Dear Hayden- P.S. I love you

 

  Fragile X, Autism Spectrum issues, PDD-NOS....oh how I wish I could say I only heard about those things. My son has PDD-NOS.  He is going to be tested for Fragile X syndrome. I am crossing my fingers that this test will come back as negative. He does have some of the features. I wonder how many parents out there know what it feels like to be here, not knowing. I would rather not know I think, because a diagnosis of Fragile X may take away my hope.


  I have two boys and one girl. Both of my boys have issues. Davy's, I wrote about the other day.

  Hayden's...well that is another story.

   We sat in the doctor’s office yesterday. She asked question after question. He made no eye contact. He fidgeted nervously in the chair. He acted "Autistic". Nothing is worse than seeing your child disappear in front of your eyes. Nothing is worse than knowing that you might do everything right and that child still might not have a future. How do you explain this to other people? I don't think you can. They can try to empathize. This walk sucks.

   Hayden was originally diagnosed at age 2. He is now 11. He has always had issues. Hayden is loving, kind, smart, and funny. He is sweet, thoughtful and fair. He does not see the bad in people. He is good. He works harder than any child I have met. He is a gift. I treasure him. I love him. Every day is a day we try to teach him how to be as normal as possible. Hayden is special. Not "special", but truly a special kid who fills us with love.

  Hayden is high functioning. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to have a low functioning child. I want to tell other moms who deal with these issues, you are wonderful people. This is hard. 

  It is different with David. He has food allergies. I cannot do anything about that, except watch his diet and try to keep him safe.

  Hayden, we can teach him. He has learned so much more than anyone ever thought possible. Hayden is a character. He can do this. If he doesn't, he will not have the life he dreams of... My job is to give him the tools.

Dear Hayden,

  If I can do anything with this life,  I will give you the tools to have a job and a chance for a wife. I would give you all that I had, just so you would not have to go through this life being sad.  I will help you heal.  I would give up everything I am, to help you become a man.   The most important thing that I want you to know....  is that I believe in you.  You can and do anything you set your mind too.  You are perfect just the way you are.  You can and will go far. 

 -mom

P.S.  I love you


I am grateful for this life, but I am going to allow myself to cry today. Perhaps for just five minutes. Then, I will get back on my feet and move forward creating a new plan of action. We have until he is 16 years old to get this right. Then...we must start planning transitioning into adult life. 4 1/2 years... that is not a lot of time.

Gratitude's ~ Day 18 A Trip in Germany and a Visit to the Doctor

  I am a couple of days behind writing my gratitude journal. A lot has happened in those days too. Some wonderful, some the same, no matter what, life happened so I have a lot to be grateful for.

                                             Gratitude's~Day 18 

1. Day Trips~ we took off on Saturday to Bernkastel-Kues , Germany in the Moselle valley. This quaint German town offers unique buildings of half-timbered houses, beautiful landscapes with vineyards along the hills. We stopped at the castle ruins of the Landshut overlooking the Bernkastel valley. Fun was had by all!! I am grateful for this day of sightseeing.




Landshut Castle Ruins

Half timbered House In Bernkastel -Kues

2. Eating out~ We finished our day of sightseeing by eating at the Zegrab restaurant in Bitburg Germany. The food was good. I am grateful that we can eat out.

Just outside after dinner in Bitburg

3. Relaxing Sundays~ In Germany, Sunday is a day of rest. Boy did we need it.  We rested the day away in the quiet of our house. I am grateful to be able to take a day to rest.

4. Hayden~ I have written that I am grateful for my son before. Today, I am grateful for his good attitude. He started the re-evaluation process for an Autism spectrum disorder this morning. He did fine. It was only a few minute into the interview that I knew his diagnosis was going to remain PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder). My heart always breaks watching him answer questions. He doesn’t really understand that he is different. I, most of the time, do not see it either. Today, it was painfully clear. The doctor asked him all sorts of questions. He did just fine. I love my son.  He is fine the way he is.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/navigating/pdd_nos.php

5. Friends~ I had a friend send me a note to make sure all was well. The note was welcomed and needed on my part. I am thankful that my friend took the time to ask.  Thank You Sarah.  I "heart" you.

6. Time~ I am grateful that we still have 6-8 years to work with Hayden to prepare him for the real world. After seeing him today, I realize we still have some work to do. I am grateful for time.

