"Not all those who wander are lost."

January 31, 2018
Day 491

     I'm thankful for this new adventure. We'll always look back to when we lived in Patty's basement and didn't know where we were going to live. We'll talk about it as we lay in bed in our new home. We'll marvel at how wonderful the view is from our backyard. We'll revel in the fact that I can say this to my children and my dog, "Go play outside." And they can. And they will.

     I bought a picture from Michael's the other day that has this quote from J.R.R. Tolkien on it: "Not all those who wander are lost." We're wandering right now. But we're far from lost. We have each other. We have our sanctuary within the hugs and smiles and touches and kisses of each other.

     This is going to be a grand adventure. And I'm thankful for it. 

Good Tuesday.

January 30, 2018
Day 490

This was a good Tuesday.

The kids were happy and pleasant.

Higbee was cuddly.

I got to hang out with my friend, Rebecca tonight.

I had a vanilla steamer tonight and it was lovely and delicious.

Thankful.

A list on a Monday.

January 29, 2018
Day 489

Thankful for my children.

Thankful for my husband.

Thankful for Higbee.

Thankful for snow in the forecast.

Thankful for my bed.

Thankful for this time and this space to write.

Thankful for a productive day.

Thankful for things checked off my to do list.

Thankful for the way my children look when they sleep.

Thankful for the way Higbee looks when he sleeps.

Thankful that somewhere out there is a home waiting for us.

Thankful for a short week coming up.

Thankful for a lovely dinner out with two great friends.

Thankful for dessert. Ice cream with cake and fudge and apples and pecans is just about the nicest thing in the world.

Thankful for time to sleep.

Thankful for Parks and Recreation. 

Thankful. 

So long.

January 28, 2018
Day 488

     Thankful for our home. Thankful for the lovely memories we made there. Thankful for our family who helped us all day yesterday and today. Thankful for my bed after a long day. Thankful for an easy day tomorrow. Thankful for Patty who makes the most delicious dinners. Thankful for time to sleep.

Moving Day!

January 27, 2018
Day 479

     Thankful for people who love us enough to come help us move. Thankful for burgers. Thankful for my bed after a long day!

This home.

January 26, 2018
Day 478

     Tonight is the last night I will sleep in this home. This is where I brought my babies home. This is where we became a family of four. These walls have been good to us. There was much love here. And for all these things, I am thankful.

I have the day off tomorrow!

January 25, 2018
Day 477

Thankful for Parks and Recreation. 

Thankful for pizza for dinner out with my family.

Thankful for phone calls with Jason.

Thankful for Patty and the fact that she always gives good advice.

Thankful for my friends Heidi, Michelle, and Lorrie.

Thankful for Higbee cuddling in bed with me.

Thankful for a day off tomorrow.

Thankful that tomorrow Matt and I go to closing on the sale of our home.

Thankful for time to cuddle with my babies. When I close my eyes and hold them, I can pretend they are babies again.

Thankful for friends that offer to help us move.

Thankful for my family.

Thankful for this time and this space to write.

No end to the wonderful.

January 24, 2018
Day 476

Thankful for my sister. She made a delicious dinner for us tonight. She walked my dog this morning. There is no end to the wonderful things she does.

Thankful for phone calls with my mom, my dad, and my sister. I love chatting with my favorite people.

Thankful for apples with almond butter.

Thankful that Tobin ate more today.

Thankful for movies and shows on Netflix.

Thankful for my friend, Lorrie.

Thankful that tomorrow is Thursday, and it will be a fun day at school. We have a class party. It is pajama day, movie and popcorn day, and bring a stuffed animal day.

Thankful for books and words and new things to write.

Thankful for vitamins.

Thankful for lotion.

Thankful for a good Wednesday.

Tuesday's List.

January 23, 2018
Day 475

     Thankful for phone calls from my mom, for Patty, for my sweet babes, for Higbee's sweet brown eyes and his long face, for long, hot showers after work, for tea and honey, and for the weekend coming in a few days.

Tomorrow will be a lovely Tuesday.

January 22, 2018
Day 474

This day was good.

Tobin and Adelyn were happy and sweet.

I went to bed early, but then I got out of bed and did some things I needed to do. Like wax my legs, and watched shows, and ate ice cream with sticky, waxy fingers.

