Closing Time

Day 30: {30 days of thankfulness comes to a close} today I am thankful for today being the last day of November. This might sound counterproductive to #30daysofthankfulness but the end of November means my birthday month starts tomorrow!!!

There is always something to be thankful for, big and small, everyday! It is important to recognize those especially when I am having a bad day! My life isn't so horrible when I...stop...and reflect on what I actually have versus what I think I need {there is a difference}

From God, to family, friends, coworkers, , a place to live and work and food to eat to the little things like my Little People sets, countdowns and jean days; I have more to be thankful for than I could ever put in a blog. I am glad I took the time everyday to reflect and write. We all get busy and at times it might seem like a chore but we need to take a moment everyday and smile about the ups, sigh about the downs but then smile because it is over and you survived! Life is to short to not enjoy every moment!

Until next year, this 30 days of thankfulness has come to a close! I hope everyone enjoyed time with family and friends! As the Christmas season approaches us let us not get caught up in the material aspect but be thankful for what is already around us and maybe reach out and help the less fortunate :)

Xoxo

Forever Friend

Day 29: today I am thankful for my bestie, Lesley, and her constant thoughtfulness!! Text message, girls night, snail mail, phone dates, road trips, whatever it is I can always count on her to be there! I am thankful to have such a wonderful and beautiful friend to encourage, support, and believe in me always!

I do wish we could see each other and spend more time together {world watch out because when we finally live in the same town...} because we could accomplish so much more as a team!! We would solve world problems {at least school problems} while having the time of our life. We would also have Pinterest projects and recipes everywhere and plenty to share ;) Oh the possibilities when Lesley and Stephanie unite!

Today, I received a "just because" package from my bestie and it more than made my day! I love surprises and I love her :) Happy Thursday! {after a long week back after Thanksgiving break}

Life is better with friends but life with Lesley is the better than the best!!

Xoxo

Frozen Possibilities

Day 28: today I am thankful for my adventure to try new recipes! If you know me, you know I am more likely to try the sweet stuff first but the more I am on my own I see the need to try new dinner ideas because I get bored easy :)

I enjoy sharing and exchanging my baking adventures with others! I love getting new ideas and suggestions because I like becoming more confident in my baking skills! And plus it is more fun with others!

Today I tried my hand at banana "ice cream" I LOVE ice cream but can't really afford the extra calories with holiday season in full swing so needed a healthier option. The solution: banana"ice cream" nothing but bananas! Seriously!! After frozen then put into the food processor it creates a beautiful creamy texture!! Just to add some flavor I added a little peanut butter and coco powder and let me tell you... This dessert is heavenly! It is so good, you will want it for breakfast and why not?! Nothing you should feel guilty about :)

Once you try the "ice cream" for the first time think about all the different possibilities you could mix up...

Xoxo

The Domain

Day 27: today I am thankful for ending up at such a wonderful apartment complex where I feel safe and where the staff goes out of their way to make sure you have a great experience. I really appreciate the events they put on every month so residents have a chance to meet each other and the staff. I appreciate that if a request is put in, it is taken care of right away. I appreciate for the constant communication about things happening not just here but in the community! I don't think I could have found better if I tried. Seriously, in my whirlwind of a move in August, this may have been a quick decision but one of the best I have made!!

Look at what I came home to, today...just because!

Cliche This

Day 26: today I am thankful for friends!! Near and far old and new I have a large group and couldn't ask for a better group. When life has me down my friends are there to pick me up and remind me life is to short to let some things get me down {I know a little cliche but it works}

There are a select few friends that no matter the miles between us or the time between our conversations we always pick up where we left off! These are friends I know I can count on through thick and thin and I am truly blessed to have them! It isn't about quantity but quality because if I have a few good friends I know I can count on that is all that matters!! True friends love you anytime!

Moving to Zionsville has been great but I missed my regular hangout group, but I learned that if a short distance is to much of a challenge then I have bigger challenges to face! I have friends across the Indiana, in different states and some on the other side of the country and we have kept a strong friendship for years but when I move 2.5 hours it is like I fell off the earth?!

