Give Extra Thanks

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There is no better feeling in the world than knowing that someone out there truly cares for you, no matter what happens to you, no matter what you do. Lucky for Baby K, Tolar and I we have a lot of someones like that on all sides of our family; we are blessed with lots of people who give extra. When Tolar first lost his job back in March, my Mom barely took a breath after I told her what was going on before she said "well, if you sell your house quickly you can come live with us." That woman must hear from God, because we sold our house in 11 days and as you already know, off to Dublin, VA we went to move in with my parents.

We lived with my parents for four months and I cannot even begin to tell you what a blessing that was and will continue to be to us. As I've said on here before, our stuff was everywhere and my parents didn't mind one bit. We took two very full households and combined them into one and my parents didn't get stressed out at all (I can't say the same would hold true for me if the situation was reversed - just adding to the amazingness that is my parents). We invaded their space, took control of the tv remote, probably took their seat on the couch one too many times and never once were we made to feel like we had outworn our welcome. My parents bought groceries, paid the bills even though I know the energy bill increased, cooked for us, took care of Baby K whenever we needed and welcomed us into their home with the most loving open arms imaginable. When we were at our lowest, they stepped in and helped out, doing what parents do - making things all better, no matter what age the children are. I will spend my entire life wondering what I did to deserve such giving parents, those that give extra, above and beyond.

Since we are now in November, a month where we remember to be thankful, I can't think of a more perfect month than to thank my parents for opening up their home to their 32 year old daughter and her family. I hit the parent jackpot, that's for sure.

To thank my parents, Tolar and I made them a little gift basket. Full of some of their favorite snacks and perhaps a couple snacks that we might have eaten too many of while we stayed at their house (sorry about that Mom - those crackers are just too good!). Since my parents seemed to be operating under the theme of give extra, I want to make sure they get Extra too. And to do that, I included none other than Extra Gum. This is a brand of gum I have loved my entire life. The Classic Bubble flavor has always been my favorite so I made sure to include some in the gift basket for my folks. #ExtraGumMoments

Gift baskets are so fun to me. Sometimes in a gift basket you find things that you might not normally buy for yourself. Like a zippered pouch that is actually a reusable bag. Or a tiny little pot of lip balm. Or a silver marker that is just too fun to pass up. Or tons of Extra Gum - ok, well maybe you would buy that for yourself, but come on it's too good not to be included.

Mom and Dad, I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done my entire life and for giving of yourself during this tough time. You have molded me and shaped me and I hope I make you proud. You both sure make me proud. I can only hope that I am as good of a parent to Baby K as you are to me. Thanks for loving us, all of us - the good, the bad and the ugly. I hope you enjoy your gift basket and Extra Gum!