7. The doctor~ The doctor agreed that Hayden is not ADHD and does not need medication. This is GREAT news!!!!   She observed my child and saw what we see. I am grateful for a good doctor and no meds.

8. Sleep~ I am exhausted. Tonight I get to sleep. I am grateful to sleep.

9. My father~ I just had an uplifting conversation with my dad. I am grateful for my father.

10. As always, life~ Every twist, turn, bump and slump offers something good to look at. As long as I am alive, I have something to be grateful for. Have a good day everyone.

   There is so much I could write about Hayden’s appointment today. Perhaps I will sit down and talk about it later, but for now I am going to leave it as it is.

Giggle for the day:    Doctor to Hayden, “Have you ever heard the saying ‘When Pigs fly’?” Hayden’s answer, “Yes that would be when Swine Flu!” Got to love that kid!



Gratitude's Day 17~ Seeing the good in people

   Good morning everyone. As is my usual habit, this morning I got up, drank my cup of coffee and browsed the most recent comments of my friends on Facebook. There were the witty comments, the angry comments, and the heart moving videos, the usual. One comment struck me. It had to do with karma. The good ol' phrase, "what goes comes around", enters my mind. When someone is angry sometimes they want to see the bad things happen to the person they are angry with. Once they have a moment to settle their thoughts and ease the pain in their heart, I don't think most of them want "bad" karma to happen to anyone. Rather, they are venting in the moment.


  I know that I do not want bad things to happen to people. Rather, I would like to see their hearts filled with peace, love, and growth. If I wish hard enough, maybe something great will happen and change that person for the better. Oh...I can dream right? No, I have seen this happen. People can change and be better when they choose to be.


                               Gratitude's Day 17


1. Believing the good in people~ Once, a long time ago, I was told that I am naive. I see the good in people. I seek it out. I try to understand that everyone does things that they are not proud of, but that does not define them. I see the soft edges on hardened hearts. I see the marshmallows interiors on gruff shoulders. Even when those people are no longer a part of my life, I see the good in them. I am grateful to be able to do this.


2. Forgiveness~ This is something that is easy for me to do.  I used to struggle with forgiveness.  When I forgive a person, I move on from the negative feelings that hurt my heart.  I let it go.  Let Go and Let God is one of my favorite sayings.  It's true that people do or say bad things, but it is not my place to judge them.  I do not like it when people say, "Only God can Judge them."  While this is true, the person saying that is wishing evil on another person.  They have condemned that person.  Rather, I hope that they have a good life and a good ending. I am grateful that I can forgive completely.


3. Having an open mind~ I do have subjects that I am not open about.  I know that.  However, for the most part, I am a very open minded person.  I believe that we are all created equal.  Yes....that includes everybody.  People get discriminated against for all different types of reasons. I dislike it when people use the bible as a tool to discriminate.  I say, read it again, and you will find another passage that supports the other side of the story.  I am grateful to have an open mind.


4. The sun~ The sun came out for three days this week. It was beautiful with temps in the upper 40's to low 50's. We played outside just like we did when we were little children. It was nice to soak up the vitamin D. I am grateful for the sun.


5. A simple word~ The other day, I got a note. It simply said, "It's been a while." In reality, it has been over 20 years since I last saw this person. It is nice to know that they remember me. I am grateful for simple words.


6. Love~ Love is a gift in itself. It feels your heart with happiness, joy, and even anger sometimes. Love is forgiving. Love is kind. I love to know I matter in people's lives, that I am loved. I am grateful for love.


7. People who are not afraid to speak out~ I know a lady who says what she thinks and feels what she says. Some call her difficult. I call her loving. She is a forceful, loving, caring, wonderful, beautiful person. I love her mind. I am grateful to know this lovely lady who speaks her mind.


8. Different types of friends~ Each friend I have hold a special spot in my heart. They each have their purpose. Some have more than one purpose, but they all fill my needs. I know, it sounds a bit selfish, but it is true. Some make me laugh. Some make me cry. Some make me think until it hurts. Others show me love. Some show possibilities. Some are a huge support system all around. All show me a friendship that is special. I can see that I fill different needs for my friends as well. For some I am a confidant. Other’s we giggle. Some, I am support system too. No matter what, I hope they all know that I love them. I am grateful for each different friend.


