Kindness Challenge

      I have spent the whole year on gratitude.  It truly has been and made the biggest difference for me.
This next year I am planning to add to it the Kindness Challenge--as a year of kindness begins... Not sure if I am going to have a separate blog or just all to this one... I'll let you know.

Surprises

Christmas was so very different this year....
Maybe because my husband after 16 years of marriage figured out that palangi's like surprises.  And boy did he surprise me. With something that I have wanted for years... But what was sweet was that he wrapped it up with deodorant and other stuff I would have never figured out what it was.  I love it.

And because of a special card that someone gave us with a little bit of money in it.  Just that they would think of us, that someone would be that kind and give us that gift touched my heart.  Thank you whoever you are and I am sure that karma will be coming back your way in a very good way because of your thoughtfulness. And if you believe in Heavenly Father, and I do, I am sure he is smiling in Heaven for your kindness.

I am hoping that He will smile more for the things I do this year as well.

Christmas

    I am thankful for Christmas this year.  I've taken a much less about "things" approach and more about just keeping it simple.  The neatest thing is, my kids for the most part, did not ask for all those fancy gadgets that everyone else already has.  I feel sad we can't afford even one DSi for Christmas.  But we did find a lovely idea.  Three gifts like the Wisemen gave: A Gift of Meaning (something that means a lot to a person), A Gift of Wonder (something that is awesome) and a Gift of Usefulness ( socks etc.) So that makes things much simplier.  Plus a stocking so there is still lots of fun.

I am thankful for Christmas this year and that our little family is together...we've had a rough year like no other so it makes this Christmas together even better.
and for the cookies our neighbors brought us one afternoon this week  when we were sitting and feeling very sorry for ourselves....Cookies make everything better.

How To Change The World In 31 Days - A Challenge

I've been reading some interesting things.... I am thankful for people who have ideas that can change our way of thinking.

How To Change The World In 31 Days - A Challenge

I think I am up to taking the challenge, how about you?

World Aids Day- The Red Campaign

    
       I love the RED campaign.  It inspires.  It makes me feel like making changes.  Or at least going out and buying one of those funky red shirts at the Gap.  I love that it was an idea and now is a huge thing that even includes a day--today.  I'm celebrating World Red day.  Hope you are too.

Monday Mornings

Don't cha just love Mondays?

I used to really not like mondays because I procrasinated my planning for my class as a teacher for several years until Sunday night.  But now, seeing I am not working..well, not working out of our house, I feel very different about Mondays.

I always wonder what will this week bring? What will be happening? What exciting things can I look forward to?

I love Mondays.

My greatest irrational fear.

        Most of you don' t know this about me.  I don't tell many people but I was reminded of it yesterday when I finished work.  It was a grade 5 class and there was one little boy left and he came up to my desk and stuck out is finger (totally bloody) and said, "Can you help me with this?" --meaning put the band-aid on.  Little did he know that I was going to pass out (literally).  I get queasy about stuff like that and when I worked at the hospital (for one month) I seriously was not cut out to be there.  I knew it from the first day, tried to quit several times and finally was able to.  But, not before learning tons of stuff about hospitals--esp. that I did not want to get bacteria XYZ.  Not the real name, but you get what I mean.  Well, last week I went to the Doc and what do you think he told me? He thought I had bacteria XYZ.  And somehow had acquired it...Now, that has been pretty much my biggest fear and he said it!!  You should have seen my face.  You should have seen my reaction.  He was not expecting I would even know what XYZ was, let alone be freaked out.   I was.  At least, until yesterday when I went back and he said no, the tests came back and I don't have IT.  Sorry, I faint when I see blood, I get the Hibbie Geebies when I think about germs especially XYZ and I am so very very thankful for my news in the Doctor's office.
Other things I am so very thankful for this week:
*Aleki is home after a week in SLC
*My son's blog and writing ability--incredible
*To live in Canada and be able to go to the Doctor without a big bill and stress to pay for it
*My Mom out of the hospital
*Some great days TOC'ing with wonderful students, esp. yesterday
*A new mattress after over 16? years of marriage with out ever having a new mattress.
*A new warm hat (It snowed yesterday and it is soooo very cold)
*My kids --their report cards were so very sweet

And the most incredible feeling was.....
Coming home from work yesterday

and having Tommy come up and sit on my lap
and look at me like he really missed me

My husband

      For the past couple days my husband has been looking for a home for us.  I want to live in the tree streets, you see, and I kind of have my heart set on it.  But, we have not found anything yet.  Looking for a home is not only exhausting, it is REALLY emotional.  I understand why people usually only buy one home and stick with it their whole lives.  We were a little late on the stick with it thing, and we have only recently realized how important it is for us to get ourselve a place to call home. His trip to look for a house in my dream area has been a bomb, but he, well, he is the best in my books. Thank you, dear husband, for trying as always to make my heart smile and do the things I want. : ) I love you.

