Annie's Mac & Cheese

I have shared my love of macaroni and cheese in a previous post.

Seriously, I could live off the stuff. 

Home-made or boxed.  I don't care.  It's good.  Just plain ol' good. 

And the truth is, I haven't worried myself about ingesting the blue box stuff.  But then I had my kiddo.  And after reading up on some stuff...  I wasn't so keen on giving her the blue box stuff with all its food dyes. 

And so I felt kind of mean when I'd eat it for lunch and not share it with her (since she's used to me sharing...).

And then one day, I discovered Annie's Mac & Cheese.  I'm not usually all about organic.  But this stuff tastes good and lacks the food dye!  It's a little more expensive, though, so I usually buy a box here and there and just go without mac and cheese at other times. 

But last week there was an awesome sale on this brand.  $1 a box!  Unfortunately, by the time I got there, there were only 3 left -- all Arthur.  Ah well.  That'll teach me to wait until Thursday.  But even so...  I can now give my girl some macaroni and cheese out of the box and not feel guilty or worried about her getting a bunch of artificial color stuff.  And I can eat some too :).  (This was lunch today :) -- with some THRIVE Asparagus!)

What are you grateful for today?

Modern Dentistry

Today was a day for getting cavities filled.

Way fun, right?

But as I sat there with the right half of my mouth numb and a huge bite-down block in my mouth, along with a suctioner, two dentist hands, and an array of various dental tools, it occurred to me that I'm grateful for modern dentistry. 

I'm grateful for Novocaine, which allowed me not to feel pain.

I'm grateful for the bite block that allows me to rest my jaw and not have to keep my mouth open.

I'm grateful for the suction thing that kept my mouth relatively clean through the process.

I'm grateful for those tools that are clean and made to make the job faster, easier, and better.

And I'm grateful for the dentist's hands which have been trained to be able to do deal with cavities.  So that I can keep my own personal teeth for as long as possible.

So as much fun as it isn't to get fillings and shots to numb...  I'm grateful that I live now when it's a lot better than I can only imagine it used to be.

What are you grateful for today?

A New Calling -- and Working in it with my Sister-in-Law!

Last Sunday I was called to be the new nursery leader in our Ward (church congregation).  This means my munchkin will not have to learn how to go to nursery without Mommy there.  ;)... 

It's a great calling, though.  True, it can be exhausting...  More than 10 littles ages 18 months to 3 years -- with about a bajillion times the amount of energy I have...  Yeah.  Exhausting. 

But it's also one of the greatest callings ever.  Because they love so much.  I remember having this calling while I lived in Tuscaloosa.  I remember those kids (who are all 8 or so now) coming and sitting on my lap while I sat on the floor.  And I smile as I watch my own kiddo do it now.  Clearly it's an age thing ;).  The kids are amazing. 

And today I found out I get to work with my sister-in-law with this calling, because she was called to serve in the nursery with me!  I'm excited that we'll get to work together to teach and love these kiddos.  I'm sure she and I will have great opportunities to grow closer and make fond memories :).

What are you grateful for today?

Laughter

It's a two-fer!  You know, because I was a slacker last night and all ;).

So tonight I'm grateful for laughter. 

It's been said (by someone once) that "Laughter is the shock absorber that eases the blows of life."

I like that.  There's just something about laughter.  And it's really a universal language, of sorts.  It's a happy sound.  And I don't think you can really laugh without smiling.

Laughter makes life wonderful.  It makes the world a better place.

That's why I love it :).

What are you grateful for today?

That 'Oopses' Are Okay

Let's face it:  I'm human ;)...  I made it almost an entire year of blogging something for which I am grateful each day.

And then I broke my streak about 1 week before I've met my year goal...  ;)

We are out of town visiting some family.  And I went to a craft night while my husband stayed with everyone and the munchkin.

And I got back here about 12:30 this morning and could think of little else than going to bed!  So I remembered I hadn't written my "grateful" somewhere around 1 in the morning as I was drifting off to sleep in the fifth wheel.

But oh well ;)...  I'll make up for it with two today :).  Because 'oopses' are okay.  And most of the time, they can be rectified :)!  And for that, I am grateful.

