26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 26

I am thankful for...

the love of family

a year full of firsts with a healthy, happy baby

the many blessings God has granted us this year

the joy that this season brings to my soul

good food and great company for Emma's First Thanksgiving day. I hope that you had a great day with family and friends and that you celebrated today with thankful hearts!

Thanksgiving Fashion

Some pics of Emma's handmade (by mommy!) Thanksgiving shirt.

A big thanks to Aunt Mary Jo and Mom for the sewing help, Ansley for the sewing machine, and Lindsay for the good idea.

hAppY ThaNkSgiVinG!!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 25

I am thankful for...

1. bonfires- headed to one tonight with the fam. Roasted weenies, smores, and fun with family and good friends!
2. sleep overs with my young cousins. Makes me feel like a kid again.
3. staying up late talking
4. not having to work today
5. playing in the leaves and running the track with my 4 year old cousin. A prelude of what's to come??

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 24

I am thankful for...

1. kids that now how to use their manners and that say please, thank you, etc. You don't see too many of those these days. It's sad.
2. my prince charming, my one and only, my dream man... the only man I will ever love.
3. my mom who spends her days chasing after my crazy almost one year old while keeping the house spotless, the dishes and clothes clean AND being the best friend and mom that you could ever ask for.
4. my dad who makes me laugh with his inconsequent love of electronics even though he has no idea how to work most of them. He is learning though!
5. my darling Emma who surprises me every day with something new she has learned to do or say. She is pure joy wrapped up in a tiny little package. `

Before and After

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 23

I am thankful for...

1. getting to open a present early
2. the smell of cinnimon
3. freshly cut christmas trees
4. shopping for the people you love and finding that perfect gift that you know will make their eyes light up when they open it.
5. The Polar Express, Elf, Home Alone, It's a Wonderful Life...I'm a sucker for a good Christmas movie

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 22

I am thankful for...

1. consignment stores
2. hymns
3. classical music
4. hearing my favorite christmas tunes on the radio
5. that Emma is slowing learning the meaning of no...(ie. no, don't touch the computer, no, you can't touch the fireplace, no, stay away from the stove, no, don't open the fridge...I think you get the idea.)

I've been a Blacker (blogging slacker)

Sorry for the lack of posting other than Thankful posts. Life in these parts has been full of excitement with little time left for blogging. The camera is on the fritz again and now I think it may be officially broken. Hopefully NOW I can convince my hubster that we NEED a new camera!

Emma is enjoying life as a newly turned 10 month old. She has discovered a new passion for Mylar balloons, her babydoll and doggie, and throwing all out, throw your head back, arch your back temper tantrums when things don't go her way. Whew. These temper tantrums make things like getting her strapped in the carseat and changing her clothes and diaper almost impossible. All I can say is .....distraction, distraction, distraction. Hence the newly found love of balloons. For all you mommies out there, the dollar tree sells balloons for only a dollar. Very good entertainment for an almost one year old. (Can't believe I just typed those words...almost one year old!! Where has the time gone?)

Anywho, my hubby and the doodlebug (aka Emma) are off for a Daddy/Daughter day at the zoo and I am off for a little retail therapy with my gal pal, Courtney. Enjoy your Saturday!! What are you planning to do this weekend?

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 21

I am thankful for...

1. that last snuggle before putting Emma in bed


2. Starbuck's coffee


3. shopping days with friends
4. My hubby's relationship with Emma
5. quiet time in the morning

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 20

Today, I am thankful for my friends...

1. Ansley. She is the one you call when you just need to talk. She listens and gives good advice. She makes me laugh. We've known each other since middle school and we were practically inseperable on the softball field and during cheerleading. She's silly and fun, a great mommy to her (almost) three kids.
2. Melissa. College Roommate, best friend since middle school. She has great fashion sense. She is also a good listener. She is fun and silly too and she loves good books and we have lots in common. She is a great role model mommy and I have come to her for advice many a time.
3. Courtney. Another college roommate. We met in college. We were both Education majors. She is an excellent cook...I still talk about her burgers! She tells no lies. She is honest and upfront and I like that about her. She is another new mommy like me. Our girls are only two months apart and I hope they are good friends as they grow up.
4. Crystal. Funny how things work out. You see, we used to date the same guy and well...we didn't exactly like each other at one time...but she has turned out to be one of my good friends....once we both decided to kick that boy to the curb. She is so helpful and will do anything to help out a friend. She is funny and can hold up a good conversation. She is a mommy to adorable twin boys and although we don't see each other much, I enjoy the times we do get together.
5. Hannah and Sara. My baby-less friends. They remind me to take time for myself and to do the things that I enjoy. We have known each other since Kindergarten and we have been friends ever since. We have had so many fun times together and I cherish their friendships.

