Let The New Adventure Begin!

So earlier this week I told you to stay tuned for updates on this new adventure of mine.  I guess you’ve waited long enough…and no, I'm not pregnant.  For those of you who’s thoughts went there I will assure you that a family is in Evan and my plan, but at this time we are very focused on the present.  And of course…getting a puppy in the spring (A girl can dream a little…right?!)

Now let me babble a bit more (please) and I promise I will tell you my new undertaking. :)

Recently, I started reading a new book that I received for Christmas.  And while reading that book I came to a realization;  I am here on this earth to help others.  Now, I know this might seem silly to say, because most of us are working to solve some sort of "problem,” but until recently I'm not sure I knew how wide my own passion for helping others stretched.  I guess I have always thought that my passion lived only in working with children, particularly in the schools.  However over the past two years I have found another passion for living a healthy and balanced life.  When I say a "healthy" and "balanced" life this means focusing on the products we choose to eat and use on our bodies, our physical activity level, as well as how each of these actions affect the environment.  Although I have been reading, watching, and listening to many different perspectives on organic vs. conventional products, farming techniques, environmental concerns, etc,.  Until now, I haven’t had an outlet for sharing this information with others other than Facebook and that just doesn't seem to do the trick.

Now let me introduce to you my new outlet.

It began a few months ago when my mom and I were talking on the phone (shocker there).  She told me that she had bought several food products from one of her coworkers who happens to be a teacher.  She had mentioned this teacher before and how similar we were in terms of the lifestyle we were aiming to achieve.  Well...it turns out that the products she had bought were "organic."  To say my mom was excited is an understatement and she encouraged me to check out the company for not only buying great food products, but to potentially join the team as a representative.  The name of the company is "Wildtree."

So I will be honest and say that I put it on the back burner for a while.  I didn't pay too much attention to it for about a month.  I have been taught to be quite skeptical.  There are times when you find what you think is a legitimate company and soon find out there are ingredients in the product(s) that I would rather not ingest or use on my body.  Now that's not to say that I have perfected our pantry or body products by any means, but I try to stick to companies with good practices and steer clear of ones I have found dirt on through personal research.  Now, when I say research that does not mean reading blog posts, although I do use blogs to supplement my research...blogs are based on opinions. I focus on researching through reading books, lots of articles, and watching documentaries.  

**With that being said while you’re reading this blog please keep in mind that what I believe is based off of my personal experience as well as what I have read, watched, listened to, etc.  What works for Evan and I might not work for you.  I value opinions, so therefore I enjoy taking into consideration others findings as well.  I most certainly want you to do personal research and if you find something questionable about what I support please notify me in a constructive manner.  This blog is ultimately about building a trusting community, and for the sake of the majority I would prefer you all to be independent thinkers. :)

Okay, back to the story…so...my mom kept bringing up Wildtree.  Finally, I budged…sorta.  I started looking for any negative review or article I could find via the Internet.  And guess what.  Turns out I have yet to find it (if you have something, please send it my way via e-mail).  Even articles that I thought (based on the headings) would give me exactly what I needed to dismiss the company turned out to be positive in the end.  After much discussion with my husband and lots of contemplating about whether I could handle it the answer became clear.  So here I am, finally with what I feel will be an amazing outlet for sharing my passion for living a healthy lifestyle.  It has been quite the adventure so far in the month since I began my Wildtree adventure.  Many of you may have doubts and questions, so here are the primary reasons why I chose to represent Wildtree:

1.  Healthier Lifestyles Affect EVERYONE and EVERYTHING.

Your output is based on your input.  So if I eat well and exercise, my mind and body will feel good for a longer chunk of time.  If I eat junk I will most likely feel an immediate happiness, but once the excitement is gone I will be left feeling like the junk I ate.  This is physiological...so definitely not something I am making up.  It becomes a terrible cycle; one that most of us have experienced.  In addition to our own selves, our environment benefits from living healthy.  I think many people have become removed from nature and how we as humans impact it.  We don't see the trash accumulating in the ocean by the hour, we don't see the nutrients and life in the soil and water deteriorating from chemicals by the minute, and we also don't see deforestation in the rain forest by the second...but it's happening.  The products we choose to use directly impact nature.  We are a large, LARGE part of it.  We must change the way we think about our daily choices and how they impact our planet for the sake of our future and our children's future.  Plain and simple.