9. Reading~ Yesterday my kids wanted to hear passages from my gratitude journal. I read the parts that talked about what I love about each of them. Hayden looked at me and said," It’s like your diary filled with love. It's nice mom. I would like to hear more." I hope one day, they will be able to sit down and read this journal and understand how much I love them. I want each to grow into their own person. I want each to have a good life. I am grateful to have been able to read to them. They smiled.


10. As always, life~ This morning is special, as was yesterday. I hope tomorrow will be too. I love this life and all that goes with it.


   When I first started writing the gratitude’s, I thought I would run out in just a few days. Instead, every morning that I am able to write, I find I have even more gratitude's than I did the day before. Pretty neat thing to look for the gratitude's in your life. Even if it is just breathing, there is something to be grateful for. Have a good day everyone.

A walk in our shoes...

   This is supposed to be a blog about gratitude's.  A blog that is about changing your attitude to find the positive even in the negative. I have racked my brain over and over again. I cannot find one positive in having food allergies. I am not talking about the allergies that give you itchy skin or a runny nose. I am not talking about allergies that upset your belly or give you a migraine. I am talking about the food allergies that can cause your throat to swell, blocking your airway. I am talking about the fear that goes along with those allergies. Maybe one of my readers can tell me what I should be grateful for here. I am not grateful for food allergies. I am angry that my son has to live his life this way.

   My little boy is only seven years old. He has had one episode where I could see the outline of each of rib. I can still see the terror in his little eyes. I can see him gasping and struggling to breathe. I hate this image in my head.  My Davy has food allergies.

  This morning he woke up with swelling under his eyes. Why? I do not know. I checked his back, his throat and quizzed him about all of his symptoms. No hives, no swelling. He said he is fine. I let him go to school today. That was hard. He knows his body better than I do.  He knows if he is ok.  I have to trust my little guy.

   The only positive that I can see here is that I have Davy. I am grateful for my son. I do not want to live this life without him.



   Recently I was asked to write what David's first reaction was like. The purpose of writing this is to help establish guideline in schools for children with food allergies. Here is what I wrote:


                                                       David's First Reaction

     I was asked to write about the 1st reaction Davy had. Boy...that is a hard question to answer. Davy was born May 6, 2003. He was perfect in all ways. It wasn't until he was about 6 months old, that we started to clue in that something was not quite right. David's skin showed signs of eczema. We were prescribed the normal arsenal of treatments. Poor David would cry and cry whenever we put these lotions on his skin. His skin continued to get worse and worse. We did not know at that time that we were putting ingredients on his skin that he was allergic too. He then started lying down after dinner. His belly would hurt. He eyes always seemed puffy. We went back to the doctors several times. It was always the same diagnosis...Eczema.

   One night, we put David to bed. A few hours passed. It was around 11PM when we heard the strange sounds coming from his room. My poor boy was having a hard time breathing. My husband rushed him off to the 24 hour Urgent Care where they gave him two breathing treatments. Once he was able to breathe without difficulty, the doctors sent him home. Mark told me that they thought he may have the croup. The next morning, my son was fine. No illness at all. I knew something else was wrong. I made another appointment and asked for him to be tested for food allergies. The doctor reassured me that food allergies were rare. But she was kind and wanted to put my mind at ease, so she ordered a blood test. Two weeks later, the phone rang. I was not home. The caller ID suggested that we had been called about eight times. The doctor left a message that said to call her right away. For the 1st time in my life, I was not able to make a call. Instead, my husband made the call. I stood beside him and heard him say, "Uh huh... Okay . So Corn, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, milk and eggs."

    To this day that memory brings back many emotions that are difficult to put in writing. I knew our life had just changed in a way that I could not comprehend. I sat down with David and told him what the doctor had said. David's response makes me smile. He said in all the wisdom of a 3 1/2 to 4 year old, "Oh so that is what is making me sick. Oh good, then I just won't eat those foods." He seemed relieved that we would be able to help him. He has always been a champ about his allergies. It has been a long road, but I am happy to say that my son has outgrown all but 4(fish, shellfish, tree nuts and peanuts) of his allergies. There is hope for our children. We are going to continue having him tested on a yearly basis in hopes that he will one day outgrow all of his allergies. In the meantime, knowing he is safe when we send to school is a gift.

                                                                  The End.




