A month of gratitude...

November 20th - 

Today I am thankful that this wasn't much, much worse... and other than my pretty stiff and sore neck, the three of us girls walked away from a scary situation totally okay. 

A month of gratitude...

November 16th -

I am thankful for lazy afternoons with my girls. They are few and far between these days, so we take full advantage when one comes around.

A month of gratitude...

November 15th -

Today I am thankful for Wednesday morning time with Mandy... this week was pancake morning at her place!

A month of gratitude...

November 13th - 

This group of crazies... I like them a lot and am sure blessed to call them family.

A month of gratitude...

November 11th -

Today I am thankful for all of the men and women who have served in the many branches of the our country's armed forces. Thank you for defending, protecting and serving us all at your own personal expense.

A month of gratitude...

November 10th -

Today I am thankful for my brother, and the fact that he found a pretty great person who agreed to marry him. We like her too... a lot!

A month of gratitude...

November 9th -

Today I am thankful for my circle of friends. It stretches far and wide, so I dare not try to list individual people here because I would likely forget a few. I am thankful for those in my life who are close and who I see regularly. You keep me grounded and sane. I am thankful for those who are further away and for the deep and meaningful time we get together as often as we can. We can pick up where we left off and never skip a beat. I am thankful for old friends and new... even the ones who have drifted out of my life for they are part of my story too.

If you are in my circle - and I sure hope you know who you are - I am thankful for you. I am thankful for the coffee dates, the play dates, and the girls' nights out. I am thankful for the time face-to-face, the phone calls and the text messages. I am thankful for your truth and your generosity in so many areas in my life.

When I stop to think about my circle and all who are within it, I am reminded that I am blessed. Truly, truly blessed.

A month of gratitude...

November 8th -

Today I am thankful for my parents. They are fun. They are supportive. They love my family.

As I spend day-in and day-out with my girlies (who evidently are a lot like me), I am just barely starting to understand how difficult the last thirty some years have been on you guys... Thank you for investing in me, putting up with me, and leading me by example. I love you both very much.

A month of gratitude...

November 7th -

Today I am thankful that the election season is over and we have 3 1/2 years before we once again have to witness two people ripping each others lives apart. Seriously though, I am thankful that we live in a free country and are given the opportunity to vote (even if the choices aren't always good).

A month of gratitude...

November 6th -

Today I am extra thankful for Gary and Margaret - who are so generous to my little family - and available and willing to help us at the drop of a hat. Thank you so much for all you have done for us in the past, and especially for stepping in to do my "job" today as I head off to jury duty.

A month of gratitude...

November 5th -

Today I am thankful for Monday mornings... Claire and I get to hang out in our jammies, eat a leisurely breakfast while sitting at the table, and knock stuff off our to-do list. Most importantly we get a morning at home... a rarity in our busy lives that we very much appreciate.

**Today is extra special because I have both girls home! (After being sick yesterday, we are just making sure we are 100% germ free before sending Grace back to her classroom.)

A month of gratitude...

November 4th -

Today I am thankful for Clairita. Holy Cow this kid is nuts. I am very much enjoying my mornings with some one-on-one time with her. She is funny and quirky and keeps us on our toes. We are thankful every day that God healed her and that she has remained healthy.

A month of gratitude...

November 3rd -

Today I am thankful for my Gracie-girl. Watching her is like staring into a mirror and seeing my former self. She might look more like Merrick, but she is so much me in every other way. She has her struggles, and we do butt heads, but when she is good she is sweeter than honey. She has a big heart, is empathetic, and loves taking care of people around her. I'm just plain crazy about this girl.

A month of gratitude...

November 2nd -

Today I am thankful for Merrick - for following God, for leading our family, for loving me and the girls no matter what. I couldn't have asked for a better partner for this wild and crazy journey. I love you, buddy.

A month of gratitude...

November 1st -

Today I am thankful for my God - who sent His one and only son, Jesus, to this earth so that he could die for my sins. I mean really, what deserves more thanks than that?