All in a week

So, last week we started out with this:Lining up for our Bike Parade


Pie Eating Contest

Can you guess who the winner was?
Despite the fun of the Fourth, the younger Thing was a tad jealous of his brother's new

Birthday Lego set.

When I suggested we sort the giant tub of mismatched parts

Well, you can see we were able to turn that frown upside down...

Celebrating both America's Birthday and the Thing becoming a teen

was not to mark the end of the week of fun

We attempted to infuse some education into the week...

But countless other families apparently had the same idea so we headed off for a picnic

Which included rock climbing

And some unplanned water fun...

Still not ready to call it a wrap, I loaded up just my Things and we headed for...

Hubby and the Russian Bride joined us as well...

The teen Thing fussed but at one point in the car ride up Trail Ridge road,

I heard him talking to the trees:

"Down in front, you trees! You are blocking my view!

See, I knew I just needed to get him unplugged for a wee bit...

I even made us all get out of our vehicles and we hiked to Alberta Falls.

Hold the applause, I suggested we take the short cut back that included a shuttle ride to the trail head.

I decided enough...Super Mom was hanging up her cape...
With one last parting shot for the blog.

*Keep this foolishness up, and I'll need to go back to work to REST!*

A perfect day

Not every day is perfect. But yesterday? Came about as close as you can ask for.

13 years before, Thing One made his entry into the world. At 0304 to be exact. Yesterday, he made a quite entry into the Teen Era. Yes, I said quiet. Hard to imagine if you have ever met this Thing in real life.

His birthday requests were equally low-key. He wanted a new lego set. He wanted chicken for breakfast. And he wanted to go for a motorcycle ride with his dad.

Ah, if only he'd bless us with such simple requests throughout the teen years.

Heavy rains on the 4th meant the neighbors played with their "illegals" on the 5th. Fireworks on his birthday after all! Way cool!

Hey, a girl can always hope, right?

But knowing that isn't possible, instead I shall savor the sweetness that was yesterday...his first day as a teenager!

Car Talk

What is about riding with just Thing Two that he decides NOW is the time to ask those tough questions?

Today's question: "Mom, why don't boys have periods?"
Um...pause...searching for the right words...
Good thing I stalled...because otherwise I'm sure I would have offered up too much information.

"Because you know, it isn't really fair...I hear the girls get to miss school when it starts. I want to miss school".

School's out...

On the first day of vacation: I took a nap
On the second day of vacation: I got a pedicure
On the third day of vacation: I read a book (cover-to-cover!)

School is out....and I couldn't be happier!

Mission accomplished!

On a crazy whim, I suggested to some of my on-line scrapbooking buddies, that we try do to a page a day in the month of May. While I didn't do a page EACH day, I did manage to create 33 pages this month. While I am proud of completing this task, I can also tell you that for now, I'm going to give scrapbooking a bit of break. Just a slight case of burn out is building! But fear not, I've got another crafty-challenge in mind for June. Join me....if you dare!

This picture slideshow personalized with Smilebox

My mistake...

Nobody likes to admit they are wrong, myself included.

Yesterday, a staff member came in with a cut on his hand. "Can I have a band aid?"
As I had him rinse off his hand, I took a look at his cut.
"Sir, I don't think a band aid is going to work. I think you might need a stitch".

He returned later in the day, grinning. Seems he didn't need A stitch, he need FOUR!

Ouch...

Some things just aren't worth trying to explain...

This evening, while driving with Thing Two, I was telling him how happy we are for a friend who just finished her graduate degree. She earned her master's in Special Education. Go, Ms. Colleen-O!

Of course, Thing Two asked if I had such a degree. Nope, I started grad school, but sort of got distracted by l.o.v.e. and now it just doesn't appeal to me to go finish it up.

so, he said "Oh, then you just have your bachelorette's degree?"

"Well, son, it's called a Bachelor's degree but yes"...

"How can that be, I mean, no offense Mom, but you are a girl...that makes it a bachelorette degree, right?"

Yep...we'll just go with that...............

Lacerations, Seizures and Bottles....OH MY!

Fridays are supposed to be quiet.
Someone apparently forgot to tell "my kids".

where does one start after a day like today?

Well...there was the "princess" with the "laceration". More like paper cut, but since a knife and an art project was involved, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. She came in 3 times...and somewhere along the line I must have over-educated her on why her "wound" looked so good and didn't warrant sutures. Visit #4? I'm 99% certain she opened it up....wide enough now to be of concern. "Go ahead, you win" is what I really wanted to say...but instead? I just smiled.

Or what about the boy who had a rather major seizure (with no medical history)...right there in the library. Witnessed by the calmest people in the building (librarians...I'm finding they tend not to embellish as much as some of our other staff). Stabilized the patient, contacted the fireman hotties, and called the person listed as "Dad" on the cell phone. I can't begin to express my disappointment when his first concern was "Why an ambulance? Who is going to pay for that damn thing?". Gee dad...so glad your son was still semi-conscious and missed your caring words!

And the day ended with what I am hoping was a prank call....mystery boy calls my private line. Says he did something really stupid and how does he get "something" that is "stuck" in a bottle. He was at home and his mom was due home any minute. My co-worker roared with laughter as I said, "At this point, you'd better just put a blanket over your lap, and tell your mama you need to go to the hospital!".

And you wonder why I"m sipping Merlot still trying to unwind from the drama that luckily isn't an every day occurrence!

Learning the lingo...

Today, a young lady asked me "So, are you the new nurse?" As I started to reply, one of my frequent fliers (and yet a favorite kid of mine) quickly chimed in with an enthusiastic "Yeah, and she is G!".

Apparently, the look on my face betrayed my ignorance....as two other girls started howling with laughter, patting me on the back saying "Nurse, you don't know what that means, do you?"

Apparently being branded G is not only Good but it stands for Gangsta...

Proud to be G....but showing my age when I wish it meant gracious or good?!

Geek Appreciation

A little background: the main t.v. died this past week. We bought a replacement. Hubby learned the best signal for HD-tv comes from satellite. Yesterday, we switched from cable to Direct-satellite tv.

This morning, Thing One is watching t.v. with me.
In awe of the new system, he says "This is the BEST decision Dad has ever made!"

"Um, hello, what about when he asked me to marry him?" I teased

"Oh yeah, that too...but come on, Mom, have you seen how fast this guide feature works?"

