Day 13: A Fireman's Schedule

There are advantages and disadvantages to the schedule of a fireman but today I am thankful for the advantage that when he is off we are able to spend the day together doing family activities. Today we went down to the Newport Dunes and walked/ran around while Mary slept in the stroller. It is a random Wednesday and we are blessed to have Eric home and spending time with us so I am feeling thankful for a fireman's schedule today.

Day 12: The Bob

Today I am thankful for The Bob jogging stroller. It has allowed me to
get out for a run the last several days. I missed running and it feels
so good to get going again. The best part is that it is such a smooth
ride that my little girl loves to sit and look around as we go. I
wasn't sure how hard it would be to run with my hand on a stroller but
actually I prefer it. It keeps my posture more upright which is ideal
for running. Maybe this is just further proof that I am meant to be a
mom :)

Day 11- Veterans and 2016

I didn't get a chance to write yesterday so I will post two things I am thankful for today

First of course is all who have served our country, my awesome father in law being one such brave man. I thank you for your willingness to defend this great country and I pray that one day it will once again be the country you fought for: a place that protects life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

And on that note the second thing I am thankful for is that 2016 isn't too far away ;-) Let's take back this great country! Sorry to get political but that's what I'm thankful for :)

day 9- Edit

Today I am thankful that the iPhone Facebook app now has an edit
feature. Totally lame I know but I'm the queen of typos and mistaken
auto corrects so I'm thankful I can now edit my posts. It's the
little things in life sometimes...

Day 8- My friend Kelli

Today I am thankful for my friend Kelli! I am reminded today how
thankful I am because I am going through a huge box of awesome hand me
downs from her daughters but I am thankful for her for so many more
reasons. She has always been such a wonderful, loving and supportive
friend! We have seen each other grow and go through life and I can't
imagine life without her! From hanging out after finishing a high
school play to singing songs about bird houses, making cake pops and
running half marathons I love you my dear friend and I am so thankful
for you!

At my baby shower that Kelli helped plan

Day 7- My Girlfriends

Today I am thankful for my girlfriends! Raising children is hard enough, then add in the challenges of today's culture and it can look near impossible to raise saints. The world really is working against us in so many ways. I am so thankful though that I have the most amazing girlfriends to raise kids with. My baby is still so young but already we are able to encourage and support each other in our common goal of raising kids who are holy. We have an ongoing group text message where we can send out parenting questions , funny stories, or prayer requests and immediately have 4 other moms respond with love. We had a play group today (we missed you Andi!) and one of the moms taught the kids a lesson on the Saints. The older kids amazed me as they were able to name so many Saints that they love. Later on the playground I heard them pretending to be the Saints they learned about. It made my heart smile to see these little ones already so excited about their faith. I am so thankful for you Jacque, Chantal, Jen, and Andi! Together I know we can combat the culture and raise little Saints!

Some of the group at today's playdate

I approve of this budding romance ;-)

Day 6- My mother-in-law and Auntie Marcy

Today I am thankful for my mother-in-law and Eric's Aunt Marcy.

My mother-in-law drove around trip 30 minutes twice today to take Eric, Mary, and I to get my car fixed at a mechanic down by where they live. Not only did she chauffeur us around but she had food prepared for us for lunch when we got to her house. I write that I am thankful for her today but really I am thankful for her every day! So many people have mother-in-law horror stories but I could not have asked for a more wonderful mother-in-law. She is a woman of great faith and virtue and great role model to me. For her I am VERY thankful.

Today I am also thankful for Eric's Aunt Marcy. She has her own hair salon just a few minutes from where Eric's parents live and was able to give me a last minute haircut today. I haven't had my hair cut since before Mary was born so if feels so nice to have it all trimmed up and healthy! To top it off she is so fun to chat with and it was great to catch up with someone who is family while getting beautified!

My mother-in-law 

(Isn't she a beauty?)

Auntie Marcy

(liking her lips in anticipation of my desserts :)