11.25.2011

Thankful

Happy Black Friday my friends!

I might be a day late, but I wanted to take some time to give thanks over here at Sundresses and Smiles.  These days, as y'all know, my life is fast-paced and it is so easy to get wrapped up in the day to day rush and forget to stop and just feel thankful.  So today, I'd like to post my thanks.  This is a long post, but it is truly heartfelt and truly "me."

Thanksgiving yesterday was wonderful.  My family usually does a low key Thanksgiving--we have my grandmothers over and just enjoy a nice meal and time to visit together.  As previously mentioned on the blog, I make an annual dessert for Thanksgiving.  I didn't share the reason behind my annual French Silk Pie before, but I will share it with you now as the opening to my thankful post.  A little over three years ago, my grandfather died.  He was such an incredible man--he was one of the most genuinely kind people I have ever known; he was also smart, witty, and passionate.  One of his favorite desserts was French Silk Pie.  Every year at Thanksgiving we would have a pumpkin pie, a French Silk pie, and another dessert that I would make.  We began to feel dessert overload and I thought it would be smart to consolidate our desserts by making my own homemade French Silk Pie.  It has been a tradition ever since and is now even more special since Grandpa has passed.  Though I miss him often, I am so thankful to have had 20 years with my grandfather--he and I spent much time together and I am lucky that he is one of the people that shaped my life.

Yesterday's Pie--we think it may have been the best yet!
See recipe here!

Secondly, I am so thankful to be part of such an incredible family.  Though we may be dysfunctional and a bit wacky at times, I wouldn't change what we have.  I am incredibly close with my parents as well as my extended family and "framily" (a term we use to describe close friends that are considered family).

Father's Day Dinner 2011

Next on the list are my friends.  I am so lucky to have an incredible group of close friends--the kind of friends I can be myself around, lean on when I need a helping hand, and have fun with.  

ABE & ARS
ARS isn't mentioned on the blog frequently, but she is my true "BFF"--we met when we were 13 and just 2 years later, her family moved to North Carolina.  Now, 10 years, later we are still best friends even though we only get to see each other about once a year!

The list of people I am thankful for, of course would not be complete without Bryce.  I have so enjoyed sharing our romance on the blog with you and I can share with y'all now that it continues to get better and better.  I have never felt this loved in my life and never thought it was possible to find someone so perfectly matched for me.

Our First Picture Together!
I can't believe how far we've come since then!

I also wanted to take a moment to say thanks to all of you, my loyal followers!  I have not been the best blogger over these last few months--living life has gotten in the way.  Your friendship, fun, and passion inspire me every day and make me feel so grateful that I joined this blogging community just over 8 months ago!



 And I'll just list a few more....
  • my sweet class of 1st graders
  • the beauty of the world around me
  • the color pink
  • the daily luxuries that I take for granted that so much of the world does not have
  • the ocean and taste of salt on my lips
  • Richmond, VA
  • white wine
  • the joy of curling up with a good book
What are you thankful for?

Now for a quick peek into my schedule over the next few weeks:
-Mon, Nov 28:  MY 23RD BIRTHDAY!!!  HIP HIP HOORAY!
-Fri, Dec 2:  My last day of student teaching
-Fri, Dec 2:  Bryce's Company Christmas Party
-Sat, Dec 3:  Crabtree Falls Camping Trip
-Mon, Dec 5:  Thesis/Field Project Rough Draft due
-Wed, Dec 7:  Thesis/Field Project Presentations
-Thurs, Dec 15:  Thesis/Field Project Final Draft due
-Sat, Dec 17:  Bryce's and My First Annual Christmas Party!

All that being said, I am going to be busy busy!!  I am hoping to squeeze in some time for blogging over the next few weeks, but have a feeling my time will be tight.  Wish me luck!

Have a fabulous holiday weekend!