4.20:

Who knew that today was National Weed Day?
I figured it out after the 3rd drug evaluation sent to my office by the dean's office.

Gonna test the limits of the deans' sense of humor....baking them some brownies to take to work tomorrow and say "Congrats, you survived 4.20".

Oh those poor Things...by the time they reach this school, they won't be able to get away with anything! I'll be fully educated and "aware" on the crazy things high school kids try to do!

While I was away...

Pretty neat place, isn't it? Thanks Mrs. M. for inviting me to join you on your fun girl's weekend.

I'm so happy I went.....and hoping that happiness gets me up and moving tomorrow morning when the alarm goes off way too early!

When I got home this afternoon, I'm whining to the Things about my super-stuffy nose. Thing One, with his future in medicine now firmly ruled OUT, announced "well, it is probabl y because you were up there at that higher evolution!".

Besides sitting by the fire, sipping my wine and watching the snow fall...I did find my crafty mojo....spending the weekend revisiting our trip to SW Colorado. Hope you enjoy these 'recaps'

These are just 6 of the 20 pages I finished this weekend. Go ME!

You never forget your "first"

Today, I made my first call to 911 as a school nurse. I knew it was only a matter of time before I had to make such a call. I mean, after all there is only so much one can do as the school nurse....

I just wish I didn't have to make this type of call...

A student, so depressed, he woke up this morning and decided that handfuls of pills would help eas his pain.

Kudos to the brave girlfriend who marched him into my office before the day had even started.
Kudos to his extended family for their concern and support as they rushed to his side...focusing on the positive "he told someone, we're so relieved he told someone...."
Kudos to the staff at my school that stepped right in and helped out
Kudos to the prompt response from our local emergency service personnel (ok, it helps that they are but 1/2 miles down the street).

I hope I never forget this boy: the sadness and fear in his eyes, the cry for help he was making through his actions.

And know...that this is why I do what I do....to be there for "my 2000 kids"....

Who are you?

and....what have you done with my first born son?

and....well, it's OK if the old version stays missing for a bit longer....

Tomorrow Thing One has a MAJOR social studies unit final. In chatting with another mom, I learned that the teacher was offering some sort of after-school review/tutor session last Friday.

As I started to get all worked up over the reality that Thing One had blown off this opportunity to put in some supervised study time with his teacher, Thing One quickly corrects me:

"Mom, it wasn't after school, it was at lunch on Friday and I went!"

"Really? You went without me even knowing it was going to happen? You took initiative and knew this was important?"....I asked.

"Well, D'OH....I didn't want you to go all MULK" on me" (Mulk: a word coined by the Things to describe their loving Mother when she morphs into the HULK).

Aw......the Mulk is melting away....her super powers of nagging not necessary at this moment in time.

She stole MY hug!

I'm working at a huge school, over 2k students. So, it's really not unusual that 4 weeks into the job, I still haven't met the big cheese, primary principal of the school. I've met the APs, the deans, the security...I figured I"d getting around to meeting Ms GHV at some point.

Yesterday, I was off, and my friend K was subbing for me (Thanks K, not that you read the blog, but if you do, thanks! I appreciate anyone willing to cover for me!).

And of course, YESTERDAY is when Ms. GHV decided to make a quick visit...she goes up to K and gives her a huge hug and says "Thank you so much for filling in and doing such a great job! We're so glad to have you on our team".

My wonderful tech, Ms. D. is watching this and realized "Oh no, she thinks K is Martha". So, Ms. D, being the direct one interjects "Oh that's NOT Martha Chang"....but apparently Ms. GHV had somewhere else to be because she scurried out of the office so quickly we're not sure if she heard Ms. D.

Ms. D. has vowed to get me my hug back. Me? I'm OK....just knowing she is aware that there is a new sheriff in town and is pleased with my performance, she can be confused as to who I really am (and luckily for me, K. does a good job subbing so I think the praise for our department will happen whether I'm there or not).

Back to reality....the school nurse edition

Yesterday was the first day back after Spring Break....was expecting to be busy and suffice to say the expectations were met.

Let's see...we had plenty of worried well: "My friend has the flu, and well, do you think I have it too?" (kid is seriously concerned but healthy as all get out)

We had a few of the stupid stunts result in pain: "Well, you know, when I was in Costa Rica for Spring Break, um, I don't think my sunscreen worked so well" (kid has a serious burn on her face, splotchy/patchy suggesting she might not have been paying attention when she put it on).

There was the "I started taking the pill yesterday and now I feel horrible" (called her mom who I immediately fell in like with...."Tell her to just s*ck it up, she begged to try this because her cramps are so bad...she needs to make up her mind...cramps or some adjustment to this med. Nobody ever told her life would be easy, plus, she's probably just tired because she wouldn't go to bed last night like told her too". Puking Princess gave us an Oscar worthy performance as she told us she was going to throw up...cough cough, nada nada.

Loads of stomach aches, head aches but nothing really all that worrisome....except the young high school junior, who says "Oh my, the baby was kicking me in my ribs all night. I'm just so tired of being pregnant". Ok, medically not so much worrisome....that was more of the mom-in-me worried....she's so young to be a mom.

And then it seems like word has gotten out to the staff that there is someone knew in the office: The Dean came by to ask me about his 2 yr old daughter's teething issues (which was hilarious, because he's this huge-no-nonsense tough as nails kind of man, and was very worried about his sick baby girl). The Special Ed teacher came by to have his hand looked at. (didn't get a great story out of that, but had a real feel good conversation as it is very likely this man will be working with Thing One in a couple years). A math teacher came by to have her bruised leg looked at (Spring Skiing is slick: ski vs. tree, the tree always wins).

Today I'm off....as the younger Thing is off track and my boss offered to find a sub for a couple of the times so I could still do the mom-thing with my son.

Have I mentioned lately how much I enjoy this job? Oh sure, I'm certain the job will get tiresome and the 0500 wake up alarm has already gotten old...but the conditions of the work and the support I feel from the school administration is rather heart warming. I think I'm gonna like this job!

Superstitions...

Yesterday at work, another staff member mentioned her kids "trick" for ensuring a snow day. You apparently wear your pajamas inside out and stick a spoon under your pillow. When I told my guys about it, they, of course, were all over this idea.

As with most superstitions, they make little sense...but boy, were my boys happy to learn that yes indeed, today school was deemed a snow day.

Thing Two comes down this morning, and hands over the spoon....proudly reporting "You probably want to wash it good....I used it to scratch that embarrassing itch".

