THANKFUL

Our Thanksgiving weekend is officially coming to an end, but before it does, I wanted to share all the fun we had this past week. We had such a great Thanksgiving this year, and my heart is filled with gratitude when I think about all I have to be thankful for.

There are SO many things I am grateful for . . . . .

This sweet girl tops my list. She brings my life the greatest joy I've ever experienced, and the love I have for her is indescribable. I thank GOD for her every day!

My Sister Brooklyn and the boys. . . These three mean everything to me. 

We had a chance to celebrate Thanksgiving the weekend leading up to Thanksgiving, and it was so nice for all of us to be together. Even though we live about 35 minutes from each other, we are finding it difficult to get together as much as we would like to. Any chance to see them is an added bonus! How handsome are my boys? Love you guys.

My Mama

What would I do without her? She is always there when I need her. Whether it's to talk, help with Ell, support, encouragement, you name it, if she can be there, she will. I love you Mom. 

And of course my Step Dad, Cortie! So Thankful for you too. 

My Mom made these adorable little turkeys she saw on Pinterest. Yes, Pinterest.

Ella loved them! Good job Gigi.

My Dad and Step Mom Debs

My Dad flew in last weekend, and we had a chance to spend a few days together. It was so nice, and I always love having him home. My Dad holds a very special place in my heart. I miss him every day, and wish we could spend more time together. Life is just so busy. Love you Papa, and we missed having you Debs. Hopefully next time! We love you and are so grateful for you. 

Ell usually takes a while to warm up to her Papa Doug. When we picked her up from school, she was so excited to have her Papa Doug home for a visit. They walked out of school hand and hand, and she never looked back. Lots of love from Ell this trip, and I know my Dad loved every second of it!

Jose's Dad, Mom, and Sister 

These three would do anything for our family. We are so lucky. Ell spends two days a week with Irene, Inocencio, and Lourdes, and she is always so excited to see them each week. They love Ell with all they have, and I feel so blessed to have them in my life. 

We were able to spend Thanksgiving night with them, and had a blast. Yummy dinner, even better desserts, and a very relaxed mood. A perfect night!

Must be the turkey, or a very good actress? I'll let you decide!

As soon as 7 O'clock hits, she turns into a nut! She was cracking us up. I love her sense of humor. 

My love, Jose

It goes without saying how grateful I am for this amazing man. I love you Be!

And lastly, to all my dear friends who are ALWAYS there, whenever I need you. You know who you are, and I am so grateful for your presence in my life. 

Hoping everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their families and friends.

Now . . . . . on to Christmas. Let the fun begin!!

Thankful

Printable

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but of course I am just now getting a chance to post! 

I'm the worst! 

I had a great Thanksgiving week off with Ell. We had a chance to catch up with friends, and have some much needed quality time together, and with family. 

On Monday, we had a chance to meet up with my dear fiend Kirsten and her kids Madeline and Theo at Safari Park. Ella loves going, and it was nice to have friends along. We also went later in the week with Gigi. Ell would go every day of the week if she could. 

Tram time!

Her favorite lioness was ready to greet her as soon as we arrived! 

We also had a chance to meet up with my best friend Ash, and her little boy Robert. Ash is expecting another little boy in March, and we couldn't be happier for her little family. 

We had Movie day at Gigi's house with Grayson and Garin. She loved it!! 

We finished some fall art too! 

Speaking of art, of course I had to decorate my door at work. My students wrote what they were thankful for on each feather. Most of them said, My (loving, supportive, kind, etc. …...family, My faith, My teacher). I loved having a chance to do this with my kiddos. 

I LOVE our new paper cutter at work even more! SO fun.

Our Thanksgiving was super busy, going to both Jose's parent's house and my Mom and Cortie's house for Thanksgiving. We had an early brunch at Jose's first, then headed to my Moms for dinner. It actually worked out perfectly, and we able to enjoy both meals with our families. It was also wonderful getting a chance to spend time with our families. I feel so grateful to have all of them in my life. Jose, Ell, and I are so lucky to have such a supportive, loving, and encouraging family. 

