Friday, November 26, 2010

Flashback Friday

Abby's First Thanksgiving

Because really, when you live in a house with a gigantic acrylic cheetah on the wall, where else would you take the family photo?!

November 24, 2005



P.S. I am thankful we don't have to celebrate Thanksgiving in Florida ever again!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

A Final Thank You

I'm thankful for the lessons from my grandpa,
That I carry with me each day.
I'm thankful for the things he said,
And all he didn't say.

You lived your life how you left it,
With dignity and grace.
And when I look around me,
You've left more than just a trace.

You taught us how to love,
More than you'd ever show.
And for the rest of my life you'll be with me,
More than you could ever know.


Day of Thanks--No. Twenty-Five.... The Grand Finale

Lauren: "I'm just thankful for Miss Lisa."

Abigail: "I'm thankful for playing this game." She is referring to The Game of Things we were playing at the neighbors'.

Brooke: "I'm thankful for Grandma's phone call this morning.  For the family who is with us in our hearts.  And for the family of friends next door; what a great Thanksgiving.... Thanks for inviting us to share it with you!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Twenty-Four

Abigail: "I am thankful that Lauren and me are friends."

Lauren: "I'm thankful for these pajamies." She's sporting her new ballerina bye-tootsies.

Brooke: "I'm thankful for today. We went nowhere. We stayed tucked in our jammies.  I finished making my Christmas cards. Geoff was home for supper and we ate as a family.  Life is good.

Ten on Wednesday

I missed the boat on this one last night.  So here I am mixing it up, ten random thoughts on Wednesday.

1. I think I've finally solved the mystery of why my girls vomit every time they have any significant quantity of any cream-of-something soup.... monosodium glutamate (MSG).  I can thank Mrs. Hart for that clever insight. Now, the trick is finding some without it. The hunt is on.

2. Abby loves to sing.  Is she a good singer?  Jury's out.  But she is to me.

3. When we made the multi day drive from Florida to Minnesota in '07 our saving grace was Raffi.  We haven't listened to the CD since that summer, but the girls have now fallen in love with it again. {smile}

4. My goal is to finish my Christmas cards today. Good luck to me!

5. I was pooped on multiple times by a pack of migrating birds while cleaning out my car on Sunday.  Later I was informed this is good luck.  If that is the case, I'm about to be blessed!

6. I could have kicked myself when I finished making my scones Monday morning, realizing I added 1 Tbsp. of baking soda instead of 1Tbsp. of baking powder. This is not the first time this has happened.  What makes matters worse is I even set out the baking powder and still made the mistake. The good news is they burnt in the oven anyways while I was out at the bus stop with Abby.  It was good for a laugh.  And I can proudly announce they turned out just fine on day two.

7. Abby is finally sleeping with sheets on her bed. I've developed a terrible paranoia of middle-of-the-night vomiting, and rightfully so, it went on in our house for a month. So far she is on night three of clean sheets! {knock on wood}

8. What possessed me, I don't know, but I set the timer for five minutes this morning when Lauren was throwing her fit.  When it went off, she needed to be done or she lost all TV privileges for the rest of the day.  Needless-to-say she shut up when that bell rang. {yay for us all}

9. All of my clocks, with the exception of one, have needed their batteries changed within the last month. {hmmmmm}

10. Fingers crossed this holiday season is less stressful than the last. {merry christmas}

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Twenty-Three

Lauren: "Well, I'm thankful for my mom and dad. No, wait, the cookies."  At least we know where we rate. Hahaha.

Abigail: "Thankful that I miss my daddy.  I missed him and I wanted to give him a special treat.  Guess who is the best guy, who is my favorite that we live with.  Daddy."

Brooke: "I'm thankful another successful trip to the commissary is complete. My fellow patrons weren't bad tonight, but still my patience was thin. The silver lining: going to the commissary at night means a friendlier staff, and less misguided elderly shoppers.  I'm terrible, I know."

Monday, November 22, 2010

2010 Christmas Lists

Per the request of anxious grandparents, I have composed a Christmas list for Abby and Lauren.  I am posting it on the blog for one reason: it is easy access for anyone interested, and I can change it if necessary.

With that said, the girls haven't sat down and made formal lists.  We've tried not to do that with them, avoiding turning the holiday season into a celebration of greed.  I have spent time talking to them about it, and the following are ideas we've put together for their wish list.

