We Are Alive And Thankful!

On FB right now it is very popular to list out something that makes you thankful each day in November.  I know I am starting on day 3, but I am thankful that I have the ability to start late LOL. Since my blog is my homescreen I get to see it every single time I log into my laptop.  So my first thought was

 

 

 "I am thankful that even though my family ceased to exist on the blog, they are very much a part of my everday life"

 

 

For that reason I am keeping this off of facebook and putting it right here! I think it is no big surprise that my #1 is.....

1. I am thankful for my family!

The 5 people who live in this house with me are the beginning middle and end of everything I do.  They are my entire life!

 

 BAILEY

Bailey is a brilliant test of my patience.  She has such a strong personality and is so much like me at her age!  The big difference between Bailey and I at 15....Bailey is much smarter than I was!  She has a great head on her shoulders and she has the end goal in mind.  She wants to go to college, she wants to get her black belt.  Everything else will come as she crosses the path.  What a great attitude she has this year.  High School has been a lot of fun for her.  Her grades are better than they ever have been and she takes a lot of pride in her efforts.  We don't fight about grades anymore and she has a lot more freedom.  Sounds like a win/win!  She found a new passion this Spring, Tae Kwon Do!  She is already on her 4th belt and isn't stopping anytime soon.  Her masters love who she is and everyone brags on her at the studio.  They even took her picture recently because they feel she is a great image for advertising.  Let's not kid ourselves, 95% of the studio is Male....I am sure this pretty girl who can fight is just bringing the guys to the front counter asking "where do I sign up?" They should be paying us!  :)  I am very proud of you Bailey!

 

COURTNEY

Courtney is one motivated little cookie.  This kid does not like to be told she can not do anything.  She is a straight A student.  If she has anything lower than an A she is very diligent about finding out why.  She will hound the teachers, she will study, she will do extra credit....she will fix it.  Her grades always have been a point of focus for her.  She takes pride in them and it really shows!  It's also no surprise to anyone who knows Courtney that her main love is Dance.  She lives, breathes and speaks Dance. This year when she was given her team she felt her studio wasn't using her full potential at competition.  She went to the director and asked he reconsider.  She was given the opportunity to prove herself.  And prove herself she did.  She went to both her classes and the classes above her for weeks.  She was learning a total of 6 dances and starting out Jr. High.  Her grades never faltered and she was able to show her studio that she was right.  They had chosen the wrong spot for her.  This is how Courtney lives her life.  She won't argue that you are wrong about her, she will just prove it to you!  I am very proud of you Courtney!

 

TAYLER

Tayler is our homes peacemaker.  If Tayler was a carebear her name would be "Mother Bear".  She is also a very good student and works hard to keep up on school.  Even when she is put in a position every other month where the obstacles are put in front of her to keep up on her work.  If there are 10 people sitting in the room and 1 of them is Tayler...you can see that she is working to make sure the other 9 all have a drink, a smile and don't need or want for anything.  She would give you anything if she knew you needed (or even wanted) it more than she did.  She smiles alot and she works hard to see the good in everyone.  That is a rare talent!  I have to remind Tayler often that I am the Mom and you don't have to make sure everyone has eaten lunch.  Go play, you are 11! :)  This year Tayler started softball.  She has really been working to find an activity that fits her personality.  Softball was fun and she did really well for being a first timer.  I'm not sure if it was her forever game of choice, but she did have a great time!  I look forward to what next year brings with her.  I am very proud of you Tayler!

 

LANDON

Landon is a character!  He is so full of personality and life.  Especially in the last year we have seen this enormous character just jump right out of that little body.   Landon would love to run and play and never stop moving, but so many things get in his way, like school :) He struggles with finding the right balance between what he wants most and what he know would be a better choice. But he works hard on it and it shows!  The only time I have seen Landon sit on his own for longer than a few minutes is when he pulls out his legos.  He loves legos and will sit in his room for hours pouring through his giant collection.  His toy box spends most days untouched because the lego box is where the fun is to be had!  He has been playing baseball for a few years now and has decided that he would like to start expanding his interests.  He has something in mind and we are working hard to get him to his goal.  I am very proud of you Landon!

 

NATHAN

 

Nathan is my husband, my best friend, my rock.  There is no question that without Nathan I would not be near the happy person that I am.  He is what holds me together.  Recently I was able to go on a "ride-a-long" with Nathan and I got to see him doing his job.  I was so proud of him!  The picture below is from that day.  He knew what he wanted, he knew what he needed to do to get there and he did it.  All while being a full time dad, keeping up on a full time job and going to school.  Then of couse maintaining me....we need to give him his props just for managing to do that job everyday.  :)  I love you Nathan, more than you will ever know.  Thank you for this wonderful family that I really am so thankful for!  I am very blessed!