Thanksgiving 2012

I am determined to catch up in my blog posting. I have quite a few entries I'd like to post, however, I've had a hard time getting motivated to do so. I have the time at night to sit down and type but I am finding myself kind of avoiding it. And then tonight, as I uploaded our Thanksgiving pictures and was reminded of our first holiday without our dear Tucka, it kinda hit me. I never posted anything about the loss our family suffered in July. Of course you, my friends and family, all know that my amazing Tucka passed away and I've talked plenty about it, but I think because I avoided discussing it on the blog it was causing me some sort of block. And I am sure that sounds totally crazy, because what the heck does that have to do with a post regarding Macy turning 7 months old, but it does. It's just been this underlying theme in my life the past few months as we adjust to life without him. By not writing about his passing I haven't been able to "speak" easily and therefore the posts just weren't coming. So in addition to the other holiday and monthly posts I have in my mind to write I think I just added another one - a little something about Tucka, a post for the girls to read when they are older. Hopefully that will help me get over my loss for words and the healing process too! Ok, moving on.

Thanksgiving 2012 - Macy's first time sitting at the dinner table! Such a big girl!

Thank you to the Jacobs for hosting such a nice turkey day. Tucka's absence was obviously felt all around but we still managed to have a nice day and a delicious meal. Thank you again to Aussie and Michael for making the families favorite - our traditional stuffing. Oh, and the creamed corn. Such a treat. Irvine Ranch did all the other hard work and I have to say - they did a great job. I can only imagine how much work goes into preparing all that food and I think "The Girls" (Aussie, My Mom, and Dee) were smart to decide to order the majority of our dinner from Irvine Ranch! Go team!

Macy's 1st Thanksgiving

Ruby with our linked chain which was made of things we were each thankful for. 

I'd say we are a pretty blessed group!

In November I took part in a photo a day challenge thru Instagram. 30 days of Thanksgiving. What a great idea someone had. Here are 25 five of my 30 things that I am thankful for (because I couldn't figure out how to include 30 pictures in the collage)

1. The chance to stay home and be a full-time mom

2. Ruby's excitement for learning

3. Macy's sweet & happy disposition

4. A daddy who reads bedtime stories every night

5. When asked at school what she was thankful for, Ruby said ME!

6. A couple days of much needed family time

7. Our day at Sea World as a family. Hearing Ruby say, "That's amazing!"

8. The chance to see things through Ruby's eyes. Priceless

9. Warm jammies, a cozy fireplace, and a working heater on a cold night

10. Grandma Bennett's Black Oil Cake - and that Aussie bakes it perfectly

11. 6 Months with beautiful Macy

12. My parents - they are extraordinary

13. My amazing girlfriends. Good people! (and great Aunties!)

14. A husband who enjoys being a dad

15. Friday mornings @ MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) 

16. A hubs who took his two girls to church with him while I spent time with friends

17. Modern medicine and a day with two naps

18. Being the mommy to girls and getting to dress them up

19. My spunky 3.5 year old & her vivid imagination

20. My family of four & two wonderful Thanksgiving dinners with our families

21. Nana & Papa who are always willing to babysit

22. Skype & the chance to stay in touch with Uncle Joshie & Auntie Lulu

23. My camera, a gift from Tucka

24. The swing at Moon Park

25. The roof above our head

The above quote summed up exactly what I learned in this process. My life is so full of blessings. And I hope to carry this lesson with me and practice an attitude of gratitude. I strive to be a better role model for Ruby and Macy in appreciating all of the blessings we have been given instead of always looking for more.