The End of 30 Days

First of all, Happy Birthday to my mom- the best mom in the world! I love that my mom totally understands me, that we have the same sense of humor, that I can talk to her about anything, and that she's always there for me. I'm thankful for my mom!

I love you, Mom, and I hope you have an amazing day and the best year of your life! Can't wait to celebrate at La Hacienda with you tonight!

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Today is the last day of November and the end of 30 Days of Thankfulness! Thankfulness is a lifestyle and I am going to continue to focus on everything I have to be thankful for. It's no fun complaining! So, expect periodic thankful posts throughout the year.



Today I am thankful for you YOU. I am so thankful for the people that I am able to connect with through this blog. I am thankful to you, my readers, for your comments, emails, support, and sharing your lives through your blogs. In the past five years, this blog has taken many different turns, but I'm excited for what I have planned in the next year.

To end the 30 days I want to recap everything that I was thankful for this month.
I am thankful for...
-my family.
-the right to vote.
-all of my basic needs are met. And more.
-new clothes.
-our health.
-Silas.
-my sister, the soldier.
-the fact that no matter what is going on, my life is still incredibly blessed.
-me time and creative outlets.
-the little doll (Finley) that I get to dress up.
-good friends and good food.
-my husband being self-employed.
-the opportunity to homeschool and stay home with my kids.
-the creativity in my husband and kids.
-a mantel to hang out stockings.
-my firstborn, Judah.
-date nights.
-weekends.
-annual events and local traditions in my hometown.
-growth and change.
-Jesus.
-the cooler weather and warm clothes.
-my husband.
-good food. (I love good food, enough to say it twice!)
-Samuel Christian.
-celebrating the holidays.
-a good bargain.

Also, don't forget to check out the blogs that participated in the 30 Days of Thankfulness:
The Urban Whisk, My Learning Curve, That Kind of Mom, Bizzydayz, Mommy & Charli, and Live it. Love it (or not). Write about it.

Cyber Monday

I don't do Black Friday. I love a good deal as much as the next person, but I kind of despise waking up early. Shopping in huge crowds isn't really my thing either.

Enter Cyber Monday. Shopping from the comfort of my own home with the same great deals? Yes, please.

Here's a little round up of Cyber Monday deals from some of my favorite bloggers:

50% off at Bluestar Fuzzies and Bluestar Ink with the code CYBERMONDAY50.
30% off at Gussy Sews with the code CYBER30.
15% off at Lisa Leonard Designs with code deckthehalls15.
10% off at Sleepy King.
15% off (plus special freebies for purchase over $50) at The Pleated Poppy with code CYBERMONDAY.
40% off at Seven Smooches.

I'm thankful for a good bargain! (One more day left of 30 days of thankfulness!)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Now that Thanksgiving is over we're in full on Christmas mode. I love it! Christmas music has been playing, stockings are hung, and the decorations are out.

Yesterday we went up to a tree farm with my dad to get our Christmas tree. We had originally planned to go up into the mountains, but it was pouring rain here, which meant it was probably snowing like crazy up there.

This was our third time going to this tree farm. I love it. It's really sweet and you get the fun of cutting down your own tree and the convenience of the farm. Usually when we go it's pretty crowded, but because of the rain it was practically empty. Finley and I stayed under shelter, while Eric, my dad, and the boys went and got the tree. Judah got to pick it out 100% by himself.







Today we went up to the mountains, only part way up where we had planned to go yesterday, with some friends and there was so much snow. The kids loved playing in it. They threw snowballs (I wasn't very fond of getting them thrown at me) and loved sledding down a little hill.

We don't have any snow clothes, so they were all very cold and unhappy by the time we were leaving. We'll have to remedy that and go back again soon. We hadn't been in a lot of snow (we've gone a few times when there were only patches on the ground) since Judah was a baby. I'm not a fan of snow at all, it's way too cold for me, but I know how fun it is to play in as a kid.













As far as gifts go, we're scaling back even more this year. Last year we only did three gifts per kid, but Eric's wanting to do only one this year, plus stocking stuffers. Like I mentioned before, we're also going to be doing as much handmade and even second hand as possible.

