30 Days of Thanks-Day 9

November 9, 2013-Today I am thankful for our warm and cozy home.  The wind is whipping outside and we are having a lazy afternoon inside.  I am thankful that Dave talked me into our home 5 years ago.  Of course I loved the house, but being the logical one who writes the bills each month, I wasn't sure that we could handle it.  We have been very blessed our first 5 years here and we look forward to raising our kids here for years to come. 

30 Days of Thanks-Day 8

November 8, 2013-Today I am thankful for my baby sister on her 21st birthday!  I remember the day my mom and dad told my brother and I that we were going to have a baby brother or sister very vividly as well as the day she was born.  Doug and I had gone into their room on a weekend morning to try and get them to get up like we often did (my children are paying me back for this now so...I apologize mom and dad;)  They showed us an ultrasound picture and asked if we knew what it was.  We were so excited.  I remember going to Wal-Mart with my dad and I got to buy her a little pair of white shoes.  The day she was born we had gone swimming with some family friends.  They went to take us home and mom and dad were gone; of course this was before the time of cell phones!  We drove out to the hospital and saw our car in the parking lot so our friends took us back to their house for the evening.  Dad called a while later and told us our baby sister was here then came and got us later that night.  I was as excited, at just one month shy of being 10 years old, to have a baby sister as I am today, just one month shy of being 31 years old.  She has grown into a beautiful woman and is talented beyond belief.  She is a wonderful auntie to our kids and a great Godmother to Wyatt.  Though we miss her here at home, I am thankful she is off getting a wonderful college education.  I am thankful she has found her future hubby and wish them many years of happiness.  Happy Birthday baby sister, I love you dearly!

30 Daysof Thanks-Day 7

November 7, 2013-Today I am thankful for my brother.  Of course we had our differences when we were younger but now he is one of my best friends.  Maybe it was the horrible punishment my parents used to give us when we were fighting; we had to sit on the couch and hold hands and it was pure torture to both of us.  There is so much comfort in knowing he is just a few blocks and/or a phone call away.  He has helped us out more times than I can count.  I am so thankful that we have been able to either be there together or take turns being at different appointments with mom.  I love that he and Dave are such good friends.  I love that when we talk on the phone we say, "love ya" before we hang up.  I am thankful that he is Grace & Wyatt's Godfather.  I am so thankful that he moved to Green Bay and had the opportunity to meet Sarah; I couldn't ask for a better sister-in-law, she is the perfect addition to our family.  I hope that my kids will always have the support of each other as I do from my brother (and sister-in-law and sister, but more on that tomorrow:)  He is going to be such a good daddy to his twins. 

 

30 Days of Thanks-Day 6

November 6, 2013-Today I am thankful for my parents.  They are the truest example of what love and marriage are all about.  To say the last year has been hard for them would be an understatement, but they remain positive and keep a sense of humor through it all.  I am so incredibly proud to be their daughter and so very grateful that we are able to see them most days.  Not many parents will pick up and move close to 1000 miles to be able to be close to their kids and grandkids.  I am thankful that my mom was always home with us when we were young and that my dad has always had a very good job that provided for all of us and allowed mom to be home with us.  I'm thankful for the college education they gave me.  I am thankful that my kids have gotten to develop such wonderful relationships with the both of them, it truly fills my heart with joy watching them.  I am thankful for all the wonderful memories I have from childhood to now with them.  I could go on and on but I could never really put into words what they both mean to me.  Like my mom always tells the kids, I love them to the moon and back, moon and back, moon and back again:)

30 Days of Thanks-Day 5

November 5, 2013-Today I am thankful for Wyatt John Reed.  This little boy fills a space in my heart that I didn't know was there.  I just wish I could stop the clock with him; he is a complete joy to our family.  I love watching him discover something new everyday or make one of his new noises.  His sweet little face just melts my heart.  Although he is only 4 months old, he has touched our lives is so many ways.  I love my little man with all my heart. 

30 Days of Thanks-Day 4

November 4, 2013-Today I am thankful for Grace Lori Reed.  Grace is the perfect combination of sweetness, humor, caring, and a little naughtiness all rolled into one to make a perfect little girl.  She lives each day to it's fullest, never worrying about what's next, she just lives in the moment.  She is my child who would give you the last bite from her plate even if it was her most favorite treat in the world.  She has the most beautiful eyes and looong eyelashes that make it impossible to be mad at her.  She can always bring a smile to your face and heart, even on tough days.  I am so thankful this little ball of fire is mine:)

30 Days of Thanks-Days 1-3

November 1, 2013- Today, and everyday of course, I am thankful for God and my Catholic faith.  Throughout the last year or so, there have been times when I have felt "mad" at God and wondered why he put my mom and our family through all of this.  There have been weeks that it has been difficult to sit through church because you just feel like giving up on it...if this is what going to church every week and trying your best to be a good person gets you, then why bother?   Though all of these things have crossed my mind, I can't imagine going on this journey without my faith in God.  I will never understand the 'why' of all of this but if my mom can keep her faith through it all then I know I can as well.  I am thankful that God never gives up on me and I trust that he will take care of our family. 

November 2, 2013-Today I am thankful for my husband.  I know I drive him crazy most days but he loves me unconditionally.  We make a good team and our personalities balance our relationship out well.  It hasn't always been easy and we have been through some pretty tough times together but we know God put us both in Wyoming 10 years ago for a reason.  He works hard for our family and is a great dad to our kids.  I love you Mr. Reed! 

 

November 3, 2013-Today I am thankful for Madisyn Kaci Reed. She is a beautiful girl, both inside and out and is so amazingly smart.  She has such a kind spirit that makes me so very proud of her.  She doesn't see that kids are "different" and always makes sure to include kids who are being left out.  She is an amazing big sister and is so helpful to me, I don't know what I would do without her.  I am so thankful God choose to make me her mom.