What are you grateful for today?

A Lunch Date with My Husband... and Sprouts!

So it was a rare day indeed.  I ate lunch with my husband.  And the munchkin.  But yes, my husband...  Ever since we have known each other, we have never eaten lunch together on a work day.

This is because he only takes a 30 minute lunch break most days.  And is on a military facility.  And he walks to work.  And where he works is not super convenient to leave and enter in a 30 minute time-frame.

But today he had training.  And a longer lunch.  Closer to a convenient base exit.  And so we had lunch.

At Jimmy John's.

And our location finally has the sprouts back (after they were gone due to an e. coli scare somewhere a while back).

So lunch was delicious.  And nice.  Just a change in the routine.  Something special that almost never happens.  A treat.  For all of us :).

What are you grateful for today?

Covered Strollers

One day, when I'm rich...  Hahahaha.

Okay, anyway.  Maybe one day I'll buy one of those nice strollers for getting exercise.  And if we ever have another kiddo, maybe I'll get a double one.  The ones with the covers that protect the kiddos from rain are especially awesome.

Because when your friend has one of those...  Well, then you don't really have an excuse for not going walking that day.  :).  Because, you know... it's Washington.  And it's raining.

And I really didn't need an excuse not to exercise.  So I'm glad that, though I don't personally have a covered stroller (the kind of cover that actually covers everything...  My friend does. 

So I got my exercise today.  And my munchkin fell asleep in the stroller...

What are you grateful for today?

A Rainbow of Colors!

So actually, my original intent with choosing this was the cross-stitch threads and the variety I happen to have (probably about half of them came from an awesome deal I got back in 2006 while garage-sale-ing with Juliebean). 

Because, as I am working on my munchkin's quiet book (hopefully to be finished for a Christmas present!), I am so grateful I can go to my cross-stitch threads and match colors with my felt pieces! 

But as I was getting ready to take this picture, another thought occurred to me:  I'm grateful for a rainbow of colors in this world! 

Wouldn't everything be drab if it was all black, white, and gray?

Granted, I guess if that's all we knew (we as a collective species), we wouldn't know what we were missing...  And this thought just led me to appreciate the fact that I'm not color blind or completely blind (grateful for this again!). 

The world is so full of beautiful colors.  I'm grateful for that -- and grateful I have the ability to enjoy them and experience them.  It's a great blessing :).

And so are my many cross-stitch threads :).

What are you grateful for today?

Awesome Cousins

One of my cousins had a birthday today.  Late -- as always (but still on the day!) -- I texted to tell her Happy Birthday!...

She responded with "We need another cousin vacation."  And I concur.

And so, I reminisced about memories shared with this particular cousin.  Memories of making cheese olivettes with our moms.  Memories of riding the train from New Jersey to New York City.  Of eating cheese-steaks at one of the authentic places in Philly.  Memories of sleeping on the pull-out bed in the living room of our grandparents' house right before our family reunion in 2008.  Memories of laughing about the dog.  And laughing about Dwight-isms.

And then I start to remember memories shared with my other awesome cousins (of which I have many...).  Memories of chocolate lovers' dreams and climbing on the Fine Arts building at a certain Southern Georgia university.  Memories of macaroni and butter and Jerry Springer and How Bizarre.  And maybe even the smell of fritos after a perm...

Or that stupid little feather in Forrest Gump and sitting up late into the night around the dinner table telling stories and laughing.  But trying really hard to keep it down so we don't get in trouble -- but my brother can't help himself when he hears the stupid little feather comment and, I believe, manages to almost choke on the soda he is drinking...

Or the cockroach that fell out of the sugar -- and the cousin who, in the middle of the night while our moms were asleep and all us cousins were sneaking spoonfuls of sugar (hey, they help the medicine go down, so they can't be all that bad, right ;)?) in the kitchen when someone just had to have white sugar and just couldn't settle for the brown sugar (which was better anyway...), when the cockroach fell out of the sugar, declared, "Oh darn!  the cockroach fell out of the sugar."  (It wasn't a real one, by the way...).

