Day 338: Super Sleuth

I consider myself to be fairly resourceful. I'm an internet searching guru and if I don't know an answer to something, it doesn't take me long to find it - internet or otherwise. Sometimes though, I just get tired and don't have the time to do all the necessary digging.

Sofia's ballet studio has a dress code which requires her to wear a white leotard with pink tights. The first few classes they don't mind what is worn, but they encourage the dress code as soon as possible. I had searched around for the proper attire prior to her class beginning and came up empty handed. I knew that the studio store would sell them and decided to check them out when we arrived on Saturday. My heart sank when I saw they were $30. Seriously?!?! $30 for a piece of stretchy fabric that my kid is only going to wear for God knows how long?

I didn't buy it. I was determined to find something cheaper. Or, should I say, my sister was determined! A former dancer herself, she went into to super searching aunt mode tonight and called me up to tell me that she found an online dancewear company and would be sending Sofia not one, but TWO white leotards for $20! Woo hoo!

I guess resourcefulness runs in the family! It was so nice to not have to be the one to do all the digging this time. Thanks, Sis. For your super sleuth skills, I am thankful!

Day 337: Tebow Time

I woke up from an afternoon nap today to Chris and Sofia shouting in the bedroom, "De-fense! De-fense!" High fives and clapping were followed by giggles that echoed into the living room. The Broncos were playing in their first play-off game in 6 years and Sofia was soaking every second up with her Daddy. I laid on the couch and just listened to them for nearly 10 minutes. It was priceless.

I love that they share such passion together for the Broncos and secretly, I think it's awfully hilarious that Sofia has a little crush on Tim Tebow. :)

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 336: Curtain Rising

I'd be lying if I didn't say that I hope my children would find some kind of love for the performing arts as I did. Thus today, I found myself nervous as Sofia took her first step toward this love when she began her first ballet class. She has wanted to take ballet for over a year. We finally gave in over Christmas and Santa brought her enrollment into her first class. She was ecstatic and as she stepped into the studio today, she was no different.

I watched her on closed circuit television from the parents' waiting room with the delight. She followed directions easily and was surprisingly graceful as she glided back and forth across the floor. She had so much fun and was beaming when her teacher brought her out at the end of the class. Whether this class is followed by years of study and performance or sudden change to soccer, I don't care. Just seeing my daughter smile bigger than she ever has was good enough for me.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 335: For You, Pickles

Today is my sister's birthday. I love her. I miss her. I'm so glad that I have her to share so many incredible memories with.

Happy Birthday, Sis. For you, I am thankful!

Day 334: Funkified

I'm in a funk. I still don't feel well, I'm tired, I'm lacking creativity at work and in my writing and on top of it all, I had a bad hair day.

But now that the day is coming to a close, here's what I'm realizing: It's not a bad thing to feel low every once in a while. In fact, it's important. It's important so that we are reminded of what makes our lives rich and fulfilling. I feel fortunate to have what seems to be an unending source of these reminders!

Tomorrow will be a good day, but tonight, I'm okay with feeling a little funky. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 333: ETB-ETR

We're up pretty early in our house. Like 4:15 early. And on a regular basis. Chris is usually the first one up and into the shower while I grovel in bed cursing into my pillow in awe that my alarm clock already went off. As a result, we do try and get to bed at a reasonable hour in the evenings to help these mornings run a little smoother. But, as most well-intentioned activities are, we often miss our early bedtimes getting caught up in the daily routines of dishes, clean-up of the toy minefield in our living room and catching up about our days.

But tonight, we are on track! We are early to bed so we can be early to rise. And that feels good.

Rest. For this, I am thankful.

Day 332: Tea Time

For as long as I have known Chris, he has loved tea. We used to go to coffee shops when we were in high school and college to hang out and he would regularly forgo a latte for a smooth tea instead.

Thus, when it came time to fill Chris's Christmas stocking, I knew just what to put in it: a new tea press, German Rock Sugar and four delectable flavors of tea. It was a hit! Ever since Christmas morning, our house has been filled with the aroma berries, chais and green teas. I love it...even more so over the last few days while I have been sick and my sweet husband has kept a warm mug near my side almost constantly.

Warm tea, sweet aromas and a giddy, tea-making husband. For this, I am thankful.

Day 331: No Brainer

Today, I am thankful for an anticipated morning of no thinking. I'm still not feeling well which means tomorrow morning could be rough. Thus, all the bags are organized and sitting near the door, lunches are packed and clothes are laid out. The only thing I have to think about tomorrow morning is how many times I can hit the snooze button before heading back to work. :)

No thinking in the morning is a good thing. And for this, I am thankful.

P.S. CONGRATS to the MSU Spartans in their 3OT win over Georgia at the Outback Bowl! It is a proud day to wear green and white!

Day 330: One More Day

What a start to the new year. I spent the day on the couch -- no, NOT nursing a hangover of any sort. Instead, I was sipping tea and buried under blankets trying to fight off a fever, cough and sore throat. I feel absolutely awful. So, tonight, more than ever, I am so thankful that I do not have to go back to work tomorrow. There is still one more day left of winter vacation.

Go away cough. Go away sore throat. Go away fever. You have one more day to vacate the premises.

Day 329: The Year's End

A new year is on the way. I am grateful for the experiences I have encountered, friendships old and new, and of course, family. It's been one of the most incredible years of my life.

And for this, I am thankful.