2.  Wildtree is Convenient  

EVERYONE IS BUSY!!!  Wildtree arrives at your doorstep.  Now I am a huge advocate for grocery shopping, especially with the kiddos for learning purposes, BUT this doesn't completely take away weekly grocery shopping.  It will reduce the time spent in the store, but you will still need to go to the local butcher for meat and cheese as well as the grocery store for produce.  Secondly, with freezer meal workshops, everyone goes home with a cooler full of delicious dishes.  Ten different meals that typically work out to actually be 15-20 meals for a family of four.  Anyone who is busy and happens to cook or share cooking responsibilities in the family can understand that meal planning alone is time consuming.  With Wildtree, someone else is providing the menus, ingredient lists and prepping instructions for you.  I plan to even partner with a butcher to prep and deliver the meats for us.  Another angle you might consider is the habit of eating out.  When it comes to eating out I would say most of us are seeking convenience, but when the freezer is packed with meals that take approx. 20-30 min to cook up, the convenience of opening up the freezer far outweighs going out to eat.

3.  Wildtree is budget-friendly.

My husband is a finance major and we are both (typically) very much in tune with spending.  That being said, food is our downfall.  We LOVE good food (Pizza....I won't even try to justify that addiction).  The unfortunate reality though is that eating well outside of our home is EXPENSIVE.  A freezer meal workshop through Wildtree provides 15-20 meals for a family of four at $3-4/serving.  That beats eating out ANY day even at a low-grade restaurant.

4.  Wildtree Is A Social Occasion

  This past fall I made a lot of meals to put in our freezer.  It has been a blessing to pull out a meal (or two) weekly so that Evan and I don't have to answer the question, "what's for dinner?" multiple times during the week.  The only downside of cooking meals this fall was that the majority of the meals were put together in the company of me, myself, and I.  I was really appreciative of one of my best friends coming to hang with me for a good chunk of the time, but for the most part it was just me.  When someone attends a Wildtree workshop they are in the presence of other people working toward the same goal.  It is a wonderful way to meet new people and/or reconnect and visit with friends and family without losing productivity or immediate family time for that matter.

5.  You Can Earn FREE Food

So let's say Susie decides she has a group of friends who would love to do a freezer meal workshop or tasting party and she wants to hold one at her house, church, the library, etc.  Depending on the number of people who attend her party and order Wildtree products, she earns free food!  That has a positive impact on people's lives.  We can ALWAYS use food and when it's free...even better.

In addition to these five key points, Wildtree was started by a mother who was struggling to find food products that were safe for her children who were allergic to several common ingredients.  Therefore, the company features products that do not contain high fructose corn-syrup, MSGs, GMOs, additives, preservatives, or food dyes.  They are also low in sugar and sodium, as well as have options for people with gluten and peanut allergies.

Now as with most everything there are a few things about Wildtree that I am hoping will improve!  The packaging that I have received my products in is plastic.  I am optimistic that this is something they will improve on as they move forward.  The products are not ALL organic.  Although a good portion of them are organic they are still working on certifying each product.  Yes, they are working on certifying them all.  One of their products that was once "all natural" was recently certified as organic.  This gives me a hopeful heart that they are working toward that goal!  That's about it as far as criticism goes on my end.  Not too shabby!

The Wildtree seasoning and oils all set
for the Sunday's workshop!

