Take 30.

Really, this is probably take 489 for restarting the blog.  Our family has had so many amazing days, events, and experiences in the last 8 months (since the last time I blogged :/ ). Our time here in St. Louis is both flying by and dragging on at the speed of an overweight tortoise at the end of a marathon. 

Today is day 1 of a 30 day challenge I'm committing myself and our family, too. There are multiple facets to this challenge. There are goals I've set for my/our emotional, physical, spiritual, family, nutrition, organizing, financial, and family record keeping (a.k.a. blogging) well being. The theme for this challenge is simply two words:

NO EXCUSES

There is no reason we can't accomplish of all our goals. They are VERY realistic expectations that each person in this house can do as long as everyone is on board. 

I'm very excited about the next 30 days and pray that we lose track a week in and they are all habits by that point. Because really, what's the point of doing something for just 30 days if it makes you or your life better?

Freedom.

Today, we are thankful for Freedom. So many different kinds of freedom.

Religous Freedom

Political Freedom

Sexist Freedom  (regardless of what the Dem's might say)

Racial Freedom (also, regardless of what the Dem's might say)

Freedom to sit inside my home with my children and play without concern of a war being fought in my backyard.

Freedom to have all of our Armed Forces filled with those that choose to and are willing to fight to protect all of these freedoms that we love, rather than having those fight that are forced into it, thus leaving their heart out of the fight.

Freedom to choose what path is right for our family.

We are so very lucky to live in the wonderful United States of America and have all of the freedoms and liberties that we do.

I truly hope that every one got out and voted today, whether Republican, Democrat, or somewhere in between.

I had the opportunity to take Derek with me. Obviously, he was unaware to what was really going on but it's important that we all show our children the importance of voting.

I didn't take Dallace because she was already at school for the day.

When I picked her up I explained that I had gone and voted-which she seemed to think was very exciting until she realized I was saying VOTING, not BOATING. She did really like my sticker, though!

Medicinal convenience

Today, we are thankful for all of the conveniences available to us. The last day or two, Derek has had a stomach bug and at any point day or night we are able to run out and get pedialyte, Gatorade, and diaper rash cream. While it's no fun at all to have a sick little boy I cannot imagine not having these items readily available or even worse, having no where with heat to stay due to a massive storm  or simply not having the means to afford these necessities. Our hearts and prayers certainly go out to all of those families in the North East that are still suffering through the effects of Hurricane Sandy. I've been seeing all sorts of wonderful works of kindness from people all over our nation. I've seen ads for people with vacation homes offering to allow families with young children to stay there for free if they can find a way to get down to the homes. People are coming out to help from all the way in California to try to restore power to those who do not even have heat to keep their family comfortable. It breaks my heart to think about trying to explain to a 3 year old why you can't turn the lights on at night or make the home (which is most likely destroyed) just a little warmer. We are so incredibly blessed to have all of the comforts of home within our reach. I pray that our family never experiences anything as devastating as those families are experiencing right now.

Luke

Today, I am thankful for this very handsome, oh-so- charismatic husband of mine.


I really lucked it when I found this guy.

Some of his favorite things include:
Watching football
Watching basketball
Watching baseball
NOT watching soccer
Playing with the kiddos
Taking me out on super fun and creative dates
Relaxing on the couch
Laughing
Taco Bell
Cuddling
Watching ANYmovie that has Chris Farley in it.

The best part about this list is that I, too, love all of these things ( minus 1).

Luke is such an amazing husband and father. He knows what needs to get done to take care of our family both now and in the future and although it seems like an uphill climb at this stage he is impressing me every day with his determination and ability to put his head down and get up that mountain. I'm so very thankful that I met him and feel so incredibly blessed that he chose me to spend eternity with!

Derek

 Today, we are thankful for this little man. Derek is now 16 months old going on about 7 years. He thinks he is bigger than his britches and without fail nearly gives me a heart attack each and every day. He's fearless when it comes to climbing and jumping. He absolutely adores Dallace, Daddy, and Mommy (in that order). He's too handsome and so sweet when he wants to be.

Some of Derek's favorite things:

playing Monster with Dallace (he's got pretty strong ROAR)

climbing on anything and everything

playing at the park

eating peaches & grapes

wrestling with dad

playing catch

giving Mommy kisses

his must-have giraffe toy at nap/bed time

 Avoiding car rides

Dancing

Running away with something he should not have in hand

He was the cutest little shark for Halloween this year 

I can not believe how fast he has gone from baby to toddler. He is such a blessing in our lives and I don't know what we did before him. I can't wait to see the man he grows up to be!

Dallace

How in the world is it already November?? 2012 has absolutely been flying by! Our little family has had such a busy and wonderful year, and we have so much to be thankful for.

Today, though, I am thankful for our sweet little angel, Dallace.

 Dallace has got so much personality packed into her pint-size little body. She's funny, compassionate, helpful (most of the time), and so quick to forgive a certain little brother that doesn't know how to ask first for anything, yet. 

Some of her FAVORITE things include:

Going to Target with Mommy (has to be mommy only. NO Derek or Daddy)

Helping make cookies

Riding her bike

Having her nails painted and painting Mommy's nails

Playing dress up

Coloring

Going to school

Going to the gym

Going to the park

Going pretty much anywhere

Telling anyone and everyone that her birthday is June twenty-fird (June 23rd) and that she will be 4

 She is my little buddy and will go do anything as long as it's with me. It breaks my heart to think that there will be a time in the not so distant future when she might to care to hang out with me as much.

 She's doing wonderfully at school. Her teacher tells me that she's so friendly and not at all shy around the other kids. They also tell me she becomes extremely concerned if someone else is out sick or gets hurt and tries to figure out what to do to help them. I hope that she never loses this trait.

I can not believe she's growing up so fast. She grows so much everyday and is learning how to be a little lady and now I just have to make sure that my example is the best for her. Fingers crossed!

Fun at CCF

Just in case you've ever wondered what the end of a 13 hour day at The Cheesecake Factory looks like. That's it.