Giving thanks

sweater: kohls  skirt: target   bracelet: francesca's

First off, I have to say that this outfit may as well be pajamas. Ridiculously comfortable.

Secondly, I wish all the time my hair could do a top knot or high bun. This is the best I've got. A tiny nub on the back of my head.  Someone help me.

And thirdly, I wanted to share one of my favorite recent traditions.
Two years ago Chris started a tradition that I hope we do every year for the rest of our lives. 

During the month of November we put out a big piece of paper on our banister by our stairs.

Throughout the month we write different things we're thankful for. Big things. Little things. Everything. 

It's a great reminder that God has given us so many blessings and is a daily reminder that He has given us far more than we will ever deserve.

Starting this year's list of with these things: 

A new recipe.  (pumpkin chocolate chip bread)

Dinner out with Chris this weekend. 

Coffee on a Sunday morning. 

A family that I couldn't be more thankful for.  

 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

What are a few things on your list this year?

Thankful

jeans: kohls (similar)  sweater: jcpenny (similar)  flats: kohls (similar)

I'm thankful for cooler weather this last weekend so I could wear this outfit.  

I'm thankful for a thoughtful friend who gave me a big bag of jelly belly's this week. 

I'm thankful for easy meals like this meatball sub casserole. 

I'm thankful for another amazing friend who sent me flowers this week.  

I'm thankful for a husband who cleaned up our yard and vacuumed our house. 

And I'm so thankful for these girls.  

These girls who I've become friends with and feel blessed by them weekly. 

First up, I'm thankful for Jennifer from Delightfully Noted

Jennifer has truly become one of my closest blogging friends.  I feel quite blessed to have "met" her.  And I do actually plan on meeting her in person someday as she also lives in Illinois.  Besides being a good friend, Jennifer is beyond talented and shares a million amazing DIY projects on her blog.  Like her adorable coasters,  coffee table makeover or her cute cards in her shop.   Jennifer is one of those people that can find something that appears ugly at a thrift shop and turn it into something awesome.  

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Next is Christina from My Life, Laughs and Love

Like me, Christina started her blog for her sister and also like me didn't realize how much she would enjoy blogging!  I love Christina's blog because it is a mix of everything and you can tell right away she's someone you'd want to be friends with!  

Besides being a total inspiration as she shares her journey during her life makeover to get healthy, she writes posts that make you laugh, and reminds you to appreciate the things you have in life.  

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Finally, I'm so thankful for Amanda from for Love of a Cupcake.

Amanda is one of the first friends I made when I started blogging.  She is sweet, beautiful, generous and funny.  Plus she has the best clothes.  If only she lived closer so we could share! 

She's going through some major life changes as she will have a new job, new house and new husband this month! I can't even wait to see pictures as she will be a gorgeous bride!  Remember these cute bracelets I wore.  Yeah, she makes those too - so add talented to the list.

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You'll definitely be thankful if you got to know these ladies too! 

Hello Monday

Hello bird shirt. 

 I am so happy I finally found you and you were only $9. 

 shirt: Target ($9)  shorts: old American Eagle  sandals: Target  bracelets: made by me  
giraffe necklace: gift from friend

Hello braid.  You have become a summer staple. 

Hello giraffe necklace. 

 I couldn't be more excited to wear you many days a week. 

Thanks to one of best friends Rebecca for sending it to me.  I couldn't have felt more loved and cared about when I got it.  God is good to give me a friend like you!
(sorry there isn't a better picture of it.  I linked up a similar one.)

Hello Medieval Times. 

Despite your hefty price we had such a great time celebrating our sweet niece's 6th birthday. 

Hello Hope. 

I got this necklace from my sweet friend Alison who reminded me that I am not alone in my struggle through infertility and to hold on to hope for the future. 

Her friendship has become such a blessing.  

Hello Bachlorette Finale. 

I'm excited to be watching you in Indiana with one of my closest friends, Brittany. 

Hello Giveaway.

Today is the last day to enter to win! 

Hope you all had a great weekend and are ready for a new week!

YOLO Monday
hello Monday 
Monday Mingle

Thankful Thursday

  Dress & Scarf: Old Navy   Shoes: Target

When I sat down tonight to write this post at first I thought of multiple things that seem hard in my life right now - the recent news of Chris' grandpa's poor health, the continual wait to get pregnant, situations at my job, the small amount of time Chris and I seem to be able to spend together lately . . . .  

I feel like I could be justified to complain and be sad about a handful of things today, but I also know that there are so many good things in my life and that I often forget how lucky and blessed I am.  

Tonight I am thankful for: 

1. A job that is so close to my house. 

2. A husband that I love and miss when I don't get enough time with him.  

3. Warm weather today and the happiness of spring and then summer around the corner. 

4. A God that uses trials to bring us closer to Him and closer to each other.  

And  who promises to work for the good of those who love Him. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, 

who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 

5. Videos like this to feel loved by my family:

live laugh thursday
kate says stuff
thankful thursday

Thankful Thursday

 Things I'm thankful for today: 

1. These grey boots - I bought them years ago for $9 at a store called Steve & Barry's (which is no longer around).  They were my first pair of boots and I debated about buying them.  I wear them ALL the time.  They are way too worn so I bought a replacement pair - over a year ago.  Still wearing them regardless! 

2. A three day weekend coming up.  

3. My sewing machine.  I made a little make - up bag  the other day with no pattern or tutorial.  Can't wait to share it! 

4. A conversation I had with an old student awhile ago.  He came back to visit and told me about how he had a trumpet solo in his last band concert.  I told him that I used to play the trumpet and he said "I know, that's why I did." 

5. Dresses that double as skirts.  Especially when they're polka - dotted. 

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