Our 1st Family Thanksgiving

So our 1st family Thanksgiving didn't turn out quite like I would have planned it. On Wednesday the Northeast got slammed by snow. I had to work but was able to get to my parent's house where I had dropped off Jack earlier in the day so at least we were together. I didn't want to chance driving home with 10 inches of snow on the ground, even with a Jeep. Thankfully, Brian did make it home so we were separated.

Thanksgiving morning Jack and I enjoyed the parade and breakfast with my family. I started feeling sick to my stomach after breakfast and it only got worse during the afternoon. In addition to the stomach pains I have been dealing with terrible back pain that started on Tuesday. When Brian got to my parent's he also was feeling sick. He looked terrible so I sent him home. I tried to pull through and  celebrate with my family but I only felt worse as the day progressed. I managed to get through dinner so Jack could enjoy with family although he screamed for most of the meal. I didn't even try and eat. After dinner my body was just so weak and I was so uncomfortable I had to drive home. I packed up Jack and drove the hour home. I cried most of the trip home because I was so disappointed that I felt like I had ruined his holiday.

Bowtie from Pen +A on Etsy

By the time we had gotten home Brian was watching football and was feeling slightly better. I attempted to eat and my stomach felt terrible. We cuddled together in all of our yuckiness as a family and watched. I found comfort from some Instagram friends who were also feeling ill on their child's 1st Thanksgiving. Although it made me feel pretty sad that we spent most of the day apart and we couldn't enjoy the holiday as a family I have to feel blessed that our life is so full. We have so much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is just a day and we can always have a redo! I do have a turkey in our freezer.

I was up most of the night feeling sick on the couch while watching repeats of One Tree Hill on Netflix.  Today I've spent most of the day on the couch and watching Jack play. We are both still in our jammies. I've attempted a little Christmas decorating and even more Black Friday online shopping. I got some great deals in Carters, Shutterfly and Old Navy.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to share the day (healthy) with the ones you love. 

I'm So Very Thankful

Like most of us I spend November to reflect on all the blessings I have in my life and all the things I'm grateful for. I think it can be so easy to take things, experiences and people for granted. Something done every day can become routine and someone that you see every day can become expected. It can be so easy to forget just how special everything in your life can be. I love my life and I'm thankful for everything that I have. I must say this year I have reflected much more than usual on all the great things in life. I think it's the hormones. Whatever it may be I'm thankful. 


- My Family. I swear my parents are amazing. My mom is the most giving person I have ever met. She loves everyone and shows it. Some may take advantage of her kindness and it drives me insane but she loves none the less! My dad, although rough on the outside goes out of his way to be kind to others. 

- My in-laws. I have lucked out. I know so many people who do not have a great relationship with their in laws. Not me! My in laws are wonderful. They are kind and helpful. 

- My husband. He bugs me like no other. He isn't perfect and I'm not either but we make it work. We are a team. I can't wait  to see the father he will become! 

- My Bogart. I get so emotional about him. He was my very first baby. I do worry that his life will change so much and it breaks my heart. I worry he will not understand the new baby coming into his life and I blame myself for not being a good enough dog mom. He is getting older and I hope he is happy.

- My Friends. They are honestly so much more than friends. They are family to me! Their support goes beyond just a friendship. 

- Little baby lamp chop. Thinking back to how hard the holidays were last year was after losing our first baby I am so very thankful we have a healthy baby growing. The movement I feel each day is beyond words. The feeling of never being alone. This baby will make his or her arrival right after the holidays. I can't think of a better way to extend the holidays! 

- Our home. I am thankful for my home! I love having a place to plant my feet, mark the growth of my children, celebrate holidays, form traditions and keep my family together, have family dinners. To me it is so much more than a shelter from the cold. It stand for my husband and my compromise and our team work. 


On a much lighter note...

- Hot coffee in the morning. 

- Hallmark holiday movies

- Good people who do good things!

- Chocolate Almond Milk

- Hugs!

- Extra firm pillows

- Automatic car starters and car seat warmers.

- Pinterest! 

Whether you are traveling or staying home this week I  hoping you will be all have a fabulous time indulging on turkey and stuffing with the ones you love!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Dare to DIY

A couple of weeks back I decided to take the Dare to DIY Challenge. The purpose of this challenge is to motive us to DIY projects through November and December. I loved the idea because I usually don't decorate for Thanksgiving and I'm usually so busy in December I don't take enough time for me to do the things I really enjoy. I'm very excited to participate.

This week our challenge was Dare to be THANKFUL.
At first I had a hard time with this one. I don't really know why. I think I just had a case of crafter's block. I painted a pumpkin we had picked in early fall. During Hurricane Sandy we brought our pumpkin inside and this is where it stayed. Ironically, a small pumpkin reminded me of how THANKFUL we are to have made it through the storm safely. "Give Thanks" just about says it all. I'm am so thankful our families and friends are safe, warm and able to celebrate with one another on Thursday.

My pumpkin sits on a cake plate my mother in law created for our spring wedding. These cake plates were used as part of our wedding centerpieces. Yet another thing I am thankful for. In addition to our painted pumpkin I purchased 4 small styrofoam pumpkins at Michael's this fall. I used my favorite Martha Stewart glitter and some spray glue to jazz it up.


For the next three Mondays I will be creating some goodies to share along with the hosts Two Twenty One, Maybe Matilda, Decor and The Dog.

Up next week...

Monday, Nov. 26

Dare to… entertain!

DIY something for your table. This could be something from last wee’s Thanksgiving table or a new Christmas look. Get creative and use things in new ways. Or go true DIY and make something totally new. Ideas include place mats, table runners, place cards or centerpieces.

Gobble Gobble

From my family to yours.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Source: browneyedbaker.com via Kristina on Pinterest

I am so lucky to be thankful for so much. I am thankful for my fiancé. He is truly the greatest man I have ever known, the family members who haven't let me down, my amazing friends who are sometimes closer then my family. I'm so thankful to have a home and food on the table. Along with a job that helps to keep those things in my grasp. And I can't forget my pup. Bogart brings me such joy and happiness.

I'd love to know what everyone is thankful for. Enjoy this wonderful day!