November Gratitude: Day 19

Today, I am grateful for:

• tea. And cough drops. And all the things that make you feel semi-human when you have a cold.
• sweet potatoes. I have an autoimmune reaction to regular potatoes-- I get painful charley horses all over my body and all I can do is lay in bed. Sweet potatoes fill the void and fill my belly! Tonight, I had a huge baked sweet potato with sour cream and bacon and it was perfection.
• the ability and creativity to occasionally make something from nothing.

November Gratitude: Day 18

Today, I am grateful for:

• holiday decorations! People put a lot of time, money, and effort into making their homes beautiful. Growing up, our home was always cozy and comfortable-- we always had a well-stocked fridge, something freshly baked, lots of blankets, and fun decorations. I think holiday decor and fragrances make a cozy home even more inviting and it's nice to have a change of scenery indoors as the seasons change outdoors.
• Ryan's job. It's his job that really keeps a roof over our heads, a car in our garage, and the bills paid. It's not often that you find people our age who have spent their whole career growing within one company. I'm proud of how much he's grown and the respect he has earned.
• blenders. We love smoothies in this family-- it's one of the easiest ways to get fresh veggies, by drinking them blended with fruit! We use our blender more than any other small appliance. One day, I hope to have a vitamix, but for now I'm grateful for the little blender we have.

November Gratitude: Day 17

Today I am grateful:

• my husband is home from a five day trip! Parenting is a challenge when you lose your voice.
• for a boss who tells me to go home. Even though I couldn't sleep, I was able to rest my body and my voice.
• Logan has pooped on the potty three days in a row! He is on track to transition to his next level class on schedule. He is SO EXCITED to go to "preschool class"-- it's been a great motivator for potty training.

November Gratitude: Day 16

Today, I am grateful for:

• my senses, and knowing they work well most of the time. Sometimes I feel things, physically, a bit more than I should, thanks to my overactive nerves, but everything else is normal. Today though, I have a sore throat an no voice. Being a solo parent this weekend was really challenging! I couldn't raise my voice to respond when he was calling for me at the park today, we couldn't sing songs together, and I barely made it through one book at bed time. Logan was so sad when I tried to explain that I couldn't read more or sing because I didn't feel well and needed medicine. I don't know how parents are able to manage if they can't see, speak, or hear. I am so grateful those parts of my body generally work!
• for a husband who is a great father to Logan and a great support to me. I am so fortunate!
• grocery stores. I am fascinated with shows about Alaska, homesteading, prepping, and surviving, and while I believe I am more prepared for emergencies than most city dwellers, I am happy I don't have to do those things every day and am able to take advantage of grocery stores!

November Gratitude: Days 14 & 15

Yesterday, I was grateful for:

• my sweet friend, Bryana. Everyone needs a Bryana in their life-- a friend they can count on for just about anything. She is such a huge help to our little family and such a great all around friend, she's become a part of our family and I don't know what we would do without her.
• a regular paycheck, especially this time of year. During the holidays people are often stressed and will overstretch themselves and even steal to provide for the people they love. I feel fortunate that I am not in that position because I can count on my paycheck and have been planning for the holidays all year (note to everyone: Don't go in my closet!).
• Logan's bedtime routine-- it hasn't changed since he was an infant: Potty (formerly diaper change), bath or wash up, floss and brush teeth, lotion, jammies, books, songs, sleep. Works 98% of the time, no matter where we are. No matter how long the day feels, I know the routine will go smoothly and I get to end the day on a positive note snuggling with clean cutie pie, reading the books and singing the songs he loves.

Today, I am grateful for:

• the chance to take Logan to his very first play: Tiny Tim's A Christmas Carol. Despite the scary ghosts, he really enjoyed it. He had a great conversation with Tiny Tim after the show and told him he liked it and wants to see it again. He really wanted to go back immediately but I promised him we would see more plays this winter and we would definitely go back.
• the arguments I have with Logan. Standing by his opinion and actions shows me he has a strong character and won't be afraid to stand up for himself. I try my hardest not to get frustrated in these moments and try to turn them into learning opportunities.
• ice cream. Because some evil genius somehow created one of the most simple, most delicious, treats on earth, and it's my favorite. Logan's too. He likes pink.

November Gratitude: Day 13

On this "where the heck did winter come from?" day, I am grateful for:

• protection from the cold. Tonight, so many people are trying to sleep on the streets, in their cars, or in homes with unsafe or inadequate heat. It's snowing in November in DC. Some people will freeze to deaths tonight. I am grateful for our heated apartment, weather-appropriate attire, my cozy flannel sheets, and our ability to protect ourselves from the elements.
• new recipes! Especially the courage to try new things and the deliciousness when a new recipe turns out perfect the first time!
• friends I can be silent with. I try to be a good listener and I'm an introvert, so odds are I won't be doing most of the talking if we have a conversation. I'm grateful for friends who are comfortable enough with me to not feel the need to fill that silence and are as content to just be with me as I am to just be with them, enjoying being in the moment.

