Thankful: Days 19-30

Thanksgiving is done and December is upon us. I know I'm behind but I really want to finish my "Thankful" list. December will be busy enough.

Day 19: I'm Thankful for volunteering. I find it to be uplifting knowing that the time I donate at the shelter is benefiting the animals. Whether it's helping get them new forever homes or just loving on them to ease the stress of a scary environment. It calms me as well. Love my days at the shelter.

Day 20: I'm Thankful for Evans Job. I won't go into details but starting in January, Evan will be on day shift. Something we've patiently waited and prayed about for a year! We love his job and the company so having him go to days is going to be a added bonus on a number of levels.

Day 21: I'm Thankful for young cousins coming in and visiting from Georgia. The girls loved it too.

Day 22: I'm Thankful for Alyssa's naps. Those two precious quiet times during the day allow me to get stuff done and spend one on one time with Avery. My girls are growing up too fast and I'm finding my sweet moments with them are getting shorter. Replaced by new ones of course but the days of snuggles and cuddles and rocking little bodies to sleep is slowly fading. :(

Day 23: I'm Thankful for books. I know in this day and age people rely on nooks, kindles, iPhones and tablets. For me though,Going to a book store and buying an actual book with pages to flip through in a quiet place is bliss. There's that book smell too that goes along with the escape of a story. I just love it, call me old school.

Day 24: I'm Thankful for our home. I love this place and even though it's no longer fitting our needs and we won't be here but for another year or two, it's my favorite home so far. All the memories here and blessings we've been given since I took that wrong turn and found the dinky "for rent" sign  are priceless. I hope we can just find a bigger house still in this neighborhood.

Day 25: I'm Thankful for comfy pajamas and a cup of hot tea on a cold day.

Day 26: I'm Thankful for the last 13 years with this man. 

Yep, 13. Years. From friends in high school to soul mates. 3 years as friends, 2 as a couple and 8 in marriage. Plenty of Good times and bad. Good health, bad health, the births of our two girls and the sad loss of a baby now in heaven. 2 tiny apartments, a house in a ghetto and now back where it all began for us. Road trips and family vacations, a million inside jokes, countless movie marathons and a few jobs in between. I am beyond Thankful for all of it.

Day 27: After that last topic, I'm Thankful for all the memories.

Day 28: Happy Thanksgiving! I'm Thankful for this holiday; to cook great food and spend a day eating it with family and friends and unwinding from the busy-ness of day to day life.

Day 29: I'm Thankful that my family agrees with me that "Black Friday" is the stupidest thing America has invented.

Day 30: I'm Thankful for Christmas music and sharing the true reason of the season with Avery and Alyssa. Putting up decorations and spending more quality time with them as we make new memories to remember for the next years to come.

Thankful: Day 13-18

This month is zooming by! Less than 40 days before Christmas!!

Day 13:  I'm extremely Thankful for my church and church family. When you honestly say daily "I love my church" and get excited about how busy your Sundays are because you are so deeply involved and surrounded by so many amazing people. It's the best. Pastor Dave is remarkable and his sermons are always eye opening and a bit scary how close they touch base with things I've dealt with during the week. The pastoral staff (Jay, Jeff, Guy and Dave) are a great group of guys and I love how involved they are with the kids, you just

Don't see that often at churches. I could go on for an hour about all the reasons why I am thankful to be a part of Gracepoint Church.

Day 14: I'm Thankful for quiet mornings with a cup of coffee and a real book in my lap to help me escape for a small amount of time in contented bliss before my day starts with the girls.

Day 15: Hard to believe it's almost 5 years since my world changed completely. I'm so beyond Thankful that God blessed me with such an amazing gift that is Avery Claire Hartfield. I love you to the moon, stars and back again baby girl. You are such a blessing to me and your daddy.

Day 16: I'm Thankful for beautiful days out in nature. Whether it's sitting in my backyard or walking 6 miles on a nature trail. Gods limitless skill in his creativity is amazing to see when you look close enough. Even if it's cloudy and raining or a clear day with sunshine it's amazing what you can see when you look with both eyes open.

Day 17: I'm Thankful for those super rare but oh so coveted mornings where Evan gets up with the girls and I'm allowed to sleep in. Sleep is precious.

Day 18: Tomorrow my sweet baby will be 10m old! How is it she is almost 1?! I doubt we ever thought it would be this complete or amazing having a second girl in our family but our sweet Alyssa Jane is by far what we were missing. Watching her and Avery play together and laugh is truly the best thing to my heart. I love my girls so much and being their mother is so awesome. I'm so Thankful for her opposite personality and characteristics from Avery, they both keep me laughing and on my toes.

