Happy Thanksgiving!

First of all I wish all of you who are reading this, a beautiful Thanksgiving.  Stop and think of 3 things you are grateful for.  I've been doing this before I go to sleep each night, (I write them in a journal) and I think it's really powerful.

I woke up around 5am, as Joe wanted to get in some hunting before turkey time.  I have a few moments of silence while the babes still sleep.  I wanted to pop on and share a few gems from our week.

We've been so busy with Thanksgiving prep and festivities.  Preschoolers add a whole new level of fun and excitement!

Brooke helped make cranberry bread for her Thanksgiving Feast at Preschool.  My grandma's original recipe was using Pillsbury, but for some reason they no longer make it.  This came out pretty well!  We all love it and I can at least carry on the tradition.

I took a few photos with my iphone (I'll share some of the nicer photos next time, from my good camera!)

She made a vest and a headpiece, but was a little mad she couldn't just wear her fur vest! (Totally my kid.)

The teachers even made us moms and dads pilgrim hats.  I also received my very first homemade necklace.  I had to choke back the tears about 3 times that day.  I am so grateful to be able to spend these moments with Brooke.

We made a potato turkey {she wanted to eat all the marshmallows & gummies!}

Wednesday I met up with my sister briefly at a mall and the kids got to play a bit.  I felt bad because I've been busy cleaning and prepping so it was good to get them out of the house a bit.

And today?  Today I will host my first Thanksgiving.  I'm trying very hard not to stress.  I am a little nervous about the timing of the turkey; there seems to be a million different methods on how to make the perfect one, and I just don't want it to finish too early or not be done on time.  I'm sure it will all work out, but ahhhh! I'm so excited to have friends and family over.  It may not be 100% ideal, as I wish more family and I were together, but I will focus on what we have and be thankful for all of it.

I'm going to start a new tradition of making these Thanksgiving morning.  If I had more time I would totally make them from scratch; maybe next year.  I'm sure my curly haired babes won't mind either way.

Have a blessed & bountiful day my friends!

Thankful Thursday

{Joe snapped this shot in his tree stand on our land!}

I have so much to be grateful for and it's no joke that the more I focus on what we have, the happier I am.  It's easy to look around and have a million wants and get frustrated when all I think about is what we don't have...and then it usually spirals down and makes me grumpy.  So I've been trying very very hard to not think about what we don't have and focus on what we do.  Gratitude brings in more light, more riches, more abundant and radiant love---try it!

I'm thankful for...

...two healthy and strong children

...for both a little girl and a little boy.  I've always wanted one of each!

...a hardworking husband who can provide us with our lifestyle, especially for me to stay home.

...a man who really understands me, teaches me, and grows along side of me.

...my sisters and so grateful my youngest has been given a second chance at life.

...warm green tea; soothes a scratchy throat!

...my morning and night walks with our little Holly.

...a really comfortable bed to snuggle into each night.

...our really reliable babysitter who allows me some free time when I need her!

...avocados because they make clean eating SO much easier.

...girlfriends.  We may not get to talk and hangout as much as we used to, but when we do, my heart is so happy!

...for my mom to come visit again really soon!

...the preschool teachers Brooke has--they are old school and amazing and I adore them.

...books. I am so happy to have my mind travel places I never expected it to.

...my grandma owl having a relationship with my daughter; that's pretty special.

...my health.  I have a few annoyances, but overall I'd say I'm pretty healthy.

...this breakthrough with Crohn's Disease. Hopefully they'll have a cure soon.

...probiotics.  I am fairly certain they've helped Joe more than we even know.

...my salt lamp. I swear I've been less anxious since I plugged one into our office.

...Fall.  The leaves are starting to turn and it's so pretty.

...our land! I cannot wait to build a house. 

...time and patience.  Sometimes you just need to wait things out.

...my side hustles. It's so nice to make a little extra money on my own!

...firewood so we can make lots of cozy fires this Winter.

...makeup & accessories to feel a little more put together even I when I'm not.

...my life.  It's beautiful and messy and creative; full of love and happiness.

What are you thankful for this Thursday?