Lauren
{Size 4T}
  • Toy Story 3 Movie Theater and Story Projector (Barnes and Noble)
  • A Buzz Lightyear
  • Fred doll (from Scooby Doo)
  • Curious George movie
  • The red car at the BX
  • A fishing poler
  • Scooby Doo panties
  • Black Express sweatshirt--no hood!
"And that's it."


{Fred, From Scooby Doo--by Lauren}


Abigail
{Size 5T}
  • Charms for her Italian charm bracelet
  • Dresses and tights (we usually shop at Old Navy and the Gap)
  • Pink Express sweatshirt
  • A fishing pole to fish with Papa
  • Abby loves elephants!

Both Girls Like
  • Any kind of art supplies: They would love their own tape, hole punches, fancy cutting scissors, stapler, etc.
  • Books
  • Puzzles and learning toys: http://www.mindware.com/
  • Cooking
  • Movies (though they have many, so check with me first)
  • Playing in the snow
  • Gymnastics
  • Their families
  • Playing Matchbox Cars
  • Swimming

Day of Thanks--No. Twenty-Two

Lauren: "For the Kemps Frosty Trees.  And for the ice cream."

Abigail: "Guess what.  I'm thankful for Lauren.  Lauren kissing me at school."  Yes, she is talking about her sister.  Miss Duling told her to close her eyes and think about it.  What Miss Duling doesn't come up with!

Brooke: "I'm thankful I didn't have to go to the commissary.  I'm not thankful that I have to go tomorrow."

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Twenty-One

Abigail: "What am I thankful for tonight?  That I got to play with Ethan, Kayla, my sissy, and Alex."

Lauren: "Well, I'm thankful for, let me think.  Goin' to Ethan's house."

Brooke: "I'm thankful for getting all of my laundry done and my car detailed.  Now no one will wonder if I went mudding or if a tornado exploded inside my car!  I'm also grateful the girls were invited to their friends' house to play.  A win, win for everyone!"

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Twenty

Abigail: "I'm thankful for you being Santa Claus."  What!  Who's putting ideas in her head?! 

Lauren: "I'm thankful for going to Magic Castle."  Guess who didn't go to Magic Castle today.... Is this her clever way at dropping hints??? 

Brooke: "I'm thankful for getting progress made on my Christmas cards, and enjoying good company and good food in the process.  Thanks, Becky!"

Flashback Fridayish

The only thing Grandpa loved more than being at his cabin was being at his cabin with his grandkids and great grandkids.

Here are a few moments he shared with his birthday present, Lauren.


April, 2009


{Tiny Conversations with Great Grandpa}



{Dr. Tiny Keeps Grandpa Healthy}

Friday, November 19, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Nineteen

Abigail: "I'm thankful for that I got to see my friends.  'Cause I missed them.  I missed all of 'em."

Lauren: "Nothing.  Nothing. Watching Scooby.  I'm done being nasty, I'm just being mean.  And I'm not mean right now."  She is.

Brooke: "I'm thankful for our neighbor who took care of Lizzie while we were away.  Thanks, Vince for leaving a light on for us!"

In addition, you could add that I'm thankful my child isn't the only one dressed inappropriately for picture day at school.  Thanks Crazy Outfit Girl!

Day of Thanks--No. Eighteen

We're all thankful we made it back to Ohio safe, and in time to go to work and school tomorrow.

We're also thankful for such a perfect visit home.  No one wants to go home for a funeral, but I couldn't have asked for anything more for my grandpa.  Thanks to all who had a hand in making it so special.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Seventeen

Brooke: "I'm thankful for Minnesota good-byes."

Abigail: "I'm thankful for Max." Just to paint the picture, she is sitting on her Papa's lap in his chair, still in her pretty red dress, eating her sandwich and Cheetos.

Lauren: "I'm thankful for playing with Jack." Tiny is currently kneeling at the couch, completely naked, working on Sudoku.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Grandpa's funeral was perfect.  A beautiful tribute to a man who could never be replaced.  We salute you, Grandpa.  You're a hero to many and loved by all whose lives you've touched.  Heaven is a better place because you're there.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Just letting be.... it can be one of the most amazing events.

2. A lot of people.  A lot of love.  There's a reason I swell with pride when I talk about where I'm from.  There's no place like my home.