Dear friends and readers,

  My gratitude’s are still many and I will get back to writing those later, but for today I wanted to focus on something I am not grateful for.  Just for today, I wanted to write about allergies for they will not be a part of my gratitude list, but it is a reality of my life.

   As always.. I am grateful for life.

As always, Life Gratitude's Day 16

   Good Morning friends. The kids are off to school. Mark has the day off today is sleeping. I am taking a minute to myself.



               Gratitude's Day 16


1. Lunch Dates with my hubby~ We go out and eat all the time, but very rarely is it just the two of us. Today is a special day because my husband is home and the kids are at school. Yep...free day care today. The education they get is a huge bonus too. I am grateful to get to spend time alone with my husband.


2. Food~ I love to eat. This shows on my waist line. I am curvy with bumps that are not exactly where i would want them to be. However, I do love food. I also love eating out because there are no leftovers in the house and no dishes to do. I am grateful for food.


3. Glitter~ I love glitter. It sparkles. It's cheerful. It's pretty. Glitter brings laughter and giggles from my children. Glitter is also the nemeses of one my best friends. Glitter brings giggles there too because every time I see glitter, I think of my friend. I am grateful for glitter.


4. Glue~ What better than glitter? Glitter Glue of course. I bought an 8 pack of glitter glue just the other day. Why? Because, we might need it one day. Mark, my husband, laughed when I bought the glitter glue saying we probably will never have a need for it now. I giggled too. We always need glitter glue.


5. Crafts~ Crafts are fun. We can spend hours in our imagination creating crafts. No, glitter is not required. My friend who hates glitter is quite the crafter. She creates beautiful works of art. I love crafts in all forms. The crafts other people create are often my favorites. If it takes more than an hour, I am unlikely to finish the craft. I am grateful for both the crafters and the crafts they create.


6. Craft Fairs~ I love craft fairs. We wander from vendor to vendor admiring their works of art, sometimes taking a piece of their treasures home. Other times, I just walk on by. I am grateful for craft fairs.


7. Surprise Street Carnivals~ One of my favorite memories here in Germany, so far, is the street carnival we happened across. It was not a planned night. We went to Trier on a Sunday, just to walk the streets and take in the sights. We stumbled onto a street carnival. It was small having about three rides and about five food vendors. We ate bratwurst and pommes(French fries). We rode the fastest and scariest bumper cars I have ever been on. I won the kids a few stuffed animals from the digger machines and we were on our way. What a night!! I am grateful for street fairs.


8. Street Performers~ I love hearing music as we walk down the street. Sometimes we see jugglers or mimes. We often and usually stop and throw a coin or two into their hats. Flutes, drums, singing and whatever they decide to do is exactly what I like to hear or see. I even laughed to see the Naked Cowboy in New York City. I am grateful for street performers.


9. Plants~ this morning my sink is full of my plants. They are all getting a drink. Green leaves with streaks of white holding the promise of future flowers sit in the sun. I am grateful for plants.


10. As always, Life~ If you ask my Uncle Herman how he is doing, he will likely say, "Well, I am alive aren't I?" He will then laugh and say that every day that he is alive is a good day. Can you imagine how great life would be if we would simply be grateful for every day? I am grateful for both this life and my Uncle Herman.


   It is time to go wake Mark up and start the day. Have a great grateful day. =)

Color's of life Gratitude's~ Day 15

It's 7:17Am right now. The sun should be rising in the next half hour or so. The house is quiet as everyone still sleeps. I am enjoying a nice cup of coffee, sitting in dark silence with one light turned on. I love these quiet mornings. The kids are near me. My husband is dreaming. Life is good.



                                  Gratitude~ Day 15


1. Sleeping Children~ The quiet mornings when I sip coffee and listen to my children sleep has always been one of my favorite times if the day. They are there dreaming, close by. I am here with them too. Just a wall separates us. I am grateful for this time of quiet that rejuvenates and starts the day.


2. Afternoons~ I love waking up early in the morning, but I am not a morning person. I drag, lolligag around. I sip my coffee and imagine the day away. I write. I surf the wed. I call friends on the phone. I clean. I do all sorts of things in the morning, but I rarely leave my house unless I have to in the morning. The afternoons are the time to get out and adventure, to go see friends. It is a time to shop. The playgrounds call our names in the afternoons. The afternoon hold so many promises. I am grateful for the afternoons.


