Empty

Not sure if it is just fatigue from the excitement of traveling and seeing family and way too much driving. Or if it is not feeling the best and worrying about a sick Ashley and a sick Jonathan. Or if it is post traveling mess of laundry, grocery needs, adjusting back to schedules and off sugar highs of travel snacks. Or if it is a mix of feelings and worries and battles to get truth straightened out in my mind instead of focusing on emotions which are so momentary.

Whatever it is, I am tired and feeling empty. I want to catch up on the days I missed. I just saw all my family and have many many things to be thankful for, but I am sort of blue. So I am going to just focus on now and write for today and start fresh again tomorrow. November is almost over. I need to decide what I will do for December. I really did lose the challenge to myself so maybe I can try again in someway in December. and I need to get some more pictures up. Jonathan and Elijah are too cute not to show off!! :)

1. We are not driving right now!!!!!!!!!!
2. Jonathan's cough is sounding a little better. I feel horrible for letting it go this long and am thankful it is hopefully getting better. He has been sick more in the last couple months than in his whole life it seems. I guess it is school and so many more germs.
3. My nephew Mac calls Jonathan "Johnny" and it is just precious to hear in his little voice. His sister Cammi is starting to call him that too. I love hearing Mac say "Hi Johnny" or "I want to sit by Johnny." I don't think anyone else would get by with calling him that. It was great to see them playing together again.
4. I bought a couple new soap dispensers. Usually I just get the big jug and refill the dispensers we have but one was getting really icky and we needed one for the bathroom at the shooting range. So I got two new ones the other day and so enjoy how the soap smells! It is the little stuff. :)
5. Playing Zingo with Jonathan and Ashley. We had been playing games a lot in the evening a few months ago but have not done much lately. It was fun to do again. Jonathan is competitive and likes to win. Everything is always a lesson! Sometimes that is exhausting. Elijah did great just watching and listening and babbling away.

Weary

I am tired tonight. The last few days have been extra busy. I am worn out physically and mentally. We have a long drive tomorrow so hopefully sleep tonight will be revitalizing.



1. Elijah weighs 16 pounds! He had his four month check up today and all went well. The doctor called him pudgy! I am so thankful he is growing and healthy and I love all his rolls.



2. Reading with Jonathan tonight. I stopped at the library today to get some books on tape for our drive and checked out a few books for Jonathan. It amazes me how he can be going all out, full speed, full volume and then will drop to the floor and be totally engrossed in a book when he sees one. I love LOVE that he likes books. Jonathan and I have been clashing a lot lately so it was good to have some positive moments.



3. Finally finally getting to the end of the first part of a big project for Ashley. It is so nice to have it as far a long as we do.



4. Elijah go the giggles tonight. it was so cute. he just laughed and laughed. He was watching Jonathan and Ashley who were doing nothing and he giggled away. I layed him down on the bed and he laughed. Anything made him smile. It was such fun.



5. Most of the packing done. Just last minute things to do in the morning. Ashley thinks it is ridculous that for me this will involve vaccumming. Really is rather silly I guess, but it is so nice to come home to a clean house. Right now Ashley is sewing. He is fixing a car cover that our dog is tearing up. How I love this gun shooting, fast driving, loud truck owning man of mine who crochets and can put a button back on much better than I do!



Can't wait to see my Mom holding Elijah again!!

Passed!

A day late but lots to be thankful for this weekend:

1. I took Ashley's concealed carry permit class on Saturday and passed! He wanted to me to take it and I said sure and then when the day came, I was rather nervous about passing the written test and really nervous about the test on the range where I would have to do actual shooting. But I passed!!

2. Ashley was proud of my shooting. That felt really really good!

3. The day went smoothly. I was nervous about being a mom, a wife, a student, an assistant and providing the food for the day but it all worked out well. The boys did GREAT! I was so relieved and so proud of them. The timing went well for Elijah, the food was ready on time, and I truly learned things.

4. Got everyone ready on time for church this morning. And had a good breakfast.

5. Got the house picked up today. The last couple days have been really busy and the house and dishes reflected this. Dishes are done and laundry is in process. I need to have it done to start packing!

6. All of us riding 4-wheelers. Elijah just looks all around and takes it in. The weather was nice and it felt good to be outside. The leaves are just gorgeous.

