It’s the time of year when as a country we start to reflect on things we’re grateful for. I’ve learned to count my blessings all year long. But, when the holidays roll around the my feelings of gratitude widen to include so much more than the things I think about on a daily basis.
This year especially we’ve had so many things that have blessed our lives, all because of this little guy.
We went to the Dallas Arboretum to snap some fun fall pics. I got Nate nestled into the pumpkins and looked up – there were a slew of people behind us ohhing and ahhing. Some even asked if they could take pics of our kid. He’s just that cute. I still can’t believe he came from me and Joe.
And, we had to get some pics with Mommy. This was my favorite. Look at those almond shaped eyes! My little charmer.
And Daddy just had to get the classic shot with Nate on his shoulders. I love these two guys more than life itself. I would do anything, anything for them. Sometimes I look at the two of them together and think, “There is my heart.”
My Top 5 List
In keeping with my Thanksgiving tradition here at SS&GF, I’ll share my top 5 things I’m grateful for and, if you’re willing, I’d love for you to do the same.
- I’m grateful for my God, my relationship with Him, and how He works in my life.
- I’m grateful for my husband and the willingness we both have to work daily to have a full, loving relationship and a warm, caring home.
- I’m grateful for Nate, our biggest blessing ever! I am so grateful I get to stay home with him and be a part of everything he does, from crawling, to throwing fits, to cuddling up in my arms. I wouldn’t trade these days for anything.
- I’m grateful for my dear, sweet friends and family. We are blessed with so many people who love and support us. You have helped us through the beginning of parenthood in such a meaningful way.
- I’m grateful for my work, though it’s changed so much since Nate was born. It’s a blessing to be able to mold my passions into a career that is flexible enough to let me stay at home and take care of my family. This includes YOU – my cherished blog readers who have hung in with me through maternity leave, infrequent posts due to sleepless nights and busy days with Nate. THANK YOU for all your love, support, readership, emails, and comments. It never fails that one of you leaves just the right comment on a day when I need it most.
It’s your turn – what are you grateful for? Share one, five, or ten things in the comments…gratitude multiplies and creates more good. Try it. You’ll see.















Cara
posted on November 22, 2012 at 8:30 am
Beautiful photos, amy! Thanks for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving.
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@Cara, Soon we’ll get to see pics of your little one. Can’t wait!!
xoxo,
Amy
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Peggy
posted on November 22, 2012 at 9:49 am
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@Peggy, You, too, Peggy!! Sending hugs!!
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Heather
posted on November 22, 2012 at 11:28 am
Thanks for posting! I like seeing pics of your family, even though I don’t know you
I hope y’all have a great Thanksgiving!
I’m thankful for good friends, spending time with my family, and learning to see the blessings in the little things of everyday life.
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
@Heather, Oh, Heather! I am with you on seeing the blessings in the small things. My favorite quote is from Mother Teresa – “You can do no great things, only small things with great love.” I try to live my life that way. I know I fall short, but I try.
Blessing to you and your family over the holiday season!
Hugs,
Amy
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Alisa
posted on November 22, 2012 at 11:51 am
Most adorable pictures ever Amy! Happy Thanksgiving!
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
@Alisa, I know. That kid has my heart. Happy Thanksgiving to you, too! (a day late…)
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Amber
posted on November 22, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Happy Thanksgiving, Amy. Adorable pictures and your little guy is too cute. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.
Hugs,
–Amber
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@Amber, Thanks, Amber! Wishing you and your family a lovely holiday season!
Hugs,
Amy
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Maggie
posted on November 22, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Ahhhh I love these pics! You are gorgeous and so is your family! Happy Thanksgiving Amy. xo
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
@Maggie, The blessing keep coming with kids, don’t they?? I know it’s not easy but gosh is it worth it! I woudn’t trade this life for anything.
xoxo,
Amy
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Ricki
posted on November 22, 2012 at 3:47 pm
How adorable is that Nate?! And you and Joe are pretty darned cute, too.
