Sprinting

I feel like I sprinted all day. It was a full day of meetings, problem-solving, celebrations, preparations and family routines. It was the kind of day that I realized I hadn't used the bathroom and it was 4 pm! TMI? 

But now, as I lie in bed with everyone in the house asleep, I can hear the soft rain on the roof. Suddenly my sprinting is being washed away and I can feel my body finally slowing down. 

Ahhhhhhh. 

And for this, I am thankful. 

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Misery Need Not Apply

Whelp! It wouldn't be fall in our house without an ear infection. We are so used to the routine by now that it takes me a nanosecond to know whether or not this kid has an infection. Not fun. 

However, tonight, I am choosing to look at the bright side of this situation. Here it goes...

I am thankful for having the experience to recognize quickly when our children have ear infections. 

I am thankful for a med center that is just minutes from our house which has always been filled with kind, knowledgeable staff. 

I am thankful that despite being in pain, Nico slowing down looks like this: 

I am thankful to have insurance that covers the needs of our family. 

I am thankful for the medication that was prescribed not out of protocol but out of a meaningful conversation as to what has historically worked best. 

It's been a long day of work and travel for both Chris and I. It would be easy to focus on the crappiness that is this situation. But tonight, I choose different. 

And a glass of wine. 

Perspective. For this, I am thankful. 

Simple Moments Have Big Power

Man. Sometimes I feel like I've blinked and the day is over. Sometimes that's great and sometimes it's...scary. What if I miss something? I don't want to be the one who misses the big stuff...or the little stuff. I've really been working the last few weeks on making sure that I am fully present, especially where my family is concerned. 

Today, I found myself in a moment that I never wanted to end. I was so happy. Like, to the core, euphoric happy so that time momentarily stood still. And you know what? There was nothing spectacular about it. My parents and brothers were pulling out of the driveway after a visit for Sofia's birthday, and Chris and I were laughing as we stood in the garage. We were holding hands, he gave me a hug and kissed the top of my head. I felt connected. Whole. It was simple love and a simple moment. 

Sometimes, simplicity can hold the greatest value. I was present today, allowing me to live in the moment with Chris...as tiny as it may have been. 

And for this, I am thankful.

Happy Heart

I'm exhausted. Actually, exhausted doesn't even touch how flipping tired I am. But ya know what? It's the good kind of tired. The kind of tired that one feels after having a great day. 

Today, after Sofia's soccer game, we hosted about 40 people for a team dinner/birthday celebration/MSU v UofM football watch party. It was a blast!! My heart was full having so many in our home.

Frankly, it was complete chaos but a riot all around. :) Kids ran everywhere. Parents laughed and crowed around the living room to watch the game and we ended the evening by making s'mores around the fire pit. 

My feet are tired but my heart and family are happy. And for this, I am thankful. 

P.S. VICTORY FOR MSU!!!

Happy 9th Birthday, Sofia!

Time has somehow managed to pull one over on us again. Sofia is 9 today. I remember thinking to myself when I was pregnant with her, "someday this kid will be a little person!" And Sofia is just that; a person. She's inquisitive, creative, kind, loyal, observant, funny, and rooted by her gentle soul. She has begun to carve out a little corner of the world for herself already and I can only imagine what's to come for this not-so-little one. 

Happy Birthday, Sofia! Your dad and I couldn't be more proud of who you are and all that you dream to be. We love you and are so blessed that we were chosen by God to be your parents. 

And for this, I am thankful. 

One Less Decision

Just the other day, I was having a conversation about things we can do to balance work life and home life. It can be a bit tricky at times...especially with two working parents. Dinner seems to always be one of the biggest challenges. In our house, Chris does the majority of the cooking but planning still has to take place. Sometimes just deciding what to eat, even in advance, is half the battle. Ugh. 

Tonight, we received a welcome reprieve from my mom who called to say she's like to pick up dinner and bring it over. Chris and I both have had a pretty non-stop week; taking one decision off our plates felt like it made all the difference this evening. 

Delicious dinner without any effort on my own house...for this, I am thankful. 

Music Over Miles

Being away from family is hard...especially when little ones are involved. Chris's sister, Lindsey and her husband now live in Dallas. They have a little boy and another baby on the way! We miss them dearly and try our very best to talk and facetime as often as possible.

Today, I received a message from Lindsey with Kaiden singing a song to me. So stinking adorable! I decided to sing a song back to him...which he loved too.

Until it backfired!

Kaiden didn't realize that the video wasn't facetime and had an absolute fit when I didn't start singing another song with him.

Not soon after, we received a call asking if the situation could be remedied.

It was so special to be able to sing with our nephew. Chris even got in on the action with some "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "My Bonnie". We really know how to throw a party up in this joint. :)

We love being parents but tonight, thanks to different time zones and modern technology, we got to just be an aunt and uncle to our favorite little nephew.

And for this, I am thankful.

Wack Me Up

I hope that my kids never stop writing messages to Chris and me on their doors.

"Please 'wack' me up at 6:00 A.M. ~Thank you :)"

...even if it does mean I waking up a little earlier than normal. (Complete transparency: this morning included a 45 minute delay. LOL)

And for this, I am thankful.

From Herding Cats to Smooth Sailing

Sometimes, everything just falls into place and sometimes, it doesn't. Our mornings usually fall into the latter category with a sweet mixture of whining and herding cats to get out the door. Regardless, it is my special time with the kids and we still find ways to find joy in the midst of lost items and breakfast decisions. 

This morning, however, was different. I got up with time to spare, made lunches, smoothies, breakfast and coffee. When the kids woke up, all the stuff that gets in the way of clockwork mornings was removed from the equation. There was no rushing or whining or suddenly missing socks. It was sooooo nice! Even better was the effect it had on the transition to the bus stop and the rest of the day...for all of us. 

Mornings really can set the tone for the whole day. I was gently reminded of that today. 

And for this, I am thankful. 

I'm going to bed now so I can try to repeat tomorrow!

Master Tickler

Every home should have a Master Tickler. Squeals, giggles, shrieks, and laughter so hard it turns silent...that's the result of a the Master Tickler.

Daddy came home after a weekend away and the tickling ensued.

And for this, I am thankful.