Sweet note.

January 31, 2022

Day 1,932

Thankful for: 

Matt went grocery shopping for us this morning on his way home from work. 

Matt put dishes away for me. 

Adelyn and I had a great talk last night right before bed. 

I got a sweet note from Adelyn after school. 

We tried something new at the dinner table tonight. We each went around and talked about a challenge during our day and something good during our day.

Roasted vegetables for lunch tomorrow. 

Half and half for my coffee tomorrow. I really really love half and half in coffee. It's a happy thing that Wegman's was out of nut-pods which is my non dairy, no sugar, coffee creamer made out of almond milk and coconut milk. Half and half is so, so much better. I really miss it. So I'm glad I get to have a normal coffee tomorrow. 

Watching Matt pet Higbee softly. 

Adelyn said that Matt is the perfect man and he loves us all perfectly. Those words are such a great blessing. 

Time to sleep all night. 

Ten times a day.

January 30, 2022

Day 1,931

Thankful for: 

A day called Sunday. 

Time to clean. 

Time to make and bake and break bread. 

Pasta. 

Time with my family. 

My dad brought a special knife sharpener for us today. I love surprise gifts. 

My mom brought vitamins for Tobin. It's such a blessing to have good vitamins for Tobin and it's a blessing that my mom buys them for him. 

Time to sit at the table and drink tea from pretty teacups. 

A tidy home. 

Going up to bed before 8 pm. 

Time to lay in bed and read and crochet and watch a show. 

Time to talk things out with my sister. 

Hugs from Adelyn and Tobin. Our goal is to hug at least ten times a day. 

Higbee was sweet and good today. I love it when Higbee is calm. 

A fresh new Monday starts tomorrow. 

A bread new month coming soon. 

At least two more months of cool weather. I'm glad for that. 

Texts from Matt. He just gets me. 

Time to sleep all night. 

Time spent at home.

January 29, 2022

Day 1,920

     Thankful for a lovely Saturday spent at home. Thankful for time in the snow with my loves. Thankful for lots of laughter today. Thankful for my wall of yarn. Thankful for our home in the wild woods. Thankful for blue jays in the snow. Thankful that all my school work is complete. Thankful for lots of good things today. 

Fresh snow and a fun day.

January 28, 2022

Day 1,919

Thankful for: 

Snow. 

My cozy, warm home. 

Sweatpants and a sweatshirt and socks. 

Television. 

Texts from Matt. 

A phone call from Matt today just to say hi. 

Time with Addy, Tobin, Casey, Sophia, and Odette. 

Easy meals and ice cream for dessert for the kids. Except for Tobin who always chooses to have a popsicle. 

Roasted vegetables and kale and pecans with lemon dressing. It's so delicious. 

Being able to work from home today. 

Living in a place where my kids can play outside while I'm inside. I love hearing my kids yell and play outside. 

The feeling of fresh snow under my boots. 

Cuddly Higbee. 

Not having to set my alarm for tomorrow morning. 

Water with lime and mint leaves. I love it. 

Cuddling with Odette on the couch and eating crackers and watching a show. 

Two whole more days off ahead of me. 

Sweet moments.

January 27, 2022

Day 1,918

Thankful for: 

A half day at school. 

Time to get some things done that I needed to in the classroom. 

Heated seats in my car. 

Coming home to the best family. 

Coming home to the best house. 

Coming home to the best dog. 

Hugs, cuddles, and kisses with Matt. Being with Matt revives me when I'm feeling blah. 

Matt and I were cuddling in bed and Tobin came in and jumped into bed. When he saw us he said, "Awwww." I'm glad that he gets to witness sweet moments between Matt and I. He'll know how to treat his wife well by watching how Matt treats me. 

An easy dinner of leftovers for everyone. 

An easy day at work tomorrow. 

Time to lay in bed and sleep all night. 

Things to be thankful for.

January 26, 2022

Day 1,917

Thankful for: 

A good day at school. 

Coffee. 

Sweet students. 

Adelyn and Tobin. 

Higbee. 

Matt. 

Our home in the woods. 

The fact that we still have snow on the ground. 

The cold weather. 

The warmth of hugs, blankets, our home, my bed. 

A bag with a pair of shoes sitting on my desk this morning. My friend, Heidi, gave me a pair of boots. 

