What Thanksgiving Means to Me....

So if you know me, you know and realize that blogging is therapeutic for me. I love to document life in words and with photos. I don't have enough time to scrapbook anymore, so I do it this way digitally. I just always want to highlight the important moments as they come. Thanksgiving is like a Birthday that comes every year. Usually people say the same things over and over that they are thankful for. I don't think I have ever written out fully things I am thankful for. They may seem like what you always hear, but they are so important to everyone, especially me. Not only am I Thankful but also Grateful.
1. I am thankful for God who takes care of me, provides for me and loves me no matter what on a daily basis.
2. I am thankful for my wonderful family...Kinley and Kale have become Brandon and I's world. I am thankful they have a mother and father who love them like we do and have the desire to grow with them in more ways than one. I am thankful for the trials we face as a family and the love we share each day. I could not do any day without Brandon by my side.
3. I am also thankful for our parents, the kids grandparents. They have taught us so much as people and in life. They love our children like a love I am so eager to one day experience. Our kids aunts and uncles have such a place in my heart too. I do know what it is to love a niece or nephew...the relationship that cousins build is priceless! The times they spend are moments to treasure and memories in the making.
4. I am thankful for our health. I have been thinking about this so much more here recently. We are so lucky. My heart hurts for those having to battle some sort of illness that hinders their daily life.
5. I am thankful for my friends. You all know what a social butterfly I am and where would I be without the phone or without making plans? I love all my girls and miss you often all the same!
6. I am thankful for my new team and school. I love the children with whom I spend my day with, and the ladies who work as a team sharing every step of the way and the parents of these kiddos!
7. I am thankful for my loved ones who have passed and are in a much better place than I am. I very much miss my Nana in particular but feel her presence when needed!
8. I am thankful for the home in which we live, but also for the home Brandon and I have built together. Our home is not perfect but is built with love and endurance. We strive to show that we are grateful for all we have and hope to instill that in Kinley and Kale.
I wish all my Family and Friends a Magical Holiday Season filled with love and hope for what the next year may bring.

Grandma's Quilt

My sister in law and I have been working on making a special gift for our Grandma Mac this Christmas. Grandma is such a special lady. She has 9 Great Grandchildren (with 1 on the way) on just our side of the family. I think it is sooooo very neat that we have her with us and cherish the times we spend. We were discussing gifts for everyone this year and Michaela had the idea to give her some kind of blanket since she is always cold. She wanted to give her one with some meaning. As soon as Mere got wind of the idea she ran with it. She must already be in nesting mode! She has worked so hard to make each child's square on the quilt reflect their personality. The squares are now being monogrammed with each babies name and birthdate. I cannot wait to see how it turns out. I also cannot wait to see the look on Grandma's face as she opens this special surprise.

Family Time

My Dearest Kinley,

I cannot believe you are now 4 years old. I love to remember your tiny toes, loud cries and sweet coos! I love knowing life with you a part of every moment. Your love for learning, your caring for others and sweet smile make my heart whole. I am so proud of who you are and what you are becoming. Even today when you got all your big girl shots...you were so strong. That is my favorite part about you. I cannot wait to see what this year may hold for us. Love you always and forever to the moon and back...promise, promise.

Kin's 4th Birthday at Storybrook Ranch

I think I might have been just as excited as Kin for this Birthday bash! It was so much fun and the kids seemed to really enjoy it all. It was a perfect brisk fall morning. Thank you to everyone who was a part of this day! It was a special one as always.

Brotherly, Sisterly Love!!!

This picture was taken last week...but it says so much! It brings a smile to my face. They love each other so much right now (most of the time). They look out for each other, protect one another and laugh until the house shakes. I love that I am cooking dinner and look up to see Kinley giving brother his gymnastics routine while jumping off the living room couch. If I could only freeze time....

Best Daddy in the World...

Brandon could not wait for Kale's Birthday this year! He was ready for him to have some "boy toys" like trains, trucks and anything but pink. After Kale got so many nice toys for his birthday, Brandon decided he had to have a train table for his tracks. He worked so hard to make this for Kale. The look on Kale's face was priceless. Tonight was a rainy cold night and Kale played upstairs with his new toys for hours. We are so lucky to have the Daddy we do. Thank you Brandon for making the kids smile everyday. You have done so much for our family and we love you.