Forever Thankful

I'm totally bummed that I didn't finish my month of Thankful posts. I still have a lot that are in the "draft" stage and may post them later. It's never too late to be Thankful, right? You may be asking yourself why I couldn't keep up with such a small task. I have asked myself that same question time and time again. Maybe I've been having too much fun with the freedom afforded me by a second car? Oh yeah, the car! What a wonderful creation! I'll just show you some of my favorite things about this car. First, as you can see it is immaculate! I always worry that buying a used car means that it'll be all gross and stained. Not so. We've lucked out twice with both of our cars and I am sooo soo happy with this one!

It's got all of the standard amenities of an Odyssey. It even has the little flip up cup holder in-between the two front seats. Love that.

All the knobs and dials work and again, they are so clean!

But my all-time favorite feature on this baby is the sliding doors! I'm sure you think I'm a bit of a geek for loving these so much, but I really do!

I mean, how great is it that you can be walking with your arms full and press a button and by the time you get there it's open and waiting for you?

See what I mean? Look ma' no hands!

Oh, uh, oops.... I forgot that was in there.....

Nothing to see here folks.... just uh, keep scrolling.....

Wait, what? You've already seen it, so I have to tell you what it is?? Really?

You sure you want to know?

This folks, is a baby. OUR baby. And he is most definitely the reason I didn't keep up on my Thankful posts this last month. ;) Can you forgive me?

Because once I saw this face I was a goner.

We still have until 5pm December 4th until he's definitely ours. (they've already signed, it's just an additional waiting period)

We are waiting (definitely waiting, I'm stuck in Tennessee forever) and praying. If you'd like to add your prayers to ours I know it couldn't hurt. ;)

Samuel 11/17

We had the best Thanksgiving ever, with so much to be greatful for and will be forever Thankful for Sam and his loving Birthparents.

Thankful #10

I am thankful for our library! We have one of the best library systems here in Ohio. When I first got here, I couldn't believe it. They've got an incredible inter-library loan system and I have never searched for a book that I couldn't find. It has helped me out so much in our fertility pursuits and our journey through adoption. Whenever a new movie comes out, I can reserve it and as soon as it's available they send me an email. We have seen so many movies for free! It's awesome.

I am constantly amazed by the amount of information that is at our disposal. I always think about the vast amount of effort and struggle that people have put forth in the past to make this information available for me to gain just by reading! It almost feels like cheating, doesn't it? I will forever be thankful for the efforts of others that make me a happier, healthier person. I so admire people who have a gift for writing. Beautiful writing resonates with me just like music does. I love that the written word still gives space for interpretation. There is no inflection or intonation given by an audible voice. It can transport you into worlds and situations that would never be possible in real life. Words have a certain magic and power to them I think. I am so grateful that I am (for the most part ;)  ) literate and able to feast on the beauty that others create.

Thankful #9

I am grateful for a fully functioning car! I'm probably going to jinx myself by saying this, but I am soooo thankful for reliable transportation! I get to go and do so many wonderful things because of it. I can only imagine my pioneer ancestors marveling over the fact that I can run to the store, the library and the fabric shop all within one hour! (ha! If only I didn't always spend so much time at the fabric store this would be true!) Right now I am especially thankful that we just made the leap and are now officially a two car family! Whooo hoooo! I'm pretty impressed with us being able to tough it out through 2 1/2 years of med school with one car. (if I do say so myself... ;)  ) But this year it just wasn't working. Bryan has such odd hours all the time and I'd have to wake Daniel up waaaay early in the morning to go. He's started not being able to go back to sleep in the mornings once he's up and sometimes he wouldn't be able to go to bed early enough to get enough sleep. I was wrecking havoc on his behavior at school and his attitude at home. ( he honestly wasn't too too bad at home, he just knew which buttons to push) We were able to find a good deal on a Honda Odyssey and jumped at it. It still took tons of red tape and tracking down paperwork to make it all happen, but it's finally ours! Bryan and I can finally both go somewhere different at the same time! I've been amazed at just how liberating it all is. So yay! I'm thankful for cars!

Thankful #8

I am thankful for the Internet! While I realize that it can definitely be used inappropriately, the Internet has brought so many blessings into my life. I love being able to keep up with family and friends. It especially helps me keep up with my busy mom friends who often don' t have time to chat on the phone at the same times that I have a chance to. I'm grateful for the eternal amount of knowledge that is literally at my fingertips. I would be lost without Wikipedia, online dictionaries, medical sites, etc. I love that it keeps me up to date with what's going on in the world. (my favorite news site right now is http://www.drudgereport.com/). I love that I can shop for things when I don' t have time to get to the stores while they're open. It makes Christmas time so much more peaceful! (love http://www.amazon.com/) It has a wealth of projects and ideas that can keep me busy until the cows come home! (some new favorites are: http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/, http://www.shanty2chic.blogspot.com/ , and http://www.enchantresses3.blogspot.com/ thanks Dani!) It's also definitely helped me be a better mom to my boy. Growing up surrounded by 4 other girls, I didn't really see what my brothers were into. It's helped me learn about the vast world that is Star Wars and all about Bakugans. I am seriously so grateful for the Internet!

