Thanksgiving preparations & 24 Days of Thankfulness- Day 24

Happy Thanksgiving!!!


It may sound crazy, but I kinda love the craziness of getting ready to host a holiday.  The menu that has to be made, the lists of what needs to be done, getting chairs and tables, preparing food and cleaning the house.
It's like it is a race to see if I can get it all done before everyone gets here!

We have our own little Thanksgiving, just the 4 of us, the night before Thanksgiving every year. 
We keep it really low key. This year- rotisserie chicken from Wal-Mart, crockpot dressing, roasted asparagus, honey butter carrots, yeast rolls and pumpkin cheesecake!

I am so very thankful for:
24.Thanksgiving!!!
23. Food.  I love food, really, really, really, really love food.  Especially holiday food! :-)
22. Makeup. Seriously, I don't know what I would do without it. Go around looking like a zombie, that's what.
21.  Braces. So, yeah, I'm nearly 4 years down the road with my braces, but I know my teeth are gonna look awesome and ::fingers crossed:: I may have them off early next year!
20. C girl's and B boy's teachers at school and church.  Gah, they deserve a special place in heaven.  They are amazing and they take time out of their lives to teach little ones and to me, that makes a very special person.
19. My camera.  I am so thankful that I finally bought a DSLR! I love photography so much and it has been awesome learning how to use my camera.
18. My blog.  I love writing this blog and having these entries be chronicled to look back on.  I love the lovely people I have met through blogging!
17.Thursdays! Thursdays are the only day during the M-F week that I don't have a morning activity. I get to be lazy and not put makeup on and not go anywhere until it is time to pick up C girl from school. So nice!
16. Books. I am a fanatical reader. I always have been. Books are awesome. Right now I am reading the Hunger Games trilogy. And let me say, I am STOKED for when the movie comes out! We rarely go to the movies, but make a movie about a book I love, and I'm there!

15. Babies. I am in LOVE with my two new precious nephews. I cannot wait to get to hold them and kiss them again soon!
14. AWANA. This is a program at our church that teaches young kids about God. My kiddos have been learning so much and memorizing scripture. I am so proud of all they are learning!
13. Space heaters. Y'all, it's starting to get cold here in the mornings! It was 27 degrees this morning. I want fall to stick around a little longer!!!
12. Coffee. I could write a whole post on my love for coffee, but I will spare you. Just know that I love coffee very much ;-)
11. Freedom. This means so much more to me now that I have family members in the military. I value what they and their families do for our country. Not only do they serve, but their families as well. We are so lucky to have such freedom and I am thankful for it.
10. PNO(Parent's Night Out). So, what's not to love about 4 kid free hours with your hubby?!
9. Ladies Bible study. this has been so great for me. I have learned so much and met some great ladies!
8. Good Job. I am so thankful that Tim has a good job with good job security. These economic times are scary and I feel so deeply for people who have lost their jobs or are afraid they may lose their jobs.
7. Health. I know most 30 year olds don't consider their health that much, but I had a rough time from 25-30 and I am so glad that I am not having any "issues" currently. I still deal with my IBS, but now that I have a diagnosis, things are much better!
6. Church. When we moved to Bentonville, I was so worried about finding a good church home. It took us trying out a few churches, but we found one. Now that we are becoming more involved, I definitely know we made the right decision. I love our church.
5. Family. I have gained a lot of family in the last 8 years. They mean so much to me and I love em so much.
4. My friends. I love em. They are great.
3. My kiddos. They bring so much joy to me and I am so proud of them!
2. My husband. He is so much to me. He has been such a helper in every area of my life. I could go on and on.
1. My salvation. I am so, so thankful for my salvation.

This is Monday

<---This is exciting


However, it was so sad hearing about the death of one of our players yesterday.  His family and the team have been in my prayers.


We play LSU on Friday and I love this quote from one of our players-->










I read this article yesterday about being a mommy blogger.  It was a good read, I recommend checking it out.

