Thankful

With the holidays coming up and other events in my life, I've been spending a lot of time thinking about how blessed I am and all of the things that I'm thankful for. I know it's not November, but I wanted to share with you a few of the things that I've been thinking about lately and some of the things I hold dear to my heart.

* My Mother-in-law: I am so lucky that I've been blessed to marry into a family that feels like my own. Chris' Mom often rearranges her schedule so that she can watch Bailey while we are working, is always happy to spend time with her Granddaughter {and Son and Daughter-in-law, I'm sure}, opens her home to anyone that needs a comforting, accepting place and is overall a good person.

* A comfortable home. As temperatures are dropping {ok..only to about 50 degrees, but still cold} I am more and more thankful that we have warm shelter, a cozy bed, and more than enough to keep us safe and secure. I think about those who don't have heat or even a home to live in and I am even more appreciative of all that we have.

* Bailey's smile. Her two year molars are coming in (early) and it is easy to see when they are bothering her because she turns into a fussy, clingy, disobedient child. It makes me appreciate my usual happy, sweet, cuddly, loving girl. {Yes, there is a difference between clingy and cuddly!}

* Trying out new recipes, even when they don't come out how I imagined. I tried to take a short cut when making these S'mores cookies. Instead of following the recipe, because I put a lot on my to-do list, I bought pre-made sugar cookie dough, rolled it into balls and rolled them into crushed graham crackers. Then cooked them as directed and added a half of a marshmallow and chocolate at the end. But they came out hard and the marshmallows were unrecognizable...but they were still delicious. I still really like the idea, so I will definitely try them again, when I have time to do them right.
I'm obsessed with all things S'mores right now...no clue why but they always sound delicious!

* Our backyard. We had it landscaped last June and I am loving how much use we get out of it. We have lawn (that I don't mind mowing) and Bailey always wants to be outside playing. I love being able to let her run around, watch the birds and just relax outside. It is so peaceful and I feel so content when I take a few moments to breathe in the fresh air.

* Cousins. Growing up, my cousins lived pretty far away (in Alaska to be specific) but whenever we got together we had a great time, which is still true today. I'm so thankful that we have memories together...especially ones like this of my cousin Emmy and I dancing at her brother's wedding.

*  Music. I constantly have music playing...in the car, the kitchen, when I'm cleaning, and even when giving Bailey a bath. We often have spontaneous dance parties and it is amazing how a song can put into words what you, yourself can't. Amazing how a song can immediately remind you of another time and place, good or painful memories intertwined with the tune.

 

* Our honeymoon. The other day, Chris and I were saying how wonderful it was that we spent our honeymoon relaxing in Tahiti. It was exactly what we hoped it would be and remembering that time spent together brings up all of those 'newlywed feelings', reminding me of how special our bond is.


Well...I think that's a good start for now. Maybe another post will be about less substantial things I'm thankful for, those things that make everyday life a little better/easier.

Happy day friends, I"m thankful for you always!

P.S. speaking of dance parties...here is a little video I took of Bailey today. She dressed herself and is showing off her unique style...in fashion and dancing! Enjoy!

Some firsts!

Our sweet little Bailey Boo has been able to experience some new things lately.

 

I painted Bailey's toenails for the first time.

She surprisingly sat still while I painted them, probably confused as to what I was doing. Fortunately, her toe nails are small so they dried quickly. When I was done, she kept smiling and touching her pink toes so I think she liked it!

Bailey also got her first haircut!

She did so great, barely acknowledging that anyone was touching her. She sat still and let the stylist do her thing, and Bailey came out with a cute bob. {and I really like that her bangs are no longer in her eyes} 

 

The biggest new event was:

We went to DISNEYLAND!

We went to celebrate our Niece's 2nd birthday and it was a fun trip!

 

The Crosby side of the family:

Elizabeth, Ella, Mario, Lynn, Chris, Bailey, and Me.

 

Bailey and Ella had matching Minnie Mouse dresses.

Bailey did great all day! We got up early and Bailey must have known something fun was happening because she was excited the entire ride down to Disney. She only took about an hour nap all day and had lots of energy!

 

We even convinced some of our best friends to join us and we were all excited to experience Bailey's first Disney trip together.

We even made some new friends!

{Bailey loved the characters from afar and was a little timid up close. She didn't cry, she just wanted to be held}.

Bailey got to meet Minnie Mouse and even gave her a kiss on the nose when we were saying goodbye, but those pictures are on someone else's camera.

 

Bailey LOVED the teacups! She loved spinning around and around. She also loved Dumbo, It's a Small World, watching the parade, and playing around in Mickey's house.

She HATED Pirate's of the Caribbean {cried the entire way though...and it was the first ride we went on}, Winnie the Pooh, and the fireworks. I think the fireworks booming reminded her of pirate's of the Caribbean.

 

It was a wonderful first trip and nice to experience it together as a family.

 

We've been making some wonderful family memories and soaking up time together!

 

I predict a post coming soon with some fall happenings!

 

Lucky

Do you ever have those moments/days/weeks where you are just feeling so down?? Like you can't get anything done, can't keep up with all that you have to do and that you're not being the person you think you should be?

I was having one of those weeks a few weeks ago and just started feeling so horrible about myself. I was questioning my ability to be a good mother (because Bailey threw a few tantrums), finding myself lacking as a wife (because I was struggling with keeping the house clean and healthy meals prepared), and with just with being myself (because I was tired but feeling guilty about allowing myself to veg out on the couch). I began to count all of the things I wasn't getting done perfectly ~ you know the daily tasks: working a stressful job, being a wife and mother, keeping our house clean, keeping Bailey happy, making sure I was making homemade meals ~ and I stopped thinking about the good things in my life and how blessed I am.

I even had a post written about what was going on {which might get posted at some point} but then a good talk with my Mom {doesn't that always help!} and a sweet surprise text from a dear friend {thank you Amy!} made me take a look at myself and realize that not every moment has to be pinterest perfect.

It's okay to stay in your pj's once in awhile, it's ok to let your child watch Yo Gabba Gabba multiple times a day, and it's definitely ok to order pizza for dinner.

And it's ok to ask for help when you need a break.

I am not one who often asks for help. I like to be strong and get things done on my own and yes, sometimes keep up appearances that everything is great, when in reality I'm feeling bogged down. I have a hard time letting go of past hurts and when I'm feeling overwhelmed, those hurts tend to creep up and settle in my mind.

Earlier this week I saw this on Pinterest:

And I realized that it is true. I need to remember how blessed I am, and to allow myself to relax. To not see the dust and dirt and laundry piled up; but to see my happy daughter, the gorgeous home we have, and see the love shared between my family. 

It's ok to feel overwhelmed and tired, as long as you are still able to count your blessings, you'll be alright!

So, when you're feeling down, or overwhelmed; just read a little Dr. Seuss, take a deep breath, and find something to smile about {and yes, sit down and take a load off for a few minutes...you deserve it!}