30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 28 ~ Thanksgiving

Today is a day of giving for thanks.  It is a day to spend with loved ones, whomever they may be. 

Count your blessings.
Thanks given for family.
Thanks given for friends.
Thanks given for pets.
Thanks given for our food.
Thanks given for ability to provide.
Thanks given for those that serve.

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 27

I've been a Garth fan since day 1... I was a teenager; my bedroom walls were plastered with posters and pictures of him; LITERALLY plastered.  I even had senior pictures taken with some of my posters and pictures.  To say I was a super-fan is an understatement... I'm also the only Garth fan who has never been to a concert.  (I will fix that one someday)

I love music... listen to it all day.  In addition to Garth; Trace Adkins, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood... but also like classic rock, rap, classic country, almost anything....

I also remember growing up with the Grandon's doing their jam sessions ~ such fun times and precious memories!  I have a recording of Mary (aka Mom) singing "It's Your Love"... love it!

Day 27 and I'm thankful for music.

 

 
 

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 26

It's the nectar of the gods...

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 25

I entrust my daughters every day to a wonderful woman who loves my children, allows them to call her Grandma, and I call her Mom.  Theola is a fantastic woman. 

I also have a couple teenagers that the girls love to "hang out with"... YiYi is one of their favorites.  It's good for them to be around older "kids" that really love playing games with them and can all be kids together. 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention my babysitter I had growing up.  Alice is a generous woman, with a huge heart.  I love her to this day and I miss her greatly. 

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 24

I have one of the best brother-in-laws ever... Mike is my husband's twin brother.  I don't normally refer to him as my brother-in-law, but rather my brother, "the bro" and I am "Sis". 

Mike is my brother in every sense of the word, except for biological.  We can talk about anything, he looks out for me, he's a loving and attentive uncle to the girls.  We've done so much together over the past years... State Fair trips, Wicked, shopping at Tanger, Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, him being in the room right up until about 15 minutes prior to Emerald's birth (I think he was a bit scared!), numerous BBQs, and lots more. 

I love Mike; he is my brother. 

Mike - May 2013

 

Mike & Ireland - July 2013

 

Mike with Ireland & Emerald - July 2013

 

Mike teaching the girls some jump rope moves - July 2013

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 23

My father-in-law Jim, like his wife, opened up his home and heart to me.  He has always treated me as his daughter, and always with the utmost respect. 

Dad - August 2004

My favorite memories of Dad include the annual Christmas trips to Chicago, the wonderful tear-jerker speech at our rehearsal dinner, dancing at our wedding, going to Amana's Tannenbaum Forest and most recently, going to Wicked.  Of course, there's the dinners out to Rastrelli's and lots of time spent just hanging out as a family. 

So today, on his birthday, I'm thankful for Dad. 

Dad - our wedding - August 2004

 

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 22

Connie Abbott is a woman whom I respect and admire greatly.  I met her for the first time on Christmas Eve in 2000.  I had just started dating her son a little month prior and I was coming into her home to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas with their family.  I was welcomed with open arms; she made me feel very comfortable. 

She was "Mom" to me from the start.  She always treated me like one of her own children. 

Mom - our wedding - August 2004

A few of my most favorite memories... our Christmas trips to Chicago and having lunch under the Christmas tree in The Walnut Room... taking her to see Clay Aiken at the State Fair in 2004... my bridal shower... there's many more...

We suddenly and unexpectedly lost Mom 8 years ago today.  I cherish the 5 years I got to spend with her.  She was a fantastic woman and I miss her every day. 

Family - our family - August 2004

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 21

On this day in history, I agreed to exclusively date a guy I had met earlier in the month.  I was slightly leery, since my divorce had just been final on November 1st.  On February 16th of the following year (yes, less than 3 months), I moved in with him.  On March 21st, 2 years later, he asked me to marry him.  August 7th the following year, we got married. 

It all started 13 years ago today.  Lucky #13!  We've been through our fair share of ups & downs... but through it all, he has supported me, defended me, given me everything I've ever wanted/needed and more.  He's a fabulous father to our two gorgeous daughters, a great provider, and my best friend. 

