shoutingforha

One Thousand Gifts (2034 - 2044)

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:04:00 +0000

2034. Finding a heart shaped potato at the bottom of the bag.
2035. The insane green of my lawn. Gosh, I love spring in Tennessee.
2036. Grape tomatoes that have been slow roasted in the oven. So, so good.
2037. The neighborhood 5-7 year-old boys knocking on the door to invite my big boy out to play. It is adorable.
2038. Learning to be content no matter the circumstance.
2039. The peppery spice of arugula.
2040. Letting the boy play hooky from school last Friday after a week of TCAP testing so we could grab lunch and see a movie. What a great day!
2041. The smile I see on my boy's face every afternoon when I pick him up from school; a mark of a good day.
2042. Sipping mint juleps while watching the Kentucky Derby. The only thing missing was a big hat.
2043. Spending time with friends on a Saturday night.
2044. Knowing there are only eleven more days of school. I cannot wait for summer break.

~~~~~

For more lists of gratitude, head over to A Holy Experience.

One Thousand Gifts (2022 - 2033)

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:03:00 +0000

2022. My hubby who works tirelessly and sacrifices so much for our family. I married a good, good man.
2023. The start of a new adventure.
2024. Spending time with my friend, B., who is like a surrogate mother to me.
2025. My boy dressed up in a white shirt, black pants and a tie.
2026. Sixth grade band concerts.
2027. Avocados.
2028. The way a friend stares down a devastating diagnosis with such grace and beauty. She is an inspiration to me.
2029. Late night phone conversations with my hubby who was traveling last week.
2030. Weather that is warm enough for summer dresses and sandals.
2031. Hanging out with my hubby on a Friday.
2032. A little boy wearing his astronaut costume at church. Adorable.
2033. Another weekend with my two favorite guys. I am so thankful for my family.

~~~~~

For more lists of gratitude, head over to A Holy Experience.

Life and Peaches

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:07:00 +0000

As I was strolling through the produce section of my local grocery store, I noticed a small basket of peaches. I could smell their sweet aroma as I walked by and decided against my better judgement to bring a few home to try.

I knew that the best peaches wouldn't arrive until June or July after they have had time to plump and ripen in the hot summer sun. There was a strong possibility that the fruit I was purchasing would be sour and tasteless. To my delight, these spring peaches were delicious.

This got me thinking about how life is an awful lot like those peaches. I could appreciate the sweetness of that peach because I have tasted the bitterness of a bad piece of fruit. Likewise, I have found that seasons of joy are so much brighter after having walked through hardship or sorrow.

It is not unlike childbirth. Excruciating pain always precedes the arrival of the most wonderful and celebrated gift; the birth of a child. It has been that way for centuries. Why should I expect anything less from life?

Like most of you, I long to find that perfect peach... The moments of bliss that make the memories of hardship fade into black. It's what keeps me reaching into the proverbial fruit bowl time and time again.

~~~~~~

I am linking up with Just Write today. Stop by Heather's blog to read other posts or add one of your own.

One Thousand Gifts (2011 - 2022)

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:35:00 +0000

2011. Millions of pInk petals covering the patio after a storm.
2012. The sound of my boy blowing on a didgeridoo in the front yard. Oh, what our neighbors must think.
2013. Walking hand-in-hand with my hubby.
2014. Our lazy Brick, plopped on the ground at the dog park while the other dogs race about.
2015. Oven roasted asparagus.
2016. My boy's best friend. They are more like brothers than friends and I couldn't ask for a better companion for my son.
2017. The way the branches of the weeping cherry tree dance in the breeze.
2018. My friend's soft, baby-fine hair that is growing back after finishing her chemotherapy treatments.
2019. Spring thunderstorms.
2020. Listening to my guys working on their big musical number for the school Variety Show (the middle school version of a talent show).
2021. The kindness, enthusiasm and generosity of my brother and sister-in-law.
2022. An afternoon of just being together. There's nothing better.

