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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Attitude of Gratitude: My (Humble) Husband

One of the most wonderful people in my life, without a doubt, is my husband Matthew.  Words cannot describe how much I love this man.  He is my rock and the most amazing husband and father.  I wanted to share today some of the amazing things this man does(because he is very humble and would never show you himself!).

1. Marvelous handyman/builder/visionary/project coordinator: Matt has a background in framing carpentry and home remodeling.  His skills are amazing and he has done some breath-taking projects for our home and some of our family and friends.  Here are a few pictures from some of his projects over the years:

BEFORE (bathroom remodel for family):



AFTER:

 
The table and chairs Matt and I refinished together (read here)

 Our antique bathroom vanity (read here)


2. Budding Photographer: I bet you didn't know this one about Matt! I gave Matt a book on photography for his birthday in February.  He has recently begun to read it and has been practicing his skills around the house.  Take a look at a few of these great shots!





3. Talented Musician: Matt has always loved to play and listen to music.  Our home is always filled with music and our children are already showing signs of their budding talents as well.  Matt volunteers in our church's worship team, plays for events, and enjoys just practicing one of his instruments around the house.  He plays piano, guitar, and drums, and is one of those rare people than can pick up new instruments pretty easily.  I am so thankful for his ability to play music and so very proud of his vow to bring music into our children's lives as well.

4. Amazing Father: One of the most important things to me before I was married was finding a husband that would be a great father.  I can remember first meeting Matt and seeing how great he was with kids.  Amazingly enough, he has exceeded my expectations on what it means to be a great father.  His love of our children is deep and faithful.  He is an excellent role model and provider.  I am so blessed by his love and commitment to our children.


5. Awesome Leader: Matt has a natural ability to be a great leader.  First of all, he is an awesome leader of our home and family.  He is also a natural leader in his career and volunteer positions.  He respects his team and creates a fun, comfortable environment.  He is fair, kind, and thoughtful.  He is honest, hardworking, and perseveres in all situations.  I am so glad to have him as the leader of our team!

6. Hilarious and Witty Friend: I think all of Matt's friends would agree, the man is hilarious!



7. Incredibly Intelligent Student: Matt is always learning and improving new skills and pushing himself forward.  Whether it's taking classes online, learning a new skill from someone, or teaching himself something new, he is dedicated and goal oriented.  I so admire this quality of his.

8. Kind Hearted Neighbor: Because Matt works out of town, when he is home there is always lots for him to do.  Even with all of his responsibilities, he always takes time to help our neighbors out when they need projects or maintenance done.  What a great example he sets for our children!

9. Devoted man of God: Matt's faithful commitment to God is one of my favorite things about him.  His devotion has helped our entire family through some of the greatest trials of our lives so far.  I am so thankful to have someone like him to lean on and look to while growing in our faith together. 

10. Loving Husband: I hope I've made it pretty clear by now, I ADORE this man!  Matt is my best friend in the world and I am so grateful that I get to call him my husband.  He is loving, patient, kind, and forgiving.  These qualities are ones I often take for granted. I am so thankful for all that he is to me as a spouse and a partner in life. 


Matt, thank you for all that you are and all that you help us to be.  YOU. ARE. LOVED.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Happy Birthday Elijah Thomas!

Today is Elijah's 2nd Birthday!  Happy Birthday big guy!
 
I can hardly believe it's been two years since we brought you home from the hospital, all bundled up in blue. 
 Elijah at 1 Day Old
 
 Baby Elijah comes home!
 
Celebrating Elijah's First Birthday!
 
This little man turns 2 today!
 
At two you've just learned how to jump, you love eating anything and everything we let you, you point to any letter of the alphabet and declare, "E for Jah-Jah!", and you have become Mr. independent.  We are so excited to celebrate two years of Elijah!  Happy Birthday E!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Favorite Pinterest Recipes

I have a slight Pinterest addiction.  Okay, that may be an understatement, but in my defense I have come away with a lot of great recipes that my family loves because of said addiction! Anyway, today I thought I'd share some of my favorite tested and approved Pinterest recipes.  Here are my family's top picks as of lately:

1. Mushroom Asiago Chicken

2. Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

3. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

4. Crescent Bacon Egg and Cheese Sandwiches

5. Lightened Sundried Tomato Fettuccine

6. Meatball Stuffed Biscuits

7. Hungry Girl Wonton Tacos

8. Slow Cooker Tortellini

9. Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

10. Garlic Parmesan Pull Apart Bread

I would love to hear what some of your favorite Pinterest recipes are!  To check out my Favorite Recipes Board on Pinterest, click here

 
Happy Pinning!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Attitude of Gratitude: Jah-Jah

My Dear Handsome Boy,

You are such a wonderful part of our family. 