Tomorrow is a new, fresh day.

This morning's sunrise was lovely. It was gray and pink and orange and purple. I wish I could have watched it longer.

This is our last full week in our home. I'm going to miss these walls that housed our sweet family. I'm going to miss these walls that I brought my babies home to.

I put lotion on tonight, and I feel like a real accomplished adult. Here are some other things that make me feel like an adult:
1. Wearing my new coat.
2. Writing checks.
3. Putting  two babies to bed on time.
4. Getting manicures.
5. Making dinner for my family.

I have a book to read tonight. I'm excited to read it.

Tomorrow will be a lovely day.

Fennec is better.

January 21, 2018
Day 473

     I'm thankful that my sweet Fennec Fox is feeling better. He hasn't eaten in three days, but he was running around today. It made my heart swell to see him smile and play today.

     I had a great talk with Adelyn Bailey today. We chatted about some things bothering her in school. It was good to sit and talk with her. She's such a beautiful soul.

     I talked with my mom on the phone last night. I was feeling anxious about a few things, and she made me feel so much better. My mom makes everything better.

     My husband grabbed me several times today and kissed me and hugged me. I love having a husband that loves me so.

     My dad called me earlier today to chat. I love getting a phone call from my dad. I love seeing his name on my caller ID.

     Thankful for a relaxing, yet productive Sunday. Thankful for family. Thankful for a quiet day. Thankful for time to lay in bed and write.

Backyard means super happy kids and dog.

January 20, 2018
Day 472

Tobin has been sick, but he's slowly getting better. That's something I have to remind myself of when people get sick. Each day gets a little better and better until finally, it's over. And the person is well. Tomorrow will be better than today. The next day will be better than tomorrow. My mom taught me this. I like thinking this way.

I had ice cream tonight and it was glorious. Sometimes, you just need a bowl of ice cream and whipped cream in bed while you watch Parks and Recreation. 

Adelyn helped me pack up the basement and part of her room. It's exciting to get things packed up.

Tomorrow will be more packing, but it will be good. Because packing means moving. Moving means backyard. Backyard means super happy kids and dog.

This day was hard, but...

January 19, 2018
Day 471

     Today was hard.

     But there was good.

     Thankful for Bible verses that give me hope.
     Thankful for friends who pray for me.
     Thankful for time to cuddle at night with Higbee.
     Thankful for the ability to help and comfort my child when he's sick.
     Thankful for comfortable beds to lay in.
     Thankful for hugs.
     Thankful for two days at home to look forward to.
     Thankful for things to stay busy with.
     Thankful for my family.

Tomorrow is Friday.

January 18, 2018
Day 470

     Thankful that tomorrow is Friday. Thankful for time to lay in bed. Thankful for books to read. For things to write. For babies to kiss. Thankful for the weekend coming up.

He was waiting for me to sing to him.

January 17, 2018
Day 469

Thankful for Cava.

Thankful for vanilla steamers.

Thankful for time with friends.

Thankful for a snow day.

Thankful for a dance party with Tobin.

Thankful for this: I was out during bedtime tonight. I had a meeting. Matt put Tobin to bed. Matt said when he checked on Tobin after he had been in bed for a while, Tobin was still awake. He said he was waiting for me to come sing to him. I adore that boy.

Thankful for my sassy teenager, Adelyn. Lord help us when she's really a teen. Because seven has been interesting. She's full of passion and creativity. I adore my girl.

Thankful for my husband. He loves me so.

Thankful for Higbee. I love the way he curls up in bed at night.

Thankful for tea with friends this afternoon.

Thankful for Patty's offer of a delicious lunch. Patty makes good food.

Thankful for a phone call with my mom.

It was a good Wednesday.

Thankful.

Good things on grumpy days.

January 16, 2018
Day 468

     On the days when I feel grumpy, I remember that there are people who love me. I remember that there is a dog who thinks I'm something great. I remember that I am living the life I had always dreamed of. I remember that my husband is in mad love with me. I remember that there are trees, there is the wind, there is the sky, there are animals. I remember there is my family. There are books to read. There are things to write. There are things to write that have never been written before.