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 19

I am thankful for...

1. Parents Magazine
2. Online Shopping...I mean I seriously don't have time (or the energy) to shop for Christmas.
3. the fact that my hubby always takes care of all the bills...although his system can be annoying at times. He is the check your bank balance a million times a day on the computer type of person and I am the write it down and keep a record type of person. But, it gets done and that is all that matters, right?
4. the fact that I can wear blue jeans to work every day if I want...who needs to dress up and wear heels when you work with two year olds anyways?
5. Hand Sanitizer...gone through seriously like five gallons of it since August.

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 18

I am thankful for...

1. blogging post with pictures. They are so much more interesting than ones without. Sorry ya'll, this one is lacking in the pic department.
2. Emma's book collection. I guess (again) it is the teacher in me. Her book collection is rapidly growing. I just love reading to her.
3. play-dough. Keeps my two year olds (in my class) occupied for hours....well not hours, but a good solid 15 minutes. That's good enough for me.
4. my new-er car. My hubby surprised me with it two years ago around this time. He still drives around his 1999 Altima lovingly referred to as Andy. Just another reason that he is the best hubby around.
5. my after school care kids at Northside. They make me laugh every day.

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 17

I am thankful for...

1. Colorful Expo Markers~must be the teacher in me.
2. listening to Dave in the summer with the windows rolled down and the wind in your hair
3. the full belly laugh that Emma gives when you kiss her neck
4. the fact that the hubby is on the mend and headed back to work tomorrow
5. a hubby that cleans the house a little even when he's not feeling up to par...such a sweetie! Sooooooo nice to come home to a mostly clean house.

Update on Miller

A while back, I wrote a post about my friends nephew, Miller. He went into surgery today. They were only able to take out 35-40% of the tumor. Please pray for him and his team of doctors as they try to determine what will be the next step in his treatment.

10 Totally Awesome Months

I know I say this every month, but I seriously can't believe that we have a 1o month old!

Emma, you have learned so much this past month! I can tell that you are understanding more and more words every day. You have learned how to clap and will do it on command.
You are so sweet most of the time. I would describe you as independent, friendly, and smart! I love watching your mind work. I can tell that you like to figure things out on your own.

You are standing more and more every day. I know that you will be walking before long. Daddy said that you stood on your own today for 10 whole seconds! WOW!

You are still barely squeezing into your 9 month pajamas. Time to buy some new PJ's!

I'm guessing that you weigh 20 lbs. You are still wearing size 3 diapers.

We bought your first pair of Keds this month. You look so cute in them!

You have a little temper when things don't go your way. You arch your back like a cat and throw your head back. We call you a little stinker when you do that! (You were very annoyed at Momma during the pic. I guess you were tired of taking pictures!)

You have started dancing and trying to sing to the music. I think it is the cutest thing that you do!

Overall, you are a very happy 10 month old!

In the words of one of my favorite books....I love you to the moon......and back!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 16

I am thankful for...

1. that feeling you get when you finally have a clean living space...even if it's only for a short while (ie. until your darling hubby leaves his towel on the floor and Em pulls all the toys out of her basket)
2. the middle part of pancakes...dough, butter, and syrup...oh so yummy!
3. when Emma reaches for me
4. a low key, curl up on the couch night after a long, hard day
5. the fact that blogger saves your post...almost lost one just then. Forgot my original number 5, so this is my new thankful!

Enjoy your Monday!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 15

I am thankful for...

1. the beautiful colors of fall

2. lazy Sundays

3. the long days of summer...miss those!

4. naps


5. these beautiful blue eyes!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 14

I am thankful for:

1. baby showers. I am heading to one today. I love shopping for babies.
2. Birthday Parties. I could not tell you enough how much I like to plan parties. I am super excited about Emma's First Birthday. My hubby thinks I'm going a little overboard, but you only turn one once right?
3. Our video camera (well it's my parents) Without it, we wouldn't have been able to catch Emma dancing to the Ellen show. SO funny!
4. My camera. Broken, duct-taped, but still working to catch all those adorable smiles and smirks.
5. My cell phone. Again, nothing fancy. Just a little something to keep me connected. I would LOVE an I-phone, but just don't want to pay the monthly fee. Ouch!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 13

We have reached the half-way point! SO hard to believe that it is less than two weeks until Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for:

1. Rainbow Flip-Flops. Would wear them all the time if it never got cold.

2. Pottery Barn Catalogs. Can't afford most of the stuff in there, but it does give me great ideas!

3. Emma's Exercauser. I would seriously NEVER get showered without it. Life-Savor!

4. Being able to shop for my kid for Christmas. There must be plenty of people out there struggling and wondering how (or if) they will be able to buy an presents for their kids. I hope I can instill in Emma a compassion for those less fortunate.