3. My grandpa had a collection of Buckeyes in his shop.  Gives my jar of Buckeyes a whole new flair.

4. I'm grateful Judy came home.

5. I'm grateful for my husband.  He makes me proud.

6. Do the kids at OHS still call them the Indian Doors?  I often wonder about that.

7. A piece of history.  A great man.  An angel.  You'll always be my grandpa.

8. I went to the Hospice house where my grandpa passed away today.  I found it oddly comforting, and a special moment with Aunt Karen and Nikki.... thanks for going with me.

9. I love quality family time.  Just sitting around the table sharing a meal.  Those are the moments that make life.

10. I haven't been up to Grandpa and Grandma's yet.  I long to just sit in the shop and breathe it in.

Day of Thanks--No. Sixteen

Abigail: "You know what I'm thankful for?  I'm thankful for you, Mom.  So write that down."

Lauren didn't get her post in before passing out from exhaustion, so I'll give something I'm thankful for her for.... I'm thankful for Lauren's unique personality.  She's never been shy about being herself.  She's the only little girl I know who makes a fort at a funeral home.

Brooke: "I'm thankful for such a beautiful reviewal for my grandpa.  He's a man who has touched many people.  And Grandpa, I get your signs; I'm thankful God has a new angel at the top of that ladder."

Monday, November 15, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Fifteen

Lauren was ready to post hers before the sun was up.  I guess just having the laptop out started her thankful little mind spinning.

Lauren: "What I'm thankful for today.... Ummm, I'm thankful for Grandma and Papa."

Abigail: "You." Thank you, Abby!

Brooke: "I'm thankful for a great morning and afternoon with my family.  Being at the funeral home to help with Grandpa's arrangements brought out great stories and quality family time.  Lunch today, much needed time together.  Grandpa, thank you for the little signs you throw out there.  I see them.  And we know you're here.  Thanks!"

Day of Thanks--No. Fourteen

Abigail: "You." This time she means her Papa.

Lauren: "Nothing." With her face buried, what she really means to say is that she's thankful for seeing her boyfriend, Nick.

Brooke: "I'm thankful we made it back to Minnesota safely and without incident!"

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Together Again

We love you, Grandpa.
You are missed.



Lavern Allyn Bendorf

April 6, 1930-November 13, 2010

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Thirteen

Brooke: "I'm thankful I finally got my house cleaned at a reasonable pace today, got the laundry done, and Geoff got the girls out to the park to play. Productive day!"

Abigail: "Nothing.  I didn't do anything exciting today."  Note Geoff, don't bother taking Abby to the boring ol' park anymore.

Lauren: "Scooby-Doo movie."

Friday, November 12, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Twelve

Abigail: "Myself." Smile.

Lauren: "I'm thankful for that Woody movie theater thing."  Once again, she doesn't own this.  But she spied it today at Barnes and Noble; let's just say she's less than thrilled that she has to wait so long for Christmas.... everyone in Barnes and Noble this afternoon can attest to that.

Brooke: "I'm thankful for Abby's new choice in friends.  Her new bus buddy's name is Ethan.  He lives a hop, skip and a jump from our front door and he is a nice boy.  He has already invited her over for her first playdate; a big deal, since Ethan is extra shy.  I'm grateful she's choosing quality friends."

Flashback Friday

Ahhh, the days why my biggest concern was how much dog hair would be deposited in their diapers as a result of helping themselves to breakfast.


May, 2008


{Every Little Bit Counts}



{Mission Accomplished}



{Sharing the Wealth}

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Abby's World

Abby's first kindergarten conference went well today.  No big surprises and overall she received high remarks.

The following is a sample of Abby's work from Writer's Workshop.  Abby is perched in the lower left, to the right of her are dogs.  You will also see her house, a moon, a rainbow.... and that is a truck.


{Abby's World}

Day of Thanks--No. Eleven

Lauren: "I'm thankful for a rocket. And I'm thankful for the red car." Once again, this child is thankful for something she does not yet have.

Abigail: "Like homes and foods and pets."

Brooke: "I'm thankful for the veterans.  I'm thankful for an outstanding conference with Abby's teacher.  And I'm thankful for the great teachers my girls have.  Who could ask for anything more?!"