I'm going to be do a 25 Days of Holiday Cheer.  

From December 1-25, I will be posting things that we do or traditions we have that bring us Holiday cheer! 

I probably won't do this everyday, but I will do like the days of Thanksgiving and add missed days on top of the current day.  I'll probably do it every other day for sure.  

I would love to have any of you join me!  You can link up, post a comment with a link or just put the picture and a post on your blog!

IBS has still been causing me grief.


But, Thanksgiving is in 3 days!


What are you thankful for?

21.  Braces. So, yeah, I'm nearly 4 years down the road with my braces, but I know my teeth are gonna look awesome and ::fingers crossed:: I may have them off early next year!
20. C girl's and B boy's teachers at school and church.  Gah, they deserve a special place in heaven.  They are amazing and they take time out of their lives to teach little ones and to me, that makes a very special person.
19. My camera.  I am so thankful that I finally bought a DSLR! I love photography so much and it has been awesome learning how to use my camera.
18. My blog.  I love writing this blog and having these entries be chronicled to look back on.  I love the lovely people I have met through blogging!
17.Thursdays! Thursdays are the only day during the M-F week that I don't have a morning activity. I get to be lazy and not put makeup on and not go anywhere until it is time to pick up C girl from school. So nice!
16. Books. I am a fanatical reader. I always have been. Books are awesome. Right now I am reading the Hunger Games trilogy. And let me say, I am STOKED for when the movie comes out! We rarely go to the movies, but make a movie about a book I love, and I'm there!

15. Babies. I am in LOVE with my two new precious nephews. I cannot wait to get to hold them and kiss them again soon!
14. AWANA. This is a program at our church that teaches young kids about God. My kiddos have been learning so much and memorizing scripture. I am so proud of all they are learning!
13. Space heaters. Y'all, it's starting to get cold here in the mornings! It was 27 degrees this morning. I want fall to stick around a little longer!!!
12. Coffee. I could write a whole post on my love for coffee, but I will spare you. Just know that I love coffee very much ;-)
11. Freedom. This means so much more to me now that I have family members in the military. I value what they and their families do for our country. Not only do they serve, but their families as well. We are so lucky to have such freedom and I am thankful for it.
10. PNO(Parent's Night Out). So, what's not to love about 4 kid free hours with your hubby?!
9. Ladies Bible study. this has been so great for me. I have learned so much and met some great ladies!
8. Good Job. I am so thankful that Tim has a good job with good job security. These economic times are scary and I feel so deeply for people who have lost their jobs or are afraid they may lose their jobs.
7. Health. I know most 30 year olds don't consider their health that much, but I had a rough time from 25-30 and I am so glad that I am not having any "issues" currently. I still deal with my IBS, but now that I have a diagnosis, things are much better!
6. Church. When we moved to Bentonville, I was so worried about finding a good church home. It took us trying out a few churches, but we found one. Now that we are becoming more involved, I definitely know we made the right decision. I love our church.
5. Family. I have gained a lot of family in the last 8 years. They mean so much to me and I love em so much.
4. My friends. I love em. They are great.
3. My kiddos. They bring so much joy to me and I am so proud of them!
2. My husband. He is so much to me. He has been such a helper in every area of my life. I could go on and on.
1. My salvation. I am so, so thankful for my salvation.

24 Days of Thankfulness- Day 17

Can you believe it is only 1 week until Thanksgiving?!  

It is just about my favorite holiday.  

Also?! 

This is my 9th year of my husband and I hosting it at our house!

 Crazy how time flies!

I would love for you guys to join me in writing what your are thankful for.  No rules here.  If you have 24 things, great! If not? Just write what you are thankful for.  If you want to link up and steal that cute picture up there, feel free!
I also added a linky on the bottom of this post for you to link your post to!

17.Thursdays!  Thursdays are the only day during the M-F week that I don't have a morning activity.  I get to be lazy and not put makeup on and not go anywhere until it is time to pick up C girl from school. So nice!

