Thankful Thursday

This has been a bit of a rough week for us me. I've been stressed and exhausted. Tears have been shed. Both by myself and by Eva. But instead of dwelling on that, I am choosing to reflect on the things that I am thankful for this morning.

Of course, I am thankful for this big goofy grin (excuse the poor quality photo - not much light in our bedroom). Every time my girl smiles at me, it fills my heart.

I am thankful for my wonderfully Fabulous Dude. He deserves a post all his own - and will get one soon. Not only does he work hard to provide for our family, sometimes putting in 12+ hour days, but as soon as he walks through the door, he is fully attentive to Evalyn and I. Whether it's helping with dinner so I can feed the baby, or taking the baby so I can get something done and have a little break, he's on it. He is so wonderful with her and I can already see the bond they are developing. I'm thankful for a great husband and father.

I am thankful for Cherry Coke Zero. I told you all on Tuesday that we can't buy it in Canada so I stocked up, buying 4 cases when I was in the states. I am so glad that this nectar of the gods is back in my life. In all honesty, I am a Pepsi fan, not a coke fan, but only when it comes to the regular versions. When it comes to the flavored colas, diets, zeros and so on - I will always choose Coke.

Speaking of that, I am thankful for the United States of America and all they have to offer - mainly Cherry Coke Zero, Target, and the Carter's outlet. I had a very successful shopping day on Monday.

And to continue, I am thankful for all the button-up/open sweater options that Target had available. This nursing Mama was glad to get 5 new sweaters that look decent on her post baby body and give her easy access to the ladies at all hours of the day.

I am thankful for beautiful fall weather. We've enjoyed a beautiful autumn so far and it makes it much easier to get motivated to get out for walks than if the weather was crappolo.

I am thankful for my family and friend ands the amazing support they have been to me since Eva was born. Just this week alone, my friend Crystal came over to help with Eva so I could get some housework done, my mom came to go shopping with me, the Dude's aunt brought dinner, cleaned up my kitchen and stayed for the evening when she knew he had to work late, and my sister sent me an e-mail to encourage me when I was down. That is just the start.

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

Thankful Thursday

In honour of the new year, I decided to forgo this week's Thrifty Thursday post (see yesterday's post for a quasi idea) and to post about some things that I am thankful for as we start a new year. I decided to write down the first 29 things that come to mind when I think about what I am thankful for. Why 29? Because it is now 2009 and I didn't think I could handle sitting at the computer for the length of time it would take to write out 2009 things so I shortened it to 29. Most of the 29 are things that are (at least in someway) specific to the year that has just passed. So here you have it, in no particular order, my list:

1. The health of my mom and mother-in-law, who both celebrated 5 years cancer free in 2008.
2. My husband's ability and desire to work hard to support our (wee) family.
3. A new (to me) vehicle.
4. All the new babies in born into my family in 2008: Hannah, Hunter, Rylan, Daniel and Mason.
5. Financial aid to help support my graduate education.
6. A 3 week visit with my sister and her newborn son in the summer.
7. Candycane hot chocolate.
8. My best friend's opportunity to follow her dream.
9. The harvest from my garden.
10. A friend who taught me to bake bread and teaches me many life lessons.
11. Multiple trips north to visit family.
12. My siblings who are also my dearest friends.
13. My nieces and nephew.
14. Parents (both sets).
15. Three sweet chillens: Slugger, Sunny and Bam-Bam.
16. The freedom and opportunity to pursue higher education.
17. My church family.
18. Cousins who are more friends than cousins.
19. My cozy apartment.
20. Baking and canning days with my mumma.
21. My job and my husband's job.
22. Tostitos with cream cheese bacon dip (mmm ... eating it right now).
23. Crepe nights with Katie and Amy.
24. Cooking weekends with my SIL.
25. A freezer FULL of food.
26. The chance to walk in the weekend to end breast cancer with five very special ladies.
27. The fireplace that keeps my house warm.
28. The blessing of another year.
29. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

I'd love to hear what you are thankful for as we enter a new year. You don't have to write 29 things, you can write more or less, whatever you feel like. Use Mr. Linky to link back to the post. Happy New Year!