As I decorate my dining room for Thanksgiving, I am reminded of all the things to be thankful for this year!
As I decorate my dining room for Thanksgiving I fell as though I’m just barely keeping myself afloat. You may, or may not, know that I teach full-time, run a photography business, and write this blog. And I have a four-year-old who likes to play the opposite game with me. You know, I request that she does something, and she promptly does the opposite. I’m pulling my hair out with my little angel on a weekly basis. Love her to pieces, and I wouldn’t change her for the world, but c’mon kid, just get dressed when I ask you to. Let’s make life so much easier for both of us!
My busy fall photography season is finally slowing down now that November is here, and I find that I’m bracing myself for the holiday blogger shenanigans that are about to go down in this house...imagine me decorating like a maniac covered in glitter and ornaments hanging from random places. Plus, there are some (secret for now) but very exciting blog-related things happening behind the scenes that I can’t wait to fill you in on very soon.
Yep. This is officially the craziest, awesome-est, overwhelming-est time I think I’ve ever experienced. I found myself trying to meditate in the car the other day. It was weird. I don’t really know how to meditate, but I’m pretty sure you aren’t supposed to do it in a car. It was simply the only quiet moment of peace I had had all day, and I was taking full advantage.
But you know what? As crazy as my life feels as the moment, I am SO thankful. I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given. I am thankful for the fact that anyone even wants me to take their pictures. I am thankful for my husband who puts up with me without complaint. I am thankful for my healthy, happy (almost 5 year-old) daughter. I am thankful for this blog that continues to be my biggest creative outlet, where I pour my heart and soul, and where I am the very best version of me.
…And, of course, I am thankful for you. I am humbled by the fact that you are here, and I am so thankful that you read what I have to say.
I started this little blog four years ago, and I didn’t know what the heck I was doing or where in the world it would take me. I was bored, lonely in a new town, and ready to pick up my fancy camera and try to make something of this house that we had just moved into. I’m so thankful that I had the courage to hit “publish” for the first time…
I am so thankful that I pretty quickly networked with blogging friends who have helped me navigate this crazy thing called a blog, and who have been a huge support over the years.
I am thankful that I am healthy. I’ve been a type 1 diabetic for 22 years now, and I am so thankful to live a very normal and healthy life. I am also thankful for the health of my family.
Yes, I am very thankful. Amidst the crazy day-to-day activities, the looooong to-do lists, the jam-packed calendar, I am so thankful.
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The very lovely “gather” print was made just for me by Jibe Prints. They have so many beautiful prints that look great with my modern-farmhouse decor. Many of them can be personalized too, which makes them extra special!
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What are you thankful for today?
Debbie says
Thankful for you!❤️ Take some loooong deep breaths!
April Hoff says
Thanks, sweet Debbie! xo
Sandra says
I LOVE your style, April!! Thanks for the creative inspiration!!
April Hoff says
Thank you, Sandra! xo
Sue says
You and your blog are awesome! Love your decorating style and your writings! Keep up the wonderful, hectic things you do!
April Hoff says
Thank you so much, Sue! 🙂
Jill says
I am thankful for my sweet family! Am so proud of my lovely girls, their accomplishments, the life they have created and their work ethic! It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. ❤️
Much love, Mom
April Hoff says
Thank you, Mom! 😉 xo
Ivory says
What a beautiful job. I love everything about it.
April Hoff says
Thank you so much, Ivory! 🙂
Shawnna Griffin says
hey girl love the post! We love you to!
April Hoff says
Thank you, Shawnna! 🙂
Bonnie Black says
I usually don’t respond to posts from Blogs I follow. But your honest and transparent posting, about how hectic life can be and how in the midst of your VERY busy life, you are trying to keep things in perspecitve and are celebrating your blessings. You posted that you started this blog 4 years ago, out of bordom and lonliness-being in a new town. DId you ever imagine that this is what “getting what you wished for” would look like?
And if you are like most talented and creative people, the most creative times tend to be in the midst of the most chaos.
Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving and upcoming Advent season. Thanks for keeping it real and for sharing.
April Hoff says
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Bonnie. It’s funny that you say that, because I was just telling my sister the other night that I’m literally living “what I wished for.” I have wished for a busy photography schedule and what I would call a “successful” blog, and they are all blessings…I did not think it would look or feel like this (like chaos), but it is all a blessing none the less. 🙂