Sunday, December 31, 2017

New Year's Eve.

December 31, 2017
Day 452

     Today was lovely. It was Phia's birthday. It was New Year's Eve. We spent time with family. We ate delicious food. We watched movies. We played games. We laughed. We celebrated Phia. It was a jolly good day. It was a merry New Year's Eve.

     Thankful.

Saturday, December 30, 2017

We rocked, and I sang.

December 30, 2017
Day 451

     Thankful for the cold air. Thankful for my warm and cuddly family. Thankful for warm blankets and humongous teddy bears. Thankful for time to lay in bed and watch Dr. Quinn. Thankful for Matt. He loves me. Thankful for two more days at home with my loves. Thankful for the end of a good year, and the anticipation that comes with another year beginning. Thankful for all the good things in my life that I have even though I don't deserve them. Thankful for being able to rock Tobin to sleep tonight. We cuddled under a blanket, we rocked, and I sang. Thankful for a special breakfast this morning for Sophia. Her birthday is tomorrow. Thankful for time with my sister and her family. Thankful for a good Saturday.

Friday, December 29, 2017

There was...

December 29, 2017
Day 450

There was tickling and wrestling today.

There was cuddling on the couch.

There were hugs and kisses and warm smiles.

There was time spent outside.

There were cookies.

There was a visit with family.

There was the blue sky, the warm sun, and cold, cold air.

There are three more days at home for Christmas break.

Thankful.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Good, good Thursday.

December 28, 2017
Day 449

     This was a good Thursday. Matt and Tobin went to see the new Star Wars movie. Adelyn and I stayed home and watched a movie in bed and ate popcorn and ice cream. It has been so cold out and so warm and cozy in our home. We've been doing some organizing. We've been cuddling on the couch. It has been a good, good Thursday. And I am thankful I had it to enjoy.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

A full Wednesday.

December 27, 2017
Day 448

     Today was a good Wednesday. We visited family. We had good food and spent time laughing and watching eleven run around. It's cold outside, but it's warm in our home. Thankful for a great day with family. Thankful for good food and treats. Thankful for time to relax in bed and read. Thankful for mint chocolate chip ice cream. Thankful for my grandparents. Thankful for a full Wednesday.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

December 26th.

December 26, 2017
Day 447

     Today was relaxing. We organized toys and cleaned things up a bit. We watched a Christmas movie. We were lazy. It's good to be lazy a bit here and there. I went out for my friend's 50 birthday party. She's such a lovely, sweet person. It was an honor to be at her party!

     Thankful for the health of my family. Thankful for good days at home. Thankful for the ability to hug and kiss my loved ones whenever I want. Thankful for birthday parties. Thankful for lazy days. Thankful that God gives me good things even though I don't deserve it. Thankful for December 26th.

Monday, December 25, 2017

Christmas.

December 25, 2017
Day 446

     Today was the best! It was merry, jolly, cheery, and joyful. It was filled with huge smiles, hugs, and happy cuddles. It was filled with the best family and the most delicious food. It was so so so good. And I am undeserving of such goodness.

     Thankful for the sweetest presents. Thankful for the look on a person's face when they open THE gift. Thankful for Christmas.
 
   

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Christmas Eve.

December 24, 2017
Day 445

It was a very peaceful Christmas Eve.

I baked cookies.

We watched movies.

I made a big pot of vegetable soup.

We relaxed.

We laughed.

We visited Matt's family.

We had a lovely meal. And lovely desserts.

Matt and I just put our presents under the tree. It looks amazing.

I can't wait for tomorrow morning.

Thankful.


Saturday, December 23, 2017

The eve of Christmas Eve.

December 23, 2017
Day 444

     Today was wonderful. I shopped in the morning for some groceries. I baked cookies. Matt and I cleaned the house. The kids watched movies and played. We danced. We listened to music. I watched the rain. I listened to the rain. I smelled the rain. We cuddled with Higbee. Matt and I wrapped gifts together. It was relaxing and wonderful and cozy.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Lamby.

December 22, 2017
Day 443

We saw Santa today! It was a merry time. My parents came to watch the kids visit Santa. It was a sweet time.

Tobin got a haircut today and he looks so sweet. I don't think I've ever seen a cuter new haircut face than Tobin's. He asked me if his new hair cut would still be there after I washed his hair during his bath tonight.

Adelyn looked grown up and beautiful in her picture with Santa. Grown up and beautiful and little at the same time because she brought her favorite stuffed animal with her. Lamby. Lamby goes everywhere these days.

I strung up some colored Christmas lights around our house today. I don't know why, but Christmas lights tacked up on the walls makes me happy. I think it looks beautiful.

I get to sleep next to my love every night.

I get to kiss two amazing babies goodnight every evening.

I get to cuddle a wild coyote named, Higbee.

I get to be at home the next nine days.

I'm going to wrap presents tomorrow.

I'm thankful that God gives me good things even though I don't deserve them.

Thankful. 





Thursday, December 21, 2017

We drove away.

December 21, 2017
Day 442

     Today was awesome! I got to drive away from work for a whole ten days. Patty, Casey, and Adelyn got into our vehicle, and we turned the music all the way up, and we danced, and we sang at the top of our lungs, and we drove.

     I didn't have to set my alarms.

     I didn't have to make lunches.

     I didn't have to have clothes picked out.

     It was good.

     Thankful.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Yule Log.

December 20, 2017
Day 441

Tomorrow is the last day before Christmas break.

On Friday, Patty and I are going to take the kids to see Santa.

Also on Friday, I'm going to watch Christmas movies and bake cookies all day.

Matt likes to fall asleep with his hand on my arm or my head. I love that he loves me so madly.

Patty got me some things I needed from the store.

Odette visited my classroom today. My students went nuts over her. Who wouldn't?

I'm excited for our class Christmas party!

There is something called Yule Log. It is fudge and icing and cake all rolled into a log. It exists and it's delicious. Matt's mom got us one. She might be a dessert genius.

Matt is off tomorrow and it makes me happy knowing he will be home and resting.

Adelyn and Tobin are so excited for Christmas.

Phia and Casey wanted to come home with me today and it makes me happy they love me so much.

Thankful.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Too many.

December 19, 2017
Day 440

     Thankful for only two days of work left before Christmas break. Thankful for the way Tobin hugs and kisses me before bedtime. Thankful for reading time with Adelyn. Thankful for reading time with Tobin. Thankful for the bed Adelyn made on her floor for her animals. Thankful for Christmas coming soon. Thankful for bedtime before 9. Thankful for the way Higbee cries when we come home. Thankful for the way Matt needs me. Thankful for his hugs. Thankful for Phia, Casey, and Odette. Thankful for my parents. Thankful for Sue, Steph, and Mario. Thankful for a good Tuesday. Thankful for too many things to be thankful for.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Best Sound of All.

December 18, 2017
Day 439

     Today is the last Monday before Christmas break. I only have two more days to teach, then we have our Christmas party, and then I'm off for Christmas break.

     Even though I was horrible and yelled at my kids this morning, they forgave me and gave me hugs.

     I love reading to my kids before bed. It is so good to cuddle with them and be still and quiet. There is no sound except the sound of words being read. It's one of the best sounds of all.

     I have plans to go into work early tomorrow morning. I'm excited to get some things done.

     I have a giant mug of tea and honey by my side and The Office is on.

     Thankful.

   

Sunday, December 17, 2017

My love.

December 17, 2017
Day 438

     Today was lovely. Matt and I went Christmas shopping together. Matt's mom watched our kids for us so we could go. It was so so so good to be with my love for the day. He's been so sick for the past few weeks, and he's finally starting to come around. It was so wonderful to talk with him and laugh with him and spend my day walking hand in hand with him. My husband is the sweetest man. He loves me with everything in him. I am blessed to call him mine.
 
     Thankful for my love. Thankful for Matt's mom. She has so blessed us beyond measure this weekend. Thankful for carts full of Christmas presents. Thankful for the last week of school before Christmas break. I'm so ready.

Today was wonderful.

December 16, 2017
Day 437

     Today was wonderful. Matt's mom took me out and bought me a new coat. I was blown away by her generosity today. It's a beautiful coat, and I haven't had a new coat in so many years.
   
     Then, because we hadn't yet decorated for Christmas, she suggested we have a Christmas decorating party. And she literally made a party for us. She went out and bought all kinds of good food and treats, and brought them over to our house. We put on Christmas music, and it was a jolly and merry party. Matt's mom is very good at taking care of people. She makes them feel loved and looked after. Our house looks so festive now. I am so thankful for Matt's mom.

     We also went to a Christmas party at Patty's mother in law's house. It was really nice to visit and talk with the best friends and family. Best friends and family and food and wine always makes for a good time.

     Today was good. And I am so thankful. I didn't deserve this good day. But I was gifted it anyways. God is good to me.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Wonders.

December 15, 2017
Day 436

     Thankful for undeserved mercy and grace. Thankful for wonders of God's love. Thankful for the weekend. Thankful for dinner with my favorite ladies. Thankful for good food. Thankful for my mom. Thankful for Matt's mom. Thankful for my two sweet babes. Thankful that they are sweet and innocent and excited for Christmas. Thankful for Christmas break coming soon. Thankful for the cold, cold weather. Thankful for Higbee's sweet face.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Thursday.

December 14, 2017
Day 435

     Thursdays make me happy, and this Thursday started off with a breathtaking sunrise. I love the look of sunrise light on bare trees. Thankful for the cold air. And recess. Thankful, so, so, so thankful for Friday. I literally cannot wait to relax and catch up on sleep and relaxation. Thankful for my warm home. Thankful for time to sleep.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The shortest blog post ever.

