Thank goodness for grandparents

Ah grandparents. I will never forget the smell of Old Spice or the happiness I felt as I opened up my grandpa's car door during the summers when he picked me up from swim practice. he was always there and in my corner. He was the only person in the family that shared my and my brother's dislike for steamed brussel sprouts and would say it.  When my dad would make us eat them,  we would all laugh when my grandpa would say, "These damn things are just cabbages that never had a chance." I think my grandpa's presence in my life is the reason I cherish every moment my parents get to be around my kids and vice versa. 

There are so many things that grandparents can share with their grandchildren that you just can't give them. My parents teach my kids with a perspective and wisdom I'm haven't experienced yet, and nothing beats their "I want to spoil you at all cost" love.  I make it a point to schedule grandparent time so that they can build lasting memories together…and while it isn't easy living 1,000 miles apart, it is so very worth it. 

So as the holidays approach, and you begin to debate if it's worth the long ride or the hectic flight for such a short trip, remember that. If your grandparents are still alive, don't take them for granted. I never take for granted the fact that my parents are not only still around but still able to keep up with the little rugrats.  The memories of my time with my grandfather are a huge part of what I remember about my youth, and my grandpa's presence had a big affect on me. I want my kids to share in that revelry. We were so lucky to have my mom with us in London this summer, and I know that both my kids and my mom will never forget that special time they got to share together.

Let's face it, life is just better with grandparents. Their hugs and their love and their stories are unmatched.   

Counting my blessings!

I am not going to go into any kind of detail as to why I am counting my blessings. Let's just say that I got some news today that made me realize how lucky I am. There are days when I have stopped and counted my blessings, but this is a big one and I want to share them with you.

I met my husband on a blind date. We very well could have been set up with other people but we weren't. We were switched at the last minute and paired up by a mutual friend. I had the time of my life. I laughed so damn hard on that date and had never felt so loved. I count my blessings for that blind date. Thank goodness for our friend Lowell and his wife Becky.

We got pregnant right away. I thought for sure it was going to take me awhile cause I was never normal being an athlete all my life but I was wrong. I was very surprised when I took my first pregnancy test. I thought if I was pregnant the second line was supposed to be super bright. Mine was very, very faint. I wasn't convinced until I drove into town(we were in New Zealand) and got 3 more. All the same. Baby on the way...I count my blessings.

Our baby girl and our baby boy are healthy and happy. All in all they seem to be growing and learning and loving everyone around them. Their "hello mommy" and their "thank you mama" makes me melt every single day. I don't know what I would be without them as they have added so much to my life. I count my blessings.

No matter what happens, I know it has been said 1,000,000 times but nothing is as important as your families health and happiness. If you have those 2 things, you are the richest family in the world and you should count your blessings. Tonight, I am and I am so thankful!

Oh how I love the Holidays!!

Remember how I wrote in one of my previous blogs that I was in charge of Thanksgiving dinner?? Well, it was FANTASTIC! Or, as I said to my friend, we will know for sure if we are in the clear in about 4 hours. I always worry about the turkey and whether or not it was actually done...but I think we are good.

So, here was our menu...22 lb turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, green beans, corn, Brussels sprouts, stuffing, gravy, 2 kinds of cranberries, rolls, apple pie, berry pie, pumpkin pie and persimmon cake. The turkey took a little longer than expected. But, thankfully, we were well stocked in the wine department. Everyone seemed to go with the flow and that made for one very happy and thankful host.

I love the holidays. I love having friends and family over for a festive day of eating, playing and watching football! Honestly, just thinking about it makes me smile. And there is something super special about Thanksgiving. I actually got a little teary eyed tonight cause I took it all in and really watched my kids, my family, my hubby and my friends. I watched them hanging out in my house and I was very touched. I am truly lucky and I know it. I am thankful everyday day for days like today!