Memorial Day Monday.

May 31, 2021

Day 1,678

Thankful for: 

Beautiful weather. 

Blue skies, warm sun, cool breeze. 

A lovely morning with my husband. 

Adelyn and Tobin. Their lives are full of light and joy and it spills over into my life. 

Lord of the Rings movies. 

An awesome bbq with Matt's mom, Steph, and Mario. 

Good food. 

A fun Harry Potter trivia game. 

Dessert. 

Games in the backyard. 

Time to lay in bed and crochet and drink tea and watch a movie. 

Only two weeks left of school. I'm ready to be home. 

Sunday family dinner.

May 30, 2021

Day 1,677

Thankful for: 

A wonderful Sunday. 

Turkey, rice, salad, roasted vegetables, and homemade bread. 

Time spent with my family. 

Laughter. 

A game of Bochee ball at night. 

A great Sunday family dinner. 

12 reasons why this Saturday was the best ever.

May 29, 2021

Day 1,676

     This was the best Saturday EVER. Here are the reasons why: 

1. We slept in. 

2. Morning sex. 

3. A big breakfast of french toast and sausage. 

4. Afternoon delight. 

5. Hot tea and blister peanuts and snacks on the couch. 

6. Rain. 

7. Cold air. 

8. Time to cuddle on the couch. 

9. A delicious dinner. 

10. A good night in bed with my love. 

11. Tobin told me that he needed to start wearing deodorant. 

12. Falling asleep with the knowledge that all your great loves are safe and sound and you are home. 

Six things.

May 28, 2021

Day 1,675

     Thankful for this: 

Coming home to the best family and the best home and the best dog in the world. 

Taking off my work clothes and putting on my home clothes. 

Picking up pizzas for dinner because it's easier than cooking on a Friday. 

Cuddling on the couch with the love of my life and watching a new movie. 

Falling asleep next to the love of my life. 

A wonderful day planned for tomorrow. 

Friends Reunion.

May 27, 2021

Day 1,674

Thankful because: 

Tomorrow is Friday. 

My husband said this to me today, "I've always loved your booty."

Chicken fajitas for dinner. 

A drive with my family to get ice cream. The ice cream wasn't good, but the conversation was. I love being with Matt. Addy and Tobin got to watch a movie while we drove around. 

Friends Reunion. 

Hot tea and blister peanuts. I love drinking tea out of big mugs, but I think if I had a very pretty teacup and saucer, I might have to reconsider my drinking vessel. 

Higbee all cuddled up for bed. He just shared an apple with me. 

Playing with Tobin. 

Walking with Matt and Higbee. 

Watching my kids grow up. Adelyn is looking older and older as the days go on. Tobin is getting taller every day. 

Seeing fun things planned on our calendar for this summer. 

A long weekend ahead of us. 

Things to be thankful for. I have so much. I'm amazing at this lovely life I get to live. 

Roasted garlic.

May 26, 2021

Day 1,673

Thankful for: 

A day called Thursday coming tomorrow. 

Bacon. 

Roasted garlic. It smears like melted butter. 

A lovely salad all prepared for lunch tomorrow. 

Coming home to Matt and Higbee. 

The Friends Reunion is tomorrow. 

Breakfast for dinner. 

My husband helping our kids with their homework. 

Summer coming very soon. 

They are simple truths, but they are mine.

May 25, 2021

Day 1,672

     I think things are said best when they're said simply. Eloquent and flowery words and phrases and sentences just don't hold the same power as those that are spoken simply and with truth behind them. Words are powerful. Too many words when they're not needed are wasteful and superfluous. I think one of the most profound pieces of writing advice that I've ever come across are Hemingway's words: "All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know." I come back to those words when I'm feeling like a blabbermouth. I come back to those words when I don't know what to write. They guide me, and I feel prompted to write what I know to be true. The truest sentences that I know are these:  

1. God loves me. 

2. Matt loves me. I love him. Our life together is beautiful and perfect. I never want for anything when I'm with the love of my life. 

3. There are two people named Adelyn and Tobin that I get to love and hug and kiss. They are the most amazing and wondrous human beings that I've ever known. I love them. 