My first freezer meal workshop is this coming Sunday and I will be sure to let you know how it goes as well as post some fun pictures!  The menu I am featuring will be "Everyday Meals" which includes the following meals:

Easy Skillet Jambalaya

Crockpot Chicken Quesadillas

Perfect Roast Chicken

Lemon Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

Crock Pot Shredded Beef Burritos

Lemon Rosemary Chicken w/ Orzo

Cajun Shrimp & Red Pepper Fettuccine

Hearty Italian Meatloaf w/ Marinara Sauce

Lemon Rosemary Oven Roasted Salmon

Southwestern Chicken Burgers

If you haven't noticed yet, I have added a "shop" tab to the Thankful for Thursdays homepage.  Clicking that tab will take you to my Wildtree website (mywildtree.com/mstaubin) where you will find lots of information about the company and have the chance to check out the products and order if you would like!  Some of my favorites...Beef Stroganoff Skillet Meal, Hearty Spaghetti Sauce Blend, Rancher Steak Rub, Guacamole Seasoning, and the Quick & Easy Beer Bread Mix.

Questions?  Feel free to e-mail me at thankfulforthursdays@gmail.com or comment below!

If you have experience with Wildtree, please share. :)

A few more reasons to Wildtree!!!

Holiday Guest Post: Tiny Kicks & Belly Giggles

If you were to ask me what I'm most thankful for in 2015, I wouldn't miss a beat before answering. Each and every day when I look into my sons eyes, I am thankful that God gave me the privilege of becoming a mother, his mother, this year. I'm thankful that I got to carry and intimately know him for 9 months. I'm thankful for that first cry, it was music to my ears. I'm thankful for the smiles while nursing. I'm thankful for the stretch marks, hair loss, and dark circles under my eyes. I'm thankful for the 2:00 A.M wake up calls. I'm thankful that I get to show him the world. I'm thankful that I get to teach him how to be a gentleman. I'm thankful for his unconditional love. I'm thankful for these simple days. I'm thankful that he has the best Daddy who loves him just as much as I do. There is so much to be thankful for this year, but I'm simply thankful that God gave me the privilege of becoming a mother, his mother. I'll love you forever, Micah William. Love, Mommy

What a cutie pie!!!
-Thankful for Thursdays

Holiday Guest Post: Thankful For The Unexpected Journey

This season I find myself grateful for the most unlikely of things…persistence and patience. 

Without either, I would be no further ahead than when I first began my journey a year ago. Like many individuals, I pursued the American dream (a.k.a. the daily grind). Literally, I woke up, drove to a corporate office to sit at my comfortable desk next to windows, completed my daily tasks with precision, drove home to my two-bedroom condo, ate dinner, took my dog for a walk and settled in for the night only to turn around and do it again the very next day. There is nothing wrong with the average daily life. The problem is, I am not the average person and was not interested in living as such. I wanted change and adventure and more than anything, I wanted my life to have meaning and purpose.

I have since made some very significant changes, which included quitting my job, selling my home, possessions and car. I made a decision to finish out my teaching degree, which required that I study and pass the dreaded MTTC teacher certification tests. This meant a commitment to study every night and weekend since last January and relearning things I haven’t studied since high school.

Trust me, changes like this are not for sissies or the lazy! I am thankful for the persistence and patience I’ve learned along the way. I needed it after a summer of painting cupboards, ceilings and walls in my condo while I prepared to sell and I needed it every time I failed my MTTC test (up to three times), to keep me from NOT giving up. I’ve needed it to remind myself this is just the beginning and that I can and will finish what I’ve started because the best is yet to come.

I don’t have it in hand yet but yesterday, I received the green light indicating, my teaching certificate is close at hand. I marvel at my past year and look forward to what is to come. Persistence and patience have been hard on me but in the end, they have become my best friend, and for them, I am grateful.

Cheers!

Courtney W.