     On the days when I feel grumpy, I remember the things that matter most, and grumpy has to go. I remember the things that are beautiful and lovely and wonderful in my life, and I don't feel grumpy anymore. I feel undeserving. I feel showered with blessings. I feel thankful.

     Thankful for good things on grumpy days.

Short Week at School.

January 15, 2018

Day 467

Matt and I went home shopping today. It was really fun! We didn't find anything we liked at all, but it was still fun and productive. 

My parents came over to watch Adelyn and Tobin for us while we went home shopping. It was nice to see them. 

We had a lovely dinner at Patty's house tonight. 

Adelyn, Casey, Sophia, and Tobin put on a play tonight of the first Christmas. It was sweet. 

We get to start packing this week. 

It's cold outside. 

Higbee is cuddling with me right now.

The kids are excited about moving. 

Thankful for large mugs of tea with honey. 

Thankful we got to spend time with Jason today. 

Thankful for a short week at school. 

Family Day

January 14, 2018
Day 466

     This day was awesome. We spent the day with family. We went walking in the woods. I love finding a creek in the woods. It was really cold, so our walk was lovely and invigorating. It was so good to catch up with family. Adelyn and Matt had to stay home because Adelyn was still recovering from her stomach bug. But Adelyn is feeling much better, so that's good.

     Thankful for this day.

The getting better part.

January 13, 2017
Day 465

Today there was music.

There was shopping with Tobin.

There was a birthday party for Mario.

There was a good conversation with my friend.

There was smiles and thumbs up after Adelyn got sick and threw up tonight. The getting better part is always good. It always feels like a miracle.

There are tv shows to watch.

There are two more days at home with my loves.

There are fun days ahead. We're selling our house and moving into Patty's house. I'm excited to go house shopping!

Thankful.

Threatening to get colder.

January 12, 2018
Day 464

     This day was good. It was rainy. And it's threatening to get colder. Cold and rainy Saturday? Yes, please. And thank you. My students were sweet today. They seemed little today. Sometimes they seem older, but today, they seemed little and cute. This is a three day weekend. I love three day weekends! It's raining right now as I write this. I love listening to the rain on the roof. The house is quiet except for the rain and the sound of me writing. My plans for tomorrow are this: cook, crochet, relax, read, nap, cuddle, movies with the family. It is going to be a wonderful Saturday.

     Thankful.

Six Lines of Thankful.

January 11, 2017
Day 463

Today was long, but good.

We had a delicious dinner at Patty's.

Tomorrow is Friday.

I got two new dresses tonight.

I'm tired, so I'm going to bed now. I love bedtime.

Thankful.

This is a good life.

January 10, 2017
Day 462

I got a bunch of new clothes today. That's always fun.

I got a new book. I love new books.

I'm in bed next to my love. He's snoring. And our children are sleeping in their beds. This is a good life.

My house smells of spaghetti and that smell is warm and cozy.

Tomorrow is Thursday.

The day after tomorrow is Friday.

We had our home inspection today. We're moving right along with this process.

The sunrise was pink this morning.

My students told me I was the best teacher ever this morning. That's always nice to hear.

Higbee was very sleepy and cuddly today. I love sleepy, cuddly dogs.

Patty and AJ brought me Cava for lunch today. It was a nice visit.

Thankful.

Just a bunch of true facts.

January 9, 2017
Day 461

Thankful for my parents, for milkshakes, for friends, for family, for bedtime.

Thankful that tomorrow is Wednesday.

Thankful that after tomorrow we can go house shopping.

Thankful for Parks and Recreation. 

Thankful for tea.

Thankful for time to sleep.

"Humans Waste Words."

January 8, 2018
Day 460

     For countless days, for months, the only thing I have been able to write is quite literally: what I am thankful for. Words and sentences have been hard for me lately. Not because there is anything wrong. It's just that I haven't had new words to say.

     Then this afternoon, I started reading a book to my 3rd graders, and read these sentences: "Humans waste words. They toss them like banana peels and leave them to rot." -Katherine Applegate from The One and Only Ivan

     So then I started thinking, well, maybe it's like this: It's not that I didn't have new words to say. It's that I knew what I had to say, so I said it, and I didn't waste words in the process. I wrote the truest sentences I knew how to write. For me, that is always this: what I am thankful for.

