Thanksgiving

I don't have much to say tonight, being frustrated with a child who has been so dog tired today, yet refused to take naps, but extremely fussy and tired as a result of no napping. My wits and patience are basically non-existant, but I have a few minutes to spare while waiting for the hubby to come home from work before heading out for more errands, etc. So, I will torture you all who read this with some mundane things.

Like things I'm grateful for, seeing as how it IS Thanksgiving this week.

I absolutely enjoy my daily walks with Kaleb. Unfortunatley, he refuses the stroller, so I still pack him around in the baby bjorn (thanks tony/marj/mick!) So, we pack up, I put tissue (for his constantly running nose obviously!) in my left back pocket, his extra jacket/mittens in my right back pocket, him on my front, string cheese in his hands to occupy him for the first 10 minutes or so, and we head out. Sometimes the neighbor joins us, or another lady who lives around the corner, but most of the time, we go alone. It's gorgeous. We may look like geeks, but our surroundings and the experience is fantastic. Right now it's Fall, so we have the crisp cool air, the abundant array of various colors on the bushes, trees, ground, and sky. The sky has been absolutely incredible the past week or so (the days it hasn't been raining anyway). Kaleb is usually entertained by all the dogs out walking, or the squirrils, or birds, while I enjoy the beauty of the sky or colors, (trying to ignore all the townhouses everywhere). Kaleb has learned how to point, so that is always fun now too! But ah, there is just something wordless about it. I get to hold my baby's hands (to keep them warm, but I also just enjoy holding his precious little hands while I can). I kiss the top of his sweet head. He babbles like there is no tomorrow. The expanse of sky is painted with exquisite cloud formations and colors, and the trees are just breathtaking these days. The air is fresh and cold, and we are just out there, enjoying what God has designed for us. Ahhh.... something I am grateful for. :)

I am also very grateful for my job. Naturally the basic stuff like having a job that helps pay the bills in these trying times. But I am extremely grateful to have such a fair, just, understanding, flexible supervisor that makes the entire team work like a family. I don't think I've ever had such a great supervisor. Yes, I've had some good and some bad in my past, but this one really tops the cake in the fantastic department. And because of that, I have great perks on the job such as a family atmosphere with my teammates, one remote day a week where I don't have to fight the terrible traffic to get to work, flexibility to leave when I need to if Kaleb is sick or flexing time when needed, the list goes on. I am grateful for my job, supervisor, and teammates (and don't forget that remote day a week!).

I am grateful we live in an area that is better suited to Kaleb growing up. I loved my place we had to sell, and move away from. But, Kaleb should have a better environment to grow up in, with less risk of being killed, mugged, bullied, or who knows what. Yes, those things could still happen, but think about it: PG county vs baby friendly manassas...

I'm grateful we've been able to do some work on the new place. I finally have my red walls, most of the bedrooms are painted the colors I want, even the hallway on the main floor! Now we have to attack the nasty wallpaper upstairs, and in the bathrooms... But at least the main living area feels like home finally... which helps. :)

I'm grateful to have a family! Larry treats me like a queen, and his family is the sweetest! I'm lucky to have married into a family that loves each other, and even me! And of course I am extremely appreciative of my own family. the Halls are such an example to me, and I want to grow up to be like them some day. :) And obviously I am very grateful for my baby, and the huge amount of love that God has placed in my heart for him. I never thought it would happen...

I'm grateful for dancing! A few years back, that would have been the very first thing on my list, the middle, and the last! Everything was dance, and I'm glad I still get to taste that sweetness when I do, though definitely not as often as I would like. Dancing appeases me on so many levels: physically, musically, socially,artistically, creatively, and spiritually. I have thoroughly enjoyed each aspect of it, and have met some fabulous friends and people in the process! SO I'm grateful for the friends, the dancing, the music, the experiences, and the outlet where I can feel at one with the world, the community, myself, and God, all the while enjoying ambiance and music... what a fabulous thing!

I'm grateful for movement. As I can't dance every day like I used to, I can at least do other things: pilates, walking, eliptical, DDR, or whatever suits my fancy (and the baby schedule these days). There is just something wonderful about movement!

I'm grateful for our church congregation where we moved. It's amazing how many people are walking distance to us, and how kind people are (in or out of the church). I feel awkward talking about my spiritual gratitude in a public forum, but I will at least admit that I am grateful for spirituality (mine and those I come in contact with). :)

Hummm... any last thoughts before I sign off? Someone recently posted on FB that they were grateful for the ability to read, which reminded me of my own gratitude for the many things I take for granted: our five senses, our abilities (such as reading, taking care of ourselves), our communities, country, freedoms, etc. There are many more, but duty calls in other areas, so I'm signing off...

Until pics of family festivities are posted... Happy thanksgiving to you all!!! May you all have plenty of things to be grateful for!