For the next few weeks we'll be doing lots of crafting, baking, and, of course, focusing on the Reason for the Season.

What are you doing to get in the Christmas spirit? What are some of your favorite traditions?

I'm thankful for the holiday season!

Cuddle Bug

Samuel is my four year old.

He is strong-willed, knows exactly what he wants (and expects it!) and, at times, drives me nuts. His saving grace is that he's our super affectionate little cuddle bug. He always wants to sit in our laps, hold hands, and offers kisses without me having to ask. I'm a physical touch type person, too, so I love that Samuel gives and receives love so freely through touch.



I'm so thankful for my sweet Samuel Christian.

PS I'm putting together a little handmade/vintage/small business Christmas gift guide. If you have any gift suggestions will you leave them in the comments or email me? Especially from your own shop or another favorite shop.

Turkey Day

We had a great day yesterday! The big boys spent the night at my mom's house, so we took the little two out to coffee in the morning.

We had lunch at my Grandma and Grandpa's, then headed home to get our house ready for the other side of my family to come over for dinner.

The food was all delicious (I ate leftovers for breakfast and lunch and some for dinner. I REALLY love leftovers!) and the company was pretty great, too.



I'm thankful for good food.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you're enjoying your day and eating lots of turkey!



My husband is one of the biggest blessings in my life. He is a man who fully accepts me for who I am. He protects me and chooses to love. He provides for me and always encourages me and the things I want to do.

At 18 years old (when we started dating), I had no idea what I needed in a husband. I'm so thankful that God knew exactly what I needed and gave Eric to me. I love you!

I'm thankful for my bearded man!

(The cute pumpkins were a birthday gift from Jenna.)

What I Wore

I'm back!

One of these days I'll post a picture with an outfit everyday. I just have to remember totake that many pictures. But, after (unintentionally) taking two weeks off I'm happy to be doing What I Wore again.



I felt a little like cat woman in this outfit. It is WAY out of my norm, but I've recently rediscovered these boots and I'm going to wear them as much as possible. I bought them two years ago and they were a little stiff and uncomfortable. Last year, at 9 months pregnant, then post-partum I couldn't zip them over my calves. Now I'm able to wear them again and I'm so happy!

Top and leggings- Target
Boots- Steve Madden

Don't forget to check out more What I Wore Wednesdays at The Pleated Poppy.

Today I am thankful that I'm finally able to wear warm clothes. Yay for boots, tights, sweaters, and scarves. (Only a few days left of 30 Days of Thankfulness.)

At 28

During my senior year of high school, in my economics class, one of our assignments was to write a paper about where we see ourselves in 10 years. (How this relates to Economics I'm not sure. Another assignment was where the teacher, a really old ex-Olympian, paired us up and made us be "married" to our partner to make a budget together. He, obviously, paired us up with people for his own enjoyment, but, that's another story for another day.)

I wish I still had that paper, but I remember a lot of it. I would be living in a mansion on the Southern California coast, married to a wealthy CEO, working as a psychologist, and living on the same street as all of my best friends. All of our backyards would be the beach and we'd hang out every night surfing and having bonfires and watching our kids grow up together. I think I said I'd have three kids by then.

Last summer was my ten year high school reunion, so here I am ten years later. Married to a CEO of a local pool service business for over seven years, living in my hometown with two of my three high school best friends recently moved back into town, and a stay at home, homeschooling mom of four kids.

My life isn't as glamorous as I'd hoped back then. I don't live in a mansion and I don't drive a Mercedes SUV. I live in a big-enough cozy house and drive a Toyota Sienna. My life is so much richer than I ever knew existed. Ten years ago, when I thought of my life, I thought of money and possessions, but through the years I've realized that all of that stuff fades away. Sure, it's fun, but when I'm on my deathbed I won't really care about what car I drove or if my house was perfectly decorated. I have a husband who loves me and fully accepts and loves everything about me, four amazing kids who love me and bless me everyday, the best parents, inlaws, and extended family, and amazing, amazing friends.

The last ten years have brought some of the hardest, most difficult times of my life, but also the best most amazing seasons and moments. Other than a closet full of designer clothes (just kidding...kind of) I wouldn't change a thing. Life really is good.

