Thankful.

Everyone else has been doing 30 Days of Thanks on their Facebook status. I've decided to go ahead and do it too. Okay, I know, I'm behind since it is already day 8. That is okay though, because I will just keep making on going updates to this post as the month progresses. Enjoy! What are YOU thankful for?

Day 1: I'm thankful for my husband. 

Day 2: I'm thankful Allen and Mason. They are such a joy.

Day 3: I'm thankful for my family and extended family.

Day 4: I'm thankful for friends.

Day 5: I'm thankful for our apartment that has heat and electricity. 

Day 6: I'm thankful for my freedom to make decisions.

Day 7: I'm thankful that I'm healthy. 

Day 8: I'm thankful for random acts of kindness. 

Day 9: I'm thankful for answered prayers.

Day 10: I'm thankful for the military and their families.

Day 11: I'm thankful for food.

Day 12:  I'm thankful for opportunities that help me see  things differently.

Day 13: I'm thankful for technology.

Day 14: I'm thankful for forgiveness.

Day 15: I'm thankful for medicine.

Day 16: I'm thankful for online shopping.

Day 17: I'm thankful for pets. I miss baby cat-cat...okay, maybe I miss Max and Jax too.

Day 18:  I'm thankful for books.

Day 19: I'm thankful for reusable bags. They make my life so much easier.

Day 20: I'm thankful for clothes and shoes. 

Day 21: I'm thankful for things in my life like toilet paper, paper towels, and feminine products. I can't imagine what life would be like without them. 

Day 22: 

Day 23

Day 24:

Day 25:

Day 26:

Day 27:

Day 28:

Day 29:

Day 30:

Life in NY!

It's official! We finally have a New York address! Whew! We moved the day before Sandy. We were so fortunate not tot lose power or experience any flooding. Others, were not so fortunate. Those of you that are interested in donating things to victims, please let me know! There is a drop-off donation area at my gym, and I would be more than happy to take things there for you. I likewise plan on donating items. Anything and everything helps!

I feel like it has been way too long since I've updated. So much has happened! Okay, let me start from the beginning...

THE MOVE...
On Sunday, October 28th, we moved in to our New York apartment. We decided it would be the easiest on us to hire movers to move our stuff. We didn't have much to move, but driving through Manhattan is a nightmare, and we didn't want to have to make several trips (we've bought stuff since being here, and everything wouldn't fit back into the car). Daniel got up early, and went to Forest Hills to get the keys and meet the movers. Because of the storm, the subway stopped running. So, this meant that I would have to drive through Manhattan by myself, or wait until the morning when Daniel could maybe come back to Jersey City. I decided to be brave, and I packed up the remaining things I had in the apartment into the car. The boys and I then ventured through Manhattan to our apartment. Obviously, I made it just fine. I will openly admit that I'm a terrible driver. Since the drivers in NY are all over the place when they drive, my bad driving wasn't as noticeable. I'm so proud of myself for making it in one piece!

THE STORM...
The day after the move, we got up early and made a target trip to get curtains before the storm. I was really surprised that our apartment didn't at least have blinds. I didn't want people staring at us, so I'm glad that we made the journey to Target.

LIVING IN NY...
Okay, so maybe I like it here more than I'm willing to admit. If Daniel is reading this I'm sure he is thinking I told you so! I really enjoy our little neighborhood. I also absolutely love our apartment. Our broker, Ivan, is a great guy. He listened to what we wanted, and made sure to find us  a perfect place. It has everything we need really close. The people here are actually really friendly, and I have not met one person in my building or in this area that I dislike. I've met a couple people out in town that I've exchanged numbers with that have kids. I'm happy that it is starting to feel like "home" here, and I can't wait to meet new people. As my mother-in-law always reminds me, I will find "my little world" here.

The boys are adjusting well. They love living here. Mason and I are constantly battling about him wearing his coat. It is cold here, and I'm sure it will colder before the winter is over. They are also doing a wonderful job learning how to walk gently on our floors. Ha, I hope our neighbors below us don't completely hate us.

It is snowing here now, and I can't wait to see what adventures await me this week! I joined a gym, and I have all intentions of going...snow or no snow! And, yes, I will be walking.


Until then, stay warm!

A

PICTURES....

"Hurricane Mason" 

We got new furniture!

These are the boots that I walked FORTY minutes to get. When I got home, they had a rip in them. Thankfully, my sweet husband drove me back to Kohls to return them. I'm now bootless, and still in search for the "perfect pair".

I joined the gym! They have kids care, but Mason wanted to be difficult and help me sign-up. Here is my member picture. Haha, this cracks me up!

It's snowing here! 

Moving Day!

We're moving! All of the stuff in the corner, the large desk, and children are all being moved today!  The movers will be here shortly to load up all the stuff minus the kids, but if they wanted to take them too, I wouldn't complain. (haha, kidding).

As some of you may or may not know, we recently moved to New York. We tend to move a lot. I've always been used to moving. In fact, I've moved over twenty times into a new place. I've lived in five different states (Missouri, Utah, California, North Carolina, and now New York). Whew.

I've been giving a lot of thought about change lately. It is not easy, and I don't enjoy moving. However, I enjoy being able to "start over", learn new things about myself, and above all meet new people. I've met some amazing people from all the times I have moved, and I can't imagine what my life would have been like if I would have stayed in just one place. One question I always get asked is "how do you do it"? It is hard for others to imagine moving away from family, friends, and what they know as norm. Yet, this is what I've been used to. I feel like my friendships mean more to me, because I understand that sometimes we can't be in the place as those we love. I feel as if I talk to people more when I'm away from them,because I don't want to lose contact with them. I also feel as if I can honestly say I know the meaning of "distance makes the heart grow fonder". I think my ability to endure long distance relations is what makes Daniel and I so close. When he was deployed, I was still able to feel close with him. Likewise, I'm able to maintain friendships and closeness with my family members.

I wanted to write this post to clarify a few things. First, yes, I miss everyone at home. Second, I'm starting to enjoy New York a little more every day, and third, I'm (as well as everyone else) stronger than I thought. I will survive this move, just like I survived moving to a new place before. Don't worry, I will miss all of you just as much as I did before. I also want to encourage others to step out of their comfort zone. Sometimes, we learn the most about ourselves we aren't stuck in the same routine. Life is an adventure; go explore! Oh, and home is where we make it. I love that no matter where I go, as long as I have my little family, my life is complete.

I'd love to hear about your experiences moving or visiting a new place! If you have any, please comment or send me a private message on Facebook. I'd love to hear from you!