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.

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. 

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.

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 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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

   

   

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.