3. Dirt~ I love dirt and clay. I love getting my hands dirty. I imagine, when I was young, I must have been quite a site coming in from outside playtime. Now, never wearing gloves, I fill pots and planters with dirt. Each pot will have its own splash of color as it is filled with various types of plants. I am grateful for dirt.


4. Color~ Vibrant colors are my favorite. I dislike the question, "What is you favorite color?" I do have one favorite color. Usually the color I like the best is the color that matches my mood. Most days that is the brightest of fuchsia's, the boldness of purples, the various shades of blue. Some days I feel brown or even yellow. It all depends on my mood. I am grateful for color.


5. Being a mother~ I can remember playing house when I was just a little girl.  I imagined myself having two girls.  I would care for them and love them.  I have always wanted to be a mother.  I have three children. Each of them have shown me a different gratitude in life.  Each of them has their own heart string.  I am grateful for being a mother.


6. Being a friend~ I have a hard time being a casual friend.  We are either connected or not. For me, one is an acquaintance.  Someone who you know, like and move on in separate directions, a potential friend of sorts.  The other is a person I get to know and love.  I don't hold list of their wrongs.  Instead I have a list of everything I love about them.  I don't want them to be perfect, since I cannot or will not ever be perfect myself.  I am good friend if you need an ear, someone who wants you to be the way you are, someone to love you.  If you need a glass of water, you may have to get it yourself.  I try not to crowd.  I am grateful that I can be a good friend.


7. Understanding ~ I like that I can be understanding.  I am also grateful for other understanding people.

8. Love~ A friend is writing a blog about love right now.  I have stopped by and read that blog several times. Probably at least 4-5 times. I enjoy her blogs.  They are sweet, uplifting and kind.  Love is kind.  I am grateful to be able to give and receive love.  I am grateful for love.


9. Family~ Family seems a natural place to go after love.  I think of my sister, aunts, uncles, cousins.... and of course my husband, children and parents.  There are so many people I think of when I think of family.  Some of those people are not related at all.  I am grateful for my family.


10. As always, Life~ Life brings our daily challenges, happiness, food, adventures, and memories.  I love the colors of life.  I am grateful for this life.


  This morning started off quiet and peaceful.  The sky was dark.  The air was still.  The smell of coffee was in the air.  It is now 8:12AM.  The sun is rising.  I hear neighbors on the stairs.  The house is busy with life. Let the day begin.

Mystic Side ~ Gratitude's Day 14

   Today is just like any other day in our house I suppose.  David's teacher called and set up a parent teacher conference. When I heard the words fine motor skills and gross motor skills, I knew what was coming next.   Another one of my kids were going to be evaluated.  My expert opinion.... Gross motor skills above average.  Fine motor skills are a little behind.  Davy just does not like to write.  Perhaps there is a reason why he does not like to write.  These exams always strike fear into my heart because they can and sometimes do lead to a diagnosis.  Really, I think Davy would just rather do something else at than write, but who knows.  Let's get it checked out.


                                    Gratitude's~ Day 14


1. Hayden~ Hayden was diagnosed as PDD-NOS( Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified) at the age of 28 months old. His diagnosis was re-confirmed at the age of 9. I will never for get the day I heard the term spectrum disorder. I googled it and read a story. This story was the story of my young sons life. I cried that day...      I then set out to make sure he got everything he needed for a normal life. He is now being re-diagnosed to make his new school happy. To me, Hayden is normal.  Hayden is a joy.  He will go far in this life. I am grateful for Hayden.


2. Julia~ My unique special girl.  She is bright, beautiful, funny and a sweet child. I love the fact that she does not have any issues at school other than how hard her books should be. She tests high in her reading. She is enthusiastic and fun. I am grateful for Julia.


3. David~ David is fun, sweet, handsome, loving and funny.  He is super smart too when he chooses to be. Davy is having some handwriting problems, but I think this too will pass.  I am grateful for Davy.

4. School~ To the teachers that take a great interest in my children.  I appreciate everything you do to help them get caught up as we go from school to school to school.  I think this transition is hard for some children. Thank you teachers for everything you do.  I am grateful to you.


5. Growth~ . Watching my children outgrow an issue is a wonderful thing.  I am grateful for growth.


6. Children's friends~ Julia has a friend over today.  It is fun to see the girls play.  They are crafting at the moment.  Earlier they were playing the game of twister. Girls are so much quieter than boys.  My ears are not ringing at all.  I am grateful for the children having friends.