     Thankful for books, for words, for cozy nights, for time to write, for kisses, for lullaby cuddles, for ice, for gray white skies that threaten snow and and ice and wintry mix, for naps, for things to be thankful for. It was a good day. 

Lovely Sunday.

January 7, 2017
Day 459

     Today was lovely. It was cold outside but warm inside. We spent the day with family. We relaxed. We cleaned. We played. We laughed. I baked a cake and brought it to Matt's grandma. We had a nice visit. We went to Patty's house, and visited. My dad made a delicious dinner. Tacos are always good.

     Thankful for a lovely Sunday. I'm very thankful for a good weekend at home.

Ghee.

January 6, 2017
Day 458

     This was a good Saturday. The house was super clean for the appraisal. It went well. I had to attend an open house at school this morning. And since it wasn't busy for me, I got a lot of work done. It's always good to be caught up on school work. I had tea at Patty's house. We went to dinner as a family at Uncle Julio's. It was delicious. We had a family movie night at Patty's. Patty makes the most delicious popcorn ever. Like, she could sell it and make a fortune. It's that good. She seasons it with homemade ghee. It's amazing. It was good to cuddle with my family. Thankful for this good Saturday.

Foxes.

January 5, 2017
Day 457

Today was a lovely snow day.

We watched shows.

We had breakfast in bed. I did have to change the sheets because Tobin made lots of crumbs but it was still fun.

I saw a fox when I took Higbee out today.

I saw two foxes when I took Higbee out the second time today.

We had dinner at Patty's house.

Thankful for all the many good and lovely things in my life.

Snow Day.

January 4, 2018
Day 456

     Today was a snow day. It was bitterly cold outside, so we were forced to stay in and relax all day. I love days when you have to stay in and be warm and cozy.

     I made a huge pot of soup today. It was delicious. I love making soups where you just dump a bunch of ingredients into a pot and heat it up. Here's what I made into soup today: green beans, peas, corn, carrots, tomatoes, turkey meatballs, and venison.

     We have another snow day tomorrow. I can't wait to sleep in, and not get ready for school in the morning. I'm going to lay in bed for a while and drink tea and watch Dr. Quinn.

     I cuddled with Tobin while we read books under his bed tonight. He's really good at cuddling.

     Adelyn is growing up and while it hurts my heart that she's getting so big so fast, she is so beautiful. Sometimes, I just sit and stare and marvel at how beautiful she is.

     Matt loves me madly. Is there anything more to say about that? My husband is in mad, crazy, love with me. I'm so thankful for him.

     Thankful for phone calls with my mom. She always makes me laugh.

     Thankful. 

Quickie post.

January 3, 2017
Day 455

Today was long, but good. It is super cold outside, but it is warm inside the walls of my home. I'm extremely tired, so I'm glad it's time to sleep.

Thankful for my family. For our home. For time to sleep. Thankful for venison roast. Thankful for soup.

Thankful.

Venison Roast.

January 2, 2017
Day 454

     Thankful for my warm coat, and our warm home. Thankful for after bath cuddles with my Tobin boy. Thankful for books before bed. Thankful for a short week at school. Thankful for these last few weeks in our first home. Thankful for time to cuddle with Adelyn Bailey while we read at night. Thankful for the venison roast we will have for dinner tomorrow. Thankful for time to sleep. Thankful for my friend, Rebecca. Thankful for Patty and AJ. They are kind and generous. Thankful for the cold air.

The first day of January.

January 1, 2017
Day 453

Thankful for...

The first day of January. I love the first day of January. I love the way January feels on your tongue when you say it.

Long talks on the phone with Jason.

Being able to cuddle with Matt on the couch today. Today was the last relaxing day we spent in our home because we're moving! And the next few weeks will be busy.

Being able to play with Tobin and Adelyn today. They like to play school. Adelyn is always the teacher, and the rest of us pretend to be naughty kids who don't listen. It's great fun.

We had delicious leftovers at Patty's house today.

It was so cold outside today but it was warm inside the walls of our home.

Matt and I talked about all the good memories we've had in this home. We brought our babies home here. It has been a good home.

Vegetable soup.