30 days of gratitude...DAY 3

Day Three...

Our oldest son, Kayden.

This child has always been considerate, sensitive and empathetic.

Although he's in the peak of tween awkwardness I can start to see the kind of man he'll be. Even though he's a LOT like me (looks like me, acts a lot like me, same interests as me), I see that he's picked up some very special traits from his dad.

Kayden is always doing things to make us proud and he's just

an all around awesome person. He made my miserable labor and delivery all worth it!

30 days of gratitude...DAY 2

Day two...

My husband, Ben.

I've been asked quite a few times how we got along so well (seriously, we rarely have arguments and we've never EVER called each other a bad name or raised our voices at each other). The answer is simple. We are compatible and respectful. I didn't marry an @sshole and he didn't marry a b!tch. It's that simple.

We've also got a little bit of the "opposites attract" thing going on.

We met in college...he was a jock and I was an art major.

He'd never even set foot in my building.

I'm funny, he laughs at my jokes.

I'm loud, he's calm.

I'm messy, he's clean.

I'm weird, he's normal.

I'm chocolate moose tracks ice cream, he's apple pie (thanks for that, Kate!)

When it comes to the big things, though, we tend to agree.

For example...we agree on how to raise the kids, morals, etc.

I love him with all my heart and he's the most considerate and thoughtful man I've ever met.

He would get up in the middle of the night and drive an hour to get me Tums if I asked him to. Seriously.

30 days of gratitude...DAY 1

First of all, I'd like to apologize for the lack of posting on this blog.

I'm going to try to post a lot more. I'll do a '"catch up" post ASAP.

In the meantime I'm starting my annual "30 days of gratitude" project.

I think this is my third year doing this and I just love it.

I love it when I'm forced to acknowledge how fortunate I really am.

It always puts things in perspective for me.

So, day one...

My home.

We do not own a fancy home or a huge home, but it's PERFECT for our family.

I instantly fell in love with this house because it's so quirky and unique.

Our Fam

Took this recently of me, the hubby, our kids, and my parents.

Hair Donation! (Before & After Pics)

I meant to post these months ago, but totally forgot.

My friend, Azure, of Azure Marie Photography

was kind of enough to take before and after photos for me!

I got the cut back in March, so it's already grown out some.

I think I'll be going in sometime soon for something much funkier!

(Click photos to enlarge!)

BEFORE

AFTER:

I was able to donate 10 inches to

Pantene Beautiful Lengths!

Closing another chapter

It's offical. The "baby" is done with preschool!

He had a GREAT year and was always thrilled to go to school.

He's such a social guy that it was perfect for him.

Last week they had a little ceremony for the last day and it was oh so cute.

First they sang some songs.

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands...

If you're happy and you know it, shout, "Hooray!"

Then each child came up one at a time with a teacher while the teacher talked

about that student and a slideshow for that student was shown.

I couldn't hear everything that his teacher said, but I did hear her say

that he always came to school with a big

smile on his face and was very kind to others.

I love this silly grin.

Playing with some friends afterwards.

My favorite shot of the day.

As you can see, he's chatting up the teachers,

which happen to be

pretty high schoolers. LOL!

At the Beach

I thought for sure they would complain about having to do this, but before I could even finish my sentence they were holding hands and walking towards the water. They know me so well and I love that they did this so willingly. I love that they're all dirty and Oscar is showing butt crack...it makes everything about this shot...THEM!

(Click photo to enlarge.)