My Son's Blog

   
I am constantly surprised by my son's thoughtfulness in his blog.  His ideas are creative, mean something, and are real.  Take a look:
http://stylefuror.blogspot.com
He just makes my heart smile with his ideas and what he writes. He says I never read his blog, if only he knew....

My Other Mom

     
      I have been blessed in my life to know some pretty amazing women...and to have several women guide me along the way.  Right today, my mom came for a visit-- I call her my spiritual mom because she has been such a support and good friend.  Thank you Kathie, for your visit today.  It made me smile.

Substituing

    
     Yes, the last three days I have been working... doing what I do worst--being a sub teacher. I am thankful to all the teachers who supported me and did more than they needed to keep things quiet as well as the kids that listened and were great. I am so glad it is over and so thankful for the experience...Why? Because we have been struggling to make some decisions lately, or at least I have. And the last three days have made things soooo much easier...to decide... So sometimes bad things are really not so bad at all--I have been given a gift the last couple days.

New Teeth

        
        Tonight Alex had his first tooth fall out. Well, actually, he pulled it out --but the look on his face, I can't describe how neat it was to be looking at him when it came out. The expression on his face was pure delight! I am so glad, for just that moment, I was there.

My Family

           It has been a rough week. Through it all, I am just so thankful that I can come home to my family. And a peace that one feels safe at home.

Pumpkins

     
         We made a cupcake pumpkin patch tonight. We so many kids and Halloween coming up, the celebrations are planned for tomorrow. It was time to make an effort for my boys so they can enjoy bringing something fun for their parties... Just the time we spent and how entirely happy they were for my little funny pumpkins....I love them so very much.

Working

 
     I love teaching. I thought I was done teaching but the other day I taught a English Lit 12 class...I loved it. And I was so thankful for that one day when I could live my dream of teaching English 11 and 12. Now everyday would be so very wonderful.

Sundays

             I love Sundays. We have a tradition, we go to church, come home and laze around. Sometimes we watch movies, talk, sleep, make chocolate chip cookies....always we are together.

For Old Times

Little A

A, Shane and Baby T on a walk last spring, 2010.

Five Years ago today Little A was born. And my brother was with me in the delivery room--Thank you Shane for being willing to be with me. And thank you Little A...you have no idea *just* how much you have blessed my life.

Airplane Game

We have a traditional game we used to play with J, our oldest son and now he can play it with the other boys...

Thankful for times like this . . . .

My Little Buddy

I am so thankful for Baby T...and our time together.

Our Garden

Just so thankful for our garden.... For being able to go and have a fresh carrot or a yummy salad. Sad to see our garden coming to an end, it was so yummy this year.

Trees and Pathways

I have been walking for most of September on this incredible pathway...It has been meditational walking and trying to breathe some postive energy into my life. I may have told you but I have always felt blessed and like I have the most incredible life...at least until my birthday this year where everything started to fall apart...and it has been unraveling at about the most ridiulous pace and like I have never seen before. So, amidst all the craziness, I am thankful for a few constants---this path and the trees that speak to me on a daily basis. And a reminder that God is good and this too shall pass....

Silent Gratitude...

In the words of a very special woman,

“Silent gratitude isn’t very much to anyone.”

-Gertrude Stein

This quote comes from Soule Mama's blog... and if you don't know about her, you've got to check it out!

http://www.soulemama.com

An incredible story...

September 22, 2010

for my creative son and some new ikea furniture

September 7, 2010

Me and Tommy and Alex --- right before bed... I am lying down looking at them at my feet. They are jumping on the bed and laughing. Alex grabs the ukilele and starts to play and sing.. and Tommy begins to dance. Total Bliss.

September 6, 2010

My littlest one's smile....

