Our Turkey Day

First of all, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving, had to be the best one I've ever had. No exaggerations! As a kid, holidays were always horrible. It was pathetic. For years, my grandma tried, to make the holidays special for us. But I know that it was hard for her.

My parents always fought. ALWAYS! My mom couldn't cook. There was so much tension. I used to HATE being off of school. As we got older, my mom remarried. Things got worse. My brother and I were tossed aside. I tried to do things. So my brother wouldn't realize what was going on. It was tough.

But this year, it was different. SO DIFFERENT! After spending last year, in the hospital, I was looking forward to a good day. My Teddy Bear and I, wanted to make it special. A new beginning. Start traditions for my Baby Girl. And we did!

My Teddy Bear's family came over. And honestly, did 98% of the cooking. We all sat and talked. Helped each other. I learned how to really cut an onion. We baked pies. Not the ones from the frozen food case either. Real pies!

There was music. Lots of jokes. Plenty of family time. Watching the parade. Can you believe it? I had NEVER seen the Macy's Thanksgiving parade. NEVER! We watched football. The guys went out and played football. We said prayers. Told everyone what we were thankful for. Spent 3 hours sitting at the table. Eating! 3 HOURS!!! It was so much fun! And look at this outfit.

My Baby Girl was dressed up like a turkey! She looked adorable. Was so cuddly and warm. The perfect Thanksgiving outfit.

We couldn't stop there. W got into the holiday spirit too! Like his outfit? He didn't mind it. But then again, he's pretty chill.

We played games and ate, well into the night. Friends came over. Blue Eyes stopped in, just to spoil my Baby Girl. Our day started at 5AM. And we played games, talked, and ate pumpkin pie until 2AM! It was so much more than I could have ever asked for. A day full of the people I love. The only person missing was my Bestie.

I want my Baby Girl to have memories like this. Happy memories. Days filled with love. Happiness. Making new traditions. Talking about our blessings. Eating more food in 3 hours, than we usually eat in a week!

At the end of the night, 5 things stood out.
1. My Brother B was so happy. He actually told me, "This is what it feels like, to be part of a family. It's incredible! Thanks Hills!"
2. My heart had so much love for my Baby Girl. Today, I really felt like a mommy. Making memories for my Baby Girl.
3. I'm 100% positive, I've never seen my Teddy Bear this happy. He told me, "This is just our beginning. We're going to have a 1000 more." You know what, I believe him. With all of my heart!
4. My Teddy Bear's mom and sister, pulled me aside. To thank me. For making this guy so happy. They can tell, we've become a family. :) 
5. I've never felt so much love in my life. Ever! My Bestie called. She made me cry. Just by telling me what I meant to her.

We had so many people come over. Fill our home with love. I know, that not every year is going to be like this. I know this. I've lived lots of those horrible years. But I want so much better for my daughter. Heck, for myself. And my brother. We deserve to be loved. To enjoy life. I'm telling you, this man is changing our lives. In so many ways. This year, I'm so thankful for the people in my life. For their love. And for my life.

Winter White

Over the weekend, we started decorating for the holidays. Everything looks so beautiful! My Baby Girl and I spent many hours today, watching the twinkling lights. :) It's so nice to watch the miracle of the holiday, through my daughter's eyes.

I'm still looking for some specific details. I want to buy some little lambs. A few vases, to fill with ornaments. I've seen those all over the internet! They are so perfect. I'm still searching for our stockings. And a wreath. Actually 2 wreaths. For our front door.

That's when I found this wreath. Darn google! The page is expired. Had I found it, I would have ordered 2. Immediately! But I didn't. So I called my Bestie. Who told me, these are super easy to make. She gave me a list of supplies, that I need. And explained to me, in plenty of detail, how to make this wreath.

You see, I'm in love with this color palette. It reminds me of "Winter White." And matches the decorations in our living room. The first "real room," when you enter the front doors. I really want this wreath. But I'm not too crafty. Actually, I was more crafty, when I was 6 years old! But I'm going to try. And well, if I doesn't turn out right, I might just pay my Bestie to make me 2! :)

Friday Fill Ins: The Art of Cooking

Happy Black Friday! I've only shopped once, on a Black Friday. With my ex-husband. It was a fun experience. But definitely crazy. This year, I'm snug at home. Watching my Baby Girl sleep. And smelling some pretty yummy food. This guy's mom, is making breakfast. I haven't physically been to a store, in close to 14 months! Today was not the day to start. I think I'm going to stick to online shopping. At least for a few more weeks.

