Thankful Thursday - Childhood Friends

This Thursday I am thankful for the time I got to spend last week with my oldest and dearest childhood friend.  We usually see each other once a year for dinner or a fleeting cup of coffee during the rush of the holiday season and amidst conflicting family obligations. 

This year, I got to spend 24 hours with her in her home, completely untouched by schedules or outside demands.  And then, a few weeks later, spent an entire day with her at Disney World, and a day at the Ranch, and then she joined us for pizza at our house.  I've seen her more in the past month than I have in years. 

And, I realize how much I miss her.  I realize how much history we share, and how some friendships just run themselves.  Our friendship is maintenance free, and regardless of how much we do or don't talk in a given month, or how much we do or don't see each other, we always know that we are there for each other. 

She is that one friend who knew me before I knew who I was; since we were kids hanging from the monkey bars, learning how to bicycle kick soccer balls in her front yard, and honors students proof-reading each other's English papers.  We share a whole lot of history.  

And I hope our kids will too.  They hadn't seen each other since 2008, and they were too little to really remember, but they became fast friends, often holding hands in the park completely unprompted. 

Friendship is their destiny.

Thanks for the memories, Cheeto.  Love you!

Thankful Thursday - My Family Bits N Pieces

It's been awhile since I've done a Thankful post, but that doesn't mean that I have lost my perspective.  I know that His blessings are everywhere.  I know that my worries are small compared to some.  I know that things always work out for the best.  I know that my family is my lifeline.

Last Saturday, we went to two birthday parties at the same park, that were held at the same time, for two different children.  It was quite a convenient coincidence.  We spent hours playing outside in the wind and biting cold.   Okay, it wasn't that cold, but it was cold for us.  

The big girls found a tree that was begging to be climbed.  They climbed that tree.  They paused for a split second for photos.  They indulged in their friendship and they literally wore themselves out. 

I recently bought Chloe two new pairs of shoes from Pediped.  This morning, she put on her pink polka dot shoes and was ready to walk out the door for school when she notices that Sissy is wearing her brand new shoes that look just like hers (pictured above).  So, she ran inside and changed her shoes so that she and Camdyn were wearing the same ones.  I didn't ask her to, she just did.  My girls are finally embracing their sisterhood.  They share, they try to please one another, and Lord help me they are getting along. 

My big girl is becoming my biggest helper.  Chloe sometimes has trouble cooperating.  She usually does this when it comes time to change her diaper, or get in her jammies.  She's content to run around the house half naked and often shows us her obstinate side.  I've recently learned to summon Camdyn's help when this happens.  Cam will say, "Chloe time to get your jammies on," and low & behold the child cooperates.  Last night, Camdyn changed her first diaper with minimal assistance.  Chloe laid perfectly still so that Cam could change her.  Why she won't let me do it, I'll never know.  But, thank goodness she cooperates for her sister.  And, truthfully, I appreciate the help. 

So, what am I thankful for today?  I'm thankful for my family, for our health, for my ability to spew my memories in this space.  I realize that there isn't a promise of a tomorrow. Last night, Chloe woke crying for me at 2 am.  I went to her, and I rocked her while she was snuggled up in a blank for over an hour.  I felt nothing but content and peace that I am able to do that.  I realize that life can change in the blink of an eye .  I realize that each and every day should be celebrated, and I am Thankful.  God is good.

Thankful Thursday {Humor}

This Thursday, I am thankful for the lighter side of things.  The moments in life that bring a smile to my face, or better yet, have me laughing so hard I can't catch my breath.  The Hubs is really great at finding or creating these moments, at lightening the mood, and easing tension. 

Last night while we were eating dinner, Chloe came around the corner with her shirt over her head.  She thought it was hilarious as she ran back and forth laughing and squealing.  We laughed right along with her and then enjoyed a good 15 minutes of long forgotten Beavis & Butthead dialogue. 

Chloe - photo courtesy of Hubs' phone   Beavis photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Although, I most certainly can live without Beavis & Butthead, I can not live without the laughter.

