Lots to be thankful for.....

In a year that has totally changed me both physically and mentally, you'd think that I'd come on here to bitch and moan. But I won't. I won't because what I've learned this year about myself has only made me stronger. I've had numerous health issues. I've suffered from depression like never before. My thyroid hadn't been kind to me at all. Most of all, I've learned to take cues from my body and slow down. Take one day at a time. Keep a journal. See patterns of when I know I'll feel bad. Always remember that there are more good days than bad. There's always a light at the end of the tunnel. My problems could be worse. These are all words to live by.

I'm so grateful for so many things. I'll just touch on a few of them.

-I'm thankful that God has brought me through another year. I was a wreck last year at this time. What a difference a year makes! I pushed and pushed until I found out what was wrong. I always had faith.

-I'm thankful for a kind, understanding, patient husband who stuck it out with me and nodded in agreement when I told him that I would be persistent with the doctors because I needed to be well for him and for our kiddos. He always believed in me and he believed that I would start to feel better. And I did!

-I'm thankful for my Kyra. Kyra is like an adult trapped inside a kid's body. I'm not kidding. She's so wise beyond her years. Some of the things that she says amazes me. She definitely keeps her daddy and I in check. I'm so thankful to have a little girl who loves school and loves doing well in school. I hope that trend continues.

-I'm thankful for little Maeve. What a spitfire she is! But she's very, very loving too. She's such a cuddlebear! She loves to just sit on my lap and cuddle. I adore all of her constant banter. She's talking in sentences now. Today she told Kyra, "Don't say my teachers' names!" Oy! But then she showed me what an angel she is by singing "Jesus Loves Me" in the checkout line at Walmart! And when I asked her what she's thankful for, she said, "My family." Awwww....such a sweetie!

-I'm thankful for my two furry babies that get me through each day. They are so innocent and loving. They meet me in the bed at night. They protect me and let me know what/who's outside. They kiss the kiddos constantly. They are perfect.

-I'm thankful for the most wonderful family. I love each and every one of them. I'm thankful that my dad, my sister, and my brother-in-law love us so much. I'm thankful for Richard's family and the fact that my girls love to be around them. I can leave them out at the house when I want and I know that they will enjoy themselves. They are still telling stories of this past weekend. ;)

-I'm thankful for some great friends. I am not a person that has a TON of friends like some people do. But I do have a small group that I talk to and keep in touch with on a regular basis.
Brianna, Anna, Jennifer, Kimmy, Candi, Susan, Margaret, Melissa and Dean.....my life is so much better with all of you in it. I thank God every day for your friendship and kindness.

-Do I get a materialistic "thank you"? Oh good! I do! I'm thankful that I actually met Taylor Kitsch this year! (SHUT UP KIMMY!) ;) It's not often that you get to meet the celebrity that you have a total crush on!

I could go on and on with more things, but I think you get the idea. Writing uplifting words really does make you feel better! :)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Salute to Veterans....

Kyra had a solo with 5 other girls at 1st grade's "Salute to Veterans" program on Thursday night. Kyra is 2nd from the left.

Sorry it's short, but YouTube won't let me upload more than a minute or so with my camera.

Holiday blues.....

Does anyone else get really bluesy this time of year? Or is it just me?

I get really stressed out over buying gifts for so many people. Then there are my kids. I think to myself, "Did I get them something good? Is it what they want? Did I spend the same amount on the both of them?"

I think that I really miss loved ones at this time of year.....especially my Granny. I miss her calling me to see what our plans are. I miss her telling me the menu that she's provided for Christmas Eve. I miss walking into her house and smelling Heaven. I miss her providing some slippers for me when I forgot them. She'd always say, "You don't want to walk on my cold floor!" I miss her sharing stories of her church. I miss her complaining about putting up Christmas lights and then putting up a TON of them anyway. I miss hearing her car driving into the driveway. I miss seeing her with Kyra. I miss her voice.

I guess I'm just going through some stage of grief. They hit me at various times. I'll get through it.

Well it was bound to happen......

When we moved out to our "little town" in June 2003, the only thing around was an HEB. Boy have times changed. Since then we've added a Walmart Supercenter, Cracker Barrel, Cabela's, Chili's, and various other restaurants.

Today, Richard and I were at the bank and we overheard that there is going to be a Starbucks, a Taco Cabana, and a Lowes opening up soon.

I'm not sure what to think about that. Starbucks? I feel all urbanized now. Oh, and they conveniently put it on the other side of the highway so that people will stop by there on their way to work. Niiiiice. That place will be packed. No doubt.

Honestly, pretty soon you'll be "in town" the entire way from Austin to San Antonio.

Where do I live again? ;)