Mama Life with Love: Magical thankfulness

I haven't felt inspired to sit down and write. My body has been so busy and not wanting to sit down. This morning though, I feel like I have things on my mind I would like to get in words.

Since my post on The Rules, Riley has been a different girl. Something has sparked in her blossoming young mind and she has grown in such a little, but big girl way. She is accepting her role as a big sister more, and we are acknowledging her big role. She knows that she is not a baby and enjoys being a big girl. (Marc and I call her baby, like we call her sweetie or honey, and she has been saying "I'm not a baby". We tell her she will always be our baby and that she's right, she is not a baby anymore).

She hasn't acted out as much or really at all since then; some evenings when she is tired (all kids are at the end of the day) she will whine or mope, I let it slide, I remember as a child feeling so tired and when I felt like that, tasks were so hard and seemed too big. I always put myself in her shoes when she acts certain ways. If she is excited, sad, scared, nervous, embarrassed, angry, tired, etc. I try to remember when I was little and how things felt for me in similar situations, or just by reading her emotions. It wasn't that long ago when I was a little girl, I have fresh, wonderful memories of it.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Buddy and Hannah!

Riley with her cousin Julia at Jillian's 3rd birthday party

I wish the same, happy memories for my girls. My childhood was magical. Each person in my life now and then, has had a huge impact on these magical memories.

With the holidays coming, many special memories and cozy comforts come to me. This year for Thanksgiving my little family will be making a new memory. Traditionally since I was a little girl, I spent Thanksgiving at my aunt Katie's with my family and foods that will always remind me of Thanksgiving. This year we are not traveling to see my family, we will travel close by to enjoy the company of our dear niece, her amazing parents, Marc's parents, sister and brother. My sister/best friend, Kerry, will be there too, like she always has. Growing up we were always side by side. All of my memories include her. Such an amazing and wonderful gift, to have a sister who is your best friend. She knows me better than I know me. She is my go to person, for everything.
I am so glad Riley and Reese have each other. The bond of sisters, no matter how many years apart, is very special. They are a form of who you are and share the same family memories. That is like a soul mate, for life.

I am really lucky to have her and all of my siblings in my life.
Family gives life such a nice cushion. Knowing they are your people, and that they will be there for you always is so comforting.

I think this year I am thankful for my family. Nuclear, immediate, extended, and in-laws. All the people who have helped make these lasting memories for me. These memories are huge and have made me into who I am.

I want to thank my Grandparents; Grandpa Jack, Grandma June, Mamaw and Papaw. All of my memories start with you. The traditions you have started with my parents, have carried on to me as a parent. That is a breathtaking accomplishment and such a special gift. Family values are something I cherish the most. Side note: it also amazes me how certain smells or tastes bring back memories of you, and of people I love.

I am excited to start and carry on my own family values and memories with my children, most from what I inherited, and new ones that Marc and I will carry on and cherish forever. I wish magical traditions to be carried on to my girls and they too hold a special, special place in their hearts for memories and family. Now that I think about it, I can see these special and magical moments in Riley. She remembers things and certain traditions we hold from holiday's, how unbelievable, I get to relive my childhood through my children!!! :-)