I'm so thankful to Jesus, who has blessed me more than I could possibly have imagined. I'm thankful for everything that has happened and the life that I have lived the past 28 years. I'm looking forward to what the next 28 hold.

Homeschool Thoughts and Re-Direction

We're almost half way through our second year of homeschooling. Last year we were independent (as in, not through a charter or private school) and this year, like I've mentioned, we are homeschooling through a private Christian school. I decided to do this, mostly, so Judah could go to the school and participate in some of their electives.

We had our first trimester teacher-parent conference with the teacher over the homeschool program and I left feeling very discouraged and inadequate. Don't worry, it wasn't because of the teacher. She was so sweet, telling me I'm doing fine and giving me pointers and showing me curriculum, but I couldn't help feeling like I wasn't doing enough. I felt like the things I was teaching Judah were the bare minimum. I would look at his teacher at school and feel like, "there is no way I can do all of that."

I recently ordered a book, after seeing it on a blog (and maybe a friend told me about it, but I can't remember if it's the same book) called Educating the Wholehearted Child.



I know that homeschooling isn't for every person and every family, but I do know that it's what God has called us to in this season. After starting this book (and finishing most of it in just a few days) I feel encouraged to continue on in raising my wholehearted children.

I love how the book talks about how homeschooling parents keep their kids out of school, then try to emulate school. That's exactly what I was doing. I was trying to doing "regular school" at home and it just wasn't working. My goal for schooling at home is to not only teach my kids reading, writing, and arithmetic, but to help them to grow in their love for God, have strong character, and to spend lots of quality time with them.

I love the ideas of Charlotte Mason which are to use real books (as opposed to textbooks) and lots of art, classical music, and classic literature. Instead of reading a text book about history we can read The Diary of Anne Frank. I plan to do waaaay less workbook work and more hands on craft projects, drawing, talking, memorization and reading.

I know a lot of you, my friends, use a Charlotte Mason-type homeschool program. Any tips? Any encouragement for me?

I'm thankful for the growth and change.

Christmas Preview

Tonight was our city's Christmas Preview. Every year there is a special night (usually after Thanksgiving, but they'll probably be doing it in June next year) where all of the downtown businesses officially open for the Christmas season. There are bands, carolers, dancers, and stores handing out treats like apple cider, cookies, and brownies.

It was freee-zing this year (ok, not freezing, but seriously cold at under 50 degrees), so we made our way around quickly. We had an early birthday dinner with family at the recently re-opened Tres Hombres before checking out the stores.

(I must have been cold because I didn't take ONE picture. Whoops!)

I am so thankful for all of the annual events and local traditions here in my hometown.

Thankful for Weekends

I'm pretty sure this is going to be a great one. Happy Weekend!



Here are a few goals for the weekend:
-Take lots of (non-blurry, I've had too many of those lately) pictures.
-Go to the gym.
-Have fun.
-Rest and relax.
-Finish stockings (pictures to come!)

Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary

Eric and my favorite restaurant our little local brewery. Although, the brewery isn't that little anymore. You have probably heard of Sierra Nevada, which is shipped all over the country.

On Monday night my in-laws watched all four of the kids so Eric and I could attend their 30th Anniversary. We had so much fun!



I think there were about 30 beers that you could sample, some were limited edition and some were never released. Eric was enjoying the samples, obviously. I took little sips of a few and they all tasted the same. Even the ones that said they had hints of chocolate. I couldn't taste any chocolate and, unfortunately, I'm still not a beer fan.



I loved the food, though.



And, the live music.



We even got our picture with Sierra Nevada founder and owner, Ken Grossman.

All in all a great night! I'm so thankful for date nights!

Another Milestone

We've hit another milestone in our house. Judah lost his first tooth!


I made him make that face because you couldn't see the hole without it. It's the bottom middle.

He hasn't stopped showing us the hole his bottom tooth left or telling us how excited he is to put it under his pillow.

I'm excited, too. But, it's also another bittersweet milestone. I've said it once, I've said it a million times, and I'll say it again- it really is bittersweet.

