Showing posts with label things I am thankful for. Show all posts
Showing posts with label things I am thankful for. Show all posts

Sunday, January 22, 2012

1.22.12--Reason 22

The opening of the strawberry stands.

Because there's nothing better than fresh strawberry shortcake, and those first berries of the season are so very red and delicious and just seem to hint of warm summer days ahead. Ah, Southern California...

Saturday, January 21, 2012

1.21.12--Reason 21

Quiet rainy Saturday mornings.

Because, for at least a little while, in the quiet house while the kids are not yet awake, it seems like time stops; the pattering of the rain is the only sound I hear. But I know that soon the kids will rise and the house will fill with their joyful noise... And when i think about it, that would be another thing I am thankful for today.

Friday, January 20, 2012

1.20.12--Reason 20

Wine.

Because there's nothing I like better than unwinding at the end of the day with a glass, particularly with a good friend and even better conversation.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

1.19.12--Reason 19

Nightly reading sessions with my kids.

Because I have done it since they were small, and I think I have managed to make book lovers of them all. And the best part is when, after seeing a film adaptation of something we've read, they generally will agree that the book is always better. Aces, baby.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

1.18.12--Reason 18

The magic of hair dye.

Because I am 40 but refuse to go gray gracefully. Like that old beauty ad said, I intend to fight it every step of the way.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

1.17.12--Reason 17

When best friends come to visit.

Because even when your BFF moves away, you know in your heart she's always there for you. And you know that the miles between you can't diminish the strength of what you have.

Monday, January 16, 2012

1.16.12--Reason 16

That I live in a country where I have freedom and where equality is the right of everyone.

Because there are so many places in this little planet of ours where freedom and equality are merely fantastical dreams and nowhere near a reality. And because I hope that I teach my children to never, ever take that freedom for granted.

"at the center of non-violence stands the principle of love." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

1.15.12--Reason 15

The way my kids (usually) get along.

Because they remind me so much of my brother and me as kids, and because when they aren't bickering, it's like magic.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

1.14.12--Reason 14

Family game night.

Because being goofy with the kids is so much more fun than just about anything else I could ever want to do on a Saturday night. And sharing it with a few good friends just makes it that much better. (in case you were wondering, Edie won the game.)

Friday, January 13, 2012

1.13.12--Reason 13

Taking back the morning.

Because, really, is there anything better than hanging out in your robe and jammies on a chilly winter morning, eating donuts and catching up on one's favorite morning cartoons? I think not.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

1.12.12--Reason 12

History in the making.

Because 30 years ago my husband (along with all the other kids in his school) put a letter in a time capsule at their new school's dedication ceremony. And today, celebrating the school's birthday, they opened it. And my kids were beyond thrilled and proud that their dad is part of that unique, historical moment.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

1.11.12--Reason 11

My being a very crafty person.

Because, to me, there is nothing quite so satisfying as creating something from a lot of other somethings (or, in many cases, a lot of nothings). And working with my hands and being crafty is the one thing I could never, ever give up. And because I love the look on people's faces (and the appreciation) when they receive something handcrafted. Makes my heart feel full.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

1.10.12--Reason 10

My crafty, handy dad.

Because whether I ask him if he can make wood buttons or a super epic custom loft bed for my son or just about anything else that can be made from wood and power tools, he is always happy to oblige. I like to think I got a lot of my own creative spirit from him.

Monday, January 9, 2012

1.9.12--Reason 9

Kids going back to school after winter break.

Because the two weeks that they were home were colossally hectic and fun and noisy and boisterous and messy and chaotic and exciting and felt more like a month than two weeks, and I am tired. And with Isla at her grandma's today, the house has been blissfully, peacefully quiet all day, and I am in heaven.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

1.8.12 -- Reason 8

My husband's culinary skill.

Because whether it's his amazing smoked salmon or his chorizo/pepper pizza or some other delightful flight of cooking fancy, the man has some serious skills.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

1.7.12 -- Reason 7

Coffee.

Lots of cream, no sugar. Because it makes me a much more pleasant person in the morning. And because the ritual of it -- the prepping and brewing and stirring and sipping -- as well as the conversations one can have while enjoying it -- are among life's greatest, guilt-free pleasures.

Friday, January 6, 2012

1.6.12 — Reason 6

























technology.

Because video calling (or Facetime) is no longer relegated to that mythical future that included jetpacks and flying cars but is instead a reality. Which means I can see my mom and dad's smiling faces and they can blow kisses to the kids. Not EXACTLY like actually being together, but pretty darn amazing anyway.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

1.4.12 — Reason 4

























this girl.

Because she is funny and smart and clever and silly and curious and eager and independent and perfect in just about every way.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

1.3.12 — Reason 3

























that ragamuffin.

Because I'm still amazed that she's here. Because she surprises me so much, every day. And I get to kiss those delectable cheeks whenever the moment strikes me — which it does, often.