I have cousins with a variety of talents (like cake decorating and crocheting and game programming and amazing musical talent...).  I have cousins who are amazing examples of motherhood.  Cousins who are amazing examples of strength.  Cousins who have endured hardships I don't know if I'd have the strength to endure. 

I have been abundantly blessed with amazing family -- and my cousins are definitely in the top ranks of that list.  And for that, I am grateful.

What are you grateful for today?

Commitment

It has been said that "Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has passed."  I don't know who said it.  But I like it. 

Because it's true. 

We make commitments in many ways and at many times throughout our lives.  Sometimes it is easy to follow through with what we said we were going to do, because it's easy -- or fun.

Other times...  It's not so easy.

And that's when you find out if you're truly committed.

And when you are, I believe there is power in commitment.  Power to help you get through when you simply don't want to -- whether that feeling lasts for a small moment or a long time.

Commitment is a blessing.  And I'm grateful for it.  Grateful for the times I've been committed -- for the times others have been committed to me.  Even when it wasn't always easy or fun.

What are you grateful for today?

Fever Reducer Roll-On

So my baby girl had a fever.  It was sad.  She has had several colds in her young life (almost all post-put-everything-in-her-mouth stage), but very few fevers.  Like maybe two.

I don't like the fevers.  Not that I like the colds.....  But I really don't like the fevers.

They seem more dangerous.

Anyway, we discovered that neither of our baby thermometers work -- both batteries were dead.  Yay, right?  One of them has never been used and the other was used once when she was newborn.  And the batteries are dead.  Super lame.

But I knew I wanted to help my little girl feel better.  And I'm not the biggest fan of medicines.  So if I can avoid them, I try to.  Hence, I recalled one of the baby shower gifts my sister-in-law Gwen gave us!  She uses and sells doTERRA Essential Oils, so for some baby gifts, she gave us several things that would help us as we faced some of the challenges of parenthood.  Things such as diaper rash, gas, and fevers.

So I used the fever reducer roll-on.  And I noticed a drop in her temperature (by touch, since I didn't have a thermometer), every time I used it within about 30 minutes.  Now maybe it's coincidence...  But I don't think it was.  And so I'm grateful I had this tool and that it worked!  I didn't have to give her medicine.  I will one day, I'm sure.  But I appreciate having alternatives to try that are more natural first.

What are you grateful for today?

Answered Prayers

So last night, I had a hard time sleeping.  I was stressed out about a couple of things which kept me tossing and turning much of the night.  So much so that I woke my poor husband up at 4 a.m. after being awake for an hour myself. 

I had prayed about these issues prior to going to bed, knowing myself and my amazing capacity to worry and fret and stress over the smallest issues.

And because I'm not good at letting go, I fretted and worried and stressed despite my prayer and my sure knowledge that Heavenly Father hears me and cares about me.  Because I'm just that awesome.

Nonetheless...  Heavenly Father still answered my prayers, as he always has before.  And today found happy resolution to both of the things that had stressed me out all night long.

So I'm grateful for answered prayers.  Though not always answered the way I want, I know they are always answered.  It just so happened that, today, the answers were the ones I'd hoped would come. 

I'm also grateful that I'm pretty sure I'll be sleeping way better tonight :).  Because I need it!

What are you grateful for today?

My Husband's Support

Tonight I went to do a THRIVE party.  I wouldn't be able to do that without my husband's support.  He stays home and takes care of our munchkin so I can go and do things like this.  I appreciate him a lot and the way he gives me wings to soar :).

What are you grateful for today?

Elmo

Trust me, at no point in my history did I ever think I would be grateful for Elmo -- that red furry Sesame Street muppet.

But kids will change you, that's for sure!  And my sweet little girl loves Elmo.  Loves him. Which makes me glad he happened to be included on her I Spy quilt (long before I knew she was going to be enamored with him).

So when she sees Elmo anywhere, she starts trying to do the "la la la la" song (Elmo's song).  So I usually take over and start singing it for her (yes, I now know the Elmo song) and she starts swaying back and forth -- dancing. 

We check out Elmo books from the library. 

She brings me the Elmo DVDs (Sesame Street) and we look for those at the library too.

