Days 17-20: I’m thankful for that sweet baby girl who (thankfully!) gets a little happier everyday.  We’re 99% sure she has some sort of reflux issue and I have been deleting food groups from my diet like it’s going out of style.  Goodbye coffee, dairy and anything remotely spicy.  Needless to say, she’s been quite fussy and her only happy place seems to be firmly attached to me in the wrap!  I’m trying not to stress about the growing laundry pile and the toy explosion in the living room.  Instead, I’m trying to be thankful for this extra time with my Little Miss.  I know it only lasts for an instant.     

Day 16: Today I am so thankful for this boy, the one who made me a Mamma six years ago today.  He is sweet and helpful, eager to learn and full of curiosity.  His requests for his special day: crepes for breakfast and “super yummy tacos” for dinner.  He’s so easy to please.  I’m thankful he loves his Mamma’s cooking!

Day 15: Today I’m thankful for the opportunity to teach kindergarten to my oldest.  We are making great strides in our reading curriculum (Sing, Spell, Read and Write) and I am so proud of his hard work.  He’ll be reading on his own in no time! 

Day 14: Today I am so thankful for an opportunity to give back.  Do you ever feel like you’d love to give, but don’t know where or how?  I feel like that often, which is why I started the “100 Ways to Give” page on my blog (you can find it up there in the menu bar).  I recently came across a wonderful opportunity to add to my list through the blog, Momastery.  She is the brains behind the Holiday Hands program.  Originally, I just went to the website to browse, but was immediately drawn into all of the heartbreaking stories.  In that moment, I knew I could do something. 

I chose a sweet, brave newly single mamma and a box is headed her way this week.  In reality, it’s not much: a small amount to help pay her heating bill, a couple of Barbies for her girls and a cupcake mix for a little holiday family time.  But more importantly, I hope it tells her that she is not alone, that she’s a good mother, that she has worth.  Words every Mamma should hear, rignt?

If you’re interested, be sure to check out the listings.  Remember that there are many, many ways to give!  Financially of course, but you may have skills, connections, gently used clothing that someone may need! 

Day 13: Today I’m thankful that a can of paint can make a house feel a little more like home.  We’ve been living with bright yellow walls (you can catch a bit of them in this post) that I have been anxious to change.  We took advantage of Sherwin William’s 40% off sale and a few hours later, I had a room that felt a little more like mine. 

P.S. These pictures were taken late at night with all artificial lighting.  Better pictures to come!

Day 12: Today I’m thankful that my husband is amazing in the kitchen.  He most definitely is the chef in our family and I love when he whips up yummy meals for us.  This past weekend was no exception…he’s the best!  I think I’ll thank him by baking some cookies.  🙂

Day 10: Today I’m thankful for all the men and women who are willing to sacrifice everything for our country.  Freedom isn’t free and I never want to take that for granted.  I’m especially thankful for all of the men in my family who have served this great nation: my grandfather, father, brother and husband.  We have a legacy of former Marines in this family! 

Day 10: Today I am so grateful for my dryer.  Not only does it make our clean laundry warm and toasty, it also soothes upset babies!  This picture was taken at 10 o’clock at night after two hours of crying (her or me?  both?  I’ll never tell).  I’m not sure whether she has a touch of colic and if it’s just something I ate.  But at my wit’s end, I turned the dryer on, threw a random fleece jacket on the top and put her down.  Immediate calm and she stared at the light for almost 5 minutes! 

Day 9: Today I’m thankful for this boy.  He’s my helper.  When this photo was taken, I was sweeping the floor for what seemed like the hundredth time that day.  Something distracted me and I left my chore unfinished.  Next thing I know, this sweet boy is on the floor with the dust pan, intent on completing the job for me.  I am so thankful for his eagerness to help and the joy in his eyes when I give him a job to do.    

Day 8: Yesterday was dreary and cold.  Is this a hint of what winter is supposed to be like this year?  Brr.  Today I’m thankful for my new slippers, keeping my feet toasty on these cold wood floors.  Now I’m looking out for some for my boys.  Anyone have a favorite?

Day 7: Today I’m thankful for warm Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, a seasonal favorite around here.  Unfortunately, they never last long…maybe that’s a good thing!  So thankful for the ability to fill my boys’ bellies with yummy treats.

Want to make cookies too?

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chocolate chips (I always add a little more!)

Cream butter and sugar.  Mix in the wet ingredients.  Mix in the sifted dry ingredients.  Add the chocolate chips.  Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. 

Day 6: Today I’m thankful for post-Halloween sales and two new costumes for 70% off.  These boys have been dressed as ninjas for two days now.  I can’t keep track of all the stories they’ve come up with…I just love their imaginations! 

P.S. How cute is that little Spiderman?  I love how he wants to be just like his brothers.