December 13, 2017
Day 434

     Thankful that tomorrow is Thursday. Thankful for time to sleep.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

My sick husband comforted me.

December 12, 2017
Day 433

     I am so thankful tonight for warm clothes and good walls around me and my family. Thankful for good, warm food to eat. Thankful for the way the clouds look when it's very cold and windy outside. Thankful for family. Thankful for a sweet Christmas program at school. Tobin and Phia had their Christmas program tonight, and they looked like precious angels. Thankful for delicious homemade chicken noodle soup and biscuits. Thankful for warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Thankful that tomorrow is Wednesday. I'm ready, so ready, for the weekend. Thankful for time to lay in bed and watch a show and drink tea. I am thankful for my husband. Here's why I'm thankful for him on this day:

     He's pretty sick right now, and he has been for a few weeks. Today, I got scared and worried about his illness. I came home and talked with him and started crying. And my husband, who is sick, held me and comforted me while I was crying. To be quite honest, I've been annoyed with his illness up until today. I'm not proud to say that.

     He is amazing. And I am completely undeserving of his unconditional love.


     Thankful.
   

Monday, December 11, 2017

Six Short Sentences.

December 11, 2017
Day 432

     Thankful for Christmas programs at school. Thankful for Adelyn and Casey dressed up in cute clothes. Thankful for family. For wacky cake. For Patty who does the best job ever at hair and make up. Thankful for the end of this day.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Talk about Santa.

December 10, 2017
Day 431

     Thankful for: 

a good morning at church. 
ice cream play dates for 2nd grade girls. And Tobin. 
chocolate ice cream stained mouths. 
snow. 
the cold, cold air. Whenever I need to breathe good and deep, I just step outside. 
this is the last busy week of school. 
my parents brought over a delicious meal tonight.
we all cuddled on the couch together and watched Beauty and the Beast. 
Matt got medication. I'm thankful he doesn't have to go on suffering through this illness. 
my mom gave me some new face creme to try out. She's always thinking of us. 
my extra large mug of tea with honey. 
another new and fresh week of school. 
funny shows to watch. 
phone calls with Jason. 
tall tales about Santa. Tobin has lots of them. 
talk about Santa. I love the magic of Christmas. 
painted nails. I never paint my nails, but when I do, I'm always happy I did. 
pale pink is the best nail color. Fact.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Milkshakes.

December 9, 2017
Day 430

     Thankful for the end of this busy day. Thankful for time to sleep. Thankful for milkshakes. Sometimes a person needs ice cream in liquid form so as to consume it more quickly. Thankful for the beautiful snow. It looked lovely today. Thankful for camp outs in the living room after playing in the snow complete with big tins of popcorn with multiple varieties. Thankful for another day at home with my loves.

Friday, December 8, 2017

Friday Night.

November 8, 2017
Day 429

     I am so thankful for Friday night. I am thankful for a weekend to look forward to. I'm excited to decorate for Christmas this weekend. I'm also excited to get out things out of storage. We're moving back into our house. For the time being. Not that we were ever moved out, but we cleared a bunch of things out for staging. I'm excited to sleep tonight. I'm tired. Thankful for the best work place with the best co-workers. I love where I work.

     Thankful.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Good things are coming.

December 7, 2017
Day 428

It was a good Thursday.
I'm happy that tomorrow is Friday.
I'm excited for Saturday and Sunday.
I'm excited to decorate for Christmas.
I'm glad it's so cold out.
Higbee makes me feel so loved when I come home.
Tobin gives the best hugs.
Adelyn gives the best cuddles.
I love phone calls with my mom.
Patty gave me a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie today.
Good things are coming. I can feel it.

Thankful.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Eskimo baby.

December 6, 2017
Day 427

     The best part of this day was laying in bed with my babies and reading books cuddled under the blankets. Thankful for books and blankets and time to read.

     Thankful for baby Odette bundled up like an Eskimo today. She makes my day every time I see her.

     Thankful for chats with my sister. Thankful that she packed me a lunch today. It was delicious.

     Thankful for time to sleep.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

It will be a new day.

December 5, 2017
Day 426

     Thankful for quiet nights at home after busy and challenging days at school. Thankful for dishes to wash because it means I have food to cook. Thankful for beds to sleep in. Thankful for clothes all over my floor that need to be folded because it means my family has clothes to wear and we have the ability to wash them. Thankful for time spent with my cousin tonight. It was good to go out and just talk and laugh with her. It's always good to be with her.

     Thankful for the end of this day, and the hope and possibilities of tomorrow. It will be a new day. And God has good things planned.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Reset button.

December 4, 2017
Day 425

     I am thankful for the end of this day. It was long and tiring, and I was irritated and grumpy. I felt like a gruffalo today. So tonight, I am thankful for bedtime and shows and tea with honey and apples with almond butter. I am thankful for blankets and pillows and time to sleep. I am thankful that this sleep will hit the reset button. I am thankful that tomorrow will be new and fresh and good.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Sundays.

December 3, 2017
Day 424

Thankful for church on Sunday mornings.
Thankful for family dinners on Sundays.
Thankful for cold air.
Thankful for walks with Higbee.
Thankful for Christmas treats from Trader Joe's.
Thankful for time to lay in bed and watch TV.
Thankful for kisses goodnight from my babies.
Thankful for a new week coming up.


Saturday, December 2, 2017

A good Saturday.

December 2, 2017
Day 423

Thankful for a very lazy day. We stayed inside. We relaxed. We watched movies. We went to bed early. I love relaxing Saturdays.

Thankful for a good friend who met me for coffee today.

Thankful for the feeling that our home is really our home again. We took it off the market after many months of showings and cleanings and making our house feel very sterile and unlived in.

Thankful for cups of tea with honey.

Thankful for phone calls with my mom.

It was a good Saturday and I'm thankful.

Friday, December 1, 2017

3.

December 1, 2017
Day 422

Thankful for nights out with two of my favorite girls.

Thankful for margaritas and chips and salsa.

Thankful I don't have to set my alarm for morning.

Thankful.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Apples and peanut butter.

November 30, 2017
Day 421

     Thankful for a good Thursday. Thankful that tomorrow is Friday. And the weekend is coming. Thankful for Christmas music. For hot tea with honey. For apples and peanut butter. Thankful that Higbee is feeling better. Thankful for bedtime.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Because this love exists...

November 29, 2017
Day 420

     Thankful for the peaceful still and quiet of night. Thankful for sharp, cool air to breathe in. Thankful that when Higbee and I go out at night to walk, there are no other people. Just him and me and the stars. When it's still out, I realize how much noise he makes when he's sniffing at spots on the ground.

     Thankful for hugs that I don't deserve. Thankful for this home and this life that I don't deserve. When I think about it...when I really think on things, I don't deserve any good thing. Not one of us does. But good things are given anyways because there is grace. There is mercy. There is compassion. There is a love so deep and so high and so far and so wide that exists. And because this love exists, there are good things.

     I start to think about the good things when there are too many sad things trying to crowd out the lovely and the admirable. When there are no answers, I turn to this:

     There is good. There is love. There is grace. There is mercy. There are things lovely. There are things admirable. There are miracles. There are wonders to behold.

     I am thankful.
   

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Thankful for:

November 28, 2017
Day 419

Thankful for:

Dinners of tea and toast.

Hot tea with honey.

A sleeping, peaceful Higbee. He has terrible skin allergies and was miserable for days. We went to the vet and got him all fixed up. He's been sleeping since we got home and it's so nice to see him resting comfortably.

My sister. She's the greatest. She helps me with anything I need.

Texts from people I love.

Calls from people I love.

Dates to look forward to.

My bed.

My sweet babes. They are so beautiful and sweet and wonderful.

Tomorrow is Wednesday.

Bedtime.

Monday, November 27, 2017

The steady and constant glow.

November 27, 2017
Day 418

     Why is it that this time of year comes so quickly? It's a whirlwind while it's here, and then it's over. Is it the anticipation? The to-do list? The flashing lights and the insatiable desire to trim the tree and set the house up just so?

     My dad always hated flashing Christmas lights. I never agreed with him until recently, and now I despise them. He thinks they make Christmas seem commercialized, and I think he's right. Christmas isn't about flashing lights. The first Christmas boasted the steady and constant glow of a star.

     My hope for this Christmas is that I would ignore the flashing lights and the urge to set the house up just so. My hope is that I would let this Christmas burn bright and slow and steady and constant. Like the star over Bethlehem on the very first Christmas. I don't want to feel overwhelmed with things to do this season. I want to feel overwhelmed with joy and gratitude because Christmas means I can feel the thrill of hope.

     I'm looking forward to the steady glow of this season.
     I'm thankful for moments of clarity.
     I'm thankful for the gift of Christmas.

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Sunday spent outside.

November 26, 2017
Day 417

     It was a good Sunday. We went to my parent's house and spent the day outside. It is always good to spend an entire day outside. It doesn't happen as often as it should. But when it does, I feel refreshed and invigorated. The sky was electric blue. The leaves were a burnt orange and brown color. We had leftovers. We looked at my dad's rock collection. He has a bunch of really beautiful stones that he polished himself. We spent a long time looking at them. I went grocery shopping with my dad. It was a great Thanksgiving break. I'm sad it's over, but now we have Christmas to look forward to. Looking forward to a new week.

     Thankful.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

My robes are white.

November 25, 2017
Day 416

We have each other.

We have our babies.

We have our families.

We have a home with sturdy walls.

We have food to eat.

We have clothes to wear.

