the first cookies or fudge of the season. I am thankful for this day.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Day 24 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I'm thankful for the feast we will be consuming later today. It's just our small, 3 person, family this year. No guests, no visitors, no family. I'm sad about this and I yearn for my family to be here with us. But because of the early start to the retail season, my husband has to work. I think, in the mist of excitement for the sales and deals that stores offer that so many shoppers forget that in order for them to snag that sale at 1 am, a family is missing their loved one who can't enjoy the holiday with them. It's unfortunate, especially for us. My husband's work has now taken away TWO holiday's from us. We will not be able to travel for either holiday because of his work schedule.

I'm going to try hard to not focus on that. I'm going to try and be thankful that my family can mostly be together for this day. We get to sit down together and enjoy our meal. I'm thankful that we have food, that we can enjoy it, and that we have enough of it to never go hungry. I'm thankful that we don't struggle to put food on our table or in our bellies.

((I'll post a picture later today))

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Day 23 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

 Today I am thankful for getting off early. Sure, it's to go to a doctor's appointment, but still. It's nice to leave early and feel like I'm "cheating" or something. I love getting home from work early, I always feel like I have extra time that I should have usually got. Extra hours in the day.

Today I'm also thankful for my vision doctor. With out her I would not be able to see. I couldn't drive, watch movies, avoid seemingly obvious obstacles. I'm excited for the possibility of getting new glasses. I hope to be able to find a deal on either my glasses or contacts. As I need both this year. My glasses are about ready for the trash and I'm down to my last pair of contacts, which are currently in my eyes.

I'm thankful for those early days, those extra hours, the "stick it to the man" type feeling, and the ability of sight.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Day 22 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for coffee.

That warm soothing drink that seems to calm my nerves after a rough morning. The "pick me up" I need in the middle of the day. The sweetness I need after dinner. Coffee can give it all to me. It's warm, sweet concoction is perfect to sip on while I'm reading a favorite book, working on a project, editing photos, or watching the morning news. I don't drink more than a cup or two a day, but I cherish that cup of Joe.

What is your perfect cup of coffee?

Mine? It's quiet simple. I don't go for that fancy stuff. I mean it's good, but I'd rather have something else. I'm not a huge fan of Starbucks coffee. Their beans always have a burnt taste to them. I prefer Dunkin Donuts. Just a large cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee, extra cream, 4 splendas. Yum, it's perfect. When I take a sip of it, it's like an aura of calmness comes over me and I can just take a deep breath, smell the brew, and just escape for a moment.

I am so, very thankful, for coffee.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Day 21 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for my office. I'm thankful that I don't have to share my work space with another person and that I can close the door and not have to "deal" with the people I work with. I'm thankful that I can close out the noise and dim the lights if that's what I want to do. I can also hang things on the wall and make my space warm and welcoming. If I had more money, I'd probably get a couch and I want a mini fridge. All in good time though :).

I really don't think I could stand to work in a cubical. I hate the idea of hearing every single thing that other people are doing. I hate the idea of having to wear head phones if I'm listening to something online or hearing everybody's phone conversation.

Now, I just wish I could get the office with a window. But for now, I'm thankful for the one that I do have :)

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Day 20 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for funny faces. The ones from toddlers that just make you belly laugh. My daughter is hilarous and even more funny since she's discovering she can control the muscles in her face. She does this one where she squints her eyes together and then smiles at you all funny. I've yet to capture a picture of it as she does them at random and she's so unpredictable. I've also noticed that lately she just stares at herself in the mirror and watches her body move. She tells herself to dance and then goes crazy! Or she just stands there looking intently at her face and laughs when she makes these silly faces. I'm thankful for the joy that toddlers bring, their innocence, and their toddler humor.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Day 19 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Not taken today, but its too funny NOT to share :)
Today I am thankful for lazy Saturday's. After a very busy last two weeks I was very grateful to remain my my pajamas most of the day, hang out with my DH and daughter, eat pizza for dinner, and play video games. It was a nice calm break from the busy life we have been leading for the past few weeks. We needed that down time.

We did nothing today. Absolutely nothing. Well okay, we did take my car to the dealership for a recall part, go grocery shopping, and pick up pizza. But, compared to the alternative, it sure felt like nothing! I plan on doing the same for the rest of the weekends this year. We don't have much going on because we can't travel this year. Thanks to Black Friday and greedy shoppers who don't want the stores to close! 

I'm so thankful for the time that we can spend as a family, it doesn't seem much as of late, with our work schedules and the retail season approaching.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Day 18 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for my engagement ring. This beautiful piece of jewelry was hand picked by my husband (okay, I DID give input.... okay, I picked it out!). I think it's gorgeous. When I look at it, it brightens my heart and not once have I ever thought, "Oh when I get to X anniversary, I cannot wait to 'trade up!'" No, this ring is perfect and I pray I can hold on to it forever.