The "Not Your Everyday" Holiday Wish-List: A Perfectly Unique Gift Guide for Her

Over the years, I have read A LOT of gift guides online.  There are lists everywhere...lists for the tech, explorer, photographer, men, women, teens, and so on.  They typically show off all of the new gadgets, unique charm bracelets, stylish hoodies, and focus on good ole' "stuff."  This list will be very different from those you might typically find and I hope it resonates with you.

After being in the mall this weekend, I can tell you shopping small business, online, and buying "unique" presents is the way to go.  While I love the smell of roasted almonds...I would rather avoid the so-called "deals" and save some time to spend with the people I love.  

After all...that is what this season is truly about...so it's perfect!

Finding a gift just for the sake of finding a gift is something I struggle with personally.  I like to take time to think of the person and what they might enjoy.  More recently, I have focused on finding gifts that will provide a joy that will last.  After asking several women (moms, girlfriends, wives, daughters, etc.) what they would really appreciate for the holidays, I created the following list of gifts.  Also, a few tips for figuring out what "makes her tick" at the end of the post.  

As you read this list, you may notice that I have really steered clear from "stuff."  If you haven't read my post "Let. It. Go.," then that might help you understand why I have chosen to stay away from physical gifts that may clutter your living space.  Although this is the general theme, I understand and would agree there are physical things worth giving as gifts and it all depends on the person who is receiving the gift.

I hope you find these suggestions helpful!  As always, this is a combined effort and your feedback is appreciated.  Thank you to those of you who contributed ideas to this list!  

Please leave a comment in the section below with more ideas!

The Wish List

 

1.  Massage & Spa Treatment

Just going to get my eyebrows waxed every other week is enough to make me fall asleep...and I'm not even a mom yet.  By the time I sit down in that chair to have someone wax the crap out of my eyebrows, I often find myself on the edge of falling asleep.  Yes...I said often.  Therefore, giving the gift of a massage, facial, manicure/pedicure, etc. would be HEAVEN.  My personal preference...a Hot Stone massage (60 or 90 min) with a pedicure.  Make sure to research and read reviews for the best places and the cleanliest.  If the woman you are shopping for is the gift wrapper for multiple people, maybe make this an early gift and wrap the presents for her while she is away!  For all of you dad's out there...throw in a babysitter and a date night too.  You won't regret it...I promise.

Okay...so I didn't have a picture of a spa.
BUT!  You can use essential oils and a common oil for a homemade massage too!

2.  Magazine Subscription 

My husband and I both enjoy reading, so last year his parents bought us a 12-month subscription for National Geographic.  Even though we don't always have a chance to sit down and read it, it's fun to get something in the mail that is NOT a BILL.  We look forward to the issue every other week.  Some of the magazines your friend, mom, wife, girlfriend, etc. might be interested in may include:

Better Homes & Gardens

Cosmopolitan

TIME

Women's Health

Brides

Our early Christmas presents from Ev's parents
came in the mail already!

3.  Cleaning Service/ Pass Book

This one has been on my mind a lot lately.  I typically don't mind cleaning the house, however there are weeks when I wish I had someone to do it for me.  For as long as I can remember my mom has always had someone come every other week to clean our home.  My mom is a teacher and works long hours most days; she needs a break at times.  However, she is not willing to go without the house being clean...and neither am I.  That being said if it's in your budget, find someone to come clean the house each week, twice a month, or even once a month.  Otherwise, write up a few "cleaning passes" that she can use when she would like someone else to clean the house.  Maybe figure out some rules for those passes, like 24-hour rule where the pass has to be shown 24-hours prior to the cleaning.  You may say, "Hey!  I help her clean a lot."  Sorry.  Helping is not the same.  My husband helps make dinner and/or clean too, but it is VERY rare that I don't have a hand in cleaning or making the meals.  Sometimes it is just nice to not do something 365 days or 52 weeks out of the year.

Ev and My Spring Weekend Getaway

4.  Weekend Getaway (again...plan it to a "T")

Now this could go in many directions.  Again, I think it is important to plan the getaway to a "T," or find someone to go with her who will help out with the planning.  Again, plan as much as possible.  My mom was our "vacation planner" and I can tell you she put a ton of work into our vacations.  Sometimes I wonder how she could even be excited for those trips.     

