It is done.

Day 30

I would not be being completely honest if I did not say that today, I am thankful to be done. NOT about thinking of all I have to be thankful for, but again, I just cannot muster the creative juices enough to drop a story every day on the blog. Besides the fact that the 2 jobs, 2 kids and the Red Flame keep me busy.

In all seriousness, today I am thankful for a very understanding Russian whom I claim as my husband. I had the best trip planned to take him to Vegas for our 4th wedding anniversary on Dec. 10. He has always wanted to stay at the Luxor hotel and I have never been able to find it for less than $150 bucks a night. Well I happened to check at a time when they were offering a deal. $50!! I was shocked! We could actually do this! I planned ahead, called 3 jobs to get them all off, arranged for the girls to be taken care of and I was on my way of susprising him!!! He had'nt a clue....until.
WELL. Life happened. Things started to unravel and it ended up that I told him the plans. Then things unraveled a bit more and just tonight we talked and decided that we could not justify a trip to Vegas, with things being as tight as they are. Sacrifice we did. This is one of the reasons I love him so. He was not at all mad, not at all disappointed (well maybe a little bit) and he took it in stride. I was so much more sad than he!!
There is more than one reason why I married the Red Flame...his ability to let things "roll" is one of those reasons. There will be no Viva Las Vegas for us this year. And tomorrow will still come around regardless. He reminded me of this. And it was exactly what I needed.

I am so thankful for him...again.

ZZZZZZ

Day 29

Well I am almost done with my week of Thanksgiving and I really think it has been a wonderful experience for me. There are so many things that surround me that I am thankful for and putting them down make me think LESS of the problems that we may be facing and MORE about the wonderful things that surround us.

Today I really needed a nap. So although I am thankful for the nap- it sure included the whole family. Today I am thankful for the Red Flame for letting me take one, Maka for letting me know she tried her best to reach the potty in time but needed help with her onesie so she "leaked a little bit" and all her comments that make me smile. And our sweet Ella who when I woke up ran to me with hugs and "mama! Mama!" and who always makes me feel loved. We might be a bit "off" in some people's dictionaries, but it's us. And I would not change a thing. (well I would add a few more to the mix...but all in due time).

Here is to tomorrow, Day 30 of writing about why I am thankful. Cheers.

Turkey coma and Black Friday regret

Day 26-28

Yes, I fell behind once again and am trying to remember the last few days. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We went to our Aunt and Uncles house with cousins, dogs and plenty of food to go around. We ate too much, talked alot and had a great time.

Yesterday was a mourning day for me of sorts. It was the first time in as long as I can remember that I did not buy the newspapers and strategically plan my attack of stores as I went to find the "deals and steals" that only Black Friday can bring. This year? My alarm was not set, I did not get up and I refused to watch TV or the radio until the 1pm hour was over as to not hear how everyone else was finding stuff. It was a sad day indeed. Alas, when the pocketbook is empty, even the inticings of Black Friday could not make me go out...even for window shopping.

So. I am thankful for resistance, persistance and patience the Red Flame had with me as I complained (only once to get it out of my system) that I was in some way, shape or form, missing out on the fun.

The way we both decided to look at it?...There's always next year!

2 fer

Wow. The month is almost over and here I am a day behind! Whoops. So here is a 2fer...well since I forgot and am running out of (no! NOT things I am thankful for) the creative way to say them! I only have so much in me...Im not my Dad!

Days 24-25

I met the guy 11 years ago and here we are now married almost 4 years with 2 beautiful girls. I have watched him work hard, study hard, and play hard and doing it 99% of the time (I mean, come on! No one is PERFECT- right?) with a great attitude. These last few weeks as I have put in some extra time at the office, he has been home with the girls and he has done a fabulous job. He has fed, changed, clothed and cleaned while I have been gone. A regular Mr. Mom! He may not like me making reference to his "father naturing" side, but it is true. The man has stepped up...and I have noticed.

I know there were more than a few people that were not sure about this whole marrying a Russian thing. But in my opinion, Artyom has won over each and every one of them. I could make a list of all the things that make him so priceless to me and our family, but honestly? Alot of those things are inside jokes, memories of our family and things that will not mean much to the average reader. It is enough for me to let everyone know~

I am, and always will be thankful for my Russian Red Flame, Artyom.

Frumpy to Fabulous

Maybe guys out there can relate, but girls- you KNOW what I'm talkin about. Especially those with short hair. Ever since I chopped my locks right before Ella was born I have had to go and visit the Salon alot more than usual to make sure I do not become more of a frumpy mom than what I am usually.

So when Seija at my work told me to come and visit her at her school of Hair Design, I could hardly contain my excitement. $20 (including tip) later, I walked out to show off my hair to the patrons of Shopko (there was not much to do...)as I bought some red plates on clearance to help out my Christmas decorating just waiting to blossom in our home the end of this week.

How I knew I did good? Walking in the door and sweet Sofia stroking my hair as she said, "Mama, you look beautiful. You look just like me!" (My hair was straight which is a salon perk). I felt justified and am now rejuvenated for the next 6-8 weeks.

Seija and the talents of Taylor Andrews School of Hair- I am thankful for you.

KSL

Day 21

Who knew three, little letters would make such an impact on my life. Too bad I did not know about this site so many years ago when I moved here. Let's just say, KSL and I are very good friends and it is one of my "favorites" and often visited sites.

It was here that I found an up an coming photographer, who will be taking our family's pictures in a few days....for FREE! I was so excited to find her on KSL and be able to get our family pictures done for Christmas. I was kinda stressing about how we would get them done since our "other photographer" has been a bit pre-occupied lately. Besides the fact that finances are TIGHT right now.

Just another way that we have been really looked after these last few months and even though things are tough- we have found ways to make it work. This time a way to get some much needed memories of our family.

Because I am not sure if she would like her name to be known yet, Ill just give the props to KSL I of course will post the pictures when we get them back and then you better believe PROPS will be given.

KSL, I am thankful for you.

Arizona Nat

I got off the phone tonight after an hour and 45 min call with one of my friends...whom I have never actually seen before. And no, I do not mean in a round about way. I mean I have never really set eyes on her. However, tonight was a conversation that I needed to hear.

We spoke about a ton of things, but what struck me most was when our conversation turned to trials. She spoke of her particular trial and that although she had accepted it, she has to continue to accept it sometimes day to day. That stuck me. It made me feel that I was not alone in the trials that I face and yes, as she had said. Even though I "accept" them, it does not mean that I am immune to thier side effects.

So Nat, this post is for you. Yes, we have the Grand Canyon (back) on our Martushev Family Goals for 2010 and I hope this year (not as in the 2 years past...but who's counting?) we will actually make it. I cannot wait to meet you!

Tonight, I am thankful for Natalie.