Thankful Thursday - Sweet Moments

This Thursday I am Thankful for the {Sweet} moments in life.  The moments that make you take a step back and think, "Wow.  It doesn't get better than this."  Even though we've been fighting some battles lately with Camdyn's misbehavior at school and defiance at home, it's the sweet little moments in between that remind me that the battle is worth it.  It's the sweet moments spent in bed in the mornings, snuggled under the covers and stretching our legs, singing our good morning song, and staring in to each other's eyes. 

I am Thankful for the pure sweetness and spitfire that is my 2nd baby girl.   Belly laughs at the park with a mouth full of food.  Gut Busting, hilarity that ripples from the belly of one year olds.  It's contagious, it's beautiful, and it's a splendid sound.

And, then I forget about the times she swiped at me, pushed a friend, or resisted sitting in her car seat.  And, I watch her feed her betrothed a rice cake and I see visions of wedding cake and this imperfect photo  splashed on the big screen at their wedding reception.  I'm Thankful for my dreams. 

(I cringe that the focus is on Chloe instead of her hand & the food - how much sweeter this picture could have been)

And, I am Thankful for the future and the mysteries it holds. 

There is Always Something to be Thankful For

It's been a crazy week and as we approach my favorite time of year, things will just get busier.  I love it.  I love the excitement of all of the upcoming birthdays and holidays which are smashed in to the next few months.  I love the way the end of the calendar year winds down only to find yourself in January with fresh resolutions and a clean slate. 

Here are the Things I'm Thankful for this week:

{Gatherings with Friends}  Last night we ate chicken nuggets, grapes, beans, and cheetos on a picnic table with friends.  The kids played, and laughed, and cried, and we enjoyed being mommas to healthy and beautiful children.  Then the ice cream truck came and I saw the simple joys of childhood in the eyes of the kids.  It was the perfect ending to the day

{Resilient Kids}  Chloe toppled off the picnic table bench last night and landed on a illogically placed metal man-hole cover.  She cried a bit, but wasn't too phased, and I breathed a huge sigh of relief...that could have been bad...really, bad.

{Camdyn's spirit}  As much as she can frazzle my nerves, as much as she pushes buttons until I feel like I'm sliding in to meltdown mode, she's also an amazing kid.  A kid that crawled in to my lap last night, told me I was "the best momma ever" and then as tears welled in my eyes, she cried with me.  ::heart explodes::

{The Hub's Reaction}  Last night as we crawled in to bed I reminded him that he has been gone four out of the last seven nights, therefore, he is on night-time wake-up duty tonight.  He didn't balk.  And, I slept uninterrupted for the first time in MONTHS!

{Chloe Belle in a Hat}  Photos to come soon.  She won't wear a bow on her nearly bald head to save her life, but the child will rock a hat, and it is so stinkin' cute.

{Our almost House}  The bank accepted our offer on a house.  I am so stoked to move one final time, and finally be in our forever house.  The house that our kids will call their childhood home.  The house where we will raise our girls.  The house that we won't ever grow out of.

[Singing] Well....I Stuck My Head In A Little Skunk's Hole

I've decided that my Thankful-ness today is going to be centered around one subject only.  And, at the same time I'm going to admit to being a complete douche over the daycare dilemma that I forced upon myself a few weeks back. 

Now, I'm no stranger to pre-school drama.  I've questioned the quality of our school, and then decided that it may not be perfect, but it is perfect for us..  I've also jumped to major conclusions about Pre-K classroom assignments, the Director's hidden agenda, and how smart my kid is or isn't.  Then, I made peace with all of that, only to attend the orientation and then free fall back in to loser-ville about Camdyn being separated from her friends, and my friends. 

Well, I'm here to atone for all of that and to admit that I have been completely neurotic about the whole thing.

Today.  Today, I am Thankful for Camdyn's new teacher, and her classroom, and the Director's wisdom. 

I'm thankful that she is in a room with a teacher who is creative and excels at communication.  I'm Thankful that every day Camdyn comes home singing a brand new song; That every day the white board is dutifully filled out with specific information about what songs they sang, what books they read, what they learned, and what art projects they completed.  I'm Thankful that her teacher talks to me about what Camdyn did that day, what she said or learned.  I'm Thankful that the conversation is easy. 

I am Thankful that the Director handled my neurosis with grace and patience.  That she stood her ground long enough for me to figure out that Camdyn is exactly where she should be.