He pushes my buttons like only he can.  He believes in me.  He encourages me to be the best I can.  He restored my faith in the institution of marriage.  I love this man to the moon and back. 

Dan & I - Waikiki Beach - October 2005

 

Dan & I - 1 year anniversary - August 2005

 

Dan & I - Field Museum, Chicago - 2006

 

Dan, Emerald & I - Marshall Fields, Chicago - December 2009

 

Dan & I - our wedding day - August 2004

 

Dan & I bringing Ireland home from the hospital - March 2010

 

Dan, Ireland & I - 2010

 

Dan & I with our Harley - Coralville - 2011

Dan & I with Emerald for Coolidge Walk-A-Thon - September 2013

 

Dan & I - Hawkeye Christmas Party - December 2012

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Days 19 & 20

Too tired last night to do yesterday's, so getting a two-fer today! 

I am thankful for SOS.  SOS is a group of scrapbooking ladies (14 of us) that get together once a month to eat, have inappropriate conversations, laugh A LOT, and enjoy each other's company.  We each get a turn to pick a restaurant, except for Tammy... she plans our holiday Pinterest party (which involves a potluck and craft time).  Last night was our 2nd annual Pinterest party.  Tammy did a fantastic job again ~ we had lots of fantastic food (lasagna soup, enchilada chicken, veggie pizza wreath, snowman cheese ball, cheesecake ball, turkey cookies, dump berry cake, caramel brownies, BLT wraps, punch and more)

Our crafts were plentiful!  Snowman bags, snowman candy holders, ornaments, sock snowmen, computer button thumb tacks, marshmallow snowmen, edible cornucopias... tons of fun and lots of ideas that I can use for craft time with the girls. 


I'm also thankful for TiVo (yes, a humorous one!).  It records all of our favorite shows (and there's a lot of them), so we never miss anything and we can fast forward through all of those pesky commercials!  Love it! 

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 18

I am having a hard time being thankful today...

When I feel like this, I escape into a good book.  I love almost anything (biography, legal thriller, mysteries, historical, poetry, etc.)... lately, it's been mysteries (Margaret Maron's Deborah Knott series, Kathy Reichs and Janet Evanovich), but my favorite author is John Grisham, favorite poet is Edgar Allan Poe.  All of these authors transport me to a different place and time, takes me away from my problems and worries, educates me. 

For this, I am thankful!

Edgar Allan Poe
Photo courtesy of Wiki

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 17

For the past several years, I've been part of a group of fantastic women, who give up their time, energy, and a piece of themselves to raise money for a great charity ~ Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). 

This year, we celebrated the 10th annual MDA crop ~ an event for scrapbookers which feature two meals, a silent auction, raffle and lots of fun... this year included a photo booth and a massage therapist! 

I am so blessed to be included in this group; I love these women dearly and am lucky to call them friends.  I love that we get together each year to put on a great event that benefits a great charity and we can send lots of kids with MD to camp every year (and have fun doing it)!  Without each and every one of these women, we could not put on the event that we do and we could not raise the money that we do. 

I'm so thankful that so many wonderful people attend the event each year, that we have so many generous businesses and individuals who donate items/services to the auction and raffle and food for the meals, and that we have a couple stellar people who sponsored us this year. 

Back Row: Kim, Laginia, Carrie, Stacie, Tammy
Front Row: Sandy, Sherrie, Theola, me, Judy

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 16

I love crafting with the kids... today was handprint turkeys.  It was messy but lots of fun!  Two turkeys are being sent into KCRG for their Tom Turkey contest.  The rest are getting sent to loved ones.  Each one is made with lots of love, lots of laughter and lots of fun. 

Next month, we'll be making candy and cookies, maybe learning how to cut out snowflakes.  The sky's the limit!

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 15

Oops... forgot to post this last night.  :( 

Tonight the girls got to get dressed up in new pretty dresses and visit with Santa.  They love talking to him and having a little bit of time to spend with him.  Which is why I "hate, hate, hate, double hate, loathe entirely" the mall Santa.  They shove the kids through as quickly as possible and they get no time with him at all. 