We have a funny dog.

We have two working vehicles.

We have books to read.

We have luxuries like tea to drink, and cookies for dessert.

We have good jobs.

We have things to decorate with for Christmas.

We have places to get a hot shower.

We have a comfortable bed and warm blankets.

We have a nice television in our room.

We have love.

These things seem so elementary, but we are blessed. We are so blessed in fact that our everyday blessings seem more like things we've earned instead things that we've been gifted. I'm here to say this: I know I couldn't have done anything good enough to deserve Adelyn and Tobin and this sweet life we share together. I know Adelyn and Tobin were gifted to me. As were all my countless blessings. They were gifted to me by a God who doesn't see me as I should be seen.

My robes are white.

Thankful.

Friday, November 24, 2017

Friday night fire pit.

November 24, 2017
Day 415

     Thankful for the most relaxing Friday ever. We spent the day with family. We ate good food. We talked. We laughed. And we ended our day by the fire pit. I love watching the embers glow and burn. It was cold out but warm by the heat of the fire. The kids like to ride bikes at night and then come warm up by the fire. Thankful for the best Friday! Thankful for two more days off with my loves. This Thanksgiving break has been glorious.

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Thanksgiving.

November 23, 2017
Day 414

     Today was great. We spent the day with family. We visited Matt's family for a while in the afternoon. And we had dinner at Patty's. Dinner was amazing. It was so good to laugh and be with family today. Days spent with family make me happy. Thankful for the best family. Thankful for amazing food. Thankful for days set aside for giving thanks.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Electric with light and color.

November 22, 2017
Day 413

Today was lovely. I was home. It was windy and cold. And the sky was blue.

Tobin is feeling better.

I took the bigs and the littles out for milkshakes. Bigs: Casey and Adelyn. Littles: Tobin and Phia.

I picked up venison today. A student of mine and his father go hunting often, but they don't eat venison. So guess who gets to reap the benefits? Mrs. Sanderson! I cannot wait to have a venison roast! And when I was driving to pick it up, the sky was electric with light and color. I couldn't stop staring at it.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving!

We had a showing today so my house is super clean.

Thankful for God's blessings. 


Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Thanksgiving Feast at School.

November 21, 2017
Day 412

Today was the Thanksgiving feast at school. It was a fun day.

I have Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. I am so excited to be home with my babies.

Patty said she would help me grade papers this weekend.

I'm going to play Christmas music and clean and prep for Thanksgiving tomorrow.

Tobin is doing much better. God is healing him.

I'm very ready for bed. I'm thankful, so thankful for my bed and bedtime.

Thankful. 

Monday, November 20, 2017

A fine Monday.

November 20, 2017
Day 411

     Thankful for the light in the sunrise each morning. Thankful for the cold air. Thankful for recess time with my teacher friends. Thankful that tomorrow is the last day of school before Thanksgiving break. I love Thanksgiving. Thankful for time to sleep. I've been very sleepy lately.

Thankful. 

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Stay at home Sunday.

November 19, 2017
Day 410

It was warm and cozy in our home.

I made delicious chicken soup.

I made a big pot of chicken soup. It was delicious.

I'm falling asleep while I'm writing, so I'm to go to bed now.

It was a cozy, relaxing, stay at home Sunday.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Victories.

November 18, 2017
Day 409

     Tobin has been sick today. But God has been good to him. When we went to the doctor, and she listened to his lungs, she said they sounded, "beautiful." I believe God is going to heal Tobin completely of his breathing issues. It was cold and windy outside, but it was warm and cozy in our home. Adelyn got a certificate in the mail from her baptism. She was very excited about it. Tobin and I got to lay in bed, and relax together today. My grandfather was sick, but he's doing much better now. Thankful for victories today.

Friday, November 17, 2017

This day was good.

November 17, 2017
Day 408

This day was good. 

It's Friday. Tomorrow I get to be home with my loves. 

God is good to me and he's good to my family.

I went out to a concert with a friend and it was amazing. So powerful. 

I'm exhausted. It's time to sleep. 

Thankful. Grateful. 

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Four.

November 16, 2017
Day 407

Thankful for a very good Thursday.

Thankful that tomorrow is Friday.

Thankful that God is good to me.

Thankful for bedtime.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

True Sentences.

November 15, 2017
Day 406

     Whenever I'm having trouble writing, I think of this direction: "All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know."

     This day was good.

     I'm grateful that my husband loves me so madly.

     Adelyn and Tobin are the sweetest when I'm kissing them goodnight.

     I talked with Patty for more than five minutes today, and it fed my soul. I need to be with her.

     Higbee smells good. He smells comforting. When I feel less than completely calm, I smell Higbee.

     I love writing in bed with my husband snoring next to me, my favorite show on, and a big mug of hot tea sitting on the nightstand beside me.

     I am excited for Thanksgiving.

     My students are so silly. They are so silly that sometimes, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. That's what I did today. It's fun to be silly.

    I totally bribe my students into behaving with candy. Hershey's Kisses to be exact. When I pull those things out, they are different kids.

     Matt, the kids, and I have started this new thing during dinner where we tell jokes and see who can guess riddles. I'm pretty good at riddles.

     My dad sent me a picture of a turducken sitting in his fridge. He is a true chef. Already preparing for Thanksgiving more than a week in advance.

     I had a good night at home with Matt.

     Tomorrow is Thursday. That means the next day is Friday.

     Higbee sleeps in bed with us, and it makes me so happy.

   
     These are true sentences.
     Thankful. 

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Productive Day.

November 14, 2017
Day 405

Today was a productive day. It was long, but it was good.

Tobin was very cuddly today.

Adelyn helped me out this morning with packing her bookbag and Tobin's bookbag.

It was a good day at school.

Higbee likes to cuddle at night.

Matt always kisses me hello.

It's bedtime, and I'm exhausted. So I'm ready and thankful for bed.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Bright Spots.

November 13, 2017
Day 404

It was cold today.

I made a chickenless chicken and vegetable soup for dinner. I love soup.

Higbee was happy to see me when I came home today.

Adelyn and Tobin both got great report cards.

It's not even 8 o'clock, and I'm in bed. That fact makes me happy and thankful.

Next week is a short week. I cannot wait to have time off with my family for Thanksgiving.

I have soup for lunch tomorrow. It's so good to have something warm and cozy and comforting to eat for lunch.

I found pretty rocks on the playground today. Both Adelyn and Tobin have rock collections in their rooms.

I played Christmas music today during dismissal, and because it was cold out, it felt Christmassy, and I felt excited.

It's time for bed.


This day was rough for me for some reason. I felt frustrated. I felt dissatisfied. I felt irritable. I felt like screaming sometimes. But even though this day was tough, there were still more things to be thankful for than to complain about. I'm thankful for the bright spots in this day. Bright spots shine brighter when the days are gloomy and dark.

Thankful. 

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Four things and some pictures.

November 12, 2017
Day 403

     Thankful for the spectacular gift of the sunrise on the beach this morning. It was incredible. It was breathtaking. I love to think that no matter what is going on in the world, there are incredible sunrises happening all over the place.

     Thankful for a fun drive back from the beach with my love.

     Thankful for seashells.

     Thankful for bedtime. I'm beyond exhausted.




Saturday, November 11, 2017

Adventuring!

November 11, 2017
Day 402

     Today was wonderful. We went adventuring! We took the ferry over to Ocracoke Island, and we went beach combing. I found some lovely conch shells. We ate delicious food. We laughed a lot. We saw another gorgeous sunset sky. We talked about our favorite moments of this trip over dinner. My favorite thing about this trip has been laughing with Matt. So often life gets so busy and hectic that we forget to take time to have fun and laugh with each other. It has been so good to laugh with Matt, to have fun with Matt, and to joke with Matt. We have been laughing this entire weekend. I am beyond thankful for the time I got to spend with my love these past few days.

     This trip has been so good for my soul.
     Thankful.

Friday, November 10, 2017

Mad Love

November 10, 2017
Day 401

     This day was filled with all things lovely and beautiful and cozy and relaxing and old. New things are good. But old things have soul. Old things like old houses. Old things like the same beaches we have been visiting for many years now. Old things like a relationship that has been around for almost 18 years.

     There was laughter and talking and kissing and cuddling today. There was beach walking, and beach combing, and beach gazing. There was sunset marveling. There was delicious food. There was wind. There were movies. There was quiet and stillness. There was the sound of waves pounding and splashing.

     This day was good for my soul. And I am thankful to God for giving it to me. I am thankful for my sweet love, Matt. He loves me so madly. And I am unworthy of such love and devotion and dedication.

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Rodanthe.

November 9, 2017
Day 400

Matt and I just arrived at our home away from home in Rodanthe for the long weekend. The drive was fun, but long. I am exhausted, but I can smell the ocean. I can hear it roaring outside our window. And I can see the white caps crashing even in the dark. I cannot wait to get my feet in the sand tomorrow.

Thankful. 

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Salutations!

November 8, 2017
Day 399

Tomorrow, I get to drive away to the beach with my love after school.

Tomorrow is dress like your favorite book character day in 3rd grade. I'm going as Charlotte. I think I'll wear a name tag that says, "Salutations!"

It's not even 9, and I'm calling it a night. There are days when one just needs to sleep.

Tobin told me the other day that I was the love of his heart.

Adelyn didn't want to stop reading tonight. She kept asking for one more chapter.  I know how she feels.

Higbee was very happy to come home today. He spent the day at Patty's because we had a showing. I like when he's happy to come home because it makes me feel like even if he is a wild coyote, he still loves us.

