Day 267: Back to the Basics

I'm all for change and trying new things. When I noticed the traffic to AOW was increasing so much, I decided to take a gamble and put some ads on the site. But, in the last couple of months I've felt like the feel of the site has changed and it just wasn't me. The flow from day to day was broken up with ads after the posts and the nuance of daily thankfulness seemed to get lost in Full Sail University or Papa John's latest deal.

So I'm done. There's an ad on the sidebar but no more in between posts. Change is good, but sometimes, keeping it simple is the best solution. I'm glad I tried and I'm thankful I reflected.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 266: The Old College Try

It's impossible to grow up in the midwest and not love college football. Going to a Big Ten university and having a seat in the student section for 3 years only solidified this love. 10 years later (yikes!),  I guess what keeps me still interested in the game year after year is how much I continue to learn with each game I watch.

Chris and I watch most games together and he always helps me to understand the game in a way I never would have on my own. I always have so many questions and he is so good about helping me understand and view plays as a player or coach would. It's pretty cool.

Saturday's are a bonding day for us. And for this, I am thankful.

Go State!


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Day 265: Perfect Timing

Today I am thankful for perfect timing. Last night, as I was getting ready to go to sleep, I heard a weird noise coming from the kids' room. I opened up their door to find Sofia moaning and in tears because she had thrown up. Everywhere.

It was gross.

BUT thankfully, because I am on fall break, I was able to keep her (and Nico, just in case) home from school and not miss any work or scramble to figure out subs or daycare. That was a nice feeling.

Today I got to be a full-time caretaker. It wasn't what I had anticipated for my last day of vacation but any unexpected days with the kids is always special. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 264: CrossFit

Today I completed my first CrossFit fitness class. I have made a commitment to get in shape and be healthy. Taking this class is my first step...and it kicked my butt hard core. It is intense, powerful and empowering. Even better, several of my co-workers are taking the classes too! The built in support and accountability is priceless.

I'm really excited to get back into shape again. While I lost all of my baby weight from my two kids, I just haven't felt like myself in a long time. I'm squishy. I don't like squishy.

Working out for me has so many benefits beyond just getting in shape. It is good for my mind, heart and soul. I'm glad to be getting back on this path and taking care of the ones I love by taking care of myself.

And for this, I am thankful.

BTW -- I am supposed to be able to see results in 2 weeks. While they won't be dramatic, they will be noticeable if I am consistent with the workout. I would appreciate any and all encouragement as I navigate the most difficult time frame of getting (and committing!) back into shape. 2 weeks. I can do this! A better, healthy life awaits!!!

Day 263: Not So Snow Day

I love the snow. Thus, each October as bets are made by the local meteorologists on when the first snowfall will be, I'll be honest and say I get pretty excited. There's something about running to the window the morning of the first time it snows. Everything looks so cleans and fresh and soft. I just love it.

Today we had our first snow. And it was a REAL snow. None of this light dusting stuff that melts by 10 a.m. We got a solid 6" at our house. Perfect for snow angels and catching flakes on the tongue of a certain 5 year old. :)

There were flurries all day and into the evening. I was thankful that we got this storm while we are off of school but more thankful that I had some time to revel in the giddiness that comes with the year's first snowfall.

...and drink some hot chocolate too!




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Day 262: The Art of Doing Nothing

This week marks one of my favorite times of the year as a teacher: Fall Break. It is one week of pure, unadulterated relaxation. So today, in between a lunch with one friend and a walk with two others, I did nothing. Literally nothing.

And I loved every second of it.

I know that spending days like this is a rarity and not the highest on the productivity scale. But it's ok. It's all the more reason to be thankful.

A Lesson From Peter Pan

Miss last week's GlassHeel Post? How we find balance in our lives is important. This week, I focused on a few of the things I do. Check it out here. :)

Enjoy!

Day 261: A Simple Evening

We had such a wonderful weekend. :) And now, our house is quiet. The kids went to bed without an issue, toys are picked up, pumpkin seeds are roasting with cinnamon in the oven and my cute hubby is sitting cozily on the couch. These are nice nights. Simple and nice.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 260: New Paths

We had the most unbelievable day! We took advantage of the amazing trails that Colorado has to offer and made our way into the foothills to give Lindsey and Jaffer a real mountain experience. 

