A Little Confession

Ok, a big confession. I have the best intentions in all that I do. But I am starting to realize that I am real. A real person who would like to improve herself. I wish that I was the perfect mother and woman. But I know I'm not. I'm not a good blogger. I tried blogging daily about what I am thankful for and quickly got behind. I'm not a good cook. I tried making my own baby food, but Rea seemed to not care for what I was offering. I want to start getting serious with photography, but I'm afraid that I won't be good enough. I started selling jewelry, but I don't like it as much anymore. I worry all the time that I'm not doing enough for my children, but I think they are happy well adjusted babies. All these things make me real. And they make me who I am.

Day 21 - Siblings

As an only child I always wished I'd had siblings. I didn't have anyone with which to share all things, good and bad. And so the thing today that I am thankful for is that my children each have a sibling. They already enjoy playing together. Reagan thinks Hayden is the coolest and he already seems protective of her.

Day 20 - My Horses

This is my baby Splash. He's really pretty and just the sweetest horse around. I am so thankful to have these beautiful creatures right in my own front yard. I absolutely love sitting on the front porch and just watching him and the others graze. Watching them is just so calming and peaceful.

Day 19 - Marriage

I am so thankful for my marriage. My husband has been my best friend for 8 years and it just keeps getting better. God has blessed me more than I could ever imagine with this union.

Day 18 - Bryson

Ok, I know I'm very behind. Family reunions and such. And as you can tell I don't have a pic today. This day I am thankful for the birth of a new little guy. My best friend, Holly, had her sweet baby boy Friday November 12th. He was 7 pounds and 6 ounces and has made his mommy and daddy so proud. I don't have a pic because I haven't met him yet, but I have seen pictures and he's pretty darn precious. I'm a proud "Aunt". Congrats Jeff and Holly.

Day 17 - Family

I didn't take this picture seeing as how it was taken WAY before my time (note the stylish clothing). But it's of my Uncle Jerry. I miss him so very much. It's hard to believe it's been 9.5 years since he passed. Where has the time gone? Tomorrow we have a family reunion. It's always sad that he is not here anymore. He was the best story teller. He loved getting together with our distant relatives and catching up as well as reliving old times. So tonight I am thankful for two things. I am thankful that I had the most wonderful Uncle, who was much like a father. And I am thankful for the family that I do still have.

Day 16 - Love of Country

On this Veteran's Day I am thankful for the sacrifice that so many have made so that we can enjoy a country like America. There aren't enough words to express how grateful I am that we have the freedoms that we have and that so many men and women are willing to lay down their lives so that this country can remain free.

Day 15 - The Girl

For as long as I can remember I have wanted a little girl and her name would be Elizabeth. As it turns out my Mother-in-law's middle name is Elizabeth, so it was meant to be that Reagan would share her middle name. From day 1 of my pregnancy, I knew this was the little girl I had been waiting for. She will be 10 months tomorrow and she makes me smile everyday. I can't wait for days of playing tea party and house. Who knows? She might be a little tomboy and want to get just as dirty as her brother does. Either way, I am so very thankful that she has come into our lives.

Day 14 - Matthew

Matthew is my youngest nephew. He became my nephew when I married Craig. He won my heart over at the age of 6 when he called me Aunt Christie before I was even married to Craig. And how can I forget that he proposed to me before Craig did? Today is his birthday and he's a teenager today. It's hard to believe that's he's 13 now. Happy Birthday Matthew! We love you!

Day 13 - Premier Designs

I am so thankful to have an opportunity like Premier Designs. I know God put this company in my path for a reason. I have met many wonderful people and had so much fun in the process. I have also been able to contribute money to the family bank account. Having worked since I was 16 it was hard for me to get used to staying home and not making a paycheck. I know my "job" of raising kids is the most important work I can do and I am so very thankful to be able to do it. But I am glad that I am able to do my job with Premier Designs around our family schedule.

Day 12- Salvation

What more can I say? I'm just so thankful for the gift that Jesus Christ gave when He died on the cross.

Day 11 - The Boy

I never knew how much my life would be changed when I had children. It has been the best experience ever and having a son has been just the icing on the cake. My days are filled with dump trucks and cars. I knew that little boys love their mommies, and that is so the case. I also told him the day that he was born that no girl would ever be good enough for him. He makes me laugh every day and although he is a challenge at times, I am thankful for every moment I have with him.

Day 10 - Against All Odds

It shouldn't make sense, but my Mom and Step mom are here spending the weekend with me and we are having a blast! I am so thankful that they get along. Most families could never dream that this would happen. What a joy to get to spend time with Mimi and Gigi!

Day 9 - The view from my front porch

I am so thankful to live in the country and get to see a view like this from my very own front porch. The stars are always so beautiful. It's just not a scene you get when you live under city lights.

Day 8 - Portraits

When we looked at buying this house this hallway was full of pictures. When we moved in it was full of holes that I had to fill when I painted. The couple we bought the house from was in their 70's and had a lifetime of pictures on the walls. My lifetime is not as long yet, but I am thankful that I have family portraits to fill these walls. I have my own holes in these walls. I love looking at those smiling faces and watching them grow before my eyes.

Day 7 - The United States

It goes without saying that America is the greatest country around! I am thankful for such a great country where my voiceis heard each election day. And tomorrow is one of those days!