... for Kindergarten!

I have the most adorable kindergartner in the world.  I know others may disagree, but I am certain.  Here are some pictures to prove it.

Waving from her very first school desk...

See, my name is on my desk, Mommy?! 

Oh and for those of you who believe she is an innocent lamb, her desk is right behind her best friend.  I am curious to see how long it will take for her to get in trouble for too much talking or giggling.  In some ways, I think it may be good that the giggling girls are far outnumbered.  There are 5 girls in this class and 14 boys. 

Anyway, I am so proud of her.  I can't believe she is old enough already for school.  I got a little teary thinking about it but I am really excited for her too.  I will let you all know just how much fun she has tomorrow, although I suspect that she will end up falling asleep really early tomorrow.

So, Today I am Thankful for Kindergarten!

... for Commericals!

Odd, I know, but true.  You know how there are just some commercials that get you right there (imagine me pointing at my heart right now).  Well this is one of them.  It combines 2 of my favorite things, Disney and my sister.  The two adults in this just remind me of Jen and I and how much fun we have together at Disney. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCqGww-5UvY

There is no one I would rather go to Disney with than her and if there is ever a time that I won't have that possibility anymore, it will be a very big loss.

Love you Jen!

So Today I am Thankful for Commericals!

... for the Afternoon Off!

This afternoon, I was off to get another pre-kindergarten doctor visit checked off the list.  Hannah and I had our eyes checked.  My eyesight is as bad as last year and Hannah's eyesight is just as good.  Hannah did great with the pictures that they took of her eyes (much better than last year) and she was willing to try out a new test and did fantastic with that as well.  I was very proud of her.

Then, instead of going back to work for the next 2 hours, I had decided to take the rest of the day off.  It was nice.  I took Monday morning off too, so this is the second half day I took off this week.  On Monday I spent the morning prepping for things at work and Hannah had a bad morning anyway, with the 4 shots that she got - in her words, "I did NOT like them!  I thought I was gonna die!"  (Yes, she actually told the optometrist's assistant this today).  So this afternoon was the better half day off. 

So what did I do, you may ask?  Well, I sent Hannah to bed for her nap and I fell asleep myself.  Boring, I know, but apparently needed.  When I sent her to bed, I didn't actually expect her to fall asleep but at least she would be resting (ish).  As she walked up the stairs she said that I should make sure she was up at 6:30.  That was at 4:00.  Well it is 6:30 now and she is still asleep.  And I have no intention of waking her.  Yeah for peace and quiet and a well-rested 5-year old!

So, Today I am Thankful for the Afternoon Off!

... for Growing Up!

Today marks the end of another long weekend.  Last night, I spent the evening at my 20 year class reunion.  First, let me say that I am still shocked that it has been that long.  Somehow, the idea of chasing after Hannah has made me forget, or at least pretend, that it has been fewer years.  Anywho...

We had a reunion dinner and watched a video with pictures and video clips from our school days.  It was fun watching some of the clips from those days and seeing all the big hair (yes, people, it was the late 80's and early 90's).  But I found myself realizing that while I enjoyed my time in school, the parts of high school that were memorable to much of the class were not the parts that I remembered.  I remembered gatherings with friends, long phone conversations, and a ton of homework.  What seemed to be featured the most in this video was football, basketball and cheerleading (and the associated parties of the cool kids).  To be fair, the person who put it together was on both teams so I am sure this did mean a lot to him, but I think he and I led two totally different lives. 

And as the night wore on, I realized that what I wanted most was to get out of that room and go home to my life.  Yes, it was good to see the people I spent my childhood with, but I wanted to be back with the people I spend my ADULT life with.  I am very glad that I am no longer in school and that my life is not focused on those experiences.  Yes, my life was easier back then, but my life is so much fuller now.  I have Hannah.  I have my own life.  Oh, and I have much smaller hair.  ;-)

So Today I am Thankful for Growing Up!

... for my Beautiful, Wonderful, Giving, Loving, Fantastic Sister!

So this week has been tremendously difficult.  A good friend left suddenly last weekend to be with her father in India.  Of course, that is where she needs to be and my prayers go out for her father during his recovery.  In the meantime, we have been covering for her at work.  This is on top of the fact that another colleague quit last week and we have been short-staffed to get the work done.  Then, another colleague took a vacation for the last 3 days.  SOOOO, 6 of us have been covering the work that was normally a little too much for 9 of us to handle.  Needless to say I am drained. 

On top of that, I have had a lot going on at home and feeling inadequate.  But I suppose that is normal.  So tonight, when I was talking to my sister (see all the descriptors above), I mentioned that I was not looking forward to this weekend and my 20-year class reunion.  After the conversation was over, I got a very long text from her.  She was giving me digital support that only a sister can.  Made my evening, even on top of the wonderful night Hannah and I have had.

