gratitude...

My sister tagged me for a gratitude challenge on facebook. The deal was to share three things for seven days (21!!) that we are thankful for. My first reaction was definitely to be grumpy about it... But, I figured that was just all the more reason I needed to do it. I forget to get on facebook sometimes, so I broke the rules and put my own spin on it... Here is my full list (all 21!) and this way, I can add pictures.

Here we go!

1. I will lump family into one and just get it out there. It doesn't lessen their importance, I'm just trying to stretch myself a little. My entire family is a blessing in so many ways. My parents are so kind and thoughtful and loving. My sister always builds me up with inspiring words. Her children are lovely young adults who give me faith in the next generation. My husband's family is always kind and supportive. My husband, Ross, is a great complement to my awesome wit (ha ha) and my biggest fan. My sweet kiddos- well - in all ways, they make me better. What more can I say? (actually, I may have to come back to them -21 is a lot of things).







2. And if you are still here after that... YOU, yep, if you are reading this- if our paths have crossed- past, present - I am blessed to know you. We can always learn something from another.

3. Sunshine and September - I'm solar powered and just love me some sunshine. And September brings cool, fall mornings - fantastic combo!


4. The attention and understanding of Introverts. I'm totally one, but never knew why I was the way I was for years! Knowlege is power, and I just need a little hole to curl up in sometimes.

5. My camera to take pictures - occasionally I can capture something that turns out exactly how I want and it is pretty cool! the motivation to keep going!



6. To be able and available to watch my kids play soccer. My daughter's team is pretty dang good (I'm stating that as more fact than parent bragging, or that is my intention) and it is so fun to watch her team grow together in so many ways.


tournament champs

7. Speaking of Zoey - this girl- such a strong personality and a tender heart. She is an inspiration and so funny, too. It is by keeping our grateful heart that we will thrive through the teenage years (fingers crossed).



8. And my Max - who make me laugh and amazes me with this mind. He thinks so differently than I do- I am thankful to be able to learn from him each day!



9. Thankful for a reliable car - last year at this time, my car was breaking down and was such a source of stress as I never knew when it would happen again!

10. Just had a birthday - so I am thankful for that. And with that, I had an awesome lunch date with Ross and then a family dinner at a fav restaurant in downtown Denver. The foodie in me thinks the fun, fine dining just doesn't get better. LOVE IT.



11. I have to be thankful for our dog, Leo. As far as shelter dogs go, we got lucky and he is pretty darn good, and gets better as he transitions out of puppyhood. And really, he brings so.much.joy to our kiddos, it's mostly worth it. Plus, how can you not smile when he is crazy excited to see you every time you come home!



12. Our patio and the grill - Ross loves to grill some yummy food and before/after dinner we sit out on the the patio - listen to music or just chat. It's simple and lovely. The moments that make up our lives, right?

13. Our church - We go to St. Thomas Aquinas in Boulder which services the students at CU. It's small, but has a funny, young, pretty awesome priest and reminds me of my great experiences at St Mary's in College Station! Whoop!

14. MarioKart and DLC - it's the little things, right? MarioKart is the one game our whole family plays (I'm the worst) but we have tournaments and competitions and discussions over what bikes and characters are best! It is so fun and Plus - new tracks! (DLC is downloadable content, if you were wondering, because I totally wasn't)



15. Schools - both are great. And Zoey's is 1/2 mile away and one of the best in the area. So thankful for that.

16. Half N Half - I just did this food/diet detox with no sugar/grains/dairy. And well, while it was all good and everything, I do love coffee with half n half. oh, and chocolate. always chocolate.

17. And who coined the term Resting Bitch Face? Thank you for putting into 3 words the story of my life!!! I promise you I am not mad, or really, not even bitchy... its just what my face looks like. I'm nice, really :)

18. And let's just keep it real...I love my iPhone. I spend a lot of time in my car waiting around. Sometimes I read, sometimes I just look up things on my phone. I mean, all of human knowledge at my fingertips! And instagram - hello, pictures and connectivity and inspiration = awesome.

19. Recipes online too. so glad to be able to look things up, read reviews, try something new.

20. Running - I kind of love/hate it right now, but without it, I'd be way more grumpy. My husband's thankful for this, too.


after a run the other day... bugs on our face, gross!

21. And finally, I am grateful to be able to make mistakes, ask for forgiveness, fail, fail, fail and always, start again - Boom!