A Month of Thanks - Day 19

Today, I'm thankful for our home.  It may not be decorated perfectly in a way that reflects who we are... It may not be in the city that we desire most or even the part of town...  But it is our home.  The place we rest our head.  The place we have our quiet moments.  The place we make our greatest memories.  This home is special to us and it always will be.  It is our first home together.  And the house we brought home our first baby.  We made our house a loving home and that's what matters most.   

A Month of Thanks - Day 18

Today, I'm thankful for our neighbors.  We are so blessed that they are not only our neighbors, but our great friends.  We have been there for each other during some dark times and I'm so thankful God introduced us when he did.  I know we can always count of them and they us, no matter what happens in our lives. 

A Month of Thanks - Day 17

Today, I'm thankful for weddings.  Every time, Kris and I attend a wedding, we snuggle a little closer during the ceremony and reflect back on our wedding day and the vows we promised each other.  The day we became one was the absolute best day of my life and I'm thankful for how magical of a day it really was.

A Month of Thanks - Day 16

Today, I'm thankful that we have family that lives so close to us.  I'm thankful that they are always there for us when we need them most.  I know no matter what, if we need them, my parents will be there to lend a helping hand.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 15

Today, I'm thankful that Oskar and George love their sister almost as much as we do.  A fear that weighed heavily on me when Emeline came home was whether or not they will get along, be accepting of one another and eventually love each other.  I had my worries in the beginning...  We visited the vet for one of them every other week for 5 weeks with vomiting,  diarrhea and George even got round worms.  We had a liver scare with George as well, but it all turned out to be him adjusting to new life with a baby.  All of those costly vet trips were the boys adjusting to no longer being the center of our attention every day.  Now, if you know us, they are still the center of our world - we include them in everything we do with Emeline.  It's just an adjustment because their world will never be quite the same.  And now, they are embracing their new world as big brothers to Emeline.  It warms my heart to see them together.  George cuddles with Emeline and lets her pet him, he plays with her and they even share their toys.  Oskar is Emeline's protector, checking on her every chance he gets and when he see she's okay, he gives her a big kiss right on the lips and Emeline giggles.  She is absolutely fascinated by both of them.  Always trying to pet them and her eyes follow their every move.  All she has to do is look at one of them and her face lights up and she lets out her cute deep giggle.  Oh how I love my little family.  I'm so very blessed.  

Oskar check on Emeline every single time she's in the bath.

Just catching up on current affairs (literally these days) and petting her dog.  

Swapping toys and smiles with George. 

Cuddles with George 

More George cuddles

Oskar and Daddy cuddles

Kisses from George

Oskar and Emeline thinking, "what the heck is mom doing to us now".  

The boys making sure Grammy is taking care of their sister. 

Meeting Emeline for the very first time. 

And sweet kisses from Oskar make Emeline really happy!

And now you think I'm crazy!

A Month of Thanks - Day 14

Today, I am thankful for our housekeepers.  I'm thankful we found such a special family to help us.  Rosa, her husband  and her sister are so kind and loving towards Emeline and I (Kris is at work when they come).  They don't miss a detail and they even help out in sweet ways like emptying the dishwasher, folding laundry, bringing in the trash can on trash days and bringing in any packages we may have at the front door.  I'm just so grateful I can spend those extra hours or days with Emeline instead of worrying about cleaning my dirty house - which if you know me, I wouldn't be able to stand living in a dirty/messy house and neither would Kris!  Rosa and her family are one-of-a-kind and we are so lucky to have them.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 13

This is a silly one, but nonetheless, I'm thankful.

Today, I'm thankful for the crock-pot.  Yep, I said it - the crock-pot.  If you want something more general, then I'll say I'm thankful for modern amenities that make our lives easier.  It wasn't long ago that housewives were not able to enjoy this luxury.  I can prepare dinner in the morning, let it cook all day long, come and go as I please and dinner will be ready by 6pm.  I don't cook with the crock-pot as much as I should since there aren't many truly healthy dinners you can make with it, but when I do, I love it.  If you could guess, I used it today to cook some delicious pulled pork.  Another great new recipe - I'm on a roll!