4. I have a family that loves me. I love them. 

5. The house of my dreams did not stay a dream. I live in it with all the greatest loves of my life. It's real and it's wonderful. 

6. I am fully aware that I did not do anything to deserve this lovely life. God gifted it to me. I am thankful for God's blessings. 

     They are simple truths, but they are mine. And for that, I am thankful. 

We stop and kiss.

May 24, 2021

Day 1,671

Thankful for: 

A cold, rainy day. It was glorious. 

Soup for dinner for me and Adelyn. Pasta for dinner for Matt and Tobin. 

A fun day at work celebrating my friend's birthday. 

Lots of time to cuddle on the couch with Matt this evening. 

Matt and I walk Higbee together. And sometimes when we walk, we stop and kiss for a bit. 

Time to read in bed. We just started On the Banks of Plum Creek. 

A big mug of tea, and a little bowl of blister peanuts. 

Summer break is almost here. 

The smell of Higbee when his fur is wet. 

Friends. 

The Friends reunion is happening this Friday. Matt said he'll watch it with me. I'm excited. 

Lavender shortbread and cookie bars.

May 23, 2021

Day 1,670

Thankful for: 

A lazy morning. I like waking up peacefully. 

The sound of my children laughing and playing together. 

Summer is coming very quickly. I'm so excited to be home with my family. 

A nice visit at my Grandmother's house for Mother's Day. 

Time to talk with my mom, my dad, and my grandma. 

Delicious food. I had a yummy Greek salad. 

Ice cream on a hot day. 

The sound of children laughing and playing. 

Coming home to my favorite place in the world--my home. 

We added a new plant to our plant family. We now have a venus fly trap named, Harris. 

I made lavender shortbread and cookie bars for Lorrie's birthday tomorrow. I'm excited to make a pretty party tomorrow for my friend. 

Time to crochet. 

Time to watch Friends. 

Time to lay in bed with my babies and read. We finished Farmer Boy tonight. Tomorrow night, we will start On the Banks of Plum Creek. 

My husband. I love talking to him. I love that he understands me. I love that he gets me. I love that I can say anything to him. Our life together is so wonderful. 

Bird pictures.

May 22, 2021

Day 1,669

Thankful for: 

My husband. I love how much he loves me. He buys things like bird pictures for our home because he knows I love birds. And whenever we buy something for our home, I don't have to wait to put it up because he puts it up right away. I love that about him. 

Time to be at home. I love time at home. I'm getting very excited that in just three short weeks, I will be spending all of my time at home. 

I love time spent cuddling with my husband on the couch. He's so comfortable to cuddle with. 

Hugs from Adelyn and Tobin. I love them so much. They make every day fun and wonderful and special. 

Higbee. He loves us so much. It's a wonderful thing to be absolutely adored and loved by a furry family member. 

Dinner with Steph, Sue, and Mario. 

Salad. 

Good burgers. 

Time to sit around and talk with family. 

Laughter. 

Time spent with all the great loves of my life. 

A day called Friday.

May 21, 2021

Day 1,668

Thankful for: 

A day called Friday. 

Cereal for dinner. 

The fact that I can come home and sit and not do anything or have a schedule. 

A phone call with Matt that made me feel better. 

A phone call with Patty that made me feel better. 

Friends. 

A blanket to crochet. 

Higbee. 

The way our home looks at night. It's beautiful. 

Time to be at home all weekend. 

Strawberry mint margaritas.

May 20, 2021

Day 1,667

Thankful for: 

A good day at school. 

Dinner at Uncle Julio's with my family right after school. 

Chips and salsa. 

Tacos. 

Strawberry mint margaritas. 

A four stop shopping trip by myself. 

Coffee and blister peanuts from Trader Joe's. 

Guacamole from Costco. 

Cleaning supplies and a toilet brush from Target. 

Fresh fruit--cherries, watermelon, lime, pineapple, and grapefruit--from Wegman's. 

Coming home to the sweetest greeting from Higbee. I can tell when he really misses me. 

The ability to make food for my husband. I'm happy that my efforts the night before feed him with nourishment and love the next day while he's at work for 24 hours. I'm happy that I am able to cook for him. 

