Brand new year.

December 31, 2018
Day 824

Thankful for:

Time spent playing with my kids.

A clean home.

Misty rain.

A warm, dry home.

Delicious food.

Phia's birthday party.

Cake and ice cream.

My husband. He loves me even when I'm unlovable.

My parents.

Gamie.

My sister.

My nieces and nephew.

My babies.

A whole, brand new year. I'm excited. I love brand new things. Especially things to do with time.

My home. It's a haven.

One whole more day off tomorrow.

Time.

Silver Diner Sunday.

December 30, 2018
Day 823

Thankful for:

A dinner date with my mom and Gamie at Silver Diner.

New makeup.

New shoes.

A new hair dryer.

Time well spent with my babes.

A clean home.

More days at home with my babes.

More days.

December 29, 2018
Day 822

Thankful for:

Time with family.

Good food.

A break in the rain.

Cousins.

Aunts and uncles.

My mom and dad.

Muddy clothes.

Muddy shoes.

More days off with my babies.

Today was good.

December 28, 2018
Day 821

     Thankful for:

Road to Avonlea.

A clean kitchen.

A party tomorrow.

My children sleeping in the playroom.

Dreary days.

Time to nap.

Time to lay in bed and watch shows.

A fun tea party with the girls this morning.

Phia's birthday coming soon.

Four more days off from school.

Hugs from my babies.

The smell of Adelyn's hair.

The feeling of her hugs.

The feeling of Tobin's hugs.

Hugs from Matt.

The woods.

Higbee's eyes.

Good food in my fridge waiting to be cooked.

Today was good.

Love.

December 27, 2018
Day 820

Thankful for:

BLT sandwiches.

Turkey sandwiches.

Time to laugh with my sister.

Time to hang out and watch Avonlea with my sister.

Messy hair days.

Time to lay in bed and watch Avonlea.

Venison in my freezer.

Hot tea with honey.

Higbee in my bed.

A quiet home.

A quick phone call with my husband and one with my mom.

Love. There is so much of it in my life.

A time for indulging.

December 26, 2018
Day 819

     Thankful for leftovers. For relaxing days. For time to spend doing absolutely nothing. For family. For laughter. For dog walks. For cookies. And sweets. And a time for indulging in cookies and sweets.

Magic of Christmas.

December 25, 2018
Day 818

     Thankful for an amazing Christmas. Thankful for lovely gifts. Thankful for cookies and ice cream and lemon bars. Thankful for delicious food. Thankful for tea. For family. For love. For the magic and crazy and busy of a Christmas.

Christmas Eve.

December 24, 2018
Day 817

     Thankful for a lovely Christmas Eve. Thankful for a shopping trip with my dad and Adelyn. Thankful for home-made pizza. Thankful for a tree surrounded by gifts. Thankful for a lovely day.

Nights well spent.

December 23, 2018
Day 816

     Thankful for a fun night with friends. Thankful for fire pits. For wine. For roasted hot dogs. For short rain showers. For the quiet woods at night. For a good night. Nights spent with those we love are nights well spent.

Gifts to wrap.

December 22, 2018
Day 815

     Thankful for time to wrap Christmas gifts. Thankful for gifts to wrap. Thankful for a fun day coming up soon. Thankful for family. Thankful for cold air in the mornings.

I don't deserve it.

December 21, 2018
Day 814

Thankful for a good first day of Christmas break. Thankful for blue sky. For walks in the woods. For rain. For open windows. For Higbee. For my kids. For a clean house. For Christmas coming very soon. For gifts to wrap. For hugs and kisses. For messes to clean. It's a good life. I don't deserve it.

A grand last day.

December 20, 2018
Day 813

Thankful for a fun day at school. Thankful for smiles and hot chocolate and Christmas gifts and cookies and movies. Thankful for messy crafts and messy hands and messy desks. Thankful for a grand last day.

Short Wednesday post.

December 19, 2018
Day 812

     Thankful for Christmas gifts from students. Thankful for fun days like Little House on the Prairie Day. Thankful for Christmas break coming soon.

Cold air.

December 18, 2018
Day 811

     Thankful to be able to bring in treats for my fellow teachers today. Thankful for cold air. Thankful for playground talks. Thankful for sweet students to call my own for a year. Thankful for a good Tuesday.

Plans for baking.

December 17, 2018
Day 810

     Thankful for a good Monday. Thankful for mud at recess. Thankful for Christmas break coming soon. Thankful for plans to bake tonight.

A fine Sunday.

December 16, 2018
Day 809

     Thankful for Sundays. Thankful for visits from Santa. I love our neighborhood. Thankful for new clothes. Thankful for a new sweater. Thankful for our home decorated for Christmas. Thankful for time to sleep. Thankful for texts from my dad. Thankful for an easy dinner. Thankful for a fine Sunday.

Visits.

December 15, 2018
Day 808

Thankful for homemade chicken soup. Thankful visits with family. Thankful for cookie bars. Thankful for the opportunity to make a meal for someone.

Four on Friday.

December 14, 2018
Day 807

Thankful for Friday. Thankful for Christmas parties. Thankful for laughter and friends.

Short list.

December 13, 2018
Day 806

     Thankful for cold air. Thankful for Christmas coming soon. Thankful for bare trees. Thankful for frosty grass. Thankful that my kids think that Jack Frost came. Thankful for Buddy the elf. Thankful that tomorrow is Friday. Thankful for Christmas break coming soon. Thankful for a good day.

A good day.

December 12, 2018
Day 805

Thankful for friends. Thankful for tears. Thankful for phones. Thankful for quiet days. Thankful for my sweet and thoughtful kids and students. Thankful for texts and emails from people who love me. Thankful for a good day.

There is still much to be thankful for.

December 11, 2018
Day 804


     My grandfather died tonight. It was a hard night.

     But there is much to be thankful for:

-Family

-Prayer

-Tears

-Laughter even when it's heavy.

-Memories.

-Smiles from strangers.

-Night drives with Patty.

-Patty.

-My parents.

-My grandma.

-My uncles.

-My cousin and his wife.

-My grandpa.

A real treat.

December 10, 2018
Day 803

     Thankful for the best snow day ever! Thankful for hot chocolates. For sledding hills. For snowboards. For snowballs. For pink cheeks. For movies. For baths in the afternoon. For time with my husband. For good food. For wrestling matches. For Higbee. For time away from work and timelines and papers. Thankful for this space to write everyday. Thankful for Christmas coming soon. Thankful for Mondays spent at home. It's a real treat.

Sundays spent well.

December 9, 2018
Day 802

     Thankful for a great Sunday. We spent the morning at home tidying up and cleaning. Then we went to Patty's house. We relaxed and watched Road to Avonlea. It's a show that Patty and I used to watch when we were kids, and it was a lovely and wonderful trip down memory lane. Thankful for time with my parents. Thankful for Sundays spent well.

Beef stew on a cold day.

December 8, 2018
Day 801

     Thankful for a relaxing day at home. Thankful for cold air. Thankful for hunting trips. Tobin and my dad went hunting today. They didn't get anything, but it was a special day for Tobin. Thankful for cold air. Thankful for winter sunsets. Thankful for beef stew made with lots of red wine. Thankful for a good Saturday.

Wild ones.

December 7, 2018
Day 800

     Thankful for the end of this long day. It was long, but it was good. I am so proud of Adelyn and Tobin. We went to Vertical Rock, and they both climbed all the way to the top of the climbing walls multiple times. So proud of their bravery and courage. I was in awe watching them. We got milkshakes to celebrate. So in love with my wild ones. They make every day an adventure.

     Thankful.

So is He.

December 6, 2018
Day 799

     Thankful for the shape of Tobin's nose. And the feeling of his cheeks against mine. Thankful for the shape of Adelyn's nose, and the feeling of her face against mine. Thankful to call two sweet people my own. Thankful for our lovely home in the woods among the animals and the grandest of trees. Thankful for hawks and foxes and deer and rabbits and snakes and spiders and woodpeckers and raccoons. Thankful that I get to live in this place. Thankful for Christmas coming soon. Thankful that I get to crawl into bed in about two minutes. Thankful for hot tea. Thankful for Christmas tins. Thankful for my students. I love to watch them learn and figure things out. Thankful for books. For coffee. Thankful for a fun day tomorrow. Thankful that tomorrow is Friday. Thankful for the peaceful quiet of my home right now. Thankful for Higbee and his kisses when we come home. Thankful for words. Thankful for this space to be thankful. I am so undeserving of this lovely little life. It's good. And so is He.

I get to call them mine.

December 5, 2018
Day 798

     Thankful for Patty. She always comes to the rescue. Thankful for my nieces and nephew. Thankful for time spent with my family. Any time spent with them, even if it's working, is time well spent. God has so richly blessed me with my family. They are all that is good and lovely in my life. Thankful to be a part of such an amazing group of people, and thankful that I get to call them mine.

His hands.

December 4, 2018
Day 797

Thankful for the end of this long day. Thankful for my bed and food and clothes and warm blankets. Thankful for my husband and his hands and his smile and kisses at the end of a long day. He means the world to me. Thankful for my children. Thankful for their faces and their skin and their beautiful eyes. Thankful for Tuesdays.

Good Monday.

December 3, 2018
Day 796

     Thankful for a good Monday. Thankful for kisses and hugs and cuddles from my babies. Thankful for cuddles from my pup. Thankful for a special day tomorrow for Adelyn. Thankful for time to sleep. Thankful for beautiful sunsets that make you happy to be alive. Thankful for hot tea and apples. Thankful for good things in my life.

Family Sunday Dinners.

December 2, 2018
Day 795

     Thankful for:

-family dinner.

-roasted carrots and potatoes.

-roasted chicken.

-fresh salad.

-time with family.

-romps in the woods.

-muddy shoes.

-Christmas tins filled with cookies.

-the glow of the Christmas tree.

-the magic of Christmas time.

-family Sunday dinners.

Jolly and merry December 1st.