Boys....it always come back to the bodily functions or body parts, doesn't it?

Ever notice...

How paying bills isn't such a dreadful chore...when you have a job?

Finished week #1 as the long-term sub and I was still smiling/standing by the end of the week.

The house? Well...suffice to say, we're still under the "adjustment" phase of the juggling acts that working-outside the home moms have mastered.

How to cure new car fever

This entry is written by me, but imagine it is from Hubby's perspective.

Step One: Listen to wife as she whines about her old van...where the check engine light goes on with increasing regularity.

Step Two: Offer to have old car serviced, smile and nod when she says "but it isn't worth that much, can't we just get a new car?"

Step Three: Wipe the drool off her chin as she shows you this is the car she dreams of owning.

Step Four: Share in her joy when she comes home and reports she's been offered her own clinic after just one week as a substitute nurse.

Step Five: Save your victory dance for when she comes home and admits "Maybe I don't want that car. Why leave a shiny new car in a high school parking lot? The last nurse had her windows busted by some disgruntled student after the nurse turned him in for using drugs".

Fear Factor

Not sure which is more scary

1. Arriving at a clinic in a high school, being greeted by a cheerful and efficient assistant who informs you "we are so leaving right as the bell rings today." Ok, works for me, it is Friday after all (and I"m on my 7th straight day of working: that's a lot for this recent SAHM).
   She then drops the tidbit that "yeah, security called and apparently the Bloods and Crips aren't getting along as well as they had been and with it being Friday we just want to get out before they call us to bandage up the wounded".

2. Taking her recommendation to head straight out, I find that I had accidentally parked in
student lot. Stuck in the parking lot with HS kids (with no more than a couple years
driving experience under their belt), on a Friday....all trying to get out of dodge before the sh*t hits the fan. Or even more worrisome....on a Friday after new "product" had
recently been delivered (one kid needed a neuro check after his teacher sent him to the dean for suspected "use")

Yep, sometimes there really is no right answer!
*disclaimer, I was not at the neighborhood school today. 'nuf said!

Perspective

First day working my new job (subbing as a nurse at an area high school)...

• 1st patient: tearful 15 year old, who took a test last night and it was positive. Now what she wonders?

• 2nd patient: "Um, I need some alcohol for this"...and young girl sticks out her tongue, pierced and yeah....infected.

• 3rd patient: "I'm intoxicated". Really? I didn't notice that you smell like a tavern, you are puking and it isn't even 11 a.m. This young 16 yr old was escorted via ambulance to the local hospital after his blood alcohol level registered 0.124.
  

• 4th patient: Thing One......calling me on my way to my afternoon gig at another high school. Tearfully he tells me "Mom, I am so sorry....but this was my fourth tardy to theatre arts. I promise, it won't happen again".

Ok, so he isn't pierced, pregnant or puking......I think I should just count my blessings on this one!

What are they trying to tell me?

Title of an email in my inbox: Short on ammo? Check out our awesome deals!

Wise Guy strikes again...

Yesterday, the younger Thing lost a tooth.
He proudly shared this news with me before saying goodnight.
Even showed his weary momma where he'd left the tooth for the tooth fairy

(I had worked a shift at the hospital, where yes, the latest victims of a school shooting were sent: suffice to say, my mind was elsewhere last night...praying for the full recovery of the students injured and praising God for the heroic actions taken by the teacher who tackled the gunman).

Of course between work fatigue and other worries, the tooth fairy failed to make a visit last night.

This afternoon, Mr. Smarty Pants tells me "Mom, I'm just going to leave the tooth fairy pillow in YOUR room...do you think she'll remember to find the tooth if it's there?"

Mr Practical

We had told the Things that when Dad got a job, we'd go out to celebrate.

Yesterday, we learned of two job offers (yeah, sometimes when it rains it pours and this is a good thing!)

Immediately, the younger Thing asked "so, when do we go out to celebrate?"

We reminded him, it is sort of bad luck to celebrate before the first paycheck arrives. In his usual thoughtful way, he said "yeah, that does make sense".

So, I asked him..."when we do go out, where do you think we should go?"

With a hesitant, cautious and serious look on his face, he said "Well, do you think we can swing Arby's?".

I looked to my hubby (who was working hard not to burst out laughing) and said "He gets THAT from you!".

So, hopefully in the not too distant future, we'll be celebrating with roast beef sandwiches!

Reality Check

Yesterday afternoon, I took command of the remote. Midday viewing options are limited, so I tuned into some Wife Swap reruns.

Thing One shouts out "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Mom...not that show! Honest, haven't we been good? Don't make us see how weird other families are. We promise to do our chores".

Score one for the Mom!

Maybe...

Next year I should get a seasonal flu shot.

Because even if it lasted only 12 hrs...those were the longest hours ever. You know: when you can't even keep water down, that's pretty sick. Or, when you think having a baby involved less pain and suffering.

Yeah, let's forget the 'maybe' and go straight to the 'you damn right I will be" getting that flu shot next year.

*and for the record, I'm feeling better now and luckily nobody else in the family seems to have gotten sick.

Tales from the Med-Surg floor

Where has Martha gone? Oh yeah...back to work. Unfortunately, it is not work that I get paid for but rather the final stage of this RN refresher course I've been working my way through since August.

What has changed in the 16+ yrs since I've worked on a med-surg unit? Not a lot. It seems like the hineys have gotten a tad larger...but you still clean 'em up the same way. They've got new and improved "stuff" to make the job a tad easier...but at the end of the day...well....you get the idea.

They have hand sanitizer every where you look. And when you read the patient's charts...you can appreciate why they have it every where you look.

You get to read the chart electronically. And while it is overwhelming at first, by the end of the day, you are grateful that so many things are now point and click. Especially when you end up discharging and admitting several patients over a 12 hr shift. I had 4 patients at the start of my shift and 4 at the end, but only two stayed the same. Do the math: you are one tired out nurse by the time the new shift comes in to take over.

One thing that hasn't changed? Is that little burst of pride you get when your patient looks at you and says "You are good at what you do! Thank you!".

Approval was fleeting...

Thanks to the magic of "Power School", which gives parents the ability to keep track of what happens at school, we learned last night that perhaps Thing One's forgetfulness didn't deserve the "kindness factor" bestowed on him with yesterday's lunchtime delivery.

