13 Hours of Rain

I am thankful for the education offered in our local public school system. While the system isn't perfect, our daughter's kindergarten teacher is providing a nurturing environment for learning and exploration. Our dear daughter, we are proud of your accomplishments. Miss R., you are a phenomenal teacher. Thank you.

I've always been on the edge of coolness. There was the in-crowd, the secret club, the people who glittered with sophistication. And I wasn't one of them. I wouldn't label myself as a "loser" back then. But I was definitely on the periphery of the trendy social crowd. I often wished that I could connect and belong. I didn't. So, I befriended those who were similar to me in their status, who also resided somewhere between blah and wow. I believe it was a good thing, a divine intervention, so to speak. I found many of my dear friends in the same social space. We shared the fact that we didn't draw the gaze and admiration of the majority. And that was okay. Because we were different from them, for different reasons such as ethnicity, age, faith or life experience. And while we were outsiders looking in, we found camaraderie in each other. Eventually I forgot I didn't belong there and embraced that I fit here. Lately, I've been reminded of my pas...

Money's on the brain today. I'm working on the taxes. And I am thankful for (1) your Daddy, who is parenting you two while I crunch numbers and (2) that I actually enjoy crunching the numbers. I am old school, though. No computer program. Just paper and pencil. I kind of like it that way, since our taxes are relatively simple (plus I don't like spending money on tax programs). I am also thankful for my stay-at-home status, because it allows me to be an nice deduction for your Daddy's income tax form. This reality positively affects our return. :) And here is another commercial that makes both your Daddy and I laugh: Interac - Be in the Black . I tried to upload it, but for some reason, couldn't. Anyway, I am thankful for Interac. It does keep our day-to-day spending in check.

As ridiculous as this may sound, I am thankful for commercials that make me laugh out loud. Mind you, I hardly ever turn the television on, save for watching a DVD with your Daddy or setting up a show for you two. I do not watch any show religiously (currently anyway). I am pathetic at keeping up with news. But I catch a few moments of prime time when your Daddy is watching sports. So, here are two commercials that have made me chuckle as of late. allowfullscreen="true">

This is my new decaffeinated friend: Traditional Medicinals Organic Ginger Aid Tea . I steep it for 10-15 minutes and add some honey. Mmmmmmm. It soothes my stomach. Plus, I love the little inspirational word(s) on each individual tea bag label (the part that is attached to the string and dangles over the edge of the cup). Today, the words were, "Be Well." I am thankful for the tea and motivation to seek God for His healing.

You kids love coloring with brand spanking new markers (and they are Scentsations this time). I am thankful for new stationary supplies and the joy it brings to you two. And I am thankful for a thought I was pondering today, "Comparison robs joy." So true.

Daughter, I am thankful for you. Your eyes sparkle and shine as you admire the pretend ruby ring you picked out from your teacher's treasure chest. "It matches my dress and my nail polish," you exclaim. "I am so pretty!" You prance and dance around, admiring your reflection in the mirror. You accept your beauty with joy instead of vanity. I remember the day you were born, and how the mystery of new life passing from embryonic water into the world's atmosphere amazed me. There you were, in my arms, alive and breathing, crying from hunger and shock. We rejoiced in that moment. We continue to rejoice today. The gifts you bring to us are endless. Love for learning. Motivation to memorize scripture. Sincerity and honesty in your words. Unbridled emotion. A will that can be very strong. And a will that can submit herself in honor and love for those around her. Thank you for being you.