November Gratitude: Day 12

On this gorgeous day, I am grateful for:

• my wonderful colleagues. In addition to challenging me and pushing me beyond what I think I am capable of, they are supportive, kind, and generous. I'm so grateful to work with people who are passionate about their work and show compassion for the people they work with.
• a company with generous leave and benefits. By the end of the year, I will have used every sick, personal, and vacation day available to me, and I am so grateful I have them!
• flowers. I don't know anything about growing them or what different types are called, but I think they're so pretty and they always make me smile.

November Gratitude: Day 11

Today, I am grateful for:

• moisturizer! I wash my hands over 40 times a day-- moisturizer is essential to keep my skin from chapping. Today, I couldn't wear moisturizer at all and I wanted to burst out of my skin.
• women and men with the courage and passion to break down barriers. In so many areas of life, we see roles and professions that are typically filled with one gender or the other but I am grateful for people who make their own paths and pave the way for others.
• advances in medical science. If not for medical research, I would be dead. If not dead, I would certainly be miserable and sickly. Thankfully, treatment has enabled me to recover from my major medical conditions and an understanding of how my flawed body works is helping me cope with the others.

November Gratitude: Days 9 & 10

Yesterday, I was grateful for:

• People who go above and beyond to create an experience and provide great customer service. We were at our local Home Depot picking up wood for a project. We live in an apartment, so all of our tools literally fit into one tool box, so cutting wood blocks is something that needs to happen elsewhere. The associate was so friendly! Not only did he cut two 16' long boards into 7", 8", and 9" pieces despite their policy of no cuts under 12", he didn't charge us, and he was eager to involve Logan, giving him eye and ear protection and handing him the blocks to put in the cart. What could have been a more tedious experience became a memorable learning experience for all of us. 

• A girl's night in. I love doing projects and I don't always like to do them alone. A craft night is the perfect way to gather girlfriends who might not know each other in a no-pressure situation because you get to know each other while working on a project This is the perfect way for an introvert to be comfortably surrounded by the people they care about. Plus, I love being the hostess! Everyone had a fun night and we created some awesome holiday decor.

• Sweet friends who have offered over and over to lend a hand and a prayer this week. Without family nearby, I don't know how we would get through the week without our wonderful friends!

Today, I am grateful for:

• The random perks that come with living in the nation's capital. There are so many amazing free and fulfilling things to do here on a daily basis. It's great to always have something fun to look forward to and new to learn.

•  TV. Yes, I love TV! I love that Ryan and I have favorite shows we look forward to watching every week and I love learning from TV. Without "Extreme Couponing" or "Doomsday Preppers" we would be so unprepared for life's little emergencies.

• My ability to comfort Logan. I think all moms worry they aren't doing a good job. Sometimes we need to watch for the signs our children give us every day. When Logan's scared he comes to me. When he's frustrated, I am generally able to help him understand why. When he's angry or upset, I know just what to do or say to soothe him about 75% of the time. I often worry I'm not doing enough, but these wins remind me I'm doing just fine.

November Graititude: Day 8

Today, I am grateful: - for time spent with my sister, brother-in-law, and adorable precious nephew Elijah. No matter how much time passes between Dani and I each other, it's always like we saw each other yesterday. And, my little nephew is so delicious, I just want to eat him up! - for real conversations on the phone with Logan. Sometimes, I think I take for granted everything he is already able to communicate, but as I was boarding my second flight today, we had a full conversation over the phone about what he had for dinner, what I had for dinner, the fact that I was going on two airplanes today and needed tickets, about the museum he went to with Emery, and how much he missed me. I am so grateful to see him develop. My baby is growing up so fast! - for my home and my own bed. After a whirlwind trip, there's no place like home.

November Gratitude: Day 7

Today, I am grateful: - For the chance to see my best friend marry the man of her dreams. He makes her smile and that makes me smile. - That this was my last California wedding! All of my California based friends are married now. :-) The next time I'm in California, it will be for vacation. - That my Dad is retired. He drove for three hours yesterday just to have breakfast with me and it was awesome!

November Gratitude: Day 6

Today, I am grateful for: - my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, for all of the wonderful experiences I had as an undergrad and the friendships I formed that I know will last a lifetime. - safe flights. When you try to wrap your head around it, it's pretty amazing that for a few hundred dollars we get to be birds and can fly across the country in just a few hours. - southern California beaches. As soon as I spotted the California coast from the plane, I swear I could feel my heart smile. When I stepped out of the airport and felt the warmth of the sun and smelled the salty air, I felt content. And, to top it all off, this evening I fell asleep peacefully on the beach at a bon fire listening to the water from the bay lapping on the sand. I wish I could stay longer!

