Everyday stresses get in the way of appreciation sometimes. Work gets overwhelming, the baby is up all night, the dog pukes all over the floor, you live in the car racing from one commitment to another, you gain 10 pounds, laundry and dishes pile up…it’s all just so much. It’s so easy to lose perspective. That’s why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Because it provides a deep breath and a chance to realize that although a bunch of little things might go wrong every day, the big things that count are all going right.
Once upon a time, not too long ago, our life suddenly fell apart. Mike and I were dealt a blow that we couldn’t fix…that wasn’t in our control…and we lost a precious piece of our hearts forever. As we worked through our insurmountable grief and adjusted to a new normal, I remember saying “won’t it be great when the only things stressing us out are the NORMAL things.”
This Thanksgiving, I am blessed to be stressing about the clutter and the chaos. The normal things. I am blessed to have a husband who is a true partner on this crazy ride, my best friend who I love more than anyone. We are blessed with two amazing, healthy, happy, joyful daughters here on Earth, and we are blessed with our angel, Hannah, who guides us every day. We are blessed with our crazy old dog who makes our house a home, our loving and supportive parents and siblings, sweet nieces and nephews, and dear friends. I get to work my dream job, and I love the life we have built together.
“Perfect” is a mindset. There is always going to be noise that drowns out what really matters. I’m looking forward to turning off that noise tomorrow, and focusing on the most important things. I hope you and your “most important things” have a lovely, peaceful Thanksgiving.
I knew before I even knocked on their front door this past Saturday that I was going to love this family. When one of my all-time favorite clients introduced us, she mentioned her friends Jen and Jeff have two adorable little girls, and that their dog, Ruby, was best friends with her late dog, Scout. Now, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for a dynamic sister duo, since I’m half of one myself and am raising another set at home. And any friend of Scout’s (she was seriously the best!) is an insta-friend of mine. But I have to say…this family blew away every high expectation I had. Ellie and Quinn are the best! I don’t think we stopped laughing for the entire hour we were together. I couldn’t get enough of their adorable poses and cute photo ideas. And don’t get my started about Ruby. I can see why she and Scoutie got along so well. Jen and Jeff, thanks so much for having me over! It was wonderful to meet you all, and I absolutely love these pictures of your beautiful family. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Beautifully said.