I cuddled with Matt for a long time in bed last night and it was the coziest cuddle I've ever had.

It was cold today. And it felt glorious.

I spoke with my mom and dad several times today. I love talking with my parents.

Thankful. 

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Dreary, lovely day.

November 7, 2017
Day 398

     This day was a gift. It was cold and rainy and dreary. We stayed inside and ate good food and watched shows and cuddled. I did school work. Tobin slept in and stayed in his pajamas until about 3. I love these kind of days. I love watching the rain fall on the leaves outside the window. I'm thankful for this warm home, and our cozy blankets and beds. I'm thankful for Higbee even though most days he acts like a crazy coyote. My mom is convinced he is actually part coyote. This is a short week. And it's bedtime.

     Thankful. 

Monday, November 6, 2017

Cozy and quiet and restful.

November 6, 2017
Day 397

     This day was stressful, but this evening was cozy and quiet and restful. I took a shower, and then I took a bath. Matt and I put the kids to bed, and then we laid in bed and watched a chick flic.

     I'm exhausted, so I'm going to bed. It was a good day. Love my husband and my family.

Thankful

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Lovely Sunday.

November 5, 2017
Day 396

I spent the day with family.

We had a lovely brunch this morning.

We spent the afternoon quietly. Napping. Folding laundry.

We read books.

I'm exhausted. I'm so thankful it's a longish weekend.

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Drop Biscuits.

November 4, 2017
Day 395

     This day was wonderful. Adelyn made us breakfast this morning. It consisted of 1/4 of banana each, one piece of cold bread from the fridge, some sunflower seeds, and water. She likes to take care of people. I feel blessed and privileged to call her my daughter. We went to Cox Farms. It was a great day for it. The kids had a blast. It was perfect weather to be out today. We got some delicious treats like ice cream cones and kettle corn. I especially loved seeing the baby cows. They have the prettiest, most gentle eyes, and the most feathery eyelashes. Tobin still asks to be held when he's tired. That always makes me happy because it makes me feel like the baby part of him is not yet gone forever. One day, it will be. We came home and rested. I actually took a nap in bed under the covers. Taking a nap in bed under the covers is a much different nap than one on the couch. I would call a nap in bed under the covers, a formal nap. We had a delicious and hearty dinner on this chilly, rainy night; homemade chicken and stars soup with drop biscuits. Drop biscuits are the informal version of regular cut and rolled biscuits, but they're my favorite. They remind me of the word, home. After dinner, we worked on puzzles. We watched shows. I had many a cup of tea with honey. And now I'm watching an old movie in bed with the sound of the falling rain as my company.

     It was a very good day. And I am thankful for it.

Friday, November 3, 2017

Thoughts Flying.

November 3, 2017
Day 394

I came home to a clean house thanks to a showing this afternoon and Matt being off today. It worked out perfectly for me. :)

The sunrise was simply breathtaking this morning.




I am so so so excited for Christmas this year. Christmas is so full of magic and wonder and all things good and lovely. 

I love writing in my bedroom with the windows wide open so I can see the sky. I wish I could swim in the sky. And I love writing with Higbee laying at my feet. There must be something about thoughts flying that attracts dogs. Roxy laid on my feet every night while I wrote. And now Higbee does the same thing. Sometimes, I get so lonely for Roxy. The other day, I thought for a second that I saw her laying on the floor, but it was just a black jacket. I need not be sad for her. I know she's in heaven. God wouldn't make dogs so soulful if He had no intention of bringing them home to be with Him. 

Matt's going to a movie tonight, so I get to lay in bed and watch whatever girly movie I want without feeling silly about crying about the sad parts. 

I'm currently watching Little Women for the second time this week. I'm not even ashamed to say it. I'm feeling a burning desire to go to China Grove Court, pop some popcorn, and watch Little Woman in the basement with my sister. My mom would call us up for dinner in the middle of the movie. Dinner would be roasted turkey breast, rice, and salad.

We had a dinner of appetizers tonight. And I don't care because it's Friday night. It was good, and it was an easy clean up. 

Next week will be an easy week. The students are off Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. And on Wednesday and Thursday, I'm holding a writer's workshop. We will spend two whole days writing about what we are thankful for. I'm excited. 

Thankful. 

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Thursday Nights.

November 2, 2017
Day 393

Thursday night means that Friday is tomorrow. And Friday means the weekend is coming.

I love Thursday nights.

The cool breeze was lovely at recess today. The sun was warm, and the breeze was cool.

I'm exhausted, and my bed is so cozy, so I'm going to sleep now.

Thankful. 

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Little Women

November 1, 2017
Day 392

I love the first day of a new month. And I love the way November feels in your mouth when you say it. 

Patty and I went shopping together tonight. I love being with my sister. She's my home in human form. 

There are all kinds of delicious things in my fridge right now. I love having delectable things to eat. Things like homemade soup, guacamole, hummus, pink lady apples, and almond butter. 

I talked with my cousin Jen tonight. I love talking with Jen. Since I was a young girl, I've always looked up to her as one of the coolest people I know. 

Higbee has been cuddling in bed with me lately, and I love it. 

I stayed up late to make soup and watch Little Women. 

Thankful. 


Tuesday, October 31, 2017

A good Halloween.

October 31, 2017
Day 391

It was a good Tuesday.

My kids looked cute in their Halloween costumes this year. They were pirates. Adelyn went like this when she asked for candy, "Aaarrrg, matey! Trick or treat!"

The sunrise was glorious. It made me happy and thankful to be up so early.

We had a hopeful showing on our house this evening.

My parents came over for trick or treating tonight.

Odette looked sweet in her costume. She's sitting up now.

Talked with a great friend tonight.

Tomorrow is Wednesday. Half way through the week.

Today was a great Halloween.

Thankful.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Cold and windy and wild.

October 30, 2017
Day 390

I needed a new desk at school, and I found one at Lowe's.

I talked with my good friend tonight, and it was so good to laugh and catch up. I love friends that are honest and real.

I got a sweet text message from another good friend.

The sky was seriously spectacular this morning. Fall and winter sunrises and sunsets are the greatest.

It was cold and windy and wild this morning. And I loved it.

This was a tough day. But it ended good.

My bed is especially comfy in the fall and winter.

Thankful. 

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Today was a good Sunday.

October 29, 2017
Day 389

     Today was a good Sunday. We went to church. I love our pastor. Then we went out to lunch with Matt's mom, Steph, and Mario. We went to Sweetwater, and it was delicious. I love their salads. They have the best salads. We looked at Christmas decorations at Wal-Mart. For some reason, I am in the Christmas spirit super early this year. I've been listening to Christmas music for a couple weeks now. Christmas music is bubbling over with hope and joy. It spills out into my life when I listen to it. So, I'm going to keep doing it. Matt's mom got the kids each a new toy. Tobin picked a stuffed animal, and Adelyn picked a baby. Matt's mom is always so giving. We went to Patty and Armando's house for our Sunday night family dinner. Patty made a lovely meal. Her house always smells of warm and comforting things cooking. If I were to describe her house as a meal, it would be this: roasted chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted potatoes, and salad. It is pouring right now. It is pouring rain and extremely windy. I am beyond thankful for the roof over my head. For warm clothes, and cozy beds. For a warm, snugly, tired pup. On a side note, Higbee is exhausted from his night of trying to sneak into the the trash can at Patty's house. My dad helped me put up my white board at school, and fixed a desk for me. I love that I can ask my dad to help me with anything, and he's always willing and more than happy to help. He has always been my hero, and he always will be. It was so good to spend this day with my family. I have the most amazing people to call my own.

     I feel blessed.
     I feel thankful.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Sweet time with my littles.

October 28, 2017
Day 388

     Thankful for the most glorious windy day. I love listening to the wind in the trees. Thankful for a quiet walk with Higbee this morning. Thankful for a quiet moment on my favorite hill. Higbee and I sat down in the quiet warmth of this afternoon. The only sound was the wind and the leaves blowing. It was so peaceful. Thankful for Phia. She said out of the blue, "I love you, Kiki." Thankful for a drive through adventure with Higbee, Adelyn, and Tobin. We had to find something to do during our showing. We got some fries and sat in a parking lot and watched Shreck. It was a sweet time with my littles. It was a good day. 

Thankful. 

Friday, October 27, 2017

Friday night.

October 27, 2017
Day 387

Thankful that it's Friday. I don't have to set the alarm for tomorrow morning. I'm exhausted, and so ready for sleep. Thankful for weekends. 

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Thankful on this Thursday.

October 26, 2017
Day 386

     Today was a good day. I got a new classroom, and I moved into it. I had lots of help from the kindest people. My new classroom is pretty and bright and bigger than my last classroom. I'm excited to be in it. I got some pink lady apples. They're my favorite. An apple with almond or peanut butter is my dessert every night. Tomorrow is Friday. I'm so excited for the weekend. I'm ready to rest and be still and quiet. It was cold and windy and blue today. I'm in love with this weather. I'm happy it's time to sleep. My bed feels like heaven when I'm tired.

Thankful. 

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

The breeze was chilly, and the sun was warm.

October 25, 2017
Day 385

Today was good. It was blue sky and red leaves and orange leaves and green. The sunrise was glorious. The clouds were puffy. The trees were lovely. The breeze was chilly, and the sun was warm.

Higbee is always so happy to see us when we come home. He always jumps up and kisses us. I can't correct him for jumping up to kiss us. How can you say no to a dog that is just so happy to see you?

Tomorrow is Thursday and I'm getting a new classroom. I'm so excited to be getting into a bigger space.