Thankful: Day 8-12

Day 8: I'm Thankful for Evans awesome family. His Aunt Holly flew in from Georgia last week and will be here through Thanksgiving. Love her so much! But his cousins and other aunts and uncles are always funny and caring and even though we don't see them often, they are amazing people.

Day 9:  I'm Thankful for weekend girl trips to unwind and relax and have a good time. This past weekend I went to San Antonio with Nan, her sister Holly and my best friend Stacy drove in from Houston. It was to celebrate Nan's birthday last week but became more if just a nice weekend away. Very needed. Evan and dad took care of the girls and I didn't feel guilty by Saturday night.

Day 10: I'm Thankful for my crockpot and Pinterest. Today's high is 49* and I love it! I also love making soup in my crockpot and the smell throughout my home. Sooo yummy.

Day 11: I'm Thankful for my sister Desi. She may be all the way up in NC but her daily snap chats, txts, pics and FB make it seem like she's with me everyday. I miss her a lot and it's almost been a year since we've been face to face. Hopefully that will get fixed soon. :) I love you, Desi! You're the best sister in the world. Even if I don't understand your generation and trends. ;)

Day 12: Doesn't matter to me which Branch you serve, THANK YOU will never be enough at times. To all the service men and women, Thank You!

Thankful: Day 30

Day 30-

I am Thankful to be given 30 days to reflect on just a minuscule amount of things I am Thankful for in my life.

I have truly been through a few rough years with Evan and our families but the past year and a half have shown just how truly Blessed we are. Through friends, loved ones, church family, small acts of grace and kindness. It's overwhelming at times.

So you can imagine how 30 days of trying to pick exactly what I am Thankful for hasn't been easy. I could go on and on about things I am Thankful for, people I am Thankful for, TRIALS I am Thankful for. Nothing is more rewarding to me than knowing I can never run out of things to be Thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Day 22-

I hope and pray you all had a Blessed day with Family and loved ones. It's sad to think we only choose one day to celebrate family and it's slowly over the years becoming more about Sports, Sales and skipping over to Christmas.

Slow down and take time to cherish these small family gathering, life is too short.

Here's to the next upcoming year and all the things to be Thankful for awaiting us.



XOXO,
Brittnye, Evan, Avery & "Little Miss"
(Gus & Paris too!)

Thankful: Day 21

Day 21-

This one has me all kinds of emotional just thinking about it and I saved it for closer to Thanksgiving for obvious reasons...

I am Thankful for the biggest Blessing of my life (about to be shared in the  top 3 category).

Miss Avery Claire Hartfield....

You are my greatest accomplishment in life sweet girl. in the last almost FOUR years you have changed me all for the better and shown me who I really am and what I am capable of. You have Blessed your daddy and me so much, we can't keep count anymore.

I am so Thankful for you. Your sweet spirit, your contagious laugh, your kindness to others and strength in the Lord is only a small part of what makes you truly amazing. I am so PROUD of you and will never be able to tell you enough how much I love you.

Thankful: Days 15-20

So since I am behind yet again, I'm going to wrap up the last 5 days worth. Enjoy!

Day- 15
 I am Thankful for our home. I seriously love this place and with another baby coming soon we are going to be with a little less room than before but you know what....I refuse to move. I love this neighborhood, with our quiet cul-de-sac, sweet neighbors, and the oh so convenient park just behind us and of course being in Central Denton. We'll probably be here another 2yrs before the thought of moving comes up which in our 7yrs of being married will be the longest we have lived in one place!

Day- 16
I am Thankful for volunteering. It is something I have always had a heart for and this past year I have become very involved in the Denton Animal Shelter as well as the Denton Animal Shelter Foundation and have devoted over 175hrs to volunteering both at the shelter and area events for the animals.  I have fostered 4 litters of kittens and re-homed 3 amazing kittos who were living life on the streets. It may not seem like much to some but I know it makes a difference to the animals, the staff at the shelter and the new pet owners who find their new family members when they come to the shelter. So rewarding and hey, playing with cats and kittens is super calming. :)

Day 17-
 I am Thankful for Nesting. My house hasn't been this clean and organized since we moved in. Also to the makers of Fabreeze and Fabuloso.

Day 18-
I am Thankful for Disney movies and snuggles with Avery. Never gets old.

Day 19-
 I am Thankful for Facebook. Yes, it has it's annoying moments but it has helped me re-connect with some people who I would have no other way of finding without it. Not to mention staying in touch with family/friends who live out of state is nice!