And today, Elmo helped me accomplish more than I otherwise would have...  She wanted to watch Elmo -- and I wanted to get some stuff done.  It was a win/win situation. 

And, frankly, I love how cute she is when she starts squealing in delight when Elmo comes on screen.  It's worth it -- and so I'm grateful for that dadgum muppet.  Who knew?

What are you grateful for today?

That My Eye Appointment Was Not as Bad as I'd Expected

...And I mean that cost-wise.

See, we have preventative-only vision insurance.  Or whatever you want to call that where they pay for the exam.  Well, and I guess it covers a portion of the glasses as well.  But nothing for contacts.

I have bad eyes, people.  Really bad eyes.  With an astigmatism.  Which means my contacts aren't ever the cheap kind -- or the kind they have in stock so I can have a sample pair while I wait for mine to come in. 

Usually this means I am an expensive person to buy contacts for.  I was expecting the absolute worst. 

So I was pleasantly surprised when even my grand total after buying 1 year's (for me 2 years' -- I'm naughty) worth of contacts for both eyes plus the copay plus the "fitting fee" was cheaper than what I thought it would be just for 1 year's supply for one eyeball.

I was also happy to hear I haven't damaged my eyes with my bad-contact-wearing-habits.  And that my prescription hasn't really changed, so I didn't have to worry about new glasses either.

Bonus!

I teasingly told my husband that he got an expensive wife after all...  Just not in the way he was thinking originally ;)...  (My eyeballs and teeth are usually more costly than he was anticipating...)

Anyway, I'm glad for that good news.  And also glad I'll have contacts again in a week...  I'm on my last pair and have been for several months.  

What are you grateful for today?

Baby Reference Books

Today was a typical day.  Busy.  But pretty normal. 

Except Munchkin didn't want to go to bed right away (which isn't exactly abnormal).  And since she wasn't in a bad fussy mood (anymore -- she had been almost all day), I didn't mind her being awake.  So I put away laundry and did some other things on my to-do list. 

And then I heard her start crying from her room (which I had just left like 10 seconds previously).  She had been climbing into and out of the glider.  And apparently the momentum of the glider caught her -- with the corner of the arm of the glider smacking her right on the forehead. 

I went right in and checked to see what was wrong (and discovered the above).  She crawled into the glider, and I kissed her head and told her I was sorry she'd gotten smacked by the chair.  And then I saw it...  I dark purplish spot and a huge chichon starting to rise. 

Literally all within 30 seconds of getting smacked in the head.  I knew then it had been quite a smack. 

She acted fine.  And stayed up an additional 40 minutes.  While i perused some baby reference books given to me by one of my sweet sisters-in-law before we had our munchkin. 

The good news is that it seems there is little to worry about, because she acts fine.  And goose-eggs like that one are common.  But I'll still be checking on her a little extra tonight -- to make sure she's breathing normal :).

I'm grateful to have reference materials, though...  It always gives me peace of mind when something like this happens.  But boy howdy is she going to have a bruise!

What are you grateful for today?

Blanket Forts!

...Do you ever just want to have a throwback moment? 

I do. 

I was wondering what my munchkin would think of a huge blanket fort in the living room.  And since my nieces were over, I figured -- why not find out? 

So we constructed a blanket fort.  Made me reminisce about days of yore when Brad, Christina, and I would build some of the awesomest forts in our bedrooms.  And keep them up for days.  (We weren't allowed to attach any blankets to the fan blades...  Weird that I remember that rule.)

So my nieces loved it. 

My munchkin?  She was more like Godzilla -- crashing through the low-lying areas and pulling off clothes-pins.  Haha.  But she still had fun :).

And so did I.  Made me feel a little like a kid again :).

What are you grateful for today?

A Reason to Meet My Neighbors

So we've lived here for going on 2 years now.  And of the 6 units here, we are actually among the 3 who have been here longest. 

And I'm really bad at just saying hi to people.  Even in my small apartment complex.  How sad is that?  The people who moved out that lived next door to us -- I totally should have been more talkative and friendly.  I chatted with the mom one day as she was moving out stuff from the house.  And she was really nice.  And I know I need to do better.  It's a good thing to know your neighbors. 