The weather was absolutely picturesque and perfect for exploring. Above all else, Jaffer was able to do his first ever mountain hike and we felt so honored to be able to share the beauty and exhilaration that is our backyard.

 

It was an awe-inspiring day and one that brought a new meaning to the word determination to me. 

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 259: The Perfect Day

Beautiful weather, a trip to Boulder, happy kids, hilarious conversation, a Spartan VICTORY and a night out with Lindsey and Jaffer = the perfect day.

And for this I am thankful.

Day 258: Safe Arrival

Tonight, I am thankful for the safe arrival of my dear and hilarious sister-in-law and her husband. Lindsey and Jaffer arrived safely from Ohio to two non-stop chatting children and list full of activities that they have been requested to partake in during their visit. Sofia and Nico are in hog heaven. :) It's so much fun to take a step back and watch their relationship grow. :)

Gotta love the aunts and uncles. We sure have been blessed with them in this family! And for this, I am thankful!

Day 257: My Mother's Resources

In honor of my mom's birthday today, I chose to use one her best skills: maximizing resources. If there's one thing I've learned from her, it's that finding balance in life is crucial. Whether it's home versus work life or even figuring out the best way to divi up household chores, finding a way to make it all fit together -- and in a sane way -- is the key to feeling good.

So, after several super busy weeks at work for both Chris and I and company on the way Friday, I called a cleaning service. Instead of stressing out to get things around the house spic and span, all we did was pick up a few things tonight and call it good. No stress...with just a little mess that we won't have to clean up! :)

A little more free time and peace of mind to go along with it...for this, I am thankful.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Day 256: Up To My Elbows

Friday marks the end of first quarter. It's been quite the transition going back into the classroom. Some days, I feel like I'm the best teacher in the world. Others, not so much. Right now, I'm up to my elbows in grading. But there are only 2 days left. I can do this. There is an end in sight.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 255: Good Hair, Good Day

So this is totally vain, but I don't care. Today, I had a really good hair day. Any woman can empathize with the ups and downs that are associated with "good hair".  No joke, I have had entire days ruined because my hair (Greek and with a mind of it's own) chooses to do what it wants and not what I want. Good hair days are serious business, my friends.

Today was a good day. I was productive, in a good mood and ready to take on the world...and I am sure it has everything to do with the cooperation of my hair follicles. :)

And for this, I am thankful.

...oh, and really, this wouldn't be the most vain of vain posts without a self-portrait! :)

Day 254: 4

The number 4 is holding a special place in my heart today for two reasons: one, there are only 4 days of school left until (a much needed) fall break; and two, Chris's sister Lindsey and her husband Jaffer will be arriving on Friday as well.

There are four long days ahead with four awesome days to follow. And for this, I am thankful!

Day 253: My Dear Sofia, You're 5!

I will never forget the day our daughter was born. She has touched our lives in ways we never could have imagined every day since then. Sofia is kind, smart, sweet, beautiful, empathetic, courageous, thoughtful, loving, creative, funny and adventurous. Her spirit is contagious and it's all we can do to keep from squeezing her like crazy each day.

Today, we celebrated Sofia's 5th Birthday with our families via Skype and a few of her closest friends here at home. We decorated pumpkins, ate sloppy joes, decorated some more pumpkins, ate a ridiculous Dora the Explorer castle cake (decorated by Miss Sofia herself) and opened presents. She was insistent upon wearing her Rapunzel dress and for most of the afternoon, had the belt from my bathrobe tied into her hair so that it would be "long".

Sofia's smile was present from the minute she bounced into our bedroom at 7:30 to announce, "It's my birthday! Wake UP, Mom!" to the minute she closed her door to go to sleep tonight. This, of course, was followed by a quick run back out into the living room to ask when her next birthday is. She wasn't a fan of my response, "365 days."

Needless to say, it was the kind of day that I didn't want to end. My darling little girl is growing up and it is the most incredible honor to be a part of.

And for this, I am thankful.

Happy Birthday, Sofia! We love you SO much!

Day 252: Welcome Back Dad!