Your list covers so much of what I’m grateful for, and more. My life would not be what it is today without my blog, blog readers, and friends I’ve made because of it–and that includes YOU, of course! So happy that we met over the internet, and so glad that you are a part of my life. Wishing you three the happiest of Thanksgivings! Hugs and love–Ricki xo
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:46 pm
@Ricki, You have always been so special to me, Ricki! Maybe I was meant to be a Canadian?? Would love to be closer to you and Maggie.
Sending much love up to you and your family for a lovely holiday season!
Amy
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Alyssa
posted on November 22, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Happy Thanksgiving, Sweetie! Your family is adorable and I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday!! Hope you’re have a super fabulous meal too
xoxo
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@Alyssa, I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful! How was the pie crust? What did you end up using? It looked lovely!!
xoxo,
Amy
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Clare
posted on November 22, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Hi Amy,
xx
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your gorgeous family! Thanks for inspiring so many of us readers. I remember when I first came across your blog 18 months ago and what you wrote made me realise that health my issues were similar to yours and that wheat and sugar were the culprit.
So Im grateful for your blog and all the new recipes you share with us.
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@Clare, I’m smiling ear to ear, Claire! I am glad you have found a way of eating that works for you. It is a difficult road when you don’t know what’s going on.
Hugs,
Amy
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christine
posted on November 22, 2012 at 5:37 pm
lovely pictures, how Nate’s growing:) Have a great Thanksgiving
I’m grateful for the love of a good man, a healthy family, good friends, the new choir, my vegetable garden and so much more!
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
@christine, Yes, Nate is growing. He turned 9 months yesterday. I cant believe it.
Yea for a healthy vegetable garden! (All the others are great too…that’s just the one on your list that I can never get right.)
Do you compost? Maybe I need to start doing that.
Hugs,
Amy
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christine Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
@Amy, 9 months already!!! I envy you:)
I compost all my non-cooked kitchen waste, and all the clippings from the garden – then it all goes back into the soil a year later to enrich it – totally organic fruit and vegetables, I love it:) I grew 21 varieties of tomatoes this year, delicious x
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Kathy
posted on November 22, 2012 at 6:29 pm
Thanks for all you share all year, such a beautiful family, Hope you all enjoyed a blessed and happy day,all the best to you all.
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@Kathy, You are welcome and thank you for being part of SS&GF.
Blessings for a lovely holiday season!
Hugs,
Amy
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Rachel @ Almonds and avocados
posted on November 22, 2012 at 8:52 pm
So precious–he’s adorable!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
@Rachel @ Almonds and avocados, So good to hear from you, Rachel! How was your Thanksgiving??
Hugs,
Amy
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Marcia
posted on November 22, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Happy Thanksgiving! Miss you all! Hugs and kisses from Marcia, Bill, Max & Jack
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
@Marcia, We miss you too!! Isn’t your nephew the cutest little thing???
Love you!
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Iris
posted on November 24, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Love the photos and your list. My sister’s baby is just about the same age as your Nate and I see from watching her how hard it is on her to have to leave for work every Monday. I’m so glad you’re able to stay home and make your career work in the best way for you and your family.
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Amy Reply:
November 24th, 2012 at 3:37 pm
@Iris, Happy Thanksgiving, Iris!! I am sure it is so hard on your sister…I can’t imagine. I have really cut back so much and started saying NO on a regular basis because I just can’t do it all. It was difficult at first because I’d worked really hard to open up certain career avenues but I am at peace with it now. I don’t want to miss Nate’s life. I am grateful that today I can stay home. It is such a blessing.
How was your Thanksgiving? Did everyone swoon over the food you made?
xoxo,
Amy
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Jenny R
posted on November 25, 2012 at 12:18 am
He really is THAT cute. I am not much of a baby-lover and tend to think they all look kind of the same so take it as a real compliment when I say HE IS SO CUTE. He just oozes personality and his little face makes me want to smooch his cheeks off. Ouch, I think my ovary just released like 10 eggs or something, lol…..See what he does to people with that cuteness!!!???!!!! He could be a baby model.
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Selina@CreativeJuicesDecor
posted on November 29, 2012 at 10:14 pm
This post is wonderful….beautiful family Amy!
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