December 1, 2018
Day 794

     Thankful for the first day of December. I love December. I love the way it feels on your tongue as you say it. It feels jolly and merry and full of hope and love and promise. Thankful a clean house. Thankful for clean fish tanks. Thankful for a fridge full of delicious food. Thankful for pomegranate. Thankful for the way it stains my cutting board bright pink. Thankful for quiet days at home with my loves. It was a good first day of December.

It's a wonderful life.

November 30, 2018
Day 793

     Thankful for the end of this very long day. I feel like Alexander. He had a horrible, no good, very bad day. And this day makes me want to feel like that, but there is way too much to be thankful for, so instead:

     I'm thankful for my home. My family. Clothes to wear. Food to eat. A vehicle to drive. Kisses. Hugs. Christmas coming. Cold air. A dog to cuddle. All the good things I have and most certainly do not deserve.

It's a wonderful life.

It's mine.

November 29, 2018
Day 792

     Thankful for a good day. Thankful for Christmas lights at night. Thankful for Christmas music. Thankful for my family. Thankful for this fact: If I just write true sentences, I realize how very blessed I am. I'm exhausted, but I'm blessed. I'm busy, but I'm blessed. This life is lovely. And it's mine.

Wednesdays.

November 28, 2018
Day 791

Thankful for:

-time to read to Tobin before bed.

-thankful for time to read the words of the greats.

-thankful for my home.

-thankful for my family.

-thankful for Christmas coming.

-thankful for things to be thankful for.

-thankful for new, fresh days every morning.

Cold and blustery.

November 27, 2018
Day 790

Thankful for a very cold and blustery day. It makes me feel warm and cozy inside. Thankful for fuzzy, wet hair after bath time. Thankful for time to cuddle in bed with my babes and my pup. Thankful for the end of this day. Thankful for a new day beginning tomorrow.

Mint chocolate chip ice cream.

November 26, 2018
Day 789

     Thankful for a cold, windy evening. Thankful for my beautiful, cozy home. Thankful for healthy food to eat tomorrow. Thankful for new days that start with every morning. The slate wipes clean with every long sleep. Thankful for cuddles with my babies. Thankful for mint chocolate chip ice cream. Thankful for a dog who sleeps in bed with me. Thankful for good days at school. Thankful for time. Thankful for beautiful, good things in my life. God is good to give me this beautiful life even though I deserve none of it.

The promise of Christmas coming soon.

November 25, 2018
Day 788

Thankful for:

-Winterfest at King's Dominion.

-Santa.

-letters to Santa.

-cookies.

-cotton candy.

-french fries.

-elves.

-time with family.

-the magic of Christmas.

-an entire holiday because Jesus was born.

-huge celebrations of His birth.

-Christmas plays.

-the promise of Christmas coming soon.

Time.

November 24, 2018
Day 787

Thankful for:

-a relaxing day off.

-time with my husband.

-time with my kids.

-time with my dog.

-time to decorate our new house for Christmas.

-a lovely Thanksgiving break.

Two more days off.

November 23, 2018
Day 786

Thankful for:

-another Thanksgiving meal.

-deep fried turkey.

-smoked turkey.

-time with family.

-desserts.

-two more days off with my loves.

Happy Thanksgiving.

November 22, 2018
Day 785

Thankful for:

-family.

-good food.

-fire pits.

-dogs.

-pie.

-kids.

-cold air.

-deep fried turkey.

-roasted turkey.

-gravy.

-my home.

-my husband.

-my dog.

-clothes.

-clean water.

-a warm bed.

-electricity.

-a big yard.

-5 acres.

-things to be thankful for.

-blessings I do not deserve.

-friends.

-the promise of Christmas coming soon.

The best Wednesday.

November 21, 2018
Day 784

     Thankful for:

Playground dates with Patty and her kids.

Fresh donuts and candies at said date.

Playing on the playground.

Fresh buckets of paint

Cold air.

Bare trees.

Thanksgiving is tomorrow.

Cuddles with my babies.

Sleeping next to Higbee.

Love texts from my husband.

Thoughts of Christmas magic in the air.

Sweatshirts.

My home.

Things to be thankful for.

Fun Tuesday.

November 20, 2018
Day 783

Thankful for a fun day at school today. We watched The Little Prince. I love watching kids watch a new movie that they are very interested in. Thankful for the day off tomorrow. Thankful that I don't have to set my alarm tonight. Thankful for tacos for dinner.

7.

November 19, 2018
Day 782

Thankful for:

The end of this Monday.

The smell of my home.

Patty. She makes everything better.

My children.

One more day until Thanksgiving break.

Higbee.

A fun day planned for tomorrow.

Sunday's List

November 18, 2018
Day 781

Thankful for:

Lunch at Patty's

Shopping with Patty and the boys.

Christmas things at Trader Joe's.

Time with my family.

Delicious dinner.

Kinder eggs.

Cold nights.

Talks with my dad.

Baby Odette.

Dogs.

Time alone.

My children. They amaze me.

My home in the woods.

Good things even though I don't deserve them.

Time to sleep.

This day was lovely.

November 17, 2018
Day 780

     This day was lovely. I woke up and walked Higbee and the kids down our amazing driveway. I cleaned our entire house from top to bottom. I read. I cooked. I cuddled with my babes. I watched two movies with them. I had wine with dinner just because.

     Thankful for this lovely life I don't deserve.

Fridays

November 16, 2018
Day 779

     Thankful for Fridays. Thankful for Christmas play practice. Thankful for an amazing job. Thankful for sweet students. Thankful for the weekend. Thankful for my family.

A fabulous snow day.

November 15, 2018
Day 778

     Thankful for a fabulous day with my babies! Thankful for the joyful way that Higbee ran through the snow today. Thankful for sleds and snow shovels and snow boots. Thankful for lazy days where you don't brush your hair and your wear a sweatshirt and sweatpants and socks and hang out on the couch all day. Thankful for the way the forest looks on a snowy day. Thankful for power. We lost it for a few hours. You never know how badly you need things like electricity until you lose it. Thankful for a short day tomorrow. Thankful that tomorrow, I get to lead our first every play practice for How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Thankful. Just thankful for such a lovely day.

Snow Day Tomorrow.

November 14, 2018
Day 777

     Thankful for snow in the forecast. Thankful for a snow day tomorrow. Thankful that tomorrow, I get to hang out with my babies and make soup and play in the snow. Thankful for things to be thankful for.

Short list on a Tuesday.

November 13, 2018
Day 776

     Thankful for a good day at school. Thankful for routines. For sweet students. For a good lunch. Thankful for sleepy Higbee. For goodnight kisses. For time to sit and watch TV. For bedtime.

Feel of the floor under my feet.

November 12, 2018
Day 775

     Thankful to be back in my own bed. Thankful to hold my babies again. Thankful to cuddle with Higbee in bed again. Thankful for the smell of my home and the feel of the floor beneath my feet. Thankful for beautiful things like the beach and the forest. Thankful for things like love and babies and furry dogs and beds.

Lovely Weekend.

November 11, 2018
Day 774

I'm thankful for a lovely day of walking on the beach, walking on fishing piers, picking shells, watching Harry Potter, laying on the couch, eating good food, and doing nothing. Thankful for the most relaxing weekend with my sweet husband.

For wide open sky.

November 10, 2018
Day 773

     Thankful for my husband. Thankful that he helped me up when I fell down the steps. Thankful for good food. For ice cream. For sunsets. For time to lay in bed and relax. Thankful for the sky. Thankful for fresh air and wind and clouds.

Off.

November 9, 2018
Day 772

Thankful for the waves. For the sand. For the wide open sky. For time with my love. For the to be quiet and relax. Thankful for a weekend off. Truly off.

Two.

November 8, 2018
Day 771

     Thankful that tomorrow I get to drive away to the beach with my love. Thankful that soon I will be able to walk on the beach.

Good things.

November 7, 2018
Day 770

     Thankful for good things like:

Fall leaves

Cool air

My husband

My children

My sister

Christmas plays

Chicken soup

Thanksgiving coming soon

Sweet students to call my own

Higbee

Library books

The plastic cover on library books...I love the way it sounds

Sleepy kids

Things to be that thankful for

Short day, short week.

November 6, 2018
Day 769

     Thankful to be done with a lot of work that I needed to finish. Thankful for the end of this day. Thankful for a short day at school tomorrow. Thankful for a super short week. Thankful for the time to lay in bed and sleep. Thankful for fall leaves. Thankful for TV. Thankful for chicken soup for lunch tomorrow.

13 years.

November 5, 2018
Day 768

     Thankful for my husband. Thankful for our love story. It's messy, but it's real and raw and full of hope. Thankful for our 13 years of marriage. Thankful for our almost 19 years together. Thankful that he loves me no matter what. Thankful for our beach trip coming up. Thankful for the thought of sand of between my toes. Thankful that my babies will miss me and I will miss them. It's nice when people miss you. Thankful for a short week at school.

Sunday's List

November 4, 2018
Day 767

Thankful for family. Thankful for time to be with family. Thankful for good food. Thankful for my parents. My sister. My brother in law. My nephew and nieces. Thankful for breakfast with Matt's mom. Thankful for breakfast buffets. Thankful for food made of bacon and cheese and egg. Thankful for sunny days with a cold breeze. Thankful for time with Steph and Mario. Thankful for things to be thankful for.

List of five.

November 3, 2018
Day 766

Thankful for Saturdays.

Thankful for time to rest.

Thankful for walks down the driveway.

Thankful for time to lay on the couch and be lazy.

Thankful for a time called the weekend when I can rest and relax.

List.

November 2, 2018
Day 765

Thankful for:

Fridays.

time to sleep at night.

Friends.

sweatpants.

my husband.

my family.

books.

movies.

things to be thankful for.

Tobin is feeling better.

First day of November.

November 1, 2018
Day 764

I love the first day of November.

The leaves are beautiful.

The cool air is lovely.

Thankful for November. It is the month when I got married. It is the month where thankfulness gets it's own holiday.

Halloween.

October 31, 2018
Day 763

     Thankful for a lovely day with family. Thankful for times to dress up and walk around and collect candy form strangers. Thankful for days with make believe. Thankful for little children to love and cuddle and kiss. Thankful for little hands to hold. Thankful for sugary lips to kiss.

