Day 30: A Good Sign...

I think it's a good sign that even after 30 days of Thankful posts, I still have plenty of things that I could write about being thankful for (although finding the time for more posts is a totally different story)! And really, that's a good description of life right now- crazy and chaotically busy, yet full of so many good things: two happy and healthy boys who fill our home with joy, a husband who works his tail off to make all of our dreams come true, a fantastic family, and the excitement of new adventures right around the corner. Lucky.

Day 29: Motherhood

Today I am thankful to be a mom. Newborn snuggles. First smiles. Learning to talk. Learning to walk. Learning to read. Goodnight kisses. Motherhood is full of life's sweetest moments.

Day 28: Helpers

Today I am thankful that my boys are learning to be good helpers around the house. Even when the result is this:
Thank you Miles for unloading the dishwasher. While I was on the phone. For 2 minutes. At least it was clean!

Days 24-27: Celebrating Thanksgiving with Family

We spent the last few days with my whole family in Fremont enjoying all that Thanksgiving has to offer: eating, eating, and more eating (let's just day there were 2 turkeys and a ham on my mom's table!), catching up with aunts, uncles, and cousins, watching football, napping, and even a little black Friday shopping. I am thankful for such a great family. They are the best!

Day 23: Lasting Friendships

Today I'm thankful for friendhips that last. I met Abby and Kristina more than 10 years ago when we were teaching credential students at UC Davis. Since then, we've all married and have 7 little ones combined! And although we now live in different cities, when we are fortunate enough to connect in person once or twice a year it feels like we pick up right where we left off. We are lucky!

All 7 kiddos- November 2011

A peek back at Summer 2009...when there were (only!) 6

Day 22: They'll Always Have Each Other

Today I am thankful for the way that Jack and Miles are learning to take care of each other. I took them to the park this week and watched them encourage one another to climb higher and slide faster, soothe the one who fell down, and just enjoy each other's company with all kinds of boyish laughter. As they get older they are growing into playmates and best friends. There is no better feeling than knowing that they will always have each other.

Day 21: Reading...and Writing!

These days I find lists like this all over the house. Jack loves to fill page after page with the words he can read and write. Today I am thankful to be watching a little boy learn how to read- it is simply the best.

Day 20: Lazy, Rainy Sundays

On the agenda today: Sunday football, movie watching, chocolate chip cookie making, and a family nap. I hope we stay in our pj's all day. Today I am thankful for this lazy, rainy Sunday.

Day 19: Lifelong Friends

Today I am thankful for great friends, the ones you'll be in touch with forever, regardless of what life throws your way (like a cross-country move!). Deana and Greg moved in 3 houses down from ours shortly before Jack's first birthday and we just hit it off. Since then, we've shared a lot of our lives together: new babies, sick parents, birthdays, starting preschool, gymnastics class, karate class, swim lessons, play dates, date nights, 4th of July BBQ's, Halloween trick 'or treating, and countless hours watching our kids play together. We are very lucky to have such good friends in our life!

Jack and Riley Reh with their gymnastics medals- Summer 2008

Day 18: Julie

Today I am thankful for Julie, or Aunty Juju as she's known around these parts! This picture was taken at Thanksgiving when Jack was 15 months old, and he still gives Julie that same adoring look whenever they're together :) She is one of the best people I know and we are very lucky to have her in our family!

Day 17: Kathryn

Aunty Kathryn and newborn Jack :)

Today I am thankful for this great sister. Kathryn is just fun to be around! She is always up for a good time, whether that's a marathon shopping trip, wine tasting on our annual girls-get-away to Pismo Beach, or a fierce Trivial Pursuit showdown (are you ready Kathryn? Thanksgiving is only a few days away!). The boys adore her, as do I. We are so lucky to have Aunty Kathryn in our family!

Day 16: Daddy's Home

Today I am thankful to have Evan back home! He's spent the last 4 days in San Diego for a work conference and I have been home with the boys. It has been a busy week of single parenting, and I am grateful to have daddy back in the dinner, clean-up, baths, playtime, bedtime mix!

Day 15: Starbucks Holiday Drinks

Today I am thankful for the cheery red cups full of Starbucks holiday deliciousness! When these drinks appear in early November, my thoughts immediately turn to all things Christmas. It is fun to grab a coffee while out Christmas shopping or while checking out the neighborhood holiday lights. Not to mention, for the next 3 days they're buy 1 get 1 free in the afternoon. Perfect for sharing some holiday cheer!