7. All of us singing together on the way to church. Jonathan and Ashley are certain Elijah likes the music loud!

8. Eating yummy Mexican food for lunch today.

9. I made some good sweet tea. I do not make the best tea. But it worked today. Not too sweet but sweet enough. It is a little indulgence. I get the caffeine free kind of tea bags. Not sure why I have trouble with something simple like tea. My sister Nikki makes good tea. Of course she makes it really sweet!

10. Elijah in the bath. He laughs and kicks. And he smells so yummy afterwards.

Friday

My thankful list:

1. Watching Eli respond to Ashley. His eyes light up and his feet kick and he laughs his sweet laugh. he has started this little growling noise which is so funny. and he wore his yellow hat again today which just makes me laugh.

2. A productive day at Ashley's office. It just feels good to cross things off the list.

3. Watching Ashley teach. He is a natural. And when it is about guns, his love and passion for the subject is so apparent. he really wants people to learn and improve.

4. A movie to watch with Ashley now as we work on some more paperwork. It makes it a bit easier to face when there is entertainment. It feels like there is lots to do before Thanksgiving break.

5. Hearing Jonathan's love for his teacher. He just thinks Mrs. Ashlee is wonderful. We do too! I love that he feels so good and safe with her. If she says something is a certain way, then that is how it is. I have heard him say several times "Mrs. Ashlee said it is _______, so that it is." I remember thinking teachers were just incredible. I remember being shocked that they did such regular things like go to the bathroom. They were superhuman in my mind. She makes it okay to leave him at school each day.

Off to paperwork. I think a bit of ice cream might be in order!

Late again.

I am thankful for....
1. Elijah has this knit or crochetted yellow hat with a ball on top. It is nice and warm. It is hilarious! He looks so cute everytime I put it on him. It makes me laugh outloud.

2. The dishes are done. Sometimes it is the very basic things that make me happy.

3. Elijah's schedule was off quite a bit today. But it worked out okay. I am not crazy strict about a schedule for him but we go through a sleep, eat, wake/play cycle throughout the day and it works well for him. It got a little mixed around today but thankfully, things still went okay.

4. The feeling of a freshly washed face, contacts out, teeth brushed. It just feels so clean and refreshing.

5. Jonathan had a thanksgiving program at school. I will have to put on pictures later. He was the pilgram mayor. I have to brag and say he was the only one with an individual line. he had to say "bless this land" three times. He did great! He would start out loud and then it seemed he would realize what he was doing and he would fade out. His sunday school teachers would be surprised to know he did this. Miss Becky, Miss Jenny, Miss Deb, I need to thank all of them for not giving up on him when he did not want to stand and sing and for encouraging/insisting he do so. He is singing in school now. Still not his favorite thing. And he much prefers Johnny Cash and Sugarland to church songs at this point, but I catch him singing along to praise and worship CDs sometimes too. I love it!

Better Day

Today I am thankful for......
1. A better day for Elijah. Yesterday was a really fussy day for him. Today he was a little more back to his fairly laid back self. It is such fun to watch his legs start kicking and his smile get so big when he sees me. Even his eyes smile. He is beyond precious.

2. Getting the house cleaned, or at least cleaner. Dusting did not happen. I despise dusting.

3. Listening to giggling all the way home from school. Two friends came over to play with Jonathan. They laughed all the way home. Then they were in constant motion while they were here. There was quite a bit of wrestling happening so Jonathan was thrilled!

4. Sunshine.

5. French toast for breakfast.

Basics

Today was not a good day. Far, far from my worst day, but not a good day.
I even thought at one point that I would have nothing to post. I decided
that for December I would write five things that went bad each day! But that
was just pitiful, feel sorry for myself thinking. So today's grateful things are very
basic because that is where I needed to get to....

1. I am thankful that God's mercies are new every morning. I have a new chance
even when I slip back into bad habits and old behaviors that are not healthy or positive.

2. I am thankful for shelter in the rain. It rained literally all day. Usually I like the rain, but
today's rain was cold and I could not get warm all day.

3. I am thankful for a reminder of Who won the ultimate battle and Who fights mine.

4. I am thankful for the love of sisters who really know me and never never give up on me.

5. I am thankful the day is over.

Oh, and I am thankful for getting to Skype a bit with Polly and her family. My nephew Caleb has the sweetest voice. When he says "Tia Jo" there is no where else I want to be than listening to him. Can't wait to kiss all their sweet skin!

Look, the day was better than I thought. Thanks God for another day.

