A Memorable Thanksgiving (and a new match)

Long time, no type. Hope you are all doing well. Happy December!

Let's backtrack a little-

What an awesome Thanksgiving. Not only did I get to spend it with a lot of extended family, (breakfast with my dad & step mom's family & lunch/dinner with my husband's extended family) but we also had a special visitor from far away. I have a new independent match with an awesome international couple who found me through my blog. We've been getting to know each other the past 2 months. (We are currently waiting on medical records/medical clearance)
The IF was visiting family in CA and doing some traveling and made a stop in Utah. He spent his first Thanksgiving with us. It was so nice to meet him and introduce him to John's family. It was a very neat experience. He ended up spending the night with us since it would have been too cold to sleep in his RV and would probably have been difficult finding a last minute hotel on Thanksgiving.

We thought his RV was pretty groovy. Lol

We took a little tour of Salt Lake in the evening and froze when we got out to see the Capitol building. We got back in the car pretty quickly. I thought the lights were already up at Temple Square, but they weren't. Oh well.

In the morning John (my husband) made him some Apple Cider which was new to him. He seemed to like it.
We Skyped with IM and while we were talking to her, we heard a weird noise and then felt the house shake twice. We had a 3.2/3.3 earthquake. It was crazy!

IF brought us some awesome German Christmas candies/goodies.
The almonds are delicious! We're saving the rest for Christmas. I can't wait to have the kids put the ornaments on the tree. For now, they're hanging where our stockings go.

I am so excited for this journey. I definitely feel like we found each other for a reason. (Like God had a hand in it)  We have a very comfortable connection.  They are very easy and fun to talk to. Honestly, I feel like they are ideal IPs for me. We are excited to learn more about each other's cultures and this past weekend was a great start to that. Fingers crossed that I will be medically cleared and we can officially move forward soon.

IM and I were talking the other day about nicknames for them. We decided to keep with the Beatles theme like I did with my last journey, so you will know this beautiful couple as Paul and Linda.
😎 Hopefully we will get to meet Linda in person soon. Thanksgiving was our 2nd Skype session.

P.S. I'm still pumping and working on weaning this month, making it 24 months of being a milk mama for other babies.

Happy Thanksgiving 2014!

Last Thanksgiving, I was choosing between two couples. I made my decision that night, and sent the couple a video to let them know that I chose them.

http://youtu.be/2U7ggQz0ckA

Now, one year later, I am 37 weeks/full term with their baby. So much to be thankful for.

I am also thankful for my friends and family and all my support throughout this pregnancy. 

I am thankful for my health and for a healthy pregnancy. 

I hope that you have lots to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Thankful Vlog

A Thankful Thanksgiving Vlog for you!

I'm kinda shy and quiet sometimes. I had a heckuva time uploading this, but hooray for actually posting it ON Thanksgiving! Better late than never.

I forgot to mention I am thankful for music! It brings me so much joy.

Especially the Beatles.

Anyone up for sending me a video reply of what you're thankful for?

My thankful list. Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm thankful for friends and family who are non-judging and supportive. Life can be somewhat normal with you around, even in difficult times.

I am extremely thankful and grateful for veteran's benefits!

I am thankful for all Veterans past present and future! Happy to be a part of that "world". Thank YOU!

I am so thankful for my surrogate families. That includes my IPs and the beautiful babies I got to carry. Thank you for the lovely journeys and experiences. I am also thankful for my current IPs who prove to be more amazing each and everyday. Included in my surrogate families are my fellow surrogates who are true friends and my extended support group. Thank you all!

I am thankful for being able to stay in our home even though John got laid off last October. I am grateful for everything that has helped us pay the bills. I am also thankful for coupons and budgeting!

I am thankful for Pell Grants!

I am thankful for my awesome husband. Thanks for all you do!

I am thankful for my children! Never a dull moment.

I am thankful for awesome music! 

I am thankful for all my extended families.

I am thankful for the Creator and His son.

I'm thankful for awesome parents! 

I'm thankful for Thanksgiving and the good food and great company!

I'm thankful for the Christmas season just around the corner.

Thanksgiving 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Things I'm thankful for: 

My Blog and my readers!  :)

Licking egg beaters.

The smells of the season.

Lot's of food for good reason.

My family extended.

The mistakes that I've mended.

The memories through pictures.

The truth of the scriptures.

The songs of the Beatles.

My non-fear of needles.

Pumpkin treats a plenty.

Feeling loved ten times twenty.

The ones that call me Mother.

My sister, my brother.

Our cars that aren't broken.

The signs and the tokens.

My husband- out of the Navy.

Turkey , potatoes and gravy.

My sanity when it's around.

The new friends I've found.
My creativeness.
Days without stress.
Modern day technology.
My two eyes that help me see.
The love of my Savior.
John's funny behavior.
My mom and my dad.
The fun times I've had.
A belly that's full.
A life so undull.
Friends from the past.
A marriage that lasts.
Dr. Pepper and frogs.
Fans of my Blog.
Those who are silly.
All who love Jilly.

The roof overhead.

The life that I've lead.

Fall and family

I like Fall. I like the cooler weather. Not looking forward to the freezing cold that is around the corner. Kind of exciting that it started snowing today... but not ready for that! I don't really mind snowy/rainy days as long as I'm not out and about in it... which I'm usually not.

But the point of all my rambling? I can't believe next week is November already. I can't believe this Sunday will be November 1st. I'm already looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. What is better than great food and family? I'm still in the "younger" generation group, so Thanksgiving isn't stressful for me, because I am just in charge of bringing a side dish and/or dessert. So it is rather enjoyable for me. Thanksgiving is spent 80% of the time with John's family. That's just how it's worked out. They are usually our only invite. I'm not complaining... it's good food and good people. My mom usually joins us. My mom and John's mom are friends. (they became friends after we got married) It's kind of weird, but soooo cool!

I'm a dork, that's not our only invite... we are also included in my Stepmom, Kathie's thanksgiving plans. Also good food and people!! Why did I forget to mention that? Hmmm.... getting old? We have been doing the 2 Thanksgiving dinners for a few years now. John's family Thanksgiving is usually around 2:oo PM at a church. We usually catch up with my Kathie's family around 6:30 or so. So grateful to be included and treated like part of the family. Great, great people!!!

Christmas we are all over the place... with John's parents, my Mom and my Dad and Stepmom. We have to split it all up. But I am blessed to have such a big, loving family. That includes everyone- extended family, inlaws, etc. Not a bad bunch!

What about you? Who do you spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with? Do you travel? Stay around town?