A Thankful Journey in Photographs: November 1

I am thankful for...

My Family

They keep me strong and make me want to be a good wife, mother, and person.  They provide love, cuddles, and hours and hours of fun.  Aren't they CUTE!!!!

I love you T and J!!

Craziness! Pure Craziness!

What a week!  It's been one of those "sit and read a parenting book, go for a run, take deep breaths, worry worry worry, everyone's totally off-schedule" kind of weeks, you know the ones!

Luckily, I have a stack of motivating and positive books, an amazing husband, and an although sick and exhausted, still hilarious and animated child.

Books piled next to me RIGHT NOW:

  

Although I haven't been able to frequent the gym like I had planned, I have been found rollin' down the road with my Johnnny in the stroller.  The weather has been amazing and I always feel great when I stay active.  Here are some pics from the week so far:

Yes! That IS a "J!" and YES Johnny wrote it!!! 

A reminder for me to slow down and enjoy life's little pleasures.  While on a run, I paused and let Johnny out to romp and climb around... perfect photo op.

I just love the old homes and barns scattered around Humboldt.

Although crazy and a little off-schedule, looking at these pictures and thinking about all of the great moments we've had... the week wasn't all that bad.  I hope everyone else is enjoying their family, community, and environment as well  :)

Comfort Food

Food always tastes best when prepared by my mom.  Breakfast is my favorite meal and my mother is always ready and willing to serve up something tasty!  Johnny and I just returned from a great week spent under her roof.   


Here are a couple of pictures that I took while admiring the way the morning light creeps in through my mom's kitchen windows.  

Seeing family and friends always reminds me of who I have to thank for all of the hope that I carry with me each day.  Lots of love to all of you  :)

Hello World!

It's funny how our life experiences shape who we are.  I feel very proud to be a devoted wife, and not until quite recently... a fost/adopt mom.  I "grew" up in an amazing family (when do we stop growing up, really?).  My parents modeled the traits and tricks needed to create a lasting relationship and a loving family.  My brothers and I share a bond stronger than anything.  In short, I feel very lucky.

One of the most amazing traits I inherited from my mother is her love and devotion to children.  Not only to my brothers and I, but to the thousands of children she has had in her elementary school classrooms.  Through staying after school and going in on weekends, working closely with parents who speak not one word of english, and even teaching other teachers how to be great teachers, she has taught me not to give up, that every child has worth, and that life isn't easy, but with hard work with children, you can literally SEE results.  She may also be cringing at the length of that last sentence LOL!

Check out this link... 5 years old, but the same words I speak today!

 Getting lost on the Lost Coast :)

Welcome to my blog.  I hope to share with you my experiences as a foster mother working hard to adopt a beautiful gift named Johnny, a Coastie wife, traveling the country with my best bud, and the fun and exciting adventures we get into as a family.  Also included, will be reviews, rants, and raves on many topics in Child Development, and super fun activities to do with kiddos.  I welcome comments and subscriptions and I hope to spread the love that my mom instilled in me  :)

Thank a TEACHER!!!