this could take all day

grateful mini, #4

November 12

It may seem a silly thing, but I'm thankful each week for the chance to sit down with my cookbooks and grocery list and make a plan for the week. Having an organized list is really helpful at the store and I think it saves us money. And while we still have the occasional "I don't want to cook let's order pizza" night, having a plan has made the evening scramble much more peaceful. And for that I'm grateful.

 

November 13

I'm so thankful that Darin has a job where he works just down the hill and can come home almost every day for lunch. For an hour every day I can count on a hug, help with our busy little girl, and some adult conversation. This is a huge perk of the job that I had no idea how much I'd appreciate until I became a full-time mom. I love our lunch hour.

 

November 14

The transition to fall from summer can be a rough one around here as the weather turns gloomy, the days become shorter and the trees become bare. But I love living in a place with seasons. The colors of the leaves can be spectacular; I love the excuse to stay on the couch with a good book; and sometimes you are blessed with a clear glorious day. Thankful.

 

November 15

I can't begin to describe how excited I am for the opportunity to work with these amazing teens (and the ones that will follow) in the 4-H State Ambassador program. This program has meant so much in my own leadership development and I am so grateful that I am now in a position to give back. Our first meeting together was so energizing and I can't wait to do it again.

waiting on a picture

November 16

I missed this kid so much while I was gone this weekend. There is nothing like coming home to her (and her Papa). Thankful for my little family.

  

November 17

Random, I know, but I'm grateful for my washer and dryer and my Monday laundry day. Thankful for modern conveniences.

grateful mini, #3

November 8

I am thankful for all the pieces that fell together for us to see this amazing show today. The fact that Darin loves "Christmas Eve Sarajevo"; the fact that I heard about the concert; the fact that these tickets made a perfect birthday present; the fact that Darin's mom met us in Seattle and took Daisy back home with her. Even off-center in the nosebleed section we had so much fun experiencing this show together.

 

November 9

Darin's mom - aka Linda, aka Gran - is such a generous person. A few weeks ago I mentioned that I wanted to get Daisy her own reading chair for Christmas but all the one's I'd found were so expensive. Little did I know she would find an adorable chair on ebay and have it shipped to arrive this past weekend. The chair fits perfectly in our playroom and Daisy loves it. I'm thankful for thoughtful people and early Christmas presents.

November 10

I am thankful that this little girl is such a good sleeper and has been for a long time. Her bedtime routine really helps, especially if someone else puts her down. She has a bath, gets on some pajamas, brushes her teeth, then we read some books, turn off the lights, sing a song, pray and into bed she she goes with her "Nemo" blanket while her turtle sings her to sleep. 7:00 bedtime means evening time for us!

 

November 11

This is my nightly ritual: a little irish creme over ice after dinner. The perfect sweet, creamy treat. Thankful for this little cup of deliciousness.

grateful mini, #2

November 4

There is a lot to be grateful for on this historic election day. I am thankful to live in a democracy where through my vote I can speak up for issues and leaders I care about. I'm thankful to see our country elect a black man as its president. And I'm thankful that this man-Barack Obama-inspires hope in so many that we can have a brighter future.

 

November 5

Today I turned 28. Certainly I am thankful for another year full of great things and wonderful memories. But today I am especially thankful for an excuse to celebrate, a reason to take an ordinary day and make it special. Crepes for breakfast, ice cream cake, dinner out, and a whole day off from mommy-duty so I can play. Yea for birthdays!

 

November 6

I totally squeeled out loud with delight when I saw this bloom on our Christmas cactus plant. When we inherited it from Mom it was full of amazing flowers, but a combination of moving and my brown thumb and I thought it might never bloom again. Today I moved our plant stand and spotted a bit of pink and I was overjoyed. Today I am thankful for that.

 

November 7

Today I am thankful for the chance to bake these yummy, and good for us (hidden zuchinni), cookies for my family. Makes me feel like I can be good at my new at-home-mom-job.

grateful mini

For the month of November I'm documenting with words and pictures things that I am grateful for. One thing each day. And then I'm making a mini album out of the experience.

Thought I'd share with you along the way.

November 1

Today I am thankful that we live close to my sisters again. We had so much fun on Halloween letting Daisy trick-or-treat with her cousins and eating yummy dinner that Jason cooked up. ANd then today we had a craft day to make Christmas cards. Michelle and I played most of the day and then Debbie joined us too. Junk food, pretty paper, and good conversations. So thankful to be close again.

November 2

I LOVE my new photo wall. It may not be a design masterpiece, but it is full of masterpieces and memories. It makes me happy having the faces of my family as artwork in my home. Plus, Darin put it up for me. Love that too!

 

November 3

Y.M.C.A. I am so thankful for this place. Today, for instance, Daisy and I went to "Baby Bootcamp" class where I got a workout and she got to play with other kids. Then we went to swim lessons and Daisy had a blast. Tonight Darin's off playing volleyball and (hopefully) having a great time. Plus, Daisy loves the nursery if I need some "me" time. So thankful, too, for the scholarsip that makes it all possible.