Day #120 - My Siblings

I spoke to all five of my siblings today (very unusual)! I called two of them and the other three called me. :) I count my sisters and brother as some of my greatest blessings. I love them and feel grateful for their presence in my life.

Day #119 - A First

This picture captured the first time Lily has ever been up on her knees. I am not sure how she got there. It was a fluke I am sure because I have tried to get her to do it again with no success. Looking back, I can't believe that she was able to hold this position for so long (just so I could take the picture). What a cutie. She kept putting her head down to the floor to look at herself. She knew it was something new and exciting. Who knows what she will do next. :)

Day #118 - A Kind Neighbor

My girls love dogs. They don't have much experience with real dogs, so they are a little nervous around the real thing. But, they long to own a dog of their own. I wish that I had the energy to take that on. But I know that I don't. So I buy them stuffed animal dogs and I let Eryn pretend she is a dog and read stories about dogs, hoping to appease their desire. The other day I was at a neighbors house and she brought me over to the corner to meet their new puppies - four adorable puppies. I asked if I could bring my girls back to see them later that day. My girls were of course delighted to see them and to have the opportunity to hold them and play with them. This kind neighbor then invited my girls to come over every day, if they like, until they are sold in two weeks. This has been a memorable treat for them. They have gone almost every day (sometimes dragging friends and cousins with them) to play with the puppies. I am sure that buying them a puppy would be a great end to this story, but nope. Hopefully they will be grateful for this special time that they have had in the company of four sweet puppies.

Day #117 - Couponing

I know that this is a weird thing to be grateful for, but I am. I have recently learned how to coupon and it makes me so happy. I feel so prepared and powerful walking into the grocery store with my little plan. I "bought" some free milk and free pasta today (among other things) using coupons. It was so exciting. :)

Day #116 - An opportunity to share my talents

I had the privilege to lead the congregation and the choir (one of the three numbers) as part of our Stake Conference today. I felt so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the meeting and to use my talents. My experience has been that the more I use my talents, the more they develop and grow and the more useful I become.

Day #115 - Dalynne

Dalynne and Lily on Lily's first birthday.

My friend Dalynne invited Joel and I to see a musical tonight. We had a wonderful time. I am so grateful for Dalynne in my life. She is the first person I thought of when we received Lily's diagnosis. She is the only person I had ever known with spina bifida. That knowledge alone was a great comfort to me in those difficult moments. We spent a handful of years growing up together on the same street. We went to church and school together and our families were friends (still are). What a blessing. And she continues to bless my life today as a friend and a good example.

Day #114 - Snail Mail

It is rare nowadays, but every once in a while, among all of the medical bills and junk mail, we get a hand-written note in the mail. I love it. Makes me want to write a few myself.

Day #113 - Joseph

He dressed as Ironman.

Jojo had a superhero party with the little boys from the neighborhood. His sisters and older cousins were so helpful to run the games.

Joseph turned four years old today! I am so grateful for his sweet presence in our family. One of my favorite things this little boy does throughout the day (whenever he feels like it) is say, "Mom, (little pause) I love you." He has grown up so much this past year. He has grown literally, too. So tall! He lives for preschool, play dates with friends, superhero anything, trains, cars, planes and anything blue or "boy." Joseph is so full of life and personality. How dull life would be without his cheerful voice and his loving spirit. Happy Birthday Jojo!

Day #112 - A Mother Who Read To Me

You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be --
I had a mother who read to me.
-- Strickland Gillilan

One of my favorite things to do with my children is to snuggle up with a good book and read aloud. If I can do that one-on-one, even better! Nowadays, I usually have to pair Eryn and Anna together to read chapter books. Our last read aloud was The Trumpet of the Swan which as such a fun read. Joseph is at the perfect age to read longer picture books. We have been reading some of my favorites like Christina Caterina and The Box, and A Birthday for Frances. Lily loves to lay in my bed and read. Whenever I lay her down for a nap she pats the pillow next to her and says, "read book." I can not think of anything more comfortable and sweet than to cuddle up with a child and a good book.

My mother loved to read aloud to her children. In fact I am so grateful for the memories I have of sitting next to her on the couch or at her feet as her rhythmic voice told many a memorable tale to me and my little sister. There are in fact, certain stories that I can not read without hearing my mother's voice telling them (Caps for Sale for example). I feel even more gratitude when I think about the fact that her mother (my Grandma Tolman) read to her. My grandmother was an amazing teacher to young children and was a beloved storyteller. The interesting thing about this is that I have read in old histories of my grandmother that her father read Shakespeare out loud to her. No wonder I love to read to my children so much. It practically runs in my family! :)

Day #111 - Support

I am so grateful that I have people around me who are willing to jump in at the spur of the moment to help me when I need it. I have a short list of about five people who receive my call for help regularly and I simply do not know what I would do without them! I really believe that everyone needs someone like that in their life. Today I had to run my sisters to the airport earlier than they expected they needed to go (mix-up on the time). So I made a few quick calls to get my kids situated and I was able to be there for my sisters. Thank you Lila and Stephanie. :)