~~~~~

For more lists of gratitude, head over to A Holy Experience.

Wordless Wednesday - Tennessee Spring

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Oh, how I love spring in Tennessee.

~~~~~

For more Wordless Wednesday, visit 5 Minutes For Mom.

A Steadfast Heart

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

We humans are born into this world with a longing to be in control. It is hardwired into our genetic code. We want to be the captain of our own ship, the play-write of our own story and the commander and chief of our own destiny.

We wish for a charmed and easy life. A beautiful home, an adoring family, a good-paying job that we love, health and long life... It's the stuff our dreams are made of.

How easy it is to forget that all the good stories, the ones we want to read over and over again, have their ups and downs. The hero defeats the villain. The heroin survives despite the staggering odds stacked against her. Some of my personal favorites are those with tragic endings.

The trouble is that when we set out to write our own story, we don't want to include the seasons of hardship and uncertainty that are sure to come. We pretend those things aren't going to happen. The death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the doldrums of everyday life... We want to believe that those things might happen to other people but surely not to us.

After all, we're writing our own story.

When we become parents we tell our kids to dream big. Seize the day! The world is your oyster. Be your own man/woman. You can have the life you've always dreamed of and be anything you want to be if you just work hard enough. How many of us can remember hearing the same things from our own parents?

Sometimes things don't turn out quite the way we planned.

As I get older, I am learning that real life is lived in the way that I respond to the ups and downs both big and small. I don't want to be swept out of reality by the intoxicating highs, lulled to sleep by the normalcy of the day-to-day or dashed against the rocks by the terrifying lows. I long for my heart to be steadfast and constant no matter what the season.

~~~~~~

I am linking up with Just Write today. Stop by Heather's blog to read other posts or add one of your own.

One Thousand Gifts (1199 - 2010)

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:30:00 +0000

1199. Buds and blossoms bursting out on all of the trees.
2000. Thunderstorms rolling in on a spring morning.
2001. The way peppermint tea calms an upset stomach.
2002. Dense fog blanketing the ground at dawn.
2003. Chilly mornings that give way to warm afternoons.
2004. The persistence of some crazy robins intent on building their nest on my back porch light yet again.
2005. An Easter dinner filled with laughter, good food and great friends.
2006. A bookstore gift card which I used to buy a new cookbook.
2007. Counting down the last six weeks of school. I can't wait for summer vacation.
2008. A perfectly roasted chicken. So simple and so very good.
2009. The hint of change floating on the breeze.
2010. Driving with the windows down.

For more lists of gratitude, head over to

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Easy Outdoor Candle Stakes | A Subtle Revelry

5 Ways To Use Coffee Grounds In the Garden | Northwest Edible Life

How to Make Newspaper Seedling Pots | Dabbles and Babbles

DIY Tin Can Lanterns | Craftfoxes

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Fancy Egg Cups | Aunt Peaches

Edwardian Easter Eggs | Aunt Peaches

Glow In the Dark Easter Egg Hunt | Youth Leader Stash
What a fun idea!

DIY Eggshell Planters | The Robinson's

Note Filled Eggs | Poppytalk

Speckled Easter Eggs Tutorial | Dream a Little Bigger
I love the idea of using a whisk to dye eggs.

What's In My Bag?

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Today you are going to get a peek at exactly what is in my bag. I first saw this idea on Flickr ages ago, but am just now getting around to joining in. My current bag is a lovely chartreuse purse that my hubby gave me for Christmas. He is an incredibly good gift-giver and knew I would never buy this for myself.

And here is the contents of my bag. For the most part, it stays pretty clean. Occasionally, it will get cluttered with a few receipts that I neglect to put in my wallet, gum wrappers or other miscellaneous junk.

Now for the contents... I carry my wallet, my iPhone 4s, and my Apple earbuds (with mic) for yapping on the phone while I drive. I try to keep them in the case so that I don't lose the little end pieces. Let's not forget my car keys with a drum key hanging off the key chain. We drummer moms have to be prepared.

