Thankful November

A lot of my friends on Facebook have been participating in Thankful November. Basically, every day they are posting what they are thankful for. It's been really neat to see what some of them have had to say and it has made me think of what I am most thankful for. So, I thought I would sort of participate by posting it here, on my blog. Since November isn't over this will be a work in progress but here goes (in no particular order)!

1- My husband. First of all I feel so blessed that God put him in my life & had led us to where we are. I am very lucky to have such a great, hard working person to go through life with!

2- Elliot. Although we weren't planning on having a baby when we did (this statement is true on so many levels) I can imagine life without him. He is quite a challenge some days but it's been such a blessing and so cool to see his personality unfold over the last two years and to watch him learn about this world. He is such a passionate, strong willed little guy with a big heart.

3- Hadley. My precious. My beautiful little girl that God decided to bless us with a mere 16 months after one of the most intense moments in our lives. Again, it's impossible to imagine life without her. She can be such a drama queen but that giggle and that smile will get you every.single.time.

4- My parents. November 4 is their anniversary so it seems an appropriate number to recognize them with. They have helped us and supported us more than we ever could have hoped over the last several years. It is so cool to see how much my kids adore them. I am also very grateful to have an example of a marriage that has lasted as long as it has and that they still very clearly love each other.

5- Sleep. These days it seems hard to come by!! Daylight Savings Time gave me an extra hour & for that I am so very thankful!

6- Scrapbooking. It really is one of the things I truly love to do. It's a creative outlet & a way for me to express myself. It's also a very fun way to relive memories I've made with my family and friends and a cool way to preserve those memories!

7- Weekend getaways. Nov. 5-7 my mom and I were at a scrapbook retreat. While I missed the kids it was awesome to get away and do something I love doing without distractions, without crying, without having to cook or clean.

8-TV. This may sound awful but every day it buys me a little bit of time to check the computer and have some "me" time. Both Elliot and Hadley love Mickey Mouse and Chuggington and we've got gobs of each saved on our DVR.

9- DVR - on a related note from above..... This is the first time we've ever had something like this and it makes me wonder how I ever survived without it. Ok, not really but it IS super convenient. Going to be gone during your favorite show? No problem....set it to record! It is also great for kids shows. We have a stockpile of their favorite shows saved so they're only a click away. Sooo nice.

10- My phone. I don't talk on it a lot. Frankly, I'm not a fan of talking on the phone but it does allow me to stay in contact with a lot of people a lot easier than I otherwise would be able to. Texting is a great thing :) I'm also very thankful that it is an easy way to communicate with Petey while he's at work.

11- Internet. Without I truly would be living a very, very lonely life. Don't get me wrong there are moments I still feel pretty lonely but having the internet gives me that connection to people I otherwise wouldn't get to talk to as often.

12- Along the same lines as above...my IV girls. I joined the iVillage message boards when I was pregnant with Elliot as something to keep my time occupied during incredibly boring lectures at school. We didn't have internet at home so I really didn't spend much time on it. When I was in the hospital I did a lot of 'lurking' - meaning I read but didn't respond much. Now, 3 years later there is still a large group of us that is growing closer day by day. We've seen each other through so much and they mean a lot to me.

13- Christmas trees!!! They're beautiful and seeing one always puts me in the festive spirit. We've already put ours up and you can say what you want but I'm so glad! The kids love it and for the most part have been really good about leaving it alone.

14- Guilty pleasure shows. Currently my favorite is Make it Or Break It. Love it.

15- Hulu - for allowing me to indulge in my guilty pleasure show :)

16- Naptime. I may not always use it the most wisely but I'm thankful for that small break during my day.

17- Friends. What would life be without them!?!

****It's now the middle of December but I still would like to finish my thankful November post. Hope you don't mind ;)****

18- Being pregnant. Being able to nurture and grow a human is a unique gift & one that I'm so glad I've been blessed with.

19- Crock pots. Thank the Lord we can put food in, set it and leave it alone for hours. And then enjoy yummy food :)

20- Kristy from DBQ DHS. Thank the heavens she's been here to help me sort out this insurance/coverage debacle for this pregnancy. Knowing I'm covered has been a huge weight off my shoulders.

21- Mickey Mouse. He helps me to stay sane a lot of days & both of the kids love him.

22- An understanding husband. I've felt pretty awful all through November with this pregnancy but he's stepped up and done a lot for me, the kids and the house.

23- Christmas trees. Yes, we put our tree up early this year and I love it!

24- Hope Church. We've found a new church home and while we're still 'homesick' for Cornerstone some days it feels good to have a place to call home. It's even better to get to know people and feel connected.

25- Moms Group. What would I do without the lovely ladies of the Purple table?? I'm so glad I've gotten to know them!!

26- Pumpkin Pie. Holy hallelujah I love Pumpkin Pie.

27- Safe travels. To attend most of our family events we have to drive across the state. So far we've had safe travels. I'm hoping it stays that way!

28- Family. There is something very special about family get togethers and something very comforting. I love being able to get together with a group of people that has known me for ages and being able to laugh and have fun together. It's definitely a blessing.

29-Giggles. Who can't love baby giggles?

30-Maternity clothes. Without them I'd be in BIG trouble!!!

So, there you have it. Thankful November. Not necessarily profound but it's what came to me off the top of my head. There are so many more things I could list that I'm thankful for. Perhaps another day or even next year!