September 4, 2010

I got caught up today in garage sales....I have been trying very hard to de-clutter instead of get more stuff. So, I was with my brother and baby T, and we found one sale where there was a box of toys free... you know the box, full of all the little toys and nic nacs... but down at the bottom of the box was a whole bunch of different kinds of trains... including a Thomas the train. And seeing little T loves trains it was a gift....

How about you? What are you thankful for?

September 3, 2010

Wow, what a day...

I am thankful for my husband for not forcing me to go to the Church corn roast (and not only is it a church corn roast, but a chilliwack wide corn fest, I just happened to find out this week). I had a nice sleep followed by a mcmini pesto sandwich from McDonalds---I love pesto! And I love McDonalds...as you know. : )

and for T, my 2 year old, who always comes and sleeps beside me no matter what---thank goodness he loves me cuz the other boys are counting the days for school to start... I am going to miss them. I cringe when people make comments about school starting and they can't wait to get rid of their kids....not me.... I am so thankful for every minute I spend with them... and I wish school was not starting.

And for my oldest son J, who is extremly talented and creative. I am blown away by his thoughts and the way he writes his blog... love you J!

September 1, 2010

Well, I am thankful for this whole summer... usually I work the kids hard because of my teaching skills and make the do TONS of reading, math, etc. But this summer we just did one thing..

PLAY

and you know what?

It was wonderful!

August 30, 2010

Today is my bf's birthday, Terri... I am so thankful for her friendship. Without her I don't know how much I would have learned in grad school....

scrambled eggs and tomatoes from my garden...

love from little boys ... and explainations for things I think are gross when we watch movies..."Don't worry mom, that is just jello..."

Another day to live and breathe and love....

August 30, 2010

that we are making an offer on our dream home... by the ocean with enough room for all of us...

I am holding my breath and I am so thankful we can do it....

And for Tommy who just was playing with a red felt pen trying his hand at drawing... and who is now sitting beside me leaning on my arm....

For a few more days of summer with the boys... I really do not want them to go back to school...

For Alex, who yesterday, when the boys ran up ahead of me, came back, took my hand and said, "I'll walk with you Mama, and I don't want to lose you ya know."

August 23, 2010

I had another interview...I am grateful now that I have had so many interviews that this last one I started my shower 20 minutes before I had to be there, and I still made it on time...I am grateful I feel that comfortable because interview #one I was there 2 hours before and studied for it the whole time...and now at #upteen million and one ...I am okay with me and interviews and realize the less uptight during the interview i am, the better it'll be...

Just wish that one place I really want to work would give me a call. I can put that out there, but in the meantime...

I am grateful for my little ones who make me laugh and smile...

and for our loan officer who actually made it happen for us in the US...

and for a few options....I have been praying they will work out...

and for good friends...I have been feeling really lonely lately... so thank you for the few good friends i have...

and for summer... I wish it would never end...

and for living 2 hours away from the ocean.

August 12, 2010

We went away for a day to another country. I thought to myself, How could it possibly be so different, it is only about 10 miles from Canada. It was....

and I am gratful for the deep feeling of joy I always feel when I go over the Canadian border and I am home....

July 29 2010

Yes, I have been restless for the last couple weeks... but today I felt calm and a reassurance that everything will be alright...

And I am so thankful for that feeling today...

And for the sunshine and the happy day I spent with my little ones...

July 22, 2010

Can't believe it is already July! Just so thankful for my family and to tell you the truth... it has been pretty much the worst 6 months of my life.... so I am thankful we are still treading water....

despite all the unsettled trials and hard things. And I am thankful for my faith....

July 19,2010

Elder Neal A. Maxwell rightly said: “The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we ‘give’ … are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us.”

For placing some of my "will" on God's alter. Hopefully, I can learn to put all my faith in Him and trust things will turn out. As Aleki said this morning, we are on a roller coaster right now...for sure.

I am thankful for the last couple of weeks and just the feeling that Heavenly Father is with our family.

And for gentle reminders not to take anything for granted....

July 12, 2010

I have a friend who has become a guide, uplifter and second mom to me. I am so thankful for her! and for the phone call she gave me yesterday.

I love the sun but this morning I am thankful for a little cool breeze coming from the window. Especially because Aleki and I forgot to renew our insurance on our expedition before he left ...now we have no car!

Can't wait for my two guys to come back from their trip... I am missing them....So thankful there is only a few days left.

July 11, 2010

For little ones who play with Lego and listen to an audiobook....they are soooo creative!

For my little home that is ours and the insight that I need to give up some stuff....and the courage to give it up!