It reminds me that my husband loves me, that he will do and sacrifice ANYTHING for me. We're not rich people, so the fact that he bought me this ring, well, it says a lot. This will always be my favorite piece of jewelry and maybe, one day, when I'm very old, I'll pass the ring down to my daughter.

I'm thankful that we were able to buy it. I'm thankful that I get to look at it every day and I'm thankful that it brings me so much joy.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Day 17 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for the Harry potter series. My BFF told me I had to read them after she had finished the first three. I picked it up and have been hooked ever since. I have read Goblet of Fire so many times that the binding is worn through and the pages are coming loose. I'm thankful that we,as a generation, had the experience of anticipation as each of the books came out. We got to go to midnight releases and we got to celebrate literature, how cool is that?

Harry Potter has been such a big part of my life since I first opened the books in 2002. I really just enjoy them. I'm also thankful that the directors and JK Rowling partnered together for the making of the movies. I think they were well done. I'm also thankful for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It was so amazing to actually stand there on the street, see Hogworts, and just take it all in.

I got to be part of a series that changed children and young adult fiction. I am thankful for that!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Day 16 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for, well... I've had a rough day so I'm digging deep here. Or maybe I'm not. Today, I'm thankful for good TV. It's one of the few things I do for entertainment. I'm thankful that there ARE some decent shows on and that they are are on public stations AND that I can watch them pretty much any time I want to thanks to network Internet sites, Netflix, and Hulu.

I'm so glad that technology has advanced so far that I can watch my favorite shows anywhere, anytime. I can even watch shows on my phone!

Some of my favorite shows include: Grey's Anatomy, Castle, Private Practice, TerraNova, and the Office. I'm thankful for everybody that is involved to make those shows possible.

I am also thankful for the handsomeness that is Patrick Dempsey.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Day 15 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for baby carriers. I'm not sure how I would survive with out them and I really don't understand how some parents are so resistant to using them! Gosh they have saved my back and arms. Especially when Addison was younger and all she wanted to do was be held. Even now into toddlerhood, she loves riding in it. She says, "back, back!" when she wants me to put her in the Boba.

This past week I even got to use my carrier in another state! While at the aquarium little miss busy bee doesn't like to stay still. Which means she notoriously skips over her nap and is a stinker for the entire day. I was able to get her settled into the Boba while looking at the jelly fish and she quickly fell right asleep. And she stayed asleep until we managed to get to a resturant and eat dinner.

I love wearing her out. I especially love wearing her when we're at busy places or in downtown areas. I am thankful that I'm able to wear her and keep her safe.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Day 14 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for Addison's Monday care giver. I never wanted to put Addison into any type of day care when I went back to work so my husband and I worked opposite shifts to keep her home with one of us. *WE* wanted to raise her. Well a year and a half latter my job took away work from home days, which means we had no choice but to look for a place or person to care for her while I worked on Monday.

I posted some questions in my local Mommy's FB group and this lovely lady messaged me saying that she has an in-home day care, she's licienced, and that she'd love to meet me and my daughter to see if the fit was right. We scheduled a time to go over there and from the very instant I walked through her front door I knew this would be it. I could tell by how she had her home set up for the daycare that she was a teacher. She had a ton of toys, books, and many things for the kids to do. Plus, she was super nice.

I of course did my homework. I pulled up her information on the county website and reviewed it with my husband.

Almost four months later I feel I can call this woman a friend. We have many things in common and I fully trust her with the care of Addison. Plus, Addison loves her too. She just loves spending time with her and her son. It makes me so thankful that I found such a wonderful person to care for Addison while I'm away working.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Day 13 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for my camera. With out it I wouldn't be able to capture visual memories of my life. Some type of camera is always close by weither it is my phone, a small point and shoot, or my Digital SLR. I love taking photographs and have since I was in middle school. My bedroom walls used to be filled with photos of my friends, family, and vacation scenery. I LOVE photos.

One day, I hope that I'm good enough to do this professionally. I've taken a few steps and I'm branching out. But it's slow and I have a lot to do. I am thankful that I am able to take photos and I'm thankful for my talent and love for it as well.

I am thankful that I'm able to capture moments that will bring back feelings and emotions.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Day 12 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

We're driving home today. I'm incredibly sad, but, today I'm thankful for the opportunities that I have. I know I complain a lot of what I don't have and sometimes it is so hard to take a step back and look at what you DO have. This week has been amazing and I'm so thankful that I have the opportunity and the means to visit friends, family, and to be able to take a vacation. There are so many people that struggle way more than we do and they are unable to have these luxuries.

Our vacation has been perfect. I've drank more cups of coffee than I care to count, we've bundled up in the cold and we got to go to some new places. Our trip to the aquarium was amazing. Addison had a great time and her and Ella played constantly. We sure will miss them! Downtown Chattanooga was fantastic and we had the opportunity to eat at a restaurant that had the best fish and chips.