Monday

Today I am grateful for:

1. Taco soup. This is probably Jonathan's favorite meal. When we had a special Jonathan day before Elijah was born this is what he chose to eat even in the heat of July! It is really yummy and easy to make and goes in the crockpot. I feel extra homemakerish when I use the crockpot!! It was so wonderful to have a warm meal ready at the end of a busy day. Thanks for the recipe Lacy!

2. My sweatshirt. I found a hoodie at a garage sale this summer. it is just the right size and very warm and so comfy! it felt so good to put it on at the end of the day today.

3. A recovery from an UGLY time with Jonathan. It was the end of the day. we were both tired. I did not handle my frustrations and emotions well at all. he was in tears and not being respectful. I was nearly in tears and not being mature. But we were able to turn it around and the end of the day held some sweet moments. Parenting is tough!

4. The fall leaves. The colors are just amazing. Isn't God incredible with the details He provides for us to enjoy!

5. Listening to Jonathan sing Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire. He loves that song. And I love him!

Does this mean I lost?

So I have missed a couple days. Not sure if this means I lost the challenge? But since I am the one who created the challenge, I guess I create the rules. So I am hereby adding this clause: "if at any point, due to the participant's life or others' needs or exhaustion or puking or no computer available or really any other factors, it is allowable to miss a day. the participant need only to attempt to makeup the days if possible or simply begin anew."
I think I like making my own rules!

So the following will cover the weekend:

1. I got to see a dream come true! Ashley held his first concealed gun carry permit class this Sat. this is perfect for him; combining a passion for guns and a passion for sharing knowledge. Ten people went through the class and passed. Must have been the good teaching!! The last month and a half has been busy getting the range ready and meeting all the state requirements and paperwork.
2. After a week of gorgeous weather, it rained yesterday. The range is not covered yet so Ashley was anxious all morning about the outdoor shooting portion of the class. It was lightly misting when they arrived to shoot; the rain stopped altogether once they were in the firing line and then began to really come down once they had handed out the certificates. The timing was perfect!
3. Mac!!! My nephew turned 6 on Friday. I so remember six years ago when I first got to hold sweet Mac. He and Jonathan have such a good time together. They are constantly busy building something or digging somewhere or riding bikes or plotting something. Mac is not the biggest on physical affection so the hugs I do get are extra special or when he lets me hold his hand a bit longer after we cross the street, it makes my day! His stories are always entertaining and his voice is precious. Wow, do we miss you Mac! We hope this year is wonderful!!
4. Water. This may sound like I am searching, but really it is because I cleaned up puke off the floor last night and I am so thankful for water to clean with and to wash my hand with, several times!
5. Diapers are washed! it is not the washing I am thankful for but that it is done!
6. We had pizza to eat Friday night. I have been craving pizza for nearly a month I think, and not the kind I make. So Friday we splurged. I had to get several, actually a ridculously full cart load of stuff to the point where it was hard to push and I was carrying several things and several people asked if I needed help!, things at Walmart and knew we still had lots to do at the office to prep for Sat. So Ashley picked up Jonathan from school and they finished things out on the range before it got dark and Elijah and I ran the errands and picked up pizza! We ate at the office and finally made it home about 10. The pizza was so yummy!
7. My role in playing with Jonathan today was to stay covered up with my eyes closed and stay quiet. He was fighting off the polar bears and rabbits and other wild beasts. I think I did my role quite well as I drifted off to sleep several times! It was good to see him have energy again after a day and a half of not feeling well.
8. Shooting skeet with Ashley today. Or attempting to! I think I crossed the line into redneck as I shot the shotgun while my baby sat barefoot near us in the stroller!!
9. The timing of a busy Sat went very well. We got everything delivered to Ashley class that we needed to and Elijah's schedule worked out fine and Jonathan was able to stay warm and rest and not puke until the evening.
10. Feeling hopeful.

10

I missed yesterday. We had this computer at the office and I forgot to bring it home with me and Ashley did not get home until really late so I had a decent excuse. Ashley's first concealed carry permit class is this Sat so this week has been really busy with preparing for that. So I am playing catch up tonight......

1. Watching and listening to Jonathan and Ashley throw water balloons. I got to fill a few myself. No wonder Jonathan loves his daddy so much. He is a lot of fun!

2. This is really materialistic, but I am thankful for our Jeep. I know very little about vehicles. Ashley gets annoyed with how little I know and how little I am impressed by fancy vehicles, but I have always liked Jeeps. I drove Ashley's dad's Lincoln for almost a year. I felt like an old person. But was thankful to have a car. Now I get to drive this cool looking silver Jeep!

