With gratitude - waves of grain

Day 4

Almost caught up!

Today I'm thankful for 'amber waves of grain'. I took this picture in August as the girls and I were making a quick trip out to visit Mr. M. He was busy combining the wheat. School was almost back in session which meant time together was limited for several reasons. I spent many hours riding with him before the girls came along and there was more time. Now our visits are shorter and the cab more cramped. However, the time is still precious.

The barn is in the yard of Mr. M's aunt and uncle's home which is also where his grandma lived for a time. It's old. The paint is chipped. I think it's beautiful.

The whole scene reminds me of how lucky I am to live where there are beautiful fields, spaces to roam, kind people and generations of families who have made it a special place to raise the next generation.

With gratitude,

With gratitude - my monkeys

Day 3

I'm behind...sorry. I vow to catch up though!

Today I'm thankful for my monkeys. I have two of them and they are beautiful, kind, funny and full of life. I can safely say I've smiled and laughed every one of the last 7 years plus about 5 weeks because of one or both of them.

Thank you girls for making life much more fun and interesting and challenging and occasionally frustrating. Even in the most difficult moments, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!


With gratitude,

With gratitude - holiday memories

Day 2

It was just Halloween. Our Can-Can Dancer and Jessie (from Toy Story 2 & 3) had a great time. They traveled the neighborhood with Mr. M and came back with two baskets full of candy and a little excess in a Target bag that also made the trip as "overflow" storage.

Just to clarify, the girls did NOT go trick-or-treating by themselves. They headed across the street just to visit one neighbor, came right back with treats in hand and I watched them the entire time from the front door. I happen to LOVE that they held hands as they headed off. **sigh**

I stayed at our house handing out candy to the ghosts and goblins that visited us. We also enjoyed another tradition which I'm thankful for. All the grandparents and a favorite uncle have been coming in for dinner on Halloween evening the last couple of years. Now that we have a child in school making the trip to visit everyone to trick-or-treat has become challenging. Thankfully they are willing to come to our house on Halloween evening, enjoy dinner together and get a peek at our trick-or-treaters. I hope we can continue this newly formed tradition for years and years to come.

With gratitude,

With gratitude - an annual tradition

Day 1

Well, its been a year since I last blogged about gratitude. Thanksgiving is just around the corner (where exactly has the time gone?!?!?!!!) and I'm ready to be more aware of the Wonderful Between once again. There is much of it if you are just looking and aware of your surroundings. You can look back to read posts from last year if you wish.

Today I'm thankful to be here again this year to do it again. I have even seen a few facebook status updates from friends noting what they are thankful for today. It is so fun to see and inspiring. They all put a smile on my face.

I'm busy thinking of ideas for posts and need to get some pictures downloaded. Stay tuned!!!

In the meantime...join my challenge...what are you thankful for today??? Comment here, change your facebook status, blog about it or just THINK about it. You don't have to make it public knowledge to be affected by the power this challenge will bring to you. Trust me, doing this for a month will change your perspective on the world and you'll notice the challenge following you until next November.

With gratitude,

Back to a routine

I loved every single, solitary minute of our mostly unscheduled summer. However, all good things must come to an end. For me, new good things will come soon. I'm determined to make it happen.
I'm going to recommit myself to exercise on a regular basis. While my clothes still fit I'm not feeling so 'in shape'. So back to that Physique 57 I've blogged about before. Let see how this goes.

My closet (and pretty much my entire house) has gotten away from me this summer. I've accumulated far too many things and its time to purge, give away and declutter my house. Once all that decluttering is done hopefully cleaning won't be quite such an epic undertaking. This one may prove me wrong but I'm hopeful.

Finally, I'm already thinking about what I'm grateful for. November is just around the corner and I'll be posting every day. Join me - you can cheat and start thinking about what your grateful for now. Trust me, its far easier than you think.

What are you most looking forward to as the fall begins?

Giveaway time!

The lovely Lisa Leonard is doing another giveaway. I had to share. Click here to check it out and comment for your chance to win. Good luck!

Thanks Lisa Leonard Designs!

Inspiration

This article recently caught my eye. It's definitely worth your time to read it. You will be inspired by a daughter's love. You will be inspired by an artist's giving spirit. Inspiring!


Image from Minneapolis Star Tribune


Click here to read the article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune. I hope you enjoy.