Thirty Days of Thanks

You may have seen the things I am thankful for floating around out there on facebook and twitter. Well, I'm on the bandwagon. On my personal FB page I have been posting something I am thankful for each day for the entire month of November. Here on the last day of the month I want to share them all with you.

 

1. Today I am thankful for my husband. He may be a pain in my butt and drive me crazy sometimes but I wouldn't know what to do without him. Hes my best friend and the best Daddy Grayson could ask for.

 

2. Today I am thankful for these beautiful ladies who help keep me sane at work. I never thought that when I got my job I would get the best group of friends around.

 

 

3. Today I am thankful for the fact that my in-laws got to be a part of Graysons first real Halloween. It was great that they got to take him trick or treating and carve his pumpkin with him, living so far away they don't always get those chances!

 

4. Today I am thankful for my two fur babies that I love so much and who put up with so much abuse from Grayson and still love him to pieces.

 

5. Today I am thankful that I have the right to vote and that I use it. I am also thankful to not have to see political ads tomorrow! Woo!

 

6. Today I am actually thankful for the crazy kiddos I teach. They give me a reason to love my job and make me glad to go to work in the morning. Plus some of them even love me so much they come back for a second, and some even a third, straight year. ;-)

 

7. Today I am thankful for the four friends that I have that have been there forever. One since birth, one since kindergarten and two from freshman year of college. These are the people who I know will be there if I need anything- from an ear to listen to smudging the prints at a crime scene and I love them all.

 

8. Today I am thankful for the simple things in life. Wet baby mooches, the smell of clean laundry and the sound of leaves crunching under foot on a walk to the park :)

 

9. Today I am thankful for all the wonderful Veterans who defend our freedom. Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you made for all of us.

 

10. Today I am thankful for the bank calling to ask if it was me who purchased four airline tickets to Turkey on our bank account. As much as I need a good vacation, this was one trip I wasn't invited on.

 

11. Today I am thankful for our warm beds we have to snuggle up in each and every night.

 

12. Today I am thankful for the Fraud department of PNC who called to say they put all of the money back in our checking account- yay for having money again!

 

13. Today I am thankful for my Momma.  Not only did she raise me and pick out my husband- but she does so much for Grayson and without her we would be lost!!

 

14. Today I am thankful that the Ambridge/Alliquippa bridge re-opens tomorrow. Insert happy dance here!!

 

15. Today I am thankful for Panera Iced Tea. I don't know why you are so delicious, but thank you for being so good!!

 

16. Today I am thankful for Lysol Antibacterial Kitchen Spray.  I think I use this stuff on every surface of my house since my child thinks its perfectly acceptable to eat off of the floor.

 

17. Today I am thankful for photos. I cant remember my baby being his 7 pound 11 ounce size, so I'm ever so grateful for the fact that I can scroll back and remember all of those moments.

 

18. Today I am thankful for all of the people who read my blog. For all of the emails, comments and the love that they send my way that pick me up on my down moments and make me feel like they are all my friends. I love sharing my life with you guys, and I'm glad you like reading about it.

 

19. Today I am thankful for sweatpants. My go to clothes when I come home that are oh so cozy and warm.

 

20. Today I am thankful for our big old house. It may be a project and a half but it keeps a roof over our head and is filled from the bottom to the top with love. Its where we got engaged, came home to married, and brought our babies (fur and real) home to become our family.

 

21. Today I am thankful for five day breaks from school.

 

22. Today I am thankful for the food that graces our table and the people that gather around it.

 

23. Today I am thankful for being able to get my black Friday deals and steals online so I don't have to stand out in the cold and throw some elbows to get Grayson his Christmas toys.

 

24. Today I am thankful for the days my husband doesn't have to work.  I love having him here and getting to spend time as a family.

 

25. Today I am thankful for the jobs that we both have. Its a great thing when you can love your job, and we are lucky in this house that both of us love what we do.

 

26. Today I am thankful for the baby friends that Grayson has, like Marley. Her Momma and I were lucky enough to grow up together and I'm so thankful they have the chance to do the same. 

 

 

27. Today I am thankful for our families near and far that we love unconditionally.

 

28. Today I am thankful for all of the Christmas decorations and Christmas Movies that are filling my house and heart with Christmas spirit.

 

29. Today I am thankful for our neighbors. We may not live in the best neighborhood in the eyes of many, but we hands down have the best neighbors anyone could ask for. They make us food, put up with our Christmas lights, love our son and invite us into their homes and lives. We love them, and it is only for them that I don't ever want to move.

 

30. I have saved the thing for which I am most thankful for today, my Grayson Boy. He is the light of our lives and he fills my days with love and purpose.  In the short 14 months he has been on this Earth he has had such an impact on everyone around him and changed our lives for the better.  I cant remember life before you came along, little boy, and I'm glad Ill never have to. I love getting to show you things and expierience things through your eyes. Words cant even describe how thankful I am that he picked me to be his Mommy. I love you, Bubbers.

 

 



Wordless Wednesday- Thanksgiving 2012!

First Haircut!