7. Sadness~ Yep, sadness has it's place in a gratitude journal.  Whenever sadness occurs then there is room for understanding the joy that follows.  I have felt sadness where the air felt as it was being drawn from my lungs. I  have felt grief.  I have allowed myself the freedom to live life in a new way.  Some things never leave your side.  However, you do learn to live a new life with joy, the memories always there. I know I will feel this sadness again, but I also know that in future tomorrows I will appreciate the good moments of life even more.


8. Joy~ Real joy, not the temporary happiness that you get from buying a super neat purse or cool outfit.  Although, that happiness is fun too.  Rather the joy that comes from inside you just from being alive.  The joy of children's laughter.  Joy from new life.  The joy that is part of you. I am grateful for joy.


9. Mystic Side Church~ When I hear the name Mystic Side, I think of the ocean shore with scents of the ocean drifting through he air. Mystic side church sits in Malden Massachuesetts about 5 miles away from the beach.  I see a quaint blue wooden church with bells ringing in it's tower.  The rectangular hedges surround the church giving it a private green lawn.  My uncle is in charge of mowing the grass. I see a pipe organ and stained glass windows. The smells of food and coffee travels up the stairs from the small kitchen below. I remember my grandparents, Bea, my aunts and uncles. It is easy to remember the laughter of the women long since passed. Yes,sadly almost everyone I ever knew from that church has passed on. Some of the younger generations are still there, but many of them do not remember the people I loved. Most of them do not know me.  Over time, the people, the minister, so many things have changed, but the church is still there standing looking as time has not passed. I am grateful for Mystic Side. 


10. As always, Life~ Today I am alive and that is something to be grateful for. I am thankful and grateful for life.


  Today started a bit harder than other days, but I am used to the trials that go along with it. I am grateful for this life.

Blah Day Gratitude's~ Day 13

   I wasn't going to write my blog this morning. Negativity crept into my spirits and left me feeling quite blah. It has been foggy outside for three days now. To be overcast is one thing, but to not be able to see across the street leaves me feeling just a bit icky. Yes... I said icky. I do have three kids.

Now having this feeling of blahness makes me think that today it is even more important to look for my gratitude's. So here I go...

                                  Gratitude's ~ Day 13



1. Blah days~ Yes, there is even something to be grateful for on a blah day. I will be able to appreciate seeing clouds again. Not the clouds that cover our area in fog, but the ones high the sky that sometimes cover the sun. Days that look bleak and forlorn often lead to days of cheerfulness and happiness. So...for that, I am grateful for blah days too.


2. Clouds~ Fog can be mysterious and lead your imagination into all sort of tales. Fog is just clouds that have fallen down for a moment. Hopefully the clouds will go back up the sky and paint imaginary creatures and pictures. Guessing the shapes of the clouds is one of my families favorite things to do. We like to look up and see dinosaurs, flowers, and sometimes even two headed monsters. We often let our imaginations get carried away. I am grateful for clouds. They can be fun.


3. Soup~ I think I may have had soup every day for about two weeks now. I love soup. It has many different flavors to match many different moods. Today I had Mexican Style Chicken Tortilla with melted Pepper Havarti cheese on top. It was delicious. Another reason I love soup is that I can eat the entire can. Sure, It says two servings per can, but today serving only had 110 calories. So I ate the entire contents of the can of soup. I am grateful for soup.


4. New York City~ Yep, I have seen where the Soup Nazi, from the sitcom Seinfeld,serves his soup. Sadly, I did not get to eat his soup. The tour guide said he was out of the country looking for new soup recipes. I got to take this trip my mother and sister. Watching Broadway shows and racing to catch taxi's is fun. I am grateful for the trips to New York City.


5. Trips~ I have a draft started of all the places I have been. I found that I need help writing this blog. I was a child for many of the trips. I would days, years and exact places to put in my memory trip blog. One day, I hope to be able to publish the places I have been. I am grateful to be able to take trips.


6. Family~ I am grateful to my family and all the meaning they hold. I love you all. I am grateful to you.


7. Music~ A happy tune can uplift one's spirits. I am grateful for music.


8. Cars~ We can do so much that would be impossible without a car. I don't think I would like having to use a horse and buggy. Although, I do think it would be to take a horse and buggy excursions through a park or city. I am grateful for cars.