My son always seems to be wounding himself (or picking at one of his many scabs) so I like to carry an assortment of band-aids and alcohol wipes. A travel-sized bottle of generic Tylenol and Advil are a must in case I am stricken with a headache or my boy starts whining about growing pains. I also found a few cough drops hiding in one of the pockets.

People who know me well are acquainted with my chapstick obsession. I can hardly function without a coating of Burt's Bees on my lips. I'm not kidding. I also carry a tube of lip gloss. I picked this one up at Sephora but the label is gone so I'm not sure what color it is.

I almost always have a pack of gum or mints in my bag in case I develop a case of bad breath. It's one of the things that makes me such a thoughtful friend. Today I happen to have a box of curiously strong mints. There was also a pack of Kleenex and some flossers (my boy's prefer these over traditional floss) that were held together with a tiny rubber band.

Last but not least is a chopsticks cheater in case my boy has a craving for sushi and a glasses cleaning cloth. I also carry a plastic container of ear plugs because you never know when you might suddenly find yourself listening to loud music.

What about you, dear readers? Tell me what interesting things are in your bag.

One Thousand Gifts (1188 - 1198)

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:30:00 +0000

My little guy at 7 months old.

1188. 12 years with my amazing son. I am so very blessed to be his mom.
1189. Birthday cake.
1190. Some great mother-son time while the hubby was out of town.
1191. Listening to my boy play drums for hours on end. It brings me so much joy.
1192. My Suburban which passed the 100,000 mile mark this week. It has been a great car.
1193. My boy's hard work on three huge school projects.
1194. Getting to spend a little time with one of my friend's little boys after picking him up from school.
1195. The hubby's early return from a trip. He was really missed.
Beautiful spring weather for the weekend. The sun was shining, the breeze was blowing... It was perfect.
1196. Friends popping by to surprise the boy with birthday balloons and well wishes.
1197. Inhaling helium from balloons and laughing hysterically at our silly voices.
1198. Family.

For more lists of gratitude, head over to

Twelve

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

I'm spending this lovely day celebrating my boy's 12th birthday. In keeping with his St. Patrick's day theme, he requested another rainbow cake.

I hope your day is filled with as much joy and happiness as ours is.

Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

This recipe came to me via a woman I met right after moving to Tennessee. While I lost touch with this woman years ago, I still enjoy making her delicious Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin.

The first step is to make the marinade. Simply combine the following ingredients in a measuring cup and set it aside while you deal with the pork loin.

Marinade

1/2 c. soy sauce
1/4 c. sugar
1 Tbs. finely grated onion (I use my microplane zester)
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 Tbs. rice wine vinegar
a pinch of cayenne pepper

I selected a relatively small pork loin, probably about 2 pounds, since I knew the fellows and I would be the only ones eating. Feel free to use whatever size loin you want. You Make sure you remove any fat from the loin before proceeding to the next step.

Now for the fun part... Wrap your loin with slices of bacon making sure to secure the ends with a few toothpicks. It doesn't have to be perfect. You just want to make sure the entire loin is wrapped with bacon. As a side note, I like to use thick-cut bacon but whatever you have on hand will work just fine.

Once the entire loin is wrapped in bacon, gently place it in a ziplock bag. Be careful not to dislodge the bacon. Pour the marinade over the top, zip the bag shut and squish it around to make sure the meat is coated.

Allow the pork to marinate at least six hour, although overnight is best. I like to drop the bag inside a plastic container in case the bag decides to spring a leak.

Place the pork in a roasting pan and remove the toothpicks being careful not to dishevel the bacon. Bake the pork loin at 400 degrees for approximately 45-50 minutes. You want the internal temperature to be between 135-140 degrees. If you are cooking a larger loin, you will have to increase the cooking time accordingly.