Day 20-
I am Thankful for a savior who loves me no matter how often I fail him.

Thankful: Day 14

Day 14-

I am Thankful for the little things in life that make it all so wonderful..

Like today for instance, a typical no plans, no agenda Saturday. Evan went with his dad to help a church friend move into a new apartment so it was just Avery and I. I decided to bust out some cleaning and organizing to make way for Little Miss. Avery slept in which is rare but it gave me a relaxing and quiet morning to myself while I made muffins, drank coffee and listened to music. SO NICE!

Then later, her and I spent an hour outside sweeping leaves off the back and front patio, just enjoying sunshine and the cool weather. Before that we had a princess tea party while watching Alice in Wonderland.

Again, BLISS.

Just a multitude of little things today that have no lasting or lingering effect on our lives but that made today special.

It's the little things I tell ya.

Thankful: Day 13

Day 13-

I am Thankful for Avery's teachers at Kidzone Academy. Ms. Stephanie & Ms. Kim.

These two amazing woman are such a Blessing to us and bring such joy out of Avery. She LOVES going to school and getting hugs from them. She comes home bursting with news from her day, singing songs and reciting her bible verses. She also does Spanish, gymnastics, music and chapel. They may not feel like they do much for the kids but they truly bring out the best. Averys never been this excited about school or learning and it's all because of these two sweet woman.

Thankful: Day 12

Day 12-

I am Thankful for the wonderful website known as Pinterest.

Seriously, am I the only one obsessed with pinning? I can spend a solid afternoon finding recipes, DIY and organizing tips for my home, plus if I ever need a laugh....it's all there.
 Even Evan is a fan, he loves the meals I have made from my pins, the desserts too and Avery's Christmas and Birthday ideas are all from Pinterest. What did we do without it?! (I know a little lame, but I do love this site)

Thankful: Day 11

Day 11-

I am Thankful for Music.

I doubt any other thing in the world can do as much for me as music does. It's such a wonderful therapy for whatever is going on in my life. There are past memories I can remember a song helping me get through an issue, a change in life, a special event, etc. Songs that can trigger those moments for me or songs that have helped heal wounds.

I've always been a huge fan of music so perhaps that's why. You can even search my blog and see where I've shared lyrics of a song for a situation or mood I was in.

Currently I am loving this song and hum it to Little Miss during my quiet time with her. (With Avery it was a song by Plumb)


Up & Up (Acoustic)
By: Reliant K


Yesterday was not quite what it could've been
As were most of all the days before
But I swear today, with every breath I'm breathing in
I'll be trying to make it so much more

'Cause it seems I get so hung up on the history of what's gone wrong
And the hope of a new day is sometimes hard to see
But I'm finally catching on to it, yeah, the past is just a conduit
And the light, there at the end is where I'll be

'Cause I'm on the up and up, I'm on the up and up
And I haven't given up, given up on what I know I'm capable of
Yeah, I'm on the up and up and yeah, there's nothing left to prove
'Cause I'm just trying to be a better version of me for you
A better version of me for you

To be prosperous would not require much of me
You see, contentment is the one thing it entails
To be content with where I am and getting where I need to be
And moving past the past where I have failed

But I'm finally catching on to it and yeah, the past is just a conduit
And the light, there at the end is where I'll be

Oh, 'cause I'm on the up and up, I'm on the up and up
And I haven't given up, given up on what I know I'm capable of
Yeah, I'm on the up and up and yeah, there's nothing left to prove
'Cause I'm just trying to be a better version of me for you
A better version of me for you

Never cease to supply me with what I need for a good life
So when I'm down, I'll hold my head up high
'Cause you're the reason why, yeah, you're why

I'm on the up and up, I'm on the up and up
And I haven't given up, given up on what I know I'm capable of
Yeah, I'm on the up and up, so yeah, there's nothing left to prove
'Cause I'm just trying to be a better version of me for you
I'm just trying to be a better version of me for you

Thankful: Day 10

Day 10-


I am Thankful for "Little Miss" and this pregnancy.

When Evan and I decided to try for baby #2 I figured it wouldn't be a big deal, I've been through pregnancies before and we went through all the testing and what not to just make sure it may not be fertility issues or me or him to blame for past miscarriages and all the complications we had with Avery's pregnancy. Her pregnancy and how hard it was on me is the main reason we waited as long as we did.

With Little Miss, I have had zero complications and pretty much, a perfect pregnancy! I had morning sickness (new for me) and all the symptoms that I really didn't get with Avery in the 1st trimester. It's just been a huge blessing for us as a family and the closer we get to her arrival the more I clearly see that.