Easy going.

October 30, 2018
Day 762

     I'm thankful that I came home last night to a happy Tobin. He's sick, but he's happy. I'm thankful that I have been getting to spend so much time with Adelyn lately. She's a much more relaxed and easy going person when it's just the two of us together. It's like she lets her guard down. I'm thankful for medicine that keeps Tobin comfortable while he's sick. I'm thankful for my husband. I'm thankful for the cool air. I'm thankful that it's almost the middle of the week. I'm thankful for God's blessings.

At the perfect time.

October 29, 2018
Day 761

     Thankful for all the things God has given me. Thankful for my family, my home, my dog, my job, this life. I do not deserve any of these good things, but God gives them anyways. It's a humbling feeling to realize that all that I have is undeserved, but given because God loves me.

     I'm thankful that at that perfect time, more good things will come.

A good Sunday.

October 28, 2018
Day 760

Thankful for mornings to sleep in. Thankful for clean floors and a clean house. Thankful for cuddles in bed with my babies. Thankful for time to sit and write thank you cards. Thankful for a fun time at Patty's house. Thankful for cake and cookies and a delicious dinner. Thankful for my home. Thankful for the way the sky looked today. Thankful for my family. It was a good day, and I'm thankful for it.

A great Saturday.

October 27, 2018
Day 759

     Today was a good day. We cleaned the whole house. We did laundry. We relaxed a bit. I took Adelyn to a birthday party, and then we had a fire pit night. Our good friends came over, and we relaxed by the fire and drank wine and ate good cheese and bread and pesto and looked at the stars. It was a lovely night. Thankful for good friends. Thankful for good food. Thankful for fire pits. Thankful for sky space. Thankful for stars. Thankful for a great Saturday.

Short list, but good list.

October 26, 2018
Day 758

     Thankful for games during recess. Thankful for time to sleep. I am so exhausted. But I am thankful for my bed and time to sleep in it.

Today is short.

October 25, 2018
Day 757

     Thankful for a lovely day. Thankful for Little House on the Prairie. Thankful for time to sleep. Today is short, but I am still so thankful!

I couldn't possibly list them all.

October 24, 2018
Day 756

     Thankful for cold air, for glorious sunrises, for skies so beautiful there are no words to describe them, for big mugs of hot tea and honey, for my home, for my children, for my husband, for time to relax in sweatpants on the couch in between doing stuff for work, for my parents, for my family, for my sister, for phone calls with people I love, for time to sleep, for so many things to be thankful for that I can't possibly list them all.

When did the flu become a season?

October 23, 2018
Day 755

     Someone said these words to me today: "It's flu season." I've been pondering these words all day and I've come to these conclusions.

1. Since when did the flu become a season? Last I checked there was spring, summer, fall, and winter. Fall and winter are my two favorite seasons. I absolutely love the cold air. When there is cold air outside, I feel as though I can truly breathe deep. I feel invigorated. I feel alive. I feel good. Hearing the words, "It's flu season," does nothing except make me feel nervous and anxious for the duration of my two most favorite seasons. It makes me wish them away so that I can escape the heavy blanket of, "It's flu season."

2. When someone again says these words to me: "It's flu season," I'm going to ignore them. I'm going to leave them right where they are and not bring them with me everywhere I go. Instead, I'm going to concentrate on these words, "It's fall," or "It's winter." Fall means cool, crisp air. It means gorgeous leaves. It means amazing sunsets. It means clouds and sky and colors that make me happy to be alive. Winter means cold, cold air. It means snow and the low winter sun. It means cozy evenings at home because the sun goes down early. It means Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year's Day. It means cold sunsets, but they're so worth it. Some of my favorite sunsets have been in the middle of winter.

     Thankful for resolutions. Thankful for a clear mind. Thankful for the seasons: spring, summer, winter, and fall. Especially fall and winter. It's fall. Right now, it's fall, and it makes me overjoyed.

Better than before.

October 22, 2018
Day 754

     Thankful for cold air. For fresh food. For a bit of junk food. For time to lay in bed. For sunrises that make my heart full and overflowing. For the best job. For the best family. For the sweetest husband. And children. And home. For October. For morning light. For things to be thankful for. For a new day tomorrow. I like a fresh start. There's always another day to do things better than before.

Lovely, lazy day.

October 21, 2018
Day 753

     Thankful for a lovely, lazy, relaxing day. Thankful for time spent with my family. Thankful for a big pot of homemade chili. Thankful for cuddles with my Adelyn, my Tobin, my husband, and my coyote. Thankful for a wild, windy blue sky. Thankful for the wind. Thankful for a relaxing Sunday. Thankful for a new day tomorrow.

Thankful for the end of this day.

October 20, 2018
Day 752

Thankful for a great day. I had two events for school and they both turned out fantastic. Thankful for family. Thankful for pizza at Patty's after a long, busy day. Thankful for the end of this day.

Little Friday List

October 19, 2018
Day 751

     Thankful for a great day at school. Thankful for time to rest at night. Thankful for cold air. Thankful for the foggy, misty morning. Thankful for a beautiful blue sky morning. Thankful for sweet kids to play with at recess. We played Little House on the Prairie, and it was great fun! Thankful for a fun day planned tomorrow. Thankful for sweatpants and t-shirts and my cozy bed. Thankful for a lovely Friday.

Little List

October 18, 2018
Day 750

Thankful that tomorrow is Friday.

Thankful that cold air is here.

Thankful for sweater weather.

Thankful for fun things coming up.

Thankful for time to read to my babies at night. I'm reading The Long Winter to Adelyn, and I'm reading Winnie-the-Pooh to Tobin.

Thankful for time to sleep.

The feeling of being safe.

October 17, 2018
Day 749

     Thankful for my home. Thankful for the feeling of being safe and home and cozy. Thankful for crackers. Thankful for easy dinners. Thankful for easy lunches. Thankful for that tomorrow is Thursday. That's one day closer to Friday which is one day closer to Saturday which is one day closer to Sunday. Thankful for time to be quiet and alone at night. Thankful for this life. It's lovely.

Time to close my eyes.

October 16, 2018
Day 748

     Thankful for my home and my bed and my books and my tea. Thankful for the smell of Higbee. Thankful for the cuddle of Adelyn and Tobin. Thankful for the peace I feel here. Thankful for my bed and for time to close my eyes.

He's mine.

October 15, 2018
Day 747

     Thankful for Tobin. Words cannot say how thankful I am for Tobin. He is proof that God loves me. His eyes, his cheeks, his ears, his smile, his heart, the way he loves, the way he loves animals, it's all proof that God loves me. When he was born, my dreams came true. When he was born, my aching heart mended. When he was born, he made everything right again. I want to hold him forever. I asked him tonight if even when he's a big, grown up man like dada if I can still hold him like a baby. He looked at me and thoughtfully said, "Yes." I'm going to hold him to it. I have the written proof right here.

     Thankful for a boy named Tobin Solomon Sanderson. Thankful that he's mine. Thankful that we were able to have a grand birthday celebration for him yesterday and today. Two days of celebrating Tobin are days well spent.

Party.

October 14, 2018
Day 746

     Thankful for an amazing party for my boy. Thankful for jungle animals and jungle decorations and a jungle cake. Thankful for the fire pit. Thankful for marshmallows and chocolate. Thankful for the smell and the crackle of burning wood. Thankful for time to laugh and relax with family. Thankful for a wonderful party. Thankful for the best son.

Words are forever; they cannot be unspoken.

October 13, 2018
Day 745

     I watched a movie last night called, Julia and Julia. It's about a woman who starts a blog about cooking every recipe in Julia Child's cookbook. She blogs when she cooks a new recipe, and she collects followers along the way.

     I'm not going to lie, a small part of me felt a twinge of jealousy when this woman who blogged about cooking collected enough followers to eventually lead her down the path to getting multiple book deals. My thoughts were: I'm blogging about life and death and grief and thankfulness. This is way more important. They were selfish thoughts; jealous thoughts.

     I've wished and hoped for book deals from this blog. I've wished and hoped that someone, somewhere will read something that resonates with them and be compelled to write and say, "I need you to write a book."

     But that hasn't happened.

     And that's okay.

     It's okay if no one at all ever reads these words. The purpose of this blog is for me to write. And it has served its purpose, day after day, month after month, year after year. I write. That's what matters. Some days, it may only be one sentence. I thought it about it though, and one thankful sentence is better than no thankful sentences.

     Even if I never write and publish a book, even if no one at all every reads my words, I wrote them. That is all that matters. They are here. Words are forever. They cannot be unspoken.

     Thankful for a cozy place like this to write words that will be forever.

Thankful for time to be thankful.

October 12, 2018
Day 744

     Thankful for my husband, medicine, ice cream, soup, bagels, and my bed. Thankful for time to sleep off a root canal. Thankful for time to be thankful.

Thursday's List

October 11, 2018
Day 743

     Thankful that tomorrow is Friday. I have an unexpected day off from school. Root canal in the morning. Rest in the afternoon and evening. Thankful for my husband. Thankful that I can count on him. Thankful for my babies. Thankful for puppy kisses. I got to see a little puppy at work today. Thankful for my home. Thankful for time to sleep. Thankful for medicine.

Good time of day.

October 10, 2018
Day 742

     Thankful for time to sleep and rest and lay in bed and watch TV and not talk to anyone. This is a good time of day.

For time to cuddle.

October 9, 2018
Day 741

     Thankful for medicine. Thankful for time to sleep. Thankful for my home to drive home to. Thankful for time to lay in bed and sleep with my babies. Thankful for my sweet husband, who, as I write this is getting me a glass of water. Thankful for hot dogs on the grill. Thankful for cool weather coming. Thankful for stuff to be thankful for.

An extra day at home.

October 8, 2018

Day 740

     Thankful for a quiet day at home. Thankful for extra time with the ones I love. Thankful for birthday party plans. Thankful for extra days off work. Thankful for my husband. Thankful for my babes and my dog. Thankful for medicine. Thankful for cool air coming. Thankful that I can go to God when I'm afraid. 