In the original recipe that I was given, the woman suggested dumping all of the marinade into the pan as well. In my experience, most of the marinade either evaporates or becomes burned on the bottom of the pan. I suggest that you either heat the remaining marinade in a small pot on the stove or discard it all together.

Once the pork reaches the desired temperature remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes.

Slice the pork loin before serving.

Thrift Store Finds - Krups KB790 Blender

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

I'm the type of person who buys and appliance and sticks with it. I would never think of upgrading to a shinier model while my trusty old old friend is still plugging along. I'm weird like that.

A few months ago, my blender passed on to the great appliance graveyard in the sky and I was forced to find a replacement. For a few seconds I considered ponying up for a Vitamix, but then I remembered that I am far too frugal to dump $500 on a blender.

I was on the fence about exactly what blender I was going to purchase and decided to take a stroll through my local Goodwill. Low and behold, sitting on the shelf was a Krups KB790 Blender NEW AND IN THE BOX. Imagine my luck.I didn't even bother to look at the price. I snatched it off the shelf and made a beeline for the cash register. To my delight, it rang up for only $6.99. Cheapskate 1 - Vitamix 0.

I have been very happy with the Krups' performance. It gets used every few days and I have yet to find a food item that it can't blending or puree with ease. Smoothie, anyone?

~~~~~

This post is part of Thrifty Thursday over at Living Well Spending Less.

Wednesday Complaint - My Eyelash Curler

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

This is my eyelash curler. I paid $20 for it over ten years ago and it is, by far, the best curler I have ever owned.

While the metal portion of the curler is practically indestructible, the little silicone pads that rest inside the curler eventually split in two. Knowing this would eventually happen, the kind manufacturer included a second pad inside the box.

Here's the problem. After both silicone pads fall apart, a customer cannot simply go buy a replacement. An entirely new eyelash curler must be purchased. For some reason, this little fact really annoys me.

You're probably saying, "Amy, it's only $20. Just go buy another curler and be quiet." While I agree that $20 isn't a big deal, I didn't want another curler. I just wanted some new silicone pads.

Then one day, I was strolling through Sephora (actually I was roaming aimlessly trying to find the one tiny eyeshadow that I was looking for) when I stumbled across their selection of eyelash curlers. I found this lovely hot pink number on sale for about $5.

I snatched it up and brought it home. The first thing I noticed was that this curler didn't feel nearly as sturdy as my beloved curler. I had a feeling the thing would be broken within a month or two.

At first, I was bummed that I had wasted $5 on a piece of junk. But then, in a stroke of genius, I pulled the pink silicone pad from the flimsy curler and stuck it in my old curler. To my surprise, it was a good as new. The best part is that the flimsy pink curler came with TWO replacement pads.

I'm pretty pleased that I was able to come up with such an inexpensive solution to my eyelash curler dilemma. I will probably go that route again once I have burned through my stockpile of pads. That is, unless a brilliant manufacturer decides to start selling packages of silicone replacement pads... Hint, hint.

One Thousand Gifts (1176 - 1187)

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:30:00 +0000

1176. An afternoon at Radnor Lake with my boy.
1177. The warmth of the sun on a brisk winter day.
1178. Laughter, good conversation and sushi with my favorite guys.
1179. Breakfast burritos with Cholula hot sauce.
1181. Snow flurries on the drive to school.
1182. My adorable boy sporting a hot chocolate mustache.
1183. My neighbor who came to the rescue after a crummy afternoon.
1184. Soft tissues on my tender, stuffed up nose.
1185. A long nap when I'm feeling under the weather.
1186. A mug of hot mint tea before bed.
1187. Warm weather in the forecast. Spring is on the way. 
For more lists of gratitude, head over to

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

How to Freeze Individual Slices of Bacon | The Kitchn

Harsh Truths: 13 Fat Nuggets I Wish Someone Told Me When
I Was Twenty Something | Aunt Peaches
I love this.

Gooey Nutella Butter Cake | Cannella Vita

How to Paint a Cloud Ceiling | Apartment Therapy

FreeTypography |via How About Orange
Great collection of free fonts.

How to Cut Glass | I could Make That

St. Patrick's Day Cupcake Toppers | Creations by Kara

DIY Confetti Throwers | Oh Happy Day

Strawberry Bars

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Today I'm going to share the recipe for one of my favorite desserts, Strawberry Bars. This recipe came to me by way of a long lost friend. It's one that I tend to make during the spring and summer months when the strawberries are ripe and plentiful.

Strawberry Bars are just the right balance of sweet and tart. They are the perfect treat to brighten even the gloomiest of winter days. Bake up a batch of your own. You know you want to.

Strawberry Bars

Filling

3-4 c. strawberries, quartered or chopped
1/2 c. sugar
4 tsp. corn starch
the juice of one lemon

Crust/Topping
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
the zest of one lemon
2 sticks butter, at room temperature
1 egg, beaten

Combine the sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice in a bowl.

Add the strawberries and toss to combine. Allow them to sit while you make the crust.

Mix the sugar, baking powder, flour, salt and lemon zest.

Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the egg and mix well.

Press about half of the mixture into the bottom of a baking pan. I used a 12x12 pan, but a 9x13 would work too.

Top with the strawberry mixture.

Crumble the remaining dough evenly on top.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40-45 minutes. Let them cool for a bit, slice into bars and enjoy.

Thrift Store Finds - The Horse Head

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

It has become incredibly fashionable to mount antlers and deer or moose heads on the wall of ones home. I have yet to embrace that trendy trend. However, in the interest of full disclosure, I must inform you that my son has a horse head hanging on his bedroom wall.

The hubby found the head at our local thrift store for $3.99. It would have been a bargain at twice the price.

Every time I look at Mr. Horse, I think about that scene from the Godfather. Only the horse head isn't in the bed, it's on the wall... watching our every move. Clearly I've spent too much time watching old mobster movies.

The boy loves the horse head and is always amused by the comments his friends make upon seeing it for the first time. The horse head has been a fun addition to the boy's room and, if you ask me, I think it's pretty cute.