It's so much fun seeing my sweet six year old (and all the kids) grow, change, and learn new things, but why does the time have to go so fast when you become a parent? I'm really not ready for him to start driving, or move out, or get married. My heart breaks a little thinking of them not being completely dependent on me. Will I ever be able to let them go?

I told him as I was helping him get into bed that it makes me a little sad that he's getting so big so fast. And, he declared, "I LOVE getting big! I LOVE doing new things!" What an amazing boy I have!

I posted this on my facebook, but it was pretty funny, so I'll post it here, too. For the past few weeks Judah has been saying that he wants a "ballerina" for Christmas. We've never talked about ballerinas and he's never show any interest in them, so I was a little confused. I didn't say anything to him and didn't think a whole lot about it, because I assumed he'd change his mind before Christmas anyway.

Well, a few days ago when we were at Target he pointed out the "ballerina" he wanted. I looked over at read "Battle Arena" on the box. That made more sense.



I'm thankful for my firstborn. The joy of my heart.

1 of 4

Or, 1 of 6 if I decide to make stockings for Eric and I.



I used some of my vintage sheets to make Finley's stocking. I'm excited for a handmade holiday. What will you be making or buying handmade this year? I want to make and buy handmade all of my gifts. Or, at least almost all of them. (Guys are hard).

I'm thankful for my mantel to hang our stockings on.

My Husband is the Bomb

Don't you love that phrase? haha

Not only does my husband paint, clean pools, manage a business, brew beer, make wine, build composters, take care of the garden, take care of kids, along with a whole bunch of other stuff....



...as of now, he makes cheese.

I'm thankful for creativity in my family that never ceases to inspire me.

Sweet Morning

We did school yesterday, so decided to take today off instead. Judah will be in class at the school he goes to twice a week today and next week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Judah spent the night with my in-laws last night, so I attempted a little photoshoot with the little ones.



This was the first and only picture I got of the three of them. Right after I took this Samuel started crying and I didn't even notice Finley had bit him until he told me. This picture is evidence.



When you have three brothers you have to use a pirate eye patch as a teething toy.



Bat-uel cheered up soon after the bite.



Finley loved Samuel's mask.



Si-Si with his new big boy haircut (and milk mustache) courtesy of the Papa.



As we were taking pictures Judah was dropped off and excited about his new Toy Story shirt from Grandma.



I was more excited for a group picture than they were.



But, these boys were still silly.

Lets end this with an (uncoached) pose from Batman.



Today I met with our homeschool teacher. We homeschool through a Christian school (which is why Judah can go to class a few times a week), so we have a teacher that is available to us. I plan to do a little homeschool update within the next few days, because there's a lot that I'm processing, but for today I'm thankful for the opportunity to homeschool and stay home with my four little munchkins.

Birthday Wishlist

With my birthday coming up I wanted to make a wishlist (for the Papa), but I'm having the hardest time. Any ideas of pretty dresses?

Here are few things that have caught my eye.

A Diana+ Lens and Canon adapter. (Thanks to Rubyellen from Cakies for the idea!)


Skinny jeans from Urban Outfitters.


A pretty sweater dress from Anthropologie.

I think what I'd like most is to sleep in and a date with my husband. I like to think of myself as easy to please.

Today I'm thankful that my husband is self-employed. There are definitely pros and cons to self-employment, but I love his flexible hours and the ability for him to take certain days or times off, be there for important events, and to be his own boss. I'm thankful that my husband is a hardworking and self-motivated guy.

Today

I didn't do What I Wore Wednesday because of the broken cord, but you can check out my friend Kate's blog to see hers.

I'm thankful for a new cord! Back to regular photos tomorrow.

Oh, and I'm thankful for good friends and good food and coming home to a house of sleeping children. Thank you friends, thank you husband!

New (Baby) Shoes

Every girl loves shoes, right? Finley got two new pairs of shoes in the past few days. The first are a pair of Pedipeds (I can't find the picture online and my laptop cord broke, so you'll have to wait for a picture.)



She also got some adorable vintage moccasins from the Baubles and Bits Etsy Shop.