People who love me.

October 7, 2018
Day 739

     Thankful for Armando. Thankful for family birthday parties. Thankful for things that are good. And lovely. Thankful for people that love me.

Sticky kisses.

October 6, 2018
Day 738

     Thankful for my beautiful life. Thankful for time spent outside with all my loves. Thankful for a fire pit with a friendly fire inside. Thankful for roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and smores. Thankful for sticky kisses. Thankful for wine and stars and bats and trees.

Time.

October 5, 2018
Day 737

     Thankful for a day called Friday. Thankful for a three day weekend ahead. Thankful for time to spend with my loves.

It's a sweet life.

October 4, 2018
Day 736

     Thankful, so, so, so beyond thankful that tomorrow is Friday, and we have a three day weekend. I need to relax in sweatpants on the couch. Thankful for my mom and my sister. Thankful for good friends at work. Thankful for sweet students to call mine. Thankful for extra time to sleep. Thankful for a fresh, new week ahead of me. Thankful for things to be thankful for. It's a sweet life. And I don't deserve it.

It's a good life I'm living.

October 3, 2018
Day 735

     Thankful for Wednesdays at school. We read all morning, and it makes me so happy. Thankful that it means that we are halfway done with this school day. Thankful for sweet students to call mine for an entire year. Thankful for sweet friends at work. Thankful that I get to see my sister every day at work. Thankful that I get to see my babies, and my niece and nephew every day at work. It's a good life I'm living. And I am very thankful.

A month called October.

October 2, 2018
Day 734

     Thankful for a month called October. Thankful for my baby boy who was born this month and who was and continues every day to be the joy of my life. Thankful for his love. Thankful for green eyes. Thankful for a boy named Tobin tonight. Thankful for his birth month. Thankful that it's going to start getting cold soon. I am aching for the cold.

A new day tomorrow.

October 1, 2018
Day 733

     Thankful for my husband. Thankful for my family. Thankful for the end of this day. Thankful for a new day tomorrow.

Sundays make my soul smile.

September 30, 2018
Day 732

     This day was so good. The sky was a lovely shade of blue. The clouds were puffy. And every so often, there was a breeze that would pass through with a hint of coolness in it. The hint is the hope that I'm holding onto. I am aching for cold air.

     We cleaned the whole house from top to bottom this morning. It's always a good feeling to have a clean house. Then we went to Patty's to celebrate AJ's birthday. We had delicious food, and we had the best time playing with his gift: a classic Nintendo! We are already planning a championship over Christmas break complete with a trophy!

     Thankful. So thankful for family. Thankful for so many people to call my own. Thankful for people who love me no matter what. Thankful for Sundays. They make my soul smile.

Lovely day with all my babes.

September 29, 2018
Day 731

     This day was fun and wonderful. I spent it with my husband and our babies. We took them to Kings Dominion as a surprise. They were so excited when we pulled up in the parking lot. Their eyes were so large and happy and full of smiles. We had a nice, relaxing day. Except when we tried to walk through the dinosaur forest. Adelyn's imagination ran away with her. She watched one too many Jurassic Park movies. But thankfully, I was able to get her attention, and we walked through in confidence. It was a grand day. Filled with snacks, and rides, and smiles. We had homemade pizza and ice cream at home for dinner while we watched a movie.

     So thankful for this lovely day with all my babes.

The feeling of driving home.

September 28, 2018
Day 730

     This night was lovely. I came home, put on sweatpants, and relaxed in my beautiful home. The leaves were falling in the breeze. The forest looked lovely. Driving home is one of my greatest joys.

     Thankful for the feeling of driving home.

My words are wearing slippers, and that's okay.

September 27, 2018
Day 729

     Oh, I am longing so for fall. I am waiting for the moment when I step out of my house, and feel the welcome and gentle caress of cold air on my skin. Breathing cold air makes me feel alive. It makes me feel robust and full of life and jolly. It reminds me that Tobin's birthday is on it's way. And Thanksgiving. And Christmas. I have been waiting for many months, and the waiting will soon be over.

     Tonight, I am thankful for this space. This safe space in which to write the things that I am thankful for. This place in which to record the daily happenings of my life. For most of my life, I have always wanted to write and publish a book. And lately, that want has shifted. I'm not sure I want to anymore. Here's why: if I write and publish a book, I might become famous. Or at least my name will be known. If my name becomes known to people, and they read my words, and they don't like them, they will judge me. They will form opinions about who I am. And what I write. And what I think. And they will ask me questions to which they will want immediate answers and then form opinions about those answers. Nothing will be just for me anymore. It will be for them.

     I'm feeling tonight like maybe I want to keep my words close and cozy and at home with me. I'm not sure if or when that feeling might shift again, but writing words just for me has always been why I write.

     Tonight, I am thankful that I can write just for me. Tonight, I am thankful that I can wrap my words up in a big sweater and some blankets and put some socks on them and keep them warm and safe and cozy and home. I'll be waiting for a shift. If it happens, okay. If it doesn't happen, okay. Whatever happens, I'll be okay. But in the meantime, my words are wearing fluffy slippers and hanging at home with me. And that's okay.

Wednesday's List

September 26, 2018
Day 728

Thankful for:

1. Rain.

2. Glasses.

3. Tea and toast for dinner.

4. Time to lay in bed and sleep.

5. My husband.

6. My babies.

7. My family.

8. Higbee.

9. Chicken and potatoes.

10. Soup.

11. Thursdays at school.

12. Phone calls with my mom and dad.

13. New days at school.

14. Higbee shares an apple with me every night in bed. He's a good bed time partner.

15. Books.

16. Things to be thankful for.

17. Apples with peanut butter.

New mercies.

September 25, 2018
Day 727

     Thankful for parsley, red onion, tomato, and roasted sweet potatoes. Thankful for apples with almond butter. Thankful for hot tea with honey. Thankful for my babies. And my dog. And my husband. Thankful for my family. And my home. And good food to eat. Thankful for another new day tomorrow. Thankful for new mercies every morning.

Really big spiders.

September 24, 2018
Day 726

     So thankful for the end of this Monday. It was a long Monday, but I'm thankful for it. Thankful that I am in bed before 9. It's truly a miracle. Thankful for pancakes for dinner. Pancakes always make me feel like I'm in a log cabin, cooking in an iron skillet, on the wide open prairie. Thankful for really big spiders. Thankful that I know how to catch them and let them go.

Nap on the couch.

September 23, 2018
Day 725

Thankful for a good Sunday. Thankful for a nap on the couch. Thankful for good food. For time with family. Thankful for rain. Thankful for books. Thankful for a new day tomorrow. Thankful for time to read. And sleep. And cuddle.

Another day at home with my loves.

September 22, 2018
Day 724

     Thankful for a good Saturday. Thankful for yard work getting accomplished. Thankful for the sound of my children laughing and playing. Thankful for things to be thankful for. Thankful for our beautiful home. Thankful for my family. For dinner with my dad, mom, and grandma. Thankful for another day at home with my loves.

Friday Night Firepit Night.

September 21, 2018
Day 723

Thankful for Friday night firepit nights at Patty and AJ's. Thankful for hot dogs and marshmallows. Thankful for the feeling of a Friday morning and a Friday afternoon and a Friday evening. Thankful for sticky hands and faces. It was a good day.

Still and quiet.

September 20, 2018
Day 722

Thankful for the end of a very long day. Thankful for a delicious dinner from Wegmans. Thankful for vegetable egg rolls. Thankful for pesto and olives and rice with curry and tumeric. Thankful for time to lay in bed and be still and quiet.

A good Wednesday.

September 19, 2018
Day 721

Thankful for a good day at school. Thankful for days to read all morning. Thankful for my amazing home to come home to. Thankful for time to sleep.

And.

September 18, 2018
Day 720

     Thankful for all of the many things God has given me that I don't deserve. His gifts to me overwhelm me. I'm blown away by His love. Thankful for this home. And my whole family. And my dog. And warm, dry clothes. And good food to eat. And an amazing place to work. And students to love. And trees. And the forest. And foxes and spiders and deer and rabbits. And dew on the grass every morning. And things such as hugs and kisses. And love.

     God is good. So, so good to me. Thankful.

Rainy Walks

September 17, 2018
Day 719

     Thankful for rainy evenings at home in my dream house with my amazing family. Thankful for fall leaves on our driveway. Thankful for walks with my husband after dinner. Thankful for nights when I'm in bed by 9. Thankful for apples with almond butter and big mugs of tea with honey. Thankful for a furry animal baby sleeping in my bed with me. Thankful for fall coming soon. Thankful for chats with my sister and my husband. Thankful for time to sleep all night. Thankful for distant rumbles of thunder while out walking Higbee.

The reason why.

September 16, 2018

Day 718

     Sometimes I wonder why I bother with this activity. But I'm reminded why I do it when I see the blue of Addy's eyes. When I see the curves of her cheeks. When I see the green of Tobin's eyes. And the shape of his nose and lips. When he puts his hand in mine. When I look around at what God has given me. When I take deep breaths. When I feel so overwhelmed that it will all spill out over the edge. 

     That's when I remember why I write. I write because I must record forever, because words are forever, the reasons I have for being thankful. 

People who love me.

September 15, 2018
Day 717

     I spent this day with family. We celebrated my grandpa's birthday. We had delicious food, and delicious cake. Family and food is the best combination.

Thankful for people who love me.

Friday.

September 14, 2018
Day 716

So thankful for Friday. Thankful for time with family. Thankful for days at home with my family.

8 things on a Thursday.

September 13, 2018
Day 715

Thankful for:

1. Delicious dinner

2. A great back to school night

3. Tomorrow is Friday. I could not be more happy about that.

4. Higbee cuddles when I came home.

5. Snuggles with my babies before bedtime.

6. Did I mention Friday? I literally cannot wait until Friday at 4. That's when my weekend starts. And I'm going to relax this weekend.

7. Texts from my husband.

8. My sister and brother in law for watching Adelyn and Tobin while I was at back to school night.

Sleep time is the best time.

September 12, 2018
Day 714

     Thankful for my bed. Thankful for time to sleep all night. Thankful for the weekend coming soon.

