Thankful Thursday

I've always been really thankful for what I have and I do have a lot to be thankful for. Those thankful feelings are magnified around the holidays and I think that it's important to acknowledge what I'm thankful for.

My family- My family is always there for me, no matter what. They are loving, passionate, caring and thoughtful people and I am so blessed to have them in my life. I've always felt lucky to be a part of this family and I know that I always will. I love my family more than anything in the world and couldn't imagine my life without them. I am so thankful to know them and to have had them to teach me about life, the real world, the true meaning of family and myself.

My husband- Kris and I have had a crazy 5 years together (2 years married) and I can't believe that it's been that long. Time has flown by and I couldn't imagine spending my life with anyone else. We have a special bond that I've never felt with anyone else. He makes me feel loved and special. I'm so thankful that we found each other and that we've made the commitment to spend our lives together. I welcome whatever adventures find us in the future.

Kelsey- Kelsey and I have a friendship that is stronger than any friendship I've ever had. Even though she moved away, she is still my closest friend and our friendship is stronger than ever. She always finds a way to push me out of my comfort zone and makes me feel better about myself. I'm a better person for knowing her and she's absolutely irreplaceable in my life.

This is only a small glimpse into what I'm thankful for. I'm saving the rest for upcoming posts! Until then, happy Thankful Thursday!

What are you thankful for?

-Chelsea

Austria

I don't know about you guys but for me, the holidays are a time for reflection. I think about what's important to me and what I really want out of life. As I've gotten older, I've realized that life isn't about material things and that things I want can't be bought.

I lost my grandmother this past January. We were extremely close and I miss her dearly every single day. Christmas was her favorite time of year and Christmas Eve was, by far, her absolute favorite day of the year. No competition. This time of year is very special to my family, especially now that Grandma is gone. It's been the hardest holiday season of my life because everything reminds me of her and because it is my first Christmas without her. She's been on my mind constantly, as well as the many wonderful memories that we shared together.

The most important thing to her was family and that was something that she transferred to everyone that she knew. I always wanted to be like her and I still do. I know that I always will. She and I had so many wonderful memories together. One of my favorite memories is us watching The Sound of Music together over and over. I spent many weekends at her house and I'd always ask her to play that movie. It was our favorite. While we'd watch it, we'd talk about how beautiful Austria was and how much we'd both like to go. Austria was the one place in the world that she wanted to travel to and she never got the chance. I can't think of The Sound of Music or Austria without thinking about my grandmother and the trip we both would've loved to take. There aren't any words that can describe how much I wish that she could've taken that trip before she passed away.

So when I reflect on what I want out of life, I know one thing is for sure: the one thing that I want most is to go to Austria. I don't know if I'll ever get there but I do know that I'll do everything in my power to try to make it happen.

I miss and love my grandmother and I hope that one day, I can make that dream of going to Austria come true. Although the one thing that I want most can't be wrapped in ribbons or bows, if I ever get it, it'll be the greatest gift that I could possibly ever receive.

I hope that you all get everything you ever dreamed of.

-Chelsea

My Favorite Shows On Netflix

If you're anything like me, you absolutely love Netflix! I'm addicted to many of its shows and have spent quite a lot of quality time with it! Last winter when Kris and I were snowed in for days, we used the time to catch up on our shows! Also, after a long day of work and school, it's nice to unwind with some of our favorite shows!

I'm a little late getting on the bandwagon for a lot of these shows but that doesn't stop me from enjoying them as much as I can! I've found a lot of great shows by reading other peoples' blogs for recommendations. I've got tons of shows on my list that I can't wait to get to once I finish the ones that I'm watching now!

Although you're probably either watching or have watched these shows, I thought I'd recommend my favorites in case you haven't!

These shows are listed in no particular order.

Shows I've Finished:

Merlin- Seriously, go watch it. My friend recommended it to me years ago and I never watched it. Once I got through it on Netflix I couldn't believe that I'd blown it off for so long. It's so different from anything that I'd ever watched before. It was refreshing, dramatic, emotional and full of adventure!

Gilmore Girls- I wasn't thrilled with the last season of it but for the most part, I really enjoyed it! The relationship between Rory and Lorelei reminded me a lot of my relationship with my mother.

Heartland- I'd never heard of this show until a few months ago and once I found it, I binged-watched it! Only the first 6 seasons of the show are on Netflix and I can't wait until the rest of it is added!

Cheers- This show is a classic. It needs no description!

Parenthood- There are not enough words to describe how much I love this show! I've never cried so much while watching a show until this one came around! A lot of the characters reminded of people in my own family!

One Tree Hill- This show will forever be one of my favorites! I watched it because Chad Michael Murray was in it but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did! If you're into basketball, drama and love triangles, this show is for you!

Scandal- If you're not watching this show, why not? You need Olivia Pope in your life!

White Collar- I watched this show on a whim one day and it quickly became a favorite! Neal Caffrey will steal your heart and will always keep you wondering which side he's on!

Grey's Anatomy- I stopped watching this show season 12 but I love all of the previous seasons that are on Netflix now!

Last Man Standing- I'm a huge Tim Allen fan, so watching this show was a give-in. This show is always good for a laugh and always puts me in a good mood!

The Dick Van Dyke Show- I've always been a huge fan of Dick Van Dyke, so I had to check out this classic show! I absolutely loved it and all of the characters! It was funny, sweet, wholesome and adorable! I believe that it's being taken off Netflix but you should definitely try to watch it some other way!

Shows I'm Watching Now And Haven't Finished:

Bones- I'm on season 8 right now and I can't wait to catch up! The show is on season 11 right now and I can't imagine how they're going to keep this show going! But I can't wait to find out! This show takes an unlikely pair and puts them together to solve murders. It's funny, heart-wrenching, dramatic and surprising. My husband and I absolutely love to watch this show together!

Friday Night Lights- I have always been a huge football fan, so when I found a drama that was centered around football, I quickly added it to my list! I'm so glad that I did! Although the show deals with a lot of football, you don't have to be a football fan to watch it as there are a lot of different facets to the show. The characters are lovable and memorable and there is something for everyone!

Scrubs- Kris and I watch this show when we need to wind down and watch something that'll put a smile on our faces. This show is light-hearted and fun with just enough reality to make it well-rounded.

Everybody Loves Raymond- We love this show for the same reason that we love Scrubs. What's not to love about a show with busy-body parents that live across the street from their son?

I hope that if you haven't watched any of these shows that you'll check them out and like them as much as I do! If you have any recommendations, please feel free to leave a comment!

-Chelsea