The way Matt cares for me. He truly loves and cares for me. I love him, and I love us. I love who I am because I'm married to him. 

Two people

May 19, 2021

Day 1,666

     I taught Tobin how to cut his nails tonight. For as long as he has been alive, I have been cutting his nails for him, and tonight, for the first time, he asked me if he could do it. I was hesitant because I like doing things for him. I love caring for him. He was beautiful, cutting his nails. I loved watching him. I loved watching his blonde hair. I loved smelling this skin, and watching his hands learn how to cut and hold the little baby clippers. 

     I had dinner with Adelyn while the boys watched hockey. It was good to talk with her and be with her. She is growing up very quickly. Sometimes I can't get over how beautiful and mature she is. We talked about doing another girl's day. We like to go to McKay's to look for new books. Then we go to Panera for some soup and bread, and while we're there we read our new books. Then we go to Kohl's to look for new earrings. It's great fun. 

     Thankful for two people named Adelyn and Tobin. They make every day beautiful and special and worth it. 

The feeling of being safe and sound.

May 18, 2021

Day 1,665

Here are the things that I am thankful for today: 

1. A fun day with my students. They are amazing people, and I'm glad to know them. 

2. The fact that I have my sister at school. When I get afriad, I can go to her and she helps me. 

3. The fact that I have two good friends with me at school. When I get afriad, I can go to them and they help me. 

4. I got to have lunch with my friend, Heidi, today. It is always a treat to spend time with her. 

5. I like getting sweet texts from my husband during the day. I love every, "I love you" I get from him. 

6. Coming home to our lovely home in the woods. I love taking an evening stroll with my husband and our furry baby. I love walking hand and hand with my love in our own personal forest. Tonight, we were joined by Tobin on our walk. 

7. I get to make dinner for my family. 

8. Hugs from Adelyn. 

9. Hugs from Tobin. 

10. Hugs from Matt.

11. Dog hugs from Higbee. 

12. Time to read to my babies in bed. We're almost done reading Farmer Boy. 

13. Prayers before bed. 

14. The feeling of being safe and sound in my bed at home. 

Grapefruit.

May 17, 2021

Day 1,664

Here are the good things about today: 

Hugs and kisses from the ones I love. 

Ice cream kisses from Tobin. 

A fun day planned tomorrow for my students. 

Really great grapefruits. My husband was supposed to buy oranges, but I'm glad he made the mistake because the grapefruits are fantastic. 

An egg omlet for dinner with salsa and feta cheese. 

My husband loves me and takes good care of me. 

My kids and my husband playing bochee ball in the backyard. 

Lunches are prepped for tomorrow. 

Tomorrow is Tuesday, and I get to eat lunch with my friend. 

Time to check on all my plants. 

Time to chochet. 

Time to drink tea in bed. 

The end of a hard day. 

It would be winter every day.

May 16, 2021

Day 1,663

     Today was so good. The kids and I had eggs and bagels for breakfast. We played outside after breakfast. We played bocce ball. Then we played baseball. We watched Harry Potter and ate popcorn on the couch. I crocheted while the kids cuddled with me. Patty and Armando had a errand to do, so their kids came over to hang out. I made spaghetti for dinner. Everyone ate it up quickly. I made homemade chocolate chip cookies for dessert. The kids and I had a cookie and some ice cream for dessert. Then we read a chapter of Farmer Boy in bed before prayers and goodnight hugs and kisses. This day, and this weekend were exactly what I needed: to stay home, to be quiet, and to be surrounded by the loves of my life. I'm thankful I had today and yesterday to relax and refresh. 

     It felt like winter around here today because we were all so cozy and cuddled and comfortable. I didn't change out of my pajamas all day. I'm not saying I don't like spring, or fall, or summer. They have their place. But winter...winter refreshes and renews my soul like no other season. There are big sweaters in winter. Warm blankets in winter. There are big pots of homemade soup. Loaves of homemade bread. There is snow. There is ice. There is incredible light. Winter light is the best light. There are days when you have to stay home because of the weather. If I had my way, it would be winter every day. 

Blessed and lovely life.