Day 14: Miles

Today I am thankful for Miles. He is full of spunk and we wouldn't have it any other way. I love his independence and determination and know these traits will serve him well. There is never a dull moment when Miles is around! We are so lucky to have him in our family.

Day 13: Jack

Today I am thankful for Jack. We really couldn't ask for a better five year old! He is smart and kind and just plain fun to be around. We are so lucky to have him in our family!

Day 12: My Husband the Chef

On the menu tonight at the Hamilton's: pot roast with sausage and sage stuffing. Today I am thankful to have a husband who loves to cook!

Day 11: Words of Wisdom

"All of us experience change in our lives. Change is the one constant in our lives. There are changes that we look forward to and change that we fear. However, one thing is for sure. Things will not stay the same no matter he much we would like them to. When a life change occurs, we have two choices in how to respond. We can despair that a change has come and assume that things will be worse, or we can look with excitement at the new possibilities that the change presents."

I came across this quote recently and it really hit home. So today, as we celebrate an accepted offer on what will hopefully soon be our new home in Georgia, I am thankful for these words of wisdom.

Day 10: Funny Kids

I dare you to look at this picture and not laugh! Today I am thankful for all of the laugh-out-loud moments our boys provide :)

Day 9: Best Grandparents Ever!

Today I am thankful that Jack and Miles have the best grandparents ever! We have been out of town for 4 days but have not worried about the boys for one minute, as we know that they are being showered with all kinds of love and attention...not to mention their favorite meals, endless stories, crafts, trips to the park, and all sorts of fun!

Day 8: Time Away

Today I am thankful for the occasional time away from my full-time mom duties. As much as I love being with my kids, I also know that I am a better, more patient and focused parent when I occasionally get to to step away and take a break. Evan and I are currently wrapping up a few days in Atlanta and have tried to make the most of our time away with dinners out and full nights of sleep...both of which can be much harder to come by back home!

Day 7: Evan's Job

Today I am thankful for Evan's job. We have seen many families close to us struggle with layoffs and job losses. So today, despite the long hours and travel which I sometimes grumble about, I am very thankful for Evan's job. I think it's rare to find something that 1) you like doing and 2) you're quite talented at and we are lucky enough to have both when it comes to Evan's work. We are lucky.

Day 6: Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

I decided that we would bake chocolate chip cookies on the first cool day of fall. The boys love to help me in the kitchen and it was a fun afternoon all around. Is there anything better than a homemade chocolate chip cookie, warm from the oven? I think not.

Day 5: Staying Home

Today I am thankful that I get to spend my days at home being a mom. Having been on the other side, a rough year and a half spent teaching full time and taking care of a constantly-sick- thanks-to-daycare baby, I know how lucky I am to be home with my children. I love being the one to teach and encourage them in a hundred different ways each day and to witness how much they're learning and growing. I love knowing that my most important job, being a mom, can be my number one focus. Thankfully, I have a great husband who feels the same way and willingly carries the responsibility of providing for our family. I am a lucky girl.

Mommy and Jack Fall 2007

Day 4: Best Dad Ever

Today I am thankful that Jack and Miles have such a good daddy. Evan works so hard for our family and yet takes his role as a parent just as seriously. The boys count down to the weekend in anticipation of Saturday donuts with Daddy and lots of playtime together. Lucky boys these 2!

Soccer coach

Lifeguard

Baseball Instructor

Practical joker

Goal kicker

Koi fish feeder

Fishing guide

More baseball

Catcher

Best Dad ever!

Day 3: Autumn

After sweating through another Sacramento summer, today I am thankful for the change in seasons. Those who know me well know that fall is hands down my favorite time of the year. I love it all: the cool nights and crisp mornings, afternoon temperatures that are perfect for playing outside with friends or trips to the park, Halloween, pumpkin spiced everything, comfort food, changing leaves...the list could go on and on.

Day 2: Kids Who Love Books

I am thankful that my boys love to read...anytime, anywhere!

A Month of Thanksgiving

Day 1:
Today I am thankful for these two little boys who fill our house with laughter and fun, especially on Halloween!

Miles and Jack Halloween 2011