I'm thankful for a little doll baby girl that I get to play dress up with. So fun!

Give Thanks

I moved the leaf garland to another place in the living room and replaced it with this one. Another month, another banner, right?

I used vintage fabric for the rectangles, felt for the letters and bias tape for the top.

Today I'm thankful for me time, however rare it may be, and creative outlets. As a busy mom I treasure those times and, thanks to my husband, this weekend I had time for some sewing, two coffee dates, and shopping with my mom. In spite of the sicknesses we've been dealing with I actually feel refreshed.

(Read more about 30 Days of Thankfulness here and check out the blogs that are participating on the blogroll to the right.)

I'm linking to: Tea Rose Home, Making the World Cuter, Between Naps on the Porch, Sumo Sweet Stuff

Blessed

I'm thankful that even in the midst of hard stuff (Silas and Samuel have fevers now) my life is incredibly blessed.

(Read my "Smile List" on Richellephant Loves.)

The Sister

My baby sister is currently in the Army and deployed to Iraq. Right now she is on her two week leave and it's so good to have her here. We've missed her so much!

The last time my sister, Miranda (or "Aunt Reni," as the kids call her), was here was in December right when Finley was born. It's so fun for her to see my kids who, she says, look a lot bigger than 10 months ago.



Tonight some of us got together for dinner with Miranda. Here's the ladies doing a "sexy" pose (honestly, I just wanted Grams to do it). From right to left it is my cousin, Emma, my mom, Miranda, Finley and I, and Grams.

I am thankful for my sister and our time with her right now. We love you and are so proud of you, Miranda!

Two!

Thankful for two.


Two brings lots of mischief and fun, lots of laughing and giggling, and sleeps with all four "b's" (blankies) and kisses on the lips, then both cheeks.

Two says "Die-die" for SiSi, "Gee-Gee" for Samuel, "Fuh-fuh" for Finley and "Ju-Ju" for Judah (unless prompted, then says "Ju-duh."



Two prefers to pee outside, sits on top of their sister, and colors on the walls.



Two is the best big brother and the best little brother; is part baby and part big boy. Two isn't always welcome to play with the big brothers, because he messes up their games.

I love two!


If you're interested in participating in 30 Day of Thankfulness you can get more information here. Happy Weekend!

I'd Rather Pretend It Never Happened

Tonight I'm working on my Thankful post for today, but I'm way too distracted. Today's post will have to wait until tomorrow. Because, like Emily said, my heart is totally racing and my adrenaline is pumping.

Emily and her husband recently started a little Bible study and tonight was our night to host. It all went well, the kids had fun, everyone had left, and Eric and I and all the kids were in Silas' room getting everyone's jammies on when all the sudden Finley started choking. Her face turned red and she was crying, but at the same time gulping for her. My "cpr for the professional rescuer" training (to be a lifeguard) told me that if she was crying she was ok. But, the mommy in me was starting to panic. I told Eric I was worried and he said to take her to the ER. I said that if she really was choking we wouldn't have time to go to the ER, so maybe he should call 911.



He called 911, but I was telling him what to say, "Say she's choking. But, maybe she's ok. But, she's gulping for air. But, maybe she is ok."

He hung up and said they were on their way. I said, "Maybe you should call back and tell them not to come." He said they were already on their way.

Then, Emily and her family pulled up. Her daughter had forgotten her bear, so she came inside to get it while her husband and kids waited outside.



Then, they showed up. I didn't see outside, but I think there were two ambulances and a firetruck and about 10 EMTs and firefighters. And, a stretcher.

I know this isn't about me. Maybe me focusing on being embarrassed is my way of coping with what could have been. I'd rather be horrified at having all of these people in my house over "nothing" than think about the fact that they could have been here for "something."



So, that's what I'm thankful for. I'm so incredibly thankful for health. That Eric and I and all of our kids are healthy. We were at the ER for Samuel's finger, but more than anything that was just an annoyance. Judah was sick this week and that was another annoyance. My sweet baby girl is ok. I'm so thankful to God for His protection and for our health.

(These pictures are blurry because I can't get this girl to sit still for a second anymore. She's on the move!)