It's still as precious to me as it was with Avery, feeling this tiny miracle grow inside me. The nudges, the kicks, the punches and hiccups...all still fill me with joy and awe and the occasional groan when I just want to sleep or get comfy but her antics disrupt that. I enjoy getting bigger and bigger, which I know is odd to say but I wasn't this big with Avery and yet I felt more confidence in myself and my body when I was pregnant with her and it's the same this time around too.

This perfect baby girl being knit together and growing strong in me is just a blessing. To know God made her just for us is so amazing. The plans, the dreams and the completeness I feel when I think of her arrival and welcome into our family. All seems just right.

I must say just seeing how her arrival into our lives is already changing Avery is sweet too. She is so thrilled to be a big sister and gets overjoyed when we talk about her, when she does her nigh-night routine and hugs and kisses and blows bubbles on my belly, or when she sees and feels baby sister kick and move or even when she gets rowdy and tickles and talks to my belly and laughs hysterically when little sister reacts (which she does!).

I'm so loving these special memories and intimate moments with my girls. I can't imagine how much better they will be when she's actually here and we're able to touch and kiss and watch her grow with us.

Thankful: Day 8

I know, I'm a bit behind yet again, here's hoping I can get this all caught up tonight. :)

Day 8-

I am Thankful for my sister, Desi.

Even though she lives all the way up in the mountains of North Carolina while I am in the great state of Texas, we do our best to pester each other at least once a week by FB, txt or an actual phone call when our kids or her phone allows enough quiet time to catch up. (I currently have an unheard voicemail on my phone from her from like a day ago, I know I fail at calling people back)

For those unaware, Desi and I didn't grow up together. In fact, we only met each other in 2006! After a 2yr search for her with my siblings. Even though we've only been reconnected  6yrs you would never guess we've been apart. Other than looking alike, sounding alike and our personalities being the perfect blend of all the other siblings in our crazy 5 count it just works. As far as little sisters go, shes pretty awesome and she doesn't make me want to go crazy. We only get to see each other once or twice a year and I'm hoping she's here next month for a short visit before I have her 2nd niece.

I love her so much and am super proud of her. Yes, she annoys me from time to time. Yes, we argue and nit pick each other but hey, we're sisters and unlike other situations in our family....we're always there for one another no matter how annoyed or how much we shake our heads at each other.

Now if only I could get her to move to Texas with my adorable niece....

I love you Desi, I hope you know that. I'm so Thankful I never stopped looking for you and that you were open to being a part of this disfunctional family we were given. :)

Thankful: Day 6

Day 6-

Today I am VERY Thankful for this amazing Godsend......

                                          Best Mother-in-Love/ Mother/ Nina & Best Friend.

I love Nan so much and she is such an amazing woman of God. She gets me, she makes me laugh, she cheers me up and she always knows what to say when I need someone to listen to me. She is beyond selfless, creative, funny and can cook like a champ. Her worth is priceless. Love our girl times together and having her in my corner. Don't know what I would do without her in my life.


Happy Birthday, Banana!!

L U BIG.

Thankful: Day 5

Day 5-

I'm Thankful for naps.

Yes, naps.

Wonderful, wonderful naps.

I wish Avery still took them, from time to time she does but they don't last long and are far and few in between. Being almost 30wks pregnant I hardly get a full nights sleep and lately, the couch is far more comfy than our bed so getting an hour-2hour nap in is so amazing to me.

Honestly, a 20min nap is enough for me these days.

Why do we as kids fight them so much? If we only knew then what we do now, right?

So yes, I am so Thankful for naps.

Thankful: Day 4

Day 4-

I'm Thankful for our Church family.

We have always been Blessed in this way from MSBC to now Gracepointe. Even with the church merger and life happening and people moving away or going elsewhere we have made some of the best friendships and relationships through our church families. We have an army of love from them and in times of need they have come through for us in ways we can never fully repay them for.

We love our church, our pastor, our small group. We love watching Avery go to school there and the friendships she's making. Before she was even born and the Children's building wasn't even up and running I doubt we knew just what exactly it would mean to us and our family in so many ways. Avery has been there in the MDO/ Kidzone program since birth, I've worked there for 3yrs...just so much for us to process and be Thankful for from just the Children's building, the ministry alone.

Seriously, I don't even know where to begin the more I sit here and think of all the amazing people we have in our lives just from our Church family.

So Thankful for them, for Gracepointe Church, for Pastor Dave and his love and passion for the written word and for his fellowship.

Thankful Day 3

This weekend kept me busy so I'm playing a bit of catch-up. :)

Day 3- I'm Thankful for these two.