Apparently, he's been forgetting more than just his binder. "I forgot" has become the catch phrase du jour for this boy....tossing it around as if it is a get-out-of-jail free card.

After our family meeting, he disappeared upstairs...where he was later found taking all his stuffed animals off the shelf in his room. Trust me, that's a lot of moose stuffed on those shelves.

When asked what he was doing, he sadly looked up at us and said "I am abandoning my childhood". (guilty parental confession here: we'd laid it on pretty thick that he needed to start taking more responsibility, acting more like a 12 yr old).

This morning, I went to check on him and found him hovering in the corner of the room. He'd barricaded himself into the corner that was now filled with the plethora of moose.

Sweetly, I asked "What are you doing, bud?".

"I'm playing in the ruins of my childhood".

Aw...how sweet is that? Pulling on the old heart strings of a sentimental momma.
Well, you made me smile...but you are still grounded!

All it took..

Wondering how you get your pre-teen to break out into the widest grin you've seen in awhile, and give you a peck on the cheek in front of all his lunchroom classmates at middle school?

Just show up with his binder...that had his afternoon classwork in it...all due today after lunch.

Yep, the kid hardly even noticed or cared that I had McDonald's in my other hand!

He was just so happy that he had his classwork!

Score one for the mom (and the dad who concurred, yeah, let's just surprise him with a special lunch time delivery!)

True, this photo has nothing to do with the post. It's from our trip to Sun City and the surrounding Phoenix area that we took earlier in the month. But, it shows the Thing in question happy and smiling

Trading Places...

While the Things are 2 yrs apart in age, size wise they could pass for twins. We often joke about them being twins.

This morning, Thing One suggested that he stay home from school and send his younger brother in his place. (Thing Two is on week 5 of a 5 week break from school. Thing One has been back in school for 2 plus weeks while everyone else here is off track/out of work).

"Mom, nobody would even notice" he argued

When suddenly we hear this voice hollering from where I thought younger brother was still sleeping...

"Uh, DUH, they would too...you'd get better grades, that would give it away!"

I'm still here...

Oh my, I hope this isn't a sign of things to come....put me back to work, and I lose my mojo for blogging? Can't have that...for so many years this blog has been such a source of joy for me. A forum to share the funny things that happen in life, sometimes reflect on the not so funny, and without a doubt, serve as a memory jogger for when I can't remember what happened when....

The other night, I went to check on the oldest Thing before heading off to bed myself. As I bent down to kiss him on the forehead, he sits up, and in his sleep pleads with me "Please Mommy, just let me sleep for 5 more seconds, then I'll get up". And plop...down he went, back to sleep...he missed me saying "Happy to oblige dude, you get 8 more hours to sleep!".

and so that 'bout sums it up.....needing just a little more time in each day to get the things done that need to be done. But hey, one step at a time, and we'll get there...

Until something funny happens...I"m outta here!

Just shoot me...

Oh, how I wish someone would have asked that of me today or yesterday.

As it would have been my pleasure and my honor to have "given them my best shot".

Yeah, yeah, yeah...I'll quit being silly...I've spent the past two days working at a local Walmart giving flu shots. Lost a few nights sleep as I fretted about how busy we'd be. Would I figure out the paperwork. Would I remember how to give a shot after 10+ years since flicking the old needle into the deltoid?

All for naught...you see most folks don't seem that worried about the piggy flu anymore. Either that or they've already had their shot or find the $15 fee too much. In 2 days of work, my associate and I have given a total of 13 vaccines...yeah, between the two of us.

The upside was having a chance to people watch...and is there any better place in the world to people watch than Walmart? I think not...I saw spandex in all sizes/shapes/colors. I saw hineys and hoodies (because apparently, they go hand in hand...hoodie + low hangin jeans). Jammies are apparently considered appropriate day wear when shopping. Dentures? Eh...why bother.
Just grin and share that toothless grin! One fella shared with me WHY he didn't need the shot I was offering: "Cuz they gave it to me when I was in jail last month!". great....just great...

I did get to see that the associates and managers that work at Walmart are very kind people. They want to chat with you, and well...they can dish with the best of us about their "customers" (but first they look over their shoulders to make sure nobody else is listening).

And I also got to see that yes...I still know how to give a shot, fill out paperwork and chat up the old folks...and that all made me feel good about myself and the skills I have as a nurse.

Just for today...

Thinking I might try a weekly challenge for a bit after 2 months of daily challenges.
Today, I'm trying something from The Simple Woman's Day Book
FOR TODAY ...Wednesday, December 30...
Outside my window... I see the trash cans all lined up
I am thinking...the first trash pick up day after Christmas has got to be the garbage man's least favorite day.
I am thankful for...the warmth of my home
I am wearing...my new super soft jammies (100x softer than any snuggie)
I am creating...a home that is a soft place to land for all my fellas
I am going...to attempt to pack for our trip to AZ
I am reading...facebook (fear not, I have a real book to take with me on vacation, The Friday Night Knitting Club)
I am hoping...to accomplish a lot today
I am hearing...the cheerful morning chatter of my youngest son who is eager to spend some of his Christmas cash at the Lego Store today (thanks Mary Beth for including my kids on this shopping adventure)
Around the house...is the proof that everyone has been home lately (a tad too rumpled for my tastes)
One of my favorite things...the quiet of the early morning, when everyone is still asleep and I am sipping from that first cup of coffee
A few plans for the rest of the week: Sun City, Baby! Don't ya wish you were us? Bringing in the New Year in the retirement center!

And without a photo or two...a blog is pretty boring...

Sumo Santa?
nah, just Thing Two...

The things he says

Thing One...continues to amuse us with his take on life...

A few nights ago, I sent him upstairs to get ready for bed. He went upstairs as he was told, but missed the part about getting ready for bed. When confronted about this, he replies loudly "I'm a MAN, and don't you know that MEN DON"T LISTEN"!

Then there is the whole "Santa situation"
He recently admitted that many of the kids at school have told him that "Santa is just your dad". But in typical Thing One fashion he shrugged it off and said "Have you seen MY dad? He's like Chinese and Bald...how could that be Santa?"

yep, we'll always have Thing One..

Season of Joy: 24

Season of Joy: 23

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Season of Joy: 22

Catching up with neighborhood friends today...while the kids splashed and played in the indoor pool, us Moms chatted. Brought back warm memories of our summer days spent at the neighborhood pool.

