Being Thankful from A-Z + A Giveaway

The idea of telling people what you are thankful for has become popular around the blog world.  In today's world I feel it is important to shout out these thankful statements as you just never know which way your life will turn.

If you are a committed reader, I just may have a giveaway at the end.

Here are my thoughts from A-Z.

A: I'm thankful for my name, Ally.  It's not too common, so I rarely run into anyone with the same name.  In fact, my real name is Allysa.  Somehow Ally stuck as a child, and we never went back.

B: Bread.  Need I say more?  So many people are afraid to eat bread and it annoys me.  Yes, it's all carbs, but it's delicious.  Just eat in moderation.  In fact, I have a recipe coming up about this bread.

C: Cars.  Without my car, I wouldn't be able to get to and from work, and I wouldn't be able to haul the kiddos around to the library, park, store, etc.  And this car needs to hold out for a couple more years...then it's on to the minivan.

D:  Dogs.  We have two.  Yesterday, I wouldn't have even mentioned our dogs, as when I came home our black lab had had explosive diarrhea all over the house.  I was ready to set him on the curb.  But, then I felt bad because he was sick and looked so pitiful.

E:  Eggs.  Farm fresh eggs to be exact.  They are so buttery and delicious.  I think we have eggs at least once a week for dinner.

F: Flowers.  I'm not a green thumb.  But I do enjoy a bouquet of flowers that I didn't have to pick or put together.  Hence, this bundle that I brought home from work.

G: Girlfriends.  There is a group of 5 of us that have been together since early elementary school.  We've been through everything together - deaths, break-ups, births and weddings.  We are FINALLY marrying off the last one in October.

H: Hot sauce.  Found this at Target yesterday and cannot wait to try on some grilled chicken.  The hotter the better in my opinion.

I: iPads.  Someday I'll get one.  Someday.

J: Jobs.  I love my job.  I work three days a week, and I like to say 4 days a week at home being a stay-at-home mom.  It is the perfect split.  Not to mention my husband's job, without his we'd be living on the street. I know many in the country aren't as lucky as us.

K: Kids.  My kids.  They are perfect.  Doesn't every mom say that?  We have been blessed with two that are keepers.  Maybe someday we'll be blessed with a third (but not anytime soon!).

L: Laughter.  I love to laugh.  Sometimes in tense and serious situations I laugh.  I can't help it.

M: My mom.  She's great.  Her and my dad watched the kids for 4 days this past week because we needed help.  I can't thank them enough.

N: Nacho Taco Pizza.  A knock-off the famous taco pizza around these parts.  I would eat it everyday if I could.

O: Oceans.  I live smack dab in the center of the country, but can appreciate their beauty.  Wish I had a house in the Hamptons.

P: Penmanship.  I was blessed with nice hand writing and lets face it, some people aren't.  Why can't they take the time to write a little better?  I'll never know.

Q: Quirks.  I've got a lot of them.  I'm fearful of ever being late.  I prefer sleeping on the left side of our bed. I cannot relax until all toys are picked up when the kids go down for a nap or bedtime.  I loathe water chestnuts.  These quirks, just make me, well me.

R:  Reading.  I was fortunate to grow up in a house were reading was a part of our lives.  Each one of us kids to this day is always reading.  Both of my parents read.  It is just what we do.  And now I love that both of our kids love reading looking at books.  It makes this mama proud.

S: Sleep.  I try and get 8 hours a night.  And if I don't I try and catch a cat nap if I'm at home and the kids are napping.  It gives me a ton of more energy.

T: Terrible Twos.  I know, I'm thankful for this?  Well, I am.  It gives me a chance to work with my kids and let them know that the world will not end if their sibling stole their toy.  10 seconds later?  They're fine.

U: Underwear.  Enough said.

V: Victories.  I'm fiercely competitive.  I love any board game, sport or challenge.

W: Wine.  Especially, this White Wine Sangria.  One of my favorites.

X: Xylophones.  Just kidding.  I had no idea what to put for X.

Z: Zoos.  Both of our kids, especially the Little Miss are fascinated with animals.  Thankfully there is a nice zoo about an hour away from us.  It is on the list of things to do this summer.

So, you made it through my list.  Just for reading through this, I have a small giveaway.  Another fun find at Target yesterday!

Want to win it?  

Four separate ways to win - each being a separate entry.  Go!

• Tell me what you are thankful for.
• Like me on Facebook.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Follow me on Pinterest.

Open to U.S. residents only please.  I'll pick a random winner on Tuesday, June 17th!