At one time, Sears would have Santa come in to the portrait studio and each family of kids got about 15 minutes with Santa to chat, have their picture taken and feel like they were special, instead of a cog in a machine.  Unfortunately, the Sears portrait studio closed... so we had to find a new Santa experience. 

A friend of mine steered us towards a local camera store.  It was entirely free, so what the heck!  We'll try it.  Oh. My. Gosh.  They spent tons of time with Santa and we got a couple great pictures, all for free.  We purchased our Christmas cards through the store... best of both worlds: the girls got a fantastic Santa experience and we spent our money locally. 

So when I saw that Photo Pro was doing the Santa experience again this year, I was super excited!  I went shopping and found very cute dresses for the girls (they aren't just used for the Santa picture; they'll wear the dresses for their Christmas programs as well). 

As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, Emmie proclaims, "This is the camera fix store!"  Yes, yes, it's the camera store.  "That means Santa's here!!!"  We get in the store and sure enough, Santa made a trip down from the North Pole to spend a few hours in Photo Pro visiting with little boys & girls! 

What's fantastic is that the employees remembered Emerald & Ireland from last year, "Oh, it's the little girls that always have the cutest dresses on to see Santa!"  Meanwhile, those cute little girls had the entire store captive with their antics. 

Emerald: Since my zippered jammies don't fit anymore, I need zippered jammies.  Size 5 zippered jammies.

*laughter*

Santa: You want zippered jammies?

Emerald: Yep. Ireland does too.  (She doesn't)

Santa: Do you want anything else?

Emerald: Well, and maybe a couple of Nooks.

*laughter*

It only went on from there.  :)  It ended up that the girls each asked for footie pajamas, a Nook and Legos.  (Oh, and the girls told him that they really seeing him at HyVee when we eat there!)

So today, I am thankful for magical wondrousness that is Santa.   

Photo courtesy of Photo Pro

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 14

I have been at my employer for 13 years come March.  I am thankful to them for my education (tuition reimbursement plan and flexible schedules) and my experience.  I am thankful for the many wonderfully fabulous people that I get the pleasure to work with.  I am thankful for many fantastic bosses I've had (3 really stand out in my mind).  Without my job and career, I could not provide my family with the things and experiences we all enjoy. 

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 13

Shoes... I. Love. Shoes.  Doesn't matter what kind... flip flops, peep toes, flats, pumps, boots, athletic shoes, wedges, anything goes. 

I was shoe-deprived as a child (seriously...).  I now have an obsession with shoes.  I have over 30 pairs of shoes (almost Imelda Marcos).  Someday, I'll own a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes... someday! 

So today, I'm thankful for really cute, really awesome SHOES! 

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 12

Emerald goes to dance class every Tuesday evening.  She learns tap, ballet and tumbling.  She's made a lot of friends there and she loves every minute of class.  She looks forward to class each week.

I'm thankful that Dan & I can afford to provide this opportunity for her... opportunities that we didn't necessarily have.  Once Ireland is a little older, we'll provide opportunities for her, whether it be dance or something else: gymnastics, cheerleading, t-ball... the sky's the limit!! 

I'm also thankful that we had the opportunity to open enroll Emerald in to a fantastic school, to have to her close to us and have an incredible educational experience.

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 11

Today is Veteran's Day.  I am thankful for all of the men and women who have served, is currently serving or have signed up to serve our country, during wartime and peace, to keep America free.  Today, I thank:

Jim Abbott

Roger DeBoer

Jerry Eiklenborg

Tony Bennett

Aaron Cooley

Jarrod Mudderman

Jon Abbott

Steven Nance

Amanda Eiklenborg

Colin Bailey

Amy Henrikson

Mike Hauskins

Shawn Grassfield

David Eiklenborg 

 

 

I hope I didn't forget anyone (or if I didn't realize they served).  To all of our service people in all branches of the military - past, present, future - thank you!

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 10

I have the best sister.  Really.  Truly. 

