Turning the Camera Around

Today I am thankful for having an amazing cousin who is also an incredible photographer. She can make my kids smile even when they are absolutely determined not to. She is a special part of all of our lives and someone Roman and I, along with our kiddos, cherish very much. "Our Jean" as Braeden refers to her is always there to help out when we need her. She takes care of our kids and gives them lots of love and hugs. We are so lucky to have Jean play so many different roles in our lives.

She celebrates birthday's with us

Introduced the boys to Vacation Bible School (which they love)

And she gladly hangs out with us which is the best gift of all! Yesterday I turned the camera around on her while she was playing with the kids. While I am not quite a photographer like she is, I think I captured this moment pretty well. 

We are all very thankful for "Our Jean".

Love Them

I can't think of anything that I am more thankful for than family. Mine has seen me through some wonderful times as well as some very difficult situations. Through it all, they are always there. The biggest bonus of being close to family is the kids. I am beyond blessed to have three healthy, amazing kids of my own along with my three nephews. When we found out we were pregnant the first time we knew it was time to move home (at least for me, Roman's home was where we already were). It was a decision we had made already without talking about it. Our children would grow up close to their grandparents, aunt and uncle and cousins. It has been amazing and worked out just the way we had hoped. The kids spend time together and enjoy each other's company as much as any group of kids at varying age levels can. I am so thankful that they will grow up together, navigating the elementary and then the high school years watching each other's backs. Poor Maggie may never date with all of those older brothers and cousins!

I am incredibly grateful for these five lively boys..

...and this one crazy girl!

November - The Month to Celebrate All For Which We Are Thankful

I am thankful for so much in my life. All the usual's come to mind..my family, my friends, our home, safety. I could go on and on. This month I've decided to follow the example of so many other bloggers and try to blog every day about the many wonderful reasons I have to be thankful each and every day.

Today I am thankful for:

1. My sister-in-law who lives in New York being safe. She isn't able to go back to her apartment yet but she and her dog are staying with her boyfriend and weathering the aftermath of Sandy as best as they can. 
2. Electricity! How can any of us watch the coverage of Sandy on TV and not be thankful for the power that gives us light, heat and a hot shower. We had no power for 4 days last year thanks to the crazy snowstorm we got before Halloween and I am good to not have to experience that again anytime soon. 
3. The fact that I'm not a countertop installer. Random I know, but after watching those poor guys lug my new countertop into my house today and then spend 2 hours getting it just right, I think I can safely say that is a career path I will never choose.