     I never used to love sleep so much before I had kids.

Time with Patty.

September 11, 2018
Day 713

Thankful for time with Patty. Thankful for so much laughter. Thankful a sandwiche for dinner. Thankful for drives down roads we've never been down. Thankful for nights away.

Rainy Days.

September 10, 2018
Day 712

Thankful for:

-rainy days.

-sweaters.

-leftover chocolate cake.

-long phone calls with family.

-tomorrow is a new day.

-soup for dinner.

-sweatpants and socks.

-a clean house.

-rain in the forecast. When rain is in the forecast, there is nothing to do but sit around and watch movies and cuddle and read.

-my friend, Lorrie, who helped me with Adelyn today.

-bed time.

-friends at work.

-texts from my husband.

40 years.

September 9, 2018
Day 711

     Thankful for my parents. Thankful for this day. Fourty years ago today, my parents were married. They are example of great love, sacrifice, and dedication. I am so thankful for them.

Preview.

September 8, 2018
Day 710

Thankful for the glorious, cool, rainy day. It was lovely. And it gave me hope that very soon, the weather will turn for good and I'll be able to take deep breaths of cold, cold air.

I cannot wait, but I was so thankful for today's preview.

Friday, Friyay!

September 7, 2018
Day 709

     This day was long and busy and hectic. But there was good in it.

     Here was the good:

1. I had cheese and bread and good things to eat for dinner. It was good for my soul to come home and eat delicious things.

2. I brought up two separate mugs of liquid goodness to drink before bed: coffee with cream, and minty tea.

3. My babies were very sweet tonight.

4. It's the weekend and I am so happy about it.

5. My parent's 40 wedding anniversary weekend is this weekend.

6. I don't have to set my alarm for 6 tomorrow morning.

7. It's going to get cold soon. The cold is coming, and I cannot wait.

8. I'm trying a new church on Sunday.

9. I'm in my bed doing school work. I think a bed is a wonderfully productive place to work.

Weekend parties.

September 6, 2018
Day 708

     Thankful for Friday coming up. Thankful for Higbee. Thankful for my bed. Thankful for the ladies at work. Thankful for my students. Thankful for weekend parties to look forward to. Thankful for deer. Thankful for the end of a long day.

Thankful for Night.

September 5, 2018
Day 707

I am thankful for sleep. I am thankful for bedtime. I am thankful for tea and honey. I am thankful that I can give my kids to God and not worry about them because God's got them.

Thankful for night.

There is good and I am thankful for it.

September 4, 2018
Day 706

     This day was long. I am exhausted. We could complain. (And I did to my sister.)


     But there is more than just a long day. There is the little sweet face of Tobin with his sea green eyes looking up at me. There is Adelyn who tries to help me and be a big girl way too soon. There are students to call my own for a whole year. There is my dog to cuddle. And my husband to text love notes to. There is my whole family. There is our home.

     This is good. And I am thankful for it.

God must really love me.

September 3, 2018
Day 705

     I do not deserve this lovely life. I spent this day at our dream house in the forest. My husband and I are just as in love this day as we were when we were 17. Actually, no. We're more in love. My children are beautiful, amazing beings. Their eyes are the color of the sky and the ocean. My dog followed me everywhere I went today. My family is healthy and happy. I have the best job. My husband has the best job. This life is it. This is my dream life, and I am living it.

     God must really love me.

     I am so so so thankful. Thankful doesn't even begin to cover it.

Lovely Sunday.

September 2, 2018
Day 704

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. Smudgy windows.

2. Sweaty kids.

3. Delicious food.

4. Family.

5. America's Got Talent.

6. My home.

7. The electric green glow of the leaves at sunset in the forest.

8. The forest. It's only equal is the beach. Give me the forest or give me the beach.

9. Homemade ice cream.

Six things.

September 1, 2018
Day 703

Thankful for:

1. A full fridge and pantry.

2. A super fun day with my kids.

3. Movies.

4. Rain.

5. A big spider spinning a web outside on our deck.

6. I have two more days off.

Four on a Friday.

August 31, 2018
Day 702

Thankful for:

1. A great first week of school.

2. A great first PTO meeting.

3. Dinner with a friend.

4. Friday night.

Tomorrow is Friday.

August 30, 2018
Day 701

Thankful for:

1. My students. They are sweet and funny and little. I'm glad I have an entire year with them.

2. Adelyn. She makes my heart happy. She's a singer and a writer and an artist.

3. Tobin. He talks about saving animals all day every day. He is passionate, and he makes me smile.

4. My husband. I love when he helps with the dishes.

5. Higbee and his cuddles.

6. My mom, dad, and Patty. Love getting calls from them.

7. Tomorrow is Friday. I'm excited!

8. It's a three day weekend!

Thankful.

Ten things on the 700th day.

August 29, 2018
Day 700

Thankful for:

1. Today is my 700th day of blogging.

2. Adelyn and Tobin were very sweet and baby-like today. Sometimes, I can see the baby days better than others.

3. Texts from my husband.

4. An easy dinner night.

5. America's Got Talent

6. Huge mugs of tea.

7. Time to lay in bed and sleep.

8. Higbee

9. Talks with my mom and dad and sister.

10. Bugs making noise outside.

Untraditional beauty.

August 28, 2018
Day 699

     This is what I've learned from living in the forest:

     There are the beautiful things. Fawns with spots eating pears in grass so green it glows. Rabbits nibbling cool clover under the light of the newly risen moon. The way the sunlight looks as it pours into the forest in the morning and again in the afternoon.

     Then there are the things that don't seem beautiful at first. They seem almost to detract from the beautiful of the fawns and the rabbits and the light.

     I've learned this:

     The forest would not be as beautiful as it is if it were not for all of the creatures living in it. The spiders are beautiful in their own way. They are graceful air dancers. Baby snakes are smooth and shiney. The bats come out at night to feast. I think they're on to something. Feasting under the moon with your friends and family? Seems like a pleasant way to spend the evening. Even the weeds have a place of their own in the forest. They are free to live and grow and be weedy and messy and no one pays them any mind.

     It wouldn't be so beautiful in the forest if it weren't for the untraditionally beautiful.

     Thankful for untraditional beauty.

First day of school.

August 27, 2018
Day 698

     This day was good. It was the first day of school, and my students are all very sweet. I love the first day of school. I have Adelyn and Casey in my class this year, and they are just as excited as I am. Thankful for a good first day of school. Thankful for sweet students. Thankful for a good night at home with my loves.

At just the right time.

August 26, 2018
Day 697

Thankful for:

1. A fine Sunday.

2. The first day of school tomorrow.

3. Cuddling with my babies and watching a movie this afternoon.

4. Cleaning house with my babes.

5. Shoe shopping with my babes.

6. Sunday family dinner.

7. Shopping with my dad.

8. Laughing with my family.

9. School clothes set out and ready to go for tomorrow.

10. Lunches made.

11. A very cuddly, and somewhat sad Higbee. When dogs are missing someone, they seem down in the dumps.

12. A brand new school year. I love new school years.

13. God gives me reminders of the things I need to know at just the right times.

Eleven things on a Saturday.

August 25, 2018
Day 696

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. A beautiful day. The sky was blue, the clouds were puffy, the sun was bright.

2. My beautiful babies. I love to kiss them and smell their hair and take care of them.

3. My pup. I love coming home to big ears and a wet kiss.

4. My husband.

5. My sister.

6. My parents.

7. Steph and Mario were able to come home from their vacation. I'm glad they were not stuck because of the hurricane.

8. An afternoon nap.

9. A full fridge and pantry.

10. School snacks.

11. One more day before the school year begins.

Finished my classroom.

August 24, 2018
Day 695

Thankful for:

1. A great meet and greet at school. I have so many sweet students this year.

2. It was a cool morning. I am so looking forward to fall.

3. It was a cuddly evening with my babes.

4. I finished my classroom.

5. I'm looking forward to a new school year.

Mugs of Tea.

August 23, 2018
Day 694

Today, I am thankful for these things:

1. Today was so lovely. The sky was blue. The clouds were puffy. The air was crisp and cool. It made me happy to be alive.

2. Thankful for my sister.

3. Thankful for Matt's mom. She watch our kids for us today because we didn't have child care.

5. Thankful for mugs of tea.

6. Thankful that tomorrow is Friday.

7. Thankful for homemade ice cream leftovers.

Wednesday Nine.

August 22, 2018
Day 693

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. America's Got Talent. I love watching that show with my family.

2. Make-shift, easy, fend for yourself type dinners. It happens sometimes, and when it does, you just have to roll with it.

3. Lunch with my good friend.

4. My classroom carpets got cleaned today.

5. I finished organizing my classroom today. Well...just about finished.

6. Tomorrow is Thursday. That means the next day is Friday. And the next day is the weekend.

7. My kids folded laundry for me today.

8. Everyone was happy to see me when I got home tonight.

9. I had a nice conversation with Matt's mom this evening.

A good Tuesday.

August 21, 2018
Day 692

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. A clean classroom.

2. Work to do.

3. A lovely home to come home to.

4. Babies to come home to.

5. My husband to come home to.

6. My bed to fall asleep in.

7. Friends at work.

8. My sister at work.

9. A good Tuesday.

I would be lost without her.

August 20, 2018
Day 691

     Today was Adelyn's official 8th birthday. I cannot believe God chose to bless me with Adelyn Bailey. I am her mother. She is my daughter. I do not deserve such happiness with her. She makes every day lovely and light and colorful. She makes me happy to be alive. She is everything good and wonderful and fun and admirable. The most amazing moment of my life was when the doctor put her on my chest, and I looked at her for the first time. I had never seen anything more beautiful in my entire life.

     Thankful for my Adelyn Bailey. She makes life beautiful. I would be lost without her.

Celebrating our lovely girl.

August 19, 2018
Day 690

Today, I am thankful for:

1. Family.

2. Adelyn Bailey's birthday party.

3. Pretty presents.

4. Good food.

5. Ice cream with all the fixings.

6. Kisses from my girl.

7. Slip and Slides.

8. Blow-up water slides.

9. Phone calls with Jason.

10. A lovely day at home celebrating our lovely girl.

Birthday prep.