From your great smiles and comic relief...


To your cuddles and snuggles...


From your truck sound effects...

To your singing and dancing (you've got some sweet moves!)...


From your helping hands...


To your expressive faces...



From your sense of curiosity...


To your sweet voice...


You crack me up all day long and keep me on my toes.  You are so smart, witty, talkative, and sweet.  You have made having a little boy an absolute joy!  I adore you and I am so thankful to be your Momma.  Thank you for being you!


XOXO,
Momma

Friday, November 8, 2013

Attitude of Gratitude: Beautiful B

My Dearest Bella Girl,

YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL.

I love your confidence, your silliness, your style (not everyone could pull off a tutu at church!)


I love your excitement for life, your happiness, your kindness.



I love your smile, your eyes, your hair.


I love your laughter, your voice, your prayers.



I love your long legs (which you get from your daddy!), your toned muscles, your coordination.
 
 
I love your whispers, your snuggles, your kisses.
 

I love your creativity, your grace, your humor.


I love your beauty, that shines from within.



I love you, my beautiful Bella girl.  Please never forget how beautiful you are.God has created you, and he doesn't make mistakes.  You are fearfully and wonderfully made.  And you are absolutely perfect to me. 

Forever thankful for you,
Love, Momma

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Attitude of Gratitude: The Mess

I  think we all have days that we feel like nothing is going our way.  The kids may be whiny and demanding, the house is messy (two minutes after cleaning it!), the milk is out and it's needed to make supper...it's in those moments that I am trying to remember all the little things that I can be grateful for rather than be stressed out and annoyed about.  So today I'd like to share some of the things that may drive me crazy but really I am very grateful for.  It is part of my series entitled, Attitude of Gratitude!

1. I am thankful for the hand prints on my windows, because it means that I have two beautiful children who put them there.

2.I am thankful for the crumbs on my floor and the dishes in my sink, because it means that we have plenty of food in our tummies.

3.  I am thankful for the dirty shoulder of my shirt, because it means that I've received hugs and snuggles all day long.

4.  I am thankful for the toys scattered on the floor, because it means that imaginations are growing.

5. I am thankful for our dirty laundry, because it means we have lots of clothes to wear.

6. I am thankful for the quarreling of my son and daughter,  because it reminds me that they will always have a sibling to share life with. 

7. I am thankful for grocery shopping, because it means that we are blessed enough to buy as much food as we need for our family. 

8.  I am thankful for muddy shoe prints, because it means adventures have been had.

9. I am thankful for the nights spent reading the same books over and over again, because it is helping my babies learn and grow.

10. I am thankful for the messes, because they represent a loving, growing, adventurous family that I am blessed to call mine!

B and E enjoying some of their favorite treats!


 
Thank you Lord for your abundant gifts and provisions.  I am truly grateful.

Friday, November 1, 2013

A Month of Celebrations

Happy November Everyone!
 
November has always been a special month for me, for several reasons.

1. It's a month of Birthdays!  My birthday is in November and I get to share my birthday month with some of my favorite people in the world!  First of all, my amazing son Elijah who turns two (WHAT?) on the 18th!  If that's not enough, some of my closest friends are November babies! I will share a few birthday posts later in the month, but I just wanted to note how special this month is to so many of the people I love.  So to all those wonderful people, here's a shout out to November birthdays!
Birthday Buddies! (pic from Nov. '12)
 
2. It's a month of Gratitude.  This month we take time to celebrate the harvest season.  We take time to come together as a family and give thanks to the amazing blessings in our life.  We feast on delicious dinners together, celebrating the season of thankfulness and gratitude.  This year I have so so much to be thankful for, and I will share some of those things I am most grateful for during the month.

3. The Christmas Countdown Begins!!  If you know me at all, you know that I LOVE the Christmas season.  I am so excited for this year's festivities, especially since this will be one of the first years both Bella and Elijah will really enjoy everything.  I love the season for so many reasons.  Celebrating the birth of our Savior, sharing food and memories with loved ones, cherishing traditions, giving gifts, singing carols, and helping others in need.  It is truly the most wonderful time of the year.  So starting in November, I will begin to share some of the things I'm doing to prepare for the wonderful holidays coming up! 

I hope you are as excited as I am for the wonderful month of November!  Cheers to a great month!