Thankful Thursday

Hey guys,

 I'm happy to be returning to the Thankful Thursday link-up with Cami! I hope to get to where I can add my post to other bloggers link-ups as well, but baby steps for now. Speaking of babies, D is my life right now. I'm working on figuring out this whole parenthood thing...it's definitely an adventure thus far!

 So this week I'm thankful for:

* If you are not a friend of mine on fb, you probably don't know that my youngest sister was in a bad car accident---the Saturday before last. She had to undergo exploratory surgery due to a tear in her intestines. She was released from the hospital this past Sunday and I'm so thrilled that she is home and recovering. I'm thanking God that she was wearing a seat belt and every day brings her a step closer to getting back to her normal activities.

 * John and I are finding our new normal. Parenthood is no joke and those that think being a SAHM is easy, I would like to hit them with a stupid stick. Yesterday for example, I spent most of the day nursing, changing diapers, and trying to console a baby who didn't want any of it. I thank God today is a better day for him and for me. ;)

 * Our wonderful friends, the Harrisons are visiting this weekend. They get to finally meet Declan...yay! John's father and step mother are stopping by on Saturday as well. It is so great to get to see family and friends again. :)

 *Tomorrow marks 7 years with John.

 * Jesus Calling by Sarah Young...good stuff!

 * John's mom has gotten me in the habit of leaving the radio on our local christian music station...it's great to hear encouragement throughout the day.

 * My wonderful husband. I don't know what I would do without him. He has been such a HUGE help to me!

 * My sweet boy---I love him so, even in the moments where I have no idea, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

 * I'm so thankful for the encouraging words from family and friends. I eat praise for breakfast...lol. People don't realize how much that can mean. I beat myself up a lot over stupid things---like the fact that I have dirty dishes in the sink and a mountain of clothes to fold. So for those of you who have offered encouragement. Thank you! It means more than you know!

Well that's all for this week, what are you thankful for?

<3 anna

Thankful Thursday!

Hello all you lovely people,

I'm happy to be celebrating another Thursday with a thankful heart. :) I'm linking up with Cami, Laura, Carina, Jenni, Julia, and Sarah.

This week I'm thankful for:

* All the encouragement and support from family and friends. Declan will be here soon and we have almost everything that we need. I'm amazed by the love and generosity of everyone and still have packages on the way! 

* Celebrating 4 amazing years of marriage yesterday. :)

* My sweet baby niece will be here soon. My sister-in-law is due August 27! Oh so excited! I have a theory that she will come early!

* Big changes to come---but God is awesome and He will give us guidance!

* She Reads Truth---I'm loving the bible study on the book of Proverbs. I feel like I'm learning so much and growing as well!

* I'm so excited for fall. I felt a light breeze yesterday and it made me smile. Fall is on it's way!

* I made this recipe this week and it was amazing!

What are you thankful for this week?

Thankful Thursday

Hey guys!

It's time for another Thankful Thursday!

I'm linking up with these ladies:

I found this quote and I feel like this has been on my heart this week...

Source: i.imgur.com via Sybil on Pinterest

This week I'm thankful for:

* All the support from everyone towards my family and I as we grieve. Loss is so hard, but you all have made it easier to bear.

* My wonderful husband (I know, I know, he always makes this list! ;) He gets me! I've enjoyed playing Zelda: Link to the Past with him this week. It's the little things! <3>

* Now that it's Facebook official, my friend's exciting news---She's having a boy! Can't wait for future play dates!

* I got all of Declan's clothes (that I have here, he has some clothes and things still on the way!) washed and ready! Boy, he has a ton already!

* My father-in-law and step mother-in-law are visiting this weekend. They are bringing Declan's mattress. I'm hoping to start work on his nursery area this weekend! Pictures to come!

* I have come up with a new blog topic for Mondays. I'm looking forward to sharing with you all. If it's popular enough, maybe it could develop into a link-up. My first one...here's hoping! ;)

What are you thankful for this week?

Thankful Thursday

Hey all,

I'm linking up for another Thankful Thursday with these lovely ladies:

This week I'm thankful for:

* All the words of encouragement and prayers from friends. For those of you who don't know, my great-grandfather passed away yesterday afternoon. I plan to write up a memorial post for him, but right now it feels too soon.