I am Thankful that my daughter is blossoming in her new classroom.  That she wants to learn, asks to practice letters, and is retaining what she is learning. 

I am Thankful that she is in a small class. 

I am Thankful that going to school is often her "favorite part of the day." 

And if you are familiar with the song that is the title of this post....you will realize that I did stick my head in a little skunk's hole.  A hole that is located in assumption-ville, on a street called neurotic mom lane, and...

"Pssss.  I removed it.  TOO LATE!"    

Although, better late than never....

Thankful Thursday & Paper Mama Photo Challenge - Flowers

The photo challenge theme over at The Paper Mama this week is Flower.  

 

I picked this photo because I love Cam's expression in the background.  When I took the photo the yellow flowers were practically neon in color.  They were so bright it made Cam appear as a distraction in the background. 

So, I darkened it using filters, and created this old world, this was taken with the first camera ever invented, kind of look. Which is appropriate, as the garden where this photo was taken was created in the early 1900's. The quality of this photo matches the atmosphere of the garden.  Now, go visit the Paper Mama and check out all of the fabulous entries, and submit one of your own!

So, it turns out that I have a lot to be Thankful for this week!  Here Goes:

101).  The Positive Discipline webinar that was hosted by Jen at Heligirl last night.  I learned something last night and I can't wait to implement it
102).  The cute little old lady who stopped me in Publix last night and said "You have a beautiful family, you know that don't you?"  Why yes, I do, but I really should be more appreciative of them.  Thank you for taking the time to say that and to remind me of my blessings!
103).  Camdyn's new teacher.  I knew she was "good" but I didn't know she was this good!  She's creative, and a breath of fresh air, and Camdyn is already impressing me with the things she's learned
104).  The Rain.  It's been raining since Sunday, but last night, the girls and I took the time to run through puddles and get completely soaked, and we made a memory
105).  Coffee, specifically, a grande, nonfat, 3 pump white mocha
106).  Realtors that work long hours and have your back
107).  A Friend who took amazing pics of my girlfriend's Newborn Baby Boy.  Pics that evoke emotion and make me want to reproduce again. Shhh, don't tell Hubs.  Check out her work and give her some comment love.
108).  2lbs.  Because that is all I've gained back even though I've gone way off course with the eating healthy thing.
109).  My children, for being the source of my joy.  This morning as they passed Barbies back and forth in the car, I realized just how awesome it is that I have two kids.
110).  The Hubs.  He keeps me grounded, he reminds me not to take myself so seriously, and he loves me no matter what silly things come out of my mouth. 


And, y'all the best part about that Webinar last night, was that I was sitting at the computer for an entire hour, undisturbed.  And I did exactly what most over-extended, multi-tasking, time crunching momma's would do.  I edited vacation pictures while listening and participating!  Wheeee! 

So, tomorrow, coming at you just in time for the weekend, you will see our trip. 

Thankful Thursday

Poop Story I have to share:
Tonight we met our realtor at a house we really wanted to see.  She was running a tad bit late, so we were playing on the property with the girls.  And wouldn't you know it, Camdyn says those 5 words that make me cringe...."I Have To Go Potty"  Ugh!  Seriously, we are out in the middle of no where?  There isn't a public bathroom within 2 miles, and we can't get in to the house.  Then, it gets worse, "It's poopy and it has to come out."  This can not wait.  She's dancing and we are about to have a mess.  So, I tell her she'll have to go outside, right over there, by that palm tree.  The child lowers her drawers and is clutching on to my shirt so that she has a lean going on, and she lays them out, right there at the base of the palm tree and right as our Realtor shows up.  EMBARRASSING!  "Hi How are you? My kid just took a dump on the lawn."  The clean up involves one of Chloe's diapers, a baggie, and a lot of baby wipes.  I think I'm going to start carrying a potty kit in my truck; a rubbermaid container (potty) some TP, baby wipes, and some hand sanitzer.  I was very unprepared for what happened tonight.


Well, I'm just barely squeaking this in today. It's been a crazy hectic day that will slide in to a relaxing weekend.