Joy....in watching my kids play with their friends and seeing how blessed we are to have so many wonderful people living in our neighborhood!

Season of Joy: 21

That crazy kid we call Thing Two.
Determined if he has enough pillows stuffed into the santa suit, he can pull off looking like Santa.
His theory was wrong...he looked like a little sumo santa...and he kept toppling over.

Dang...where is the video camera when you need it?
(reg. photos to follow later...too lazy to go download them from the camera)

Oh, and this year's batch of fudge? Turned out p.e.r.f.e.c.t.
Which is good because I've not had the desire to do much holiday baking...the few things I make need to turn out right because I'm not that interested in making anything other than the tried and true standards.

Season of Joy: 20

While cleaning out the mess in Thing One's back pack (he's 12, 'nuf said)...I found this letter to Santa

Santa,You make kids everywhere happy at Christmas. Please make me happy by getting Mom and Dad some money. Dad lost his job and Mom failed her big final exam. That's all I want...for them to be happy.
Love, Patrick

Oh my....talk about heart breaking.

Yes, Hubby was laid off on Monday (12.14). It's OK, seriously...as a contractor, we'd known this day was coming for a year or more. We've saved, planned, and financially, are as prepared as you can possibly be.

And really, getting laid off from this job will indeed be a blessing in the end: He really didn't care for the work (boring) nor did he find the environment very inspiring (Week 1: Team meeting was to discuss dress code, and the manager inspected all their shoes. HELLO; these are engineers with zero customer contact, you hire the guys for their attention to detail, not their footwear. Each week was some new story with a similar theme...not a happy place to send your spouse each day).

And me and my school concerns, will work themselves out....I know that...

But this note? It breaks my heart AND fills me with joy.

He's my quirky kid: the one who we were told when he was three that he has autism and will always have problems connecting with others.

Really? Because these days, he is so empathetic and concerned about others....to set aside his own wishes for Christmas and instead wish for something bigger for someone else?

That is HUGE...

And to read a letter written to Santa...the man who fills wishes...he's twelve...I thought he "knew".

Yet, here is proof that he still believes...and that is indeed so very magical

May you all find magic and joy in the eyes of your family. I know I already have...

Season of Joy: 19

Oh my...this is getting hard to keep up with.
No, not finding the joy...just remembering to check in on the blog.

Today's joy: came with a visit from one of my oldest/dearest/friends...Auntie Terri.
what a treat it is to spend the afternoon sipping tea and chatting...no need to get the house "company ready"...as Terri really is family. She's seen me at my best, my worst and everywhere in between.

Season of Joy: 18

Two words: Chex Mix
Yummy!

Season of Joy: 17

Oh my...was headed up to bed and realized..."the blog challenge".

Joy...nobody had homework tonight and hopefully, nobody will have homework during the Winter Break and track off that starts tomorrow.

Joy...in having 2 weeks of relaxed routine here around the house.

Triple joy would be had if they start to sleep in just a tad during the break...hey, a girl can always dream, right?

Season of Joy: 16

Tired...so very tired...

But I think for the first night in a long time, I shall sleep like a baby.

Today, I found joy in the concept of teamwork. Two projects came together with a perfect outcome. One involved some "elf work". (and OMG, if you met this sweet 5 yr old, you'd be beaming with joy knowing her Christmas morning is going to be so magical).

The other involved working together with my fellow RN-classmates.
At times I've questioned: do I really want to join the rat-race of nursing? Backstabbing and upstaging is very prevalent.
But not with these 11 classmates: everyone chimed in willing to help, voicing their opinions and creating a united front.

What amazing things can happen when we all work together....this is joy in action!

Season of Joy: 15

December 15th and I was able to run errands without a coat. Just a sweater and a t-shirt.

The joy of feeling the warmth of that sun....warming me up, melting away my worries.

Yep, the little red-haired orphan had it right...the sun will come tomorrow and really...as long as there is tomorrow...you can get through the troubles of today.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my friends and family who checked in on me, listened to me whine and cry, and cry and whine. I know that indeed life isn't about what things we have, but rather the people we share our lives with! This truth? Fills my heart with joy!

Season of Joy: 14

Today? Not much joy to be found...(though I did have lunch with my pal Fran...that was good!)

So, instead, I shall share a joyful moment from last week.

Hubby and I took the "cheap date night" route....and as we sat on the couch side by side, munching popcorn and trying to keep track of who was scamming who (Duplicity: if you've seen it, you know what I"m talking about)......I realized how very lucky I am to call Dom "Hubby".

He fills my life with joy...and I know as long as we are together, we can weather whatever storm passes our way!

Season of Joy: 13

Today....not one but two fabulous parties here in the neighborhood.
A chance to visit with friends that I don't see nearly as often as I'd like.

Joy...was it the spicy buffalo dip that I had at Party A or the yummy cranberry treat I had at Party B.

Tis the season to enjoy countless tasty treats.........joy? More like YUMMY-JOY!

Season of Joy: 12

sorry, no 12 on the 12th. I accidentally left the camera hooked up to the computer and drained the battery. D'oh...

Today, I've finally gotten started on my favorite tradition of the season.

Christmas cards.

I know...call me a freak...but it is the one task I enjoy doing each year. And it was bumming me out that I hadn't gotten even a slight start on this project. I can scale back on the decorating, ease up on the baking and the shopping, but I just can't pass on sending out greetings to all my family and friends.

So today's joy came from getting this process well underway! Yeah me!

Season of Joy: 11

How do you know that perhaps this year's neighborhood Santa was a bit on the young side?

When he arrives at your house to board his sleigh (aka, Natasha) and he spots the t.v. on in our family room

"Cool! I love this show!" he proudly announced.

What show were the Things watching that caught Santa's eye you ask?

Why of course...Phineas and Ferb!

Joy...it comes from laughing as you watch Santa mesmerized by the antics of Phineas and Ferb. It comes from laughing with friends who call to check in on you and make sure you are bouncing back from your bad day.

Laughter...tis all good as long as you can still find something to laugh about!

Go...find the laughter of the Season!

Season of Joy: 10

The neighborhood Christmas party: a HUGE success...so many families came to visit and catch a glimpse of Santa.

It helped make a pretty lousy day end on a happier note.

Joy comes in knowing that tomorrow is a new day, a fresh start and that the disappointments of today will be less raw tomorrow.

Season of Joy: 9

The gift of friendship.... it fills my life all year long with joy.
But during Christmas season? It takes on magical proportions!

