This little space of mine has been consumed by lovely scrapbooking lately, but today it will be all about the words. And my heart.

Inspired by one lovely lady.

And one cute photo [circa 2004].   This appeared in my inbox this week from the hubs.  This one tugs at my heart alot.  Alot.  I cannot even fathom how quickly my children have grown and how quickly the time has passed.  I miss those days of toddlerhood.  So many great memories. 

blog your heart

♥ The kiddos have joined gymnastics and karate the past month. I have enjoyed watching from the sidelines as they stretch, learn and grow.

♥  An incident happened yesterday on the day care van that resulted in one cute K-girl's feelings being hurt and her over-protective big brother taking up for her. I agree he shouldn't have smacked the girl bothering his sister, but she shouldn't have been picking on her either. Why can't kiddos just say nice things?

♥  The hubs and I are in dire need of a date. And a nap.

♥  I listen to stories about my husband's day at school and it makes my stomach turn and my heart cringe. School is nothing like we enjoyed as kids. The safety net is gone. Sad.

♥  I am learning to knit. While it can be very frustrating, seeing the cumbersome process come together into something feasible has been neat. The company even better.

♥  My heart aches many days that my best friend and I live so far apart. I wish those miles were fewer, but I know there isn't any distance in our hearts.

♥  I enjoy my time as the Den Leader for my son's Cub Scout den, but this whole ordeal with allowing gays into the organization is a bit out of hand. 

♥  Most days, I wish I could homeschool my children.   In my heart, I know it is best for our family. Getting there, or even thinking about how to get to that point, is scary.  

♥  I am happiest if I can create something each day. Just ask my family. My heart needs it. I am enjoying designing for scrapbook companies. So much fun to push the creative limits with some products. I am fortunate for that the friendships I've made on the teams.

♥  Our house may be a chaotic mess when we step into it this afternoon, but it is home. The son has drawing papers strung all over the house and his Beyblades are scattered about. The daughter has a jump rope out, the exercise ball is not in its place and she has blankets all over the place from practice gymnastics. Laundry is piled up. Things untidy. But, a roof over our heads and a shelter full of love.

♥  I am trying to add some exercise into my daily schedule. It is hard because after dinner, I just want to sit and create. The exercise ball will help, I hope. Though I must admit that I busted my knee the first day using that ball. I got to giggling and rolled off, whacking my knee on the metal strip between our carpet and ceramic tile. Yowza.

♥  I haven't decorated for Valentine's Day nor have I purchased supplies needed for the kids' cards to exchange. I envision heart garlands about our holiday tree and house. Arrows. Hearts. Lots of hearts.

thankful : 13

Today I am thankful for our old country home.  Though the pier and beams may shift and add unwanted characteristics in our home and though its age may show through its skin, it is the safe haven for our family.  It has protected us from the storms of life.  It has provided place for celebration in the days of our lives.    And it holds our hearts.    

thankful : 12

some of the Calhoun kiddos and grandkids

Today I am thankful for family, my husband's family in particular.  They graciously welcomed me into their family many years ago and I instantly fell in love with them all.   Aunt J and Uncle R hosted a family reunion / get together of sort and it was so fantastic to see everyone.  We are blessed to have them in our lives, though we don't get to see them often enough.

thankful : 11

Today I am thankful for those who have served and are serving in our military forces.   My dad was in the Army and retired in 1976, so I was not around the active military for long.  I have, though, been around the military in some facet all my life.   And, I currently work for a contractor supporting our troops.   Thank you for your service to our country! 

thankful : 10

Today I am thankful for a long weekend ahead.   It will be much-needed family time and I can't wait to catch up with those we haven't seen in so many months.   I am just looking forward to relaxing with my little family. 

thankful : 9

Today I am thankful for the internet.   I never would've dreamed that some of my bestest friends would be those met via this crazy computer world.   I am so grateful for email as it is what kept the hubs and I in touch during our dating days and continues to allow communication with family and friends.

thankful : 8

Today I am thankful for being employed. The news of those losing jobs and being unemployed is heartbreaking. Though I have my moments where I do not like my job, I really do. I don't mind the task itself and know that it allows my family the extra income and excellent benefits. I know it could change at any moment and I often fear that; therefore, I am thankful that we do not have to face financial troubles each and every single day.

thankful : 7

Today, I am thankful for our Cub Scout pack and den.   I enjoy those boys so much -- teaching, mentoring and watching them grow into fine young men.  Even when they are obnoxious and unruly.   Love them to pieces.   And I am blessed with lots of friendships because of it.  

thankful : 6

Today, I am thankful for green.  After a summerlong of temps over 100° and sunburnt yards, it is nice to see a green yard again.  The kiddos enjoyed playing outside. 

thankful : 5

Today, I am thankful for my sister Sandy.    She turned 45 today and I was not even able to spend it with her.  Hmph, thank you, viral infection.*   Anyhow, through all the years, I have always looked up to her and admired her strength, her adrenaline and her drive to just go and do and see and be.  She's always inspiring me creatively, too, and I love that.  

The K-kiddos think she is way cool and they love her, too.  She rocks!   

Love you to pieces, Sandy.   :)  


* I guess I should be thankful for this infection, too, that has forced me to slow down and just relax.  But dang, I had/have no time to be sick.  

thankful : 4

Today, I am thankful for a warm, cozy bed.  I spent the night there in my comfy bed while not feeling well. 

thankful : 3

Today, I am thankful for cooler weather.  After a long, long summer worth of 100 degree plus days, I was so ready for a change.  We haven't had long to enjoy the fall weather in the mid-70s and now it is nearing the freezing mark.  This cooler weather reminds me of our visits to snowy places and dream of a winter wonderland.   

And warm blankets.  

thankful : 2

Today, I am thankful for health insurance.  Not just health insurance, but pretty dang good medical, dental and vision coverage --- and at a reasonable price.   That must mean, in turn, that I am thankful, too, for my job that provides this benefit for my family. 

thankful : 1

Today, I am thankful for my family.   Their love means the world to me and I am so grateful to just have them in my lives.