* My wonderful and supportive husband, he has been such an encouragement through it all.

* Declan---my tiny soccer player, makes me smile---in those blue moments.

* A wonderful baby shower---post to come soon!

* John and I went on a big shopping trip yesterday. We found a local produce stand, enjoyed lunch at Cracker Barrel (where I found out that I like sauerkraut---enjoying some of John's Reuben sandwich), got some goodies at the Cracker Barrel Country store, and got Declan's crib! (Thanks to family that gave us the money to get the crib we wanted! :)

* Super excited for the month of August. Scentsy is offering 10 percent off most of it's products in the Spring/Summer catalog. (Click on my tab above if you are interested in purchasing anything;) Also can't wait for the debut of the Fall/Winter catalog, I know everyone will love it! 

So what are you thankful for this week?

<3 anna

Thankful Thursday

Hey all!

It's another Thankful Thursday and time to link-up with some amazing ladies! :) ( Cami, Laura, and Carina)

This week has been a rough one and so I love the brief moments of happiness and time to do something that makes me smile. I love sharing with you all about God and the many blessings in my life each week. I'm so glad that I started linking up with Cami and recently found other Thankful bloggers to link up with and learn about as well. <3

I'm thankful for:

* The kindness of others, because of John's work friend and my cousin, I was able to get to Georgia and see my great-grandfather who is dying. This was such a precious gift to me and I'll never be able to thank them enough.

* God allowing me to make it in time to see him. I'll never forget the smile and look of recognition in his eyes when I came. He was so surprised and happy to see me. I'll treasure that always.

* The knowledge that I will see my pawpaw in heaven again one day. He will have a new body and have no more pain. Praise the Lord!

* Due to this unexpected trip, not knowing when my pawpaw will pass, etc. I had to cancel my scheduled maternity session. My mom was able to book us a more affordable session and I'm so excited about the prospect of it. This may turn out even better than the original plan!

* Sweet gifts for Declan from mom. She is spoiling him already! She was so thrilled to get to feel him kick for the first time! :)

*Wonderful friends and bloggy friends, who have been praying for my pawpaw and family. You guys are amazing! <3

* Excitement for a dear friend...I can't say anything...but so excited! lol

* The gift of life and love. My great-grandparents have been together for 70 years. They have known each other since my great-grandmother was 13 years old! The love they share and the life they shared...will never be forgotten. I'm so thankful that God has blessed me in seeing that and something to strive for!

* GA baby shower this weekend! Looking forward to seeing family and friends!

*My husband, who has been such a rock for me through all of this. Thank you, God for blessing me with him.

What are you thankful for this week?

<3 Anna

Thankful Thursday!

Hey guys!


It's time for another Thankful Thursday and I'm joining Cami, Laura,  and Carina to share what I'm thankful for this week. :)

I'm thankful for:

* Amazing family and friends---I truly feel blessed!

* John and I having a church home and looking forward to going to church each week. :)

* Our apartment complex having a pool. Such a great way to cool off on these hot summer days!

* 9 weeks until Declan arrives!


* My wonderful husband fixed our noisy washing machine. I'm so thankful that I can do laundry again without annoying our neighbors...lol.

* God always being there, no matter what. You can't always rely on other people or circumstances, but you can always rely on Him.

What are you thankful for this week?


<3 Anna

Thankful Thursday!

Hello all!


It's my favorite time of the week! I just love sharing with you guys about how God has blessed me each week. It really does something for your perspective. I encourage you all, that even if you are not much for linking up, that you consider doing this each week (even if it's just on your own.) You will be surprised at the change in your mindset. :)

This week I'm thankful for:

* A fantastic weekend with my love and a baby shower filled with many blessings for Declan. You can check out pics from that here.

* A wonderful birthday (Tuesday) and evening out with my husband. You can read about my birthday thoughts here.

* Yummy leftovers to enjoy for dinner tonight. (Yay, for tasty Southern bbq ribs from Applebees!)