One of these days I will give you some reasons why my sis is beautiful, wonderful, giving, loving (ok, that should be pretty clear from the story you just read) and FANTASTIC!  But for now, just take a gander at some of these shots of her.

 Here she is getting some loving from her favorite neice.

 Playing at Santa Claus.  She wronte the return letter from Santa to Hannah.  She also ate the big guy's cookies. Hope he didn't care!

This is one of my favorite pictures of the two of them.  The look great together don't they?

And taking a good look at the camera.  Beautiful!

So, Today I am Thankful for My Beautiful, Wonderful, Giving, Loving, Fantastic Sister!

... for Forgiveness!

Two nights ago, Hannah and I had another "discussion" about her behavior.  We had walked in the door and since it was already past her bedtime, I told her it was time to head to bed.  She immediately burst into tears and complained that she didn't want to go.  After a relatively short battle that ended up with me being annoyed and frustrated, she calmed down, and we had a discussion about how upset I got with her fits and the fact that she didn't seem to listen to me as well as she did to others.  To be fair, this isn't really true so even when I was saying it I corrected myself, but still I am not proud of even bringing it up in the first place.  After many tears on both sides, we forgave each other and prayed, among other things, for God to forgive both of us for our naughty behavior.  I hadn't acted like the most Christian mother in the "discussion" but I am thankful (hey two for one tonight) that I at least had enough sense to admit I was in the wrong too and ask Hannah to forgive me.

Then, I told her we could read a story before she got into bed.  To my extreme pleasure, she hopped off my lap and said, "Let's look for a book about forgiveness!"  I was so proud of her.  And humble too knowing she got it better than I do sometimes.  Unfortunately, we don't have a book about forgiveness, but I promised we would get one the next time we go to the library.  All in all the night ended much better.  And I believe God taught me a great lesson, one that I need to keep relearning, it seems.  When Hannah forgives, it is forgotten.  Much like our sins, that when forgiven, are thrown into the sea of forgetfulness.  God says they are as far from us as the east is from the west.  Unfortunately, I often find myself unable (although sadly the better word may unfortunately be "unwilling") to do the same for others.  Hannah deserves far better. 

So I get up and try, try again.  In the meantime, I am thankful that she is willing to forgive me and forget it.  And, Today I am Thankful For Forgiveness!

... for Coming Back!

Wow!  Has it really been a month?  I find myself wanting to quote a silly line from the movie "Dances 'with Wolves":  Now why don't [she] write?!

Yes, I have been thankful for many things in the past month, but as usual, life got in the way of the blog.  So tonight, I am thankful that I am just coming back to this page to get back in the groove. 

I promise there will be more tomorrow, but now I have to get on to my other work.  So, Today I am Thankful for Coming Back!

... for My Improved Vocabulary!

My vocabulary improved drastically when Hannah started talking.  I have found myself repeating her words in an attempt to keep the cute words and phrases going as long as possible.  To commemorate some of these fun sayings, I will list a few of the best here (with definitions) ...

1. "Oh, for great!" is used when you are slightly annoyed but still trying to be cute.

2. "Good Fing!" when Mommy tells you that she has not put onions in your food.

3. The "commote" is that thing we use to change the TV channel.

4. "Commotes" is a game on Xbox that the unlearn-ed call Scene It.

5. "Meveah" is the name of her best friend; the rest of us call her Neveah, but what do her parents and the rest of us know, anyway?!  ;-)

6. "Stupid is a bad word!" The word "stupid" can be substituted with "hate" and either phrase is heard about 10 times a week as Hannah disdainfully attempts to correct the bad behavior of the adults in her life.  When Tia (Jenny) is home and in her most instigating mood, we hear these phrases about 5-10 times a day.  It even gets to the point that Hannah doesn't get a chance to say the phrase since we immediately say it for her.

7. "Are you peating me?" is asked when you either want to know why someone is copying you or you want them to copy you; the level of sugary-ness in your voice dictates what is meant by the question.

8. "I don't fink so, that's not right," said while shaking your head and holding a hand out, and commenting that you disagree with the statement you just heard.  Squinting your eyes just a tad is not strictly required, but clarifies just how much you disagree.

9. "Does it go fast like this or like this?... Aaahhhh!" This is a question you ask when you want to know about a ride you will be on for the first time, and the question requires hand motions.  It is ALWAYS followed with a frustrated "Aaaahhh!" when you learn that the adult means business and you will DEFINITELY be going on that dreaded ride.  The slightly different question that has the same response and explanation is "Does it have a hill like this or like this?" again with hand motion accompaniment.

