Day 328: New Addiction

There aren't very many shows that Chris and I like to watch together. But, thanks to the recommendation of our friend, Sam, we have a new addiction: Sons of Anarchy. Holy crap, this show is amazing. We've been glued to Netflix streaming as we have immersed ourselves into this series. It's a fun way to spend time together and I love the conversations that it sparks between us. :)

For this new addiction, I am thankful.

Day 327: Z's

Winter break is nearly done, but I finally accomplished one major goal today: a nap. By the grace of God, both of my children fell asleep for their afternoon nap at the same time leaving a quiet few hours for me to catch some z's.

It was awesome. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 326: A Little Motivtion

There's nothing like guests coming to your house for the first time that can light a fire under your butt to get things clean and organized. Post-Christmas always feel so overwhelming to me because of all the new toys and general stuff that suddenly has no home within our home. Despite these feelings, it usually takes weeks to get everything organized and settled.

But not this year! I was DELIGHTED when we got the call saying our friends Lisa, Joel and Liam would be in town to visit! Not only were we going to be able to catch up with our dear friends, but they were also going to come over for dinner which would force us to clean and organize all of the Christmas goodies overtaking our house.

Long story short: Our house looks amazing and it was absolutely wonderful getting to spend time with our sweet friends this evening.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 325: Trifecta

Date night to celebrate Chris's birthday. Brazilian steakhouse. Good friends.

Simply awesome.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 324: A Little Escape

Today I had a first. I went to a movie all by myself. I know, lame. After noticing that I had spent 6 straight days with the kids without a break, Chris suggested that I escape for a little while and go see the movie I have been anticipating since I read the book, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I willingly obliged and the movie didn't disappoint. I loved it! But, the best part about the entire day was the feeling when the movie was done and I was driving home. I felt rejuvenated and was really looking forward to spending time with the kids again to eat birthday cake and put to bed.

We all need breaks every once in a while to remind ourselves what it is we get to come home to. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 323: Christmas Birthday Part 1

Whew! What a day! We realized today that it was the first time in 4 years that we woke up on Christmas morning in our own house. It was such a special morning with the kids and we had so much fun soaking up all their exciting and giggles.

Before we knew it, it was time to transition into Chris's birthday. We lounged, ate, napped, played and just enjoyed one another's company.

There was so much joy today and so many more details to share. That's a nice way to feel at the end of a day! And for this, I am thankful.

More tomorrow.

Day 322: Clausin'

Chris and I had SO much delivering the magic of Santa. :) We are definitely going to have a fun morning when we wake the kids up and show them a special message from Santa and all the funny things he did around the house.

I love that we are going to bring a smile to the faces of our children in unique ways in the morning. And for this, I am thankful.

Merry Christmas!

Day 321: Wrapped

For the first time ever (and I do mean EVER) all the gifts are wrapped before midnight on Christmas Eve. I guess I'm officially starting to grow up. :)

I love the season of giving. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 320: Santa's For Real

Sofia has really gotten into Santa, the North Pole, elves and all of the stories surrounding Christmas this year. She and Nico have taken to rearranging their Little People Nativity Scene almost daily and even brought Frosty in for a visit to Bethlehem. She's creative. We just go with it.

The funny part about Sofia's obsession with Santa and all his magic is that she wants nothing to do with him in person. This means no mall trips, no sitting on laps at holiday parties, no cute Christmas photos. Oh well! I'm not going to complain for missing out on standing in long lines each December at the mall.

But today, Sofia stopped me in my tracks. She walked into my bedroom as I was getting ready this morning and told me that she knew why Santa was real. When I asked her why, she responded, "Because he's magic. And, when you believe in magic, that means Santa is real. OH! And, I hear his bells on the reindeer!"

I love this child and I love her logic. I believe.
And for this, I am thankful.

Day 319: Last Dance

We have a little tradition before the kids go to bed each night and it includes dancing. After all bedtime routines have been completed, the last thing that we do is sway to the music playing in the kids' room. It's just long enough to have a moment or two of one-on-one time before the day is done. I love it...and so do they.

And for this, I am thankful.