Thanks 20
Today I’m thankful that for the first time in a long time, I DON’T have to cook AT ALL for Thanksgiving.
Ahhhh, a day to relax. I will bask in it as I still have to work Friday and Sunday this weekend.
Thanks 19
Though, I’ve said it before, today I’m feeling thankful for where we live.
Auden and I just made a list of animals we have seen through Bothell and Kenmore to and from school: donkey, bald eagle, deer, coyote, falcon, squirrel, cow, goat, sheep, crane, horse, crow, dog, cat, rabbit, chickens. Children are so observant!
(for TODAY!)
Thanks 18
Though it my be poor form for a series of Thanksgiving posts, today I am grateful for Christmas carols. Before bedtime last night we all practiced Jingle Bells, Little Drummer Boy, and Away in a Manger. ALL of us. It doesn’t happen that often that all of do ANYTHING without cajoling. “Come sit down at dinner. Dinner’s ready guys. Come to the table. SIT DOWN!” I have to be grateful to unscripted impromptu togetherness!
I also watched, as I do every year at the beginning of the Christmas season, a video of four year old Auden singing a made up song, “Christmas is Coming”. The cuteness bowls me over.
(for Monday)
Thanks 17
Today I was thankful for a day with just my girls while the “men” went camping. And for a rare “stay home” day, as Greta calls them.
(for Sunday)
Thanks 16
Today I was grateful for chicken enchilada leftovers to have for lunch, though I do so hate putting them away every night.
(for last Saturday)
Thanks 15
Today I was grateful to have two wonderful inquisitive exuberant boys in my life for exactly seven and one half years. Alas, I did not bake them a cake.
(for last Thursday)
Thanks 14
Today I am thankful for the way Willa holds my shirt in both hands when she nurses. And the way she contentedly switches to her thumb when we’re done.
(for last Wednesday)
Thanks 13
I’m thankful for my extended family. I love them and feel thankful throughout the year for our closeness.
Tonight my sister and niece stopped by and we enjoyed a laugh after Mark asked Greta to walk on his sore back. Soon after he had five children crawling, walking, and jumping on his back in turn. By the end it was a dance platform for the three hand-holding little girls- ages 1, 2, and 4, singing Jingle Bells while listening on the stereo to Lady Gaga.
My uncle was down from Alaska on business and spent the night with us. As a homeschooling father of three mostly grown boys he is great to see with my boys who just eat up the attention.

You can tell he’s from Alaska, it was freezing outside but he came out to take pictures barefoot
Thanks 12
As a working mama, I have to be thankful, this month and always, for the great women that watch over, teach, read to, and cuddle my children while I’m away. My children’s lives are better because of the time spent with them.
(for Tuesday)
Thanks 11
Today’s post is beyond obvious.
I’m thankful for my parents. They came over yesterday, and stayed the night to help with home projects. Painting 16 foot high walls is infinitely easier with help!
Such help is representative of the helpfulness and caring they’ve extended into my adult life. Whether I needed help painting or moving or babysitting, they’ve been ready. I feel incredibly blessed to have them around. I know some mamas aren’t so lucky!