I am grateful for simplicity.

We came to this earth to learn how to say three things: 

I love you

I thank you

and

I forgive you!


(Thank you Sis B. for teaching me this.  
I love you and miss you!)

I am grateful for "popcorn popping on the apricot tree."

SPRING HAS ARRIVED!

Click here.

I am grateful for California sand.

Every time I get into my vehicle, 

I notice California sand ground deeply into my floor mats.  

This normally would bother me, but instead 

I can't help but smile and daydream of our 

recent family vacation to the golden state.
And I figure vacuuming out the suburban can wait.

I am grateful that my son finally went to school.

My four oldest children got braces on Monday.  What was I thinking?  Everyone seemed to be okay with it, except for the youngest one.  He refused to go to school for two days.  The Orthodontist put a fancy device on him called a lip bumper, which wasn't helping.  I finally called the Orthodontist and asked for it to be removed.  Sheesh.  Parenting is harder than it looks.

I am grateful for sock monkeys.

I was inspired by this girl to make sock monkeys.  

Don't look too closely because 

I have A LOT to learn about hand sewing, but I am having fun!

My first sock gorilla/duck.  

(I accidentally bought ankle socks)

My 6 year old took this little beauty to show and tell on Friday. 
I am sure the other kids were green with envy. ;)

I made this one for my youngest son today. 
I am learning how to make straighter stitches ... EXCITING!  

I know, I am a nerd.

I am grateful for German pancakes.

My 13 year old son came home from school and announced, "I will make dinner tonight."  

He might as well have told me that I had won a million dollars!

And to top it off, it was delicious!!!

I am grateful for compliments.

Last night I climbed into bed and discovered my little four year old, who had been sick all day, hidden under the covers.  I thought he was sleeping so I quietly moved toward him and gently kissed his forehead.  I quickly realized that his fever had returned, and it was raging.  As I laid there trying to figure out what to do to help him, I heard his weary little voice say, "Mom, you are so cute."

Ahhhh, that boy knows how to melt my heart, even when he is in a delusional state.