Support

A few days ago I contemplated not having this blog any longer, and just continuing to write my grateful moments down for myself. Gratefully, two of our children, Craig and Amy, lent their support. I know the others read it as well, and I am grateful they do (probably not Sam, but Linzi does!). I am hopeful that this blog does serve to make one contemplate what they are grateful for. It's not for the number of viewers, as I eluded to the other day...which was wrong of me. Really, what it boils down to, is me taking the time to voice what I am grateful for, which keeps me in check.

Creativity

When Amy was here we bought towels and ribbon to make hooded towels for the grandkids when they visit. Things were a bit more hectic than we thought they'd be, so Amy made one while she was here. I finished making the other two today. :)

I am grateful for: 1) the site from Pinterest where the instructions are shared, 2) my ability (and Amy's) to use a sewing machine, and figure out the towel structure, and 3) my sewing machine. I love it.

Successful surgery

Pat found a basal cell carcinoma on his nose in the beginning of August that seemed to have 'sprouted' overnight. He finally was able to go to the dermatologist yesterday and have it removed. Thankfully, the DR was able to remove it with the first incision. I am very grateful that it wasn't more serious, and that he is fine...other than a little discomfort, a large bandage, and the beginnings of a possible black eye. :)

Full house

Our home is quiet. I miss the noise, the toys, the food prep, the fun...of having a full house. There were SO many moments when I would just stop whatever I was doing and grab one of my grandchildren, hug and kiss them (except for Gav, who is two, and very independent), and express my love for them. We don't have nearly enough time with all our children, our time together is precious. Yesterday when we said "goodbye" to the last of the departers, we went inside, viewed the chaos, quickly found some left behind items, sat on the couch, and then the tears came. Poor Pat, he misses everyone so very much. I am grateful for the full house we had, even if it was only for a short time.

to blog or not...

I feel like my blog is a bit blah... perhaps a reflection of my life, right? At any rate, I am considering quitting it. I went from having quite a few look at it to nearly none. I mean, 2 views this past week? I can continue writing for myself about the things I am grateful for, so that is fine, I don't need a blog to record being grateful.

I am grateful for the time I've spent on this blog, and how much it has helped me get through some trials. Being grateful has become more ingrained in me, and if it has offered nothing else, that is enough for me. I am still debating, but this is what I am thinking. And to continue along that thought, I am also considering quitting Facebook,  no special reason.

There you have it. You may, or may not, see me on here again.

Horses, Horses, Horses

In the movie, "Sleepless in Seattle", when Meg Ryan Annie Reed is driving to her family's home on Christmas Eve, merrily listening to Christmas music on the radio she sings along to "Sleigh Ride". In the background the singers sing, "Horses, horses, horses", which she sings along to. I have no idea why but that is one of the few 'quotes' that comes to my mind when I think of that movie.

Today we were able to go to Jim and Chris's (Brad's parent's) ranch where Angie, Craig, Lucas and Darci were able to ride their horses. The kids all loved running around on their property, and of course, riding the horses. It's so sweet of Chris and Jim to let us come and take our grandkids to have a horse-experience! I remember taking Rylee there when she was ten months old, and how much she loved it.

I am grateful, as always, for the generosity of Jim and Chris, and for Brad taking the time to take his in-laws out there. :)

Full day

We took a day trip to one of our favorite places today - Apple Hill. The kids have always loved going there and it was fun to share it with Angie this year! We had a very full day, leaving later than hoped for, going to only two of our favorite apples places, topped off with James slamming the car door on his thumb. :( After that we decided we wouldn't be able to take the time to go and see Grandma Breed; we were all disappointed. Then we headed home, to celebrate Jack's first birthday (the 21st!)

I am grateful for a full day with family. It might be exhausting, but it's worth every second.