5. My health. Proud to say that (I think) I am finally over this nasty, yucky sickness. Not so proud to say that the biggest baby of the household when it comes to sickness aka my hubby thinks he might have caught it. Let's hope not. He is off with his BFF for a boys weekend in our old stompin' grounds. I hope he enjoys his weekend away and cheers the Tigers on to another ACC Victory!

Oh, and PS...Someone learned how to crawl up the stairs!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 12

I am thankful for:

1. family traditions. I look forward to Black Friday shopping, Christmas Eve at Aunt Su's, Joseph reading the Christmas story in the usually hot living room, and finding a special spot for the broken Pinocchio on the tree every year!
2. All the time I get to spend with my grandparents. My grandmothers are both in their 80's. They get to see Emma and spend time with us every week. I treasure the time that I get to spend with them and I know that they enjoy having the company. You can read their faces like a book! I only wish that my Papa's could have been able to meet Emma.
3. New Family Traditions. We have several up our sleeves this coming Holiday season. You'll just have to wait and see!

Wordless Wednesday

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 11

1. I am thankful for my car~ nothing fancy, but I feel safe in it and it gets me where I need to go. I think it's cute too!
2. I am thankful that I have a job.
3. I am thankful for my friends. Had dinner with some of my bestie's last night. Girls Night Out was so much fun and well overdue!
4. I am thankful for hot glue guns. Silly, I know, but I would never get through teaching without one and I use it all the time at home to make crafts. Love it!
5. I am thankful for the rain. Wish that I didn't have to get out in it, but I AM thankful for it. Wish I could be at home curled up on the couch watching it. Reading a book maybe. Oohh, that sounds good!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 10

1. Birthdays. I particularly fond of mine, but I enjoy other's birthdays too! HaPPy 1st BiRthDay CoWboY ChaRliE!!
2. Christmas Day with the family
3. Fourth of July fireworks and cookouts
4. Thanksgiving and football
5. New Years and the start of a new year

I LoVe HoLiDayS!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 9

For those just tuning in, I am listing 5 things every day (until Thanksgiving) that I am thankful for. Some are silly and fun and others are deep. Today I feel Silly!

1. Sunday Night TV. Best night on TV. ABC. My guilty pleasure.
2. Colorful pens. My favorite are Papermate. A little expensive, but OOOOH so good!
3. Magic Eraser. That thing works! It has cleaned up many a mess for me. I'm sure it will clean up lots more in the future. I can just see it now, Emma's beautiful crayon drawing on the wall.
4. Emma's bath time. She loves it SO much. She just hates the end...it means getting out of the water.
5. Celebrity News Magazines. Mindless entertainment. Don't know why I love them, but I do.

Happy Monday Ya'll!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 8

1. The love of Jesus. What he did for us is unsurmountable, uncomprehendable...it was pure unending love.
2. Our church
3. Christmas Music- The season is almost here.
4. God's love. Something we will never fully understand.
5. Prayer time with Emma.

Whooty Who! Go Tigers!

I don't mean to gloat, but seriously, how 'bout those Tigers! What a great game! (Well, aside from the fact that we are in serious need of a kicker)

GO TIGERS!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 7

1. Orange clothing. They have a store downtown called Tickled Orange. LOVE it! Lots of cute orange and purple clothing.
   
2. Box Seats~ When it's cold and raining. Nothing is better.
3. The feeling you get when the Tigers run down the hill. Most exciting 25 seconds in college football! If you have never been to a Clemson game, you should!
4. Tailgating food. Not good for the diet, but GOOD to eat!
5. Emma's face the first time she met the Tiger. Priceless!

Can you tell it is gameday in these parts? Let's beat some Seminole booty! Go TiGerS!

A wee little fit...

We tried to take Emma to have her pictures taken for Christmas today. Can you tell how things turned out? Some little girl I know threw the biggest temper tantrum right there in the photo studio. Wonder who that was?

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 6

1. 1. Weekends...even if you don't have anything planned to do. Weekends are just fun and relaxing.



2. 2. College Football. Let me be specific...Clemson Football!