I'm Thankful this week for:

91).  Great friends who lend their listening and tolerate me, usually, mostly, all of the time
92).  Chloe Belle who bonked her head at school today and said "ow-ie" for the 1st time
93).  Wal-Mart - whoa, I am pretty Target loyal, but Wal-Mart bailed me out today.
94).  Camdyn's sudden thirst to learn her letters.  She spent 30 min. on the ipad working on letters this evening and I didn't even have to ask her to
95).  Unconditional Love
96).  Date night with the Hubs
97).  Baby Kisses
98).  My bed, I'm exhausted and it's late
99).  The God Lord for giving me perspective and relieveing me from stress
100).  Impending Vacations - because I need one stat!

Thankful Thursday - Short & Sweet

It's Thursday evening already and my munchkin spent the entire day at work with me.  She was sent home from school yesterday with a fever and can't return until Friday.

Today, no fever.  So, we brought her cot, DVD player, some toys, and coloring books and she spent the day in the corner office entertaining herself and napping like a champ.  She did surprisingly well, and was even treated to a Chick Fil A lunch with Momma and a trip to Target to break up the day.

This picture of her cracks me up, because it is so "Camdyn."  Dirty hands from playing in the sand and dirt, clutching her favorite dinosaur toys because dinos are so much cooler than barbies.  She's sweaty, and can barely stand still long enough for me to take a picture. 

Love this kid.


Here are a few things I am Thankful for this week:

81).  The hubs.  If you need reasons read this post
82).  My girlfriends, because the long overdue lunch we shared this week was well worth the wait
83).  SYTYCD because it's nice to lose myself in a show for an hour or two
84).  My job, because they let me bring my kid to work so I don't have to squander more vacation time
85).  My kid, who is finally starting to "get it" and now says things like "Yes, Mother" instead of arguing...ding ding ding!
86).  The sweet advice from bloggin' mommas who have battled night terrors.  Now that I'm not picking Belle up in the middle of them they seem easier to handle
87).  My Dyson.  Seriously, love that machine
88).  Home made chicken pot pie
89).  The book "How to Behave so your Pre-schooler will too" because it is teaching me and the hubs how to bring about desired behavior in a positive and productive manner.
90).  A long over-due date night that will happen on Monday.

Thankful Thursday - The 16 Month Letter

Dear Miss Bellie Boo,

Here we are at 16 months already.  I'm most cognizant of this time warp that I'm in the middle of, in the evenings as we sit in the rocking chair.  This is something that we just started doing a few months ago.  When you were a newbie I was scared. to. death. of succumbing to the sweetness and underlying demon that is rocking a baby...endlessly, tirelessly, bleary eyed, praying the baby will fall asleep all the while wishing I was in bed.  Babies waking just to be rocked.  It was a habit I didn't want to start so we never did that.  You were taught and loved falling asleep on your own, completely unassisted and I was appreciative of that.  You gifted me with time to spend with your sister and time to unwind. 

But, now you are older, so we rock while you have your nighttime bottle.  Yes, you still get a bottle.  I just can't seem to say good-bye to the baby in you.  We rock, and I lament.  How your legs have lengthened and now spill over the arms of the wooden rocker, how you push your feet against it, and curl your toes over the unfinished wood.  How you have the strength in your core to move yourself from a cradled position in my arms to sitting upright.  How you wiggle down off my lap and wander around the room, playing with the CD player, picking up books, and looking out the blinds.  Maybe I should have started rocking you sooner.

And no sooner do I think that and you toddle over, holding your bottle to your lips, holding a binky in your hand and your blanket wrapped over your shoulder, and you want me.  You want me to rock you and to hold you, and to stroke your forehead until you fall asleep, and I am content to do so. 

I know these moments won't last.

In your waking hours you are changed.  You are all toddler, running, dancing, trying to jump but finding your feet steadfast to the floor.  You comprehend almost everything we say.  When I say "Use your words please," you do.  You have a vocabulary, and your first two word sentence being "Mo Kwa-Ker" (more cracker).  You love balls, birds, dogs, and lotion.  You will stand in the bathroom and squawk the most hilarious squawk until I walk in and ask you to use your words.  Your response "Mo" while pointing to the lotion.  So, I squeeze some into your sweet palm, and you are happy.  You run around the living room with it while I pray that you don't touch the furniture, and then you rub it all over your belly.  It's quite hilarious.  