3. This one is HUGE! Last night when I talked to my mom, she was safe and cozy on their couch. A year ago last night, she fell through our attic to our garage cement floor and broke her neck and arm. She was in tremendous pain for quite some time. I am so very thankful that God heals and chose to heal my mom. I will never forget seeing her fall and the sheer terror of that moment.

4. Remembering a year ago made me also very thankful to not be in the moving process right now!! :)

5. I have to say the weather again. It has just been exquisite!!

6. A really good hamburger yesterday. I love to have lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese, all the works on a hamburger or sandwich. It was a treat!

7. Jonathan's good attitude about leftovers tonight. He usually is pretty good about eating leftovers but by the third meal, he is tired of it too. Both Ashley and I don't like to waste food, and tonight we all got home late and hungry. I was thankful to have soup leftover and receptive mouths!!

8. A lady who gave extra effort to help me. I am trying to help Ashley with something and really don't know what I am doing. This lady was very kind and gave me some great information that will be very helpful. And she didn't have to do it.

9. Singing for Elijah. He really responds to music. even my pitiful attempts at it!

10. Sleep, sweet sleep.

Another day

Today I am thankful for

1. Ashley's delight in simple things. There were lots of honey bees outside his office door today and it was fun to watch his excitement about feeding them Dr. Pepper and showing Jonathan and monitoring their progress. I have always loved Ashley's interest in so many different things.

2. Made one of my favorite meals tonight, a chicken and rice and vegetable dish. Jonathan was very complimentary which was so nice. We have been struggling with him being a pickier eater lately when he has usually been a good eater. So it was fun to have him like the meal and eat a lot of good healthy food. And Ashley said we should have this several times a week!

3. Progress on a few phone calls for Ashley. Some that I have been putting off but I did today and got some positive results.

4. A fun walk with Jonathan. Everything is an adventure with that boy!

5. New library books for Jonathan. I love the library! It is always fun to have new books to read to Jonathan. I think I get as he excited as he does. After reading them for the fourth or fifth or sixth time, I am not as excited. I had to pay 10 cents on a book I checked out for me and rechecked several times and never finished it. This is just not a stage of life to read for fun.

Oops, late!

1. Only with God, I faced a situation that has terrified me for a time. And I remained under control during it. Truly truly, ONLY THROUGH GOD.

2. Laughing with Elijah. He seriously has a sense of humor. His laugh is just precious. I really think it might could bring world peace if everyone could hear it! :)

3. Timing worked that Elijah was napping and so Jonathan and I got to sit and read together. We often do when I am nursing Elijah and Jonathan is great about holding the book and turning the page when I say "ding." He requested I do this because he has listened to some books on tape and that is how they work. But it was good to get to hold him on my lap and read together and talk about school.

4. Talking with my nephews on the phone. It was fun to hear about their day to day things like hiccups and birthday cupcakes. And to learn that my sweet little niece is great progress with potty training. Sometimes talking with them or about them hits me the other way and I am so sad to be missing so much of their lives.

5. Progress on a couple things at Ashley's office. it feels good to get something done that won't have to be done again right away. My days are filled with things that have to be done again and again such as changing diapers, cleaning, cooking, laundry, etc. And I wouldn't want anything else right now, but it does feel good to complete a task and have it truly completed!

One extra, the weather has been so gorgeous! The news said we were having an Indian Summer. Just perfect weather during the day and then it gets cold during the night so a supper of fresh bread and hot soup tasted so yummy.

Ah Sunday

Today I am thankful for....

1. A good breakfast. Sunday should be a day to have a good family breakfast. It seldom seems to work that way for us. Today it did. This did mean that both boys were awake at 6:45 this morning. Yes, on a Sunday. Someday I will sleep in again!! But we had bacon and eggs and raisin bread. nothing fancy but it was a good hot breakfast. Jonathan cooks the eggs for us. I crack them. He used to like to do this but then decided he didnt want to anymore because I made him wash his hands after he cracks them! So my five year old cooked the eggs while I put my make-up on!

2. I put our down comforter back on the bed. I love it!! It is so warm and makes our bed such a happy place! :)

3. Our sweet friend Lori was glad to see Elijah at church today. Since we don't have grandparents here for the boys, I am thankful for a loving pair of arms that sincerely are glad to see our boys. She is an invaluable friend and support to me.