Today was absolutely jam packed. It was one of those Saturdays filled with errands and lists but had a little bit of fun built in. Chris got home late in the afternoon after being gone for two and a half days at a conference. We were all glad he returned. :) I feel like we were all a bit off kilter without him home. It's funny how quickly we got used to having him around all the time again! It will be nice to get back into a routine this week again.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 251: Grooving to my Soundtrack

This week, my article on Glass Heel was about finding the soundtrack to your life. This article felt really good to write. It was actually easy to write. That was a first. In talking with a friend of mine at work today, I realized just how much of an outlet these weekly posts on daily motivation are for me. I've gained a new perspective and found a new way to encourage balance amongst all the crazy day to day events.

All my life I've enjoyed writing but over the last 251 days, I've fallen in love with it. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 250: Grand Plans

Tonight I had grand plans to get all kinds of things done for work and around the house. Instead, I got both the kids to bed by 7:30 and cozied up myself shortly after. With Chris in the mountains for a few days at a work conference, I realized that shortening my to-do list tonight was probably the grandest plan I could put into place.

Sometimes you just need to slow down and put your pajamas on before dark. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 249: Just Ask

Today I had some pretty open and honest conversations with my students about how they learn best. I have been doing quite a bit of research on the "flipped classroom" model -- allowing kids to do some of the learning at home and doing the "homework" during school. It's pretty incredible actually and caters to the idea that not all of us learn the best in a specific space during a specific time. Sometimes, pajamas, a hot chocolate and some soft music are what one needs to really be able to master a new concept. 

Frankly, it's quite incredible what kids will tell you when you just ask them. They are so much more insightful and reflective than we often give them credit for. We can definitely learn a lot from them if we open up our hearts and minds. 

And today, I did. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 248: Spit That Stitch!

Ok, so I've got this weird thing happening. It appears that my broken belly button does not like some of the stitching that was done during surgery and now, a MONTH later, my body is beginning to reject it. I'll spare you the details but it's seriously the most bizarre thing I have ever experienced. The doctor referred to the action as "spitting a stitch" to which I immediately started cracking up. Apparently, not only do I have a broken belly button, but it can spit back at you too! Ha! I knew I was talented. :)

It's important to be able to laugh at the wild and crazy adventures your body goes through as one ages -- and I'm certainly an expert at this! And for this, I am thankful.

Patwey!

Day 247: One-on-One

Tonight I was able to spend some girls only quality time with my dear friend, Kate. I loved it.

I'm feeling awfully lucky to have such a great friend. God is good.

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Just So You Know

I have a new logo! Check out the new Glass Heel Contributor Logo on my sidebar. Click on it to be taken directly over to this incredible site where you can gain resources for life, love, finances, friendship, personal growth -- you name it. The list of phenomenal female contributors continues to grow each week and it is definitely worth a stop by if you haven't done so already.

Each Friday, I contribute an article on the topic of Daily Motivation. Be sure to check them out and leave comments! :) And for you, Dad, here's my list of articles published so far:

• Thank You, Mrs. Farrer
• Take Time to Magnify the Moment
• How I Use "Tiny Chats" to Stay in Touch

Enjoy!

Day 246: Abundance

I feel like I have so much to be thankful for today. It has honestly been a wonderful weekend -- slow at times, jam-packed at times. This weekend was filled with laughter, fresh air, friends and relaxation. We had an extra special treat when my best friend and her family arrived for a visit. We spent a late afternoon at Red Rocks and then grilled back at our house. We took some adorable pictures (I'll promise to post soon) and watched our kids climb, jump in puddles and get dirty. Seems like yesterday that Kate and I were doing the same thing...

It was a good day and for this, I am thankful.

Day 245: Before Our Very Eyes

There are times as a parent that you realize your children are growing and learning right before your very eyes. Tonight, we had just such an occasion...twice.

First, Nico blew kisses goodnight. It hit me like a ton of bricks that Nico is entering a new phase of his little life: actual communication. It won't be long before words, sentences and phrases start spewing from that cute, dimpled face of his. It all goes too fast sometimes. However, his mastery of kiss blowing was awfully adorable and worth savoring. Check it out...

Later on, Sofia was sitting at the dinner table "playing school". She, of course, was the teacher and had spent several minutes writing down names on her very important paper (this is what she had called it!). Minding our own business, Chris and I were instructed to respond to roll call. However, we were not allowed to reply "here!" for our own names. No! Any time the name Stinky Socks was called, that was Chris's cue. Mine was Johnny Helper. The twist came when I replied a resounding "HERE" for Johnny Helper but was told that Johnny was "not here, but on a date." What?!? Chris and I were absolutely rolling.