A few weeks ago Hubs started mentioning he wanted to get Grayson's hair cut.  Now, the kid doesn't have gobs of hair, but he was starting to get a little baby mullet. I was apprehensive though, because I didn't want him to be grown up quite yet. Eventually I caved and off we went to Little Snips for our first baby trim (seriously, they couldn't even give me a lock of hair, it was more like little wisps).

 

All ready to go in the police car- they also had a tractor, plane, taxi and something else I cant remember.

Before- The baby mullet

The lip. We were not too sure of this lady.

 

Attempting to free himself.

 



Thumbs Up- I found toys, I'm cool now Mom! Once he realized there were toys in the little car he was content to sit there and let her cut his hair.

After- the mohawk is back in full force.

 

Cant believe this kid is growing so fast- it breaks my heart!



Sweet Baby Jean Hair Accessories- I so need a girl.

A few weeks ago, I needed a little girl baby shower present for a co-worker. I knew I wanted something fun and super girly- since those are things I never get to purchase 'round these parts.

 

Enter Sweet Baby Jean Hair Accessories.

 

 

 

 

Stephanie Jean, the wonderfully talented Mama behind Sweet Baby Jean, is an immensely creative and crafty lady. She was inspired to start making hair accessories once her sweet little nugget, Adina, came into the world and she hasn't stopped since. She has even branched out to making tutus, adult headbands, toddler bows and ear warmers.

 

I looked all over Etsy, and I couldn't find a better price on headbands that were as cute and detailed as Sweet Baby Jean. I saw alot that I liked, but I didn't see exactly what I wanted so I took a chance and reached out to her for a custom order. I told her that I knew I wanted something pink and extremely girlie, but that was all (hey, I'm a boy Mama, I may never get to buy pink and frilly!). She came up with the design and when she described it to me, it was perfect. I knew I couldn't wait to get it.  Stephanie was so easy to work with, and when I told her I needed it in a rush she didn't miss a beat. I placed my order on Monday and it was in my mailbox on Thursday- at no extra charge for a rush order!

 

When it arrived, I was SO impressed with the quality of the piece. I paid $10.00- and she could have EASILY charged $20. Each flower was hand sewn, and in the softest fabric ever. The liner on the back was soft felt and kept all of the stitches and rough edges hidden. She even put the time in to place a gem in the center of each flower, adding that little bit of sparkle.

 

 

I was so tempted to make Grayson wear this. I was that in love. Luckily, my kid wont hold still long enough for me to even have attempted getting this on his head. Stephanie was kind enough to share a photo of her little Adina (gah, how cute is she?!?) modeling the headband so I could see how it will look on the new bean-to be. My co-worker loved it, and even asked for Stephanie's card so she could order more

 

 

 If you're looking for some Christmas gifts you really want to check her out.  Ive been all over Etsy (just ask my credit card) and Stephanie is one of the absolute best sellers I have come across! I already intend to order some custom ear warmers for some big girls on my shopping list, and possibly for myself as well!

 

Check out her Facebook page HERE and her Etsy Site HERE!!

 



A Boy Momma

A few months ago I had a conversation with my 12 year old sweet baby cousin when they came to visit. He told me that he was really glad I had a boy, because that's what he wished I would have.   

 

 

When I first found out I was pregnant I wished wished wished for a baby girl. I had her name picked out (still do, and if the next kiddo is a boy I may stick him with it on principle), her room was planned (it was white, pink and shabby chic to the core), and I was already buying dresses online. Then I had my ultrasound and the lady gleefully announced "We have out door pluming!"

 

What the heck was I going to do with a boy? 

 

I was going to understand how to play trucks, blocks, and ball. I was going to be outnumbered when it comes to watching Sports Center on TV. I was going to learn how to aim that little weenie down into the diaper, and to change him at lightning speeds when it is cold out. I was going to see the fun in playing in a bucket of nails, hammering a piece of wood, and digging in the dirt.  I was going to see the fun in buying boy clothes and dressing him like a little man from his hat down to his sneakers.

 

I really hope that someday I get to be a girl Momma...but right now I'm totally okay with the trucks, balls and trains.  Im a Boy Momma, and I'm proud of it.

 

 

 I remember when this chucklehead was the same size as Grayson- how is it possible that hes this big already?!

Halloween 2012

My little dragon trick or treated like a champ. Well, let me rephrase that. He didn't like it, until he realized people were putting candy in his bucket. Then....

He was a Trick or Treating Machine.

 

Let's back up. Grandma and Grandpa were in town, and because of Hurricane Sandy they pushed back our town's Trick or Treat until Saturday. So we saved the Pumpkin carving and candy grabbing activities for them to share in. Its nice to be able to do things like that when they live so far away- feel free to move closer!!

 

Yeah, Pap- Im not so sure of that stuff.

Taking a peek...will he do it? 

Touching the guts!

Checking out Daddy's handiwork. 

 

 

Shoving him in a pumpkin, just like last year. This year both the Bean and the Pumpkin are bigger...but he didnt fit so well this year.

 

After Pumpkins were carved and bellies were full- it was time to go get some candy!

 

Practicing our Dragon Growl.

Nice, Daddy. 

Pappy and Grammy dressed as hippies to take him trick or treating- and he was terrified.

Our first real haul- complete with a super nice treat bag from our favorite neighbors!