~~~~~

This post is part of Thrifty Thursday over at Living Well Spending Less.

Wordless Wednesday - Radnor Lake Edition

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

All of these pictures were taken at Radnor Lake in Nashville, TN. I shot them with my iPhone using the Flickr app and the Aardvark filter.

~~~~~

For more Wordless Wednesday, visit 5 Minutes For Mom.

Mercy

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Six months ago my hubby was wronged by someone who was supposed to be his friend. This was not a lets-just-shake-hands-and-make-up kind of event. In fact, we are still dealing with the repercussions of this man's actions to this very day. It has been a trying season to say the least.

Last week I found out that this man has suffered a great hardship of his own. Granted, it is one that he brought upon himself by his own actions, but it will no doubt be a source of great stress and suffering for his family.

If you would have asked me back in August how I felt about this man, I would have had some incredibly nasty things to say. Things that would now make me ashamed that my heart could have been so angry and black. In truth, I probably would have wished this very sort of calamity to befall him. The offense was fresh and new and it had a way of overshadowing every aspect of my life.

Now, after the passage of time, my anger has subsided. I am not sure if I can say that I have wholly forgiven this man in my heart, but I am getting there day by day. What I can say is that the news of his suffering brought me no joy. There was no urge to celebrate because he was finally getting what he deserved.

Instead, I was filled with pity and compassion. My thoughts drifted to his family and I found myself offering up silent prayers for their well-being. A long road filled with many obstacles and pitfalls now stretches out before them. It is something that I would not wish upon anyone, even someone that I once considered my enemy.

Hardships, whether my own or those of others, remind me of how very difficult life can be and that even the darkest souls among us deserve mercy. Mercy despite hardship. Mercy even when it isn't deserved. Mercy because I, myself, have been granted mercy.