4. We went for a walk as a family around our pond. The weather was perfect. Jonathan is such a delight. he is truly happiest outside. perhaps because the opportunities to get dirty are so much greater! We walked and talked and explored and laughed. Elijah fell asleep and had a great nap even after we got back. That should have topped the list!

5. Melanie Stahl. Her friendship and her walk with Christ and her willingness to share truths she has learned has truly changed my life.

Cotton Pickin

I have experienced my first cotton harvest. I had more pictures but cannot find them on the computer now. My non-native status was confirmed again when I asked someone if their cotton was cut. Ashley informed me you pick cotton, not cut it! My Grandpa Niehage used to sometimes call us little cotton pickers when we were little. Ashley informed me that would have been very racially inappropriate around here. Quite certain Grandpa was not trying to be inappropriate! I have seen the cotton fields blooming and the aftermath of the harvest but it was neat to see it all in action. Cotton lined the ditches and roads, we met or passed or saw in fields countless cotton trailers and cotton pickers (the combine for picking cotton). The gins ran all the time to process the cotton. Dust from the cotton was everywhere. Late in the evening you could see lights in fields with famers eager to get the crop in. The weather was in complete control. Different crop; same scenerios!!

Jonathan's class got to go to a cotton field on a field trip. He came home with a bag of cotton that he had picked. He learned that money is made from cotton so he had big plans to make lots of money with his cotton!! One evening we were outside and saw a church group go by on a cotton ride. I grew up going on hayrack rides. This was the same thing but in a cotton trailer half full of cotton. We drove the 4-wheelers out to a cotton field that used a new method of round cotton bales. Jonathan and I had fun climbing on them. Ashley had us smell the cotton. It was a unique smell. I believe the harvest if over now. The gins are still finishing all the processing. It was neat to see something that is so important in this area.

Weather

Ashley was making Elijah laugh and laugh. It was precious to hear.

We went for a walk today to get eggs from our neighbor down the road. I think Elijah looks so cute in the sweatshirt I found for him at a consignment sale.

Jonathan did a great job pushing the stroller, with a few reminders to slow down and stay on the road! I was then in charge of Pepper on the leash and making sure the eggs did not break!

1. Incredible weather! It got very cold last night but was just gorgeous today. Today was a good day to live in TN.

2. Wonderful walk to get eggs with my sweet boys. We made it there and back in one piece even with a high strung dog, two dozen eggs, several stops to adjust socks in boots, a run in with a cat, and a little off roading in the stroller. Anywhere with Jonathan is an adventure!

3. I heard Jonathan say these words "It will be okay," to Elijah!!! He was putting in a different CD and Elijah was starting to fuss a bit and so he spoke reassuringly to him. Thank You Lord!! And when we were walking, he was conscious to not tip him out of the stroller when going down hill and to protect him in the sun. It was sooo good to hear him considering Elijah.

4. Ashley changed two diapers. One was even poopy. Enough said.

5. Seeing a positive change after a discipline incident. Oh how I pray daily for wisdom in parenting. It is hard! And I so want to reach their hearts.

Now to thank you notes. Sort of anxious to see how the time change will affect Elijah. I remember it messing up Jonathan's schedule when he was little. I shudder at the idea of anything altering Elijah's sleep.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom. I hope you had a most special day. You especially feel way too far away today. I wish we could have gone on a walk or brought you your cookies in person and sat at the kitchen table and ate them and listened to Jonathan's stories and Elijah's sweet noises.

Even though you are hundreds of miles away, you still touch our lives on a daily basis.

Today I am thankful for the ways my Mom touches my life even from miles away....

1. The green cups. My parents have had these green glasses for years and they are my favorite for drinking water at their house. I know it doesnt make sense, but the water tastes better in those cups. At one point in moving to TN, my thoughtful, unselfish mom gave me those cups to take along. I was so touched. I use them on a daily basis and think of you Mom. They make the water taste better here too!! I confess I try to sort of hide them in the cupboard so nothing happens to them by other users!

2. The plants my Mom has given me. We have several plants in the house that my Mom has given to me on various occassions such as new year of college, new baby, move to TN. I am thankful they are still living! And thankful for the visual reminder of you Mom and of your appreciation for plants and flowers and for teaching me to enjoy them also.

3. Meal preparation. When I plan a meal, I aim to cover all food groups. This is the way I grew up eating. We would have fruits and veggies at meals always. It taught us to like them, well except for Nikki :), and had to help us all stay quite healthy. Now I try to cook this way and when I hear Ashley appreciating meals, I thank you for the example Mom and when I see Jonathan learning to eat a range of foods, I thank you Mom.

