Thanks Day 30 (My Dogs aka babies)

Last, but certainly not least are my babies aka furry children Elektra and Hooper. Hands down, these two dogs completely own my heart. I could go on and on for hours about how much I love them, infact I'd never stop talking about them. They are my world, and sometimes It simply takes looking at their faces and it makes my day 100% better.

They are the best snugglers, and love bugs in the world. They have completely different personalities, yet are the best of friends. It's hard to put into words how much I love them honestly. I think I've waited to write about them simply because I wasn't sure how to express it. I still can't.

However, I am so thankful to be the Mommy of 2 of the best Canines in this world. They make my world a wonderful place. Having rescued both of them, I think they both hold a piece of my heart and always will. So here's to my wrinkly beautiful faced Rottweiler/Shepherd mix Elektra. And to my skinny insane Momma's boy Greyhound Hooper. I am thankful to have them in my life, as they are my world, my heart, and soul.

Exercise: Today's included 30 minutes on the Elliptical (jogging type) @ 1.45 miles.

Thanks Day 29 (The GYM!)

I LOVE going to my gym. It's literally steps away from where I work, so It is super convenient. I actually prefer my gym be near work, that way I can go there right after working and be done! It's a pretty small gym aka no "meat heads" walking around (haha). Everyone there is very friendly, and I feel the people are very down to earth which is nice.

Everyone is different in what they choose to do for exercise. However, for me, cardio is the only way to go. I've tried yoga and just didn't feel the thing I was looking for. So I tend to rotate running, biking, and the Elliptical with different routines. As long as I have my IPOD there to pump me up, we're golden!

I always feel physically and mentally on top of the world when I've accomplished a good workout. The cardio has made a big difference in my lung function too. Just when I think I feel good, I go to the gym and really work the stuff out of my lungs, whoa then I feel great.

For the way it makes me feel, the convenience, and providing me with being able to get the job done...I am very thankful for my GYM!! :)

For todays workout I did 2 miles jogging for 30 minutes on the Treadmill (Or as I heard it referred to today.."The Dread-mill") That cracked me up ;)

Thanks Day 28 (5 Days off work!)

Tonight I am very sad to see my 5 day break from work end. It was a wonderful time off, infact it was amazing. Thanksgiving x2, Black Friday, Christmas spirit, lazy time on the couch, Football...and lots of it, Family time, and pure holiday fun.

However, despite being sad it's over, I am VERY thankful that I had 5 days off to begin with. My job allows me off every weekend, and holiday. I am so thankful to have been able to have this time off, especially to spend with Scott. It's been a long time since we had so much time off together due to his school/work schedule. Goodbye 5 days off and hello back to work tomorrow. I will miss you good old days off, thank you for letting me enjoy 5 of them :)

Thanks Day 27 (Our Christmas Kick off tradition)

The day after Black Friday Scott and I go out together. We usually do a little window shopping and start giving eachother ideas for Christmas presents. I love it! Then after that we always put up the Christmas tree and start decorating the house for the BEST time of year!!! (At least my favorite anyway)

We started off the day with a Starbucks stop for Pumpkin Spice Lattes. One word, delicious! Walked around the mall for a while, then had an amazing lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, my fav!!!! We both crashed when we got home and took a nap to refuel.

We got ourselves up in the attic, pulled the mound of boxes down and the decorating began!! I LOVE this time of year! One of the traditions besides the shopping, and decorating is wine. I pour us a glass of wine in a red and green wine glass. Yes yes, I know I am a huge nerd but that's ok with me ;) Oh, and the Christmas scented candles CAN NOT be lit in this house until the Fall scents have burned, and it's after Thanksgiving. So, needless to say my holiday Yankee candles are burning away making the house smell like the holiday's!

So, today (well yesterday since I'm a day behind) I'm super thankful for our Kicking off the holiday traditions. There's no one else I'd rather do these fun and special things with <3

Day 26 (Black Friday and my parents surprise!)

Black Friday is one of my most favorite days of the year! Yes, I know I am officially insane in admitting that. For me, it's not just about the shopping (don't get me wrong, I love it) but it's about the start of the Christmas season, and just the feeling in the air.

My best friend and I have a tradition of going out every Black Friday. Each year our time that we meet seems to get earlier and earlier. This year we met just after 3:30 am to get in line at Target. Normally I don't "need" anything from the stores, just go for the fun. However this year I was out for a gift to surprise my parents. I bought them a 46" flat screen TV! We decided to take it over to them last night as a surprise. I had just talked to my Dad on the phone and told him I was going to bed after a long day of shopping (hehe, not). We drove over, and then walked in the door with a gigantic box. Merry early Christmas to them! They LOVED it!!!!!

Back to Black Friday...I pretty much got a few odds and ends I wanted to pick up and am finished. I was honestly about 90% done already (thank you amazon.com!) The only person to buy for is Scott, and he's mostly done online anyway so it's perfect.

Yesterdays marathon shopping lasted 15 hours. I really really wish I would've worn a pedometer all day. I'm positive we walked well over 10 miles in steps. It was an awesome day!! Here's to kicking off the Holiday's and to one of my favorite days of the year yesterday. I'm so Thankful for the fun I had and the joys of Black Friday!

Thanks Day 25 (Thanksgiving Day)

Today I am so very thankful for the way I got to spend Thanksgiving day. I'm summing it up in a list, and it goes a little something like this :)

I'm Thankful For:

Sleeping in today after a wonderful yet exhausting day before of feasting and entertaining.

Waking up to a huge pot of coffee

Not taking my pajamas off all day long

Watching The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Lounging all day and snuggling with my dogs and husband

Eating a delicious brunch prepared by my husband

Barely getting off the couch

Watching tons of football

Hearing my family members say how nice our Thanksgiving was on Wednesday

Eating way too many yummy leftovers and having good blood sugars ;)

Preparing my Black Friday list and game plan with the BFF

Going to bed early and getting extra sleep.....since I have to get up at 3:15, yes I am nuts, I know (haha)

I have to say, today was pretty much the perfect Thanksgiving, and for this and so many other reasons I am beyond Thankful.

Thanks Day 24 (Thanksgiving Eve)

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving we have our dinner with my Mom's side of the family. Last night was our dinner at our home. I got up early to run a few errands, pick up my Mom, and start cooking. We spent all day in my kitchen preparing every last drop of food. It was great! One of my absolute favorite things to do is to cook!

Overall we ended up having 16 people at the dinner table. Those that were there truly made it a wonderful Thanksgiving. To me, there is nothing like having your family sit around a HUGE table, laughing, talking, telling stories, and just being thankful for being together. It was perfect. Oh and the smells of the Thanksgiving food lingering in the house all day long, yum!

As part of our blessing last night I wanted to recognize my Mother. We had a very rough year with her, and her health. I honestly didn't even know if we'd be where we are right now. She's come a long way in the last 8 months and I couldn't be happier with her progress. I finally have my Mother back. For this, and our Thanksgiving Eve dinner, I am so very thankful.