I'm so happy to be in bed and writing right now. I've been waiting for bedtime all day.

I found a new Christmas album and I love it. I can't stop playing it. Christmas music is full of hope and joy.

It was good to cuddle with my babies tonight.

Thankful. 

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Noteworthy.

October 24, 2017
Day 384

The weather was lovely today. The blue sky, the cool breeze, the falling leaves, and the warm sun called to me. They begged me to come and be outside among them just a little longer. They called and I had to answer them.

We had multiple dance parties at home today. One as a family, and one was just Matt and I. We danced to Sinatra and kissed. I had no choice because when we were out walking before our dance party, he stopped walking, looked at me, and said, "you're so beautiful."

Those two things made my day full and sweet and noteworthy. I am thankful.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Heart to heart talk.

October 23, 2017
Day 383

     Thankful for a lovely field trip to Bull Run Mountain today. Thankful for the woods. They're alive and beautiful and full of wonders. Thankful for red leaves so red you want to eat them. Thankful for the wind on my skin. Thankful for a fridge full of good things to eat. Thankful for a heart to heart talk with my dear friend. We like to talk late at night when everyone else has gone to sleep. Thankful for the sound of rain of the windows. Thankful that tomorrow is going to be rainy and cool. I can't wait to breathe in fresh, cool, rainy air.

     Thankful.

Sunday, October 22, 2017

This space and this time.

October 22, 2017
Day 382

     Today was a lovely Sunday. It was blue sky and red leaves and warm and sunny and cool all at the same time. We went to church. We relaxed. I made a big pot of chicken noodle soup for the week. We went to Patty's house. We played outside. We had a family dinner. We played with baby Odette. We laughed. We talked. It was a full day, and it was a good day.

     Lately, I've been looking at pictures of when Adelyn and Tobin were little and it seriously makes my heart ache. It makes me a bit panicked. It makes me realize how very short a time I have with them while they are little, and it makes me realize that I need to love and relish every single minute. Even the hard ones. They're worth it.

     Thankful for my babies. Thankful for Matt. He loves us all so deeply. Thankful for our family. Thankful for my family. Thankful for Sundays. Thankful for a new week coming up. Thankful for this space and this time for writing down what I'm thankful for. If I didn't have this place for documenting things to be thankful for, I'm not sure where I'd be in life. But it wouldn't be a good place. I'm sure of that.

     Thankful. 

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Fall Festival.

October 21, 2017
Day 381

     Today was crazy busy, but very good. We had the fall festival at school. We had caramel apples, a moon bounce, a petting zoo and lots of other fun things. The kids loved it and that's what matters. 

     I'm thankful for my bed. I've so ready to sleep.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Saturday on.

October 20, 2017
Day 385

     Today was lovely. It was Friday. The morning was cool. The sky was a crisp blue. The sun was warm, but it was pleasant in the shade. The breeze was cool, and the leaves were falling. We had a delicious dinner. We relaxed at home after dinner and danced. We didn't have to do homework or prepare lunches or bags for the next day. Higbee was happy to lay on the deck this evening and take in the evening air. Who wouldn't be happy with this fine fall weather? Tomorrow should be a fun day. We have our fall festival at school. I'm excited for it!

I'm ready to get my Saturday on!
Thankful. 

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Almond Butter.

October 19, 2017
Day 384

It was cool this morning.

The leaves are turning all shades of red and I love it.

Tomorrow is Friday.

It was a good day today. My students were especially sweet today.

Apple slices with almond butter and hot tea is the most delicious snack.

A sweet friend told me that she was thankful for me this morning.

The sunsets have been amazing because it's fall. Fall and winter sunsets seriously make me happy to be alive.

Thankful. 

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Soup for lunch.

October 18, 2017
Day 383

Higbee is cuddled with me right now. I love when he slows down enough to cuddle.

Tobin had a hard time getting ready today because he was playing with all his birthday toys. It was hard for me to be stern with him about it.

This morning was cold and lovely.

I have soup for lunch tomorrow.

Matt loves me so much.

Tomorrow is Thursday and the day after tomorrow Thursday is Friday.

I got to go shopping for the fall festival tonight with my friend. It was good to shop with my friend.

Thankful. 

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

That's a comforting feeling.

October 17, 2017
Day 382

I like to wake my kids up in the morning. They are so cute and sleepy when they first wake up, and I take great pleasure in waking them on the weekdays since they wake me on the weekends.

I saw two squirrels playing chase this afternoon. There is so much bad, there are so many heavy things, but then there are afternoons when you catch two squirrels playing a game of chase, and you remember that there is good going on every day. Even if we don't see it. There are, somewhere in the world, right now, more squirrels playing chase. And that's a comforting feeling.

Recess was simply glorious today. It was cool and crisp outside, but it was warm in the sun. I love that kind of weather; cool and warm at the same time.

Adelyn called me her lighthouse yesterday.

We put a candle on Tobin's leftover birthday cake yesterday, and he used his wish to pray that my throat wouldn't be scratchy anymore.

Tobin brought his fox to school today. It makes me happy that my boy is still young enough to bring a stuffed animal to school.

I'm currently in bed with my love and our dog. It's a good night.

Thankful. 

Monday, October 16, 2017

The wind on my skin.

October 16, 2016
Day 381

Today was a beautiful, cool, crisp fall day. It was lovely to sit outside at recess and feel the wind on my skin.

Tobin was excited to get up this morning and play with all his new treasures.

I got a new student today, and it was a great day.

It's time to sleep now, and I can't wait. I am exhausted.

Thankful. 

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Fennec's Birthday.

October 15, 2017
Day 380

     Today was Fennec's birthday. He woke up feeling so happy. He came into my room in the morning and said, "Today is a special day, Mom!" We had a great day! We had lots of little treats and snacks. We had good food. Kabobs, chickpeas and potatoes, rice, and a lovely salad. I made a special shark cake, and we had fun decorations for him. Our family came over to celebrate with us.

     I'm always thankful for Tobin. But I'm especially thankful for him on this day. On this day in 2011, we were saying good-bye to River at her memorial service. On this day in 2012, my boy was born. I could not think of a better day for my rainbow baby to be born. I'll never forget cuddling with him in the hospital after he was born. I had five days to just lay in bed and stare at him. He was beautiful and perfect. He still is beautiful and perfect.

     He makes every day complete and happy and wonderful. Thankful for my fox.


Saturday, October 14, 2017

Today was grand.

October 14, 2017
Day 379

     Today was grand. It was cloudy. Then there were puffy white clouds and the sky was the perfect shade of blue. Adelyn, Sophia, and I went shopping for Tobin's birthday. We had a good time. We drove with the windows down and the music up. There was lots of laughter. There's something about driving around with fun music on a beautiful day that just makes you joyful. We spent the day at home together after our shopping trip. We watched a movie and cuddled. We played hide and seek. I baked a cake for Fennec's birthday tomorrow. We decorated. Tobin is having a shark birthday. It's going to be a jolly good time. Can't wait to celebrate my love tomorrow.

     Thankful. 

Friday, October 13, 2017

Quiet moments with my love.

October 13, 2017
Day 378

Thankful for music. Thankful that I can sing along to beautiful music with good words.

Thankful that I can lay in bed with my husband. I can kiss him and hug him and touch him anytime I want. Sometimes, I take for granted how special it is that I can lay with the love of my life and hold his hand. I'm thankful for our history. We go back a long way. I'm glad that I've made my home with him.

Thankful that I can still hold my Fennec Fox like a baby. He likes to cuddle in my arms and look up at me with the sweetest smile. I literally cannot wait to celebrate his birthday, but it does makes my heart ache at how the years fly by.

Thankful for Adelyn Bailey. She's my wild girl. She's passionate. She's needy. She's independent. She's big. She's little. She's old. She's young. She's unpredictable. And I love her for all of these reasons.

Thankful for ice cream dates with friends.

Thankful for no school work to do this weekend.

Thankful that I get to shop for fun things tomorrow like party supplies, decorations, ingredients to bake with. Adelyn and Sophia are going to shop with me. It's going to be great fun to make a party with two sweet girls helping me.

Thankful for a phone conversation with my grandma this evening.

Thankful for when Higbee cuddles quietly in bed.

Thankful for quiet moments spent with my love, Matt.

Thankful for two whole days at home with all the great loves of my life.

I am so undeserving of this beautiful life. I have done nothing great to deserve such gifts and miracles to call my own. Sometimes the knowledge that I am so undeserving of countless blessings makes me that much more thankful and grateful and happy and proud. I feel humbled in the presence of so many miracles. This life is lovely. And there isn't a word big enough or sweet enough or complete enough to say how thankful I am.

It was a good day.

Thankful. 

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Dog hugs.

October 12, 2017
Day 377

It was a rainy day. 

I got to wear a sweater. 

My children were especially sweet and cute today.

Higbee jumped up and gave me a dog hug and many kisses when I came home from school today. 

Tomorrow is Friday. 

It was a good Thursday.

I have soup for lunch tomorrow. 

Thankful. 

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

A jolly celebration!

October 11, 2017
Day 376

     I'm thankful for mornings with my kids. Mornings are crazy, but I'd take mornings with Adelyn and Tobin over mornings without them. They make every day merry and cheery and bright. They laugh all day. Sometimes, I don't even know what they're laughing about. They laugh just because. I'm thankful for rainy mornings. They are cozy and comfortable. I love the feeling of Higbee sleeping at the foot of our bed. Thankful for time to read to Adelyn. Thankful for time to sing to Tobin before bedtime. Thankful for a clean house. Thankful for Matt. For my family. For Thursday night coming up. Thankful that in a few days, we get to celebrate my boy's 5th birthday. It will be a jolly party. He makes every day jolly. Thankful that cold weather is coming soon. I cannot wait for 40 degrees. I like the 40's. It's very cold, but not so cold that you can't stand it. In fact, most days when it's in the 40's, I just wear a sweater or a sweatshirt, and I'm quite comfortable.

