Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Attitude of Gratitude

Thanksgiving tends to spin by us in a whirlwind of food and over-indulgence. But how many of us stop to truly reflect on what we are thankful for? In these times of economic and financial turmoil, in a world filled with wars and political instability, I believe it is even more important that we speak out, reflect, and share with others our daily gratitudes. Here are a few of mine:

I am eternally grateful for...

my Lord, Jesus Christ, and the love He has for me.
my best friend, husband, and confidant, Randy.
two beautiful, red-headed, full-of-life children, Ben and Logan.
a loving and supportive family.
loving and supportive friends.
open-mouthed baby kisses from Logan.
butterfly kisses from Ben.
the complete love and adoration Ben and Logan have for each other.
the light in Logan's eyes when he sees his Daddy coming home from work.
the excitement in Logan's eyes when he sees his brother for the first time in the morning.
listening to Ben sing.
listening to Ben tell Logan how to play in a teepee tent in the living room.
watching my children's personalities develop and grow.
being able to stay at home with my children.
the sweet "wag" of my Bonnie's heart.


I have been so blessed in my life, and not one day goes by that I don't thank my Lord for everything in my life. I hope this Thanksgiving you have more than a "few extra pounds" to share with your loved ones. I hope you share an "attitude of gratitude" with your family and friends this holiday season---isn't that what Thanksgiving is all about?

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Happy Birthday Logan!

We had many wonderful family and friends over for Logan's birthday, November 1st. It was a beautiful day and the kids had tons of fun playing together outside. Here are some pictures of Logan's special day!

A very proud Mommy and Daddy with the Birthday Boy!
Firetruck-themed Birthday party!
Singing "Happy Birthday"!
Trying cake, for the 1st time!
...and really didn't like it!
He is true to his name...Logan "Rees" Hood...a Rees, through and through...because he really loved his ice cream! He even wanted to be a "big boy" and eat it (with a spoon) by himself!
Didn't want Mommy's help!

Happy Birthday Boy!

All of Logan's cousins were there to help him open presents!


Logan actually enjoyed opening his presents! He liked tearing the tissue paper...
...and playing with the ribbon....
....but really liked playing with the toys most of all!
Overall, Logan had a great day! I still can't believe my baby is ONE. It feels like yesterday when he arrived in our family...



We love you Logan! You have given your Mommy, Daddy, and big brother Ben so much joy and love over the last year...and we can't wait for more! You are a beautiful, happy, and smart baby, and we thank our Lord for blessing our family with you. Hugs and Kisses!

Getting to Sit Like a BIG BOY!

Logan loves the fact that his carseat was turned around!

Here he is sitting like a "Big Boy"!

Halloween 2009

Logan was the "Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch" this year for Halloween. And Ben was a "Skeleton" again this year. (Although, I have to preface by saying that Ben just wore a skeleton shirt as a costume...because he really doesn't like costumes.) It's okay...we don't pressure him to dress up if he doesn't want to...we just go with the flow. Maybe next year he will want to be something else for Halloween. Maybe...

Here's my Cute Punkin!
My cute Skeleton and Punkin!
We went trick-or-treating at my parent's home, left Logan to play there, and took Ben to the Hollywood Park Halloween festival. He had so much fun last year, that we all wanted to go back again this year! (Who cares if we don't live there anymore...we went anyway!) ;-)

Ben loves the putt-putt golf they put together on the tennis courts! I think he could have stayed here playing putt-putt all night!

Requires Power Tools

Halloween pumpkin carving now requires the use of... POWER TOOLS.
(Please note the look on Ben's face as the power tool starts carving...priceless!)

Ben enjoying the pumpkin carving!
Final product: Happy Jack O'Lantern!

Halloween, 3 years apart!

Halloween 2006
(Ben 10 months old)
Halloween 2009
(Logan ~1 year old)