Friday, November 11, 2011

Day 11 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Taken from Ajay K's Pics
Today I am thankful for our Veterans. Many of the men (for some reason, not many women) in my family have served in the U.S. Military. I also have many friends who have served (or serving) as well.

Grandpa Simpson - United States Army
Uncle Stuart - United States Air Force
Uncle Scott - United States Air Force
Grandpa Henriott - United States Navy
My Father - United States Air Force
Uncle Ken - United States Marines
Uncle Floyd - United States Marines

Keri Gernand (her Husband) - US Army
Bethany Whiting (her Husband) - US Army


Tiffany Voris (her Husband) - US Army
Adam Eri - US Marines
Kelly Elleman (her Husband) - US Army
Stephanie Hineline (her Husband) US Marines
Ajay J. Koovackal - US Air Force
Carlos Villaverde - US Air Force
Krystal Wolfe - US Coast Guard

And I am sure there are others. THANK YOU for serving our country and helping maintain and protect the freedom that we all take for granted. I am thankful for all of you.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Day 10 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for crisp cold air, the colors of autumn, and Rae's chicken noodle soup!

We made it up to Alabama yesterday after a drive that seemed to take forever and a day. I finally got to meet (yes, in staying with somebody I've never actually met before, get with the times people! Just because I met them online doesn't mean they are pretend.) my friend Rae. I'm thankful that she took the chance on me and let me stay in her home. Which is so warm and welcoming, by the way. I'm thankful for her hospitality and for her cooking. I'm thankful that Addison gets the opportunity to play with somebody else all day while we are here. Seeing her interact with her has been so fun to watch.

This trip has been so wonderful and refreshing. I have met good people, had good food, and have really enjoyed ourselves. I'm thankful for these moments!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Day 9 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for all forms of transportation. With out it I wouldn't be able to travel and see my family and It could take days to get to the doctor. I love being able to hop in my car and quickly go to the store to pick up the one thing I forgot (and it's always an unsubstitutable, key, item!) I'm thankful for the plane that brought my Grandmother to us, the car that allowed my cousins and aunt to come down.

I use a car every single day. I've taken multiple plane rides across the country and even the world. Trains have allowed me to get to my parents house when I was one car family and my husband had to work. They have also brought my mom down to me multiple times. The most recent one was a same day trip down when I miscarried.


Today I am on my way up to my friend Rae's house. It is an 11.5 hour drive. Through multiple big cities and a huge stretch of major interstate. I am thankful that I can make that trip in less than a day. It will be a LONG day, but isn't it amazing that we can do this in ONE DAY! This trip is about 660 miles. Could you imagine doing that on a horse? Or even on FOOT?

It's the little things we do that seem not so big a deal, that really make the difference in our life. I am thankful for those little things.


Monday, November 7, 2011

Day 8 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge


Today I am thankful for family. I am thankful to be able to see them, talk to them, and to hug them. Being in their presence really warms my heart and just calms me.
Today I got the opportunity to visit visit with my Grandmother. I'm so thankful she was able to come down between her chemo treatments. I haven't seen her since my wedding in 2008.
I'm thankful that I have such a wonderful family. We seek each other out and we want to spend time with one another. I, an thankful that the are such huggy people too. There is nothing better than a strong warm hug from your family.
I'm thankful for this time and I quash I could just hit pause for a while and stay in this moment. I never realize how much I miss my family until go home and find that I cant just go back and see then any time that I want.

Day 7 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today, I am thankful for medicine. Medicine of all kinds! I'm thankful for Excedrin Migraine to help me when I get my horrendous migraine headaches, I'm thankful for anti-inflammatories when my joints are swollen and achy, I'm thankful for the acne medicine I used in High school to help me overcome that! I'm thankful for Tylenol for fevers, antibiotics for infections, pain killers, narcotics, insulin, chemotherapy, radiation, heart medication, blood thinners, anesthesia, and all the other medications out there that help us fight the slightest cold to the highest degree of illness.

This week we are on vacation and my daughter woke up screaming at 5 am. She screamed two hours and nothing we did could help. Once urgent care opened up we took her in and what do you know, an ear infection. ON VACATION, UGH! I am however, thankful that we probably caught it early (thanks mama gut!) and we have ammoxicillin to help speed up the healing process.

This week I am also going to be able to see my grandmother. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer earlier this year and has gone through a mastectomy and currently is going through rounds of chemotherapy. I am thankful for the medicine that is allowing her to travel down to see all of us.

Medicine saved my Grandfather's life after he had a heart attack and quadruple bypass 15 years ago. I am thankful for that.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Day 6 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for my brother.