May 15, 2021

Day 1,662

     Thankful for the best Saturday I've had in a long, long time. We spent half of the day outside gardening. I planted some lavender and put down mulch. Matt put some new wooden borders down in some of our garden beds. Matt and I took a nap on the couch. We watched a few Harry Potter movies. I made cookies. We had pasta for dinner. It was simple, but lovely. I needed this day of rest. Thankful for our beautiful home in the woods. Thankful for my amazing family. Thankful for how much Matt loves me. It's a peaceful feeling to know that you are loved deeply by your spouse. Thankful for kissing in the woods during Higbee's walk. Thankful for chairs in the grass with glasses of ice water to sip on. Thankful for the feeling of laying on my husband's chest and sleeping. Thankful for Tobin curled up on the couch with Matt and me. Thankful for this blessed and lovely life. 

A day called Friday.

May 14, 2021

Day 1,661

     Thankful for a day called Friday. Thankful for time to go shopping with my kids. We went to DSW, and we all got new shoes. Then we went to Petsmart to get a bone and toy for Higbee, and to see all the cute animals. We spent a long time looking at a cat up for adoption named Monster. He was beautiful. My kids want a cat so bad. I wish we could rescue all the animals. Then we went out to dinner. It was fun to go out and have fun with my kids. When we came home, we all showered, and then we watched a little Everybody Loves Raymond. Thankful for my two little angels. Spending time with them is a treat. 

Good and beautiful.

May 13, 2021

Day 1,660

     Tomorrow is Friday, and it's going to be a great day! By default, it's the very best day of the school week. I'm having an indoor camp out with my students. I've already turned all of their desks into "tents." I get to come home after school with my angels and relax and rest and be still and quiet. I get to work on my blanket after school. I'm crocheting a blanket for a friend's birthday. I get to sit on the couch and quietly watch some shows and not have any schedule or do any thing. Our yearbooks might be coming in tomorrow, so I'm excited about that. I'm thankful we have food on the table, and food for luches. I'm thankful for how much Matt loves me. Our biggest problem right now is finding a shabby chic key holder to hold all of our car keys. I'm thankful for time to go crawl into bed with Matt now. 

     Thankful for way more things to be thankful for than there are to be mad, upset, or angry about. Life is good and beautiful. 

Little list on a Wednesday.

May 12, 2021

Day 1,659

Thankful for: 

Beautiful weather this week. The sun is warm. The air is cold. The sky is blue. The clouds are puffy and white. 

Picture day. Tobin dressed himself in black sweatpants, a dress shirt, and a suit jacket. 

Panera for dinner. I didn't feel like cooking. It was delicious and satisfying. 

Time to do homework with Adelyn and Tobin. 

Time to read in bed with Adelyn and Tobin. 

I am in bed ready to go to sleep, and it's only 8:30. 

The feeling of being at home, in bed, cozy and relaxed.  

There is still good.

May 11, 2021

Day 1,658

     I'm been writing and erasing. Writing and erasing. I've been staring at a blank screen. I'm feeling prickly and on edge. It's not against the rules to mention that here, because I make the rules. It's my blog. 

     The thing is this: the whole point of my blog is to write about the good stuff. Even when the day is hard. Even when circumstances aren't what I want them to be. So, even though I'm feeling prickly and on edge and upset, there is still good. There are more good things than not so good things to mention about today. 

     So here are the good things in no particular order: 

My coffee was really good this morning. Coffee is always good, but it was especially delicious today. 

This weather is amazing. 

My family is healthy. 

My family loves me. 

Higbee loves me. 

The forest is very green and alive and full. 

Matt cut the grass and trimmed trees today. It looks nice in our yard. 

I love the smell of our home and the feel of our home. 

I had a lovely lunch with my friend, Heidi, today. 

     Today was good. There are many, many, many more things I could write about. I'm thankful that there are more good things to write about than I could ever even think of. 

Tuesdays with Heidi.

May 10, 2021

Day 1,657

Today was a good day. Here's why: 

The sun was shining. 

It was warm in the sun and cool in the shade. 

The wind was blowing. 

The sky was very blue. 

I had air in my lungs and step in my feet. 

