Be Thankful!

So lately, I have been in a little bit of a funk.  I have been down because people who were once closest to me have shown me that everyone is human and even those you care for the most will hurt you sometimes.

HOWEVER...the pity party is over.

I realize that being in a funk is all about attitude and I have allowed myself to feel this way.  I took Riley out of school for the week because I figured it would be a great time to have a little quality time together, she would keep me busy (what I need right now), and I would save a little money.  I was right.  She has brightened my week more than I can ever say.  The things that seem so important, really aren't.  Riley is so happy all the time and she is constant reminder and inspiration of how I want to live my life.  I need to be a role model for her and live the way I hope she chooses to live.  Being thankful for the things that you do have, and not dwelling on the things you don't.  With that said, I have compiled a list of some of the things I am most thankful for.

I am thankful for my precious, healthy, hilarious, little girl.  

I am thankful for my health.

I am thankful that I am almost done with school.

I am thankful for my family who lives in town and helps me all the time.

I am thankful for my sister who is not in town, but a constant inspiration.

I am thankful for a stable job that I have found pride and joy in.

I am thankful for my friends who support me.

I am thankful for challenges that make me a stronger person.

I am thankful for my faith.

I am thankful for much more, but some things you can't express in words.

So next time you are feeling sorry for yourself (and lets face it, most of us do at some point) remember all the things that are positive in your life.  It is a good exercise to make you realize things aren't as bad as you may think...

Getting ready for the holidays

Riley and I went last Saturday to take our Christmas pictures.  The first time in a year that I have taken her to Portrait Innovations.  She did so well!!!  However, I was trying to be frugal and have a "costume change" so we could do her three year pictures at the same time.  That didn't go over too well.  She was done.  At least we got a few good ones.  We also got all the Christmas decorations out of the attic yesterday and started to decorate the house because she is going to be gone next weekend and I didn't want to get to the end of the week and still have to do it all...therefore we put the Christmas tree up yesterday.  It was so fun!!!  Every time I opened a new box, she got so excited.  It was also nice to have the help...yes, she did help, however, all the ornaments are on two branches, right in the front.  I figure, it's just her and I so I am going to leave it.  I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Go Horns!!!  

Happy Moments

Because I am usually the one taking the pictures, there are VERY few pictures of Riley and I together.  I thought this one was pretty cute so I wanted to share...

I think things are finally going to start slowing down.  I officially only have three more nights of class!!!  Although that doesn't mean I am completely done, it is close.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel.  I still have to pass the principalship exam and get the result on my compositions that were turned in last weekend.  If you think about it, say a little prayer :)

Riley is doing fabulously!  She is getting smarter and smarter everyday,.  She has really gotten into tracing.  We sit outside and she tells me to draw things and then she traces them.  She has also gotten pretty good at putting puzzles together.  I decided to start a little Christmas shopping early and I got her a puzzle.  I really want to give it to her now, but I will resist :)  

Anyway, I also got her a new Christmas dress because she will be taking her school Christmas pictures on Tuesday.  I am looking forward to getting those.

I will definitely post those when I get them...

Hope you are doing well!  

Mirror, Mirror on the wall...

Who is the most beautiful princess of all?   RILEY