Ten years ago today.

I know, I have some catching up to do.

14. Cell Phones- My cell phone is my life line. I am ALWAYS on my cell phone. We made sure to get a cell phone plan that allowed me to talk to almost everyone without using all our minutes. I don't know what we would do without a friends and family plan.

15. Free Concerts- I have never lived in a place that offers so many entertainment options. There is a free concert every Friday and Saturday night about five minutes from our house. Emory LOVES to listen to music and dance. We went last weekend and had a wonderful time.

16. Blueberries- I know it sounds crazy, but right now Emory won't eat anything but blueberries. I keep envisioning Violet from Willy Wonka. There is one grocery store that still carries fresh blueberries and we go through at least 4 pints a week.

17. The Park- We have a park/ playground within walking distance to our house. We have been everyday this week. Emory loves the slides, swings and digging in the sand. Her friend, Noah, also lives in the neighborhood and has met us there many times.

18. Boomer- I love my puppy. I know, he's three and not really a puppy anymore. He is a huge part of our family and I don't want to imagine what we would do without him. One of Emory's first words was "pup-pee".

19. Arizona Allergy Associates- I am so thankful that we found a doctor that was able to tell me what was going on with Emory. We got the final results of her allergy tests this week and it is quite a list of things to avoid. I'm just glad that we were able to find out and are able to do something about it.

20. Girls Night- Wednesday was Moms Night Out for my MOMS club. My friends are so wonderful. They came over here for a game night since Eric is out of town and I wouldn't have been able to participate otherwise.

21. Eric- We had our first date 10 years ago, today. We went to Natasha's twentieth birthday party (happy birthday) and I took my cousin, Russell, along with me. Who knew that we would fall in love, get married and have a beautiful baby. I can't imagine a better husband, father or friend. Eric, I love you.

The list goes on

You know how you forget how important something is until you go without it, well our computer has decided not to cooperate lately. It is working today so I decided to take advantage of Emory's nap time. Here is the latest installment of my Thankful List.


9. Computers and Internet- I am addicted to the computer. I'm constantly checking my email, on Facebook, editing pictures or just playing online. My computer keeps me in touch with everyone back home.


10. Christmas Shopping- I love Christmas shopping! I love picking out gifts for my nieces, nephews and Emory. I start thinking about what to get people in September. We went to Toys'r'us last night and Emory wanted EVERYTHING. She will NOT, however, get everything.



11. Hand-me-downs- We love the fact that Emory has big cousins that are willing to share their previously loved clothes and shoes. I feel bad buying brand new winter clothes for such a short amount of cold weather.


12. Diet Mt. Dew- I used to drink a gallon a day before I got pregnant. I have since switched to one a day. I enjoy it first thing in the morning the way most people drink coffee. I savor every second of it.


13. Warm weather- We are supposed to have record breaking warm weather this weekend. This means that it should be in the low eighties and sunny all weekend. Most people think I'm crazy but I could live forever without seeing snow (or temperatures below seventy).

Thankful

I've been thinking of all the things I have to be thankful for and decided to copy this list. So in no particular order of importance (just the order of how things come up), here goes.


1. Weddings and Anniversaries - We went to the wedding of our wonderful friends Andrew and Amanda last weekend. I love weddings, everyone is so happy. I wish the Slades all the best. Tuesday was my grandparents' 58th wedding anniversary and I was very happy to be there to celebrate with them. I hope they have many more happy years together.

2. Family- Different people in my family will probably make this list again as individuals, but I can't imagine life without my family. We were very lucky to be able to visit with most of our family last week. It is hard to live so far away, however, it makes visits that much more special.

3. Friends- I consider my friends (old and new) to be family. I don't know how I got so lucky to have the wonderful friends that I have.

4. Democracy- I am very happy that the election is over. That being said I am very glad to live in a country where I have a say in our government. I am very excited to see what the future has in store for our country.

5. Birthdays- Today is my Mamaw's birthday. I love to celebrate the life of someone I love. Happy Birthday Mamaw!

6. Friendly flight attendants- We had the nicest flight attendant on our flight from Knoxville to Philadelphia. She let Emory play with the demo seat belt to keep her from unbuckling her own belt during takeoff and landing. She also brought her extra crackers that no one else got to have.

7. Home- I love visiting friends and family but nothing is better than sleeping in my bed.

8. Emory- Like I said this list is not in order of importance, just the order of how things come up chronologically throughout the month. Emory is one of the best people to come into my life. She truly makes me happy.