9. Toothpaste~ Can you imagine life without toothpaste? I don't want too. I don't like bad smells. I am grateful for toothpaste.


10. As always, Life~ Today is a gift filled with fog. The fog will lift as will my mood. I am grateful for the gift of life.


   I am still a bit blah, but that is normal for life. We cannot be happy every moment of every day. However, we can find many things to be grateful for. Have a good day in gratitude's everyone.

Life~ Gratitude's Day 12

   Good morning friends.  I missed a day of writing yesterday.  Taking a break is always a good thing for me to do.  It gives my mind energy to recharge.  It also gave me some time to take care of some much needed tasks.  Yesterday was a good day, as will be today.


                                                   Gratitude's~ Day 12



1. Humor~  Yesterday morning was spent at the optometrists office.  All three of my children and myself had our eyes examined.  Only one of us needs glasses, but it is good to have the annual eye exams for health sake.  Davy, my youngest, was asked if he thought he needed glasses.  His reply was,"Yes!"  The doctor asked him why he thought he needed glasses.  Davy stated, "Because, I will look even more handsome with glasses on."  Oh, I nearly fell out of my chair with laughter when I heard Davy say that. Davy did not get glasses yesterday.


2. Eye exams~  I am what is called a glaucoma suspect.  I have a cupping of the right optic nerve.  Next week I have to go in and do what I call the dot test.  Basically every time I see a dot, I will press a button.  I am not sure how I will do on the test, but I am not worried.  My pressure is normal.  These test should help me from ever having a problem.  I am grateful for follow ups and preventative medicine.


3. Spelling~ I cannot spell.  Anyone who has seen my words without the aid of a spell check knows of my inability to spell.  My oldest son, however, can spell.  He never studies for his spelling tests.  He almost always gets A's.  He is a great speller.  This week, he got to participate in his 1st ever spelling bee.  He made it to the third round.  I am grateful for spelling.  My son can spell.


4. Snow~ I love the snow.  I do not love the cold or bad roads that goes a long with it.  I do love the snow.  Snow is beautiful.  I am not a skier, a sledder, or a snow man builder because that would mean I would be outside in the cold.  I do not love the cold.  However, I love how the snow hangs in the trees, how it sparkles like glitter in the air.  I love how peaceful it feels outside after a fresh snow fall.  I am grateful for the snow.


5. Spring~ I love the spring even more.  New life sprouts from the ground.  Rays of sun peak thought the clouds.  Winter coats are put away.  Flowers are born.  Spring brings about movement as people emerge from their houses and explore the world again.  Spring is the start of everything good.  I am grateful for spring.


6. Children~ My kids are really neat.  Each of them brings a special attribute of happiness to this house.  Each behaves, acts and reacts differently from the other.  Sometimes it is quite comical having children.  I am grateful for children.


7. Caring people~ There are those people who just seem to be a step above other people.  Their hearts are able to reach many.  They have a special gift, one that goes beyond normal friendships and families. They reach out to help as many people as they can with no matter of who the other people are....many volunteers are like that.  They give of themselves to help others with no expectations in return.  I am grateful to caring people.


8. Photo's of loved ones long since passed~ Everyday while sit here and type, I look up and see a family photo with my grandmother is it.  She is one of my greatest inspirations.  She was an amazing women. She gave of herself when others would have stopped to sit down and rest.  She often would visit people who were to sick to go out when she, herself,  was ill with heart and lung disease. She was the glue of my family up north. She brought joy and goodness with her everywhere she went. She loved to travel and try new things.  She loved the dolphins, flowers and me.  I love you Grandmother.  I am grateful to have had you in my life.


9. Microfiber clothes~ It is not really to much of a stretch to go from my grandmother to chemical free cleaning.  Cleaners hurt your lungs.  My grandmother died of pneumonia.  I love being able to grab my cloths and clean without polluting the air.  I am grateful for microfiber.


10. As always, life~ God gave us one life to live.  I sometimes wish we could have a thousand lives, but I only have one.  I am grateful for every second I am on this planet.  I am grateful for life.


    I was eager to sit down and write my blog this morning. I never really know what I am going to write until I sit down and think about my gratitude's. Everyday has something to be grateful for if we take the time to look for it.  This morning was easy.  I am grateful for life.