Yep, my fur babies. Paris (top) & Gus.

I know, cue the whole, "Seriously, her cats?!" I get it. There are sadly, people out there in the world who don't like animals or cats or have ever had animals and they miss out on so much.

We rescued Paris the summer before we were married. I nursed her back to health and she soon became our little family. Then we got married, she gained weight and was lonely being all alone all day while we worked/went to school, so for my 21st birthday Evan brought home Gus. They both have been with us in EVERY phase of our marriage. Through the good, the bad, the scary, the funny and the huge changes and little changes.

They don't judge us, they are never not available and their personalities are so polar opposite that it's funny to watch them just be with each other. I seriously, don't know what I would do without them.

So I am THANKFUL for our sweet kittos. For their endless love, annoying habits, snuggles, snores and overall completeness to our growing family. It just wouldn't be the same without them.

Thankful: Day 2

Day 2- I'm Thankful for bad parenting.


I know, I know. Some of you are sitting there re-reading that and going "Say wha?!" but hear me out....

My past is no secret, my family life is no secret and my struggles with acceptance and family drama is especially no secret. I spent so much of my life being bitter, angry, discouraged and often times just rebellious until I got married and then things started changing for me.

Now that I'm a mom and wife and have been shown what a real family is with my amazing in-loves I no longer have all these painful feelings or fears I struggled with. I've cut ties with the majority of my family simply because they will never be alright with me NOT being part of the drama and cycle they seemingly love to stay in, not too mention my overwhelming need to mother or help out or give advice always seemed to backfire and I seemed to forever be to blame for everything when all I did was try to help. I thought it would be hard but in reality, I have NEVER been as happy, positive or motivated or just relieved or accepting of who I am as I have been in the last year. It's amazing and it clearly shows in me on the inside and out.

So yes, I am THANKFUL for Bad Parenting. To my birth parents who just couldn't get it right and made poor choices repeatedly which in the end resulted in their children being separated and lives being more difficult than most. I am Thankful. I'm Thankful for the harsh upbringing, the struggles and all. It helped me become who I am today, it instilled such a fear in me to stay on the right path( not that I always followed it), fight for what I wanted in and for my life and to not settle on being what so many assumed I would be simply because of who my birth parents were. Without their mistakes I doubt my life would be as blessed as it is now, I doubt I'd be as great of a mom as I am if I didn't strive to be the mother I wish I had growing up. I wouldn't have married the most amazing man whose faith in me even when I was broken has restored so much and has made me strong. I just have so much to Thank them for rather than blame them for, I wasted too much of my life thinking the opposite.

Thankful: Day 1.

Day 1:

I am THANKFUL for Health.

Not just my health, but the health of my family. So many people take it for granted until something happens. This year alone we have witnessed 3 sweet families deal with cancer in their precious children all under 3yrs old.  As a mom, I can only hold them in prayer and selfishly thank God for keeping Avery happy and healthy.

We've seen small colds, bad allergies and even Evans dad being diagnosed with diabetes. With the one and so far ONLY issue this pregnancy being Gestational Diabetes I must say we are thankful for health, for being healthy and for Evans job giving us the health insurance to cover the costs in case we ever need a doctor.

So many people do not have this, so many people have had trials with their health this year or struggle with medicines, disease, cancer, not being able to afford health care or just poor health in general. So many of us oftentimes take it for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

To all my wonderful Friends, Family, Readers & Stalkers (you know who you are)...


Happy THANKSGIVING.

I hope you remember what today is truly about and get to enjoy it with family, traditions, stories, laughter and of course FOOD. If your dumb enough to rush out with the crowds for materialistic items that give you minimal happiness and cut off the meaning of this day I hope you black Friday shoppers are safe as you rush out to find those "Deals" and remember to stay calm and not go crazy.

Avery is sick and we will not be doing anything today that requires us to change from our jammies and get off the couch. I'm a little bummed about this but she comes first and I would rather her get better than drag this Flu and Croup out any longer than need be. Plus side, food is being brought to us and I get lots of snuggle time in. Who can complain about that?!

I'm truly THANKFUL for so much this year, crazy to think this time last year we were so desperate for help just to put food on the table and keep our heat on....wow..... I'm sitting here looking around me at all we have now, how warm I am with the heat on low, how crowded my walls are with family pics, how I know Avery is safe and resting peacefully in her room, how content my 2 spoiled cats are in the respective dwellings on the couch and how ridiculously happy I am.

God is truly AMAZING.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving with those you Love and know I am THANKFUL for you in my life.

                                                                          -Brittnye