Day 13 - 14 Books & Music

I missed another day...Not great at the daily post thing....let's catch up.  :)

Day 13 -- I'm thankful for books.  Books are my friends when I most feel alone, keep me company when I can't sleep, tell me stories, help me escape, and show me brand new worlds.   I'm thankful for the authors, creators, and story-tellers that have entertained me, taught me, and allowed me to live vicariously through them.

Day 14 -- Today I am thankful for music.  I have such a vastly diverse taste in music that I am endlessly entertained and searching for new musicians to explore. Lately Orion has been way more interested in jamming out, asking for the radio to get turned up and headbanging to his favorite songs.  Watching my son develop his own musical taste is exciting and so funny to me.  His taste is diverse and interesting and I can't wait to see what he discovers as his next favorite

Day 11 -- Veteran's & Birthdays

Today I am twice as thankful as normal! First, I am thankful for all of the Veteran's that have served to provide me and my family our freedom. My father, grandfather, aunts, uncles, friends, and so many others have selflessly served for the rest of us. So thank you to all of the incredible men and women who have served, fought, and honored us with your dedication to our freedom. It is that freedom that I truly appreciate most. So thank you all!!

Second, I want to say thank you to all of the people who have called, texted, messaged, and posted about my birthday today. I am blessed to have such an incredible, loving, supportive group of people in my life and words can not explain just how grateful I am for all of you. Each of you is different, unique, and special. Thank you all so much for the wonderful words and well wishes. I love you all very much.  

Happy birthday to me!!!

Day 10 -- My Son

Day 10 -- I have put off this post, because it is incredibly difficult for me to put into words the feelings that I have, but I think it is time to try.  Today, I am thankful for my son.  Orion has changed my life in ways that I can't even explain.  From the moment I knew he existed I have changed my life drastically to be someone he can be proud of.  His smile lights up my world and brightens even the darkest corners of my heart.  His laugh is contagious. He is outgoing, polite, and incredibly intelligent.  He gives me a strength and courage that I never knew I had inside.  It's hard to believe that he is 4 years old already, but I am so grateful to have him in my life and so proud of the little boy he has grown into.  Being a mother is the greatest accomplishment of my lief.  Every day is an adventure full of laughter, dimpled smiles, sarcastic conversations, and the occasional preschool attitude.  I can only imagine what the future has in store for us.  So, Orion, I am thankful to be your mommy.  I love you very much!

The first time I held him in my arms. 

Trips to the Children's Museum.

I miss these curles!

True Love is sharing your waffle.

He's such a helper. 

Photography with stylish hats. 

Roca Berry Farms. 

I will never get enough kisses on his face. 

Lounging on the couch. 

Tree decorating.

Hugs!

Story Time. 

I love this smile so much and will do everything in my power to see it. 

I love my little family. 

No matter what my hair color, he loves me and is judge free. 

I hope the future holds as many laughs as our past has. 

Day 9 -- My siblings

Day 9 -- Today I am thankful for my siblings.  They are each so unique, entertaining, and interesting and I love them all.  Ashley Dawn Whitson has taught me to stay strong, even when life is a challenge.  Arlana Jo Whitson has taught me that it's ok to be my own person, as long as I'm happy.  Sandra Peck has shown me how to reach for your dreams!  Christian Peck is such an incredible young man who has shown me how to laugh.  Conrad Pacheco has taught me success through hard work and dedication.  Chrissy Tilson shows me how to be an amazing mom to boys, even when they drive you crazy!  Shawna Pacheco shows me how to stand up for myself and what I believe in.

There are so many other lessons and memories that I could share from these amazing people.  So many laughs, so many heartaches that we've gotten through together...but no matter what my goal is simply to say I love you all and am so happy to have you all as a part of my life.  Orion is blessed to have such amazing Aunts and Uncles in his life.  I love you!!

Day 8 -- Seth

Day 8 (from yesterday) -- Today, I am going to get a bit mushy, which is something I typically try to adamantly avoid on Facebook and other online venues, but sometimes it happens.  Today, I am thankful for Seth.  My birthday is right around the corner, and tonight we had our first child-free date night in close to a year.  We had a fancy dinner with loads of laughter, and just got to spend some quality time together talking, sharing, and bonding.  Those moments may seem simple, but they are incredibly important to me.  While we've had our ups and downs, I can honestly say that Seth is a wonderful man.  He has taught me so much about the world and myself, helped me grow and learn in so many ways.  He is supportive, intelligent, and charismatic.  He helps me push myself out of my comfort zone and allows me to try new things.  He listens to my rants and raves, even when he has no interest in the subject (typically there is at least some mockery).  He is such an incredible partner and friend.  He is also an absolutely amazing dad to our son.  He loves him with all of his heart and it shows.  Their laughter together is enough to make any day seem better.  So, while Seth may drive me crazy, he makes me smile and I know my life is better because he has been a part of it.  Thank you Seth for being such a vital part of my life...my family, my heart, and my world.  <3 <3

Thankfulness - Day 7

The Princess Bride has been an obsession of mine for longer than I can even explain.  I've watched the movie hundreds of times (at least) and read the book more times than I remember. It feels like home, like comfort food.  On nights when I can't sleep, Inigo can always tell me a bed time story as they prepare to duel on the Cliffs of Insanity.  As you wish is one of the most romantic phrases ever spoke.  I can always judge the quality of a story by the amount of fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, and true love that it includes.  People with six fingers terrify me, and I always hope for a Miracle. I hope to someday win a battle of wits, and wish I were able to pretend to be left handed.  Not to mention, the fact that I know the meaning of the word "Inconceivable" ...or ROUSs...because I don't think they exist.    I could quote the whole movie and make one joke after another, but I should probably get to the point...

Today, I am thankful for the Princess Bride.  It may be silly, but it's something that has had a major effect on my life.  I've build relationships with people that started with this mutual interest.  I've told all the jokes, listened to others quote it, and bonded with unlikely strangers.  I've laughed with my dad, joked with my siblings, swooned over Seth, and loved every single experience.  It's the little things in life that I have learned to find great joy in.  The first book I read to my son as a tiny infant was the Princess Bride and I look forward to sharing the story with him again when he gets older....so yeah...Thanks William Goldman.

Thankful Day 6

Today was a very long day that ended in a pretty positive way...date night with my son.  We got to talk about his day at school, which from the perspective of a 4 year old is always entertaining.  We ate some supper, which consisted only of Wendy's, but it's what he requested (chicken nuggets and chili). We also got some ice cream that we ate sitting on the floor of the living room while telling stories and laughing. After we got done eating, we spent some time snapping pics on my laptop (he loves photobooth) and watching a Monster's University for the second time.  It was a very mellow night, but something that I needed very much.  Who knew than 45 minutes of laptop selfies could be so much fun?  I love Orion more than life, and he'll absolutely get a post of his own, but tonight I am thankful for date nights with my son.