4. Elijah's blanket. Since the day it arrived, he has been wrapped in that blanket or the one you made for Jonathan for every nap and every night. I am determined one will become his "blankie!" Not sure how much say I actually have in this, but I am going to give it my best effort. I am so thankful for such lovely, soft blankets made with love to wrap him in. They both have such neat texture. Elijah is currently chewing on them a lot! I am so thankful my boys have a Grammy who loves them dearly and prays for them and calls to hear about them and talk to them , or at least the one who can talk!!

5. My quiet time. All my life I have seen you spend time reading the Bible. Your life is a testimony to the faith you have in Jesus Christ. So when I attempt to discipline myself to spend time in the Word and to live a Godly life, I am thankful, so very thankful, for the example you have given to me Mom. Thank you for living your faith. You are an incredible, strong women.

Thank You Lord for my Mom. I pray for wisdom and strength for her in the year ahead.

I love you Mom.

Sick Day #2

This picture is for you Mom. Ashley let me have an evening to myself last Friday. Wish we could have gone shopping together! When I got back, all three boys had tatoos. Yes, Elijah's soft, flawless skin had been marred. But selfishly, those three hours to myself was worth it! It washes off anyway! :)

Today I am grateful for .....
1. My two sisters. They are both such an encouragement to me and I admire both of them so much. Today I actually got to talk to both of them for more than just a minute with amazingly minimal interruptions considering the eight children involved!

2. No throwing up. Jonathan and I had different ideas of what foods to eat today. He felt he was ready for ice cream; I was more on the line of rice or applesauce or toast. We compromised with popcorn this afternoon. I thought that was fairly bland. It stayed down and he ate a decent supper so I am hopeful he is better.

3. Seeing more interaction from Jonathan towards Elijah. He played a sort of peek-a-boo with him and made him laugh and laugh in the bath tonight. Progress!

4. Everyone asleep by 8:30, minimal dishes to do, house not too messy.

5. Everyone, including Elijah which means me too, sleeping in a bit this morning since we did not have school to get to.

Sick Day

Tonight I am thankful for....
1. Jonathan's sweet sweet teacher who took care of him when he got sick at school. She kept him from feeling embarassed or scared. I truly thank God for her on a daily basis!

2. Jonathan is good at throwing up. That probably sounds strange but what I mean is he is able to make it to the toilet and throw up in the toilet. For this I am very grateful!!

3. Leftovers from supper last night. and a husband who is not opposed to eating leftovers!

4. My sweet five year old who is all boy who LOVES to watch Little House on the Prairie. Ashley and Jonathan got me one of the seasons for my birthday this year and Jonathan loves them. He watched several episodes today curled up in a chair with his deeply loved blankie.

5. Rain today. Love to hear it on our roof. And to be warm and dry inside.

Searching a little today.....

His energy does actually run out. Fell asleep on the bull dozer helping Daddy with the range.

Today was not the best day but there is still much to be thankful for . . . .
1. The much dreaded dentist appointment for Jonathan is over! It was AWFUL! So very thankful it is over.

2. Ashley made it work to go with us to the appointment. It would have been so very much worse had he not been there.

3. Elijah's laugh. One of the best sounds ever!

4. Enjoying my favorite candy bar in Jonathan's halloween candy.

5. A warm house and warm sweatshirt. It turned cold here today. Jonathan still needed his outside time though. It did feel good and then felt good to eat a hot supper.

6. One extra----the opportunity to vote! How blessed we are to live in the United States of America!

Now to sleep and start fresh in the morning. Jonathan is having two friends over from school tomorrow. He has wanted to for a long time so he is quite excited!

Gratitude

Look how chubby his belly looks! He has numerous pudgy rolls now. He was sitting in Ashley's office watching Daddy work. He will just jabber away to us.

5 things I am thankful for today:

1. Jonathan often blows me kisses as he walks into school when I drop him off in the morning. All too soon he will not do this I know. So I treasure each morning when this happens.

2. Ashley makes me laugh. Laughing together heals a lot.

3. I successfully cut Elijah's nails. this is a task I deplore and his nails seem to grow so quickly. Got it done without drawing any blood!

4. Ashley brought me home some chocolate tonight!

5. Laundry done, most all put away, clean sheets on the beds.

Now to go sleep under those clean sheets until sweet Eli awakes.