Today, a friend of mine offered to help make the magic of Christmas come alive for the daughter of a classmate of mine.

These two women have never met (though I plan to change that as soon as possible). That didn't matter. What mattered is one friend had a request that another friend could help out with.

Thank you, Dodi! Today? You were not only the source of my joy but the source of joy for a complete stranger as well.

Season of Joy: 8

Yesterday, the computer was making noises. By evening, it had progressed to the sounds of a cat stuck inside the hard drive. Since we have no cat, the conclusion was reached that the hard drive had died. Supporting evidence was found by Hubby, the network guru.

Today I bought the replacement drive...a bit sad that some data/photos were lost. Hubby is faithful about our monthly back ups so it wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been.

So, where is the joy in all this you ask?

When he came up proudly announcing..."It wasn't the D: drive....and your stuff is all stored on the D: drive. You are back in business".

Have I mentioned lately how much my Hubby fills our lives with joy? He is the m.a.n.!
Thanks, Honey!

Season of Joy: 7

Trust me, spending the day with "Lewis" is not where I'll find my joy...

Good thing I took time this weekend to fix the ultimate in Holiday snacks...

Homemade Caramel corn...just like Mom used to make!

I'd offer to share...but you better get here quick...it's going fast!

Season of Joy: 6

Is there anything better than a snowy Sunday?

Oh yeah...a snowy Sunday in December.



It really is beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas!
Seeing silly smiles like this? You can't help but feel the joy!!!!
(well, once you thaw out from the cold...)

Season of Joy: 5

Class is winding down. Final exam is this coming Thursday.
Last night while surfing, I spotted a possible job that sounds like a good "fit" for me.
So today, I applied for my first nursing job in...almost 13 years?

While anxiety seems to be the prevailing emotion these days, there is a growing sense of joy in the knowledge that I know this is the right path to pursue for me and my family.

Season of Joy: 4

The Things each have a tree in their rooms. Small, pre-lit, but it's fun to see which ornaments they pick to display in their room.

Thing Two? First one he grabbed is my University of Wyoming ornament...and he proudly announces "I'm gonna go there, too!" (alumni pride and affordable? win-win)

Thing One...searches and searches. "Where's Yoda?". Um, not sure...if it's not in the ornament box, well...who knows where it might be. He promises to find something else as his first choice.
(my how far he's come...back in the day? he'd have obsessed over it for days, maybe weeks).

And then this afternoon...what do I find in another Christmas box? Yoda!
You should have seen the smile on his face.

Joy indeed....from watching your child follow in your footsteps (or at least promise to at the tender age of 10) to watching your other child learn to be a bit more flexible.

Season of Joy: 3

It's bitter cold here today and I would have preferred to have stayed home.
But, a few errands needed to be done. Off I went...bundled up as if it were...December (D'oh...it is....I forget after the recent mild weather we've enjoyed).

First stop: Rumbi Island Grill to get gift cards for the teacher gifts. The young fella, while ringing up my purchase for gift cards, gave me coupons for $5 off my next entree! Yes, folks, that is coupons. in the plural form. $25 worth of free food at Rumbi. Who wants to join me there for lunch? I might even share one of my coupons.

Next stop was the dreaded Wally World....I was waiting patiently behind a woman with a very large order. That wasn't so bad...it was watching the very new clerk ring up the order in record slow pace. Oh well, I thought to myself, it is a good time to check up on the trashy tabloids while I wait (did you hear about Tiger? Yeah...who would have guessed it...a celebrity athlete cheats on his spouse? Whodathunkit? Puhlease...just leave these people alone to figure out their messes without the world watching)

When out of nowhere appears a cashier and she says "I can help you over on lane 12!".

She laughed as I said "you made my day!"...which isn't really true....the dude at Rumbi that gave me all those coupons made my day...she? Was just the cherry on top!

Joy indeed....it can be found in that simple act of friendly service!

Season of Joy: 2

Thing Two: "Mom, you're the B.E.S.T.!"

what had I done to receive such praise?
I met him at school with sled and all the necessary gear to take a quick detour to the sledding hill before heading home and starting boring old homework.

His appreciation of this simple act...made my day!

'

Season of Joy: 1

The fact that the Things are actually old enough to "help" with the seasonal decorating gives me great joy.

Especially as I struggled to assemble the blasted Playmobil Advent thing-a-ma-jig.

Season of Joy: 1

Time for another personal challenge.

To find joy in the journey towards Christmas.

Little things, big things, favorite things....whatever comes to mind when it comes to Holiday Joy.

won't you join me in this challenge?

Each day, blog about something that gives you joy...I'm eager to see if I can turn my Bah Humbug mood around...

Thanksgiving 26

Thanksgiving: the day we set aside to give thanks.....for the bountiful harvest that we have been blessed with. A healthy family, a warm place to call home, and meal lovingly prepared by someone else (Thanks Ms. Judy!).

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!!

Thanksgiving 25

For years, I've wondered, what is it about pumpkin pie that I just don't like? I mean, I love the smell of a pumpkin-scented candle. I enjoy a tasty slice of pumpkin bread (thanks MBK, your bread was delicious). But, I just can't embrace the idea of pumpkin pie.

Why is that?

Well, today, thanks to my good friend Fran, I have the answer....

Thanks for the laugh Fran!

We met some 10 years ago at a scrapbooking evening (called a crop for those who don't participate in this obsession). Jokingly, I lamented that I didn't have a friend (as my friend that was supposed to join me had to cancel). Fran jumped right in and replied "I'll be your friend!"

And she was right: she has indeed been my friend through thick and through thin.

And while we don't get to spend nearly enough time together, I know that she'll always be there....with a funny email or an offer to meet at Archiver's for the afternoon. Ready for anything that life tosses her way: that's Fran!

This year, life tossed Fran a couple sharp curve balls. Yet, true to Fran's nature, she faced these losses head on and her strength and determination reminds me that life is indeed what we make it! Thank you Fran, for the laugh and the friendship!

Now, when can you get a kitchen pass so we can go to Archiver's?

Thanksgiving 24

Oh my, am I thankful for this short school week. While I got the Things out the door this morning without yelling, it was close there at the end. Not to mention the supervising of homework and studies. Just don't have it in me this week.

Now if only I had a short week on the mom-student front.