But I did want to get my Friday Fill-Ins done. There are no new ones, for the week. But my Bestie had a great idea, to do one from the past. This week, I'll be doing this FFI from last year. Now let's get these Friday Fill-Ins started. Cause I'm ready for breakfast. :)

1. Three things I must have on my Thanksgiving table: turkey, pumpkin pie, and mashed potatoes.

2. W is always sacked out on the couch.

3. This is a blessed life.

4. I want to decorate our house for Christmas.

5. Oh, man, thankfully it's Friday.

6. How do you perfect the art of cooking.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to movie night with the family, tomorrow my plans include decorating our Christmas tree and Sunday, I want to put up our Nativity and Advent Wreath!

Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! What a beautiful holiday this is. I'm looking forward to a day full of family and friends. Don't forget the food! The last 2 Thanksgivings, haven't been too great. So I've really been looking forward to this day.

We have so much to celebrate this year! I don't even know where to begin. But I know this, God is great! He has helped My Baby Girl and I, to heal. He's brought us back my Brother B. And sent us Our Teddy Bear. And his amazing family.

Today, is going to be amazing. Just because, we're going to be surrounded by loved ones. My Teddy Bear's family is here. His mom is cooking. I'm hoping to learn something. :) We'll also be celebrating this guy's accomplishments. And playing lots of games. You should see the pile of games sitting in the living room.

Yes, it's going to be a good day. I'm so happy! I know that we're blessed. And I hope all of you, have an  amazing Thanksgiving!

Soul Mates and Love

I've never been a big believer in Love. Or soul mates. My parents had a horrible and violent relationship. They divorced when I was in elementary school. My grandparents also divorced when I was young. I just figured, love wasn't a real thing. It was something that only happened in Fairy Tales.

I dated in high school. And as a young adult. But things always seemed doomed. I put everything in, but got nothing out. I seemed to find all the wrong guys. The ones that never wanted to put anything in. Just take from you. Pieces of my soul, just kept being taken. Leaving me empty.

Then I met my ex-husband. He gave me hope. He made me believe in love. Was my prince. Showed me that life could be fun, happy, and full of love. I believed him. I believed in us. And a "Happily Ever After." I knew things weren't ALWAYS going to be perfect. So did he. We both came from these horribly broken families. Hopeless really. But we believed in each other.

We married. We dreamed. Dreamt of big things. HUGE things! A life together. Full of Love. Something that neither of us had before. We believed in each other, until we didn't. Life got HORRIBLE! Real quick. And my faith in love, vanished. COMPLETELY!!!

Then he came into my life. He'd been an acquaintance before. Someone that I'd known because of my ex-husband. And his friends. I didn't know much about him. Other than when I saw him at work. Or hanging out with this guy. I just didn't know him. But for a very long time, he always seemed like, he had something to tell me. But he didn't know what to say.

When my ex-husband and I originally decided to separate, we were doing it, to work on the problems in our marriage. I know it sounds odd. But we had a plan. It just didn't work out. He didn't want this life that we had built together. And I was on my own. Pregnant, and on my own...

But that old friend, he came knocking. Literally, knocking on my door. He had heard, that I was in a bit of trouble. Probably from this guy. And he was my shoulder to cry on. The one person, that I could totally depend on. During my entire pregnancy, this man, was right by my side. Every Monday, he'd drive over 3 hours, so we could have dinner. And just hangout. People, he even watched DWTS with me. Every week!

My ex-husband was denying me. Denying our Baby Girl. It was horrible! But I had this guy to lean on. He helped me, get my Baby Girl's nursery in order. We went to birthing classes together. With another friend. Because we needed to have a plan. Weekly, my daughter got presents. My dog enjoyed lots of treats.

Then when we had our accident, this man, flew to be at our side. When he couldn't be there, he had his mom or sister, to be there for him. Never have I had to be alone. When we realized how serious my Baby Girl's health was, he was strong enough, for both of us. He talked with my Bestie, and they found us the best care. He picked up my finances for me. I haven't had to worry about a thing!

