Thankful in 2017 - Days 10, 11, 12

I love spending each November taking the time to be thankful for my life. This year, I decided to do a blog version instead of just posting my thoughts on Facebook.

Day 10 - "Me" Time

I fell a little behind on the Thankful blog posts since I took a little time for myself. I had the day off on the 10th, so I planned some car maintenance and lunch with a friend. While at the car dealership, I took advantage of their shuttle service and did a little shopping for myself... something I rarely do! Then I enjoyed a delicious lunch and wonderful conversation with a friend before heading back home. It was marvelous!

Day 11 - Creativity

My 8yo son has a project for school to complete, so we headed to an arts & crafts supply store to get what we need. It is so fun seeing his creativity come alive! He found all the supplies he needed for his project (creating moccasins and a teepee) and I found the supplies I need for a project. He also picked up 2 holiday ornament kits, one for himself and one for his brother... although I have a feeling he will be doing both kits since his brother is not a fan of arts & crafts. Once we arrived home, he dived right in to ALL of the projects at once, doing a little on each and then moving on to another when one needed dry time.

Day 12 - Pancakes

Every Sunday, we have home-made pancakes. I love that we all look forward to these pancakes and they are greatly missed when we are out of town or not able to make them.

Thankful in 2017 - Day 9

I love spending each November taking the time to be thankful for my life. This year, I decided to do a blog version instead of just posting my thoughts on Facebook.

Day 9 - Pajamas

As the nights get colder, I am ever more thankful for my pajamas. They are great to lounge in as well as sleep in. They are cozy and comfy and help me to relax in the evenings.

Thankful in 2017 - Day 8

I love spending each November taking the time to be thankful for my life. This year, I decided to do a blog version instead of just posting my thoughts on Facebook.

Day 8 - Sunshine

After a day of clouds, rain, sleet, and snow (!), it was wonderful to see and feel the sunshine today. Even though the air was chilly, the light coming through the windows was warming and beautiful.

Thankful in 2017 - Day 7

I love spending each November taking the time to be thankful for my life. This year, I decided to do a blog version instead of just posting my thoughts on Facebook.

Days 7 - Heated Seats

On this first truly chilly day in the Northeast, I was extremely grateful for my car butt-warmer on the way home from work. Enough said.

Thankful in 2017 - Days 5 & 6

I love spending each November taking the time to be thankful for my life. This year, I decided to do a blog version instead of just posting my thoughts on Facebook.

Days 5 & 6 - Musical Community

Yesterday was our annual celebration at the music school. It is a wonderful showcase concert of the various talents of our students, faculty, and community. The day always reminds me how amazing our musical community is. From each person who performs to each person in the audience, we are connected by our love of music and support for the music school.

And then there is the fantastic staff I work with. All of us work to create this musical celebration, and this year topped them all! The performances on stage were amazing and the reception after was more than I imagined. When the opportunity to be part of the staff of a non-profit music school came my way three years ago, it was a tough decision to leave my public school teaching position. Three years later, it is still the right decision.

Thankful in 2017 - Day 4

I love spending each November taking the time to be thankful for my life. This year, I decided to do a blog version instead of just posting my thoughts on Facebook.

Day 4 - Coffee

A cool, cloudy day requires coffee. Getting an 11yo off to middle school in the early morning requires coffee. The afternoon slump requires coffee. A cozy evening in front of the fireplace requires coffee... or wine... but that's another post. A bright, sunny morning requires coffee. A snowy afternoon requires coffee.

LIFE requires coffee. Period. And I am thankful for coffee sustaining my life.

Thankful in 2017 - Day 3

I love spending each November taking the time to be thankful for my life. This year, I decided to do a blog version instead of just posting my thoughts on Facebook.

Day 2 - Music

Sometimes the thing that brings you joy as a child becomes a lifelong love affair. From a toddler with a plastic piano and Smurf guitar, to an adult with multiple instruments, music has shaped every facet of my life. Everyday I have the honor to make music, share music, gift music and be surrounded by music. And now my boys are a part of that same musical world... by choice! I am eternally thankful for music.

Thankful in 2017 - Day 2

I love spending each November taking the time to be thankful for my life. This year, I decided to do a blog version instead of just posting my thoughts on Facebook.

Day 2 - My Sons

Sometimes frustrating, always loving, my boys are my world. They are opposite from each other, and in some ways opposite from me! But it works in some mystical, magical way.

The older one is my quiet, thoughtful guy... except when he chooses to be LOUD! He is officially a tween-ager this year and is keeping me on my toes. I never know where our conversations will end up, and I am often left wondering if I answered his questions appropriately and adequately. Some days, real life is too real and I wonder how I can possibly guide him through these teenage, chaotic years while protecting the caring, sweet boy he is. So far, we have a wonderful relationship and I hope that survives the next few years.

The younger one is my artistic, talkative kid who tests my patience with how many times I can hear "...and also, Mom..." in one day! He dreams big and has even bigger emotions, which is wonderful and challenging in many different ways. He is always doing something creative and wears his heart on his sleeve. I love listening to him sing in the shower... it's a free show multiple times a week!

Although there are days where I just want ONE HOUR of peace, I would not want my days to look any different than they do.

Thankful in 2017 - Day 1

I love spending each November taking the time to be thankful for my life. This year, I decided to do a blog version instead of just posting my thoughts on Facebook.

Day One - My Family

It seems cliche to start with being thankful for my family, however here we are. I was thinking how today is la Dia de los Muertos and how I have family members who are no longer with me. This does not diminish the impact they had on my life; it only intensifies how grateful I am they were a meaningful part of it. 

Lessons from My Grandparents: spend time with family, be there for your family member, work honestly, love unconditionally, no one leaves hungry, homemade is heart-made, all time together is quality time, silence can be comforting, and back scratching is heaven.

Lessons from My Dad: humor works wonders, girls can do anything, crying is normal, a "boo" can be the best sound during applause, follow your heart, boys suck, and a bag of crunchy Cheetos can cure most ails.