     It was a good day. I'm going to drink tea now and read and watch The Office.

     Thankful. 

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Gift of kissing.

October 10, 2017
Day 375

     Thankful for music. For friends I can talk to. For afternoons at home with my family. I'm thankful for my job and my sweet students. I'm thankful for fresh popcorn made on the stove top. And for walks with my kids and my dog. Thankful that tomorrow is Wednesday. I like Wednesdays. Thankful for for the gift of kissing my kids goodnight. Thankful for my husband. It was a good Tuesday.


Monday, October 9, 2017

What more could a girl want?

October 9, 2017
Day 374

     This morning started off lovely. It was raining and windy. I love rainy, windy days. I love to lay in bed and listen to the rain and wind. It makes me feel cozy inside the walls of my home. I made a big pot of soup today. It was delicious. Carrots, celery, onion, garlic, fresh Italian parsley, garbanzo beans, spinach, stewed tomatoes, and chicken stock. I love creating new soups from whatever I have around the house. We cuddled in bed and watched Tobin's shark show. We made plans to celebrate Tobin's 5th birthday next Sunday. My baby will be 5. It goes by so fast, it hurts.

     We went to Patty's house for dinner. My parents came over. Saying that I love to be with my family is an understatement. They are my whole life, and I am forever thankful to God for placing me with the best people I know. I'm always proud to introduce my family to other people.

     Looking forward to a short week at school. Short weeks are good weeks. Thankful that fall must be right around the corner. It has to be. It can't go on being hot forever. And when the hot finally goes away and fall comes and stays, then I will be the happiest person on earth. Because I've got my family, a beautiful home, cold air to touch my skin, and red leaves to admire when I'm out walking. What more could a girl want?

     Thankful. 

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Rainy Day in my Soul.

October 8, 2017
Day 373

     I love rainy days. I love them because they are peaceful and cozy and cleansing and fresh. They are a good kind of quiet. They are a good kind of wet. They provide water for all the trees and plants and flowers and for the animals. They make me thankful to sit on the couch and be still. They urge me to be comfortable and find a good book to read. They beckon me to dig out my over-sized sweatpants. The ones with all the holes. They make me feel like a fish that has just been put back into the water after the few harrowing minutes of untangling the line and removing the hook. Rain is a blessing and rainy days are something to be treasured.


     I was out of water for a long time.

     I was gasping for breath.

     I felt myself slipping into madness.

     I couldn't hold on.

     Then God sent the rain.

     It's a forever peaceful, rainy day in my soul.

   
     When I say that I'm thankful, let me very clear about one thing: It is my God that I am thanking when I say that I am thankful. Without Him, there is nothing but dry deserts and fear and death for me. When I focus my eyes on Him, I see a gentle rain. I feel a cool breeze on my skin. I see nothing but pink and red and purple and blue and yellow and orange sunsets. I see beautiful things. I find that there are way more things to be thankful for than there are things to want or be upset by. There is good in every day. There are birds. There are trees. There are butterflies. There is the warm sun and the cool breeze. There is dewy grass to walk through in the morning while you gaze at a brand new sky with brand new pink clouds. There are blue eyes and green eyes and brown eyes. There are such things as hugs and kisses and cuddles. There are possibilities. There are new adventures awaiting. There is no such thing as the same old. There is the hint of something magnificent just around the corner. That's the feeling I get. I'm on the verge of something great. I'm witnessing miracles and there will be more to come.

     These rainy days in my soul have been peaceful and lovely and beautiful and quiet and still, and I'm thankful to God for giving them to me. I'm thankful that when I was lost, He found me. He rescued me. He delivered me from all my fears.

     I am thankful. 

   

   

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Bacon.

October 7, 2017
Day 372

We visited with family today.

There was breakfast food today.

Bacon tastes as good as it smells.

There was homemade chicken meatballs today.

There are still two days of this weekend left.

So thankful for family. And laughter. And good food. And quality time spent with all my favorites.

Friday, October 6, 2017

Night out.

October 6, 2017
Day 371

Had a great night out with my favorite ladies!

There is a three day weekend ahead.

It's bedtime. And for that, I am thankful.

Thankful. 

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Sleepy and Cozy.

October 5, 2017
Day 370

I like helping Adelyn get dressed for ballet. Putting tights on is always an adventure. Who invented tights anyways? And why do we continue to wear them?

Tobin and Adelyn make every day lovely and worth living. They are everything good.

Matt likes to make plans with me to cuddle at night.

My mom is spending the night. Just having my parents sleep in the same house as me makes me feel peaceful.

I went to a prayer meeting tonight with my mom. It was good.

It's cool every morning now. It makes me so happy.

I'm excited to go out tomorrow night with some of my best girlfriends!

Big mugs of tea and honey make me feel sleepy and cozy.

Thankful. 

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Sweet and silly.

October 4, 2017
Day 369

It was a good day. 

I got to talk to my friend who I don't get to talk to so often anymore. 

This morning was cool. I love walking in the crisp morning air. 

Higbee and the kids were so needy and playful and hyper today. It was busy and loud but I was thankful to have that busy and that loud. Because it means I have the thing I always wanted. A family. 

Adelyn stays up late singing and reading and humming to herself. She reminds me of Winnie the Pooh. 

Tobin rubs my face softly when I sing to him at night. 

My students this year are sweet and silly. They make me laugh. 

Thankful. 

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Cheery.

October 3, 2017
Day 368

It was a good Tuesday.

The keyboard feels good under my finger tips. It feels like I'm touching something marvelous. Something with potential.

It is cool in the mornings and the evenings.

Tomorrow, there is nothing to do after school except be at home.

Tomorrow is Wednesday. I like Wednesdays.

The knowledge that my children are sleeping in their beds makes me feel peaceful and complete. I am glad that in my home, there is a bedroom for an Adelyn and for a Tobin.

I had two messages from two friends this morning. It was a nice way to wake up.

Tobin and Matt stayed home today. I loved to think about them cuddling at home today. It made me feel cozy.

My home smells like garlic. And so do my hands, but I don't mind. In fact, I love it. I smell my hands often when they smell of garlic.

Higbee jumps up to kiss my face whenever I come home. It makes me feel loved to have such a joyous homecoming every day.

The leaves are turning all sorts of colors and it's bright and merry and cheery.

Thankful. 


Monday, October 2, 2017

Rest for my soul.

October 2, 2017
Day 367

It was a cool morning. Cool, crisp mornings feel like a rest for my soul.

I went to dinner with a good friend tonight to plan fun things for our school. Meetings are best over good food and drinks.

I went in to kiss my kids goodnight and I had to watch them sleep for a bit. They look so peaceful when they sleep.

It's a good feeling to be in bed before 9.

I'm currently drinking a big mug of hot tea with honey. It's relaxing and cozy.

My mom called me tonight. I love when my parents call me.

Thankful. 

Sunday, October 1, 2017

The next few.

October 1, 2017
Day 366

     Today was the definition of glorious. It was cool and crisp, but it was warm in the sunlight. We spent much time outside today. We climbed on rocks. We walked through the woods. The sunlight shining on the green of the trees was lovely. Tomorrow is Monday. Today was the first day of October. I love October. Thankful for time spent with my family. Thankful for time to be outside and get dirty. Thankful for big rocks. Red rocks, to be exact. We got some new books from McKay's. Thankful for a dinner meeting date tomorrow with my friend. Thankful for a fine weekend. Thankful that I've made one full year of writing already. Today is one year and one day of writing every day about what I'm thankful for. It's a been a good year. I'm looking forward to the next few.


Saturday, September 30, 2017

Thankful.

September 30, 2017
Day 365

Today is the last day of September.
Today also marks one year of bogging daily.
It is AJ's birthday.
It was a great day.
It was a great 365 days.

Friday, September 29, 2017

Red leaves and Friday nights.

September 29, 2017
Day 364

It's Friday.

We have plans to cuddle in bed and watch movie and eat popcorn.

I don't have to set my alarm tonight.

I don't have to prep lunches for tomorrow.

Tomorrow is AJ's birthday. We're all going bowling! I'm excited!

The leaves were crunching under my feet while I walked Higbee tonight.

The sunset was colorful and lovely.

I'm starting to see red leaves, and it makes me so happy and relieved. I need to feel cool air on my skin.

Looking forward to a weekend with all my great loves.

Thankful. 

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Piece of heaven.

September 28, 2017
Day 363

     Thankful for a glorious sunset. Pink sunsets might just be a little piece of heaven. Thankful for time to lay in bed and be thankful. Thankful for an amazing Thursday night with my mom and our friend. Thankful that tomorrow is Friday. Thankful for family.

     Thankful. 

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Team.

September 27, 2017
Day 362

     My favorite part of this day was between coming home from school and before bedtime. We laughed. We danced. We slow danced at first. Then we fast danced. We came up with team names for our family. Tobin is: Fennec Fox. Fennec for short. He looks just like a Fennec Fox. Plus he's super clever and playful and cute and cuddly. Adelyn is: Wild One. Well, she's a horse named, Wild One. Sometimes a horse is gentle and tame, and sometimes they're wild with their manes tossing about in the breeze while they run away fast. I am: Otter Mama. I like to hold my babies close, and if I could, I would definitely keep my favorite stone in my stomach pouch. Matt is: Cookie Bear. He's cuddly and sweet like a honey bear, but he likes cookies more than honey.