"Kids! Kids!" Sofia ran over with her pen waving in the air. With a stern look she scolded us for laughing because "it was not funny!"

...and we lost it again.

Oh, the joys of parenting! Laughter and learning all in one night. For this, I am thankful!

Day 244: What's That Sound?

Silence. Whoa. 

Chris and Sofia are at the circus. Nico is asleep. For the first time in a long time, I have some alone time. The house is quiet and calm. 

We have a full weekend ahead with visitors, birthday parties and TONS of grading. But for now, it's nothing but a slow, silent Friday night. 

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 243: Au Revoir

Ya know, I pride myself on not being a person that just lets life pass me by. But I'll tell you what: I am a person that is OK with admitting when I am ready for a day to end and have a fresh start! Sometimes, it's a good thing to say au revoir to the day as you are looking straight ahead to move forward. I suppose in a sense, I'm passing life by instead. As Mary Engelbreit says, "Don't look back. You're not going that way."

Tomorrow is a new day. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 242: Nope. Doesn't Taste Like an Apple.

It's no secret that I'm a techie. I do try to hide my klutziness though. A techie klutz is just no good. Unfortunately, the combination is sometimes unavoidable. Like tonight.

As I sat in my favorite spot in the living room working on my Glass Heel article for this week, I held up my MacBook Pro in excitement for a bowl of ice cream that was soon to be on it's way. As I did this, the lid came crashing down toward my face and slammed into my top lip. A cut, blood and puffy lip resulted followed by a bad, but HILARIOUS comment by Chris.

Did that taste like an apple?

What a punk. But at least he's funny! :)

I was able to laugh through a pathetic moment of complete klutziness thanks to him. He was even kind enough to bring me some ice and my bowl of ice cream to make me feel better.

Loving my funny hubby tonight. And for him, I am thankful!

On a side note, I have been using an Apple since I was a kid. Steve Jobs will be greatly missed by those of us in the tech community. May he rest in peace.

Day 241: Now THAT Was a Good Laugh!

One of the things we have been noticing changing with Sofia lately is her recounting of the day's events. Sometimes, she will chatter on during dinner about a series of activities that took place and it all seems plausible. And then, there's nights when Chris and I look at one another in total confusion. Did she really just say that? I understand that much of her "storytelling" is due to her age, but seriously, some the stuff she comes up with is downright hilarious.

Tonight, Sofia told us that a little boy fell over one of the railings on the playground. Chris and I immediately perked up and began to ask the obvious questions of "was he ok?" and "how did it happen?" but as she began to fill in the details, we couldn't help but laugh. Her story was clearly not real. Before we knew it, a fire truck and ambulance had arrived and there was blood everywhere....and then nowhere...and then everywhere again. The nail in the coffin was her description of the cut that resulted from the fall -- she held out her hands about 3 feet apart. I had to laugh into a pillow at that point.

We either have a brilliant storyteller or major confusion between fact and fiction on our hands. In all seriousness, I will be checking to make sure that if a little boy did in fact fall, he was ok. But here's my definite truth: I'm so loving this stage right now and am thankful for these unexpected moments of chuckles.

Day 240: Nothing Special

There was nothing special about today. No magnificent moments, no upsets. It was just, a day.

When things get crazy around Chez Daniel I need to remember days like today and think about the feeling I have right this very minute: peace

It's good to feel peaceful. And for this, I am thankful!

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Day 239: Hello October!

I really love the fall. I love the colors, smells, warm sweaters, all of it! Now that it's officially October, I feel like I'm ready to really embrace the changing of the seasons and cozy up in the cool weather on the way...who knows when! It's been in the 80's for the last several weeks with no typical fall weather in sight. I'm certainly not going to complain and am definitely thankful for the extended summertime feel that October has brought with it!


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Day 238: Unplugged

Tonight, the computer is being shut off, the phone on silent and apps ignored. Tonight is just about hanging out in person with my husband.

It's important to have some balance. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 237: Predictability

It's been a good week on multiple levels. It felt good to be back at work and into more of a regular routine again. I like routines. It feeds my obsession to be in control. :)

I'm feeling a little better each day and am looking forward to a little more predictability to our daily lives. And for this, I am thankful.