Things to be thankful for. 

Dinner with Heidi.

January 25, 2022

Day 1,916

Thankful for: 

An easy day at work. 

Sweet students that make my job wonderful. 

Knowing that Matt and Tobin and Higbee were home all day being cozy. 

A special night out to dinner with my friend, Heidi. 

Being able to give Heidi her birthday and Christmas gifts. 

Matt was waiting up for me when I got home. 

Time to lay in bed and sleep all night. 

Celebrating Mario's birthday.

January 24, 2022

Day 1,915

Thankful for: 

Dinner at Steph, Mario, and Matt's mom's house for Mario's belated birthday. 

A big pink box of cupcakes from Cupcake Heaven for Mario's birthday. 

Matt. He helps me when I'm afraid and feeling panicky. 

Steph. She helps me when I'm afraid and feeling panicky. 

Matt's mom. She knows how to throw a party. She's a person who loves to make others happy. She's warm and when she's around, it feels like home. 

Time to celebrate Mario. 

Chicken curry made by Matt's mama. 

Sangria. 

New yarn for a new blanket. 

My bed and time to sleep. 

Wonderful day of visiting.

January 23, 2022

Day 1,914

     Today was really wonderful. I saw my parents for the first time since Christmas. We had a lovely family day, but we were missing Matt and Armando. We had pizza and salad for lunch. We had a delicious cake and ice cream to celebrate my grandmother's birthday. We sat around and talked and drank tea. We played with Oliver who is getting cuter and cuter with every day that passes. Casey, Addy, Tobin, Sophia, Ryker, and Odette played outside in the snow. When they came in their cheeks were very rosy and cold. I love cheeks made rosy by the cold. When Patty took my grandmother home, I got to give Odette a bath. It was nice to see a little one play with toys in the tub. I miss those days of giving my own little ones a bath. It was a wonderful day of visiting and catching up with each other. I was thankful to see my family. 

This happy life.

January 22, 2022

Day 1,913

     Today was a very good day. Matt was home. We went with Patty and Armando to look at a middle school for Adelyn and Casey. We took all the kids out to lunch at Foster's. Sometimes a burger and fries really hits the spot. Then we all came back to our house and relaxed. I went sledding with Casey, Adelyn, Tobin, and Sophia. I love that we still have icy snow leftover in the yard. I hope it lasts a long time. Adelyn went to spend the night with Phia and Odette, and Casey stayed here to spend the night with Tobin. I cleaned out and organized our pantry and put almost everything in plastic containers. I think it looks nice and I'm pleased with how it turned out. I love little projects. Tomorrow will be a good day. I get to see my parents and my brother, his wife, and their kids for the first time since Christmas. I also get to see my grandma and celebrate her birthday. I'm excited to get up tomorrow morning and bake a cake. 

     Thankful for a good day with my favorites. Thankful for tomorrow with my favorites. Thankful for this happy life. 

Easy dinner and bowls of popcorn and ice cream and pops.

January 21, 2022

Day 1,912

Thankful for: 

A day called Friday. 

Coming home to the best home with my babies. 

Texts from Matt saying he misses me. 

An easy dinner of mac and cheese for Tobin, and leftover corned beef and cabbage for Adelyn and I. We also leftover homemade Irish soda bread. 

Bowls of popcorn and Full House. 

Ice cream for me and Adelyn, and a pop for Tobin. 

Going to bed. I love my bed and my weighted blanket and all my pillows. I miss when Matt isn't home to go to bed with me. 

The feeling of two whole more days off ahead of me. 

Reading to Adelyn and Tobin in bed. I love reading with them, cuddling with them, and praying with them before bedtime. 

Corned beef and cabbage.

January 20, 2022

Day 1,911

Thankful for: 

Another day off. 

Time to clean. 

Time to get school work done. 

Time to hang out with my babies. 

Time to make a delicious dinner: corned beef and cabbage. 

Tomorrow is Friday. Just one day of work, and then two more days of being home. Home is my favorite place to be. 

The pleasure of seeing my home neat and clean. 

Matt. I love him. I love his smile, his hugs, the love he has for me and our family. 

Adelyn and Tobin. They make every day happy and full. 

Baking bread. Even if it's just a quick Irish soda bread, baking bread makes me really happy. 

