Elliana's First Snow

Okay, I guess technically, it isn't the first time it has snowed for Elliana, but it is the first time she was old enough to play in it. So, we made the most of it and had a wonderful time. We worked together to make a sled trail, pulled Elliana around until we almost passed out, and built a snowman together.

It was a wonderful time. If you want to know more what it was like, take a look at the video. (Click here for the high quality version.)

Sundays...

My favorite day of the week. Sundays are the one day of the week when we put up boundaries and put relaxation and family first. Chores and errands can wait. Laundry can be folded another day. The dust can grow just a bit thicker. Everything else can wait.

Sundays are the days we wear jammies a bit too long, eat a bit more unhealthy and are definitely a lot more lazy. A few weeks ago, I snapped this picture of my family during a Bengals game. Elliana was snuggled up next to Daddy reading a book as Daddy relaxed and enjoyed the game. This is the perfect picture of happiness and love to me. Our Sunday...my perfect day. :)

Advantages of being a kid...

What do you get when you place a 10-month old baby girl on a 100+ lb Old English Sheep dog? Instant ENTERTAINMENT for everyone around, and one amazing ride for this little girl.

I'm thankful...

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded to take a step back from the busyness of everyday life, and reflect on the many wonderful things in my life that I am thankful for. This year we have been blessed abundantly, and there is no doubt that I am overwhelmed with gratitude for these many blessings. And so, without further ado...my list of gratitude begins (in no particular order, except that in which they first come to me.)

• the addition of Elliana into our lives! God blessed us with the perfect addition to our already happy family. A healthy, beautiful little girl entered our hearts and forever changed our lives. The joy that Elliana brings to T.J. and I each day is more than I ever imagined was possible.

• my incredible husband and best friend T.J., who is an incredible husband and father.

• our family
• the ability to work at home as a mom & wife.
• smiles...lots and lots of smiles.
• afternoons at the park
  
  
• play-dates and date nights
• first words, first steps, first laughs of our baby
• the fact that my daughter asks for "dad" all day long. :)
• Elliana prefers books over toys
• family vacations
• grandparents
• XM Kids Place Live...responsible for many dance parties
• our yard
• hand me down clothes and toys!
• friends
• days that we never get out of our pajamas
• that my husband strengths perfectly balance out my weaknesses
• nap-time
• our home
• watching my daughter carry a purse around the house
• giant baby hugs
• cuddling
• words of encouragement
• our church, always offers the right words of encouragement
• special treats
• the time to take a few moments to reflect on these many things and many more!

Big Helper

Last week, we had fun helping Daddy clean up the yard. Elliana was a hug help putting the leaves into the trash bag...putting one in at a time.
Never before, have I seen T.J. have this much fun doing yard work. Thanks Elliana!