The Thankful Post

Oooh here you are post that saved instead of posting and doesn't have any pictures! Wonderful to see you. Good to know I'm still thankful for all things below...

A few things I'm feeling especially grateful and thankful for this year...
-Becoming a wife. Our quick decision to get married before he left for basic training may not have been how I originally thought it would happen, but whenever has life gone how I planned? (Hint: never!) Marriage isn't easy, but its wonderful. Don't tell him I said that.
-My new family. Josh has given me a mother in law, a sister, a brother, and an aunt. They've gone out of their way to make me feel loved.
- Allison moving home. I've known her my whole entire life. She takes care of me and is number one whenever I have an emergency. I look to her for advice, guidance, and for the best home made meals. Seriously. She can cook. *Bonus that she gave me Paighton, who I love dearly **Double bonus. We will be welcoming a little man this spring. I can't wait to meet him!
-Elyse. Not only is she the smartest and most hilarious young lady I know, this girl finishes collage and joins the peace corps. She left in October to spend the next 2 1/2 years in Ghana. Her big heart amazes me. Learning about life in Africa really puts all of my silly problem into perspective, and makes me thankful for little things.
-My mom. She is kind, silly, and oh so wonderful. I'm so lucky to have a friendship with her and even more so that I can call her mom. Plus watching her dance is hilarious, she's good for that, too.
-H&M. I've babysat these two for just over 5 years. Forever. The other night M asked me if I had any kids (a question he has asked me since being able to ask questions) I told him no, of course he knows I do not. He thought a moment and say "Yeah kinda, Ash. You kinda got kids because you got us." And I died from the adorableness.
-xo

Christmakindlmarkt

Last night after Paighton's indoor soccer game and dinner, we made our way over to Germania.
Allison wanted to go to Chrismakindlmarkt, and I had no idea what she was talking about, but a craft fair with food? I'm game.

Here is a crappy phone picture of inside. There were German toys, cuckoo-clocks, ornaments, lace table cloths, and the most adorable nut crackers I've ever seen. The large one that looked like the rat king made my heart melt. But he was too expensive. I'll be wishing I would have gotten him anyway.

Sigh.

Paighton and I had hot chocolates. Even though the area was covered with heaters, I was still freezing. As aways. Allison and I grabbed some pastries to go. HUGE cream puffs and also an apple strudel that I meant to share with Josh, but I forgot when I snuck a bite this morning after breakfast, then ending up finishing the whole thing. Whoops.

Not sure why I had never been to Germania before, probably because I'm always (always) working (ugh!), but I'm glad we did.

Can't wait to go to more Christmas fairs with my BFF!