Laughter

I'm so thankful for my kids and the joy they bring me. They say and do the funniest, cutest, and silliest things these days. I love how they are constantly growing into their own personalities. They crack me up with some of the things they say. I don't know where they get this stuff but it's never a dull moment!
I'm also thankful for coworkers that I enjoy. I love my job and the people I see everyday- both kids and adults. This job has been such a blessing in many ways.

My Daughter

Today I am thankful for my sweet girl. Claire is so much fun and so full of adventure, fun and snuggles. She loves to dance and sing and both totally melt my heart. It's adorable to watch her performing. I can't believe how big she is getting but I'm looking forward to all the girly firsts with her.
These pictures are from her dancing. She requested I take them while she was in motion. :)

Fun

I got new glasses yesterday and I'm so thankful for them! I'm enjoying the transition lenses and loving having "sunglasses" for the first time. These glasses were worth every penny!
Tonight, I'm also thankful for nights when I lay and read. I love the time spent in a good book. I have loved reading my whole life and I'm so glad I can find the time to enjoy it still. Nothing beats a good book, a cozy blanket and something to sip at the end of the day (or week).

Alone

I'm thankful for time spent by myself today. Well, any time I spend alone is nice. Don't get me wrong, you know how much I love my kids. I love the walks we take together but I really like the ones I take while they are in bed. It's a nice way to relax from the day I had and to have time to think without little voices asking me questions or wanting me to watch them do something. :) A little "me time" goes a long way.

Life

I love my life. I'm thankful I have been given this life to live. It such a broad topic and I could elaborate a hundred different ways but I'm going to just say I love it all.
On a more specific note, I'm also thankful for the changes I have made over the past ten months or so. I feel like I have finally come into my own on many different levels. I've figured out how to juggle many things as a single mom, I've successfully worked out my personalized budget and no longer have monetary concerns, I got a job I love that is perfect for me and also for my family, I have grown as a parent in the ways I interact with my kids or discipline them, I have grown in my relationship with Jesus in a deeper and more moving way, and I have really just felt more like an adult. That sounds funny but it's true.
In light of the beautiful weather we have had this weekend and start of the week, I'm thankful for lots of outside time for the kids and the opportunities we have to go on walks and just enjoy our yard.

Neighborhood

Today I'm thankful for the neighborhood we live in. We live in the middle of an orchard and are surrounded by all kinds of fruit trees and fruit stands. We also live less than a half mile from the Columbia River. It's such a nice walk down there and back.
My kids and I walked down to the river beach today and waded in the water, threw rocks in the river, watched boats zoom past and enjoyed the beautiful weather we had. I'm looking forward to more days like this!

Friday

I am so thankful its Friday. I am looking forward to our weekend and the beautiful weather we have coming our way.
The kids and I spent a lot of time outside this afternoon and it was great! I also enjoyed a walk alone after they went to bed. That was really relaxing.
Here's to a Saturday filled with sun and fun!