* My first Scentsy event this weekend as well as some amazing friends visiting! :)

* My mom was able to get a new place...I can't wait to visit!

*Our next baby shower at the end of the month. I can't wait! Showers are so much fun! :)

So what are you thankful for this week, dear friends?

<3 Anna

VA Baby Shower!

Hey guys!

Just wanted to share some of the pictures from our first baby shower. My father-in-law (who loves taking pictures) probably got some even better ones...so I may share those when I can later. :)

My husband was the camera man for the day and he took plenty of pics of me.  Thankfully, I got to pick the ones that ended up on Facebook and the blog...lol.

I'm having a boy and my sister-in-law is having a girl! Unfortunately,  my brother-in-law and sister-in-law had to miss the shower. The circumstances were understandable, but we really missed them!

John got me laughing. (Almost 30 weeks here)

I'm staring off into space in this one, but here's some of the gifts.

My handsome hubby! <3

Shower guests

And here's all the goodies Declan got!

and some more! Thanks to everyone that came and gave their support, we really appreciate it! 

Food! It was all very delicious!

My mother-in-law got this for John and I as a belated Mother's/Father's Day gift. I've always wanted one of these!

Cute diaper bag, I got with a gift card from shower. :)

 <3 Anna

Thankful Thursday

Hey guys!


It's time for another edition of Thankful Thursday. As always, I'm linking up with one of my bestest bloggy friends, Cami! :)

So this week I'm thankful for:

* My independence---We may not all see eye to eye on politics, but we can all say that we are thankful for the freedoms we are given in this country. <3

*Our AC and electricity---I have friends that have been affected by the bad storms---some are still without power and with record temperatures, I know that it's been a rough time for all of them. Please keep them all in your prayers.

*Having a nice long weekend with John. <3

* I won a giveaway and my stuff arrived, it was various lotions...so I had a spa night, Monday night. :)

* My mom is doing much better. (She fell and sprained her right shoulder, and hurt her rotary cup on left shoulder)

*1st Baby Shower this weekend! (I promise plenty of pictures to come soon! :)


*My first Scentsy Event and spending time with great friends next weekend! 

* I had my first stranger notice that I was pregnant...it only took 29 weeks! lol

* Being told I'm beautiful, it helps when you feel huge to get a compliment every now and then. ;)

*Having a healthy baby and the pregnancy going smoothly thus far. Praise God!

So what are you all thankful for this week?

<3 Anna

Thankful Thursday!

Hey lovely readers!

I hope you all are having a wonderful week!

Today I'm linking up with the amazing Cami! :)

This week I'm thankful for:

* A wonderful weekend with family. :)

Miss Belle...the sweetest dog!

The girls...best buddies!

John's grandmother gave me this book. :)

Bag full of goodies from some of the grandparents. :)

John and his brother were read this book and now it's Declan's. 

Hee! I love this shirt!

A necessity!

They found this book at a big book sale.

I do!

Super soft blanket

* I won a blog giveway with Cami. I'm super excited and feel that it's the perfect prize for a pregnant lady. I can't wait to pamper myself!

*John and I taking care of business. We are both working very hard to get things ready for Declan's arrival. This includes contacting a realtor this week and negotiating prices for our internet and cable bills. Every little bit helps!

* John was able to get Sophie a flea pill. Our poor baby has been suffering since summer hit and we haven't found a new vet yet. So glad that our previous vet was kind enough to mail a pill!

* An exciting opportunity! I can't wait to share with you all more on this one! :)

* My little soccer player in the making...moving and growing more and more each day!

* Finding fun freebies and samples---especially stuff I can use for Declan.

* Looking forward to trying some new recipes and sharing those again.

* My sweet (step) mother-in-law purchasing me some new Skecher active shoes and some other maternity stuff. So helpful!

*And last but certainly not least, I'm so thankful for God's provision and faithfulness in my life. I feel truly blessed at all He is revealing to me now. <3

So what are you thankful for this week?

<3 Anna

Father's Day 2012

Hey guys,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We sure did! Before I share with you on that, I wanted to talk a little bit about Father's Day.