**Make sure to check her schedule to see if she has anything going on before booking the trip.

5.  Date Night (Planned to a "T")

It's one thing to plan to take her out to eat...it's another to cover all of your bases...including the babysitter.  Schedule the babysitter, make reservations for dinner at her favorite restaurant, have dinner for the children ready that night and just go.  Put the phones away and enjoy quality time together.  This may seem as if it could be geared toward a man taking his wife, fiance, or girlfriend out, HOWEVER this could actually be a present for a friend or daughter.  For instance, my mom (someday) might set up a babysitter for me and her and I could go out for dinner...that would be such a lovely gift!

6.  Vacation

Plan a full vacation!  Whether it be a cruise, trip to see family, or just a road trip, take the time and go with your friend, wife, girlfriend, daughter, etc.  Schedule a few fun activities for different days such as broadways, hikes, visiting nature centers, skiing, etc.  The less she has to plan, the better.  If you are not much of a planner, but would still love to do this, then I'd suggest using a travel agent.  Evan and I, along with several of our family members, use A Frugal Traveler and Marcia is wonderful.

**Make sure to check her schedule to see if she has anything going on before booking the trip.

7.  Frozen dinners (Homemade Of Course)

This was one was a popular choice for many woman I spoke to over the past few days.  Whether it be grocery shopping, prepping, cooking, or dishes, I typically have a hand in some part of making meals.  Earlier in the fall I took a weekend to put together soups, chicken pot pies, pulled pork, applesauce and baked bread.  Even today I pulled out frozen soup to eat for our Sunday dinner.  What would be even sweeter is if someone else had made and frozen those meals for us.  Both of our mom's will often send us home with extra soups or meals that they have made and it's awesome to have dinner ready to go without doing the work.  This is where time can prove to be one of the best gifts for a woman.  Not every woman wants the new coach purse, in fact I would argue that when given a choice between ten, effortless, frozen meals vs. a coach purse, many woman would choose the frozen meals.  (Please comment below if you disagree.)  Often times we are interested in feeling appreciated and having more opportunity to spend our time with the ones we love.  

Now...let's not be completely silly...I am not saying we don't appreciate a nice handbag every once in 
awhile either. ;)

8.  Essential Oils & Diffuser

I began using essential oils in high school, however about a year ago my husband and I began using them nearly everyday.  We will diffuse different oils in our diffuser each morning and at night.  We also use lavender every night before bed.  There are so many and they really have added value to our lives.  In fact...I haven't taken a tylenol or pain medication since July.  That's almost six months people.  We order through Young Living (YL), however there are several other companies to choose from.  My advice...research the company. 

A few of our favorite oils from YL include:

Believe

Lavender

Peppermint

StressAway

PanAway

Peace & Calming

Ylang-Ylang

Our diffuser that runs almost every morning and evening.

9.  Yoga, Kickboxing, Exercise Lessons

This one you might need to be careful about.  I had a lot of woman say they would love these gifts and I think exercise classes or lessons are definitely a better suggestion than a standard "gym membership."  Yoga is relaxing and if you throw in a babysitter or you take the time to watch the children (if she has children) that makes the time even more relaxing.  Many gyms or yoga studios sell punch cards or monthly memberships.  Again, read the reviews and research the options.  You may even think about getting a yoga mat, yoga block, and yoga outfit for her.  I found this bag on Timbuk2 that holds a yoga mat and looks super cute!

10.  Write a Poem

One person shared that she had received a hand-written poem that had been made into a book of pictures.  How sweet is that?!  I'm not sure there is anything else I could add to this...it is just way too thoughtful.  I personally use Nations Photo Lab when ordering our pictures and they also offer picture books, calendars, etc.

