Nov. 19th

Josie: My pets. They love me but not Pogo he only likes dad.

Me: Today I am thankful for the time to take care of myself. With the first day of vacation I decided to do things for me. Started with a great workout at the gym including time in the steam room. Off to get some shopping done for Christmas (I don't like shopping but this is the only time I have without Josie to take care of her gifts so...). Then off to Lisa for a massage. Lisa is the greatest gift I give myself. I have gone to her for 13 years and we have been through a lot together. Home to do some lesson plans (yes, that is fun for me) and a bit of junk talk show t.v. All in all it was a nice day.

November 18

Today I am thankful for the HUGE 100 year old tree in our front yard. This tree shades us in the hot summer, houses birds whose song we enjoy, and adds character to our house. Usually I curse it this time of year because since it is so huge it drops A LOT of leaves. Today however I see it differently - I thank the tree for the excellent work out I got today raking all the thousands of leaves. I am healthier for it. As I look at the tree I see there are still thousands left to fall and I still may be cursing it this season but today I really appreciate the tree.

Josie: That I got McDonalds for dinner.  *Oops - I am creating bad habits.

Me: Fell asleep yesterday without a thankful note so here are two today.
First, I am thankful for the warmth of a raging fire in the fireplace. It is COLD and rainy here and the fire is fantastic.
Second, I am thankful for McDonalds. I know this is really bad but I have to be honest. After getting Josie at 6:00pm and realizing there was no plan for dinner at home I gave in. Tomorrow it will be a homemade meal but not tonight. The fries were good though.

Day 14

Josie: I am thankful for my friend Clayden.  We like to play together.

Me: Today I am thankful for the moment at the end of the day when I get to lay down with Josie and cuddle while she falls asleep. Many of you know I am sometimes frustrated that she does not go to sleep well but if I am really honest I love the excuse to lay with her and cuddle her and just be still together.

Day 13

Josie: I am thankful for my cat Weezie.  I love her.

Me: Today I am thankful for two things and since I started late I figure it is okay.
First, I am thankful for Maria. She comes every Tuesday to clean the house and she goes way above and beyond. Just today - she cleaned the cat box (she deserves a bonus), saw the dishwasher was not run and ran it then put everything away, and she put the flannel sheets on the bed. Maria is an extraordinary gift and makes my day every Tuesday.
Second, I am thankful for the wonderful people at Merryhill especially Ms. Paulina. I know that Josie is loved and cared for while I am at work. Today I left her off at 7:30 am and picked her up at 5:55pm. I hurt for leaving her there that long but knowing she is having fun and is taken care of helps.
Maria and Merryhill- two things that lighten my burden and for them I am thankful.

Day 12

Josie: I am thankful I got to stay home with mom today and do projects together.

Me: Today I am thankful for our dog Ernie. I am thankful for the comfort and love he shows when one of us is upset. I am thankful for the longing gaze he gives that compels us to get up and walk. I am thankful he is teaching Josie the responsibility for something other than herself. Ernie you have been a great dog these last 9 years.

Day 11:

Josie: I am thankful for your ipad so I can play ABC Mouse.com. I like it.

Me: Today I am thankful for my parents. Our house growing up was a loving, crazy, and happy place. They offered me experiences, opportunities, and advise that have made me what I am today - strong, educated, resilient, determined, and happy. Thanks mom and dad!