Joyce is 18 years older than me.  Growing up, she put in real effort to make sure that we had a close relationship.  I was the flower girl in her wedding, I spent summers with her and her family, I called her when I had problems.  This time she put in has made us best friends.  We talk every day. 

I have so many stories to explain why she's a fantastic sister... like we go to Tanger and the Amanas every year for her birthday or we scrapbook together or she spoils my children rotten.  But that's only the icing on the cake.  The cake is:  she has my back when no one else does.  Yes, yes, my husband & daughters support me, stand up for me, have my back.  Joyce has had my back when it was difficult; against people who should've been standing up for me but wouldn't, didn't, couldn't. 

I respect her.  I trust her.  I love her. 

Joyce & I @ Scrapfest 2013

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 9

Today, I saw Wicked for the second time.  I'm amazed and in awe as much this time as I was the first.  It had been 2 years so I enjoyed watching it again and catching some of the nuances that I missed the first time.  But even knowing the story line and the ending, I still got goose bumps and welled up and choked up.  FANTASTIC... I will go see it for a third time, no questions asked. 

So today, I'm thankful for the performing arts.  Those singers/actors are incredibly talented and I will never tire of watching.  Thank you!

Wicked (courtesy of Des Moines Performing Arts)

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 8

A not so serious one today...

I'm thankful for freedom of expression (aka tattoos!).  My favorite shop is Skin Kitchen in Des Moines and I only trust Jack Lowe, the owner.  He is seriously the best out there.  The portrait he did on my back of the girls is nothing short of amazing. 

Portrait of the girls - right shoulder - by Jack Lowe @ Skin Kitchen

me & Jack Lowe @ Skin Kitchen

Recently, I went somewhere local though... got eyeliner tattooed on!  With my eye shape, eyeliner (and eye shadow) disappeared into the ozone within a half hour.  Don't have to worry about that now! 
 

Eyeliner by Kelly Himes @ Studio 1146



30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 7

Today, I'm thankful for the Girl Scouts.  Yes, it's a pain figuring out Emmie's schedule to get her to the meetings, badge nights, and events... but the joy on her face and the excitement that oozes out of her every pore makes every scheduling frustration trivial and well worth it.  I love that girl with every ounce of my being and I will do anything to make her happy and further her education, sense of community, responsibility to the environment, leadership skills, respect for herself and others and making the world a better place (not the mention that it will look good on her college applications).  I will do the same for Ireland as she's already asking when she can join Girl Scouts.  My wish is that their experiences in this organization will be lifelong joyful memories. 

30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 6

I'm thankful for options... opportunities... free will.  My employer's HSA plan for next year doubled in premium price.  Absolutely insane.  However, with some research and emails with our fabulous insurance agent, we found a few plans that meet our needs and were significantly cheaper. 

Tonight we met with our agent, decided on a plan (an HSA plan through Wellmark, $5700 deductible, 0% coinsurance) and applied.  We'll be saving ~$300 per month with this plan vs. the plan that is being offered at work.  Yes, please! 

So this is why I'm thankful for options... options for health insurance, opportunity to save money and free will to make a decision that is right for our family. 

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 5

I'm thankful for cats... specifically for Lucy and Callie... and for all of the wonderful felines I've been blessed with. 

Lucy is Dan's sassy little cat.  She sleeps with us (hogs the bed), worships Dan, and one of the biggest scaredy-cats ever.  She's a member of the family and life is fabulous with her. 

Lucy

Callie is my kitty... I'm working on getting her in the house.  She's super sweet, loveable, and loves to cuddle. 

Callie

I'm also very thankful for the time we had with K.C. and Charlie.  While K.C. was a challenge, she also was loving and she got me through some very tough times.  Charlie was a spectacular cat, one in a million.  Below is my tribute to him. 

K.C.



Charlie



Charlie

A Tragic Beginning

We got Charlie and his sister Suzie at a garage sale.  We paid $5 for the both of them - a bargain if you ask me.  They were 6 weeks old at that time.  They were to be outside kitties to help with the mouse population.  Tragedy struck two weeks later. 

