Friday, November 30, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 30

Activites with Our Children
 
I am thankful that I get to spend time with my children creating. It is a wonderful experience to watch their minds work and faces light up. Trayton got to decorate his own Christmas tree today after finishing his 30 Days of Thankfulness tree (I asked him each day what he was thankful for and we wrote it on a leaf to paste to our drawing.) Fostering artistic growth is an important balance to other disciplines and something that can be started at the earliest of ages.

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 29

Holiday Traditions
 
I am thankful for family traditions such as putting up the Christmas lights, tree and decorating the house, baking for different holidays, carving pumpkins at Halloween, dinners, outdoor activities etc. These are the things memories are made of and that we will cherish in years to come. 


Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 28

Technology

Without technology I wouldn't be sharing these posts. I am thankful for so many aspects of technology, from databases and cell phones to medical equipment, including the 3D and 4D ultrasonography which allowed me to see our little girl's features just before Christmas 2011! 

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 27

Gardens

I am thankful we can grow fruits and vegetables. We helped my parents with their garden this year (since caring for a newborn and garden were out of the question), in exchange for produce. Despite the drought the garden did fairly well and my parents were able to can/freeze several items.


Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Monday, November 26, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 26

Friends

I am very thankful for the people I get to call friends, and to try to get a picture of everyone or name everyone would make this post so long that you would lose interest in reading. From wonderful acquaintances to tried and true, I really value my friends. Your kindness and support are priceless! 

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 25

Music

I am thankful for music, for those who create music, the ability to enjoy it, teach it, and to create it myself. Music is personal, it can tell a story or set a context; it can also illustrate or supplement an emotion and create ambiance. I am grateful both of my children show an interest in music; watching them react to various types is really amazing.

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 24

Small Businesses
I am thankful for small businesses (like Adelaide's Boutique who made Aaralyn's fabulous dress!) The personal service, quality and backed products are what every business should strive to provide.

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Friday, November 23, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 23

Surprises
I am thankful for surprises because they keep life interesting. If you accept change and roll with the punches that life throws at you, you will never be subject to a dull life. My latest surprise came in the form of a random snow shower while visiting family in Minnesota! My son and I enjoyed watching the big. fluffy flakes from the warmth of my brother's family room.

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 22

Thanksgiving
I am thankful for the holiday and also to have so many blessing to be thankful for throughout the year. Hope everyone has a great day filled with wonderful memories!

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 21

Des Moines
(Photo courtesy of Greater Des Moines Partnership)
I am thankful to have lived in the city of Des Moines growing up and being able to visit often. It makes me appreciate the diversity between the place I live now and where I lived during my childhood. There are many things I miss like the convenience of shopping (especially if I forget something at the grocery store), not being within a few minutes drive of my best friend, the nightlife and entertainment. However, I love the serenity and peace of our farm, along with the room to have our animals close and letting our children play without a street just a few feet away. Des Moines will always be a special place for me, full of fond memories.


Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 20

Stay at Home Mother
I am very thankful to be a stay at home mother. It is not always easy on the wallet, but it is more important to me to be home with my children. Ryan and I make sacrifices so that I am able to be with our children, teaching them, nurturing them and not missing any of their firsts. Once I get my license I plan to work as needed or as part-time as possible until they are in school and supplement with my floral business.  For now, I'm enjoying every precious minute with them! 
Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Monday, November 19, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 19

Peanut Butter
Silly, I know, but it is one of my weaknesses. I use peanut butter for so many different things; and not just any peanut butter, it has to be Jiff. From sandwiches and a right out of the jar quick munch, to cookies, candy, fudge and the cheesecake pictured here. I'm thankful to be able to enjoy this simple food.
Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 18

My Hands


 
I am thankful that I can hold the ones I love, type, cook and do many everyday things that some are denied. I am also thankful that I can use my hands to create. I enjoy designing flowers and take pride in my work; two of my favorite bouquets I've created are pictured. My parents have taught me many things related to home renovation, and I am proud of my work and thankful I am able to finish all of the doors, trim etc., in our house (saves Dad time so he just has to cut and install things.) My favorite room is my son's room. I handled every piece of wood in his room multiple times (except the crib and rocker), from the ceiling to the floor, and from sanding to the final coat of finish. I have been blessed to be able to use my hands for so many things.

