But before I start looking forward to the weekend, I’d like to take just a few minutes to live in the moment and recognize everything that made me smile this week. I hope you’ll join me.

This week, I’m thankful for…

• Dinner with girlfriends
• Rufus Wainwright
• Weekend trips to see old, best friends
• Dunkin’ Donuts – for having the best coffee in the world
• The quality time I’ll have with the Mister tonight (finally!)
• Being DONE with the Christmas shopping (go me!)
• 5th Ave Deli and their Mediterranean Salad + Matzo Ball Soup
• My new Keurig  – or should I say the Mister, who bought me a new, UPGRADED Keurig
• My mom and dad, because they are two of my favorite people in this entire world and I cannot tell them enough how much I love their guts
• The three musketeers (me, the Mister + Bean)

Happy Thursday! What are you thankful for this week?

(source)

I know I shared some photos yesterday, but I haven’t yet shared my experience from the Flashes of Hope benefit.

Aside from getting to meet and chat with players and folks from the Cleveland Browns and Cavs, my highlight of the evening was playing with the kiddos. I had the pleasure of hanging out with Kaleb, who enthusiastically shared his plans for Halloween (dressing up as some WWE wrestler) and got a big kick out of my makeup. Each one of the kids was thrilled to be up on stage as they danced and posed in the spotlight with confidence and infectious glee. Some of them are still fighting cancer, others are recovering and the lucky ones are celebrating the fight they’ve won. Looking out among their smiling faces, I couldn’t tell the difference. But one thing I know for sure is that they don’t take a single day for granted and celebrating life with them will go down as one of my favorite memories this year — it certainly helped put things in perspective.

So once again, let’s all take a few moments to recognize everything we’re thankful for this week. We deserve it.

This week, I’m thankful for:

Hope

Maxi dresses

New clothes

Candlelight

A child’s laughter

Vanilla Biscotti coffee

Lunch dates

Extra time with my little man

Fuzzy blankets

Hugs from the Mister

Bathtime

What are you thankful for this week?

It certainly helps put things in perspective to see the world through the eyes of a child for a few days. Stopping to play in the raindrops, sitting on the porch to watch the squirrels and laughing for hours with peek-a-boo and foot munching help.

That being said, going back to work this morning was a brutal brush with reality. Good thing tomorrow is Friday.

In the meantime, let’s all look back on the week together and recognize what “made” our weeks.

This week, I’m thankful for…

Uninterrupted time with my tiny man

The Mister’s ability to make every single day that much better with his presence

My new look!

Halloween decorations

Diaper sales

That my BIRTHDAY MONTH is just a few days away (yes, I celebrate allllll month long)

Pumpkin spice coffee

New clothes (and picks from Mama’s closet)

The upcoming weekend

Your turn — what are you thankful for this week?

But I have my coffee and chocolate vitatop, so things are looking up.

And what better opportunity than to look back on the week and reflect on everything we should be thankful for. I know it might sound lame to some of you. Sometimes our lists are shorter and sometimes it seems silly to be thankful for the butterfly you watched with your kids or for the free bagel you got with your coffee. But these small things – if we let them – add up to something bigger. Embrace them. Be thankful for them and don’t let them go unnoticed. I find that when give them they credit they deserve, they pop up more often  

This week, I’m thankful for…

Braids and that they save even the worst hair days

Rain boots — because they turn something icky into an excuse to wear something cute

Cobbler — does this require an explanation?

30 Rock – the Mister and I are late to the party and just making it through Season 1 – we have a looooong way to go and I’m enjoying every second

My little man, and how he teaches me that each day is a new adventure, filled with wonder and awe — and that new discoveries await us at every turn. Like the fact that he can now sit like a big boy!

For the upcoming, long weekend and our plans to celebrate the Mister’s birthday, take Bean to the ZOO and spend time together in our own little world

What are you thankful for this week?

I have a big day planned for the Mister this weekend to celebrate his birthday (it’s next week). Part of the plan was going to be to see “Our Idiot Brother,” but we saw it got bad reviews — has anyone seen it? Would you recommend it? Any other movies you’d recommend?

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! And if you’re not, tomorrow’s Friday, so things should be looking up

Again, it’s that time to look back on the past week and realize the things we should be grateful for. So often the smallest things — a smile from a stranger, a butterfly visiting your yard, a child’s laughter, a warm embrace — could go unnoticed, as if they never happened. Instead, let’s call them out this week and give them the appreciation they deserve!

I’ll start.

This week, I’m thankful for…

The League – hands down, one of the funniest shows I’ve ever watched in my life. The Mister and I were HOWLING. We watched both seasons within a week and we cannot wait for season 3 to begin. Season one is on Netflix, for those interested!

My time with Bean and the fact that one day during the work week, I’m blessed with an entire day, just for me and him. There’s nothing like watching your little man smile and reach for you when you know you really should be at work. I’ve never been more thankful that my job allows me the flexibility to be the Mommy I’ve always wanted to be.

The Mister’s new gig – yep, the Mister took a new job! I’m so excited for him and all that he’s about to learn and discover in his new position. I’ve never been more proud of his brilliance and I can’t wait to see and hear about the impact he’s going to make at his new organization.

Butterflies – and the way Bean’s face lights up when they pay us a visit.

Pool parties in the front yard and that a little jar of baby bubbles can provide wonder, awe and uncontrollable laughter.

Fall – it’s coming, people, I can feel it.

Dry shampoo – it’s a godsend.

God – because without Him, I’d have nothing to be thankful for. We are all so blessed and I am grateful that I’m able to recognize each little thing for the miracle it really is — I have God to thank for that.