Hot tea. 

Prayer. I love praying with my kids before bed. 

Time to read to my babies. I love reading with them each night. It's my favorite time of day. 

Adelyn helped me grade my papers tonight. 

I booked a tattoo appointment for April for my 40th birthday, and I'm excited about it. 

I have leftover potatoes and cabbage for lunch tomorrow. 

Time to lay in bed and sleep all night. 

It's beautiful.

January 19, 2022

Day 1,910

     Thankful for these five little ones who make my heart so happy. They were reunited today after a long, long separation because of covid. They were so happy to see each other. And I was happy to see them together. 

     Thankful for this happy, full, good life. It's beautiful. 

All things good and lovely.

January 18, 2022

Day 1,909

     Matt and I love making our home beautiful. Today we went on a little date to Home Goods and got a cute bench, a basket, and some blankets for a little corner in our home. I love this little corner. 

     Today was a good, good day. We all slept in. We all had breakfast together. We relaxed. The kids played video games in the morning. In the afternoon, they went out and stayed out until long after the sun went down. Matt and I spent a good deal of time in bed today. Time spent in bed with the love of my life is time well spent. We had pasta for dinner. I made cinnamon bread that Matt had been wanting me to make. Matt and I walked Higbee. My new amber necklace came today. I read to the kids cuddled in bed at bedtime. 

     This day was all things good and all things lovely. I'm thankful for it. 

     P.S. Just looking out of our bedroom window is a delight and treat for the eyes. Matt and I remembered today that the view of our last bedroom window was looking out at another row of townhouses. I still can't believe that this gorgeous home in the country is ours. And we can look out at the woods...no...look out at our woods anytime we want. 

Fun with my family.

January 17, 2022

Day 1,908

Thankful for: 

Snow.

Sleds.

Sledding.

Crunchy snow under my boots.

Snowball fights.

Remembering falling in love with Matt when we were seventeen and playing in snow.

Making memories with my babies. 

Our warm and cozy home. 

Having fun with my family. 

In a good way.

January 16, 2022

Day 1,907

     Thankful for quiet days spent at home. Thankful for the love of my family. Thankful for time to relax and have no agenda; it feels like floating on water. It's cool and it's refreshing and it's relaxing. Thankful for the feeling of the wood floor under my feet. Thankful for things like bowls of soup and toast. Thankful for our warm, dry home on this cold, cold day. Thankful for the warmth of the love that resides here. There's so much of it that it's overwhelming. But in a good way. 

Morning Date.

January 15, 2022

Day 1,906

Thankful for: 

A morning date with Matt. We went to Starbucks, Home Goods, and an Amish store called, This and That Amish Outlet. 

We got the best sleeping fox picture ever. I love it!

Time at home with my loves. 

Time to work on a special project I've been working hard to finish. 

The feeling of being home with my family in our dream home. 

Things that made me happy this Friday.

January 14, 2022

Day 1,905

Thankful for: 

Cold air. 

Hats, gloves, scarves, coats. 

The sunsets during winter. 

The feeling of coming home on a Friday night. 

Not having to set the alarm for tomorrow. 

Adelyn helped me grade all my papers; I'm done and caught up now. 

Seinfeld. 

Higbee being very cuddly. 

Three entire days off ahead of me. 

I ate healthy the entire day. 

Time to sleep. 

Texts from Matt. 

Plans to be with Matt this weekend. 

Cuddling on the couch with Adelyn and Tobin. 

Hot tea. 

Pumpkin seeds. 

A phone call with my mom and dad. 

Answered prayers. 

Wake up/Not lonely/Good food/Reading time/Friday/Higbee/Patty and my mom

January 13, 2022

Day 1,904

     Today, Matt came home from work and made my day by doing this: 

I watched him go from Tobin's room to Addy's room waking them up gently. He smiled when he went from one room to another and back again. My husband has the sweetest smile. It's warm and beautiful. I am thankful that my husband loves our children. I am thankful that he's kind and gentle. I am thankful that he loves us all deeply and madly. 

     It was good to drive to school with my babies this morning. I was lonely without them. There are some mornings when they drive me crazy. But being without them for so many days made me realize that I'd rather be crazy with them than lonely without them. 