November Gratitude: Day 5

Today, I am grateful for: - Love and support from friends and family in all its forms. Real life hugs, sweet sentiments over the phone, and words of encouragement on social media all helped me get through a tough physical day. - Chocolate. Chocolate also helps on tough days. - Wet wipes. When you pee 20-30 times per day, toilet paper becomes your worst enemy! Sorry for stealing all your wipes, Logan! I hope you had something to be grateful for today, too!

November Gratitude: Day 4

Today, I am thankful for: - The right to vote. Even though my mom is pretty vocal about US politics, I could only hear her words but couldn't see her actions because she's not a US citizen (although her words strongly influenced my votes for the better part of the early 2000s). I felt really proud today to be able to take Logan with me to the polls so he could see me doing my civic duty, even though he thought we were going to a boat, not to vote. Hopefully, he will be more engaged in politics at an earlier age than I was. - The gift of planning! Tomorrow night (Wednesday), the power is going to be off in our building from 9pm to 6am. I won't be home until 6pm, we're babysitting one of Logan's friends til about 8pm... And the next morning, I leave for a flight at 5:30am. Luckily, thanks to my planning skills, I was able to get packed today, plan a fridge-free and portable breakfast for Logan Thursday morning, and I intend to shower tomorrow before the power's off and do my hair and makeup at the airport. This could have been a disaster without planning ahead! - Hot tea at the end of a long day. After spending the morning voting and at a doctor's appointment, the afternoon at work, and the evening making dinner, folding laundry, playing with Logan, packing, putting together Logan and Ryan's backpack for their day out this weekend, and putting Logan to bed, I was desperately in need of some peppermint tea. I hope you voted today!

November Gratitude: Day 3

Today, I am thankful for:

- The inspiration I find on Pinterest. Even though Logan is potty trained, we have been reluctant to get rid of our beautiful Pottery Barn changing table. Thanks to Pinterest, our cleaned up changing table is now a buffet in our kitchen providing much needed storage space for our pots and pans, a stable spot to serve food when we have guests, and room in the kitchen to set up a recycling center next to it. It was a quadruple win that saved us a few hundred bucks on the buffet we've been eyeing. Keep sharing your creativity, people!
- A son who loves to help. As soon as he saw us moving the furniture, he was right by my side helping carry it, telling us how strong he was. When he saw Ryan with his tool box to tighten the screws, he ran to workbench for his hammer and screwdriver, ready to help. They best way to learn is to do things hands on and I'm grateful he's interested enough in the things happening around him to want to become involved.

- The crisp, cool, weather autumn brings. It's nice to have a break from sweating for no reason and a brief period to enjoy being outdoors before it's too cold.

November Gratitude: Days 1 & 2

Despite the actual history of the pilgrims, the native Americans, and the first Thanksgiving, I love that the modern Thanksgiving is a reminder to be grateful and to give thanks for all the good we have in our lives.


Every day this month, I will attempt to share three things I am grateful for. Please spread the love by sharing three things you are grateful for in the comments or on my or your facebook pages.


Day 1: I am grateful for...


1. A (mostly) reliable car. This year, we weren't able to take a lot of family vacations thanks to the number of snow days, sick days, wedding travel, etc., but we were able to enjoy a lot of weekend road trips. I always enjoy visiting old friends and exploring new places.


2. We did have a few weeks this week where our car wasn't so reliable, and I am grateful for friends who offered to drive us around and just lend us their cars.


3. Post-holiday sales! I was able to stock up on activities and decor for next Halloween plus some awesome stuff I can use all year at rock bottom prices at a post-Halloween sale. Black and white chevron and polka dot blank note cards aren't just for Halloween, I can use them for any occasion. I love a steal of a deal.




Day 2: I am grateful for...


1. The things that fascinate Logan. Last weekend, we briefly watched part of the Marine Core marathon and Logan desperately wanted to run in the street with all the real runners. All week he has talked about running a race in the street and, today, we happened to catch the end of the NY marathon on tv and he was glued. We're searching for a 1k race he can run with Ryan. Hopefully he won't be too disappointed to run with other kids.


2. Friends who have become family. Since middle school, I have been blessed with friends who enable me to just be myself. Over the years, the number of friends I have like this has grown and our families have grown -- I can't explain how freeing it is to have relationships where there are no walls.


3. Phones and the internet. Even though my mom, sister, and nephew are on opposite sides of the country from me, I can hear their voices and see their photos and videos all day.


Happy November!