Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!!

Rain and cold couldn't stop these kids from costumes, candy and smiles. 

I, however, am a wimp and stayed behind to doll out the treats. Chris braved the wind and rain like a champ and had as much (if not more) fun as the kids.

All in all, I'd say it was a successful Halloween. No lost kids, lots of smiles, and a pile of candy for the parents to secretly sneak pieces of. ;)

One more holiday in the book of memories. And for this, I am thankful. 

Date Night

Grandma Camp has commenced which means Chris and I get a date night.

'Nuf said. 

And for this, I am thankful. 

Enamored with Edify

Wanna know what's cool? When your kid is completely engrossed in something that you had a part in creating. When your kid is loving what she is doing so much that she get inside the screen if she could. When your kid is learning.

I am so proud to be a part of the kind of work that has the potential to change lives...my own children's lives. 

And for this, I am thankful. 

Lifers

I have been fortunate in my life to have encountered women who have become life long friends. Some are single friendships while others are in groups. Whatever the form, these friendships have served as one of the most precious aspects of my life.

Every so often, an email or text chain begins and we cycle through all our lives, providing updates on families and the latest embarrassing mishap. These updates don't happen every week or even once a month. They happen when a moment strikes that can only be appreciated by the "lifers" and must be shared. 

I've had a few of those moments recently...conjuring up memories of days past, laughter, and dear, dear friends. So tonight, I am cherishing these moments. These friends. 

And for this, I am thankful. 

Reality Check

Today was hard.

...and then I sat on the couch and watched my kids read stories to one another. 

Cue reality check. 

And for this, I am thankful. 

Crafty

Chris is crafty. I truly, truly love that about him. Tonight, as I headed off to bed, he was still downstairs carving the perfect pumpkin masterpieces. I know the smiles on the kids' faces tomorrow are going to be priceless. He is priceless.

And for this, I am thankful. 

Update: Chris just finished and even woke Sofia up to show her. LOL!!

This Kid

This kid takes my breath away. From made up words (fansome - def. Equal parts fancy and handsome; elaborate in design and having an attractive, well-proportioned, and imposing appearance suggestive of health and strength.) to goofiness in the pumpkin patch to his tiny and beautiful voice when he sings. He is something special for sure.

Nico, for you, I am thankful. 

Self Care

I am not a napper. Every once in a while, however, I give in and let it happen. Today, all the conditions were right and I let myself drift off. An hour and a half later, I woke up feeling like a different person.

I have been thinking a lot about the practice of self care. Rest is a huge factor in being healthy physically and emotionally. It is something that I really really struggle with and have decided I need to work on. 

Today was a great first step. And for this, I am thankful. 

Home

I missed these guys!

Snuggles, giggles, and love.

Home. For this, I am thankful. 

Still Smiling

I've got one eye open as I write this. Today has been exhilarating, nerve wracking, hilarious, enlightening and absolutely jammed packed each and every minute. I've watched as eyes light up and teachers dream again about what can be done in their classrooms. I've brainstormed and tested new ideas with my team. We've all worked HARD. I love that we are impacting education. It's powerful stuff.

And for this, I am thankful. 

"It's been a long day, but Meghan's still smiling." Thanks to my friend Cheri for this great pic in Greektown after dinner!