     Days like these with my family makes me happy to be alive.

     Thankful. 

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

God gives good things anyways.

September 26, 2017
Day 361

     Today was good and lovely. The breeze was pleasant at recess. The leaves were falling, and the little cotton puffs were drifting through the air like snow falls. There were butterflies outside my window today. While I was watching the butterflies, a groundhog came up to my window and started nibbling on some clover. He was fat and sleek and a lovely shade of brown. He reminded me of fall. When I came home, my kids ran up to me and gave me many hugs and kisses. Higbee was happy to see me. And Matt hugged me and kissed me and told me he had missed me. Adelyn and I are reading By the Banks of Plum Creek together and after I read a chapter tonight, she begged me to read the next chapter, too. I love that my kids love to read. I love to kiss my babies goodnight. They both close their eyes and they smile a sweet, sleepy smile when I tell them how much I love them. I got the most amazing little love note from a student today. It totally made my day. I went for a walk after I put the kids to bed and it was a good walk because there were many leaves to crunch under my feet. I love the sound of crunching leaves. I am thankful that God gave me such a splendid day. I think sometimes thankfulness is the act of realizing you deserve absolutely nothing good in this life, but God gives you good things anyways.

     Thankful. 

Monday, September 25, 2017

Cooling Trend

September 25, 2017
Day 360

     Thankful for a night to go to bed early. Thankful for a quiet night at home. Except for that 20 minute portion where Adelyn yelled at me because I tried to help her with her cursive. Love my strong willed girl. Thankful that my mom prays for me and my family. Thankful for a cooling trend in the weather this week. My skin is aching for cold air. Thankful for leftovers. Thankful for Adelyn and Tobin. They are bright lights in my life, and I will be forever thankful for them and their smiles and their love. Thankful for quiet moments during my day to go blast music and grade papers. Thankful for warm blankets.

     Thankful. 

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Less movement.

September 24, 2017
Day 359

     Today was lovely. It was hot outside so we just stayed cozy inside. Tobin and I went shopping in the morning, and he got a haircut. He looks so slick and cool. He's always been a cool guy. I boiled a chicken and made a soup for Adelyn; she wasn't feeling well. There was lots of good food cooking today. We were quiet today. But it was good to be quiet and still for a bit. The world needs less movement and more still and quiet. Thankful for my darling husband and our sweet children. Thankful for our lovely life together. Thankful for a fresh, new week. I love fresh new things. It was a long and relaxing weekend. And for that I am very thankful.

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Vint Hill Festival.

September 23, 2017
Day 358

     Today was wonderful. We went to the Vint Hill Festival, and it was awesome. The kids had a blast. The sky was blue, it was cool in the shade, and we ate the most delicious ice cream ever. We cleaned the house for a showing, but then we got to relax in our freshly cleaned home. Matt's mom, and his sister and Mario came over. We had a scrumptious dinner, and we sat on the deck and talked for a while. It was a very good day.

     Thankful. 

Friday, September 22, 2017

Thankful for:

September 22, 2017
Day 357

Thankful for:

Friday nights.

Pizza.

Wine.

Good friends.

Wedding talk.

Italy trip planning.

Plans to drink copious amounts of wine every night in Italy.

A good day in school.

A pleasant evening to sit on the deck.

No alarms set on my phone.

A weekend to look forward to with my sweet family.



Thursday, September 21, 2017

God paints the sky for me.

September 21, 2017
Day 356

     Sometimes I think God paints the sky pink and blue and orange and red just for me. Tonight's sunset was a beauty. It made me feel thankful.

     My husband is sweet and wonderful. He makes every day lovely and rosey colored.

     Tomorrow is Friday. We have friends coming for dinner tomorrow, Matt's family coming for dinner on Saturday, and my family coming for dinner on Sunday. It will be a full and good weekend.

     Higbee waits up for me when I go out at night.

     I got good news today. Good news brings joy to my heart.

     I can't wait to read with my babies this weekend.

     I rearranged my classroom and I love it.

     Thankful. 

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Something sweet.

September 20, 2017
Day 355

Thankful for:

Big, soft blankets.

Visits from my sister and Odette during my lunch break.

Tomorrow is Thursday. I like Thursdays.

Family grocery shopping trips after school.

Texts from Matt. There's always a sweet something waiting on my phone from him.

Adelyn was the only student in her class to make it to outstanding today on her clip chart. I'm so proud of my girl.

I'm excited for the weekend. I love not setting my alarm.

Thankful. 

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Herbes de Provence.

September 19, 2017
Day 354

     This afternoon, I took my students out for a second recess because we had some extra time at the end of the day. This was what I saw and felt: the warmth of the sun on my back, hundreds of wildflowers growing wild all around me, trees blowing in a cool breeze, clouds floating by, yellow leaves falling, and the sound of my sweet students playing. I couldn't help but be completely overcome with gratitude.

     It is my great honor and joy to put my kids to bed every night. I love to bathe them, and dress them in comfy pajamas, and kiss them goodnight after we say prayers. I love their sweet and quiet smiles when I tell them how much I love them. Tobin still asks me to sing to him before bed. So I do. And he smiles. And my heart feels full and thankful and like it could never be sad again.

     I make a big pot of soup every Sunday so that Adelyn can have chicken noodle soup every day for lunch. This weekend, I tried putting herbes de provence in with my pot of homemade stock. She told me today that it was the most delicious soup she's ever had. Then tonight at dinner, as I handed her her dinner plate, she commented, "This looks like a lovely meal!" I love that she loves my cooking.

     Thankful. 

   

   

Monday, September 18, 2017

Fall sunsets.

September 18, 2017
Day 353

     Here are the best parts of today:

     Higbee and I went out for a quiet evening walk, and we stopped on my favorite hill to watch the clouds turn from pink to dark blue. Sunsets make me feel full of gratitude. There is something so miraculous about the clouds and the many colors of a fall sunset.

     The leaves were crunching under my feet while I walked Higbee tonight.

     I cuddled with Adelyn after we read On the Banks of Plum Creek, and we fell asleep together. It was sweet and warm and cozy.

     Tobin wanted me to sing to him before bed tonight.

     Matt hugged me and told me he loved me today after school.

     I got to talk to my mom on the phone.

     I taught science class outside today, and we found a huge spider.

     The playground at school is surrounded by tons of wild flowers

     So many people prayed for me today. I'm thankful for friends and family who prayer.

     Today was a great day. And I'm thankful that I had it to enjoy.

     Thankful. 

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Sunday's good things.

September 17, 2017
Day 352

     Thankful for time spent with my babies this morning. Thankful for shopping trips to Trader Joe's. Thankful for visits with family. Thankful for laughter. Thankful for my mom and dad. Thankful that my mom will pray for me whenever I ask her to. Thankful that my dad likes to make everyone laugh. Thankful for Patty. Thankful for pretty gardens. Thankful for chicken soup. Thankful for quiet. Thankful for time to sleep. Thankful that when I'm scared, I can run to God and find peace. Thankful for a new week coming up.

     Thankful.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

List

September 16, 2017
Day 351

     Today was long but good. It was Haymarket Day! I have fallen asleep more times than I can count trying to write tonight. So I will end by saying I am thankful for: the day, time with my family, and time with more family at the end of the day.

     Thankful.

Friday, September 15, 2017

A good Friday.

September 15, 2017
Day 350

     Thankful for a good Friday. It was long, but it was good. Thankful for time spent with family. Thankful for delicious food, a fun game of Clue, and lots of laughter. Thankful for my beautiful babies. Thankful for time to sleep.


Thursday, September 14, 2017

Wildflowers.

September 14, 2017
Day 349

     I picked wildflowers today. They were yellow and beautiful. There's something special about wildflowers.

     It drizzled on the way home tonight. I love drizzle. It feels cozy.

     I have the sweetest children.

     I have the sweetest students.

     Tomorrow is Friday and I get to decorate a float for a parade tomorrow.

     I'm very ready for the weekend.

     I love when I open the Bible and there's a verse I feel was written just for me. God is good to me.

     I'm in bed, and I can't wait to sleep.

     Thankful. 

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

The best parts of this Wednesday.

September 13, 2017
Day 348

     Today, Matt came up to me in the kitchen and looked at me for a long time while he held me in his arms. Then he told me, "You're so pretty." And then he kissed me. It's a sweet life with my love and our babies.

     It rained this morning. I love waking up to the sound of rain on the windows and the roof.

     Adelyn and I are reading On the Banks of Plum Creek together at night. We read two or three chapters a night. Tonight, we read a chapter called, "Ox on the roof." When I read the title of the chapter she said, "Oh, good...Ox on the roof...I love this chapter." I love that she loves to read with me.

     I came to bed early tonight so I could finish a movie I started last night. I love watching movies in bed at night.

     Tomorrow is Thursday. And the day after that is Friday. I'm excited for this weekend.

     I love kissing my children goodnight. It's one of the brightest spots of my day. I also love waking them up in the morning. Ever since they were babies, I've loved to wake them up in the morning, and put them to bed at night. It's just that I'm so proud to have children to take care of. Waking them and kissing them goodnight is a good way to begin and end each day.

     I take the bigs and the littles to school every morning. That's Casey, Adelyn, Tobin, and Sophia. We have a good time listening to music and praying for our day together. I'm proud to call them all my family.

     I'm looking forward to spending time with family this weekend.