     I had the best food today. I started eating really healthy again and it's like my body was begging for it. For breakfast, I had a piece of toasted Ezekial bread smothered in chunky peanut butter. My lunch was the best: I roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, red onions, and olives. I paired my roasted vegetables with pumpkin seeds and lemon vinaigrette. It was so good. For dinner, I had a simple kale salad. It consisted of: kale, toasted pecans, lemon vinaigrette, and vegan parmesan. Dessert was a little bowl of pumpkin seeds and a big mug of tea. Good food makes me happy. 

     I got to lay in bed with Addy and Tobin and read for the first time in a long time. It feels good to cuddle with them again. I love to hear Addy and Tobin read aloud. 

     Tomorrow is Friday. I'm very excited to drive home and stay home. Home is the very best place I know. 

     Higbee was so happy to see me when I came home from school today. I love when Higbee does happy taps and twists and turns and jumps up to kiss my face when I come home. It's wonderful to be loved so much by an animal. 

     I got to talk with Patty and my mom on the phone today. I love them so much. God knew I needed them. 

Last day.

January 12, 2022

Day 1,903

Here are the good things about today: 

1. Cold air. 

2. Bread and pasta for lunch. It was the last day of my "eat whatever I want" diet. 

3. Ice cream. Again...last day. 

4. Hot tea with honey and lemon. 

5. Seinfeld in bed. 

6. Snow in the forecast. 

7. Text messages from Matt. 

8. Coming home to my angels. 

9. Tomorrow is Thursday and the next day is Friday. 

10. Higbee likes to cuddle in bed with me. 

11. Time to sleep all night long. 

12. My bed. It's so cozy and comfy and inviting. 

13. The most amazing sunset. The colors were beautiful. 

14. Plans to relax this weekend. 

15. My kids get to come back to school tomorrow. 

Greetings.

January 11, 2022

Day 1,902

     There is nothing better than coming home to the best house in the woods and being greeted by all of this in order: 

1. Matt comes out and hugs and kisses me and helps me carry my things into the house. He always smiles when he sees me. I never forget to watch for his smile. 

2. Higbee jumps up and kisses me and does lots of happy spinning and makes happy noises when I come in. 

3. Adelyn and Tobin yell, "Mama!" Then they run and hug me and ask me about my day. 

     Is this even real life that I get to come home to my dream house and dream family every single day? I could write these things over and over and over again on this blog and never get tired of writing about them. I don't deserve such priceless gifts. 

     Thankful for my family, our dog, and our home in the wild woods. 

Warm smiles and cozy hearts.

January 10, 2022

Day 1,901

     Thankful for: 

Warm smiles and cozy hearts that await my return home from school. 

The feeling of holding my loved ones close. 

The feeling of the floor of my home beneath my feet. 

Being able to do things like clean up my kitchen. 

Getting into bed early. 

Cream of wheat waiting for breakfast tomorrow. 

Tacos for dinner tonight. 

Texts from Matt. 

Texts from my friend, Heidi. 

Phone calls with my mom and my sister. 

Starbucks this morning. 

Seeing my students again after a long break. I was happy to see their smiles. 

The month of January. 

Cold, cold air. 

Coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. 

A whole Sunday spent at home in bed.

January 9, 2022

Day 1,900

Thankful for: 

A whole Sunday spent at home and in bed. 

Matt got me a BLT for lunch. And cheese fries. Nothing says I love you like cheese fries served in bed. With a side of ranch. 

Watching Wheel of Fortune with Addy. It's so nice to hold her close to me. 

Walks with Higbee and Matt. 

Hearing Tobin tell me he can't wait to hug me. 

Cuddling with Higbee. 

Feeling better with each day that passes. 

He's the perfect man.

January 8, 2022

Day 1,899

Thankful for: 

A quiet day at home. 

Matt. He goes out and does nice things for us. Today he picked up covid tests and cupcakes for us. The cupcakes were delicious. 

Time with Adelyn. We played with dolls. We played games. We ate our meals together. We had cupcakes together. 

A talk with Adelyn about her future husband. I asked Addy what kind of man she would like to marry when she grows up and she listed a bunch of things that she wants. Then she said, "Basically...I want a man just like dad. He's the perfect man! He's a good father, he takes care of us, he loves you, he's romantic." It made me so happy to hear my girl say that. 

A clean bed and blankets. 