~~~~~~

I am linking up with Just Write today. Stop by Heather's blog to read other posts or add one of your own.

One Thousand Gifts (1164 - 1175)

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:30:00 +0000

1164. The pot of cactus growing on my boy's dresser. They have grown so much since the hubby brought them back from a trip to Arizona.
1165. Reading a book that makes me think and fosters good discussion.
1166. The sound of my hubby's breathing when he is sound asleep. I always find it very comforting.
1167. Fresh green beans.
1168. My boy's witty sense of humor.
1169. The beautiful family pictures that fill my house.
1170. Snow flurries on the drive to school.
1171. An afternoon of laughter with a friend.
1172. Thick socks and warm boots on a winter day.
1173. That wonderful feeling of climbing into bed after a long day.
1174. A night of food and laughter with friends.
1175. A hot shower on a chilly morning.
For more lists of gratitude, head over to

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Bedtime Talks

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:30:00 +0000

My boy is a chatty fellow and, in truth, he always has been. There has never been a shortage of words flying around at our house. Of all our conversations, the ones that happen just before my boy falls asleep are some of my favorites.

We have a ritual. After getting rid of all his wiggles with a little wrestling and silliness with the hubby, the boy climbs into bed. I sit or lay down next to him and we talk. Well, he talks and I mostly just listen.

He talks about his day. "Did you know that Mrs. L. (his science teacher) makes us hot chocolate almost every morning?"

I hear crazy tales from the sixth grade band. "I think the horns were giving Mrs. D. a headache today. She was kind-of grumpy and wasn't impressed when I twirled my sticks while I was playing the snare drum. "

He shares all of the random thoughts that pop into his head. "Do you know what's weird? I can't stop jamming my tongue into the spot where my molar fell out."

I get to hear what he thinks about growing up and all of the changes that are happening to his body. "I thought I had finally grown an armpit hair but it ended up being one of Brick's hairs. I have no idea how it got there."

Most of his banter is about silly things. But then, when I least expect it, his big guy demeanor falls away and I get a glimpse into his tender heart. Those are the moments that are my favorite.

He talks freely about his greatest worries and fears. He laughs as he chatters about the things that truly bring him joy. He ponders what marvelous and mysterious things his future may hold. He tells me about the ways he tries so hard to be a good friend and his desire to be loved well in return.

Every once in a while our discussion turns to my shortcomings and failings as a parent. I am thankful that my boy feels safe and confident enough to tell me when I've been unfair or unkind. It gives me an opportunity to acknowledge my mistakes and ask for his forgiveness.

We always end the night with a quick prayer. Before I leave his room, I lean in to kiss my boy's sweet face, make sure his covers are pulled up under his chin and whisper, "I love you."

I know that realistically our nightly ritual won't continue forever. As my boy grows, he will start to share more deeply with friends and, eventually, his wife. I am okay with that. But for now, I will treasure these moments and tuck them away in my heart for safe keeping.

~~~~~~

I am linking up with Just Write today. Stop by Heather's blog to read other posts or add one of your own.

One Thousand Gifts (1151 - 1163)

noreply@blogger.com (shoutingforha) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:30:00 +0000

1151. The bright green of moss growing at the base of my trees.
1152. The smell of freshly washed towels.
1153. Drawing with the Paper app on my iPad. I could easily waste hours sketching.
1154. Three-day weekends. I love any excuse for a day off from school.
1155. Buds starting to appear on the maple trees.
1156. The bright green of moss growing at the base of my trees.
1157. An after school snack of warm cookies and milk.
1158. My boy's new glasses. He looks adorable, as always.
1159. The joy I feel after removing a tough stain from my son's clothing.
1160. Spending the evening with some friends that we hadn't seen in months. Deep friendships are such a gift.
1161. The hint of change floating on the air. I can't wait to see what the future holds.
1162. Being treated to a midday movie by my neighbor.
1163. Yogurt with honey.

For more lists of gratitude, head over to