I have my sister at work. 

I have good friends at work. 

I have very sweet students. 

My husband washed my clothes and hung them to dry for me today. 

My husband did dishes for me today. 

My husband went grocery shopping for me today. 

We had a delicious dinner. 

We went on a long family walk after dinner. 

Tomorrow is Tuesday so I'm having lunch with my friend. I always look forward to lunch on Tuesdays           with Heidi. 

I roasted garlic in preparation for our lunch. I also made salads.

She's bringing brie and bread and pesto. 

Higbee is waiting up for me. He stood in the kitchen while I made lunches. And now he's starting at me           from the couch. 

I got to watch Adelyn and Casey do a presentation for a history project today. 

I get to hug and kiss my kids at school whenever I want. 

Matt and I are making big plans for our summer vacation. I'm craving time at home with my loves. 

I got to pick fresh basil from my basil plant on the deck and use it in my dinner tonight. 

A big mug of hot tea waiting for me. And a tiny, tiny bowl of blister peanuts. I like to eat them one at a           time. 

Mother's Day.

May 9, 2021

Day 1,656

     Thankful for a good Mother's Day. I'm thankful that I get to celebrate this special day. Adelyn, River, and Tobin are the greatest gifts I've ever received. They make every day good and beautiful and worth it. I did nothing in my life to deserve the happiness I've found from being their mother. They make my life rich and meaningful. I honestly don't know what I'd do without them. So thankful for three beautiful souls named Adelyn, River, and Tobin. So thankful that God chose me to be their mama. It's a big assignment. I hope and pray that I make the most of each minute I have with them. 

     Thankful for my mom. For Matt's mom. For my Grandma. Thankful for the love and support of three woman who love me, root for me, and bless me. 

      Thankful for Patty and Stephanie. I'm thankful to call two amazing woman my sisters. 

     Thankful for a great Sunday. Thankful for time to visit with family. Thankful for my husband. He loves me and takes care of me and helps me when I'm scared. When I'm with Matt, I'm home. 

     Thankful for people who love me. Thankful for a great weekend. Thankful for a great Mother's Day. 

There's nothing else to say except...

May 8, 2021

Day 1,655

      Thankful for a lovely Saturday. I like Saturdays when we don't drive away from home all day long. I love being home with all the great loves of my life. We cleaned. We relaxed. We loved each other. There's nothing else to say except that it was good, and I'm very thankful for the time I get to spend at home with all my favorite people. 

Good Friday.

May 7, 2021

Day 1,654

     I have never been so glad for a week to end. It was such a good week, but so busy and long and hard. I think it's possible for days to be good and hard at the same time. I got to see a new puppy today and smell its puppy breath. I got lots of nice gifts from my students today. Patty made dinner for my kids, so I didn't have to cook tonight. I came home and got into bed right away. I watched a movie. Then I took a bath and used two bath bombs while I watched more shows in the tub. Then I made myself a large cup of tea. Adelyn and Tobin played video games. It was a good Friday night. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and Sunday as well.

     Thankful for a good Friday. Thankful for the weekend. I need it. Thankful for baths and tea and movies and my bed.

Lavender tree.

May 6, 2021

Day 1,653

     Here are the things that made me smile today: 

1. It was cold outside. And breezy. 

2. The sky was very blue today. The clouds were very puffy. 

3. My students like to play football with me during recess. It's great fun. 

4. I got a lavender tree from a student today. 

5. Matt got me a new phone and it came in today. He set it up for me, too. He's the best.

6. We had chicken fajitas for dinner and it was delicious. 

7. Tomorrow is Friday. I can't wait to come home and relax and be still and quiet. 

8. This weekend is Mother's Day. I'm excited to celebrate all the special moms in my life. 

9. Tobin is running around and jumping and playing all the time now. I'm so glad to see him playing and having fun as a little boy should be. 

10. Tobin picked me a dandelion to blow. 

11. Adelyn comes to visit me at lunch. I love it. She comes to say hi. She stands there a minute and hugs me and then she says, "Okay...see ya. Love you." 