Boy did we fight growing up. Like cats and dogs they would say. But no matter what, he's been there. He's so supportive and he knows what to say when I'm upset. He saved my dad's life, literally. He's strong, passionate, and smart. He's also a good artist. He's creative and a problem solver. My brother has always stuck up for me and he'd be here in a heart beat if anything ever happened.

When I gave birth to Addison, he drove down that day. No questions asked. He wanted to meet her in person, that day, with everybody else. He didn't even want a picture sent to him. He wanted to see her himself. He's amazing.

My brother always knows how to get a smile on my face and how to get a laugh out of me. We are hilarious together. I am thankful for that!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Day 5 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today, I am thankful for my mother. We're so much a like. In both looks and personalities. She in fact, drives me crazy, but there is not another person I would want by my side in the biggest moments of my life. She has the biggest heart. She's welcomes anybody into her home, she provides them with food and shelter. My mom picks up stray people and helps them get on her feet when she herself, is struggling. She is so generous.

I think she's the only one that knows how to get through to me when I'm freaking out, completly overwhelmed, and just loosing my shit. My husband really should take some pointers from her! She knows exactly what to do.

My mom is also the perfect grandmother. She doesn't have a lot of money to come travel down to see us, she can't buy Addison toys or gifts, but she makes up for that with LOVE. My mom always calls and asks to talk to her. She is pretty much talking to air since Addison doesn't respond or she just screams, but she does it anyways. She always, ALWAYS makes time to see her when we come up and I mean ALWAYS. I love this about her and the smile that we see on Addison's face when she spots her grandmother lets me know that she knows this too.

If I could only be half the woman my mom is, I'd be thankful.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Day 4 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today, I am thankful for my feet. I was going to write a blurb about my mother today, but after last night, I have appriciation for the very things that carry me through every single day.

These feet take me everywhere. They are responsible for those first steps that every new parent sees and causes their heart to swell up with parent pride. They have walked me through many countries, air ports, and destinations. My pretty tootsies walked me across the stage on my high school foot ball field so I could get my diploma and again across the stage to get my Bachelors degree. They walked me into my first job and out of a job that I hated. They walked me around the classroom as I taught children ready to explore the world.

My feet, while painful, sore, and beat up, walked me down the aisle to marry my husband, they walked me to each doctor's appointment that ensured the health of my baby girl. They were held when I gave birth and they walked night after night in circles to try and calm her down so we could all sleep. My feet walked me to the doctor to get help for PPD, to 7 surgeries, 4 cruises, and countless vacations. These feet have ran across play grounds, both when I was young and old. They have chased balls, dogs, and boys. My feet allow me to walk away when I'm angry and walk to the things I love. They allow me to walk. Yup, just walk! What a blessing that is, to have mobility.

I am thankful for each step I can take, thanks to my feet.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Day 3 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for my father. He is the one man I compare all other men too. He is knowledgeable, loving, and supportive. Not once has he ever judged me for my choices. He has guided me my entire life. He helped me become what I am today.

If I had not had him as my father, I may not have had the drive to succeed. I may not have went to college and I may not have had that unbelievable urge to do well for myself so I never needed another man to care and support me. I grew up knowing that I could do that all on my own. He raised me to be the strong woman I am today. He is why I make the choices I do. The reason why I enjoy listening to country music and why I value my education more than anything materialistic. He's been by my side through every step of my life. I've called upon him to help me make the hardest life choices and decisions. I value his opinion. He's talked out situations with me so I can see another side and work through it. He walked with me down the aisle as I made the decision to marry my husband.

He is the reason why I hold my family up higher than my job and higher than myself. I am so, very thankful to have him in my life.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Day 2 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for my daughter. She's beautiful, smart, hilarious, and keeps me on my toes. She surprises me each and every day with new words, new tricks, and the unconditional love that you can only get from a child.

I live for each day that I can hear her giggle, see her smile, and watch her mind explode with ideas. I'm thankful that I can be there to witness all of that. It's amazing how each day that passes she gets bigger and you don't really notice until you take a step back. My almost 2 year old is no longer a baby and while my heart weeps for the loss it swells with the joy of watching her thrive.

We started fertility testing the cycle we conceived her. I'm thankful that I overcome that and I'm thankful I didn't have to experience a loss before being blessed with such a beautiful gift. I'm thankful that her pregnancy was near perfect and that labor was even better. It gave me strength. I am thankful that I get to be her mother.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Day 1 of the 30 Days of Thanks Challenge

Today I am thankful for my husband. He is caring, patient, and kind. He loves me with all he has. He's a wonderful father and a fantastic husband.

We have been through so much together. We've argued, we've laughed, and we've cried together. Together we conceived a beautiful daughter, we faced infertility nose to nose, and he stood by my side as I fought postpartum depression. I am thankful every day for this man. He is a true blessing and I'm not sure how I would make it through with out him.

My husband is a man that so many woman would want and yet, he choose me. I am thankful for that.