A Thankful Heart | Week 1

Oh November, how I love you so. Fall leaves are here and sticking around yet there is beginning to be a chill in the air. It's the one month of the year where everyone suddenly remembers all the things they are thankful for, and although I believe we should always express our thankfulness year round, it is still a wonderful thing to do.
I truly believe that gratitude makes what you have into enough. Keeping up with the Jones' can be tough. We often only seen people's high light reels and wish for what they have, but I promise you if you stop and list what you do  have and what you are grateful for in your life then you'll be pining for those "things" a lot less. I have a gratitude journal that I like to quickly jot down all things I am grateful for, but going into more detail on the BIG things on my heart each week will be so fulfilling.

I was excited to see Aleigh Joy Moore from The Joy of Life Blog invite other bloggers to join her in this series. Each week we will be sharing what we are thankful for! I hope you join us. I am excited to read these posts over a  hot cup of coffee and have all the feels :)

1. My Husband

Yep, I am starting this off mushy. I can't help it tho. My husband, Robbie, has been so great lately. Not that he isn't always great, but in this season of life he is my life saver. Living overseas can be hard when we don't have family nearby to help us. You will see a lot of moms talking about having their "village" to help them with their kids or whatever they need. I really don't feel like I have a "tribe" or "village" here in Italy. I have my husband and he r o c k s. Transitioning from one to two kids is tough at times, but he picks up the slack when I need it. He helps me so much. He cooks us meals, helps me clean and watches the kids whenever I need a break. He encourages me to workout and have my time. One time he even went grocery shopping with the kids and dropped me off the gym before so I could workout while they shopped. *swoon*. He is content with staying in since I am tired and watches Gilmore Girls with me on Netflix, yet he's also more than happy to jump in the car and find something fun to do on his days off. He is my best friend and I am so thankful for how much our relationship has grown during this time of it just being us over here in Italy. Robbie, you are the real MVP ;)


2. Motherhood 

I have always known I wanted to be a mother. Growing up I had other career aspirations but I always knew I would be happiest as a mom. I grew up in a large family and have lots of nieces and nephews. I have always loved kids and was so excited for my own one day. Now that I have a growing family of my own it is everything I imagined and then some. Some days it's much harder than I imagined (having to discipline or deal with tantrums) but I wouldn't trade it for the world. These little people need me and that is an amazing feeling. I love witnessing all of my kids milestones and being able to stay home with them. From breastfeeding all day, making lunch, kissing bumps and bruises, hearing their first word, teaching colors and kissing them goodnight it is all so good. I strive to be a better mother and each night I pray for more patience and grace, because  I am NOT perfect.  It's so crazy to think about how I am raising (with the help of Robbie of course) these people to become kind and caring adults.  It is a hard job but so so worth it. Nothing has fulfilled me as much as watching my babies grow and  for that I am eternally thankful.

3. Travel 

The experiences I have gained from traveling Europe will always be at the top of my list of what I am most thankful for. As we get ready to head back to the states I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the time we've had here. I mean really, not many people can say they spent over 3 years living in Italy and traveling around Europe. The best part is I got to do it with my best friend and my son. I know Robbie and I will always consider this time some of the best years of our lives. This also makes me thankful for the Air Force for giving us this opportunity.