Friday, April 27, 2012

A return to my gratitude posts ...

Been awhile. Nearly 2 weeks since my last post and a whole lot longer since I have done one on gratitude. I was posting them weekly and for some reason seemed to have gotten sidetracked. Life seems to do that to you sometimes. You know what I mean? Derail you and send you in a different direction. Some in your control. Others not. My health issues, definitely NOT in my control. Well, that's a lie. I can and should and have started, to do things differently. Like going to bed before say, 1am or 2am for starters. Spending less time on the computer. Have you ever attempted to log the time you spend on the computer, or on your phone, for that matter? Seeing that these days, our phone is just a portable computer of sorts. We have Facebook, blogs, Pinterest and, now Instagram and a number of other things technology related that have become time suckers.  So I have made a concerted effort to ration my time spent on those things and opted instead to make sure I, lets see, maybe eat breakfast and lunch daily. Novel concept, eh? As for the out of my control stuff, more on that next week after I head back to my doctor for my follow up. For now, I will play catch up by doing my gratitude post. Little moments in my life, some more mundane than others, that gave me pause to see, that despite the hectic and overwhelming tempo of life these days, there are always things to be grateful for. Always.

1. My foot/toe is so much better. The new layers of pretty pink skin tell me so. Truly was one of the most frightening experiences of my life. That infection was aggressive and beyond painful and well, just  absolutely grateful to be putting that behind me.

2. Scouting venues for Jessica's wedding. I can't believe I just typed that. Reality hits in some moments. My baby girl is getting married.
The Camarillo Ranch House is a frontrunner. Beautiful location and almost literally, in our backyard. Like under 10 minutes away from us.

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3. The show 'The Voice' . Amazing talent on that show and it doesn't hurt that Adam Levine is easy on the eyes. Not a 'Maroon 5' fan but definitely an Adam fan. Be still my heart just a little bit.

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4. Love between siblings.

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5. Shoulder rides.

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6. NHL Playoffs and a certain 8 year old  boy who lives and breathes hockey and so wishes he were living on the opposite coast of where he does. He gets up every morning and clicks on  ESPN to "check on things". Pure joy to watch his enthusiasm for the game.

7.  The beginnings of a 'Special Needs Ministry' that two other moms and I are starting at our church. You know, cuz I got all that extra time on my hands.

8. Charlotte and Zoey. Playing together. Just darling those two girls are.

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9. Jessica making special gifts as a way to ask people to be her bridesmaids. Did I already mention how unreal it is that my firstborn is getting married?

10. Fresh fruit and veggies from local farm stands. We are lucky enough to live in a large agricultural community and you don't have to travel far to eat some of the freshest produce around.

11. Children home from college.

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12. Organizing drawers and closets and cabinets. Yep, I am weird like that.

13. Rice cakes with peanut butter, strawberries and bananas. Main stay of my diet as of late.

14. Husbands/fathers home before 8pm.

15. First time working out in over two weeks. 2 mile run. 4 miles on my bike in the beautiful sunshine. Not bad. Could have been better. But thankful nonetheless.

16. Best work out song ever.



17. My son who reminds me once again that children learn and and interpret things in their own unique ways  That makes me smile.  I think he is brilliant.

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Okay, you really need to study these pictures to see what Joe did. The instructions were: "Fold your paper and you will write some of your spelling words on the front and then the rest on the back. 2 columns." Do you see what he did? He folded it. Not exactly in half. But managed to write the spelling words. Partially on the front but the rest, as in the rest of each word, on the folded back. Ingenious if you ask me.

18. Zoey has hit just over the one year mark since beginning to orally eat again. She devours 4 ounces of baby food in no time at all and recently, signs more, at every meal and downs 4 more ounces just as fast. Now, if  she could only kick that g-tube habit. Next up: how about a little liquid beverage baby girl?

