Day 55: Layla Dog

We have the sweetest dog. She is unassuming, kind, protective and gentle. Today, I walked into the living room to find Nico laughing uncontrollably as Layla licked Nico's face up and down. It was absolutely hilarious! After a minute or two, she circled around him and laid down, positioning herself between him and the coffee table making it impossible for Nico to fall backward and hit his head. It was an incredible series of moments to witness. I felt a sense of peace knowing that I had an extra set of caring eyes in the room. I am so thankful to have Layla as part of our family. :)

This photo was taken by Sofia. :)

Day 54: Euchre

One of the things that has bonded the Daniel family for many years are the euchre games and tournaments that take place during get-togethers. Tonight was no exception. After the kids went to sleep, David, Mary, Chris and I sat down to throw down. We had a really great time and Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed talking smack. :) It was a great way to spend out last evening of their visit -- something I am definitely thankful for!

Day 53: Baking with Granmary & Rock-a-Bye Baby

Granmary arrived on Friday with all the necessary goodies to make the classic, Dirt Pudding (oreos, chocolate pudding, whip cream, and gummy worms) as a little baking project to do with Sofia. While Chris and I were out today, she and Sofia had the chance to bake away and surprise Daddy when we came home. The result was quite impressive and Sofia was more than pleased with herself and her product. I am so thankful that Sofia was able to spend this special time with Mary. There is no doubt she will remember this visit for a long time!

....and this moment was just too precious not to capture. I am so thankful that GPa and his grandson are having the chance to bond.

Day 52: Story Time

We absolutely LOVE our neighbors in Aspen. From the moment we arrived they have been extremely generous and kind. (I especially appreciate how kind and supportive they have been of Chris during the week while our family is apart!) One of our favorite things about Lisa and Joel is their ability to tell stories. These two have traveled around the world and back again and listening to them recount their adventures makes you feel as if you are right along on the journey with them.

Tonight, Joel came over to catch up and meet Chris's parents. We had a lovely evening as they got to know our French neighbor and I loved watching their expressions as he told his story of how he ended up in the United States.

An evening of wine, friendship and wonderful adventures...for this, I am thankful! :)

Day 51: Sweet Ride

Today I am thankful for having the opportunity to get on my snowboard for the first time in over 2 years. There is something about being on the mountain that fulfills my soul. The weather was GORGEOUS and the conditions were impeccable. Even better, was getting to spend the day with Chris and Mary while GPa spent some QT with the kiddos back home. So fun!

Chris and I haven't skied/boarded together since just after Sofia was born. It was great to spend the day as a couple reconnecting over one of our favorite past times.

Check out our video from the day. :)

Day 50: Easy Peasy

Today I am thankful for the safe destination arrivals. Chris's parents arrived in Aspen this afternoon and enjoyed some special time poking around the town until we could make it up the mountain. And, for the first time in a long time, our drive along I-70 and across multiple passes was without difficulty. Even better was arriving at the "mountain house" at 7:30 pm with it still LIGHT outside! We are SO thankful to have David and Mary visiting with us this week.

Spring is approaching...but first, a powder snowboarding/ski day tomorrow!! :)

Day 49: Yup. It's Worth It.

Two weeks ago, I worked with a 6th grader to teach him how to use Google Drawings. As we worked, he seemed excited to be able to show his thinking in a new way and I felt good that I could help push him in a new direction. We met for about 45 minutes and then I sent him on his way. And that was that. 

Until I opened my email today...

Dear Mrs. Daniel, 
I am extremely sorry we only got to meet one time. I really wanted to visit you a few more times but we had CSAPs and the project was due so soon. I thought maybe you would enjoy seeing my final project. I hope i get you for science next year. now I know why my sister loved you so much. I know my project could of been better if I had time to meet with you. You really helped me though in the short period of time we had together. 

Today, I am thankful that despite having limited contact with students in my position, I still have the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. It was a great reminder that even the smallest interaction can have a huge impact.

Day 48: Wednesday

Today, I am thankful for the simple fact that it is Wednesday.  It was a busy day, but not in a bad way. It was the kind of busy day that caused time to fly and forced me to be thankful that I have a job that challenges me in multiple capacities. It was also the kind of day that I was glad was over when I got into my car.

The week before a break can sometimes feel extremely long when one works in a school. Yes, I am most definitely thankful for Wednesday. 

...thankful that it has come and is now almost gone! :)

Day 47: Partners in The Journey

Today I am thankful for the opportunity to have shared a great dinner and conversation with two dear friends. A few years ago, we bonded as co-workers, then last year, we were all pregnant at the same time (all boys!). Now, as our boys near their one year milestones, we regularly meet to share our journeys as working mothers, friends, wives, and anything else life seems to throw our way. It's so nice to have women in my life that I can speak with honestly and laugh until my cheeks ache. Thank you, Andrea and Beth, for being such incredible friends and supporters along this wild ride of motherhood!

Day 46: I Like to Eat Eepples and Baneenees

Sofia has been totally into Raffi lately. We listen to a compilation cd that Chris's uncle made for us a while back on nearly a daily basis. In all honesty, Raffi drives me a bit crazy, but it does bring me back to the days when I was a kid dancing and singing in the kitchen with my sister. These memories always bring a smile to my face.

So, bring it on, Raffi. Looks like we'll be having some serious drive time in the future! To remembering the past with my sister and creating new memories for the future with my daughter; for this I am thankful!