August 18, 2018
Day 689

     I spent this day making homemade ice cream for Adelyn's 8th birthday celebration. I made these flavors:

1. Mint chocolate chip custard
2. Chocolate custard
3. Vanilla ice cream
4. Vanilla pistachio ice cream
5. Orange sherbet
6. Vanilla chocolate chip ice cream
8. Vanilla peanut butter chocolate candy swirl ice cream.

Tobin, Matt, and I decorated. It's going to be a lovely celebration of our favorite girl. I can't wait.

Thankful for Addy B. Thankful for family and friends coming to celebrate her tomorrow.

Seven years in heaven.

August 17, 2018
Day 688

     Today is River's birthday. We had a relaxing day. We spent it quietly.

     Patty came over for River's birthday party. I made corned beef and cabbage.

     The kids were going bonkers. It was storming very loudly outside. So when the kids disappeared to the toy room and Patty suggested we continue the party in the lovely silence, I agreed.

     We sang to her. I made a wish for her. I blew out her candle for her.

     River, oh how my arms ache for you. In all my life, I will never rid of the ache I feel to hold you close again and mother you.

     I am thankful for you, my daughter. And until we see each other again, I am thinking of you always.

   

Whopper

August 16, 2018
Day 687

     Today, we went to Matt's grandparents house to celebrate his grandma's birthday. It was a sweet celebration. I made soup and sandwiches. I also made a chocolate chip cheesecake. I was happy to make her feel special.

     The end of this day was hard. There are just some instances where one needs to go through the Burger King drive through and get a Whopper Jr. with cheese and bacon. Sometimes, the whopper is a necessity.

     Thankful for a good visit with Matt's grandparents. Thankful for junk food when you're feeling sad.

Sue

August 15, 2018
Day 686

     Today, Matt's mom took Adelyn shopping for her birthday. When Sue does something, she does it all the way. She got Adelyn beautiful new clothes and shoes and jewelry. It was a special day.

     Thankful for Matt's mom. She is so kind and generous and loving. I'm thankful to call her: family.

Today was the best.

August 14, 2018
Day 685

     Today was the best.

1. Matt and I took the kids to the Children's Museum in Winchester.

2. We got lunch at an awesome burger spot.

3. We came home and relaxed on the deck. The kids and Higbee played in the yard. I sipped wine. Matt and I marveled at our home and the many things we've been blessed with.

4. We watched America's Got Talent and ate popcorn and pops.

5. We voted for our favorite acts.

     This day was an awesome day to have my last week of summer vacation.

     Thankful.

More days of summer left.

August 13, 2018
Day 684

Today, I am thankful for these things:

1. A lazy day at home with my family. We've all just laid around all day, and that's perfectly fine with me. Even Higbee has been lazy.

2. Thankful that tomorrow Matt and I are going to have a fun day with the kids.

3. Thankful for the opportunity to babysit Patty's kids tonight. I love spending one on one time with my other babies.

4. Thankful for the thunder and rain. It has been rumbling around all day, and it is so lovely.

5. Thankful for leftovers.

6. Thankful for kisses from my babes.

7. Thankful for projects to do at home. Thankful to have a home to do projects in.

8. Thankful for my parents. I love that I talk to them every day.

9. Thankful for more days of summer left.

It's a good one.

August 12, 2018
Day 683

     This was an awesome day. We spent the day celebrating my love, Matt. We had a big family dinner. We had smoked ribs, smoked chicken, smoked sausage, mac and cheese, macaroni salad, lemon bundt cake, chocolate chip cheesecake, and cookie bars. Matt's mom brought the "damn dip." The name is an old family joke. She also brought deviled eggs and other goodies. We spent the day celebrating. I love celebrating family.

     Thankful for a good day with family. Thankful for Matt. Thankful for his life and for the life he has provided for us. It's a good one.

Desserts awaiting consumption.

August 11, 2018
Day 682

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. An impromptu grocery shopping trip with Matt's mom.

2. Chocolate chip cheesecake.

3. Lemon bundt cake.

4. Cookie bars.

5. All of those lovely desserts awaiting consumption at Matt's birthday party tomorrow.

6. A clean house.

7. A fun day scheduled for tomorrow.

Jason and Jen.

August 10, 2018
Day 681

     This is how you know when two people have long gone from being friends to being a part of your family:

1. When they ask you and your husband to come stay in a castle in Italy.

2. When they provide you with the most delicious food in Italy.

3. When they ask you to come stay with them in their house in Italy.

4. When they make you homemade pici cacio e pepe. From scratch. Just because it's your favorite.

5. When they get lovely things to eat and drink like olives and mozzarella and the best red wine because again...it's your favorite. 

6. When they surprise you with the most beautiful picture of your daughter that you've ever seen. When it's in a beautiful frame that had to be picked up special in DC. When the frame has a monarch butterfly on it because they've read your blog and they know that fluttering monarchs mean that River is very near by. When tears are shed but it's okay, because they're family.

     So very thankful for my dear friends who blessed me beyond what words can say. I will never forget the love and thoughtfulness and kindness they showed me.

Spiderwebs.

August 9, 2018
Day 680

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. Lazy evenings at home with my loves.

2. Spiderwebs in the forest illuminated by the electric afternoon sun.

3. Deer crossing my driveway when I walk Higbee.

4. My kids saying, "Can we play outisde?" And my answer always being, "Yes." I love where we live. And I love that my babes can play outside by themselves.

5. Reading with my babies.

6. Higbee being super cuddly. It's rare, so I love it all the more.

7. Books to read.

8. Blankets to crochet. I'm working on one for Odette right now.

9. Dog hair everywhere. It means I have a sweet animal living in my home that loves me.

10. Tomorrow is Friday. We get to go to dinner at our good friend's house.

Five on a Thursday.

August 8, 2018
Day 679

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. New paint in my classroom. It's super hard work painting, but the outcome is worth the work.

2. Loud music.

3. A nice walk through the woods with Higbee.

4. A cuddly day with my babes.

5. Matt. He is the sweetest husband ever.

The One.

August 7, 2018
Day 678

     Today was Matt's birthday. We celebrated him all day. He is an amazing husband, father, and friend. He has given me the life of my wildest dreams. We have everything we ever wanted in this life. He's worked hard to make it happen. He's worked hard for us; with our happiness and comfort in mind.

     He loves me like I need to be loved. He looks at me with gentle, kind, and loving eyes. He plays with me. He makes me laugh. He believes in me. He thinks I'm beautiful. He's the one. He always has been. He always will be. The one. My one.

     Thankful for my love. So, so thankful. Cup overflowing, cold drink of ice water on the hottest day, man of my dreams thankful.

Four things on a Monday.

August 6, 2018
Day 677

Tonight, I'm thankful for:

1. A fun day with my family.

2. My kids were able to catch dragonflies today.

3. I got to hang out with my sister.

4. I'm laying in bed with my love and my dog in the home of our dreams with our babies sleeping in the next room. Sometimes, I just can't believe this is my life.

So thankful.

I still have time left in this sweet, sweet summertime.

August 5, 2018
Day 676

This was the best Sunday I have spent in a long while. We were crazy lazy. We laid around all day watching TV. We ate good food. My parents spent the night last night and were lazy with us today. Patty came over this morning to be lazy with us. It was the best Sunday morning.

Thankful for lazy Sundays. Thankful for my parents and my sister and all our family. Thankful for leftovers. Thankful for cake for breakfast. Thankful for muggy weather. It makes the house feel so much more refreshing when you walk in from the heat.

Thankful for a fresh new week. Thankful that I still have time left in this sweet, sweet summertime.

My dad's birthday celebration.

August 4, 2018
Day 675


We celebrated my dad's birthday today. We had family over. We had seriously good food. There was nothing but laughter and love. This life is good. And I am undeserving.

Thankful for my dad. Hero of heroes. Fixer of all things broken. The best and the strongest man. He is the definition of the words: dad; and hero.

Thankful for food. Thankful for laughter and love shared. Thankful for our lovely home in the woods to host parties at. I never thought I would be here. Living my dream life at the age of 36. But God is good and kind and merciful. And despite all the things I've done to wreck my life, God has done more to bless it and make it wonderful.

It's a wonderful life, and I'm thankful. So, so, so thankful.

A new fresh day to write your life on.

August 3, 2018
Day 674

This day was hard. But there was still good in it. Good things like my bed, my sister, kisses from my babies, a blanket to crochet, my dog, hot tea with honey, and sleep.

Thankful that after each night comes a new day. The reset button is pushed, and you have a whole new fresh day to write your life on.

Thankful.

Six things on a Thursday.

August 2, 2018
Day 673

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. A fun morning at Chuck E Cheese's with Patty and all the kids.

2. Rain.

3. Cloudy days.

4. Quiet evenings spent at home while thunder rumbles low in the distance.

5. Time to sit quietly and watch a show and crochet.

6. Texts with a dear friend.

My dad; my hero.

August 1, 2018
Day 672

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. My dad. Today is his birthday. He is, literally, my hero. He rescues us when we need help. He is an amazing human being. I am lucky to call myself his daughter. He is the best, and the strongest, and the most amazing, and the smartest.

2. A day spent at home cleaning, reading, writing, and playing.

3. We went to Chick-Fil-A for dinner. It was a school spirit night.

4. It's a rainy evening, and I'm going to clean the kitchen and watch shows.

5. Tomorrow, I'm going to go work in my classroom. I'm excited to get in there and start setting stuff up.

The sound of rain on the windows at bedtime.

July 31, 2018
Day 671

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. A great lazy day with my family.

2. Rain.

3. Movies.

4. A fun coffee date with a good friend.

5. America's Got Talent.

6. Spending nights laughing with my family. Matt makes me laugh hard. Laughing hard is one of my favorites.

7. Long talks with Jason.

8. Netflix.

9. My bed.

10. The sound of rain on the windows at bedtime.

Lullaby music.

