Thanks

First of all, I really am going to change my blog to private... but every time I look at the LONG list of email addresses I need to enter into my computer I get turned off. So, it might be a little longer before I actually do it : ) One day!

...this is long so don't miss the pictures at the bottom...

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. We went to Tom's Aunt and Uncles place. Caroline was cute as a button as usual. At first I think she loved all the attention she was getting...but, by the end of the day she would pretty much cry if anyone looked at her.
Since I loved Finding Equipoise's last blog post about being grateful...I'm going to copy you just a little...thanks for the idea. 

Tom- What can I say? He's amazing! Not many people know him like I do. He is so smart, hardworking, kind, gentle, and an amazing father! We've been through so much together these past 4 years but we always have each other. No matter what anyone says or thinks about us it doesn't matter... we know each other and love each other through thick and thin. I have loved watching him be a father these past few months...he is so cute, always trying to make Caroline as comfortable as possible. One other thing that I LOVE so much about Tom is his kindness towards me. He has ALWAYS put me and my needs first. I try to do the same for him, but I can honestly say he does a much better job at it then me. :) I wish every one could know his heart and soul like I do! 

Home- This  year I am thankful that we have a home...a roof over our heads! In the past couple years we've met some very dishonest people and had some run-ins with just plain bad luck that quite possible could have taken that roof over our heads away. Thankfully things have always seemed to work out, and we are starting to see the end of the rainbow. 

A beautiful daughter- This year we finally met our Sweet Caroline! We love her so much and can't imagine life without her. So many people seemed to have their opinions,  but Tom and I KNEW it was her time to come to this earth...she belongs here with us. I have never been so happy in my life as I have been since I had her. Anyone who knows me knows that I have dreamed of being a mother basically forever. I finally feel like I am fulfilling my purpose in life.

Niceness- In a world full of so many mean and cruel people, I am grateful for those who choose to be kind to others. I'm not perfect by any means, but I hope that I can always remember to be kind to others. I believe that we can truly make this world a better place by simply choosing to be kind and charitable to EVERYONE...not just those who are easy to be nice to. I love the quote from a primary song "kindness begins with me!" 

Knowledge and faith in God- I am grateful that I have faith in God and I am thankful to my Savior, Jesus Christ, for giving his life for all of us. I am thankful that my parents taught me to pray. In this world it seems so easy to abandon faith in God...but after seeing my daughters face for the first time, and just seeing the stars at night, and this beautiful earth we live on, I will never be able to doubt that there is a God and that He loves me.  

So many family and Friends- I am so grateful that I have so many wonderful people that I call my family and friends. Unfortunately, I don't get to live by the majority of my family and friends...but, I am thankful for the wonderful friends I have met here, and for my in-laws who I know would do anything for Tom, Caroline and I. I also have an amazing Dad, and Step-Mother. After my surgery last year, my dad was here for me. My dad and Cathie came to surprise me for my baby shower, and Dad came out after Caroline was born. It's been great getting so much support from him and Cathie. My mom and I were very close...we talked every single day, and I miss her terribly. But, my mom had such a great heart, I know she would be happy that Cathie is helping to take care and look out for all of us since she can't be here anymore. I also have a pretty amazing brother and sister...I miss them terribly and wish I got to see them more often. I also have to say that I am thankful for the Internet! I love technology that helps me to keep in touch with all my friends and family so far away! 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Caroline and Aunt Diana


Stuffed Turkeys!


Caroline and Eleni


All tuckered out...