     Tobin's new nickname is Fennec. We watch nature shows all the time now because Tobin is obsessed with animals. We watched one show about desserts. And living in one of the desserts was the Fennec Fox. I think Tobin looks just like a Fennec Fox. Matt and Patty think so, too.

     Thankful. 

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Time and what matters most.

September 12, 2017
Day 347

      Sometimes I feel like I am always hurrying. Like every minute. I am always aware of deadlines, timelines, and to-do lists. It's exhausting to always be rushing. Even times when I don't have to be rushing, I do anyways. Tonight while we were having dinner, I didn't look at the clock. We just ate. We enjoyed. We laughed. And we were okay. Even though I didn't watch the time.

     Sometimes I see time as the enemy. Never stopping. Never slowing down for even a second. You can almost hear time passing. It becomes menacing when you realize that it's ticking away and once a single second has passed, it can never BE again.

     But I shouldn't think that way. We are here but just for a short time. We should make our seconds and minutes and hours matter. We should spend them doing things that make us smile. We shouldn't rush because time does that all on its own. So tonight, I am thankful for seconds and minutes and hours. Thankful for time. Thankful for my sunshiney girl and my fennec fox boy. They matter most. And because they matter most, time doesn't seem like the enemy anymore. It seems a kind friend who has lent me precious moments I really didn't deserve in the first place.

Monday, September 11, 2017

I get this feeling...

September 11, 2017
Day 346

     Sometimes I get this sort of bubbling over feeling. I get the feeling that all that I have and love are gifts far too wonderful than I deserve. I got that feeling tonight when I read to Adelyn. I was holding her hand and I stopped reading to really look at the hand I was holding. It was perfect and beautiful and best of all, it was mine to hold and to love. I got it again when I went in to check on Tobin. He was awake. He said he was waiting for me, and he asked me to sing him a song. I sang "Silent Night" because it's his favorite lullaby. As he closed his eyes, I whispered, "Goodnight, little Fennec Fox." He replied with, "Goodnight Fennec Mama."
 
     Adelyn and Tobin are the most amazing beings. And they're mine to love and to hold. And that knowledge makes me bubble over.

     Thankful. 

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Anniversary celebration.

September 10, 2017
Day 345

     My parents celebrated 39 years of marriage on Saturday. They are my heroes. They are an example of love, dedication, and devotion. They are two of my favorite people in the world. I love their sweet hearts. They are always thinking of others. Case in point: my dad spent 18 hours fixing Matt's vehicle yesterday. On my parent's real anniversary date. And they had dinner plans. That's exactly who my parents are. Completely giving and unselfish. Entirely good and wonderful and loving and kind. They are two of the greatest gifts, and I will forever be thankful to my God for picking them out for me.

     We celebrated them tonight with a lovely dinner and an ice cream cake. We listened to stories of the time when they were dating. I saw quite a few sparkles in their eyes as they told their stories of love from the past.

     I am beyond thankful for my parents. They are amazing and I am blessed to call them: family. Thankful for their 39 years of love.

     Thankful. 

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Happy, thankful, full of joy.

September 9, 2017
Day 344

Here are the things that made me happy and thankful and full of joy today:

Green eyes and blue eyes that sparkle when the sunlight hits them.

Time spent with my mom.

Today was my parent's 39th wedding anniversary.

The brilliant blue of the sky today.

The crisp cool of the air.

Butterflies.

Wide open spaces of sky and earth.

I made a big pot of homemade chicken soup for Adelyn's lunches this week. I did it last week and she loved it. Every day she has soup, crackers, and fruit for lunch.

My dad has spent this entire day working on Matt's vehicle. And they are still working as I write this at 12:47 am.

Patty came over and we had dessert and soup and watched Outlander. 

The way Tobin and Adelyn hug me and kiss me makes me feel full and satisfied and complete. My arms would be empty and lonely without them.

I love my home and the way it smells and the way our family has grown and become what it is today between these walls. These walls are special. Sometimes the thought of leaving them makes me feel ill.

Tomorrow is Sunday. Another beautiful day to spend with all my loves.

Red leaves are starting to appear.

Thankful. 


Friday, September 8, 2017

Time for sleep.

September 8, 2017
Day 343

     It's Friday. I'm going to relax, cuddle, sleep, make food, laugh, play and have fun with my babies this weekend. I'm exhausted so I am thankful for time to sleep. Thankful for a good week at school. Thankful for time spent family.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Wonderful Beings.

September 7, 2017
Day 342

     Children are so loving. They are like lovable puppies. Even when someone wrongs them, they so easily forgive and move on. And when they move on, they give even more love and hugs and smiles to the person that wronged them. I pray that lasts forever with my kids. I pray they never stop forgiving so easily.

     Today was crazy busy and stressful. We had a showing this morning, so I had to get the house ready to show before I left for school. I had to drop Higbee off at Patty's in the morning. I had school, then Adelyn had ballet, then I had to pick up Tobin and Higbee from Patty's house, make dinner, make lunches, oversee homework, bathe the kids, put them to bed, and do some work for school. All the while, Higbee was ringing the bell over and over to go out. The kids were running around and making loud noises. I lost my patience during dinner at the 45 minute mark of Adelyn and Tobin not eating their food.

     I apologized and asked them to forgive me. And they immediately forgave me and gave me hugs and kisses. They are wonderful beings.

     Thankful for my babies. Thankful for my students. Thankful for a good Thursday.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Lovely and rainy and cozy.

September 6, 2017
Day 341

     Today was lovely and rainy and cozy. My children were sweet and cuddly. Higbee was lazy. Matt was feeling under the weather, and while I'm not thankful for that, it does make me happy to see my husband relaxing in bed. If anyone in my house spends time relaxing in bed, it makes me feel peaceful. I got to see my friend at school today. Thankful for an impromptu date with my mom. We met at a teacher's store, and we went to Wegman's afterwards. I love hanging out with my mom. Tomorrow is Thursday, and the next day is Friday. I'm excited for the weekend. Today was good.

     Thankful. 

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

The future generation.

September 5, 2017
Day 340

     I have this discussion with every single class I teach: When you come upon a homeless person, what do you do? Every year, I'm surprised by their responses. Almost every single student says this at first: "Give the person some food or some money." But it is always followed by this: "But my mom and dad say that we shouldn't give money because they might just use it to buy beer," or "But my mom and dad say we won't give money because they can just go get a job instead of begging for money."

     I'm always struck by the fact that the child's answer is: give. And the adult's answer is: don't give. We have long discussions in the classroom about giving or not giving. Here's what I tell them year after year:

     It isn't your job to make sure people spend the money you give the right way. It isn't your job to tell them to get a job. We have a responsibility to give to others who are less fortunate than ourselves. (And because I work at a private, Christian school, and because I am a Christian, I also tell them this): It says in the Bible that if a person asks for your shirt, give him your coat as well. People won't remember your face. They won't remember how much money you gave them. Or what kind of food you gave them. They won't remember what you said. But they will remember your kindness. And that small, kind act of giving to someone who is in great need could make all the difference in their life. Jesus calls us to give to the needy. To be kind and generous. That's it. No where does it say in the Bible to give only if you think the person will spend the money wisely. No. It just says to give.

     I'm so very thankful to spend my days discussing important things with the future generation. I'm thankful that a child's answer to all of life's questions usually comes back to one thing: love. Love others. They are the first ones to say: Give. They are the first ones to offer hugs and love and support and encouragement. I'm honored to teach them. Thankful for my own children who bring me more joy than I ever could have hoped for. Their faces make me happy to be alive. They give me a reason to get out of bed and to try to make each day better than the next.

     Thankful. 

Monday, September 4, 2017

A day to be thankful for.

September 4, 2017
Day 339

     Today was lovely. The weather was warm, but breezy. The sun was bright. The sky was blue. Adelyn and I went grocery shopping in the morning. I love to shop with my girl. The four of us played hide and seek. I love to hear my children laugh. We went to a playground and played with Casey and Phia. Odette joined us too. She just smiled the whole time. We saw my parents for a few minutes, and my dad had little gifts for the kids. I love my parents. We had dinner with Matt's mom. We had bbq and it was delicious. Afterwards, Matt's mom treated us to ice cream. It was such a pretty night to go have ice cream. I love Matt's mom. She is such a kind soul. It was a great day. A pleasant day. A day to be thankful for.

     Thankful. 

Sunday, September 3, 2017

A Sunday well spent.

September 3, 2017
Day 338

     Today was wonderful. We went to my parent's house and spent the day outside with the trees. I love the trees at my parent's house. I went shopping with my dad. And when we came home, I went shopping with my mom because my dad and I forgot the ice cream. We had the most delicious meal. Turkey breast, rice, broccoli, and the freshest and most delicious melon. We had strawberry shortcake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. It was a really fun day. The kids and Higbee really enjoyed running around outside all day. I love to watch my kids get dirty from playing outside.

     Thankful for my parent's house. Thankful that my family loves to spend time together. Thankful for a dinner that tasted just like my childhood. Thankful for big trees. Thankful for the best parents. Thankful for my family. Thankful for a Sunday well spent with the people I love. It was a good, blessed day.

Saturday, September 2, 2017

The most lovely Saturday.

September 2, 2017
Day 337

     Thankful for the most lovely Saturday. Thankful for the sound of rain on the windows. Thankful for a large pot of homemade chicken soup. Thankful for lunch at Panera. Thankful for Sue, Matt's mom. She went with us today to a little ballet shop and purchased Adelyn's ballet shoes and tights for her. She also got her a sweet little ballet bag. Thankful for a clean home. For Higbee cuddling in bed with me right now. Thankful for two more days off with my loves.

     Thankful.