So I'm grateful I had a reason today to go around and introduce myself to all of them (that were home).  Okay, so the reason is totally lame:  our stairs have been under repair for 5 weeks (and I use the phrase "under repair" loosely, as there has not been any progress on it for the last 4 weeks).  We are only able to exit one way now, and the people upstairs have to come down one flight, go all the way around the apartment complex, then up a flight of stairs from the parking area just to check their mail.  Super super super annoying.  And actually unsafe, too.  I have pictures I could show you.  Sad, too. Because until this, we've really had no complaints about where we live. 

But anyway, so I am fed up.  And so I wrote a letter referencing Washington State Code.  And I went around to see if anyone else wanted to sign it.  And yeah, maybe not the best way to get to know the neighbors -- I mean, surely circumstances could be better...  But still an opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and introduce myself.  And I got a chance to meet them too. 

So hopefully this letter will light a fire under some rear ends...  Otherwise, we'll be sending all our documentation plus pictures to some County or City official who maybe can do something...  Fun, fun, fun.  But seriously -- 5 weeks without stairs?  That's ridiculous.

Okay, I need to stop...  This is my grateful blog, not my soapbox :).

What are you grateful for today?

Unexpected Bonuses

My husband came home and told me he got a bonus -- but he doesn't know what for. 

I'm okay with that.

I'm grateful he got it.  It helps pay for dental work, vacations, and other random things that are popping up ;).

What are you grateful for today?

Rewards From the Dentist

...No, not for me.

Though, if they want to reward me, they can do my fillings for free...

I'm not holding my breath ;).

Today I took my munchkin in for her very first dentist visit.  They call it a "Happy Visit." 

Since my generally mellow kiddo who didn't even cry until the 3rd (and stinging) shot the other day cried almost immediately when the dentist came in... I'm going to say they may want to consider changing the name ;).

I think it was more because she was unsure and things happened fast.  She was on my lap and then leaned back so he could apply fluoride.  She didn't like the new experience. 

But she did like the little duck and the dinosaur she got as a reward for surviving.  And after the fluoride was applied and she was back completely in my arms, she was fine with it.  She even started "talking" to the dentist toward the end.

But yeah, the Happy Visit is just for her to get introduced and to apply the fluoride (if the kiddo lets them) and for the dentist to give me tips to help her baby teeth stay healthy so we can avoid dental work when she's 2 or something.

But yeah, she totally scored at the dentist office today.  All I got when I went was the bad news that I needed 2 fillings.  And okay, maybe they also gave me floss, a toothbrush, and toothpaste...

What are you grateful for today?

Purchased Plane Tickets

We're Bama Bound.  In a couple months. 

And we can take checked luggage without paying for it (thank you Southwest!). 

And we're flying into and out of Birmingham.

And I'm beyond excited and cannot wait.

Funny how, in these days of technology, plane tickets can be intangible... :).

What are you grateful for today?

Health Insurance

Today our little miss had her 15-month check-up. 

She really isn't a baby anymore. 

She is so good, though.  The Nurse Practitioner we see had a student with her who is learning to be a nurse practitioner.  And at the end of the check-up, our nurse practitioner said, "Well, she was really easy on you!" (speaking to the student).  Yeah, my munchkin is pretty mellow for the most part.  She even only cried after the 3rd shot -- the stingy one. 

Anyway, that's all a side-note.  The fact is, I'm grateful for health insurance that allows me to make appointments and make sure our little girl is thriving.  I look forward to seeing how she's grown at each appointment.  This time, we noticed that she has definitely been slimming up.  Well, we noticed it before... now we have the numbers to prove it.  She is now in the 77th percentile for weight (rather than the 85th).  And she is in a higher percentile for height than she was before...

I'm grateful, too, that if something seems amiss or she gets sick, I have the comfort of knowing I can take her to the doctor and she will be taken care of. 

There was only one time in my life when I didn't have health insurance.  Thankfully, I didn't have cause to need it during that year and a half.  And I was so very grateful when I did have it again.  Because even if I don't have a medical emergency, it's nice to be able to get check-ups -- just like I was able to do for my baby girl today.  It's a good thing :).