16.  Books.  I am a fanatical reader.  I always have been.  Books are awesome.  Right now I am reading the Hunger Games trilogy.  And let me say, I am STOKED for when the movie comes out! We rarely go to the movies, but make a movie about a book I love, and I'm there!

15.  Babies. I am in LOVE with my two new precious nephews.  I cannot wait to get to hold them and kiss them again soon!
14.  AWANA.  This is a program at our church that teaches young kids about God.  My kiddos have been learning so much and memorizing scripture.  I am so proud of all they are learning!
13.  Space heaters. Y'all, it's starting to get cold here in the mornings! It was 27 degrees this morning.  I want fall to stick around a little longer!!!
12. Coffee.  I could write a whole post on my love for coffee, but I will spare you.  Just know that I love coffee very much ;-)
11. Freedom. This means so much more to me now that I have family members in the military. I value what they and their families do for our country. Not only do they serve, but their families as well. We are so lucky to have such freedom and I am thankful for it.
10. PNO(Parent's Night Out). So, what's not to love about 4 kid free hours with your hubby?!
9. Ladies Bible study. this has been so great for me. I have learned so much and met some great ladies!
8. Good Job. I am so thankful that Tim has a good job with good job security. These economic times are scary and I feel so deeply for people who have lost their jobs or are afraid they may lose their jobs.
7. Health. I know most 30 year olds don't consider their health that much, but I had a rough time from 25-30 and I am so glad that I am not having any "issues" currently. I still deal with my IBS, but now that I have a diagnosis, things are much better!
6. Church. When we moved to Bentonville, I was so worried about finding a good church home. It took us trying out a few churches, but we found one. Now that we are becoming more involved, I definitely know we made the right decision. I love our church.
5. Family. I have gained a lot of family in the last 8 years. They mean so much to me and I love em so much.
4. My friends. I love em. They are great.
3. My kiddos. They bring so much joy to me and I am so proud of them!
2. My husband. He is so much to me. He has been such a helper in every area of my life. I could go on and on.
1. My salvation. I am so, so thankful for my salvation.

Veteran's Day & 24 days of Thankfulness- Day 11

Our family's veterans-

We have other veteran's in our extended family as well- Cousin Frankie (Marine), Great Uncle Dean, my mom's dad served, and others I just don't know of specifically that are more distant relatives.


I am trying to raise my kiddos to appreciate our country and our soldiers. They have grown up seeing their uncles and aunt in uniform and they have loved it.


Happy Veteran's Day 11-11-11(how cool is that!) to all service members out there, past and present.  Thank you.


I am thankful for:

1. My salvation.  I am so, so thankful for my salvation.
2. My husband.  He is so much to me.  He has been such a helper in every area of my life. I could go on and on.
3. My kiddos. They bring so much joy to me and I am so proud of them!
4. My friends.  I love em. They are great. 
5. Family. I have gained a lot of family in the last 8 years.  They mean so much to me and I love em so much.
6. Church. When we moved to Bentonville, I was so worried about finding a good church home.  It took us trying out a few churches, but we found one.  Now that we are becoming more involved, I definitely know we made the right decision. I love our church.
7. Health. I know most 30 year olds don't consider their health that much, but I had a rough time from 25-30 and I am so glad that I am not having any "issues" currently.  I still deal with my IBS, but now that I have a diagnosis, things are much better!
8. Good Job. I am so thankful that Tim has a good job with good job security.  These economic times are scary and I feel so deeply for people who have lost their jobs or are afraid they may lose their jobs.
9. Ladies Bible study. this has been so great for me. I have learned so much and met some great ladies!
10. PNO. So, what's not to love about 4 kid free hours with your hubby?!
11. Freedom. This means so much more to me now that I have family members in the military.  I value what they and their families do for our country.  Not only do they serve, but their families as well. We are so lucky to have such freedom and I am thankful for it.

