Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Thankful...

With Thanksgiving almost here, it is definitely a time to reflect on all the things that we have to be thankful for. I try to count my blessings everyday but sometimes I get caught up in life and forget about how lucky I truly am. So...today I am thankful for:

1. My husband, Jesse. He has been a constant in my life for the past 12 years and I still get excited when I see that he's calling! He is my best friend and I look forward to coming home from work at night to tell him about the events of my day. He's a good listener and an even better father. He works hard to provide for us and is just an all-around good guy :)

2. Grayson. I didn't know how much one person could change your life until this little guy came into ours 4 years ago. He is so smart and creative and has the biggest imagination. He is so kind hearted and really cares about other people's feelings. He even loves to take care of his little sister - I hope that lasts!

3. Kendyl. What a funny little girl. At one year, I can already tell she is going to be a force to reckon with. I have always dreamed of having a little girl and she is better than I could have imagined! Just seeing her smile and wave at me brightens my day. She loves her big brother and already has such a sense of humor. I am definitely thankful for those two little monkeys! How boring my life would be without them!

4. My job. I have really been blessed to be in a position that suits me to a tee. God definitely had his hand in that. I have always had a heart for education but probably don't have the patience to be with kids all day long. And...I also love media, computers, PR, etc. So...working in a school district's public information office is just perfect for me. Plus, getting school holidays off with my family is an added bonus! I also work with some wonderful people and have an amazing boss who is so understanding.

5. My parents. After 30 years of marriage, they are still going strong. I have to say, I think they did a great job of raising my two sisters and me. My mom still takes care of me, and I know she is my biggest fan. I can't imagine where I would be without her. I love our Sunday dinners together (and watching Desperate Housewives afterward). I'm also thankful for my two sisters and my nephew, Jordan! 

6. My friends. I have a great group of friends that are always there when I need them. It's great to know that no matter how hectic life can be, I have a group of girlfriends that are there to listen to me and help me unwind and destress!

7. My church group. I have an awesome church group that consists of 5 other couples (with children). We are all in the same life stage and it's nice to be connected to other couples that share the same Christian ideals. Our weekly meetings are so refreshing!!

8. My church. I love my church - Colonial. We have a great pastor and a great church family. I love going on Sunday mornings and really being able to apply each week's message to my life. I also know they are doing great things for my children and have an awesome outreach ministry for our community. And...on that note, I am thankful to live in a country where I have the freedom to go to church every Sunday and worship.

9. The people that take care of my children. Susan has been watching my children since they were born. She is "grandma" to them and loves them like they really are her own. She feeds them, bathes them, washes their clothes and most importantly, makes sure they are loved and taken care of. I am so lucky to have her looking after them. And...Mrs. Maxwell. She takes care of Grayson on MWF mornings at School for Little People. She has taught him so much over the last year and a half. He has a little problem with ADD but she is so patient and good with him. 

As I have been writing this, I continue to thing of things that I am thankful for. If I kept typing them, I would be here all night - I have a place to go home to every night and shoes and clothes to wear. I've never had to go hungry. In fact, I have more than enough food to eat. I am healthy and my family is healthy. I'm not rich by any means but I know that my bills are going to be paid and I have a car to drive to work each day. I have a God that loves me despite my imperfections. Those are just a few of the things that I am thankful for this year. There are a lot of times that I find myself complaining about petty things. But...this Thanksgiving, I know that I truly am blessed and am thankful for that. I hope all of you are too!  

Monday, November 22, 2010

Lights, Camera...Auction!!

Last March, I was asked if I would like to be on the Junior League's Christmas Magic Steering Committee and co-chair the Auction. Of course, I said yes...not knowing what I was getting myself into. How hard can it be to chair an auction??  

So, my co-chair, Kim, and I started working last April and we have not stopped. But....all of our hard work paid off on November 13. We had a tremendous turnout (over 250 people) and raised over $53,000 -- a Christmas Magic Auction record!! The whole event turned out better than I could have ever imagined! I have to give so much credit to my co-chair, Kim McClellan. She had such a vision for the event and together we made it happen. We really were a great team. Thanks Kim!!


Beautiful decorations made by the awesome decorating committee

Me and Kim


Our wonderful sustainers who helped us along the way

Kim's and DeAndra's husbands...So Funny!! What troopers they were!     


Me and Jesse

Caleb and Jen

Chris and Amanda

Thank you to my friends for giving in and coming to the auction :)

Two Stars Are Born...

This year, Kendyl and Grayson got to make their runway modeling debut at the Christmas Magic Style Show...the Thursday before market opened. It was a lot of work but so much fun. Both kids really enjoyed it and got to wear the cutest little outfits from Stork Land. Kendyl also made a new friend, Brooke, who got to carry her down the runway. They were so cute together. Kendyl had fun showing off and waving to everybody. She definitely has that down!



Grayson's getting prepared to model

Kendyl and Brooke on the runway

Halloween

We had a great Halloween. I had a cute little bumble bee and a Buzz Lightyear. We got dressed up and made the rounds to friends and family and then trick or treated in the neighborhood. My mom was so sweet and stayed at our house and passed out candy while we took the kids around. We always have tons of trick or treaters! Between school parties, trick or treating, and nana and mimi, we definitely have more candy than we will ever be able to eat!

Buzzy Bee and Buzz Lightyear

A cute little Bumble Bee and me


Our neighbors were so sweet! For Halloween, they gave Grayson a blue Rangers hat and Kendyl a pink Rangers hat. So...Grayson ended up being a Rangers fan Buzz Lightyear!

Grayson's Fall Festival & Trip to the Fire Station

Every year at School for Little People, they host a Fall Festival. All the kids get to dress up in their costumes and have a parade. Then, they have hamburgers at the park. So much fun! We love School for Little People.

What a cute Buzz Lightyear!


Mrs. Maxwell's class also got to "field trip" to the central fire department where the sang their fall songs for the firemen. Grayson's favorite song was about pumpkins in the field. 


Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Rangers Season

I have always enjoyed baseball and started playing softball when I was 7, but when I met Jesse, I realized he was baseball fanatic...specifically a Texas Rangers fanatic! So...I had no choice but to be a fan alongside him -- if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!! So...every April is the same ritual with Jesse. He puts out the Rangers flag in front of the house and claims...."This will be the Rangers' year." And...this year they almost made it! We were there at the Ballpark for the first game of the season (Opening Day) and the last game of the season (a game 5 World Series loss to the SF Giants). It was a great season and we are already looking forward to Opening Day 2011 - it will be their year!!

Here are some pictures from this great season!
Opening Day 2010

 
 Mother's Day at the Ballpark


Before the ALDS Game against the Rays

 Before the ALCS Game Against the Yankees!


 World Series!!


 The Giants Win :( 
We were bad luck. The Rangers lost every game we went to.

Trying Something New!

I have always enjoyed reading other people's blogs and have vowed that I would eventually create my own. So...I am finally making myself start a blog! I can't promise it will be updated often but I will try my best! Hope you enjoy reading about the crazy life of the Thomas family :)