Thankful #7

I am Thankful for adorable nieces and nephews! We just had a new addition the other day and have another niece coming in January. I am an aunt 20 times over and consider each one a blessing. I had never known how much a person could love someone elses children until they came along. You'd think that it's because they are blood relatives, but some of them aren't even blood realatives to me and it makes no difference. We are super excited about the newest addition born to Lara and Adam. They named her Josephine Marolyn (beautiful name) and she is perfect in everyway.

Don't they look happy? (they now have 3 under 3 yrs. I'd be taking a nap if I were her!) Congrats you guys!

Thankful #6

I am thankful for game nights! I know this sounds kind of funny, but I really am. This last weekend we spent two evenings with different people playing games. It is so refreshing to be with fun people, doing fun things. I've noticed that a game provides just enough to keep you occupied and the topic of conversation light. It makes it so nice to spend an evening and forget all your worries. All work and no play makes Suzanne a dull girl. ;) Some fun games that we've played recently are:

Yes, that's Uno, it's an oldie, but a goodie. :)

Thankful #5

I am thankful for doctors and the miracle of modern medicine. Ever since I was a little girl I have had a love of doctors. When I was about 7 yrs old I had to have a pretty intensive surgery. Even though there were complications and it took 3 times longer than it was supposed to, the surgery was a success. Without that surgery I would have ended up deaf in one ear and with 1/2 of my face paralyzed. Ever since then, I've had a soft place in my heart for ENT's. :) I am thankful for my hearing and ability to smile. (imagine me trying to get through a vocal performance major half deaf!) I am thankful for the Oncologists who saved my sister's life 6 1/2 yrs ago. (she was diagnosed almost exactly 7 yrs ago.) I am thankful for the advancements in medicine that made her transplant so much more simple. (I'm sure her part of it was still just as painful, but it worked and that's what matters, right?) I'm thankful that I don't have to fear my child getting polio or Scarlett fever. I'm thankful that my life expectancy is such that I should be able to see my grandchildren (and great grand children?) grow up. Now that I'm married to an 'almost doctor' I have an even greater respect for them. Just the sheer amount of schooling and experience they have to attain before they can practice medicine is amazing. Anyways, I am very very thankful for the field of medicine and the health that it allows me to enjoy.

Thankful #4

One of the people I am most grateful for is my Heavenly Father. I am thankful that He hears and answers prayers. I'm grateful that He loves me more than I love myself and that he, in his infinite wisdom, gives us specific trials and experiences that teach and mold us. I am grateful that he provided us with a Savior and a way back to Him. I am grateful for His mercy and forgiveness. Most of all, I am grateful for His patience with His children, that He allows us time to grow and come into ourselves. I am thankful for the comfort and hope that His gospel brings me.

For Unto Us a Child is Born - Simon Dewey

I am grateful for a merciful and understanding Savior. I am grateful for His perfect example and eternal sacrifice. I am grateful for both His birth and His resurrection.I am so very grateful that He loves us so much that he gave all and waits with open arms for our return to himHe Lives - Simon Dewey

Thankful #3

Another thing I am grateful for is our little boy Daniel. He is the light of our lives and the purpose for my days. I never could have guessed the sheer amount of joy and love that you can feel as a parent. He is 100% completely worthy of that love and more. I am grateful for his happy cheery disposition that lightens my days. I'm grateful for his snuggles and embraces. I am grateful that he came to us when he did. I didn't really think I was ready to be a mother so quickly after we got married. I had never been very excited about motherhood, I had always hated babysitting and never really played with babies at all. All of that changed when he was born. It was as if I'd opened a door to a room that I'd always known was there and was very familiar to me, but I was seeing it for the first time. I was a mother and forever changed. I am grateful that he has been such a comfort to us in our times of sadness and sorrow. When the first failed adoption took place it was heartbreaking. But I could come home and put my arms around Daniel and embrace my motherhood. Daniel gives me strength to do things and be someone I never could have been without him. I love love love him and am so thankful for my funny, silly boy.

Thankful #2

I am grateful for my husband. I honestly would never have put the two of us together in a million years, but the Lord knew better and literally threw us in each others' paths. I am grateful for Bryan's kindness and understanding. I am VERY grateful for his patience! I can be pretty stubborn sometimes, maybe more of a passive aggressive type of stubborn (hate to say it Dad, but I totally got this from you!.... I'm pretty sure you already knew that...) and he is a pro at waiting me out and letting me come around. One of the first things that astounded me about Bryan was his kindness, it took me very off guard. I still remember arriving at the Opera Workshop where we got to know each other and he hurried over to help me with my bags. It wasn't that he liked me or anything, he helped everyone out, but it was because he is just a kind soul. I'm grateful for his sense of humor, it has helped me out of the darkest moods and made me laugh my pain away. I'm grateful that he is an amazing father. I don't say that lightly, he really is amazing. His love and tenderness with our little boy never fail to warm my heart. I've never seen a boy love his father so much and am grateful that Daniel will always have someone to look up to. I am grateful for his passion for life. For his love of sports and music that both enrich our lives. (and I'm slightly jealous of his ability to recognize music pieces, composers, artists, actors, etc. seriously, if he's heard or seen it once, he can recognize it) I'm grateful that he appreciates me and that he can appreciate things I do that no one else may appreciate. I'm mostly thankful that he chose me and sticks with that choice every single day.