What are you grateful for today?

Email From a Dear Friend

It's funny how, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, things fall to the way-side.  I often laugh at the idea that, once upon a time, all this technology was supposedly supposed to make us have more time.  Because, quite often to me, it seems the opposite has happened...  We have less.  It seems that, though sending an email doesn't take much time at all, I often push it aside and then never get around to it.

And so, when I open my email and find that I have received an actual email from a dear friend...  It brightens my day. 

Today such an event happened.  And though I had been about to get up and do other things, once I saw that email in my inbox, I just had to sit and devour it ;).  And then write a short note back.  With a promise to write more later.

...I intend to keep that promise before the week is out. 

Sometimes it's just nice to hear from the people I love.

What are you grateful for today?

Our Couch

When I was still single and just about to move out of my mom's house and into my very own place here in Washington, I needed some furniture. 

Specifically, a couch.

It was a small thing, true.  But I remember praying that I would find a good couch for not a lot of money...  I couldn't afford much.

Then one day, the week before I was moving into my own place, I went to the Goodwill on my lunch break.  And there, sitting out front of the Goodwill, was this couch.  I was so bummed, because I was just positive it was already sold.  But I went over to it anyway and took a closer look.  As I did so, I was just positive that, even if it wasn't sold, it would be way out of my price range.  I mean, it was a nice couch.

$35.00. 

I could not believe it!  And, it wasn't sold!  I immediately ran inside and paid for it, after asking if they could hold it for me until I could come back with someone who had a vehicle able to transport it for me.  (Fortunately, my brother Brad was kind enough to help me with that). 

This has been a wonderful couch.  It's pretty roomy.  It's comfortable in the big poofy couch way.  It has high arms that I lean against often.

I have spent hours on this couch reading, typing, watching movies, feeding my baby, reading to my baby...

It was totally one of the best purchases ever.

And it was a reminder to me that Heavenly Father hears my prayers -- even when it's about a small thing.

What are you grateful for today?

Living Near Family

So, honestly, sometimes I think living near family isn't the awesomest thing.

But that's only rarely.

Most of the time I love that we are so close to family.  Because we get to be a part of so much:  birthdays, baptisms, special occasions (like weddings), holiday celebrations, just hanging out...  We're here to help and be helped. 

It's a good thing.

And today was one of those days that made me super-glad we live near family -- both his and mine. 

What are you grateful for today?

Possible Vacation Plans

:) :) :)

Well, a couple days ago, my sweetheart thought we may be doing a month and a half stint on the other side of the U.S. for his work.

He was none-too-thrilled about it.

He also informed me that he has 3 weeks of vacation time he needs to take before year's end... or he loses it.

Well, as of today, we are not doing a month and a half stint elsewhere.

But I am making some vacation plans...  3 weeks of vacation that needs to be taken?  Yep, I can help him take care of that :).

I don't want to jump the gun or anything, but...  Alabama...  We may be seeing you real soon :).  (But only after you're not hot anymore.  You know my rule.)

And I'm pretty excited about that.

What are you grateful for today?

Getting My Veggies Via Yummy Green Smoothie!

This morning my munchkin and I went over to hang out with a friend and her kiddos.  Somewhere around mid-morning, my friend made everyone green smoothies. 

This was my first ever green smoothie! 

Not because I was opposed to having one.  Frankly, the thought of getting my veggies disguised in a delicious smoothie was very appealing to me.  But I still have an old-school blender, and I simply don't think it would be quite as nice an experience as with one of those super-awesome-high-power-motor blenders...

So today, since my friend Janet has one of those nifty blenders, I had my first green smoothie.  And so did my munchkin.  And she sucked down her share of it out of my glass, so I'm pretty positive I can speak for her and say she loved it too!

So I got zucchini, kale, spinach, beet tops, and crookneck squash disguised by banana, pineapple, 3 berries, and a couple other ingredients that weren't produce (like a milk and protein thing).

It was really good.  And I got a lot of veggies.  By 11:00 this morning.  Which is gangbusters in my book!  And so is Janet.

I need to get one of those blenders...

What are you grateful for today?