Whistle

May 5, 2021

Day 1,652

Thankful for: 

1. Tobin's health. 

2. My sweet children. 

3. An easy dinner. 

4. Texts from Matt. 

5. Watermelon, feta, and mint salad. 

6. A clean kitchen. 

7. A cool, breezy night. 

8. Time to lay in bed. 

9. The feeling of being home. 

10. Plans to cuddle in bed with Matt tomorrow night. 

11. A new blanket project that I'm working on. 

12. Being able to whistle. I just learned how to, and I really like whistling.

13. Cake in the kitchen at work. I took a corner piece which is, in my opinion, the very best piece of all. 

14. Higbee playing and happy that we're home. 

15. Tomorrow is Thursday. 

16. Time for sleeping. 

Booty Appreciation Day.

May 4, 2021

Day 1,641

Thankful for: 

1. Rain to wash away all of the pollen. 

2. The sound of water running in a little rain filled creek in front of our house. 

3. Walking with Matt and Higbee. 

4. Tacos for dinner. 

5. The feeling of coming home. 

6. Matt said this: "Home is the best place, but bed is the best best place." I agree. 

7. Reading a chapter of Farmer Boy in bed with Matt and the kids. 

8. Tomorrow is Wednesday. That's halfway done with the week.

9. Tobin wore his Darth Vader costume to school today. He was very excited about it. 

10. Matt told me it was "Booty Appreciation Day" today.

11. I got a lot of really awesome gift cards and presents today. 

12. Some students today told me that I was their favorite teacher ever. 

13. Hugs and kisses from Matt and the kids. 

14. Scared Higbee. He looks so pathetic and tiny. 

14. Happy Higbee. He looks so big and confident. 

15. Time to sleep in bed next to my husband. 

Overcast, rainy Monday.

May 3, 2021

Day 1,640

     It was a good day. Here's why: 

It was overcast and rainy. 

Tobin is feeling better. With each day that passes, he's getting better and better. 

It was a good morning at home. Everyone was tired, but everyone was happy to be going to school. 

There was breakfast for the teachers at school today. 

It was school supply day for teacher's appreciation week. I got lots of fun school supplies! 

The kids and I went to Wegman's after school today for a few things like fruit, lunch stuff, and gift cards for their teachers. I love to go grocery shopping. 

My husband sent me sweet texts today. 

We had "Sanderson Surprise" for dinner. It's sun-dried tomato and chicken sausage, brussels sprouts, and rice. I add black olives and feta cheese to mine as well. 

I have a new blanket project that I'm working on. 

Tomorrow is Tuesday. And that's just three more days after that until the weekend. I'm counting down the days until summer vacation. I can't wait to be at home with my babies and Higbee. I love summer break.  

I have new pointe shoes coming in the mail on Wednesday. I'm very excited to put on pointe shoes again. I had been wanting them and Matt got them for me for a Mother's Day present. 

Thankful for a good Monday. Thankful for good things. Thankful for things to smile about. Thankful for a day well done. 

Refreshed and ready.

May 2, 2021

Day 1,639

     It was a good Sunday. We spent this day relaxing together. I planted some plants: tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper. I watered my plants. I cleaned up a bit. I cleaned out my dresser and got rid of some old shirts that I'm not wearing anymore. Matt and I cuddled. The kids played video games all day long because Tobin is still recovering from a hard week with allergies. Higbee cuddled with me on the couch. We watched Everybody Loves Raymond. We had roasted chicken, roasted carrots, and roasted potatoes for dinner. We had ice cream for dessert. It was such a nice day that I feel refreshed and ready for the week ahead. Even though I could spend many, many more days at home. 

     Thankful for: 

time to cuddle. 

Sundays spent at home. 

Sunday dinner. 

Sunday dessert. 

time to sit quietly on the couch and relax. 

many hugs and kisses from Matt today. 

the feeling of being at home with all the great loves of my life. 

Patty's Birthday Party

May 1, 2021

Day 1,638

     Patty is the greatest. She's generous. She's fun. She's kind. She's loving. She's one of the best people I know. It was a grand day of relaxing to celebrate her birthday. Thankful for Patty. Thankful for the day she was born. Thankful for a lovely day of celebrating.