Every little one we have! There are six, but they are each so special and I love them all.

Missing John and realizing just how much I love him and miss him!

July 10, 2010

It's 3 in the morning. We slept outside in our tent. I was sleeping until I woke up to a rowdy bunch coming from the pub just down the street. They were apparently arrested right in front of my house. I'm so thankful I am not with that bunch and instead I am in a little tent with 5 lovely little ones.... and our story telling session right before we all dropped off to sleep....

For our bike expedition with Uncle S, who took us to a place we would have never been able to go otherwise..

Thankful I saw the crack in the dream house we wanted...because I drove by again and the owners are now patching it up...I feel sorry for whoever buys it....: (

July 6, 2010

Good friends that make time for my family and accept me... thank you T and S for being willing to bring your little ones and for being such incredible people....

For my little ones trying to do their best with me and no Aleki and John.....

Sunshine today

a little one beside me playing with my arm as I type....

July 1, 2010

Again, I am Canadian. I am so thankful.... words can not even describe it. I have been around the world and I love home best.

Except when I am not here, I would want to be in Tonga. So thankful that my J is there and learning abou this dad and what life was like for his dad growing up there... and hope he comes back a changed person with a different perspective on life... like I did when I was there almost 15 years ago....yeah, wow, it really has been that long.

Thankful for being in limbo as far as a home to call home becasue when we do find it...it will be, oh so wonderful. Really looking forward to that feeling....and for the feeling I got that it is okay and being in limbo will work out for us. And that it is in His hands.

And for my husband. Sheesh, I missed you today in a million different ways.

For my two litle ones who wanted to surprise me by making breakfast and setting the table... oh, it was so nice.

And for sleep overs in our front room like tonight, and feeling so close to these little ones and so thankful for each one of them...

July 1, 2010

For Canada.

Words can not describe how much I love you Canada. I have travelled pretty much all over the world and just can't find a place I'd rather be....for so many reasons.

June 28,2010

Since leaving Utah I have felt like an alien on and off on sundays. I can't really explain it except that I look at myself and say, I don't think I'm an alien, so why do I feel like one....Even though I feel that way I keep hoping things will be different...I am thankful for what I believe about Heavenly Father and that he is mindful of me...even when I feel like an alien...and the hope that things will somehow get better for me and this place of unwelcome and lonliness will somehow end... I have strong feelings about each person's individual worth and how Heavenly Father loves each of us in an incomprehensible way.....I am thankful for those feelings when I miss old familiar friends and feeling welcome in the place where one should feel welcome* the most.*

I am thankful to have known Amini T. and sorry he had to leave us. He was seriously my favorite of all Aleki's brothers and sisters...(and there are 14 of them!) Why is it the relatives I love most have to die first? My dad and now Amini.... I am thankful for the time I spent in Tonga and knowing someone as clever and witty as you, AT. RIP

I am thankful that today was the last day I had to make lunches for the boys in a long, long time!

June 23, 2010

There was no scouts...we were the last to know and drove an hour into Chilliwack...but J and I had fun, stuffed with blizzards and songs from the CD's we bought...

Two little ones that fell asleep in my arms today...

A car that did not break down....

Just enough of everything else...

June 19, 2010

One garage sale where we found a dozen dragons, Han Solo, Buzz Lightyear, a tinbox of Star War Cards and a box of figures from The Lord of the Rings...What treasures for a family with 6 boys...

June 14, 2010

just being able to take 5 little boys to the pool and actually having fun... (we missed you oldest j, but maybe next time)

watching baby float around in the rapids with a life jacket on...sooooo relaxed... and on his own ( but I was really close by...)

Little Al telling me today, after I spilled some water all over his sweat pants--"It's okay Mom, they are wet pants!"

biking in the morning with my brother...went 12 k today and even on the highway for some parts...I really did suck, but hey, at least I was moving....

sigh, just to breath and be alive...

June 13, 2010

for the new dryer that no one wanted yesterday at the sale

and all the other stuff that bless us

the new outlook on "things" and the idea to simplify

to make life less about what we have and more about time together....

for Sundays which are inspiring and can be sweet with little ones

and for hope...

