A Month of Being Thankful "M" is for Mia

There isn't a day or even a minute that goes by that I'm not thankful for having been blessed with Mia. Mia is the embodiment of love, joy, kindness, curiosity, adventure, and energy all rolled up into one exuberant little girl who has a verve for life like no other. She is a tom boy one day digging in the mud and a very girlie girl the next dressed in one of her many princess dresses. She is always asking questions and desires to know and learn all she can. Mia is a great big sister that thrives in teaching Wyatt how to do something. Mia is just Mia and we love her so much.

Now, don't get me wrong, we have our rough moments for sure, times when she hears you but doesn't move a muscle, times when she's just not going to budge when all you really want is an inch but the sweet moments wash all bad ones aside like a wave washes the beach clean everyday. There were footprints or anger there one moment and with one wave of water or emotion, they are gone and the moment is new again.

Mia is amazing in every sense of the word and Cary and I can't really remember life in such bright color before August 1, 2005.

I love you Mia!!

A Month of Being Thankful "I" is for I Love You

"I love you" are 3 little words that make me smile. Last week Cary was away for a night on business and as I got into to bed after a long day I pulled the covers back to find an "I love you" note...unexpected. Oh I was so happy. What a perfect way to end my day.

I love when my kids say I love you...my heart melts....instantly. I can remember the 1st time I heard those 3 little words from each of them...so sweet and so pure.

Cary, Mia and Wyatt....I love you!!

A Month of Being Thankful "E" is for Exercise

Oh how I love exercise. Talk about a great way to give your energy a jolt and feel fresh and alive. I love running, biking, walking, kicking the soccer ball, anything that gets the heart rate up. This year I became a Mad Dog certified Spin Instructor and have had the best time motivating people to keep going even when all they really want to do is stop their legs and take a long drink of water. I was raised to love sport and hope to pass that passion on to my kids. Maybe Cary and I subconsciously named our daughter Mia thinking it would make her a world class soccer star, who knows.

Today at lunch I was reminded of just how much I need to burn energy when the pressure of the day is getting to me. I went to the gym at work and the class I wanted to take was full and what a huge let down that was and it was amazing just how it impacted my next few minutes.

This weekend I need to get outside and play!! Join me!!

A Month of Being Thankful "C" is for Cary

"C" is for Cary and for him I am very thankful. I am so lucky to have him in my life, to share my everyday with. Cary is the most gracious husband and a very loving father. I love watching him with Mia and Wyatt and I love to see them learn from him. He is patient, loving, caring, honest and funny. He makes us laugh daily. Cary is creative and I admire his free spirit. I can't imagine a day without him and pray never to. After 10 years together it feels like I still learn something new about him all the time. To him I am very thankful.

Now, there are other C's I'm thankful for like chocolate, cycling, church, and let's not forget coffee (especially on the day's my kids decide 5:45 is a good time to get up) but nothing holds a candle to Cary. I love you sweets!!

A Month of Being Thankful "B" is for the Beach"

Although we don't take advantage of it enough, we love living at the beach. Last Christmas we took our photo at the beach. We have so many fun memories of the beach. Mia's 3rd birthday celebration was at the beach. We've celebrated the majority of the last 10 4th of July gatherings at the beach. In college I used to run on the beach. Audrey loves to play at dog beach. The beach always brings a smile to my face...just not when I forget my sunscreen.

A Month of Being Thankful "A" is for Audrey

We've had Audrey in our lives for 81/2 years now and she's still the same playful dog that she was at 3 when this photo was taken. Audrey loves to run, fetch, play and a good belly rub. She's the most loyal friend you could ask for and she always happy to see you. She's the 1st person to greet you when you get home and the last to nuzzle her nose under your arm to say goodnight. She loves fun. Audrey is 100% love. Audrey is so gentle to Mia and Wyatt and wouldn't hurt a fly although she belts out a heart stopping bark in the night at the slightest sound, so she a great burglar alarm too (she's all bark, no bite, don't tell). We all love Audrey. Today, we are reminded how thankful we are that Audrey is in our lives.