wordless wednesday...

where do i start...

Since it has been a little while since I've posted, I'm doing this post mind dump style (bullet point list). Sorry if this comes across as a complaint list...I am really not complaining (I save my complaining for phone calls with my mom :) I am just trying to rid my brain of all of this garbage and also so that maybe one day I can look back at this time in our lives and pat myself on the back for making it through!

• 3 weeks ago the alternator went out in my car plus it was in desperate need of 4 new tires.
• did you know that you really shouldn't drive 7 years and 89,000 miles on the same set of tires...oops!
• 2 weeks ago we got locked out of our house when the power went out and we had left home to go to a movie not realizing we didn't have a house key (it was in the realtor lock box)
• last week the fuel pump and relay went out of Bob's car
• in case you're having trouble keeping track...that is 2 major car repairs in 3 weeks
• the tire pressure light is on in my car
• reminder...the tires are 3 weeks old...taking it in tomorrow to get checked.
• oh yes, my brakes are making a horrendous noise
• why not add a 3rd car repair in 4 weeks?
• the kids and I moved in with my parents on Monday
• they are wonderful but I feel terrible about imposing on them (I know, Mom, we're not)
• yesterday I did some therapy baking...it was what I needed
• we're back in IL now thankfully because I don't need to eat what I baked
• did you know stress is NOT good for weight loss?  (go figure!)
• because the kids have been getting into trouble when I put them to bed at my parent's house...I have been forced to go to bed at 9pm...this is probably a good thing
• my baby is starting kindergarten on Monday...she is ready...I'm not so much
• had an interview today...that is all I'm saying
• the only thing not happening at warp speed in our lives right now is selling this damn house
• Guess what...our house still hasn't sold
• I am confused as to where home is now.  I don't know whether to call IA home or call the place the house we own home.
• I think the "home" distinction would be much easier if we were all living together.
• I'm the luckiest girl in the world to be married to a man who everyday pushes me to believe in myself and not sell myself short, to believe that I am worth more than I think I am
• As rough as the last month has been I have never felt so surrounded by love and support

Happy Weekend Everyone!  Love and Peace to you all!

tired...but thankful thursday...

Whew...you all...I am tired.  This has been a crazy busy week and I am running on empty. I can't even think straight, so I'm not sure this post will entirely make sense but I'm going to try.  I think my thankful post is going to be mostly pictures this week with a few words thrown in.  Enjoy!

First of all I am thankful for my in-laws for not hating us for waking them up at 1am after our power went out and we got locked out of our house.  And for letting us sleep at their house for a few hours. I am also thankful for...

  these people every single day

 my beautiful babies

 Brianna had such a great 6th birthday

the sweet friends my baby girl has

i turned around and you were six...

Dear Brianna,
I start thinking about these letters to you months before your birthday.  I write and rewrite posts in my head and when I finally sit down at my computer to type it out I am at a loss for words.  I have so much I want to say to you, but no words ever seem adequate.  You are one of the greatest joys of my life.  Being your mommy has fulfilled a dream that I have had since I was very young.  Your smile lights up a room and I cannot help but smile when you laugh.  You are sweet and kind and love your friends and family fiercely.  It is truly a joy to be your mommy.  That is not to say being your mommy has been all sunshine and roses...oh no my dear, you and I...we are the same, so we butt heads and are quick to anger at the same things.  We also have the same heart, one that can get bruised easily but one that loves big.   It is all going so fast. My tiny little baby girl is turning into an amazing young lady right before my eyes.  My sweet baby girl, I hope 6 is everything you want it to be.  I know this year will bring so many changes for you and so far you are handling them all with the grace that I knew you would have.  I know this year will bring you more independence and in some ways a little farther away from being my little girl, but know that I am always here and you are never too big to be wrapped in mommy's arms.

I love you my beautiful girl.  Happy, Happy 6th Birthday.
Love always,
Mommy