What will today bring?

Sleep

The kids are sleeping in this morning. It's going to be a great day!

Reminders

Employment

Today I'm grateful my husband is employed, working a job he enjoys.  

60 minutes

I came across this a few weeks ago. It was posted by a friend of a friend on Facebook. 

2013 has not been the brightest of years. In fact Fall of 2013 has been doozie. The good news is that as quickly as our family challenges blew in, they are blowing out. The clouds have parted. The sun is shining again. 

And I'm grateful the darkest hour truly is only 60 minutes. 

The Kitchen

Last night I had the opportunity to host a pizza/video game party for my 9 year old son and some of his friends. It was loud. It was silly. No blood or broken bones resulted from the evening. Overall, it was a success. 

My favorite part came an hour before when I was running around the kitchen like a crazy woman and my oldest daughter was helping me. We had a moment carved out of the craziness to talk, laugh, and get a little teary. Life is good. I love that girl and the amazing young woman that she is. 

Open Adoption

Yesterday our family increased by one. But, also opened the door to loving a new family. Little Man A is now officially apart of our forever family. His two sweet aunties are too. 

Trying to write the feelings of my heart is difficult for me. This experience has been complex and filled with emotions I didn't even know existed. Someday I may be able to sort it out and write it down. But for now, it's coming out a piece at a time. 

I had never witnessed true selflessness until mediation day. I watched someone who truly loved Little A give him the very best option to keep him safe. She didn't really know the type of family she was giving him too. She didn't know if they would shut the door on her as soon as the adoption was finalized. But, she took the leap of faith. 

And I am so, so grateful to have the honor of knowing her and raising her amazing nephew. Thank you Alicia. 

Summer Memories

This past summer was filled with princesses...

Damsels in distress...

Climbing over rocky mountains...

Sand and surf...

And a bunch of family....

Good times. Epic really. 

Sisters from another mother

One of the unique (and awesome) things about my husband's family is the traditional generational lines are a little blurry. Two of my favorite people happen to be my sister-in-law and her oldest daughter. I think of both of them as my sisters, since one is 11 years older and the other is 10 years younger. 

Both of these lovely ladies have had a HUGE impact on my life. I would not be living the good life in Texas without them. They are an inspiration to me to live happier, love more, and laugh often. Plus they have mad cooking and baking skills. Mad skills. It really is futile to try and fight the deliciousness these ladies produce. 

I love you guys and am so grateful we get to hang out in Texas together!!

Today

I am thankful for job interviews. Prayers and happy thoughts for my hubby today. 

Bigger Than Myself

I've been thinking about the whole concept of family. How it's evolved and enlarged through the years. I realized this past summer that my family is large and vast and extensive and that a lot of my friends are now a part of my family. With cousins and in-law marriages, I think my kids are now related to half of the Inland Empire. 

One of the reasons we moved to Texas was to diversify the gene pool for our grand kids. 

That being said, I am proud of my extensive family and grateful to be connected to so many strong, amazing people. 

Fall Comes Softly

November usually blows in a real change of weather. Although we don't experience real Fall, it's nice to feel a cold breeze on my face. I've come to realize that Fall comes softly to south Texas.

Texas Sky

Because no matter how big my problems appear to be, I can look outside my window and see a sky that is much bigger. 

Pay It Forward

Yesterday was a huge day of blessings and tender mercies. And in the middle of receiving, I was given an opportunity to give back. Even in the midst of life's darkest storms, we can still reach out to others as they are weathering theirs. In the process of lifting others, our own storms will calm. 

Hallothanksmas

This is the most wonderful time of the year! You can usually start hearing Christmas carols in our house around mid-September, I bring out the cinnamon-scented candles and hot chocolate, and shopping takes a little (or a lot) longer than normal. So much to look at. 

I love that I can walk down one aisle and be engulfed in warm orange, brown, and all things pumpkin, then turn the corner and be engulfed in a peppermint forest of reds and greens (or silvers, purples, or blues - whatever the latest color trend is - *gag*). Bring it on! I'm grateful for the seasonal holiday mashup.

Happy Hallothanksmas!

Ariel and Iron Man

When these two have time alone with my phone, I never know what to expect when I get the phone back. 

They are best buds and their constant laughter puts a smile on my face. I can't imagine my life without my miracle babies. 

Home

26 moves in 39 years. Today I am thankful for the places I've seen and the many wonderful people I've met. 

But I'm mostly thankful for where I am now. 

We've been in our current house for 22 months. I love the kitchen, the upstairs playroom, the bedroom layout, the fenced backyard with a play set. 

But, I mostly love the fact my kids call it home. 

Thankful Countdown

The first two days of November have given me cause to reflect on things (or people or experiences) I feel grateful for. This year has presented challenges in all areas of my life: personal, mental, emotional, physical, and family. I have spent the majority of days focusing on just making it through the moment. 

My hope is to pull myself out of the moment and focus beyond the fleeting feelings of inadequacy, identify the good experiences, and move forward with faith. 

So, today (at this moment) I am grateful that my husband is unemployed. He has been around to lean on, help take the kids to their activities, he's volunteered at the kid's schools, and we've had a chance to re-evaluate where we are headed as a couple and as a family. Both of us have had some health issues that we've had time to work on. 

Which brings me to the 2nd thing I'm grateful for: good doctors. 

Happy Hauntings