Father's Day is generally a very hard day for me personally. My biological father left when I was four years old. He was in and out of my life until I was thirteen years old. I have seen him since then, though he didn't know it was me and I didn't choose to speak with him. (It's a long story!) At around six, my mom married a second time, and things were good for awhile. It seemed that as long as we were children and didn't disagree or have a thought of our own, the man I knew as "dad" was good with us. It was when we started growing older and having our own independent thought process, that he couldn't deal with the lack of control he had over us. This slowly, but surely destroyed his relationships with us and my mother. My "dad" left us I think two Thanksgivings ago. I have seen him, but not spoken to him since that Christmas. This man has caused so much pain to my sisters and I, as well as my mother. God has been working on me and helping me not to be bitter over all of this. Anyway, that is why Father's Day is a hard time for me.

Thankfully, God has blessed me with a wonderful husband. The past two (very) hard years, I have celebrated Father's Day with John and his dad. Their relationship has not always been nothing but roses, but it has improved greatly and I'm thrilled that John can have a relationship with his dad. This year was especially excited because John is about to be a father. I'm grateful that I'm married to a man that I have no doubt, will be an excellent father. He already is! He has done so much and been so much for me already! I look forward to many more Father's Days like these!

Like Father,

Like Son. ;)

I feel that this story, my story, shows that God can work things out. He is still working on my family, He is faithful and only wants what's best for us. 

<3 Anna

Thankful Thursday!

Hey guys!


I don't know how you all are doing, but this has been one of those long, tough weeks. So it feels good to sit down and think about what has kept me sane and given me a smile this week. :) As always, I'm linking up with the lovely and sweet Miss Cami. One thing I'm definitely thankful for is our bloggy friendship! <3

This week I'm  thankful for:

* A long weekend with my wonderful husband, we are going to visit his father and stepmother in VA. I so can't wait. I won't have internet access and our phones don't work that great there, so it will be nice to unplug for the weekend.

*Articles like this one!

* John's first Father's Day (I know that some people don't celebrate until the baby is born, but we do!) I can't wait to give him his gift!

* I got some Biore samples in the mail. I just love that stuff! It makes my face feel so clean and it's the only stuff that really works on my skin.

* We are getting our first self-serve frozen yogurt shop in Hickory! I'm so excited I've been wanting to get frozen yogurt for forever! The grand opening is this weekend (which we will miss) but we got a great flyer in the mail with coupons...yay!

*Declan has been kicking a lot more. John got to feel him kick several times last night. I was so proud of him! lol

*I get to do a bit of maternity shopping this weekend...much needed!


*My renewed addiction to Pinterest...that could be a good or bad thing! ;) I will say this, I'm being a lot more proactive about actually using my pins.

* We visited our local library this week. It was a nice escape to be surrounded by all those books...happy sigh!

* I am so blessed each and everyday to be married to my best friend. He does and is so many things to me. I can't brag on him enough. <3

What are you thankful for this week?


<3 Anna

Welcome to Our Home

Hello everyone,

Today I've decided to (finally) share with you all our new home!

Front door and our new wreath

Picture in our kitchen

New clock (we had to replace due to the move)

The painting my sister did for our new home. <3

Living Room

So excited we have a fireplace! :)

Laundry area

Coat closet

Hallway

Guest Bedroom---where we are currently sleeping. Forgive the mess!

Master Bedroom (gotta get a bed in there!)

His/her closet---love that it's walk-in.

Master Bathroom (Rustic mountain theme, you can't really tell from this pic. :/ )

Guest Bathroom

We are doing a beach theme!

The Shower connects the two bathrooms.

Screened porch

Sophie loves the porch, I have a pic of her somewhere enjoying the view...I'll have to look for it.

We are loving our new home. I'm so happy to have a bigger kitchen. I love to cook and bake, so it's so nice to have more space! I'm so excited to have a fireplace and can't wait to use it. We have so much more space---closets in every room and medicine cabinets in both bathrooms. Sorry if I sound braggy, but we love our new place!


Christmas Decor

The snow globe John got me last Christmas

As you can see our house is becoming a home. I think that the touch of Christmas has really helped with this.

I hope that you all are enjoying the holiday season. Remember to enjoy all things great and small today!

<3 Anna