What are you thankful for this week? I LOVE reading your lists

Jeezy, being out of the office for two days will certainly set you back. I am JUST getting caught up on emails. But with the upcoming, long holiday weekend, it makes all the catch-up work a little easier to swallow.

I’m currently grappling with an idea I have that would ultimately force a few risky decisions. I ran across a quote this morning that spoke to me, so I thought I’d share.

“A ship in a harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” —William Shedd

If you are thinking of taking a risk or trying something new, I hope this quote helps inspire you, as well

And now let’s get on with our moment of gratitude. What were you thankful for this week? What made you smile? What made you think, “man, life is good…” ?

This week, I’m thankful for…

Vanilla tootsie rolls

Spontaneous Main Street cupcakes (<3 you, amanda)

Our little world-traveler, Bean, who rolled with the punches effortlessly

My grandparents, who welcomed us into their home with open arms and went above and beyond to make our stay in Santa Rosa Beach a great one

A clean house (which I can’t do alone — thank you, mom #2 )

The upcoming, long weekend

The upcoming, delicious cookout food

Cute loungewear

Perfect Pizza

Having the confidence to wear a two piece bathing suit, fading stretch marks battle scars and all

Unexpected inspiration

Beautiful weather

You – who continue to follow me on this crazy journey and still care about what I have to say

(source)

What are YOU thankful for this week?

After a wonderful day with Bean yesterday — complete with a LOVELY lunch with miss Healthy Hostess and her darling, Anna (I think Bean has a crush!) – The Mister and I had a great date night last night. After chowing down at Momocho, we laughed our butts off at Aziz Ansari’s night of comedy. There are few things more fun than laughing yourself silly with your husband.

Anyway, today is THURSDAY and there is much to be thankful for — let’s get to it.

this week, I’m thankful for…

My Daddy

Laughter — from tickles with Bean, to inappropriate jokes from Aziz, I’m thankful that despite long days at the office, laughter still resounds.

New friends

Bean’s grandparents – who love him to pieces and consistently go above the call of duty

My mom – who keeps me sane and take my insane moments in stride

My Mister — and his incredible undertaking of his role as a father

Java Chip Light Frappuccinos – WHY did it take me so long to try this creation? I’ve had three in the past two days. Obsessed.

(source)

What are YOU thankful for this week?

We booked a cabin in Hocking Hills (through Old Man’s Chalets) and my brother and his girlfriend also joined us for a night in the wilderness. Of course, when you are camping with the Mister, the “wilderness” consists of a log cabin equipped with a plasma screen TV and hot tub. Not that I’m complaining…

actual view from cabin

Coming off that great weekend with friends, this week’s topic is easy. This week, I’m thankful for friends.

I’m thankful that even though we don’t talk every day, and haven’t seen some of them since Christmas, we pick up right where we left off. And that takes a very special friendship.

I’m thankful for their love of Bean, their excitement to meet him and the way their faces light up when he smiles.

I’m thankful for old stories, inside jokes and creating new memories.

I’m thankful that they accept me for me, despite all my quirks, and never pass judgement.

• Like running through the mud together
• and having a debate over extra sharp cheddar cheese
• and using silly voices
• and giving up your blankets
• and not judging when one person (ahem, the Mister) uses a clean towel to wipe mud off their body
• and toasting over turkey legs

Why are you thankful for your friends?

Despite the icky weather, I’m in a pretty stellar mood and have lots of things to smile about.

This week I’m thankful…

That I’m only 5 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight! This. Is. Major. Given that it hasn’t even been 3 month, I’m feeling incredibly proud of my progress. I’m also pretty certain that those pounds are all in my boobs (sorry, Dad), so that makes me feel even better. Now if only I were certain those will look the same after Bean is finished with ‘em! Anyway, before I get into specifics, how many of you are actually interested in what I did to get here? I’d hate to rant on and on about it if no one cares. Let me know and I’m happy to share what worked for me.

For Bean’s laughter. We heard it this past week and I don’t think there is a greater sound. In fact, I can I literally feel my chest warm from my heart melting.

That we finally have our game plan figured out for Bean’s Baptism and after-party (whoop, whoop!)

That we’re heading back to church this week! It’ll be Bean’s first time listening to Mama cantor (sing, for you newbies) outside the womb

For promising weather this weekend

For my brother’s creative genius (Clevelanders – check out this new line of CLE pride tees! – Unlikely Optimist - would make a great Cleveland Father’s Day present)

Marotta’s – ’nuff said

Alright, time to dive into the busy day! I’ll be back later

(source)

What are YOU thankful for this week?

First of all — keep those tips coming on my post-pregnancy workout plan – I love your suggestions!

Despite the 1 and 1/2 hour drive in this morning, I’m staying positive.

Why? Because tomorrow is Friday and I have so much to be thankful for. Such as…

My crock pot — I have pork tenderloin with spiced peaches currently cooking, I can’t wait to share my recipe with you!

My date planned with the Mister this weekend

That despite my whining, I’ve had a pleasant pregnancy (dare I say that the third trimester has actually been…nice?) and am almost at the finish line

Fresh oranges (Specifically, Cara Cara) — I can’t get enough of them lately

Zulily — Moms, this site is a MUST

John Mayer

Mall walks with my Mama (even if I hobble at a snail’s pace)

Cute sweatpants

Kat Von D — and that she has some of the most excellent eyeliner I’ve ever come across (available at Sephora)

What are YOU thankful for this week? Remember, nothing is too silly or cliche — everything that makes your smile and turns your week around should be accounted for!