We love you all dearly!

Ell's adorable shirt was made by my friend, and boss, Rolayne. Ell loved wearing it, and she even decided to smile for a picture! Lucky day for Mama. Thank you Rolayne for making our girls day so special with a personalized shirt, just for her! 

When I think about all that I have to be Thankful for, I can't help but think of my two loves, Ella and Jose. I honestly don't know what my life would be like without either of them in it! Ella has brought SO much joy and love into our lives. She brightens each day, and makes me appreciate each moment we have together. She is my whole heart, and I thank God every day for bringing her into our lives.

And this man is everything to me. We have been in each others lives for almost 20 years. I love him more and more each day, and am blessed to call him my husband and best friend. 

I sure hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones. 

Now… on the Christmas!

Thanksgiving Recap

I can't believe I am just now getting to a post about Thanksgiving! These past few weeks have been a bit hectic for the Garcia family(sick be and Da!), but we are finally on the mend and getting back up to speed. 

This year I am thankful for SO many things. A supportive and loving hubs, the most adorable little be in the world, my ever rewarding job educating children every day, and my incredibly supportive family and loving friends! Jose and I continue to feel so blessed and fortunate as we reflect on our very simple life as a family of three. I doesn't get much better than this!

As a teacher, I am incredibly lucky to have lots of time off around the holidays. For Thanksgiving, I get the entire week off, and boy did we need it. Our days were spent spending time together as a family and WITH family, going to the park, lounging around the house, shopping, and soaking up as much time with our sweet be as possible. Here are some pics to illustrate our time together. I cannot tell you how excited I am for Christmas break. Three entire weeks off with my girl. I am counting the days.

Here we are trying to get a cute pic of Ella for our Christmas card. Out of 96 pictures, not one was she looking at Momma. We tried and failed miserably. I have to say, even though she wasn't looking, I think these are super sweet. I just love her to pieces!

We love the park! Ella could spend every day there, running, swinging, sliding, feeding the ducks, you name it, she'll do it! My Mom got her this Taxi Coupe and she absolutely loves it. And when I say love, I mean she is completely obsessed with it. She would sit in it all day if we let her. It's pretty cute! Jose thought it would be a great idea if we took it with us one afternoon. She couldn't have been happier. 

And here we have some random shots. (don't mind my nephew without a shirt on. He was a HOT MESS from playing the Wii!) Ella loves her cousins to pieces. I love that they are so sweet with her and play with her so patiently. Even though sometimes they forget she is still a little be and are a bit rough! I hope they continue to have these special moments together.

Ella is also obsessed with music, especially on my iPhone, iPod, or iPad! She even tries to get a handle on my Mac, but I have to draw the line somewhere right?! She has her own playlist on all of them, and she knows exactly where to go. She even knows where camera and photos are.  How is that even possible? She could sit with me for hours looking through pictures and watching herself on video. I love this time together because she is actually still for a long period of time. It's my favorite!

It's hard to believe how different this year is compared to last year. Ella was such a tiny baby, and now she feels so grown up! Jose and are a trying to savor every moment and enjoy this precious time with our girl. This week proved to be exactly what we needed. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones. Until next year. . . . .

So thankful for . . . . .

OUR SWEET BABY GIRL

 Jose and I were blessed with the greatest gift of all when Ella Catherine came into our lives. I love her more than I ever thought I could love anyone. She is the light of my life and I know it's only going to get better.

THE GREATEST FAMILY AND FRIENDS who encourage, love, and support me everyday.

MY WONDERFULLY REWARDING JOB where I get to make a difference in so many children lives.

THE STRONGEST MAN I'VE EVER MET

Brain cancer has nothing on my brother (in law) Justin. I am in awe of his strength, determination, and courage as he continues to fight this ugly disease. This is one battle he is definetly going to win! I love you so much and I am so inspired by you.

and MY LOVING HUSBAND

I'm not always the easiest person to live with, especially with the sleep deprivation of late, and Jose always stands by my side. I love him more and more. I am so grateful to have him in my life. 

 Happy Thanksgiving to all!