June 12, 2010

vintage quilt with green and pink squares

helping at the garage sale and realizing how much others have done to make it happen...

for people who gave more than they needed to for the Scouts trip...

little treasures J found and looked forward to

the little one sitting beside me with his little hand looped around my arm. . .

faith that things will get better...and optimism that we might find a place called home soon...

my green stuff coming up in my garden

unexpected flowers with buds on them

J being willing to help at the sale today

Sis. T who was sensitive to J feeling left out and asking the other boys to include him

a short trip to the lake and the peace it brings

and that the dryer is still going despite how it sounds right now :)

June 7, 2010

For the circus and for the awe on my little boys faces as they watched

(also for Uncle Shane who was willing to come and help me)

For a honest real estate agent who told me the truth about the condition of my dream home (sigh) I still am sad about finding it and not being able to put an offer on it

A walk this morning...

A baby who smiles and laughs and love me no matter what I do....

June 6th, 2010

A new kitchen table!! It makes everything seem more like home. And it is pine wood (sigh, smile).

June 1st, 2010

For my very special "Spiritual" mom, Kathie, who has cared for our family in a way that we need just right now....

Pictures of the boat taking V. to her resting spot. I had it in my mind, but to see it just brought a peace over me...

For a husband whom I love....and that fact we are getting through this time together...

For a son, J, who is so talented and creative sometimes it is just overwhelming...

June 1, 2010

That my interview yesterday was not as bad as it could have been...

V is now laid to rest, there is peace in knowing she is been carefully laid to rest with her other family and that she is home... ( And I do mean home as in Klemtu, and home as in HOME)

For little boys who were so excited for sports day yesterday

For a new drawing book I found for them on how to make monsters...you should see their pictures!

May 31, 2010

Today I am thankful for Vera. She passed away last week and today she will be put to rest. V is the kind of person who makes me a better person because I knew her. She touched my life in ways that I can't describe in words. Maybe you've had a friend like that.

I am going to miss you dear sister and friend--- thank you for accepting and caring for me in a way that made me more able to love and care for others....

May 27, 2010

To live in a country where my son can go to have an operation today and it does not cost me anything *so thankful for this*

For little A as he left with his Daddy, I just tried to be in the moment with him-- as I know everything will be okay, but he is just so little and I just want him to be well.

For a few moments to my self while baby sleeps...

May 20, 2010

That karma did not bite me in the butt on my first sub-teaching assignment!

May 15, 2010

That ice cream can motivate my kids to want to drive around to garage sales with me

For our new garden plot

that there are borders around it

and strawberry plants(!)

For soccer saturdays and little ones who are so amazing at their age!

For maybe an opportunity to find a place to call home...

For J, my son, who is the oldest and so very creative and articulate.

And J, J, and J who helped plant the garden today, and J who supervised. Oh, you are and were so cute today.

A library card

Some peace tonight. (Even though it is midnight)

Good friends like A and H.

May 11, 2010

A ride with my dear brother

A sweet little one who was so thoughtful and patient while I tried on some clothes

Our family pool pass and the sweet feeling gained from swimming

Watching the boys jump off the high diving board--and again, and again!

A puppet theater we found at a second hand store

My doggie, Sam

Life in our little home, we have just enough

May 10, 2010

I'm thankful for....

*Our new pool pass*

Relaxing in the pool today with hardly anyone there except us!

A family being defined as 7 people at the Rec Center, saving us TONS on our family pool pass

Baby being able to walk by himself at the pool today

Knowing that things will probably be okay--it's been a rough 6 months or so...

Getting a email saying my dream place to work wants to meet with me : )

Sun shining

Not living anywhere else but right here

Having Enough

A bike ride with a little trailer and two little ones sleeping soundly---and a dog who likes to chase trailers but does not like to bite :)

Missing my oldest, JCT, who is camping tonight, I am so grateful for him and all that he gives to my life.

A few minutes to think about the things I am grateful for, how about you?

What are you thankful for?

So, what are you most thankful for?

Today it was--

a friend

my brother driving me to endless Craigslist adventures

a job for my husband

my chance to watch soccer saturday

with 5 boys playing, even the 4 year old

a house to live in

a sweet one year old who did not figet when we went out for lunch

flowers for Mother's Day

Green on our familiar drive

dreams of a house to buy

education

on the TOC list

my dog

Life is good.....

Grammies

Can I be thankful for the Grammies?

There is just something magical about watching the grammies and seeing people make their dreams come true.

(And, btw, I loved Pink's performance.)

Lost Keys

At church on Sunday I brought my camera because the nursery teacher had lost hers. She told a story about how she prayed and found it that morning. Then, a couple of the mothers started talking about the "prayer for lost things phenomenon." It always works no matter what.