Most of all, I haven't had to be alone. He's been at my side. He's made me believe in the impossible. My Teddy Bear has been amazing. He's been a true Daddy to my daughter. He found my Brother B. He's taken care of all of us. Made us laugh. Comforted me when I've needed it the most. Been my best friend. Loved my daughter.

And when it was time for us all to go home, he made it possible. Not only did he get us home. He took us to HIS HOME!!! Made all 3 of us, and my dog, feel right at home. He's done everything in his power, to make us comfortable. And loved.

When I first met this guy, I knew he was different. Maybe it was that sly smile. It could have been his eyes. His laugh is also so full and genuine. There's just something about him, that makes me feel at ease. Safe. Loved. Comfortable. Happy.

There are few people, that really get me. The silly blond. The one that forgets everything. Laughs at stupid jokes. Forgets the punchline to jokes. Drinks banana milk. Has "thunder thighs." Loves with everything I've got. Laughs harder than anyone you know.

Yes, even back then, I knew he was special. I just didn't realize how special he was. Now I know. I've always been a cynical about love. Soul mates? I never believed in them. Not with my whole heart. Until now. I know that I'm loved. My daughter is loved. My brother is loved. I know that this man, is such a good guy! He makes me believe in me. And without trying, he's made me believe in soul mates. Yes, he has!

Friday Fill Ins: Shoes

First off, Happy Birthday B! My friends' daughter is celebrating her 1st birthday today. I wish that my Baby Girl and I cold be there, to help them celebrate. Next year! We'll be there next year. But on a brighter note, we're home. And it feels great! This week, has been a dream. The weather got a little crazy midweek. All of the tornadoes scared me to death. But we were safe and sound. Thank goodness! Before I get too mooshy here, I better get started on my Friday Fill-Ins. :)

1. As you can see I'm very happy right now.

2. This guy will be home soon!

3. I love to buy SHOES. (It doesn't matter if you have gained a few pounds, cute shoes always work!)

4. I LOVE to buy and give gift(s).

5. What's up with this crazy weather.

6. I like to tap my fingertips.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a quiet night at home, tomorrow my plans include planning for Thanksgiving and Sunday, I want to cheer on this guy, and enjoy my time with my friend!

Romeo and Juliet

Do you remember the movie, "Romeo and Juliet?" I think I was in middle school when it came out. And I wasn't allowed to watch it. But when I got into high school, I watched it. I was hanging out with some friends. And we decided to watch it.

Every since, I've really liked this movie. I bought the soundtrack. But could never find the movie. The other night, it came out on TV. And I convinced this guy to watch it with me. He'd never seen it. Now it's one of our favorites!

Friday Fill Ins: Banana Cream Pie

I've been walking on Cloud 9 all week! We get to go home in 3 days! Yes, 3 days! It will be the first time that my Baby Girl will be out of the hospital. Yes, it's crazy! But we're so excited. For now, we're going to be living with our Teddy Bear. Because I'm going to need some help. I'm scheduled for a surgery in mid December. But we're not going to think about that right now. No! Right now, we're going to enjoy going home. :) I better get going with my Friday Fill-Ins.

1. Turkey is so yummy on Thanksgiving.

2. My favorite pie is Banana Cream pie.

3. On and on and on we go where we'll stop, no one knows.

4. The last time I saw my grandma, I didn't realize it would be our last time together. (I'm still sad about that.)

5. Can you believe that we go home in 3 days. (I'm so excited!)

6. I need a vacation. (Or at least a break from "real life.")

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching Romeo and Juliet, tomorrow my plans include lots of cuddling with my Baby Girl and Sunday, I want to watch my Teddy Bear win!

Friday Fill Ins: Thanksgiving Food

In so many ways, this week has both flown by, and not gone fast enough. I'm super excited, that we're finally going to go home. Isn't that great? Just over a week, and we'll be home. That sounds like Heaven to me! Before I go on and on, I better get to this week's Friday Fill-Ins.

1. In November, I most look forward to the yummy Thanksgiving food.

2. We're finally going home...phew!

3. It's right there, in the cabinet.

4. I'm finally getting a peace of mind.

5. Water is something that I can't live without.

6. Never worry about changing the other person, only worry about you and your actions, is what my grandmother used to say!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with my new book, tomorrow my plans include lunch with my Brother B and Sunday, I want to watch my Teddy Bear at work!