--------------------------------------------------------------

A special thank you to my grandpa.  You're the only one I've got.  Thank you for your service in the Air Force.  Thank you for bringing your family back to Minnesota, raising your children, and seeing your grandchildren through such instrumental years.  Thank you for all of the hard work and love you put into the cabin; it is such a central part of who we are, what we love, and what we love about each other.  Thank you, Grandpa, for being you!


{Grandpa and Grandma Bendorf with My Dad
in Washington}

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Santa and a Candy Word

Some random thoughts from today....

Lauren and I seized the opportunity to indulge in some custard at our favorite stand on this warm November afternoon. As we were seated at an outside table Lauren shouts, "Hey, there's Santa!"  Sure enough there was a man in a red sweatshirt with a white beard, driving a red car.  He disappeared behind the building, then parked right in front of where we were sitting.  Whether he heard her or not I don't know, but he smiled at Lauren, waiting to catch her eyes.  See, Lauren.  Santa is always watching!

Later this afternoon, after Abby got home from school, she and I took Lizzie for a walk.... just the two of us.  Seemingly out of nowhere she inquired, "Why does Santa have a big belly like Hailey?"  That one took some clever skirting, but eventually we moved on to other subjects.  Poor Hailey, let's hope she doesn't ask her the same question on the bus tomorrow!

Tonight as we were wrapping up story time, Abby and I were giggling and being silly.  (Lauren had previously vacated the scene due to an unsightly tantrum.)  Abby must have decided it would be an opportune time to try out a few new words she learned, courtesy of the naughty boy on the bus.  She was reprimanded for the use of 'crap' and 'butthead'; I firmly instructed her not to use nasty words.  "How about a candy word?" she asked.  "NERD!"  I couldn't control the laughter.

Day of Thanks--No. Ten

Lauren: "I'm thankful for school because I love it."

Abigail: "Going on a walk by ourselves."  And she and I held hands the whole time.  Abby, you're the best!

Brooke: "I'm thankful for Geoff, and the way he takes it upon himself to get the girls through their nightly routine when I'm occupied with other chores.  I'm also thankful for feeling better, a little better; well enough to stop at our local custard stand with Lauren for an after school treat today.  Thanks, Lauren for being my girl!"

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Ten on Tuesday

1. Sick of being sick. I'm sounding like a broken record.

2. This weekend I want to do my own thing. It won't work out that way. I'll clean, do laundry, feed the children, and then maybe I'll have an hour to do something on my "fun" list. Hmmm.

3. A trip to a tropical island sounds like pure bliss. But if I had a choice, I'd just like to be back in our routine. No barf. No plugged noses. No need for a mommy nap. Ahhhh.

4. If there was a safe drug I could give the girls to keep them little, sweet, and innocent I may consider it.  I love them at this age.

5. Abby loves candy corn and dislikes chocolate.

6. I love a clean kitchen. Especially at the end of the day. Great night cap. Yup, I'm old!

7. I'm looking forward to reading President Bush's new book (Shannon, stop rolling your eyes!) I wish I could see him at the Air Force Museum on Veterans Day. Maybe a happy compromise of his audio book for the drive home at Christmas will have to suffice.

8. It floors me that more people don't strive to learn from history and the mistakes of others. Maybe it just never occurs to them? Hmmm.

9. Word on the street is there's a new cupcake shoppe opening in Fairborn. A high price cupcake shop. Those better be some monster share-with-a-friend delights!

10. I want company. The kind that comes, cooks, cleans up and stays for a long time just hanging out. Hahaha. Right.

Day of Thanks--No. Nine

Lauren: "I'm thankful for ummm, a Buzz."  Still, thankful for something she doesn't have.  "I'm having that for Christmas.  And that red car," she instructed her dad.  She's still not giving up on that red car she saw at the BX months ago!

Abigail: "I wish you would feel better."  If you could see her, you would wish she would look better; what a mess!

Brooke: "I'm thankful for Lauren's spontaneous desire to wear dresses.  Yesterday, while she matched, she looked oddly like a cross-dresser.  Today, she looks like an adorable little preschooler.  I'm also thankful Abby made it through the day without barfing at school.  Now, if we can just get over the colds that have knocked Geoff and I out.  Getting it out of the way for the holidays, that's what I'm telling myself."

Monday, November 8, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Eight

Abigail: "You." Awe. Thanks, Abby.

Lauren: "I'm thankful for a Buzz Lighyear."  Yes, she is thankful for something she doesn't even have.

