Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I need to start with a disclaimer... This post is not intended to brag, but it is Thanksgiving and I have A LOT to be thankful for, and I want to remember it always!!!

1. My Triple Blessing!!! The three miracles who were having such a challenging time last Thanksgiving are now with us, and they are healthy and happy. From the day they were each released from the NICU, there has not been a single day that I haven't gone into their nursery and felt an intense amount of gratitude. To be honest, I often need to remember how lucky I am for some things in my life, but my triple blessing is definitely exempt. I remember and thank God everyday for my little miracle sons.

I'm thankful for the wide eyes Liam has every time he gets excited...

That huge smile he gives me is just an awesome bonus!

I am thankful for Aidan's love for an adventure. He looks so happy and proud when he accomplishes something he intended to do... too cute! I am thankful for Connor's sweet demeanor. He can literally give me goosebumps when he smiles and rubs me when I hold him.

2. My Hottie- When I picked out my husband, I found someone who was very similar to me. His religion was important to him, his family was close knitted, he had a good work ethic, was money smart, and knew how to have a good time :-). When we got married, the only flashing 'unknown' was what kind of Daddy he was going to be. Well here we are 4 1/2 years later, and I have to admit that although I had extremely high expectations for him in the Daddy department, he far exceeded every one. Craig is such an amazing 'hands-on' daddy who genuinely enjoys spending time with his sons. And probably even more importantly, Liam, Aidan, and Connor stare, smile and giggle every time they see their daddy. It's easy for me to nit-pick silly small stuff that Craig does differently than I do (for the life of him, Craig can't snap the babies pjs correctly), but watching him interact with the boys makes me want to burst with happiness.

3. My Parents- If it weren't for them, I would not be able to enjoy my family as much as I do. Being 'off' on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday evenings keeps my sanity in check and allows me to keep a little of my past life, pre-babies. I also find it incredibly rewarding to watch them interact with the little guys, as they light up when they are with them. Plus, I get great 'parenting' ideas from the best parents in the world!

4. My In-Laws- As I mentioned before, my in-laws have welcomed me into the family with open arms, and now that the boys are with us, the arms are open even wider. There is just so much love that Ron and MaryJo share with my family, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of it.

5. My Sister, Sister-in-Laws, and Brother-in-Laws- Really, this Thanksgiving I am thankful for the role models that they all are. By watching the 'mothers and fathers' stay calm, listen to, discipline, and genuinely enjoy their children has been great inspiration and I have learned a great deal. And knowing how much 'Cool Aunt Kari' loves the guys and wants to spend time and enjoy them is truly priceless.

6. My Nieces and Nephews- Words can not express how much I love these little people. In fact, I was initially worried that when I was pregnant I would not love my babies as much as I love them. As it turned out, God gave me even more love to share, so there is still plenty for everyone!

7. My Family and Friends- Everyone already knows that I have the best family and friends in the world. The love and support they have all given to me has been overwhelming. If I ever feel alone, overwhelmed, or just down-in-the-dumps, I have a plethora of people I can turn to. These wonderful people have been nothing but awesome, as they welcomed my new family into their lives as well.

8. Having the Opportunity to be a Stay-at-Home Mommy- Because of the education Craig and I received, the work ethic that was instilled in us, and the value of money that was taught to us from the very beginning, I have the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mommy. Some days it is tough, as I am waiting at the front door for Craig to come home from work, but I need to always remember how incredibly blessed I am to be able to stay at home with my babies.

Obviously I am also grateful to have a nice home, new minivan, clothes (even though they don't fit too well anymore :-(), plenty of food, etc., but it is the people in my life that literally make me the most thankful person on the planet. Thank you for your HUGE part!!!

A few pictures taken on Thanksgiving

Aidan helping me with my daily leg exercises, Connor making it a little challenging, and Liam practicing his ?crawling,?.

A perfect Thanksgiving celebration at Grandma and Grandpa's. From the pictures it looks like it was a three ring circus, but in reality it was more like a seven ring circus!!!

Aidan playing 'hide-and go-seek' under the coffee table. I think he enjoys being found, especially with a camera!!!

Uncle Spencer trying to open a bottle of champagne.

Daddy showing off what it is going to take to get that darn bottle open.

Grandpa toasting with an (empty) glass to the best Thanksgiving EVER!!! Yes the champagne did get open, but his glass is empty for an entirely different reason... too long of a story for this post.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!