Thankful

My favorite time of year has finally come. To celebrate the upcoming holiday I have decided to share a post everyday on what I am thankful for. I'd love it if you'd join along on your blogs, I don't think we can ever be too thankful. (if you end up doing this, post a link to your blog in the comments so I can follow along :) )November has become one of my favorite times of the year. I love that it ushers in the Holiday season. I think it's sad that a lot of people reserve their goodwill towards others until the "pre-dictated season," but am still so thankful that they at least show it then! This season brings a focus and clarity to my life that I cannot do without. It helps bring an eternal perspective which I have honestly had a hard time with lately. I love that we celebrate it when we have an abundance, rather than when we have too little and all of a sudden realize how good we had it before. I am thankful for the warmth I feel from strangers and the kindness that is shown in random ways.
I am thankful that with the season come the beautiful sight of the changing leaves, the crisp air that requires a jacket and the crunch crunch crunch from the ground as you walk over it. I love how cozy everything becomes and how you always have an excuse to have hot cocoa!I am thankful for fall!

Halloweek!

We have had so much fun this Halloween! Daniel really wanted to be Yoda, but I couldn't find a costume that we liked, so I decided to make one! I don't think there's a pattern out there for a Yoda costume, so I just had to make it up as I went along. I would change a few things if I had to do it all over again, but overall, I think it went pretty well.

Last Friday some friends threw a Halloween party. I had forgotten that we needed costumes that early so was sewing Daniel's until the last minute. Thus I just had to use my lame-o standby witches hat. Someday I'll get on the ball and we can have a cute family theme. There were games, good food and contests. Daniel loved getting to whack away at the Pinata.

Daniel trying his first Gobstopper.... can you see the beginning of his sugar induced coma coming on?Next up was Trunk or Treat on Wednesday night. Daniel was THRILLED when one of the young women painted a Yoda on his hand!After all of the chaos and craziness was over there was a bonfire out back where we all got to roast marshmallows.Here in Ohio we do Trick or Treating on a different night than Halloween. I think it's to keep kids off the streets when the drunk drivers are out, but who really knows. Anyways, we went out on Thursday. The colors were gorgeous! Poor Bryan had a test the next day and had to read his book in between each house. :)
Daniel was a hoot the whole time. He would run back to us saying, "Mommy! They knew that I'm Yoda!!!" or "I got pumpkin candy!!!" We had to remind him at EVERY house to say thank you. He could not for the life of him remember to do it. He was just too too excited. Every once in a while as we were walking he would let out a huge contented sigh. I wish I could just bottle him up! One of his very favorite things to do was try to scare the people handing out candy. Even if they had seen him start to walk up to their house, he would hide in the bushes and jump out to scare them, it was too funny. He was the most successful at this house, when they answered their door he let out a huge growl. There was a big group of teenage girls in the entry way and their mother and he scared them all. It was too too funny.

All in all it was a great, great Halloween! (and I'm sooooo glad it's over!)

Football Tickets

Are any of our Ohio friends interested in buying our tickets for todays game for half price? Do you know anyone who might be interested? We have found ourselves unexpectedly unable to go and don't want our tickets to go to waste. They are student tickets and would be $31 for the pair. Let me know!

Legos

Daniel's birthday is right before Christmas. We're talking just a few days before. I grew up with a sister who also has a birthday right before Christmas and I remember vividly how disappointing that was for her. Her presents were wrapped in Christmas paper and her cake was often decorated with Christmas flowers and with a Christmas theme. ( I don't blame my parents for doing this, they had 8 kids and had to work with what they had!) But I don't want my little guys' birthday to get swallowed up by Christmas. So we have decided to have a small celebration on his half birthday. (Incidentally this should work out well with our adoptive children as well. Adoptive families usually celebrate what's called "Gottcha day" which is the day of finalization and usually happens around the 6 mth mark) So, for his half birthday we went to the new Lego store here in Columbus. It was insanely crowded and full of excited little boys. I spoke with an employee and it turns out they had just opened the store 2 days before. Duh. LOL I didn't know it was that new and probably would have waited a while longer before attempting that. Anyways, Daniel made his selections (he had also earned another Lego set by completing a few milestones that we had set for him.) Just look at him with his loot. That's one happy boy there. The next day we set aside some time for just the two of us to work on putting it together.I never knew just how intricate these things are! It took me forever and was so tedious!Look at the cute little figures that come with them! Too too cute.
Lets just say that I felt like a 5 star Mom when I clicked the last piece in place. I have a new appreciation for those people who create incredible statues with Legos! That is some hard work!


Daniel couldn't be happier and I haven't had a quiet moment since! (lots of flying and shooting sounds)