He is my Thankful.

The past week has been as fast as a NASCAR race. My mind and body have been going so fast that I have not been able to stop and process much. On the one hand that is good, on the other, it is bad. 


I need an internal vacation. The good thing about that is that it costs nothing. The problem is that even for the next 7 days, I cannot see a break in site. My mind, body and soul desperately need it and need relief from the nonstop exhaustion. 


As I drove home tonight and finally pulled up in the driveway at 9 pm, I realized that I was having difficulty finding my thankful thought for today. But as I stepped into the house and found Jason home with dinner waiting, kids ready for bed and open arms to allow me to melt - I knew I'd "found my thankful."


It was him. :) 


I've been meaning to post a blog in his honor for a while. I don't typically blog about him or about our relationship. It is sacred to me and I protect it with everything I have. Put simply, he is the one. My best friend, the one that gets me, reads me, knows my motives, fears, dreams sometimes even before I do. 


The following song videos are our songs. The first one is a Matthew West song called I Do:


There must be a God, I believe its true.
Cause I can see His love, when I look at you.
And he must have a plan for this crazy life.
Because He brought you here and placed you by my side.

chorus:
And I have never been so sure of anything before,
Like I am in this momment here with you
Now for better or for worse are so much more than only words
And I pray everyday will be the proof
That I mean what I say when I say 'I do'
Yeah I mean what I Say when I say 'I do'

You see these hands you hold, will always hold you up
When the strength you have just aint strong enough
And what tomorrow brings, only time will tell
But I will stand by you in sickness and in health 




The second is a NKOTB song called Close To You. It was our song especially during the time in our relationship that was long distance. It described perfectly how we felt during the long weeks before seeing each other again. 


I know that it's hard (I know that it's hard)
To see me go (To see me go)
To see me standing so close to the door

I know it's hard when I'm far away
But I promise you when I get back,
I'll stay (I'll stay)...

Close to your hands, close to your legs
Close to the way your body fits on the bed
Close to your hips, close to your lips
Close to the only one I can't resist
Close to your laugh, close to words
Giving you everything I know you deserve
Close to you, baby, close to your world, close to you

There are times in your life when you just know that God put someone in your life in order to make you a better person, show you a love you've never known, and to remind you that you are deserving of it all. 

He is my thankful. Always.

xoxoxo 

Bootiful Winner!

I'm a loser. 


It took me forever to get this blog posted. 


Ok, I'm not a loser, just a busy working mom of 3. I wish I had more time, but alas all I've been praying for lately is HEALTH for my family. 


So, our "Bootiful GIrls" Winner is. . . . . . . FAIRY PRINCESS GARDEN!


Here's her best girl advice: 


". . .  remind them as they grow up is to be TRUE to themselves always, their values, beliefs and dreams. No matter what you go thru, what happens and how you react this will help keep you grounded and moving forward."


Thanks to everyone who has participated! I'm working on at least 3 more giveaways, so stay tuned! :) My next giveaway will involve something I LOVE LOVE LOVE! (and very possibly will be autographed by the owner!)

Girls Are Bootiful!

There is nothing quite like having a little girl. In my case, little girls. 


I'm not sure why, but it's such a huge responsibility holding that precious little bundle of love in your arms. I guess it could be because you know at some point you'll have to "give her away" to someone else, so it seems like your time with her is already limited. 


I will never forget the moment I found out I was having a girl. What would I do with one after growing up with brothers? I wasn't what you'd call a girly-girl either, so I was already anti-pink.
I was use to riding three wheelers, jet skiing and playing softball. I'm pretty sure I didn't play with a Barbie. Ever.  


It didn't take long for me to fit right into the role God intended. Before long I realized what a treasure it was to be able to have girls. Now, 10 years later, we are all extra girly and proud of it. We sparkle and shine with the best of them. 


Tonight as I was running the track in the moonlight, I saw a tall shadow in front of me. The figure had long legs, bouncy hair and began skipping along. I almost cried. 10 years ago she was this itty-bitty little thing and now here she is on the verge of pre-teen hood. I ran up to her, hugged her, told her I loved her and how proud I am of her. 


I also reminded her to always remember to be herself, to run her own race, and to remember that people that follow the crowd don't make an impact and that even when it's hard to do what she knows it best.  I reminded her that it's always the ones who think outside the box, are a little bit different than the others, the ones who steadily set their sights on a goal and aren't afraid to take risks that make the biggest differences in the world.  


I hope she remembers just 1/2 of what I tell her. 


So, in honor of all the sweet little girls out there and the fact that they do eventually grow up, my friend, Tiffany, is helping me do a giveaway! 


Here is the prize: 

Here is the way to enter: 


1. Be a follower of this blog
2. Visit Tiffany's website
3. Go follower her blog
4. Comment here your best piece of advice for the girl in your life - 20 words or less. 


We'll pick a winner Friday, October 15th and have your prize sent to you so you can enjoy this cute bow and a crochet headband for Halloween! 


**Thank you, Tiffany! Visit Tiffany's etsy site here! 

Of Course, I'm thankful.

Today begins my annual 40 Days of Thankfulness. Check out my Facebook group and join in if you'd like!


I always love what this exercise does for myself, personally. As the mom of 3, wife of a man that I love with all my heart, and a team member in bringing home "the bacon" I find myself sometimes drowning in the stuff that life often brings during the fall. 


Illness
Holidays
School functions
Illness
Work, work, work
Family
Illness


Then, I reflect back on some of life's toughest times and wonder if I really was as thankful during it all as I should've been. Death. Divorce. Broken Relationships. Financially broke. Hurtful words. 


It's easy to be thankful when prayers are being answered, everyone is well, money is abundant, and things seem to be "just right."


But what about when someone you love is gone in an instant? 
What about when someone you love is terminally sick? Or when you find out you are the one with the illness that will take months to treat?
What about if you lose your home? Your job? Your livelihood?


As humans we have a tendency to become very selfish in times of hardship. It's easy to have the attitude of entitlement. It can be natural to think that we are owed all of the good. It's easy to become angry with God, others, or ourselves or to push the blame onto someone other than ourself. 


But just like everything else, we must be disciplined in our thoughts and words, especially to ourselves. 


This is why I think the 40 days is so powerful. Yes, we are throwing our positive thoughts out to the world, but most importantly we are consciously reminding ourself daily what is important, what is not worth the time, what things make life worthwhile, and how even the "bad" things in life really are important to get us through our own personal journey. 


An attitude of gratitude really does bring about a sense of peace, a feeling of balance, and a sense of security that nothing else in life can give us. 


So, will you join me?