a thankful tradition

Three years ago Chris and I started a tradition that has become one of my favorites.  Each November we put a big piece of paper on our banister and throughout the month fill it up with things we are thankful for.  I've kept each one of them and plan on making a book out of them someday.  
I see lots of people posting statuses and instagram pictures with something they are thankful for each day of November and although we do the same with only having this out one month a year, I feel like this is something I wish we did more often.  It's funny that it seems easier to be thankful this time of year just because of the upcoming holiday, when I know it should be more of a mindset year round. 
I'd love to start something more permanent in our house with a list of thankful things, but for this month we'll keep with this.  Here are our lists from the last few years:

It's fun to look at each year and what we were thankful for.  Recurring things are family, coffee, tv shows, prayer, sweats, sweatpants and the last two years blogging has made the list.  
And speaking of blogging, here is a sweet blogging friend to introduce to you today.  Maeg is the beautiful southern girl from the blog The Modern Tulip.  She has shoes that I envy, although I don't know how I'd walk in them, discipline to do a candy detox that I too should follow, and an overall honest, fun and refreshing blog! 

Why hello there cuties! I'm Maegen, but if we become friends I'll let you call me Maeg. I blog over at The Modern Tulip. It's my space on the internet where I can speak as sarcastically as I so choose and no one, including my husband, can give me grief for it.

I realize no one really likes reading guests posts and quite honestly I don't like writing them. It's far too much pressure. I'm trying to sell myself to a bunch of woman in like .358 seconds before you scroll on past me. I'd rather sing karaoke naked. I take that previous statement back. Karaoke naked would be far worse than you ladies.

Over at TMT I like to share how seriously talented at fashion blogging I am. No judgement please. We can't all be like Katie who somehow manages to look adorable every stinking day while juggling being a wife and new mother. My two children are covered in fur, weigh 215 pounds combined and disobey enough to make me realize I'm not ready for motherhood.

I don't DIY anything. And if I did I wouldn't share it because it wouldn't be post worthy. I do share recipes when I don't end up burning the finished product. Every now and then I get on a healthy kick, but that's usually when my yoga pants start feeling snug and it's very short winded. I try to enjoy every moment life has to offer with lots of laughter and a good cocktail.

Come on over and visit and let me know you saw me here! This whole blogging thing is all about creating relationships for me so lets get to know each other better! We already have something in common. We both adore Katie! Oh and just because I like you already I thought I'd give you a present. One of you that is!

Thank you so much Meagen - I loved your guest post, and yes karoke naked would be quite the nightmare! And thank you for your giveaway of a shop credit to shop miss chic.  I wish I could win! 

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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?