10. "Tangled Long Hair" is the name of the main character from Tangled, aka Rapunzel.

Oh and last night, I got to see my child stand up in the middle of a game and start yelling smack at the Scene It TV announcer when he made some snide comment about her performance.  She actually hunched down slightly and stuck her head and hands forward for effect.  Hilarious!

Of course, there are many other fun phrases, but this blog would get too long if I put them all down.  As I have mentioned before, this kid cracks me up!  I am thankful to Hannah for teaching me so many fun phrases and fun ways of saying boring things.  I can't wait to see what new things I am going to learn.

So Today I am Thankful for my Improved Vocabulary!

... for my Mom!

My mom is awesome!  She is the most caring, generous, loving person I have ever met.  She is the best example of what I want to be as a mother.  And when she laughs, I just want to laugh too.  She is such a happy person.

Here is a picture of Mom doting on her granddaughter.  I am not sure who was happier here!

This is a picture taken on the way back from Tower of Terror.  Mom had a bizarre reaction to her first ride on this ride, but she loved it.

Today, my mom came up to spend time with my sister, Hannah and I.  She dotes on Hannah like nobody's business.  Sure, Hannah is her only granddaughter so there is no filter to her grandmother instincts, but I do find it interesting how one teeny five-year has such hold and control over a woman of her age.  Mom always marvels at how well Hannah listens when I tell her to do something, and I just say that is because she knows I won't give in like she does.

In any case, while she was here, Mom made us a great meal of ham, boiled potatoes and fresh greenbeans.  This is a wonderful old fashioned meal that I don't get to enjoy very often.  It was fabulous!  She made the same meal for my dad and grandmother and then came up to make it for us.  She is so special!  Then she followed that up by washing my dishes.  I was blessed with the best mother ever.  Thanks Mom!

So, Today I am Thankful for my Mom!

... for My Health.

Today (Friday), I learned that a very special man at work is losing his battle with pancreatic cancer.  If you don't know much about different types of cancer, let's just say that is one you want to avoid.  He has been quietly living with this disease for more than a year, but recently made the decision to quit his job, ostensibly to spend his last few days with his family.  This man is one of the sweetest people I have ever met.  He was involved in my training at work and he is considered a very valuable employee.  When visitors come to the lab, he is one of the poeple who demonstrates what we do.  He is great with people.

It struck me that aside from a few cases, I have been relatively healthy my entire life.  Hannah had a pretty severe case of pneumonia a few years ago but even she has been healthy for the most part.  I can't imagine having to hear the news that I have been disagnosed with some form of cancer, but if I am, I hope I handle it in the same way as this gentle man from work.  The dignity with which he continues to do his job and deal with people is a great example.  I am thankful that God has blessed all of the members of my immediate family, including my parents, sister, Hannah and I, with no major health isues.  As I get older, I know that this is becoming increasingly less likely, so I know how fortunate I truly am.

So, Today I am Thankful for My Health!

... for "Joy in My Heart!"

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit friends for the evening.  Their daughter and Hannah are close friends.  During the visit, we decided to have the girls lay down for the evening.  Since their daughter was going to bed at that point, they did their bedtime prayer.  What was cool was that they held hands with their daughter and each did part of the prayer; they invited us to do it with them, so we all got to say part of the prayer.  I LOVED THIS!  What a cool way for Hannah to learn how to pray and see that I consider it an important part of life. 

So, we have been doing this ever since, passing the prayer baton nightly and sharing with God what we are thankful for and what we would like.  We also ask for forgiveness for being naughty.  Well, tonight, Hannah said, among other things, that she was thankful for the joy in her heart!  Wow!  What a lesson for me.  She was thankful for being joyful.  How many times have I thanked God for being joyful.  That would be a big goose-egg, sadly.

Psalm 98:4 says, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music."  The Bible tells us to be joyful, to burst into song.  I do get that joyful at times (I think) but I certainly have not been thankful for it.  And for the 5-year-old to recognize that there is joy in her heart, is even more awesome to me.  I want that kind of joy.  I can have that kind of joy, I just need to ask God for it and then remember to thank Him for it.

So, Today I am Thankful for Joy in My Heart!  (Thanks Hannah!)

... for my Daughter!

Ok, it has been a full two days and I have not really mentioned my daughter.  Her name is Hannah.  She is the funniest, kindest, orneriest, most gentle, most empathetic, smartest 5-year-old I have ever met.  No, I am not biased.  ;-)  Check out this cute picture below and see if you don't agree with me.