{down from the soap box} today I am thankful for those friends and friendships that have gone the distance and continue to only grow stronger! Friendships are a lovely thing to have :) love ya all!

Xoxo

Transformation Time

Day 25: today I am thankful for decorations, music and movies to get you in the holiday spirit! Today I spent transferring my apartment from fall to winter!! I had Christmas music on and later watched some Christmas movies! I am so excited about the holidays this year! I would say I am most excited since I have to travel to see everyone, it won't just feel like another day! I love the holidays and all the family time that comes with it :)

If you know me you know how much I love birthdays and mine is no excuse! With mine only 18 days away I had to busy out my few birthday decorations including Little People!! Yay, for all kinds of celebrations and YAY for December!!

I can't believe 2012 is soon coming to a close, it has been a fantastic year and I can't wait to see what 2013 brings!!

Xoxo

Friend in Mom

Day 24: today I am thankful for mom and all she has done and continues to do for me. My mom has shown me it isn't about possessions but rather making the best of what you have. I appreciate this more today, than ever because I don't have everything I would like and don't have the means to provide them, but this doesn't mean I give up!! I enjoy my life and everything about it!! If it weren't for my mom showing me such a positive outlook I am not sure where I would be! I appreciate and love the little things that mom does for me near and far! Someday I hope to raise children with the same outlook on life. I am one lucky girl and it is days like today that I remember to appreciate everything I am and how much I have accomplished!

Xoxo

Lost Treasures...No More

Day 23: today I am thankful for finding the last bits of things I have been looking for since moving to Zionsville. I have stuff all over my parent's house and I still don't have or even have been through some of it, which means I probably don't need it, but until I have time it will continue to just collect dust! There were certain things that I knew I had and went with my themes, felt like I just had them but couldn't find them {ugh} I was so frustrated...

When I found not one of the things but ALL of them you can imagine my excitement!! I also got some Christmas decorations and lights to take back with me too!! I just love when the stars align in my favor, makes for a happy me!!

Together for Good

Day 22: today I am thankful for days like today that bring the family together!

Food, Family, Laughs and lots of Fun!! I love days like today, because I love my family! We may be crazy but we stick together, and a girl couldn't ask for more!

Check out the other bit of fun we had ;) It was my first...

Turkey Eve

Day 21: today I am thankful for a safe trip from Zionsville to South Bend! The fog was so dense at times the trip was a little scary! It was worse than a heavy rain storm and at times I thought it might have been snowing. For a road I have driven many times I felt like a stranger to the trip. Thankful for the lines on the road that guided me around curves all the way north.

I made it home safely to have lunch with one of my best girlfriends then home to celebrate my mom's birthday with my family!! I love being around my family and friends, especially those I don't get to see that often. I am thankful that I was raised celebrating birthdays and making that person feel special! I am thankful for all my mom has done and continues to do for our family, through thick and thin we make it through.

Today has been a great start to the turkey holiday! Can't wait for food, family and fun tomorrow!!

Friday on a Tuesday

Day 20: today I am thankful for short work weeks and time with family! I am excited to head to South Bend and spend time with the people that mean the most to me and celebrate one of the best holidays of the year!

I am thankful we have family traditions and they continue to be carried out each and every year. I am also thankful that no matter how far everyone is any other day of the year we all come together and enjoy each other's company!

I love the holidays and my family!!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Day 19: today I am thankful for the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that we get to appreciate no matter where we live!

Over the ocean, a corn field or the mountains, the sunrise and/or sunset is a beautiful sight and often leaves us speechless {a moment like this is where no words are needed as the picture itself speaks a million words} Silence isn't always so bad. We often need to learn to listen more often and speak less!