July 30, 2018
Day 670

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. The fact that I left my house today with no intention of driving to Patty's. But I ended up driving there anyways. There are days when I just need to drive to Patty's for the day.

2. Big bowls of popcorn.

3. Movies.

4. Washing our hair in the rain.

5. Delia's.

6. Being able to see my parents on a weeknight.

7. Being able to to see AJ. I haven't seen him in a while.

8. Odette kissed me goodnight.

9. Tobin and Adelyn fall asleep every night to lullaby music. It makes me smile to hear it.

Good 'ole days.

July 29, 2018
Day 669

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. A good Sunday at home. We spent this day relaxing, and it was lovely.

2. My parents came over for dinner and they brought a london broil. It was delicious.

3. We spent the night talking about when my parents were dating and newly married. I love talking about good 'ole days.

4. It's supposed to rain all week. I am so excited about it!

My hero!

July 28, 2018
Day 668

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. My dad! He's my hero! He came over today and fixed our AC. I'm overjoyed to be able to sleep in bed tonight.

2. A nice family dinner. Burgers on the new charcoal grill, homemade fries, salad, and watermelon.

3. A lovely day. We spent a lot of this day outside; walking, playing, enjoying.

4. Chocolate.

5. My husband went to get me ice cream. There are nights when ice cream in absolutely necessary.

6. Tomorrow is Sunday. A new day. The start of a new week.

7. The house is quiet. The kids are sleeping. Higbee is sleeping.

8. I have a package ready to send to my friend. I love sending things in the mail.

Lazy rest of the day.

July 27, 2018
Day 667

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. A fun day with family swimming at our Aunt's pool.

2. Lunch with family.

3. A very lazy rest of the day. I wasn't feeling well, so the kids and I had a lazy evening in the living room. Our AC is out upstairs, so we've been having sleepovers on the main level. We all had dinner in front of the TV, and spent the rest of the night on the couch. Sometimes, those nights are needed.

4. It was rainy and stormy today.

5. Higbee and Tobin and Adelyn were especially cuddly today.

Things made of lavender.

July 26, 2018
Day 666

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. A blue sky with puffy white clouds day.

2. A trip to the lavender farm.

3. Lavender shortbread cookies.

4. Things made of lavender.

5. Sprigs of lavender drying in my window.

6. Wildflower bouquets.

7. Sunflowers.

8. Thunder.

9. An amazing night of prayer.

10. Tomorrow is Friday, and we have plans to go visit with family tomorrow. I'm excited.

AGT

July 25, 2018 

Day 665

Tonight, I am thankful for these things: 

1. Big bowls of popcorn.

2. Pops.

3. America's Got Talent. 

4. Blankets. 

5. Sleepovers in the living room because our upstairs AC is broken. 

6. Open windows. 

7. A box of goodies I have ready to send to a dear friend of mine. 

8. Tobin being sweet at bedtime. He put his hand on my cheek and said, "Goodnight, Mama," in the sweetest voice. 

9. Adelyn helping me around the house. 

10. Texts from my sweet husband. 

Many days of summer left.

July 24, 2018
Day 664

Tonight, I am thankful for:

1. A rainy, stormy day.

2. The chance to work in my classroom a bit.

3. My sister who always volunteers to watch my babies for me.

4. My parents who came out to help us yet again. Our upstairs AC unit broke. It's very hot upstairs, so he came to fix it for us. My parents are the loveliest people.

5. A delicious dinner.

6. Working AC on our middle level.

7. A sleepover on the middle level with my kids because it's too hot to sleep upstairs.

8. Higbee. He has very sweet eyes and ears.

9. Texts from my husband.

10. Many days of summer left.

Bowling.

July 23, 2018
Day 663

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. A rainy day.

2. Bowling with my family.

3. Shopping with my family.

4. Being lazy for the rest of the day here at home with my family.

5. My dad hung our pretty pink lamp over the pink table last night. And now my home is perfect.

6. A long conversation with my cousin.

7. 100 day prayer projects.

8. Text messages with my friend.

9. My husband. He loves me even when I'm in sweats and a raggedy old t-shirt with messy hair and no make-up. He's always loved me that way, and it makes me feel very blessed.

10. A rainy week.

11. Music.

12. Books.

13. Blankets to crochet.

14. My babes. They make every day lovely and full and exciting.

15. I'm working in my classroom tomorrow.

16. I have plans to have dinner with my good friend tomorrow night.

I love that feeling.

July 22, 2018
Day 662

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. The best family Sunday ever.

2. Delicious food.

3. Delicious dessert.

4. AGT reruns.

5. Laughter.

6. Rain.

7. A walk in the woods with my mom.

8. Time to sit and relax now on the couch by myself and watch a show.

9. Tomorrow is Monday. I don't have to work. I love that feeling.

A fun night out.

July 21, 2018
Day 661

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. Lazy mornings.

2. Movie days.

3. Rainy days.

4. Jason.

5. Jeff and Gary.

6. Steph and Mario.

7. The chance to visit with all of them.

8. Patty and AJ. I love that she will always babysit for me.

9. Ryleigh who went to help Patty babysit.

10. A fun night out.

Friday! Friyay!

July 20, 2018
Day 660

Tonight, I am thankful for the following things:

1. A great day with my family at the lake. Lake swimming is grand. It's great fun to search for fish and snail shells.

2. Burgers at the lake.

3. An awesome night with some great friends. We had good food, great conversation, and lots of laughs. It was our first time entertaining on the deck, and it felt so nice to host a dinner where we could be outside.

4. It's supposed to rain tomorrow. I love rainy days.

It's alive.

July 19, 2018
Day 659

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. A lovely day at a farm of lavender.

2. Cheeks made red by the sun.

3. Sweaty hair.

4. Lavender things to buy in a lavender shop.

5. Lavender shortbread cookies.

6. My fridge and pantry is fully stocked from a solo trip to the grocery store.

7. Dessert on the deck after dinner.

8. Early bedtime for my babies. Tobin needed me in his room tonight while he fell asleep. He fell asleep with his hand on my check. I love my sweet son.

9. Fresh cookie bars.

10. Fresh banana bread. I threw in a handful of pecans and handful of chocolate chips. We'll see how it turns out. I mean, banana bread isn't exactly healthy. It's made with a full cup of sugar. If there's already sugar in it, I might as well add some chocolate.

11. Plans to go to the lake tomorrow and then to have my dear friend and her family over for dinner.

12. Nights when everyone is sleeping except me. I love being awake and having the quiet house all to myself.

13. A clean kitchen.

14. Video chats with my sister. I know it's 2018, but I didn't know this was a thing I could do with my phone. So, I was pretty excited.

15. Quiet nights in the forest. I love the forest. It's alive and when you live in it, you can feel it.

Heart and Soul.

July 18, 2018
Day 658

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. An awesome day at the pool with my family. I love being with my family.

2. The weather today was glorious. The sky was so blue and the clouds were so white and puffy.

3. I had a dear friend over for dinner tonight. We had dinner and sat on the deck and talked and laughed for a long time. It was good for my heart and soul.

4. I got to see Bia today. Bia is my aunt's and uncle's dog. She makes me so happy. I love puppy paws and puppy breath and puppy ears.

Lots of butter and salt.

July 17, 2018
Day 657

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. Homemade chicken noodle soup and biscuits.

2. Being able to deliver homemade chicken noodle soup and biscuits to my dear friends.

3. A rolling thunderstorm during the afternoon.

4. Heavy rain on the roof.

5. Hugs and kisses and cuddles with my babies.

6. Being able to watch America's Got Talent with my family.

7. Big bowls of homemade popcorn with lots of butter and salt.

Girl's Night. Dinosaur Hunt.

July 16, 2018
Day 656

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. Miss Addy B and I had a girls night and it was great fun. We did make-up, hair, painted nails, listened to music, talked, laughed. It was so much fun that we have plans for an even bigger girls night on Thursday night. I love sweet time with my girl.

2. We watched Jurassic Park tonight with a big bowl of popcorn.

3. After we watched Jurassic Park, Tobin and I played dinosaur and hunter. He was the hunter. I was the dinosaur. A T-Rex to be exact. I got shot many times with his semi-automatic nerf gun. Let me tell you; those darts hurt!

4. I got to visit with my dear friend this afternoon. It makes me so happy to see good friends.

5. Matt's home relaxing in bed right now. He came home in his uniform, and it made me so happy. He looks so handsome in his uniform.

6. I had a nice phone conversation with my mom earlier this afternoon.

7. Tomorrow, I have plans to deliver some homemade chicken noodle soup to my dear friends. I love bringing people soup. I would much rather bring soup than flowers. And I'm convinced that a good pot of organic, homemade chicken noodle soup with homemade crusty biscuits will cure what ails a person.

8. I have plans to have a friend over on Wednesday and on Friday. I feel very lucky.

9. I have plans to see family on Saturday. I can't wait.

10. Adelyn painted my nails during our girls night. It was her first time, and it shows. I thought about taking it off as soon as I put her to bed, but I'm going to leave it. At least until tomorrow morning.

I love my babies so much.

So very thankful!

Baptism Sunday.

July 15, 2018
Day 655

Here are the things I am thankful for today:

1. An amazing time at church with my family this morning. Tobin was baptized. I was so proud of him. He made the decision to be baptized all on his own. Without any prompting from me or Matt.

2. We had a great celebration lunch. Grilled lemon and garlic chicken, rice, salad, corn on the cob, watermelon, cookies, and homemade ice cream. My dad makes the best ice cream.

3. We had popcorn and watched golden buzzer AGT performances. It was really fun and relaxing.

4. It was a great day with my family. I love great days.

5. Even though Matt was working, he found someone to cover for him so he could come watch Tobin be baptized. It was a great surprise.

6. Adelyn, Tobin, and I just spent about two hours talking, reading, cuddling, and saying goodnight. I love long goodnights.

7. Matt is off tomorrow, and I can't wait to see what adventures we'll get into.

Blue and Green.

July 14, 2018
Day 654

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. The weather today was lovely. The sky was very blue. The trees were very green.