11.  Finish A DIY Project

Almost every girl has a project she would like to do at some point.  If you get ahold of her Pinterest page, I imagine she you will find a "DIY" board full of projects that haven't been attempted...yet.  If you are handy--great!  If not, no worries, you probably have a friend who is or can find the perfect tutorial online for completing the project.  This one actually doesn't need to be a surprise, you could always do this project together and let her choose what project she would like to complete.

One of Our Favorite DIY Projects

 

12.  Family Dinner & Movie

Sometimes it is perfect to stay at home with the family.  Find a night, let her pick a meal, movie, dessert and start relaxing!  Take care of dinner, clean-up, and get that popcorn poppin'!  Or, in our case...fire up the blender cuz we're having milkshakes!

13.  Concert, Broadway, Sporting Event Tickets

 Find out what's in town and go!  You can make this as expensive as you would like.  If you are looking to stay local and spend small...check out local high schools.  The high schools around us put on some amazing musicals and plays for a small fee.  Where I grew up, we had a playhouse where local actors and actresses performed.   If you are thinking bigger, then maybe find out when and where her favorite music artist or football team might be playing.  Again...have the details figured out so that she doesn't have to.

Family Christmas to a Red Wings game in 2012

14.  Fill a Jar with Love Notes

When Evan gets me a present...he has learned the most important piece is often a card with a  handwritten note.  I love them.  When he takes the time to write me a little note it can turn my day around quick.  A jar full of notes is a gift that keeps on giving and for the most part is pretty inexpensive...unless you feel the need to use expensive paper or buy a REALLY expensive jar...that's your choice!  Maybe throw in a bottle of her favorite wine or cider to sip on while reading some of them.

One of my favorite this fall from
Good Neighbor Organic Winery

15.  Personal Artwork

  For Evan and my First Wedding Anniversary, we had his cousin sketch a picture of us from our wedding.  I am embarrassed to admit it is the only picture from our wedding that hangs at this moment in our home (choosing photos and decorating has been an intimidating word for me until recently--see below).  This is one of our favorite pieces of decor in the house...hands-down.

One of our favorite artists:  Landon Holzwarth

16.  Sentimental Picture

This one probably ties in closely with #15, but it can also be different.  Have you ever watched the movie, "The Family Stone?"  It's one of my absolute FAVORITE movies especially during the holidays.  Well...in the movie the girlfriend (Sarah Jessica Parker) gives each family member a picture of the mom (played by Diane Keaton), who at the time was pregnant with the youngest daughter (Rachel McAdams).  It was a beautiful picture and I am sure if you dig enough...you can find a perfect photo to frame or have enlarged.  If that isn't the perfect gift...I'm not sure what is.

17.  Art/Craft Classes

I try my best to do as much as I can on my own...with the help of my husband, mother, and dad of course.  There is something about having skills.  Whether it be cooking, gardening, crafting, sewing, and the list goes on and on.  It is important to have hobbies and skills to use.  Not to mention, these skills can be used for supplementary income.  For instance, my husband has received several tools throughout the past few years including a drill, drill bits, circular saw, ladder, etc.  With each gift, he has not only worked on our own home increasing it's value, but he has also built and sold items such as tables and benches.  These tools have paid for themselves and even allowed us a return on the original investment.  Something to think about. :)

This project from a class I took
 receives so many compliments!

18.  Decorating Consultation and/or Service

Like I said, choosing wedding pictures and decorating have been two very intimidating things for me over the past year and a half.  First off, we have had sooo many big projects like remodeling, curb appeal, painting, etc. that have taken precedence over putting up decorations on the walls.  We would like to take a minimalist approach, however bare walls are also not my favorite either.  If you know a woman who is having the same struggle (trust me, it's a struggle somedays), then maybe there is someone who can help!  Maybe she would enjoy having someone come spend a few hours or the day brainstorming ideas for decorating.  My friend's parents just told me that Art Van has a team of interior designers who will provide a consultation for you.  As the daughter of a small-business owner, I have adopted a small-business shopper mentality, however I understand that is not always possible.