Well, last night I went to bed and thought, okay, let's test it. I had misplaced my cell phone since Sunday (2 days) and felt I wanted to find it. I said a prayer last night and this morning. Getting out of my truck, I somehow looked at the glove compartment and remembered that I tucked the phone under the dash cover in the truck. It worked! My phone was found!

I picked up the phone, and my wallet and then shut and locked the doors of my truck--to discover that I had locked my keys in the truck!! Boy, was I glad I had the found the cell phone! Double thanks for that "prayer for lost things phenomenon." It worked for me this morning! Just in time. I was locked out of the house and truck, but at least I had my cell phone to call for help!

Guinea Pigs

I decided to haul the two boys into the school yesterday. My son is in the same class as one of my best friend, Adrienne's daughter. Adrienne brought their Guinea Pig to school. Instead of saying something uplifting or wonderful about her kindness and how excited all the kids were to see it, I commented on how she was trying to lower the poor thing's life expectancy.

Yes, it was a feeble attempt at humor but sometimes it's better just not to make the attempt and say something positive.

I am grateful for the guinea pig experience to remind me that people will always appreciate a kind comment over one having to do with life expectancy.

New Shelves and Laundry Soap

So most of you that know me, know I am well, clumsy. It's okay, I have come to terms with it, pretty much. My husband built a shelf above our washer and dryer --- yeah! I am so thankful for it. And for him.

But, I am also thankful that yesterday, the first time I pulled down the laundry detergent, I only dumped out about 1/4 of it. : )

Seeing a Movie on the Big Screen

My husband and I went on our first date in a long time. Of course, we went to see Avatar on the big screen. Because of the size of our family, it is just more economical for us to wait for movies to come out on DVD. Then we either buy or rent them and pop our own pop corn. But not last night, we went to see the real deal. And on the way home we had a good conversation about what it all meant and what James Cameron was trying to give as a message.

I am thankful JC was able to risk to create this movie. I am thankful I got to see the pic on the big screen, and I am most thankful that all the women in the movie were strong and courageous and kicked butt.

Sea Creatures

Yesterday, I was forced to go shopping with my two youngest children. I never shop with kids. But, I figured seeing we were only going to go into the sports shop and it was 8 in the morning, I might survive. My five year old loved everything there--and as we walked out he pointed to the big net for fishing on the wall and said, " That one there, it is for sea creatures."

I am a tack magnet, every time I go for a walk, I run over one! I am thankful for my flat tire on the bike trailer so I had to go in and get a new inner tube-- making the opportunity for my son to whisper a sweet little interpretation for me.

Listening to a Author Speak

I am so thankful for Adrienne for feeding me breakfast, letting me park my car in her driveway and befriending me at the conference. I just could not be more blessed to have a friend like her. And for Michelle who strives to be a good person and was honest today by waiting until the end of the food line before she ate.

For my husband, for trying to make the craft shelves I most desperately want.

And for Barabra Coloroso, whom I heard speak today. For her admonishment to make our children make choices and teach them to be ethical responsible individuals. And for what she said about discipline has latin roots meaning to give meaning to life. As well as -- "No, Never, not ever. We don't say that because it's mean and it's cruel! "

My Son winning the Stardoll Contest

Yes, Stardoll is a web cite where kids can create a virtual "me" doll and dress yourself up with the latest fashions. My son has always loved fabrics, designing and frequently goes on this web cite. Yes, my son. And recently he sent in an entry of some drawings of fashions he designed to a contest... and he won!

I am thankful that he did win because for a while he was blaming me that I did not get his entry to the post office in time ( yeah, I did procrastinate a bit) but I thought that would be a good enough excuse for him for not winning... but now there does not have to be an excuse.

And I am thankful for the confidence this competition will give him to continue with his dream to be a fashion designer.

Jack Sparrow

We watched Pirates of the Caribbean tonight. In an effort to save money we are viewing some of the movies we already own. I am thankful for four little boys sitting on the couch and when asked said, " I want to be Jack Sparrow!"

I am thankful for their invincible spirits and the innocence that childhood brings-- and that I can be a mommy and be a part of it.

P.S. I am thankful for Johnny Depp too. Because who can't love an actor that can pull of Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka and the Mad Hatter.

Gratefulness

I have a lot to be thankful for. This blog is just to write it all down.