Thanksgiving 23

Oh come on, admit it...somewhere tucked away in all your stuff is a
Glamour Shot picture from the early '90s.
You know you've got one...why not share it?

This morning....I'm thankful that I can look back at my younger self and laugh...
And perhaps I have given you a reason to laugh as well this morning..

Yep, I'm thankful for my ability to make others laugh...even when it occurs at my expense...

Thanksgiving 22

Margaret Mead is quoted as saying that sisters probably share the most competitive relationship within the family, but once sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.

And while I have no brothers to compare the truth of this statement against, I can certainly identify with the observations she has made.

For growing up, there was indeed a "healthy" amount of competition between us. Plenty of arguments and fighting. But as adults, Laura and I enjoy a relationship that is stronger than any other adult relationship I have (short of good old Hubby: he's in it the long haul as well).

I am so very thankful to have Laura in my life: we share so many past experiences, times spent in celebration and times spent in sorrow. And what a blessing it is to have this one person in my life who knew me when...and continues to be there for me!

So watch out you Old Farts in Sun City, "the girls" are coming to town for the New Year...and a good time will be had by all I"m sure!

Thanksgiving 21

Still rather amazed that last night's "sleep over" actually involved the boys getting some sleep.

And while I"m always thankful for a good night's sleep, I'm equally thankful for boys that listened to me, respected my request of "lights out 10 p.m." and they actually went to sleep.

As a result, "the day after" hasn't been nearly as rough as on past sleep over attempts.
We've been happy and productive!

Thanksgiving 20

I have this friend....hopefully you have one just like her...

She's the quiet one (or at least plays that role perfectly? Her family might tell us otherwise).

Rarely does she take center stage in a group conversation (we put her in the center stage, especially after she's been home to NY to visit her parents and their neighbor, Thom Filicia.)

She listens. No, I mean, she really listens. No matter what we're whining about, she's patiently listening. And then ever so softly, she will offer up a perspective that no one else has really thought about. This quiet wisdom has saved the day on problems from getting Things to take better care of their teeth to saving face with a parent-teacher conflict.

Everyone needs a Jacqui in their life and I'm so thankful to call her my friend!

Thanksgiving 19

Gotta love a dad that offers to drop his son off at school on his way to work.

Whether it's a hubby driving son to school...

Or oldest Thing helping younger Thing with his math homework

(hello: can you say Partial Products and Lattice Method Mayhem? Round 2 of 4th grade Every Day Math is here)

It makes me happy to see us all working together to get the job done...

Thanksgiving 18

Radio Shack: you saved the day...

If only the rest of life's problems were as easy to fix as a quick trip into Radio Shack.
But, it is also a reminder to be to be thankful for those times when there is a quick and easy solution to a problem.

Today, I am trying not to focus on all the bigger problems and worries that are being tossed our way. Instead, I am going to be thankful that yes, we now have a power cord to run the much loved portable dvd player. And you know what, with the right attitude, I'm guessing that tomorrow even those bigger worries won't seem so huge either...

Thanksgiving 17

Sunrise at Ft. Logan National Cemetery 11.11.09

What a beautiful sight...most mornings here in CO, the sun rises and shines brightly.

Even on the coldest winter-like days, that sun is working her magic: melting snow, warming our homes and lifting our spirits.

And since today I have a "hot date" with my nursing textbooks, I'm thankful for that sun that is flooding through my basement window. It is making the task of "refreshing my nursing knowledge" seem a little less dreary!

Thanksgiving 16

"Mom, if you think math is funny, then you need a doctor, because there
is nothing funny about this stuff!" states Thing One

Yep, I sure am thankful that child makes me laugh...because if he didn't there is no way we could survive the homework of a 6th grader.

Thanksgiving 15

Today, I'm thankful that I've got nowhere to go

And I have all day to get there...

oh, and bonus thankful thought...glad grilling wasn't part of today's plan!

Thanksgiving 14

For the past 4 years that I've blogged, it's pretty obvious that I like my kids a lot. And in many ways, this blog serves as an on-going celebration of that joy they bring to my life: be it through laughter, tears or somewhere in between.

But this morning, as I'm sitting here in the silence of the morning (for some bizarre reason they are sleeping in. That like NEVER happens on a weekend), I'm reflecting on Thing Two and how his arrival some 10 yrs ago, completed our family in ways I never would have imagined.

When Thing One was about 18 months old, he stopped developing. Oh sure, he physically grew but that was about it. Hubby and I noticed but didn't really do much. I consulted with a co-worker at the time, and it was sort of the consensus "eh, all kids develop at their own rate, maybe with the pregnancy and everything..." No need to worry, let's wait and see what happens.

Shortly after Thing One turned 2, we had our first visit with a specialist and we learned that his development had apparently stalled out long before we'd even started to notice. He was 24 months old yet only 9 months old "developmentally".

And as hard as this was to process, we didn't have much time to dwell on what all this meant as I was about to deliver Thing Two.

Thing Two...the tag along brother. The one who sat quietly in the carrier while his older brother had this therapy or that consult. The one whose nap schedule got interrupted routinely as it was time to go pick up brother from pre-school and shuttle him over to afternoon special ed preschool. Occasionally, he would cry, wanting to go with brother to play with all those cool therapy toys. But more times than not, he was just along for the ride.

And that's when I really started to notice: he never expressed jealousy, and to this day, rarely does. He is his brother's biggest cheerleader and greatest peer-role model. We never put him in this position. He took it on himself.

I am not an overly religious person, but I am a woman of faith. I know without a doubt, that when Thing Two joined this family, it was no accident. From the timing of his birth (because trust me, we weren't thinking he'd be conceived as quickly as he was) to the ways of his personality (which aren't perfect. I'm convinced he's going to go into Law: where he will get paid to over-think, and argue/debate every little angle he can think of).

He is indeed "the perfect fit" and completes this family....and that makes me one very proud and thankful Mom!

Thanksgiving 13

Friday the 13th and headed out to Moms Night Out!
No bad luck has come my way yet....that's worth a shout of thanks, don't ya think?

Thanksgiving 12

Thankful for this handsome man being my husband for 14 years...

He's a keeper, I tell you...and he's m.i.n.e.!

Thanksgiving 11

Today is the day we honor our veterans...
Hey? That would be me, right?

Better pour yourself something to drink...this is gonna be a wordy one....

December 1983, my dorm room phone rang. It was my mom, saying she and Dad were heading to WI because she needed "surgery". But, no need to worry, she'd be fine. She encouraged me to do well on my first semester exams and she's be home by the time I came home for Winter Break.

