Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for new job opportunities....

I am thankful for carpooling.....

I am thankful for speech and occupational therapists.....

I am thankful for two boys who rarely complain of their workload.....

I am thankful for a daughter who is the best cheerleader ever when it comes to her baby sister....

I am thankful for Fall.....

and, lately, I am thankful for the occasional afternoon nap!

Halloween 2011

The annual pumpkin carving.....

Maddox was impressed by all of the goo....

the sweet children.....

and the "lets act crazy" kiddos.....

For us, Halloween this year brought a new tradition.....the Boo Bucket. I am all about a tradition....

the children were elated with their surprises, even the toothbrushes that were included, and we all began our day accordingly - with CANDY.

later came the big fun, dressing up - this little pumpkin did not miss a beat, she was all ago for putting on her costume and even begged for the hat....all four of our children have worn the pumpkin costume....

and then there was the diva....MK just knew she was going to be a princess for Halloween and she insisted on wearing the Happy Birthday crown that my grandmother wore on her 90th birthday celebration last year! (and, on a side note, the princess insisted on the high heal shoes for trick or treating AND no coat - bad mother for letting her go as she was! Meanwhile, I had on a sweater as well as a jacket and I was STILL cold.)

and the boys....they speak for themselves.....this year, I decided to give them a day of rest for Halloween, no school - they, of course, loved this idea!

our crew.....we did our traditional chili cooking, adults mingle, Halloween festivities this year and then we were off to find some treats for the kiddos.....our two bigs were all about going as far as they could go in the neighborhood....I am pretty sure they would still be going door to door this minute if it were allowed.....

Thankful!

Today I am thankful for a loving, thoughtful and caring husband - he always puts others first.

I am thankful for the child that makes me laugh especially when I hear him tell a friend that he has a very important appointment with his doctor tomorrow - "Dr. Couch and his nurse, Miss TV."

I am thankful for the child who strives to see the good in people, the child who always wants to help those in need.

I am thankful for the child who says thank you to me for the little things.

And, I am especially thankful today for our church nursery staff. They have been so supportive of us and so kind to Maddox in the midst of her desperate cries for us. Today, Maddox stayed for the very first time in the nursery all by herself, no tears (except at drop-off), she played, she had snack and she was all smiles when we went to pick her up!