Today is week nine of Thankfulness Thursdays where we meet up each week to share what we are thankful for from now until Thanksgiving. You can write a simple list or focus on writing about one thing you are thankful for. No rigid rules!
Also feel free to use the above image in your blog post if you wish!
You can find out more information about the link up here.
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As you read this I am on a plane back home from three days in Santa Barbara visiting one of my best friends from high school who recently had her first baby. Though Santa Barbara is not as far as some have to travel to see close friends and family, because of the distance I do not see her as often as I would like. I feel so blessed this week that I have been able to spend all day with her and her sweet baby girl for three days straight.
There is something so fascinating about watching my dear friend, with whom I have known for years, have their first child. I have gotten to see a whole new side of her that I have never experienced before but also have gotten to see her familiar personality traits come out in parenting. Her easy going personality reminds me that when it comes time to be a parent it is perfectly wonderful to be myself and not feel the pressure to fit into a certain mommy bubble.
Besides having a wonderful time catching up with my BFF and getting sweet snuggles from this baby, I am reminded how thankful I am for friendship, time, and, quite honestly, the money that got me here.
It is so easy to get caught up in the everyday life, to find flying across the state as an inconvenience, but it is the friendship that makes it all worth it.
And to have the time to carve out four days to travel and visit cannot be taken for granted. To be able to work very part time, from home, and watch a baby who has eager grandmas to take a couple extra days with my nephew while I am gone are real blessings.
And, finally, to a husband who works hard and sees paying for a plane ticket to visit my friend, during this special time of her life, a priority. I am very grateful for the extra money we have to get me here.
These are the precious moments of life that I do not want to miss. I am very thankful.
What are you thankful for this week?
Ashley, what an uplifting post. I love seeing all the photos, especially of baby. So sweet. I look forward to reading your gratitude posts because they're so real. How many of us forget to be thankful for the money that allows us to travel to see friends? It's easy to overlook the basics in our lives. Thanks for the reminder. Leslie (aka Gwen Moss blog)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet gift for you to visit with your friend! I know how wonderful it is to visit with those girlfriends who have stuck with us over time and distance. It's easy to take it for granted when we get to visit, but this is a great reminder that not everyone has that option and we should treasure the money and time that allow us to bridge that gap.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post! So much love in all your words and your grateful attitudes is very very evident! I especially see that having a baby has brought out great traits in your friend... and I think it has brought out great traits in you too! Being grateful brings joy to life!!!
ReplyDeleteI am very thankful I found your lovely blog!
A very sweet post and something to be thankful for indeed. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute baby!!! It is odd seeing your friends become mothers, isn't it?! You'll be a great one when you're ready, too! :o)
ReplyDeleteI saw on instagram where you had a rough time coming home. I hope it wasn't too stressful!!
Love it! You inspired me to do the same-- thanks for sharing the graphic, too! http://oliviaobryon.com/2012/09/27/thankfulness-thursdays-inaugural-post/
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