Thankful November: Day 16, 17, 18, 19

THANKFUL NOVEMBER: DAY 16*17*18
Peter and I went away for the weekend {that's another post}, so I've gotten a bit behind on posting!
I'm combining days 16, 17, 18, and 19. 
Day 16: I am thankful for technology. Our GPS has made traveling so much easier and stress-free. We drove to Baltimore on Saturday to see Peter's aunt and uncle, we just typed in the address and before we knew it, we were in front of the hospital. Of course, there are many other things that make my life easier, like my computer, cell phone, and my dishwasher, to name a few, that I appreciate and am very thankful for.
Day 17: I am very thankful that we were able to visit Peter's Aunt Stella in the hospital on Saturday, and also spend a few hours with Uncle Louis. It was a sad visit, as she has been very sick and has failed so much. It was hard seeing her that way, but we were thankful for that time with both of them. Uncle Louis goes to the hospital every day and spends all day there with her. He was very glad to see us, and I think it helped him to have his family there with him, if just for a few hours. They don't have any children, and his only brother has health issues and isn't able to help or visit. It is very hard on him, I wish we lived closer by. The doctors had planned to move her back to the nursing home today, but they have decided to keep her a few more days. I won't be surprised if things take a turn for the worse, I'm not sure how much longer she can fight.
Day 18: I am very thankful that I live near my parents and MIL. As they get older, and health problems arise, I'm glad that we will be here for them, whenever they need us.
Day 19: I am thankful for doctors and nurses who take good care of us when we are sick.

Thankful November: Day 15

THANKFUL NOVEMBER: DAY 15
I am thankful for my blog! Over the years, I've started a dozen journals, all with the intention of keeping track of what's going on in my life. The problem with journaling for me was, I'd write faithfully for a few days, then months would pass before I'd pick it up again. In 2010, I discovered the wonderful world of blogging! I enjoyed reading other's blogs, and found many that I still follow, but what really fascinated me was, that they were written by real people, people like me, who wanted a place to put their thoughts, their projects, their dreams, and their milestones. So I got busy, and started a blog of my own. Most of the blogs I had read had a theme of sorts, a craft blog, a cooking blog, an organizational blog, but I wanted a blog that was more of a journal. My very first blog was "The Story of Us"....which lasted all of a month. Then I decided I was going to try a cooking blog, then a trip planning blog......which I actually started called "Trip Planning" {I know, so original}. Finally, a year later, in January 2011, I got serious about blogging and I created and designed this blog.

 I pondered possible titles, but after seeing the quote, "The Secret to Having It All Is Believing You Already Do", I knew I had found the perfect title for my blog. That was almost 2 years ago, and I have been faithfully posting ever since. I actually look forward to posting, it's sort of like therapy for me.

I really loved this design...but I like the simpleness of the look my blog has now...

While I like having followers {92 to be exact}, this blog is the journal I've always wanted to keep, so even if nobody out there ever read it, I finally have a record of our life that I can go back to, read through, and enjoy. As I took a closer look at my blog, I saw that I did 288 posts in 2011, and as of this post, I've done 262 so far in 2012. Going through the archives, I noticed some posts that were very popular.
My post about make-ahead, freezer, & crock pot cooking had about 100 views,


and my post about Low Carb Cream Cheese Pancakes had 367 views,

My DIY LEDGE SHELF post had over 500 views,


but the post that got the most views, a whopping 3,539 views, was my copy cat recipe for Olive Garden Lemon Cake {which I confess, I still haven't tried!!!!} It looks delish!

I often link up with other blogs for "Linky Parties". If you are trying to grow your blog, this is one way to do it. You will definitely get more traffic, comments, and even new followers. As of now, I'm satisfied with where my blog is going. I like having followers, especially those I know personally, and I like all the lurkers {you know who you are...Mom....Wanda.....}but as I said before, if nobody stopped by to read it, it would be okay, I'll keep on blogging, because it is something I love...just for me!

new stuff.....

My latest purchases from thirty-one:


the perfect park bag for my upcoming trips to WDW

reversible camera strap

I've been eyeing several fabric straps on etsy, but went ahead and added this one to my order. Even though this one reverses, I wouldn't mind getting another one in a fun, bright color.

Thankful November: Day 14

THANKFUL NOVEMBER: DAY 14
I am very thankful for traveling mercies for Logan and the rest of his crew. Yesterday, he got off the boat in Louisianna, flew to Houston, then hopped on a flight to Philly, then caught a ride with his captain who dropped him off at his apartment in MD. He called around 3:30 a.m. to tell us he was home, safe & sound. Many prayers to those who are traveling for work, on vacation, or visiting family, and for those who will be travling during the holidays.

Thankful November: Day 13

THANKFUL NOVEMBER: DAY 13
My favorite time of the day is dinner-time, not just because I love to cook {and eat!}, but because it's the one time during the day that our family stops everything they are doing and we get a few minutes together- to talk about our day and catch up. No tv, no phone, no computer....I love those few minutes in my day! I am very thankful for dinner-time!!! 

dinner last week: a family favorite~clam chowder & fried bread

a crab feast~taken last May during a Mother's Day visit

another "fun" meal around the table......{picture taken a few years ago}

Thankful November: Day 12

THANKFUL NOVEMBER: DAY 12

This week, we are having revival services at our church. I am very thankful for the wonderful messages we have heard so far, and look forward to what Darren has in store for us the rest of the week. We have been blessed!

Thankful November: Day 11

THANKFUL NOVEMBER: DAY 11
I am thankful for our veterans. I am grateful for those that have served or are currently serving today, and for all the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for our freedom.