Brooke: "I'm thankful for a fun night at Bunco, but sad I couldn't be home for Abby who apparently vomited all over her bed.  Seriously, enough of the barf! When is this going to stop? For all of our sakes!"

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Seven

Once again, leave it to me to neglect doing this post until after the girls have gone to bed.  So once again I will instead write something I am thankful for about each of them.

Brooke: First of all, I'm thankful I rocked it today and got my stuff done.  All of it.  Okay, most.  But I'm wondering, when am I going to be able to sit around and enjoy a lazy Sunday?  At this rate, maybe when I'm 80.  Ughhh.

Abigail.... I'm thankful for her will to learn.  She can entertain herself for hours playing school.  She writes, colors, draws, reads, and sings.  When she isn't fighting with her sister, she's like a long skinny jewel.  I wish I could squeeze her tight and never let her grow.

Lauren.... Tonight she walked into the bathroom singing Pants on the Ground, and dropped her pants.  Where did this kid come from?  I'm thankful for her individuality.  If I didn't have anything else to do, I'd probably spend my time kissing her and tickling her. She's such a little cuddle bug!

Thank a Veteran

One of the things being a military wife has instilled in me is the profound respect for our armed force veterans.  It is a respect and appreciation I believe is important enough to pass onto our children, and it is never too early to start.

A veteran is someone who has served a minimum of three years in the military.  It can be a man or a woman, officer or enlisted.  They may have seen combat, been stationed overseas, or never left US soil.  They are retired, separated, on reserve, and on active duty.  All of them have given up some aspect of their lives for the greater good of their fellow Americans.

Chances are you see a vet. everyday and never know.  In fact, you can probably recognize their favorite sports team well before you are ever aware they are a veteran.  They serve quietly and honorably, blending into the American fabric.

Whether it is someone you know and love, or a stranger.  Whether you say it with a card, with flowers, a hug, or a prayer....

November 11th is Veterans Day.  Thank one.


Our Veterans Day Cards



{front}



{inside}

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Six

Lauren: "For watching Bolt."  Ahhh, she's finally gotten the Penny Movie she watched this summer with her Papa.... Great use of her gift card money.  Thanks, Grandma Phillips!

Abigail: "I'm thankful for, ummm, ummm, Bolt."  Really, Abby.  That's the best you could do?

Brooke: "I wish I could say I'm thankful for feeling better, but I'm not.  So I'm going to have to go with being thankful hope, surprises, and honesty.  And trusting that being a good person leads to good things."  I try.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Five

We're thankful for....

Abigail: "Um, oh, nothing."

Lauren: "Just about Christmas."

Brooke: "Standing upright for more than a two minute stretch.  Catching up on my shows.  Getting laundry done.  Surprises; I love 'em!"

Flashback Friday

Abby's first trip to SeaWorld.

November, 2005



{Abby Claps During the Blue Horizons Dolphin Show}

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Four

Abigail: "I'm thankful for sleeping with you."

Brooke: "I'm thankful for my bed. For being able to lay in it, after a few hours in my makeshift bed on the bathroom floor, and for being able to spend the day in it.  Wow. This is sick beyond my wildest nightmares."

Lauren: "I'm thankful about Abby.  I love her."

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Day of Thanks--No. Three

Our Day of Thanks journal got away from me tonight.  I was so busy getting ready for hosting Book Club tonight, I forgot to gather my lovelies for our daily collection of thanks. So tonight I'm going to do something a little different; I'm going to say something I'm thankful for for each of the girls.

Brooke: "Today I'm especially thankful for Geoff.  We're in a good place, in every aspect of our lives.  We've worked hard to get to where we are.  I hope we instill that in our girls. We make a great team!"

Abigail.... I'm thankful for her turn of behavior.  She's established herself in a place of comfort now--school, gymnastics.  I like this happy Abby.

Lauren.... I'm thankful this little girl is true to herself.  Her outfit was off the wall today; she didn't care.  I pointed it out to her, she snickered.  She's a pistol.  I love her to pieces.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Ten on Tuesday

1. Thank God the person at the door when Abby answered it naked was Rachel.  The look on her face said it all.  Poor girl.  I'm sure she couldn't wait to come inside and see what all the excitement was about.

2. If Geoff wants to successfully conquer the evening bath and bedtime routine he has to be one step of maturity above the children.  Farting, then laughing about it isn't helping, dear husband.