I know these moments won't last. 

And when you aren't babbling up a storm, sucking on your pacifier, or eating ravenously, you show us that you are still the screamer you were born to be.  You still have that spitfire in you, and we hear it.  We hear it over the 5 teeth that you are presently cutting at one time (2 of them being molars), we hear it over diaper changes which you deplore.  And every time I hear it, I think "scream on baby girl, let the whole world hear you."  I believe you have a voice that will be heard.  A voice that will do the world good. 

But, by far the best thing about you at this moment, Belle, is this:

The refreshing thirst to learn; to experience; to feel cold raindrops on your face.  To take joy in every small part of life that adults take for granted; to experience life with wonderment and amazement.

Every moment is an opportunity to learn.   And, not only are you learning and absorbing everything about your environment and the world, but you are teaching us.  Teaching sissy about kindness and gentleness, teaching us how to play peek-a-boo, and "I'm gonna get you", teaching us about the sweetness in life that is gentle baby kisses on the lips and one finger hand holding. 

And, I know these moments won't last.

But, everyday I am THANKFUL, for you, sweet, sensitive, daddy's girl.  You balance our family.  You make our family complete. And, you are a source of joy.

Love you Forever and Always,
Momma

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

And 10 more things that I am Thankful for This Week:

51).  McDonald's for always making my coffee the right way
52).  The fatigue and soreness in my entire being right now from doing a Muscle Works class that about did me in yesterday.  It means I did my body some good
53).  Friends like Liz who motivate me to go workout and then listen quietly the whole time I complain about it
54).  Hot water - our water heater ran out of gas on Monday morning, and we had 2 days without hot water.
55).  Ramona & Beezus.  Camdyn and I are almost on the last chapter of this book and will see the movie when we are done with it.  This is our first book without pictures, and much to my surprise she loves it!  It's been a great bonding time for us every evening
56).  Hubs - for having some patience with me and I try to figure out the whole positive discipline thing.  Seriously, change is tough, but we are getting there.
57).  Sleek, Healthy, Brown Hair - I had my hairs did on Tuesday, I'm back to brunette and it's fabulous.  I should post a picture!
58).  Target brand diapers - because they are every bit as reliable as Huggies, and cheaper.
59).  Nordstroms - because I got two fantastic deals there last week, and I'm wearing them both right now.  Nothing like some new threads to make you feel new again!
60).  God and Christian Radio - because sometimes after a rough morning, a few songs and a little praise can change the day around.

Thankful Thursday - An Open Letter to My Momma

Mom,
You left town just over 24 hours ago, and Camdyn has already asked me a gazillion times "Where's Gramma?"  You are missed already. 

It's always so amazing to me how easily you just blend right in to our family life when you visit.  You anticipate what needs to be done and where you should be, before I even have the chance to ask.  Case in point, you must have emptied the dishwasher 5 times in 12 days, and never once did I ask you to.  Although, I try not to show it, you can tell when I'm exhausted, or overwhelmed, and you remind to take care of myself.  You know me.  You know me, like maybe only God knows me. 

That night when we spent a half hour playing 2 different types of Memory Games in Cam's bedroom and we concluded that memory really does go downhill with age, I was a bit saddened.  Saddened that we don't live around the block, saddened that you can't take the girls out to pizza on a Friday night, and then just drop them back off at home.  Saddended that these moments only happen 2 - 3 times a year. 

And, just as I begin to reflect on the choices that I made in my life; The choices that brought me to California for 4 1/2 years, the choices that lead to marrying a man who didn't live in my hometown; the choices that brought me 2 babies whom you love like they are your own.  I am THANKFUL.  I realize that the choices are blessings, and had my path led me to a different destination, the 2 little girls that brought our lives full circle, wouldn't be here.  The happiness that I feel when we are all together wouldn't be there.  The moments, like Belle's belly laughs during tubby time, wouldn't resound the way that they do.  Those moments would be lost in the casualness of everyday life. 

One day I hope that something will change, maybe the retirement years will allow you to spend more time down here.  Or, maybe I'll find myself a SAHM, and can spend more time up north.  But, for now, I'll treasure the moments, visit and revisit my pictures, and THANK the heavens that you are the type of Mom & Gramma that invests your time in your family.

