Day 30: GIVE the house some holiday cheer

It's a tradition for us to decorate for Christmas the week of Thanksgiving. This time of year is my absolute favorite and always puts me in a chipper mood. After dragging boxes and bins from the attic, we got to work. Jordan was in charge of the outside, while the boys and I handled the inside. The boys really got into the decorating and playing with all the ornaments and decorations. And we played outside for a bit taunting Daddy while he was on the roof hanging lights.

 

 

Day 29: GIVE free house/dog sitting to a friend

This one just happened to fall into our lap this week. Our neighbors and great friends, the Maples, went to stay with some family for a few days for the holidays. They asked if we would keep an eye on their pups for a few days while they were gone. Since we are home, just lazing around, it's really not much of a hardship for us. The boys love to go over and feed Rocky & Bella and play in Sterling's room for a bit while we let the pups run around for a bit.

 

And unfortunately, I don't have a pic to accompany this post. Sue me; it's the end of the GIVING blog series and I'm pooped from keeping up! ;)

Day 28: GIVE thanks for everything we've been given!

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! I wanted to keep this one generic for today, so that we could give thanks for everything over the past year, in our lives, etc. Then I realized I had too much to be thankful for, so I thought it would be interesting to do the ABC's of Thanks. :)

 

AT&T - Jordan's job allows him to work close to home and

Boys - Austin & Chase are the light of our lives and bring so much laughter and smiles.

Connor - My new nephew arrived in July and has filled our lives with more joy (and testosterone!).

Dog - Sweet Brady is 10 years old now and loves our boys and lets them do anything to him.

Education - Jordan and I both paid our way through 5 years of college each, that have allowed us better opportunities to provide for our family.

Friends - We have a great group of friends who are always there for us.

Grandparents - Our boys have grandparents on both sides who love them to pieces and spoil them rotten!

Health - Our family seems to all be in great health. And this time last year I was recovering from my thyroidectomy and the results couldn't have been better!

Iphone & iPads - I know, it seems silly. But they really have made our lives so much easier!

Jesus - For loving us unconditionally and forgiving our sins.

KPMG - I've been there nearly 9 years and it has allowed me to help support our family, while having a great career.

Love - We have so much love around us, between each other, and for our boys.

Matrimony - Jordan and I celebrated 10 years of marriage in July!

Neighborhood - We love the community we live in, especially the cul de sac. We have great neighbors, too!

Organized chaos - This term often accurately describes our everyday life. It's crazy and exhausting, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Patience - With two boys in our house, we often have to be thankful for lots of patience!

Quiet times - At the end of each day, I'm thankful for the peaceful quiet time watching my boys sleep and then cuddling up next to my love.

Ranch - This was Jordan's thanks. Geesh.

Sisters - We both have sisters who we love greatly. And to top it off, my sister is my best friend!

Teachers - The boys' teachers at school are so patient, loving, and kind.

Unlimited Energy - Although exhausting, the boys are pretty rowdy and rambunctious. But as a result, we have a heck of a time wrestling, having sword fights, playing t-ball, etc.

Vehicle - I got a big black Tahoe a few months ago, and I love that damn thing!

Work/life balance - My new gig at the firm has allowed me to work from home 2-3 days a week and work more of a flexible schedule.

Xcellent benefits - Our jobs enable us to have pretty good insurance coverage, 401k, and time off (6 weeks for me!).

Years of memories - Jordan and I have known each other for 12 years now and have created so many memories and special moments over the years.

Zealous little boys - The Hougham boys are eager to learn, passionate about everything, and excited to try new adventures. We love creating so many memories with them on our trips, whether big or small!

Day 27: GIVE a phone call to a loved one

For this one, I didn't want it to be someone that we typically give a phone call to. That would be too easy. I decided to give my Nana a call, who I honestly haven't spoken to in months. Family drama seems to always get in the way in my family, but my Nana is not getting any younger. We had a good chat and I promised to keep in touch and send some updated pics of the boys soon!

 

 

Day 26: GIVE treats to a service provider

We debated on which 'service provider' would receive this treat. Trashmen, daycare workers, mailman? Ultimately, I decided on the mailman. Once again, I wanted to make some homemade treats, but they might be weary of a stranger's baking. What would be a great alternative? A Starbucks giftcard, given that TX has seen a cold snap this week. Hoping that our mail carrier can snag him a couple cups to warm him up!

 

 

Day 25: GIVE a handmade gift to a loved one

This gift I can actually only take partial credit for. My sister bought this shelf at Hobby Lobby, painted it, and handed it over to me to personalize for my new nephew. Using my fancy Silhouette machine (that I LOVE!), I cut out his name and some elephants in some vinyl to personalize it. It's going to be perfect for his nursery! :)

 

Day 24: GIVE thanks to Grandparents

Today we ventured to Jordan's parents' house for his side of the family's Thanksgiving. We all brought dishes and enjoyed great food and company. And the boys got to run around with their cousins and play all day.

 

The Houghams are always great hosts and do whatever all these boys want. Can we play checkers? Yes. Can I have a slice of chocolate pie? Yes. Can I have another cookie? Yes. Can I watch a movie?Can we play in your room? Yes. I don't think I heard a no in there one time! :) I guess that's the joy of being grandparents!

 

Austin was mad because he wanted to bring his pj's so he could stay the night at MawMaw & PawPaw's house. Unfortunately, it's a work night, so he'll have to reschedule!

 

And yes, this is the best picture I could get of MawMaw & PawPaw with all the boys. And yes, that's my Chase who is not wanting to cooperate with my impromptu photo session!