3. I hate talking on the phone. That's part of the reason I don't call anyone.  The other: sometimes I just don't want to know.

4. I'm a lot like my mom, for better or worse.  But as I get older I get a lot more like my dad.  He's a great guy, I won't fight it.

5. If I had to pick a favorite brother-in-law, I couldn't.  They're both fun in their own way.  Though I have to say I think Kevin appreciates me more.  Honestly, they both think I'm weird.  They're the pot, I'm the kettle.  Black, black, black.

6. It bugs the poop out of me that people cannot use your/you're and their/there/they're properly. Let's add it's and its to the list, too.  Might as well throw in then and than.  Ughhh.  Don't even go there with the y'all infraction.

7. Today one of the preschool teachers said, "wiener" in an adult conversation. I laughed like one of the kids.  You just don't expect to hear that word out of some people.

8. This afternoon when Abby got off the bus she grabbed my hand and walked me home.  She told me she was sad at school because she just wanted to be with me.  I'm sure she wasn't hanging her head all day, but what a sweet thing to say.  She touches my heart.

9. Lauren defies logic.  The kid is one-of-a-kind.  She's either sweet as pie or sour grapes.  Either way, she knows how to get to me.

10. Lauren's struggle with language from time to time always cracks us up. The other day she referred to our neighbor, Amar, as Cigar.  Let's just hope she doesn't smoke him!

Day of Thanks--No. Two

Abigail: "Thankful for my, my little bracelet of my house. Actually I'm not thankful for anything.  Because I'm thankful of my lunch from eating it, because I'm hungry.... What's this paper for?"  Obviously she has other things in mind.

Lauren: "Ummmm, just lay down and read.  And Daddy reads."  Obviously she has been warned not to repeat last night's story time of naughty.

Brooke: "I'm thankful for the letter G, the discussion of germs, and the uniquely decorated box of facial tissues Lauren came home from preschool with.  She's been asking us all night if we want one.  What service."

Monday, November 1, 2010

Beggars' Night

I'm late, I know.  Normal me would have had this up right after trick-or-treating, but due to technical difficulties and one busy Halloweekend, I've left you hanging until November.

When in Fairborn, shop at Foy's, so Foy's it was for this year's Halloween costumes.  Lauren was confident Woody was for her, and Abby couldn't be more thrilled to be a princess.

We suited up for trick-or-treating on Beggars' Night--it's an Ohio thing--Saturday night, the perfect night for such an event.  I have to say, strange as it is not to trick-or-treat on Halloween, they know how to get freaky and crazy in Ohio!  The Minnesotans in us didn't have the hearts to tell the girls that Saturday wasn't actually Halloween; we don't want to scar them.  But this year it may not have mattered.  They were into it completely, the princess and the Woody.


{Posed with Poise}



{Trick-or-Treat}



{Taking Down the Sconnies' Packer}

Day of Thanks--No. One

It is now tradition.  Thank You Thursdays will be put on hold in November, in lieu of our Day of Thanks Journal.  What started last year as a challenge turned into a great way of teaching the girls to look for gratitude in their day-to-day life.

I'm upping the tally this year, from fifteen to twenty-five.  So here goes, Day No. One....

Abigail: "I'm thankful that I got my bracelet back. (Bouncing!) I love my bracelet. I can't even stop leaving my bracelet alone! (Still bouncing!) I can't stop loving that bracelet." (Galloping out of the room.)

Lauren: "Connor wasn't even at school today. How about nothing? I'm thankful for nothing. Mommy, I'm thankful for you.  And I'm thankful for Buddha."

Brooke: "I'm thankful for my girls (as Abby suggested) but I'm also thankful for my missing lip balm.  In searching for it, I discovered Abby's long lost bracelet nestled in the bottom of my purse. She must have taken it off at gymnastics and I put it in there for safe-keeping. It was so safe I completely forgot about it, even turning the entire house upside down in search of it. What a great way to start our collection of thanks.  I'm so thankful I found the beloved bracelet!"

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Fairborn, Ohio, United States
I'm a teacher by trade, writer at heart & mom in every sense of my being. I never considered writing as a profession, but after I got married and began moving around the country, I began sharing my adventures, misadventures & updates through a sort of e-mail newsletter. I found a true passion in unconventional story-telling that has followed me into motherhood.