Today the sunrise was so vibrant and bold I couldn't get over it! I wanted to sit outside and enjoy the beauty. Looking at it over the school building it almost looked like the school was on fire, it was truly breath taking and a great way to start the day :)

Xoxo

Little Smiles

Day 18: today I am thankful for the little smiles in my life! Literally the little smiles!

The random pictures I get of these girls are always sure to make my day better! These girls are so easy to love and have so much love to give, they are sure to brighten anyone's day!

Today is extra special because, Grace turns 7 and Reese is 10 months old! Olivia turned 2 in August. Where has the time gone? I wish I could be with everyone but since I can't I appreciate the updates and picture messages! Once again...I am thankful for technology and how easy it is to keep in touch!

Xoxo

How Do You Measure A Year?

Day 17: today I am thankful for living in an area that gets to experience all the seasons! Although it can be a little much when the seasons change and flip daily a small part of me enjoys the surprise every morning.

My favorite season is fall! I enjoy the temperatures, hoodie weather, perfect cuddling weather, the color changes and knowing the holidays are just around the corner {including my birthday} I am thankful that I got to do a few of my favorite fall activities: pumpkin carving and playing in the leaves with Andrew this year! Slowly but surely we will get to experience all of my favorite things together!

Soon the snow will fall and cover the houses, trees and land around us and although it is not my favorite I am thankful that snow is white, in a time where everything is so dark, and makes everything so bright and pretty!

Spring is the beginning of life again and is always a great time to start clean. I enjoy seeing the trees come back to life and the flowers start to bloom again. Spring green is such a beautiful and happy color.

Summer the sun is shining so bright and warm! The kids are enjoying summer break and lots of outside activities!! Vitamin D never feels as good as it does in the summer :)

Everyone, like myself, has a favorite season but when we step back there truly is something to be enjoyed in each! I am thankful I live in an area that experiences all four to the fullest!

365 days. 12 months. 4 seasons. How do you measure a year?

Add 'em up

Day 16: today I am thankful for those little things {again} that make me smile bigger and brighter and make the day better as it goes on.

Today's smiles were courtesy of:
-jean day
-getting a raving 90 day review
-ice cream sandwich
-making glass pendants
-making new friends
-laughs over wings
-being a friend when needed
-diet coke
-cuddling up with a movie
-turning off the alarm

Little things do matter and add up to great things!! I am thankful that I am able to recognize them and enjoy my blessings :)

Xoxo

Mark the Calendar

Day 15: today I am thankful for jean days but what is better than jean DAYS...jean weeks!! My 8 work days left in November will be spent in jeans...the principal told me to mark my calendar :) {on a side note, 8 work days left in the month?!}

Jeans always fit so much better than dress pants, look cuter and make me feel better on the outside and inside! Something as simple as jeans put me in a better mood and make my day fantastic!

The email about jeans and the good news about Andrew's next visit made my good day even better! Here is to a fantastic weekend!!

Xoxo

Have an Hour

Day 14: today I am thankful for naps! It is to bad that when we are younger we fight our parents on nap time. Naps might make me feel a little guilty knowing there are things that always need to be done but those few minutes or hours of peace and quiet are always amazing.

Naps are relaxing, renewing and revitalizing and under appreciated! I am glad I got one today :)

...now {an hour after waking from a nap} time for bed! Sleep makes me happy!!

Xoxo

3...2...1...YAY!

Day 13: today I am thankful for countdowns! I am always counting down something, Andrew's next arrival, birthdays, holidays, girls weekend, you name it, I will count it down!

I have a countdown that I can change everyday and leave on display for any visitors! This again is one of those little things {day 1} that I love! I also love that "there is an app for that" so the number is always at my fingertips!

From paper chains {yes, still as much fun as when you are 5}, to dry erase frames, to an application on your phone, countdowns are easy and fun!! We all have something to look forward to so why not make the waiting time more fun?!