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 17

Family


I am thankful for my brother and new sister Beth (hard to believe their first anniversary is coming up so soon!) I am also thankful for the family I have gained through my husband, including those not pictured. Family is very important to us and to have close knit family members who are dependable is priceless. 

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Friday, November 16, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 16

Coffee
And not just Starbuck's coffee, all good coffee. There are too many flavors and coffee drink combinations that I enjoy to name, but I am thankful for them all. Coffee is a comfort food for me and it goes with any occasion or season.
Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 15

My Curly Hair

I'm thankful for my curly hair. Sure, there are days when it can be difficult to deal with, like our wonderful Iowa July, when the the temperature is around 100 degrees and the humidity is 90% but I wouldn't trade. It's easy to maintain and style, and every woman on my mother's side of the family for at least the last five generations has had it; I hope Aaralyn does too!

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 14

Views from Ireland




 
I had so many pictures from our 2009 honeymoon in Ireland (about 1400) that it was hard to pick just one or two to share. I am thankful that this beautiful place still exists, raw and only minimally touched by by civilization when compared to other parts of the world. I am thankful we got to take this trip of a lifetime and experience Ireland's beauty. The island is serene and everywhere you look, history is right in front of you; we even visited the remains of the farm where Ryan's family lived just a short five generations ago (my tree is a bit more complicated to trace back.) I hope we are lucky enough to return one day but as the saying goes "If you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough!" (Fingers still crossed.)

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 13

My Gentle Giant
I am thankful for my Queen. She holds a special place in my heart. Growing up with friends who had horses and who were so generous to teach me about them, made me want my own some day. I remember going to the Iowa State Fair every year and watching the excitement of the draft shows and when Queen came up for sale shortly after starting my job with Farmland, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take this once little, two year old beauty home. While she is quite a change from Ryan and the farm's horses used to work cattle, she is the foundation to building our future team of Cedar Creek Clydesdales. She has such a wonderful (and funny) disposition, conformation (though this is not the best picture) and is so good with Trayton. I know having her is a luxury, especially with her training to both ride and drive, and she is my big sweetheart.

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Monday, November 12, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 12

Breastfeeding Resources and Awareness
I am thankful for the effort people and organizations are making to normalize the very biological and natural act of breastfeeding in this country. The maternal response to feed an infant is challenged by many obstacles, lack of education/information and marketing. I am thankful for the resources provided by lactation consultants, doctors and nurses who are breastfeeding advocates, and organizations and individuals such as La Leche League International, Kelly Mom, Best for Babes, Nurtured Child, The Leaky Boob, Baby Dickey, and so many more that I have not mentioned. Not only have these resources helped me numerous times, but they truly believe in helping women to obtain what they need for making the most informed decisions. Pictured above is Aaralyn's first feeding after birth and such a special moment I hold in my heart for us!


Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 11

Our Veterans
I am thankful for the men and women, both past and present who serve and protect our country. Many of the liberties we enjoy are possible because of their dedication. I am also thankful for the families of these men and women. They sacrifice so much to support their service members. Happy Veterans Day!   
Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 10

Ability to Aid Others

I am thankful we have not been in a situation where we have been forced to evacuate our home, or have completely lost our home and all belongings. Many are not as fortunate, as recently Hurricane Sandy has left parts of the northeast in terrible condition. When a friend mentioned her co-worker was collecting winter items and basic necessities to send out east, Trayton and I spent a day going through some things and gathering others to donate. I think he enjoyed helping me pack items and asking what each thing was for (how they would need it.) I hope one day he understands the meaning of community and charity; I am thankful there are people out there with generous hearts who are willing to help complete strangers. We can never be sure if we might ever be in the shoes of need.   

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!

Friday, November 9, 2012

A Month of Gratitude: Day 9

Autumn
Autumn is my favorite time of year. I am thankful I live in a region where we get to experience all four seasons, but Autumn is special. Autumn signifies the harvesting of crops and related celebrations, changing foliage, and preparation for the winter. I love the crisp air and smells that fill it, color of the land, cozy clothes, homemade foods and activities encompassing the season.    

Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Thanks for reading!