Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Little ways of thinking that make scary things not scary anymore.

February 12, 2026
Day 3,282

     For some reason, when things feel too overwhelming or big or real, I like to picture life and people and this world like a Richard Scary book. Or like we're all just cute little creatures living in this world with someone watching us while we do things the way we watch animals do things. I used to watch Higbee hide his bones.

"Okay, watch this...he's going to hide it...see, there he goes. He's looking around for a place to hide it. Oh my goodness, look where's he putting it...he's going upstairs now. Isn't he cute! It's so funny how he wants to hide his bone and save it for later." 

    For some reason, it brings me comfort to think of life like this. It's not so serious this way. Someone's watching while we do things. While we cook food, dance, go out to stores to buy things. If I picture scary things like doctor's appointments like a Richard Scary book, suddenly, it's not so serious. It's just a cute bunny looking down another bunny's throat with a little light. It's just a pig wearing a stethoscope. We're all just the little animals going about our business in a very cute way while someone watches from above. That someone watching from above must think it's pretty cute the way we go to the store to pick out strawberries and yogurt and fun things to drink. It must be pretty cute seeing all the people go to the bunny doctor to get their throats checked out. Or their hearts listened to by the pig doctor. It must be fun to watch all the people go to the store to buy clothes to eat. Or travel by boat or plane or train to explore new places. 

     Maybe it all makes no sense. Maybe it's just in my mind that this works. We all have our little ways of thinking about things that helps us to feel better about the world. My way is this. It's weird, but it works. 

    But if I think about it, it's almost Biblical, right? There is Someone watching over us as we buy things from the store, and go to the doctor, and get dressed for work every day. And better than in the Richard Scary books, that Someone is not only watching over us, but He is protecting us, He has promised to help us, and He has promised us His peace. 

     Thankful for little ways of thinking that make scary things not scary anymore. Thankful for God watching over us as we do things. 


Quiet sky space.

February 11, 2026
Day 3,281

Thankful for: 

Time at home. 

Quiet sky space. 

Stars. 

A good dinner. 

Time to talk to my family. 

Time to talk to my friends. 

Going to bed early. 




Monday, February 9, 2026

It's still winter, and that makes me happy.

February 10, 2026
Day 3,280

     It's still winter, and that makes me happy. I don't know why the coming of spring and summer makes me feel like I don't have enough time. When it's winter, I feel like there is enough time. There is enough time to rest. There is enough time to be still. There is enough time to be home and cozy. There are comfortable things like cold air and warm sweaters. There are things like hot tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. I'm not ready for things like blooming flowers and leaves on trees and sunshine and long days. 

     I'm uneasy about the coming of a new season. I'm uneasy thinking about spring and summer. I'm thankful that it's still winter. But I know that those are just thoughts, and those thoughts don't really equal absolute truth. 

    I may feel uneasy, but there are so many good things to look forward to. I know I need to focus on those things instead of wishing for all the good things of winter to stay forever. I'm not sure I would love winter as much as I do if there wasn't a hot summer to loathe. 

    This spring, we will get our new puppy. This spring, I will be able to sit outside longer and feed my birds after school. This summer, I will have many days when I can work from home and be with my family and our new pup. 

     Just like I don't want to wish precious time away, I don't want to long for different days when the day I have right in front of me are gifts to enjoy. 

    I'm thankful for winter. 
    I'm thankful for spring and summer because they make me love winter so much more. 
    I'm thankful for my family and friends. 
    I'm thankful for my puppy. I love the thought of him or her already. 
    I'm thankful for time to rest now. 
    I'm thankful for the sunset. 
    I'm thankful for the forest. 
    I'm thankful for prayer. 



Sunday, February 8, 2026

Celebrating Ryker's birthday!

February 8, 2026
Day 3,279

Thankful for: 

A good Sunday. 

Time with Matt. 

Time to rest and be quiet. 

We got to celebrate Ryker's birthday today! 

It was good to be with family. 

I got to talk with my dad a lot today. 

Good food. 

Lots of salad. 

Starting a new project tomorrow. 

Sweet babies. 

Cake. 

The hope of cuddling a sweet puppy very soon. 

Friends. 

Time with my kids. 

Tobin cuddled with me several times today. 

Remy dancing to music. 






















Saturday, February 7, 2026

A good day with my kids.

February 7, 2026
Day 3,278

Thankful for: 

A relaxing day. 

A day at home. 

Cold air outside; cozy air inside. 

Time with my kids. We went to Target to get a gift for Ryker's birthday and some stuff for Tobin's science project. We went to Chick-fil-a for dinner. Tobin got a haircut. Both kids got new shoes, and then we went to Wegman's. It was nice to be with them. 

Texts from Matt. 

Another day off tomorrow. 

We got a football cake at Wegman's for tomorrow. 

Blue sky. 

Bare trees. 

My beautiful home. 



Friday, February 6, 2026

A good Friday night.

February 6, 2026
Day 3,277

Thankful for: 

A day called Friday. 

Sweet students and co-workers. 

Homemade pizza for dinner. 

Time with Matt. 

Two days off ahead of me. 

I get to spend time with my kids tomorrow. 

I've been dreaming of my new puppy. I can't wait to meet him or her. 

We get to celebrate Ryker's birthday tomorrow. 

I get to see my family tomorrow. 

Cold air. 

It's still winter. 

Plans with Matt tomorrow. 






Thursday, February 5, 2026

Cold air and the bare forest.

February 6, 2025
Day 3,276

Thankful for: 

A good day. 

Family. 

Friends. 

Tomorrow is Friday. 

Cold air. 

A bright blue sky. 

Breakfast for dinner.

A fun weekend coming up--we get to celebrate Ryker's birthday. 

Matt, Addy, and Tobin will be occupied with a football game on Sunday which means I will get some time to myself. 

Sweet students. 

Sweet co-workers. 

The bare forest.