Thankful Thursday

Happy almost Friday!  It's been a long week here with both kids sick.  I feel so bad for them when they're sick - nothing tugs at a mom's heart more than seeing her kids not feeling well, but even with all of the boogies and coughing we have had moments to be thankful for:

We have had fun going outside in the evenings and playing on the play set.  I love the fact that it's in the backyard and takes no effort, i.e. I don't have to get them dressed - they can be out there in their PJ's, and I can have a glass of wine without fears of what other mothers' would think if I brought wine to the park ;)

I'm thankful for this guy who cooks dinner most nights and is an AMAZING cook.  This was him chopping away last night he made grilled skirt steak, sauteed onions and peppers, black beans and I made white rice and fried plantains - everything was so good!

I love finding goofy pictures of the kids playing with photo booth on my iPad.  They have way too much fun with it and I always get a good laugh out of seeing the pictures.  

I'm thankful for morning snuggles with my kids - it's one of the best times of the day, they're still half asleep and love to cuddle.

I get such joy watching E play with Playdoh (I'm not as joyous when it's time to clean it up though).  She sits and entertains herself and I get to hear her little imagination come into play.  Cookies are made, new clothes for barbies, ice cream, pizza - you name it, that girl makes it.  She's at such a fun age!

What are some things you're thankful for?

She Has My Heart...

As a parent, we know how much we love our children, how hard we work for them and how much we sacrifice for them, but often times wonder (at least I do) do my children know how much I love them?  Do I show it enough?  When Brilliant Earth contacted me to be part of their Love & Appreciation: Bright Like a Diamond Campaign I thought it was such a cute idea.  We were to ask our children what they felt what was the definition of love whether between mommy and daddy or between a parent and child.

I took this opportunity to ask E how does she know that mommy loves her... she took a second to think and first said "because love is in your heart."  So then I asked her "how do you know mommy loves you?"  she thought again and said "because you pray with me, talk with me and we play together".  I thought that was such a great answer and I felt thankful and like I was doing my job as being a loving and nurturing mom. Sometimes after the kids go to sleep I reflect on the day and wonder if I did my job as a loving mother - did I show them how much I love them?  Did I spend enough time with them?  Did I lose my patience too easily? I was so happy to know that among all of the chaos of having two children close in age, and all of the demands of life that I make an impact on her and show her how much I love her, and she knows how loved she is.

I am by no means a perfect mom and I'm sure I make a million mistakes, but as long as my children feel loved - that's all that matters.

If you have never heard of Brilliant Earth, check out their website.  They specialize in ethically sourced engagement rings and have such a  gorgeous selection!  Of course I spent way too long on there looking at rings, I mean - what girl can turn away from a diamond, especially one that's ethically sourced?! :)

Sweet Moments....

I'm linking up with Katie Elizabeth for Thankful Thursday.  Here are a few moments the past week or two that have warmed my heart and made me feel extra thankful for my little family....

The kids holding hands on their way upstairs for baths and bed... the cutest thing ever!

A selfie with my little man

Looking cute driving her car around the neighborhood

JZ brought me home flowers and wine, in total chick fashion this made me very happy 

Sibling love

Spending time with the kiddies at the park.  I love how free they are!

I always love looking back at pictures and seeing the sweet moments!

Thankful Thursday {Link Up}

Hi!  Today I'm linking up with Katie for Thankful Thursday.  I love this idea for a linkup because it helps you reflect on life and focus on the positive.

One of the things that I am most thankful for, and I'm sure this is a given, is our family.  I'm so grateful to have two wonderful kiddos and a thoughtful husband in my life.  Even though all three of them at times can send me reaching for the wine bottle, they mean the world to me.

My husband is the most thoughtful guy I know.  He helps out SO much in the house and is always willing to take on more to help with the load in the house.  He handles the cooking, shopping, bills and even washes his own clothes - not to mention he is very handy and takes care of all of the "guy" stuff in the house aka yard work, cars and fixing whatever needs to be fixed.  I don't know what I would do without him and all of his help.

Our kids are the sweetest!  They make me and their daddy feel loved and appreciated (and crazy!).  Being a parent can be a lot and stressful at times, but at the end of the day, those little faces and their well being is all that matters.  I couldn't have asked for better kids or a better hubby to share our crazy life with!