3. Catching up with old friends.



4. My health- I was one sick puppy this week, but I am glad to say that I am finally feeling a tinsy bit better.


5. cute writing paper...I love, LOVE paper products. (ie. notepads, cards, calendars) Love the dollar section at Michael's and Target. You can always find cute paper there!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 5

1. comfy and cute tennis shoes
2. stretchy pants
3. scarves
4. turtleneck sweaters
5. a great pair of jeans- ones that make your rear end look fabulous ...or better than it does in other pants :)

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 4

1. My Father-In-Law's squash casserole. Best stuff on the planet. Don't get to have it much, but when we do......Ohh...My...Goodness...It is good!
2. My Grandmother's Caramel Cake. I am trying to learn how to make it. It is an art. One that no one else in the family has been able to replicate. It's like heaven on a plate!
3. Macaroni and Cheese. If I had to pick ONE favorite food. This would be it. Good 'ole fashioned Mac and Cheese.
4. Freshly Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies...and milk. My mouth is watering as I type this. So good.
5. A good steak. My hubby can grill the best steaks. He researches the proper way to cook it. He marinates. He grills. He succeeds. The best steak I ever had came from my hubby's grill.

Can you tell that I am little hungry right now? Started diet of the century (again) today. Let's hope that I can keep it up and actually lose some of this baby weight.

Awesome Give-Away Today

Click on over and visit Dave and Brit Plus One! They are hosting an awesome give-away this week. I have read her blog since she got pregnant with her little darling Kennedy and she is a hoot! I promise, you won't be disappointed. Plus, Kennedy is like the best dressed baby on the planet!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 3

1. When Emma falls asleep in my arms...nothing sweeter! I'm sure she won't do this for too much longer, so I savor every time.
   
2. Kissing her on her sweet little cheeks before putting her into bed.
3. The wide toothy grin that she gives us first thing in the morning. I only wish that I woke up that happy every day!
4. When she knows that she is in trouble, she tries to "run" away, but there is a moment (like with the roadrunner) that she doesn't go anywhere. The legs are moving but SHE is not moving. CRACKS me up every time!
5. Watching her learn something new. Last night she finally figured out how to crawl up the stairs. Things should get interesting around here very soon. **Must remember to pick up a gate!**

26 Days of Thanksgiving~ Day 2

1. antibiotics- I am sick, ya'll. No piggy flu (luckily) but sick nonetheless. Hubby is picking up the good stuff (antibiotics) on his way home from work. Hopefully with a little R&R and some tender love and care from the hubby, I'll be on the up and up by the weekend!
2. afternoon naps-nothing better
3. Chicken Noodle Soup and Saltines....oooh and Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.
4. Ellen DeGeneres- I never get to watch her show anymore, but she cracks me up. She just seems to be so down to earth and fun! I would love to go and see her show in person. Plus today, she had Faith Hill on her show....LOVE HER (and her little hubby too!)
5. Fuzzy Soft Sleeper Socks- I have like ten pairs and I always seem to be drawn to them in the store. They're just so soft and comfortable!

26 Days of Thanksgiving~Day 1

Tell me, who doesn't love the 25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family? I could watch those claymation cartoons every day during the holiday season and well "Holiday in Handcuffs" that was a cute little movie! Well I have decided for the next 26 days, I am going to list 5 things I am thankful for....a countdown to Thanksgiving you could say! Feel free to join in on the fun...I'm sure it's going to be a rip-roaring good time! Thanks to Amy for giving me the idea...Let's hope that I can do this for 26 days straight. She tried for 365 days and did pretty well!

Here we go...Day 1

1. I am thankful for my Mom! Thank you for all the help that you have given us over the years....the laundry, the babysitting, the good home-cooked meals, the advice, the love and most of all thank you for just being you! I can't even put into words how much you mean to me!
2. I am thankful for my Dad! Thank you for all the fun times. Thank you for your generous spirit and the love that show us every day. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
3. I am thankful for my brother and my new sister! Reese, you were my constant playmate. We would seriously trade off...like I'll play GI Joe if you play Barbie. We've got each others back and I love you to the moon. Little bro, you made a good choice in a wife. There could be no better fit for you. Thank you both for loving Emma like she is your own. She loves you both so much!
4. I am thankful for my in-laws. I like the term that Lindsay uses...In-loves instead of in-laws. Thank you for raising such a loving, caring, and patient man. Thank you for instilling in him a love of God and a deep understanding of what is right and wrong. Thank you for inviting me into your family with open arms. Thank you for loving little Emma.
5. I am thankful for my family. JA (my hubby), You are the light in my day. You are the swing in my step. You, my darling, are my love and I love you more and more every day. My little Em, I could not imagine my life without you. You are part of me and I love you!

All right, today was a little sappy, I know. Other days will be short and sweet. Some will be full of sarcasm and there might even be themed days. Let's all have thankful hearts today and remember to thank the Lord...for he is the source of all happiness!