19. Little girls who fall asleep, on an exhausted daddies lap ... at 7:15pm

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20. 11 year old boys , who burst through the front door after school one day and proclaim, "I can never look at life the same again." ... after watching the 'Family Life' video in school. Sorry buddy. Wishing I could shelter you forever but there are good things to come. Promise.

21. Friday night paint sessions.

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That about does it. Have a wonderful weekend everyone and thanks for sticking it out with me. Been a rough ride as of late.

20 comments:

Elizabeth said...

It's so good to read your words and see your beautiful family photos. I'm glad that things are moving along more positively -- and I just know it's all going to be ok.

I know it.

Cammie Heflin said...

I've been so worried about you you know! So glad to know that you are on the mend and have such exciting things happening in your home that I miss so much!

Joyce said...

Wonderful to see you back in action!! The two young girls. Charlotte and Zoey. every. single. time. I see them together I am reminded that there is such a grand master plan in place!!! Such a beautiful family you have Heather. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

Anonymous said...

Once ! figured the spelling test out (took me longer than I'd like to admit, lol)I was really impressed!!!

Anonymous said...

Thank goodness!!! - getting worried Heather - Was going to make a Mark cell phone call yesterday, but time got away from me.

Great listing. each & every one. Love the looks of the wedding spot forerunner!

Great photos - amazing Joe project. - and smiled with's Jake's reaction to Family class.

Be looking for something in mail for you Heather. Has been on my counter, but waiting to hear if foot is healed. You'll see when it arrives!!

Bluebelle

PS Glad one of the clan longs for the East Coast , even if it is hockey that makes him wish he was here!

Justine said...

I am grateful for this post! So happy things are looking up. And I am right there with you with the computer stuff...ugh!

Anonymous said...

PS Heather - I agree Adam Levine is "easy on the eyes" but then - so is your husband - same dark eyes, dark hair and facial hair, altho Mark's is much, much neater... (Yes, I know I am a bit partial)

Just saying

Bluebelle :)

Runningmama said...

Loved your gratitude post, and so very glad that your foot is feeling better!

Peter Olson said...

I am thankful for your posts.
(smiles)
Have a great weekend too.

Kristin said...

Glad your foot is feeling better! And that spelling test - ha - awesome!

colleen said...

Okay so Joe... I love that spelling paper.. a little "out of the box".. he should do well... just like you! Now get some rest!So relieved that you are finally better.

Life and Times . . . said...

I love reading your blog, but rarely comment. But that spelling test is worth a comment. I'm a fourth grade teacher, and that literally made me laugh out loud. That is genius.

Kaden Epstein said...

Adam Levine...agreed!

Loving that you're checking out wedding venues...Camarillo Ranch House is beautiful! But she'll be a beautiful bride at any venue... So excited for Jess!

Spelling test...(insert giggle)...but definitely genius...

Any finally...I practically spit my coffee all over the computer on your Jake 5th grade video comment...but you're right...good things are to come...

Love to everyone!!!!
xxoo,
Katie

Lisa Lilienthal said...

What a great post, thank you for catching us up! And I am right there with you on Adam Levine :)

charity said...

just wanted to say hi and awesome post. glad your foot is doing better

Anonymous said...

So great to see this post.

I'm glad that things seem to be moving in the right direction. Your family photos never fail to bring a smile to my face. (Pretty sure that the laws of physics dictate that seeing Z's smile will induce a smile in all who see it.)

It's wonderful to hear from you again.

Jeana said...

Love your gratitude posts! Makes me reflect on all I have to be grateful for too! I got your friends email, um wow...speechless. There are some truly amazing people out there, and of course they are linked to you and your girl :)

SECRET PEPPER PERSON: said...

Missed you girl. Loved this post especially the spelling assignment. Seriously we need to get our Boys together.They would understand each other COMPLETELY!

blogzilly said...

Good to see you posting again. See, this is why you should be posting on MiP all the time instead of me. Number one because I drop the ball over there more times than Warren Moon, and number two? Look at all the folks who rock out to your posting? :)

blogzilly said...

Did I just say 'rock out'?

Must be the Vicodin.