2. We had a lazy morning.

3. We went to the Air and Space Museum today. The kids loved it. It was so interesting to see all the old planes.

4. We had a nice lunch together.

5. We got milkshakes after the museum.

6. Adelyn and Tobin have the most beautiful blond hair ever.

7. Adelyn has the bluest eyes.

8. Tobin has the greenest eyes.

9. My children's eyes remind me of the ocean. Adelyn's: a very blue ocean. Tobin's: a very green ocean.

10. We had a nice night at home together.

11. Tomorrow, Tobin is getting baptized. He's very excited.

12. Higbee was very playful and funny tonight.

13. It was a good day.

14. My husband has the sweetest eyes and smile ever. I can tell when he's smiling just by looking at his eyes.

Four on a Friday.

July 13, 2018
Day 653

Today, I am thankful for these things:

1. It is Friday.

2. Matt and I had the best date night. Any time spent with my love is a good time.

3. Tomorrow will be a fun family day.

4. The weather has been lovely. This has been a great summer so far.

A day that is bright and sunny and full of hope and promise.

July 12, 2018
Day 652

Today, I am thankful for these things:

1. For second and third and fourth and fifth and sixth and hundreds of chances to make each day better than the one before it. To make each moment count. To not waste time. It is one of our most precious gifts on earth.

2. For music blaring.

3. For lungs and vocal chords so we can sing at the top of our lungs.

4. For no neighbors. We can blast the music just as loud as we want to.

5. For children to love and care for.

6. For food to make.

7. For clothes to wear.

8. For books to buy.

9. For bookshelves to put new books on.

10. For morning texts from Matt. He always says good morning to me when he's working.

11. For a bright sunny day with blue sky.

12. For clean water.

13. For a dog to love.

14. For green grass.

15. For iced peppermint tea. It tastes like summertime at my grandparent's house when I was a little girl.

16. For a desk to sit and write at.

17. For plans to write something big tonight.

18. For friends who call in the morning after a long trip just to say hi.

19. For phone calls with my mom. My mom feels like home.

20. For a day that started off rough, but turned around to be bright and sunny and full of hope and promise.

21. For twenty things to be thankful for today, and it's not even 3 o'clock yet. God is good to me.

We revel in our love.

July 11, 2018
Day 651

These are the things I am thankful for today:

1. Long talks with my good friend over coffee and tea.

2. Bananas and almonds.

3. Kisses from my babies.

4. Snuggles with Higbee.

5. The way the forest looks around 4 and 5 o'clock in the afternoon. It glows an electric green.

6. The way the forest looks in the bright early morning sun. It shines so brightly it looks otherworldly.

7. The bed I share with my husband. It holds us as we kiss and cuddle and revel in the love that still burns brightly after 18 years together. I don't deserve even one ounce of his love. I'm in awe of how he still runs after me and kisses me like he hasn't kissed me every day for the last 18 years. God knew I needed him.

Beaches with sand by lakes to swim in.

July 10, 2018

Day 650

These are the things I'm thankful for today: 

1. Lakes. 

2. Swimming in lakes. 

3. Beaches with sand by lakes to swim in. 

4. Good food to eat for lunch by beaches with sand by lakes to swim in. 

5. Family to eat good food with by beaches with sand by lakes to swim in. 

6. Fish. 

7. Sunshine. 

8. The shade. 

9. Wet beach towels. 

10. Long nights with my husband in our home. 

We smelled many things made of lavender.

June 9, 2018
Day 649

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. For mugs filled with hot tea. The tea is peppermint and tarragon. I always add a generous drop of honey.

2. I am thankful for blank pages on which to write things down. Things that are important. Things that are not so important. Things that one should remember. I am thankful for words. I have always loved writing. My dream is to be a poet, a singer, a writer of beautiful words. My dream is that one day, I will happen upon a little corner bookstore, and I will wander in and see my book sitting on a shelf. With my name and my words.

3. I am thankful that I can dream dreams. I can be someone I wasn't before. It is possible. I can do things I've never done. I can make every day what I want to make it.

4. I am thankful that when I write, I can be raw and real. I can write it like it is. I can say the things that are in my head than need to come out. My mind is jumbled when I don't write.

5. I am thankful for a fun day with my babes and my sister and her babes. We went swimming. We went to two farms. We smelled many things made of lavender.

6. The forest was so lovely today. The sky was so blue, and the sunlight was so bright. I love the way the sun looks in the forest.

7. I am thankful that I had this day with air in my lungs and step in my feet and a beat in my heart. This day was a gift.

The great love of my life.

June 8, 2018
Day 648

Here are the things that I'm thankful for today:

1. It was absolutely gorgeous outside today. The sky was very blue. The breeze was cool so that it was breezy and comfortable in the shade.

2. The kids and I cleaned seashells.

3. We played outside.

4. Matt cut the grass. I never knew that I loved a freshly cut lawn as much as I do. I never knew that was a thing to enjoy and appreciate.

5. I'm trying to teach Higbee a new trick. I'm trying to teach him to carry in groceries for me. I love having such a smart dog.

6. My babies love to hug me and kiss me and cuddle with me. I don't deserve this lovely life. I don't deserve their sweet love. I don't deserve such happiness. That God gives it to me anyways is a miracle to me. His grace amazes me.

7. I went grocery shopping today by myself. It was fun to be alone and shop without my busy bees.

8. I drove home from the grocery store with the windows all the way down and the music all the way up. I was blasting country music while driving through the country. It was good for my soul.

9. I've been watching a bunch of chick flicks lately, and it feels good.

10. I have the most amazing husband. He loves me more than words can say. No matter what I'm going through, he loves me through it. I've never once doubted his love for me. I'm thankful to call my husband the great love of my life.

Feeling thankful.

June 7, 2018
Day 647

     This day was lovely. We spent it with family. We went to my grandparent's house to watch fireworks. I love watching my children's faces when they're watching fireworks. They are so beautiful.

     Having a family is a beautiful thing. And it should not ever be taken for granted.

     Feeling thankful.

Summertime is the best time.

July 6, 2018
Day 646

     Thankful for a lazy day at home. Thankful for time with Odette. Thankful for my sister who took my kids to the pool with her. Thankful for dogs. Thankful for dinners with good friends. I love catching up with friends. The food was good. The company was better. Thankful that tomorrow is a new, fresh start. Thankful for plans for fun things tomorrow. Thankful for family. Thankful for my mom and dad who came out to babysit our kids. Thankful for my dad's ice cream maker. We had delicious chocolate ice cream tonight. Thankful that now, I get to go relax in bed and watch a movie.

     Summertime is the best time.

Officially Moved In.

July 5, 2018
Day 645

     Today I am thankful that after months and months of living with moving boxes stored in our garage, we are officially moved in to our new home! There are no more moving boxes anywhere. This is an amazing feeling. I am thankful for this home, and this land, and the beautiful blessings that come along with it. Like waking up every morning to the waving of the leaves on the trees. Like hearing the wind blow through the trees. It sounds like ocean waves. Like hearing the crunch of the gravel under my shoes. Like seeing my children and my dog play happily in the backyard. This home is more than I ever could have even have imagined we could have.

Enjoy the journey.

July 4, 2018
Day 644

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. It was a lovely 4th of July. We spent this day with family. Days spent with family are days well spent.

2. We had delicious food and desserts today.

3. I love watching the awe and wonder in my children's eyes when they see fireworks. They don't have to be large and grand to make a child's eye pop wide open.

4. My kids had fun playing in the pool at their cousin's and aunt's house today.

5. Patty and I have plans this Friday to go out to dinner with our good friends. I'm excited to see my girlfriends!

6. I love our home. I so love this home. It's hard not to want to make every room exactly how I want it right away, but I'm trying hard to enjoy the journey of getting it where I want it to be.

7. Higbee loves to cuddle with me at night and it makes me feel warm and cozy to think that a sweet animal loves me enough to cuddle with me.

8. My kids have the sweetest kisses.

9. I love my bed. I'm always thankful for my bed.

Love letters.

July 3, 2018
Day 643

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. Matt and I started cleaning out the garage.

2. It was fun looking through all our old pictures and love letters.

3. We had a delicious dinner. We had grilled chicken, grilled potatoes, and salad.

4. My children were sweet and lovely and wonderful today. As they always are.

5. Tomorrow will be fun! We're going to two family parties.

Fawns.

July 2, 2018
Day 642

Tonight, I am thankful for these things:

1. We had a nice visit with Matt's grandparents today.

2. I love our home. Sometimes, I just sit around and look at where I live, and I can't quite believe that it's really mine.

3. I love cuddling with my babes all summer. Adelyn and Tobin make each day lovely and wonderful.

4. Matt and I are going to clean out the garage tomorrow. I am very excited because when we are done, we will finally be moved in. (We still have moving boxes in the garage.) :(

5. We have food to eat.

6. We have clothes to wear.

7. We have water to drink.

8. We have air conditioning.

9. We have working vehicles.

10. We have a backyard.

11. We have a dog.

12. We have comfy beds.

13. There are deer in our yard every morning.

14. Tobin and I saw two very tiny fawns this morning. They were small and sweet.

15. Tomorrow is America's Got Talent! I love that my kids love to watch it with me now. :)

I'm going to make it worth writing about.

July 1, 2018
Day 641

Here are the things that I'm thankful for today:

1. The sky was so blue this morning that it looked lavender.

2. Higbee was lazy this morning. He laid in bed for a long time before finally getting up to eat and go out.

3. Higbee slept in bed with me last night. He usually sleeps downstairs on the sofa when Matt works for 24 hours, but last night he slept in bed with me. It made me happy.

4. My children were sweet and precious today. As they are every day.

5. My husband looked at me tonight, in my eyes, and said, "I love you."

6. Tobin likes to cuddle in bed with me in the mornings. And he always wakes me up by saying, "I'm so hungry, Mama!"

7. We had a nice family dinner tonight with my family.

8. We went to the pool.

9. We sat on the deck and talked for a while.

10. We have plans to go see Matt's grandparents tomorrow.

11. I had a nice, raw, real conversation with my Grandma tonight.

12. Tomorrow is a new day. Each morning is new and fresh and ready to be written. I'm going to make it worth writing about.