Walking with Matt and Higbee. 

Seeing Tobin for a bit. I miss him.

One more day off tomorrow. 

Getting ahead on the yearbook this past week. 

Higbee being cuddly today. 

Deer tracks in the snow.

January 7, 2022

Day 1,898

Thankful for: 

Two walks with Matt and Higbee. 

The snowy woods. 

Deer tracks in the snow. 

Being able to take pictures with my new camera. 

Matt got Panera for me and Adelyn for dinner tonight. 

Modern Family. I've enjoyed laughing at this new show. 

Hearing Adelyn play the piano for me tonight. 

Tobin told me that he misses me and he can't wait to hug me. 

Strawberry popsicles. 

Ice water. 

Having time to work on the yearbook today. 

A beautiful morning sky. 

A beautiful sunset sky. 

Time to rest. 

A list for today.

January 6, 2022

Day 1,897

Thankful for: 

Text messages from people who care. 

Feeling better with each day that passes. 

A new show to watch: Modern Family. 

Books to read. 

A huge pot of homemade chicken noodle soup. 

Matt cleaned up our home today. 

Matt got Tobin a new video game today. 

Whenever I see Tobin he says, "I love you, Mama!" And then he says, "Muah!" 

Adelyn and I played Uno together today. 

Adelyn is feeling better. 

My parents are feeling better. 

Another day off tomorrow. I've needed to be off all week because I had covid, and somehow...school has been cancelled all week. 

More snow on the way. 

Higbee being cuddly. 

Matt walking outside in this outfit: sweatshirt, shorts, snow boots, and snow hat. I love him. 

Matt still sleeps in bed with me even though I have covid. 

Open windows.

January 5, 2022

Day 1,896

Thankful for: 

Matt coming home early with lots of yummy groceries for us.

Texts and calls from Matt. 

A quiet day to spend at home. 

Higbee being sweet and cuddly. 

Good food to eat. 

Feeling better with each day that passes. 

Medicine. 

Long baths. 

The best home. 

Open windows that look out into the snowy woods. 

Things to be happy about.

January 4, 2022

Day 1,895

Thankful for: 

My husband being home. 

Hearing Matt talk to our kids. I love the way he loves them. 

Matt brought me ice cream and a cookie. 

Being able to take a nice, long bath. 

Being able to make food for my family. 

Feeling better than I did yesterday. 

Tea from a pretty teapot in pretty tea cups. 

Higbee being snuggly and watchful over me. 

Phone calls with my mom and dad. 

A phone call with my friend, Heidi. 

Little list of good things.

January 3, 2022

Day 1,894

Thankful for: 

So much snow. 

The woods. Snow makes the woods more beautiful. 

My bed. 

Medicine. 

Texts from people who care. 

Phone calls from people who care. 

Soup. 

Ice cream. 

Seven things on Sunday.

January 2, 2022

Day 1,893

Thankful for: 

My husband who takes care of me when I'm sick. He went to the store and got soup and ice cream and Panera for dinner. 

My comfortable bed. 

Big, beautiful windows and the great outdoors right outside them. 

Snow coming soon. 

My children peeking in and telling me they love me and they are praying for me. 

Medicine. 

Baths. 

New Year's Day.

January 1, 2022

Day 1,892

Thankful for: 

We all stayed up to watch the ball drop. 

Lots of good food from the grocery store. I'm thankful I can shop for all the food we need and want and we don't have to worry about money. It's not something I take for granted. 

Rain. I love rainy, foggy, misty, cloudy days. They are the best. 

Thankful for coming home to my sweet husband. He always comes out to help me carry in the groceries. 

Lunch with Matt on the couch. 

Watching the Harry Potter reunion special with Matt. 

An easy dinner of ravioli. 

Lots of snacks. 

Tea in fancy tea cups out of a fancy tea pot. It just tastes better. Adelyn and I have decided to make tea time a daily ritual. We're bringing tea time back. 

Watching girly movies with Adelyn. We watched Little Women and Sleepless in Seattle. I love showing new movies to my girl. 

Lots of hugs from Adelyn and Tobin today. 

Seeing Matt and Tobin have a good time watching sports together. 

Time to play ping pong in the basement with my babes. 

Super Mario Brothers. 

A long, hot bath. 

A lovely first day of 2022.