You are the Momma I am learning to be.

Love,
Your baby girl

PS:  And when I found that 100 bucks that you snuck behind my cell phone as I took your suitcase out of my truck, I smiled.  Because that's what you always do and I could even hear you saying "buy something that is just for you."  And, then I laughed as Liz checked her cup holder to see if you left her $100 too. 

The Thursday Thanks

Wow.  Here we are at Thrusday all ready.  If you haven't noticed, I've been a bit long-winded this week, so I'm gonna make today short and sweet.  Here are 10 things that I am Thankful for this week!

41). Advice from friends and e-friends who provide me direction/support when I don't know whether or not I did the right thing by doing nothing. 
42).  My parents arriving safely and spending the week with us.
43).  Independence Day...because we live in a great country and we have many, many, precious freedoms that were born on the 4th of July.
44).  Our new iPad, because it's sleek, and fast, and cool, and now the hubs and I can internet at the same time. (doesn't it look huge in this picture?  Really, it looks huge, but it's not, just about the size of a hard back book, but thinner)

45).  Snails that come out in the rain and provide an opportunity for a science lesson with my 4 year old.
46).  The word "kwa-ker" (cracker) because it's Chloe Belle's first 2 syllable word and reminds me how fast she's growing up
47).  This doggie, who lets Chloe take food out of her bowl while she's eating it, and never growls or snips.  I think she loves the kids as much as I do.

48). Sleeping through the night.  After 10 days of Chloe's illness, it's high time we got back to all nighters
49).  Liz.  She keeps me sane, keeps me laughing, and makes this place feel like home.
50).  Friends who love and excel at photography, because they guide me, encourage me, and inspire me. And friends who offer to try and figure it all out with me, one week, one lesson at a time.
**I just have to mention this, because it NEVER happens.  I just hit spell check and not one yelllow highlighted word in this whole post.  WTH?  Something is wrong!...maybe spellcheck is down or something.

Gratzi Jueves

Well, for those of you that don't speak a combination of Italian and Spanish the title is "Thank You Thursday." Clever huh?  I thought I would spice up the title a bit. So, allow me to offer a big busty

"Thank You"

to the people, places and things that make-a-me happy this week.

31).  The Mall.  And, not for the shopping and the endless array of merchandise, but for the A/C and the indoor play land and the wide selection of food opportunities.  It now provides a host for mommy gatherings and sweat-free play dates.  And to that I offer a happy hallelujah!

32).  Dry Skivvies.  Not mine, silly.  My 4 1/2 year old has finally ditched the Underjams and stays dry all night!  Whoo hoo!  We were so lazy with taking those things away, and now that we have, she is happily and comfortably dry all night long. 

33).  Baby Showers.  Not only to they involve celebrating a terrific Momma and a new life entering the world.  But, they involve cake, and an evening spent without tending to children.  It's a win/win all the way around.

34).  Trusted Babysitters.  Because it means that Hubs and I are about to enjoy a long overdue night out this weekend. 

35).  Seat belts that function.  For the past 24 hours my seat belt was stuck in the retracted position and I couldn't pull it free to put it on.  I was completely annoyed by it and felt like I could literally fall out of my seat at any moment.  I just do not understand how people can drive and not wear them.  Anyway, by the grace of God, I tinkered with it, and actually fixed it.  So, now it works and I feel safe, and have spared myself a trip to the dealership (for now). 

36).  Binky Kisses.  This morning, Chloe leaned in to give me a kiss whilst the binky was still in her mouth.  So, I kissed the binky.  Cuteness overload.

37).  Hubs' job.  Because it makes him feel successful, and challenged, and it provides for our family.  And, it's just an added bonus that it's our social network too.

38).  Lady Gaga's stupid antics.  Because every time I read about her weirdness and supposedly shocking behavior, I become thankful for the normalcy of my life and feel just a twinge of thankfulness that I am not looking for happiness/acceptance/security in all of the wrong places.

39).  Golf.  Yes, you read that right.  Golfing that gets the whole family out on the green, playing, and interacting.  And it gives Cam an opportunity to do what her daddy does.  He swears he will turn her into a pro.  I think buying her a golf set is on the to-do list this weekend.  And not the plastic kind featured in my last post...but a real one...the metal kind.   