Xoxo

Team Eagles

Day 12: today I am thankful for a great job, coworkers and all of the opportunities that have come from the team at ZWest taking a chance on me! Everyday I go to work a wear a smile on my face and know I am appreciated by all! The students are beyond amazing and the amount of manners and respect they have for adults and peers is beautiful and inspiring. Students that I simply have gotten to know sitting with them after-school before sports practice appreciate me and the time I spend them. These students think beyond tomorrow and look forward to making a difference.

It hasn't always been an easy transition but I seriously couldn't have asked for a better town and people! Everyone is welcoming and have been so helpful in getting me acquainted with the new area I felt at "home" immediately! I miss South Bend, but great things are going to happen and I wouldn't be here if those two people who interviewed me didn't think I was worth it! I am thankful they took a chance and have showed me new things! Stepping out of my comfort zone is not easy, but is proving to be a great decision!

Thank you to all at ZWest!

Happy Veteran's Day

Day 11: today I am thankful for all our military men and women who have fought, are fighting or will fight for our country's freedom!

These men and women should be recognized more than one day a year! Since we do have this day, let's all take a moment to thank those who have served or are serving for us!

Happy Sunday!

Independence

Day 10: today I am thankful my parents raised me to stand on my own two-feet and to be independent. I am thankful that I able to go shopping on my own and make my own decisions in confidence! I hope someday I will be able to provide my own children with such a gift.

I started my day at a craft bazaar, where I saw lots of neat stuff but didn't buy anything :/ instead I went shopping for my own supplies to do my own crafting! I wanted to do a holiday craft to then have for the apartment but can't decide on my holiday colors. I am pretty sure I don't want to do the traditional red and green, but what?! In the end I decided to make a "Welcome Wreath" for my front door... I am already thinking about the next one.

Today was absolutely gorgeous and I am glad I enjoyed so much of it outside!! Another day with lots to be thankful for but I am glad on days like today, when I am alone, I was able to get out there and have a beautiful, successful and fun day!

Can't forget about a few snacks for the day too ;)

Friday & Sunshine

Day 9: today I am thankful for {payday} Friday and sunshine! I love that when I walked out of work the sun is shining and the temperature feels amazing {after some very chilly days}.  Fall days like this make me very happy and give me the surge of energy that I have been missing.  Friday in general is always a day that makes me happy and it seems to be a day where everyone is generally in a good mood, which makes it that much more fun!  If everyday where called "Friday" would it make the rest of the week better? 

This weekend I think I am going to visit some Craft Bazaars and just enjoy a quite weekend with my book and some wine! I am not ready for the holidays but I am excited about them right around the corner and I think a little craft inspiration is a great way to get in the mood.  Who knows maybe I will start my own craft this weekend...I have definitely been in the mood for a craft day!

I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys this beautiful weather that we have been given!

xoxo

AppreciateToday

Day 8: today I am thankful for my memories and how they have shaped the person I am today! I love that memories are created from many different experiences in life. Good and bad my memories are experiences that I carry with me everyday and every where I go! 

I am thankful that I am able to recall my memories because it allows me to hold ones that are no longer with my on earth, close to my heart.  I love that memories are so vivid that they can recall the same emotions from the original day.  Some days I just start smiling at a random because at that time and place something happened that recalled a memory made me feel good again. Memories also allow me to feel close to Andrew during our times separated by the pond. Pictures are a great way to recall and hold onto memories. I love going through pictures and laughing at the crazy moments and crying at the difficult ones. Either way these memories and experiences have made me the person I am today and I LOVE them all!

You know we all love sitting around a table with our girlfriends {and maybe a glass bottle of wine} and recalling memories together! Talking about our college days, boyfriends, trips and who knows what else will come up but it is bound to be a great time! Talking about wine and girlfriends reminds me of the time 4 girls plus myself had a wine and cheese night as we planned our weekend trip to NYC and we ended up singing "Bicycle" by Queen at the top of our lungs and...well... I think you just had to be there! Needless to say it was a great girls night!

Memories are fun and I am thankful for all of you that are apart of mine!

...a little fun with Wordle and memories to end this post!


 

xoxo