It was a horrifying experience.  At that time, Dan & I rode together to work since we both worked in Cedar Rapids.  We pulled into the driveway and when I opened up the passenger door of the Cadillac, I noticed that Charlie was lying in the driveway and that Dan had been within inches of running him over.  He looked at me and gave me a pitiful little cry.  I said "Charlie, what's the matter, huh?" and bent down to pick him up.  I noticed then that he had 3 large puncture wounds in his body - on his side, chest, and neck.  I panicked and yelled for Dan.  I gently picked him up and rushed him to the door of the house, where Dan met me.  Dan grabbed the phone from the house to call Dr. Baxter, our vet.  While Dan was on the phone talking to Dr. Baxter on what we needed to do for him and was making him comfortable in a little bed in our attached garage, I went on the hunt to find Suzie. 

I called for her and walked the perimeter of the house, franticly searching for her.  I couldn't find her, so started searching in our detached garage.  She wasn't there either.  I checked the corn crib, the stables, the backyard.  I finally walked through the hoop barn and at the end of the hoop barn, I caught my breath.  I saw Suzie lying on the slab of cement at the very corner of our property... she wasn't moving.  As I walked closer to her, I knew the worst had happened.  As the tears streamed down my face, I screamed for Dan.  He came sprinting from the house to get to me.  I was sobbing by the time he got to me, because poor Suzie had been viciously mauled and left for dead.  Dan gingerly picked up her lifeless body and gave her to me. 

With tears running down his cheeks, he went to the garage and grabbed the shovel.  I held her close to me, apologized to her for not protecting them better, and cried.  We buried her under our big elm tree in the backyard, where she loved to play.  We know that's where she was the happiest and where she should be.  Even as we grieved for Suzie at her graveside, we knew we had to do everything possible to save her brother. 

We determined that both cats were attacked by the slab of cement, being tiny and defenseless against their seasoned attacker.  Charlie, using every ounce of strength in his little body, had crawled from there up to the house in his search for us to help.  It's heartbreaking to think of even to this day. 

Together, we cleaned out his wounds as Dr. Baxter informed Dan to do and put him back into his little bed in the attached garage.  We knew he'd be safe there, as that garage is always shut, so nothing could possibly get to him.  Dan made a small litter box for him, while I gave him warm milk & found some canned food to eat.  I had to help him eat, as he was too weak to even stand to drink his milk and eat.

After a few days, we started noticing that he was developing large lumps on his side & neck.  I immediately took him in to see Dr. Baxter.  It turns out the one on his side was infection.  The vet lacerated it and gave me instructions on how to keep the infection out.  It was a rather disgusting process, but there was nothing I wouldn't do for our brave little man.  Dr. Baxter thought the lump on his neck was inflammation on his spine and thought it might end up being permanent.  He said Charlie would probably always have a lump on his neck that hindered the mobility of his head. 

I then brought him home and showed Dan what we needed to do to keep the infection out.  We worked together to make sure Charlie had the best chance possible at life.  By this time, Charlie had been moved from the garage to the house. 

One day, a few weeks later, I noticed that after a wrestle session with Dan's cat Lucy, the lump on Charlie's neck had opened and the lump was actually an infection like what had been on his side. 

We set to work immediately and started cleaning his neck the same way we cleaned his side.  In short order, his wounds healed, the infection was gone, and little Charlie was a permanent part of our household.  Obviously, he stayed in the house and at 4 months of age, I took him back to the vet to be declawed and
 
 
neutered. 

Charlie was the most loveable and young at heart cat we've ever known.  He slept with me every night (until he started keeping me up at night), raced to the door when I got home from work, cuddled with me in my recliner, kept the other two house cats active, and followed me around the house when I did my housework.  You would never have imagined the ordeal he went through so long ago. 

He was my best bud and according to Dan... a troublemaker.  Charlie was an innocent, loveable little guy and I couldn't imagine not having him be a part of our lives.  We saved him from certain death, but he did so much for us as well - showed us unconditional love, affection, and was quite often a source of laughter and amusement.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 4

Is it bad that it's only day 4 and I don't know what to write about?  I take that back... I have lots of things, but I just have them planned for different days. 