By the time all was said and done, yes, she needed surgery, but there was a real reason to worry. She had breast cancer and it was rather extensive. The prognosis was questionable. It was a time of great uncertainty: health and financial worries were unspoken truths that our entire family experienced to some degree.

So, when the junk mail arrived after winter break and there was a letter from the UW Army-ROTC department telling about the nursing school scholarships available , the light bulb in my brain went off....and by later that year, I was raising my hand, taking the first oath of office, joining ROTC.

Yes, it started out as a purely financial decision.
There was really nothing very patriotic about my choosing to serve our nation.

It was practical solution to a problem...an attribute I've always been proud of possessing.
But by the time I hung up my uniform for good (Summer 1994), I had gained so much more than "paying for college". I worked with some extremely dedicated health care professionals. We took care of our military community when they were sick, dying or injured. The friends I made in the service are those that you consider your "forever" friends. Oh the stories they can tell (but thankfully, don't!). The leadership experience I was given surpassed anything I would have gained through working in some random hospital, doing random nursing jobs. The training I received was unsurpassed in quality and expertise. It would forever change the course of my career.

I owe so much of who I am today to what I gained while serving in the military!

Today, I"m thankful that I am a veteran!

It was indeed an honor to serve....

Thanksgiving 10

This morning, I'm trying a different tactic to starting out the day. It involves getting up earlier, having a plan, and being prepared. The Marines would be proud of me...though they are busy celebrating their 234th birthday today!

As for me, I'm thankful for the countless brave men and women who join the Marines. You really do have one of the tougher jobs in our nation's military!

And while I've got no cake to share with them, I will raise my fork as I dive into my breakfast...

Happy Birthday, Marines!

and Thank-you Laura for the yummy apples that I used to make this home-made pie. I fear this was the last of the apples that came fresh from the orchards of MI!

Thanksgiving 9

The morning started a bit rougher than usual (even allowing for the Monday factor).

By the time I sent the older Thing off to school, I knew the day was going to be a total loss if I didn't do something to turn the mood around.

Need I say more?

Yep, 'tis the season for the Red Cup Holiday specials and for that I (and actually my family since they bear the brunt of my cranky mood) am very thankful for that Peppermint Mocha that hit the spot and did indeed turn my mood around!

Thanksgiving 8

Looking through some old photos, I found this cute one of the Things....back on our first trip to Seussland. What a fun adventure that was...

Six years ago...we made a trip to FL. We took in some Homecoming events for Hubby and we took a trip to Universal Studios (not part of the original plan but the weather in Ft. Lauderdale was not cooperating with my idea of a "beach only" vacation).

But for me, one of the highlights was visiting Hubby's uncle and family.

See, it's different: I grew up spending holidays with my extended family. I know all my cousins and can remember most of their children's names....

Hubby? Not so much...as his extended relatives all arrived in the US at different times and settled in different locations.

So, at 40 something, Hubby was still meeting cousins and aunts he never knew he had.

I've been thinking a lot of Uncle Andy and his family these past couple of weeks.

You see, his wife, had a very serious stroke on Labor Day weekend and sadly lost her battle to recover on October 27th. She was only in her late 50s.

Today, I'm thankful for having had the opportunity to meet Aunt Seen Che (Cindy)....I will always remember the warm embrace she had for me when she met me...and the lovely chat we enjoyed while dining at Uncle Andy's restaurant. She welcomed me as family......and I am forever grateful for that visit where I knew I was accepted as part of "the family".
Acceptance....indeed a gift worth being thankful for!

Thanksgiving 7

Google...gotta love it and be thankful for it!

For without it, I hate to think how long it would have taken me to help Thing One with his book report.

And double gratitude that the book was a Newberry Award winner (Maniac Magee for those at are curious) and is well liked by teachers all over the country. Loads of good ideas all within a click of the mouse.

Now, to make it look like he did some of the work...I guess that leaves out using the cricut, eh?

Thanksgiving 6

Thankful that it is FRIDAY!

(hey, I never said each and every day was going to be this deeply thought out gratitude essay)

But HEY, did you hear, it is FRIDAY...so no homework will need to be supervised this afternoon, we can hang out with friends and extend the bedtime just a tad, and if I get my rear in gear and finish up my studies today...I might just make it to the craft table to PLAY this weekend.

Thanksgiving 5

A good night's sleep and waking up before the alarm. Followed up by cooperative kids who got ready for school without even a hint of attitude?

You betcha I"m thankful for that! (and curious how I get this to be an on-going event at the House of Chang?)

Thanksgiving 4

This morning Thing Two asked if we could have doughnuts for breakfast.

Hmmm...I like the way he thinks.

So, off I went to the local grocery store and was soon home with a dozen fresh bakery treats.

Yep, I'm thankful that the grocery store is so close that I can fulfill an impromptu request from my son.

The smile on his face was indeed priceless...as was the one on the carpool buddy's face when we had extras to share!

Thanksgiving 3

Me and my pals, Skills Lab circa 1987...

As you might recall, I'm in the middle of a refresher course for nursing.

Most of it is online.

Except Tuesday, when we have our clinical skills lab.

It is now Tuesday evening.

I've spent the day learning about chest tubes, catheters, IVs and injections...

I've also spent the past six Tuesdays laughing with others in the same predicament as me....we have all taken some time off from the calling of a nurse and now are looking to return to this profession.

So while my head is spinning with wonders and worries about where this adventure will take me,

Today, I"m thankful for being a nurse...

Thanksgiving 1 and 2:

Last year, I did a post a day in November, taking time to reflect on something I am grateful/thankful for.

And while tempting as it is to say "not this year, I don't have time".....I don't think that is the "right" answer for me. Seeing "Christmas" being marketed so heavily already, I feel that if I take November to focus on being thankful, I can hopefully savor the holiday that happens BEFORE Santa shows up next month.

So, November 1st came and went...I was thankful for a large capacity washer and dryer. I tackled Mt. Laundry and made a big dent in the never ending pile of dirty duds. Can you even imagine what it was like before such modern conveniences were available? Yeah...me neither...

Today, November 2nd, I'm thankful for a car that takes me where I need to go. I had a bunch of errands to run and am very thankful to have been able to accomplish them in the comforts of my van, as old and tired as she may be getting.

Join in...if you dare...a month of being thankful...