So thankful...

Lately, I've been going through a bit of a rough patch and I haven't felt much like myself. But then I woke up this morning remembering that today is the day intended to remind us of every amazing thing we should be thankful for. And just like that, my whole down in the dumps attitude disappeared. I have so much to be thankful for and everything we've been through this past year serves as a huge reminder of why.

Just this time last year, I was driving down to Fort Benning GA, where the husband was attending Ranger school, so that my 2 week old son could meet his daddy for the first time. We spent our thanksgiving day holed up in a dingy hotel, and ate wings as our holiday meal. I was exhilarated to finally see my two boys together, but I can't even begin to tell you just how much more special this year is to me. This year, I am beyond thankful to have my husband back safely from war, and then to be able to cuddle with him and our baby together. I am thankful to be able to cook our own healthy, delicious meal, and I'm thankful to start our own holiday traditions in our own home.

The first holiday tradition we've decided to start are those cinnamon roll waffles for breakfast. I'm sure you've seen these floating all over Pinterest, but I was so excited to discover something on Pinterest that actually worked. I was thankful that these waffles turned out perfectly and that I didn't waste a pretty penny on a can of cinnamon rolls ;)

For our next tradition, our little family went on a 6 mile hike. It was such a beautiful and perfect fall day, we just had to break a little sweat before gobbling up some turkey.




The hike reminded me to be thankful for our good health, for our beautiful surroundings, and for my husband, who is always willing to work out with me.

Later today, we stopped by the hunks workplace to deliver some food for a few of the hunk's soldiers who were working today. And that little act of kindness reminded me to be thankful for all of the selfless service members out there who miss holidays with their families for the sacrifice of this wonderful country.

Then we finally sat down to eat the meal that I so lovingly slaved in the kitchen for in the past two days.

We dove face first into apple cider and herb roasted turkey, orange maple cranberry sauce, sweet potato rosemary rolls, chorizo and butternut squash cornbread stuffing, balsamic roasted green beans with mushrooms and shallots, and cheesy garlic mashed cauliflower.

Our dinner was amazing and it reminded me to be thankful for having the means to be able to make such a wonderful meal, and to have a loving roof over our head to serve our meal in.

I was also reminded to be thankful that my little man has inherited some pretty decent tastebuds ;)

It was such a simple, relaxing holiday for our family. But it was perfect for us after everything we've been through lately. And though I missed my family in Korea, and our family in DC, I am just so thankful that I recently had the chance to see everyone. If I don't say it enough on here, I love both of our families with everything I have in me and I am so thankful to be loved by them.

And finally, the last thing I'm thankful for today....




Yup! Coming late June, our family of 3 will be a family of 4 :) My heart is so full.

So happy, so complete, and so thankful.