19.  First Edition of Her Favorite Classic Book 

I am not a fan of having or buying "stuff," but if there is one thing I would love to fill our house with ...it's BOOKS.

Like I'm talking I want a library full of books.  I enjoy a good read on the Kindle, however there is something about reading a book.  So, if you can find the first edition of her favorite classic story...go for it.  I'm sure she will be thrilled to read it all over again and even more tickled that it is an original.

Repeat picture from last post...I just love the quote!

20.  Hair, Makeup, and Styling Session

I have to admit...this was my husband's idea.  HOWEVER, he has not done this for me so maybe it's something he is keeping in his back pocket for future gifts (I can only hope).  This is similar to a spa day, but different and not quite as oily.  Schedule her an appointment at her hair dresser...or a really nice place in town that does the whole deal; hair, styling, makeup, and nails.  Maybe throw in shopping at the local boutique where she can find the perfect outfit with the help of a styling consultant.  If she watches or has watched makeover shows like "What Not To Wear" on TLC, then this gift might be perfect.  

**Again, tread lightly with this one...you would hate for her to take this gift as a sign that she NEEDS all of these services.  That should not be the thought behind this gift.

Tips for Deciding...

1.  Check Out Her Pinterest

Either figure out how to get onto her Pinterest board for yourself, or ask a friend to help.  That can be a REALLY great way to find different date night ideas, gifts, DIY, and styles that will fit her interests.

2.  LISTEN To What She Says

A little lesson on girl lingo.  If I say "I wish I could come home and have the house clean..." or "I wish the laundry would do itself..." then you can pretty much guarantee she would appreciate having someone do all of that for her every now and again.  Listen for those "hidden messages."

3.  Ask Her Mom, Sister, Friend, etc.

When it comes to gifts, they might know her best.  Most likely, they think a lot like her too...which means they will be able to help you figure out what she might appreciate or not.

4.  What Are Her Interests?

Does she have a hobby or talk about wanting a hobby?  Maybe she talks about how cool she thinks it is that her friend does photography, or that the local art gallery has pottery classes.  Again, it may take some listening.

5.  Before You Were "Long-Term"

So this might be more for couples, but there are plenty of fun things that Evan and I used to do before we were together for 3+ years.  We went strawberry picking, fishing, hunting, etc.  We try and do these things still today, but we definitely don't take the time to do them as much.  Think back to what you would do together when you first started seeing each other and do it.  Most likely, you both have missed whatever it is that you don't do anymore.

I hope you all have found some good options from this short, but very long list.  To each their own!  Please share your ideas or gifts you have received in the past that were "extra special" in the comments section below.

Feel free to visit our Thankful for Thursdays Facebook Page to share as well!

Have a great rest of your week everyone!

-Michelle

Holiday Guest Post: Thankful for The Story

 I guess I've always thought life was like a book. 

Like life is what happens in books and everyone has a book, and meeting other people is just like dialogues and crossovers. Truth be told though, it is not. Life is not like the books you read and your life doesn't have a genre-like, action, romance, or adventure. To be honest, if our lives were books, they'd be boring as hell. At least mine would be. Tell you what, I'm currently in the library of a high school during lunch, the only free time you get in these 4 years of hell, and staring out the window. 

It's kind of ironic actually, writing about how life isn't like a book in a library, but hey that's life isn't it? 

And life is not a book.

...unless we make it one. 

Unless we take that spontaneous road trip and cook that awful recipe and buy those knee high, light-up avacado socks because OBVIOUSLY you NEED them.  

You have the decision to make your life a bit more like a book, a bit more whimsical if you wanted to.  I guess that's what I'm thankful for.  I'm thankful for the choice to make my life more fictional, more amazing, magical. 

More like a book, all as I wish... kind of like a book.

~Jamie Erickson, 15