This week & 24 Days of Thankfulness- Day 10

We are finally having a pretty slow week around the Sparacino house! It was much needed! Tim was gone in the evening 3 nights last week, so it has been nice having him home every night this week! We even went and hung out at Hobby Lobby for a bit last night together while the kiddos were at AWANA. 


By the way, C girl earned a pin for her vest last night! She caught up to where they were by doing two verses in one night! We are very proud of her!


B boy has been cracking me up lately by how much of a BOY he is.  He is just so much so.  We don't try to push things on him, he just totally gravitates towards swords, Power Rangers, Transformers, and super heroes.


Tomorrow night, Tim and I are going to a "murder mystery" dinner with people from our Sunday school class. This is the first time that either of us has done one of these so it should be interesting to see how it goes!

Also, I have to say that my little babies are growing up! My nephew Parker is one month old today!!! And my nephew Noah will be 6 months old on Saturday!!! They were just born! Where is this time going?!

I am thankful for:

1. My salvation.  I am so, so thankful for my salvation.
2. My husband.  He is so much to me.  He has been such a helper in every area of my life. I could go on and on.
3. My kiddos. They bring so much joy to me and I am so proud of them!
4. My friends.  I love em. They are great. 
5. Family. I have gained a lot of family in the last 8 years.  They mean so much to me and I love em so much.
6. Church. When we moved to Bentonville, I was so worried about finding a good church home.  It took us trying out a few churches, but we found one.  Now that we are becoming more involved, I definitely know we made the right decision. I love our church.
7. Health. I know most 30 year olds don't consider their health that much, but I had a rough time from 25-30 and I am so glad that I am not having any "issues" currently.  I still deal with my IBS, but now that I have a diagnosis, things are much better!
8. Good Job. I am so thankful that Tim has a good job with good job security.  These economic times are scary and I feel so deeply for people who have lost their jobs or are afraid they may lose their jobs.
9. Ladies Bible study. this has been so great for me. I have learned so much and met some great ladies!
10. PNO (Parent's Night Out). So, what's not to love about 4 kid-free hours with your hubby?!

Kindergarten Fashion Show & 24 days of Thankfulness- Day 8

I just wanted to share a few pictures of my kindergarten cutie:

I am thankful for:

1. My salvation.  I am so, so thankful for my salvation.
2. My husband.  He is so much to me.  He has been such a helper in every area of my life. I could go on and on.
3. My kiddos. They bring so much joy to me and I am so proud of them!
4. My friends.  I love em. They are great. 
5. Family. I have gained a lot of family in the last 8 years.  They mean so much to me and I love em so much.
6. Church. When we moved to Bentonville, I was so worried about finding a good church home.  It took us trying out a few churches, but we found one.  Now that we are becoming more involved, I definitely know we made the right decision. I love our church.
7. Health. I know most 30 year olds don't consider their health that much, but I had a rough time from 25-30 and I am so glad that I am not having any "issues" currently.  I still deal with my IBS, but now that I have a diagnosis, things are much better!
8. Good Job. I am so thankful that Tim has a good job with good job security.  These economic times are scary and I feel so deeply for people who have lost their jobs or are afraid they may lose their jobs.

What are you thankful for?

Fall & 24 days of Thankfulness- Days 1-4

There is no denying it now. 

It is fall.

The leaves have changed and have started falling.

There is a chill in the air.

Pumpkin pies in the oven.

Christmas trees are up at Hobby Lobby.

You know, the usual stuff.

Also, I thought I would say something I was thankful for everyday up until Thanksgiving.  I like the thought of it, but I won't do it everyday; I'll have a few when I post.  


So,
I am thankful for:

1. My salvation.  I am so, so thankful for my salvation.
2. My husband.  He is so much to me.  He has been such a helper in every area of my life. I could go on and on.
3. My kiddos. They bring so much joy to me and I am so proud of them!
4. My friends.  I love em. They are great.