Today, I am thankful for teachers.  My daughters' teachers are amazingly patient, know exactly how to get through to a 3 year old and 5 year old, and very kind.  When Emmie sees her preschool teacher, she breaks out in a run and hugs her.  I love that and am eternally grateful that they are starting their education on a positive note. 

Mrs. Alice Murray and Emmie at her preschool graduation
May 2013

I'm also thankful for the teachers that made a positive influence on me.  The very first teacher in my life was my grandma.  She was a science and history teacher prior to my birth, but she taught me much more than science and history.  Grandma taught me how to make candy, paint ceramics, play games, cook, and so much more. 

Mrs. Graves was my art teacher throughout school.  She was kind, fabulously talented, patient, and one of my favorite teachers. 

How could I talk about teachers without mentioning Coach Thomas.  There are not enough words to describe Coach... let's leave it at that he's missed by all who were blessed to know him. 

 

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 3

Today, as I sat at Los Compadres with a wonderful family (the Nance's), I was overwhelmed with gratitude for fantastic friends... old, new, and those yet to come.

I'm thankful for the Nance's.  Dan went to high school with Kim.  She, her husband and sons are truly wonderful people.  They are funny, always there when we need them, and we love them.  We don't get enough time with them.

I'm thankful for my high school group of friends: (in no particular order) Sarah, Michele, Jamie, Linda and Leah.  They made my childhood full of fond memories and I love each of them in their own way.  I'm proud to say I am still friends with all of these women, although maybe not as close as we were back then.  I will say though that whenever we get together, we can talk like no time has passed at all. 

Michele, me, Katie, Sarah (July 2013)

I'm thankful for the Bennett's.  I met Stacie when I started working at APAC and the rest, as they say, is history.  They are godparents to my children, Stacie is my scrappin' buddy, my partner in crime, and life just wouldn't be the same without them. 
 

Cindy, Stacie, me (New Year's Eve 2005)

 

I'm thankful for the SOS ladies: Stacie, Theola, Sherrie, Judy, Laginia, Kim, Sandy, Jami, Jodi, Donna, Spellman, Tammy, Carrie.  This group is some of the most fun, creative, giving, caring group of ladies I've had the privilege to know.

me, Theola, Ruth, Stacie, Ry (Especially for You walk, October 2009)

I'm thankful for my work friends: Robbin, Betty, Kristy.  They, along with some other wonderful people, make each day very interesting!

I'm thankful for my friend Cindy.  She's quirky, loyal, and would do anything for anyone.  She was at the hospital when my precious Emerald was born. 

I'm thankful for my high school friend Melanie and her entire family.  Growing up, her parents were "Mom & Dad" to me and most weekends, you could find the two of us getting into trouble together.  We lost some time, but I'm especially thankful that we've been able to reconnect.  I respect them, trust them and love them.  I hope we can make up for lost time. 

Of course, I'm thankful for the friends within my family as well: my hubby Dan, my sister Joyce, my bil Mike, my nephew Jason and more.  I'll address these people later in the month!

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 2

So today the girls and I went to The Potters' Obsession to paint some ceramics.  Now, admittedly, the only reason we went was because I had gotten a Town Wild deal that's expiring on the 22nd... but still.  I get credit for buying the Town Wild deal! 

Anyway, so we arrived, the lovely staff explained how it works - pick a piece of pottery (prices listed), wet it down with a sponge, pick your colors, paint (3 coats of each color), put it on the cart and all done... they'll fire it for you and it'll be done in a week. 



Emerald painting her
gingerbread man

The girls both picked out gingerbread ornaments and I picked out a snowman figurine.  So proud of the girls: they were focused and created masterpiece ornaments.  Best of all, they had a blast. 

Of course, I had painted ceramics before with my Grandma DeBoer.  Today brought back very fond memories of me sitting with Grandma painting ceramic Easter eggs, Christmas ornaments, and a certain wickedly awesome haunted house. 

Ireland painting her
gingerbread man

Today, I'm thankful for trying new things and sharing experiences with my daughters... passing down traditions.  Both girls asked if we can do it again.  The answer to that particular question is a resounding YES!