My Sweet Niece Emily

So lately, I've had the opportunity to help my sister by watching her girls.  My niece Emily is 5 and will be starting Kindergarten in a couple of days.  But she still wasn't in school today like her big sister was, so I had her for most of the day (and her sister later in the afternoon too). 

Emily is awesome.  She used to call me "mama" when she was just learning to talk.  Mostly because I think that's the term she used for people she trusted and felt safe with.  I saw her the day she was born, and it's still hard for me to believe she is already 5 1/2.  Even harder to believe my little girl will be 5 1/2 one day.  (I held a newborn today and couldn't believe my munchkin was ever that small...  And yet she was.  It's a little heart-breaking how fast the time goes and how easily we forget what was...).

Anyway, as I had Emily here today, I noticed again how incredibly sweet she is with my toddler.  The difference in abilities between a 1 year old and a 5 year old is pretty vast.  And yet Emily is always so patient with my little girl.  She creates games they can play together -- even if my little one doesn't quite get it.  Emily always encourages my baby girl to follow her as she goes from room to room.  And my little girl loves it.  She adores Emily, I can tell. 

And it touches my heart to know my little girl already has such a loving and doting cousin.  Not that she doesn't have other loving cousins...  But there's something special about that Emily when it comes to my little girl.  She makes my little girl feel included and special.  And what that does for me as her mommy...  I lack words.  I've loved Emily for a long, long time.  Truth is, I think I loved my sister's girls as close to loving them like a mom loves her child as I could get (seeing as I didn't have a child at the time).  And this just makes me appreciate and love them (and her) even more.

Something else I've noticed about Emily in recent weeks is how she understands things intuitively...  Social situations.  The other day, when the nail polish was spilled on my rug, and I was trying desperately to clean it up as quickly as possible; my munchkin was interested in getting into the middle of everything.  Which was frustrating to me for two reasons:  1.  She was in the way.  But 2. Much more importantly, I was messing with a variety of chemicals I didn't want her to put her hands on and then in her mouth...  Emily could tell I needed my toddler entertained elsewhere.  She immediately stopped what she was doing and said, "I'll take her to her room."  She beckoned to my little girl, and the two of them went to the bedroom happily, and Emily kept her there entertained until I was through doing all I could do.  I was amazed at the wisdom and understanding at this 5 year old.  And grateful for it and her willingness to do that without being asked.

Yes, I love that Emily.  She is a joy in so many ways.  I'm glad I get to be her auntie.  Glad I get to be around her.  And glad I've been a part of her life since she was born.  What a blessing she is.

What are you grateful for today?

Opportunities to Try Again

...Also known as repentance ;).

I'm not saying I am some horrible person.  But I am human.  And tonight, as I sat talking with my husband about things that matter, it occurred to me I need to improve on a lot of things.

I need to prioritize better.

I need to improve my prayers.

I need to study my scriptures better.

I need to give more of myself to my family...

...and less of myself to facebook.

And that's why I'm grateful I can try again.  Through the Atonement of my Savior, I can repent -- I can turn from my old habits and strive to do better.

I may not succeed all at once.  But I can try.  And, little by little, one travels far.  (So said Mr. Tolkien ;).)

And for that, I am grateful.

What are you grateful for today?

Yard Sale Finds!

This morning I went to a yard sale.  I went looking for two specific items... 

I came home with 5 items.  One of them was actually one I was searching for, so that's awesome :). 

The other 4 were Baby Einstein DVDs.  And I'm pretty excited about adding those to our "kids" collection :).  To accompany the ever-educational Sesame Street videos :).  (Ever since our Utah trip, Munchkin has realized that she actually wants to watch some of those DVDs we own...  And once a week, I allow her to.)

I love yard sale-ing.  But I don't generally like to go alone, so I rarely go.  And I usually don't find as awesome of deals as Julie does...  I need to move back South and start tagging along with her! 

But even so, today I actually was excited!  I got something I've been wanting for a couple years :).  And I'm seriously thrilled about it!

Plus, since this yard sale happened to be at the home of some dear friends, I even did a bit of visiting as well ;)...  Which is a great way to start out a day!

What are you grateful for today?