Has anyone noticed that I am getting really good at taking pictures

that do not have heads in them...strange, but it works.  no?

The baby top left belongs to Liz but I'll claim her and all of her cuteness. 

Abby and Chloe have the same shirt on

so I just had to include her in this spread taken on Father's Day.

40). Teachers.  Because every day I leave my lovies in the hands of wonderful women who care for them, teach them, and influence their lives in my absence.  And, working and being away from them would be hella traumatic for me if it weren't for them.  A Thank You just isn't enough for what teachers do every day!

A Day Late

Punctuality is usually never my problem...unless I'm going to work.   I'm  always late to work, but can't be late to a "social" event to save my life....not even if I try.  Weird.  Good thing my company doesn't care when I come and when I go.  So, I'm a day late with my Thankful on Thursday post, and I blame life and its craziness, while still taking responsibility for the fact that sometimes I am not as organized as I wish I was.

Regardless, here's my list of things that I am thankful for yesterday...and today...and always:

21).  The Hubs and his ability to say the right thing, comfort, and protect at just the right time

22).  The notion that "everythings gonna be all right."

23).  Motrin (or a generic version of) because it is kickin' Chloe's fever

24).  Beautiful friendswho inspire me with their artistic talents and who are willing to share their knowledge and support a novice.  Check out Bridgette's wicked photog skills....she amazes and inspires me!  And, is the "know how" behind my pictures that turn out like this SOOC (straight out of camera)  And, that is a real bird...not one of those flamingo-y bird on a stick things:

25).  My job.  Because I actually love it and know that there is no promise of a tomorrow (damn economy).

26).  My Momma - cause today is her birthday and I adore her.  She's amazing and should be celebrated every day

27).  The Laker's kickin' some Boston A-S-S....cause I've always been a Laker fan even though Kobe fell from grace and ruined my ability to cheer for him for several years.

28).  A little girl who says the cutest things, gives the greatest hugs, and even though she tests me to the limits, she reminds me that Motherhood is a gift and I am special.

29).  Luck in two different forms.  Lucky Brand denim diaper covers (that are huge) but still cute as sin and Luck in general, because today I am feeling very fortunate

30).  For Fridays, spent at home with a baby even if she is sickly.

Thursday Thanks

It's hard to believe that it is Thursday already, but it is, and this is becoming my favorite day of the week.  What better way to start a day than to list a few of the things that I am thankful for today.  So, let's just assume that I am Thankful for the givens; Health, Family, Faith, Food, Home, My readers, etc., and allow me to list some of the more trivial, or insignificant things that get lost on an ordinary day.

Today I am Thankful for:

11).  The robust woman at McD's that refers to me as "baby" and "sugar" every morning when she hands me my coffee.  She makes me smiley.

12).  Elephant Pink OPI nail polish - it's amazing how tan my feet look when the nails are bright pink!

13).  Our pool - it provides hours of free family entertainment and bonding

14).  The bag boy at Publix who didn't hesitate a moment when I asked him to grab me a gallon of milk that I forgot (mind you that was my sole purpose of going to the grocery store...ugh)

15).  The giant bruise that is forming on my left thigh.  Because it means that last night when I got tripped up in my pajama pants and went sailing into the wooden rocking chair with the baby cradled in my arms, I didn't harm her precious head, but myself instead. 

16).  Dijorno Pizza because it provides a tasty an inexpensive alternative to ordering out

17).  My 4 year old who loves me THIS MUCH ::arms open as wide as they can be:: and tells me so every night as I tuck her in for the 17th time

18).  Cute little baby buns that are so adorable after tubby time

19). My brand new INC fat jeans that make me feel skinny

20).  30 days of sobriety for PG!  If you recall this post then you know that this is a very big deal!  Praise ye the Lord!

If you wanna join the fun and give thanks for your blessings today, go ahead and link up with Alysha at The Tarr Pit and check out what she and everyone else is thankful for today.

And, I leave you today with this A-DOR-ABLE shot of my lovie taken last Sunday evening.  I'm having it printed on 11x16 canvas.  My nifty fifty is quickly becoming my favorite lens!