Hannah was born in Guatemala on December 3, 2005.  I first met her on my birthday in 2006, just a few months later, and the next day was Easter, so my birthday and Easter always have an even more special feel now.  I know it is cliche, but I really have a hard time trying to remember what life was like before she came barreling into it.  I can say that without her, life would have been a whole lot duller.  She adds that cerrtain spark to life.  She has this knack for knowing just what to say to make things seem better.  And with the exception of my sister, no one can crack me up as easily as this little girl.

Now, I would be lying if I said that she is always a perfect angel, but even when she is being her naughtiest, she is still the coolest kid I have ever met.  She makes me want to be a better mom! 

Here are just a few pictures to show you how cute she is (again, not biased in the slightest) in no particular order.  First, with her aunt (whom she calls Tia, which is Spanish for Aunt):

Here she is peeking over the bench as we wait for a boat at Disney World.  A copy of this picture peeks at me in my office framed by a heart with the phrase, "My heart belongs to Mommy."

Here she is showing off her fashion sense.  For some reason, whenever we ask her to pose, she strikes a vogue pose!  But I have to say, she knows how to work it!

Here she is eating with the peasants after being pampered Jasmine style.  At the time, Jasmine was her favorite princess.  Now it ranges from Ariel to Jasmine to Rapunzel.  Why limit yourself, right?

So now that you have seen these few pictures, I am sure you agree that she is the cutest little girl you ever met.  I certainly have a lot to be thankful for.  As a single woman, there would not be a guarantee that I would have a child.  However, God had a plan for a certain woman in Guatemala to make the ultimate sacrifice and make a plan for adoption for her unborn child.  I will never be able to thank her enough for her graciousness but I hope that she is happy and that she knows her daughter is cared for and loved beyond all my ability to understand.  I also am thankful that my Father saw my desire for a child and fulfilled that plea better than I could imagine.  Because of Hannah, I am a big believer in nurture vs. nature, because although we don't share a genetic link, she is so much my child I can't even explain.  But she is the best of me.  I have so much to be thankful for when I think of this beuatiful little girl.

So Today I am Thankful for my Daughter!

... for my Job!

So today was the first day back after the holiday weekend.  Ugh!  I like my job, but really!  Who wants to come back after 3 nice days off?!  And to top it off, last week, I was out most of the week at a conference so this week is going to seem even longer.  Yikes!

Ok, the real tough part about returning to work today was that I am very far behind, having essentially been off for 6 of the last 8 days.  My job doesn't really allow for me to ever be caught up in the first place, so being out makes things that much harder.  HOWEVER, and this is a big however, I kept thinking all day that there are a lot of people in this country (I have heard estimates of up to 20% or more) that don't have a job at all.  Or that are considered, underemployed - that is to say that they do not make enough to support themselves and/or their families.  I am fortunate not to suffer from either of those problems.  God blessed me with the ability to obtain this job and to be good at it.  What's more, in an unstable economy, I have been able to keep it.  That is really saying something.

And honestly, did we get promised an easy life.  Nope!  I am sure that this would extend to our jobs.  Deuteronomy 5:13 says, "Six days you shall labor and do all your work."  I guess I should be grateful I don't have to work 6 days a week.  Wow, what a thought!

So, this morning, while moping about how much there was to do and how much I wished someone else would do it, I started saying, "I am thankful for my job!"  Ok, so I was being facetious at first.  And then I was saying it somewhat sarcastically, but by the end of the day, I truly did realize I am thankful for my job.  I can go nice places and buy nice things with the money that I earn.  I was able to afford the costs of an adoption with this job (Thank you, God!).  And I have a job that is stimulating and challenging to me.  I get to work my brain!  Not many people are as fortunate.

So, Today I am Thankful for my Job!

... for Freedom!

Since this is the first post, I should probably provide a little background. I am a single woman with a beautiful 5-year old daughter named Hannah. We live in a small town in Ohio, near my sister and parents. We spend our free time in Walt Disney World.

My sister is the natural born creative one, and she has been blogging for more than 2 years. If you are interested, you can find her blog at www.enlightenmyeyes.blogspot.com. I am not a very creative person, but what I do have is a whole lot to be thankful for. So this is my poor attempt to say thanks to my Father for His unending gifts. If I meet my goal, I will have a post every day, thanking Him for one of His blessings. It shouldn't be hard, since I have so much to be thankful for.

So here goes, the first thing I am thankful for is freedom. On this anniversary of the birth of our nation, I can't help thinking of the young men and women risking their lives to make sure that I can worship the way I choose, work where I choose, adopt a child and live on my own as a woman. On Friday, a young man from my high school, who graduated in 2005, came home from Afghanistan. He suffered some pretty severe injuries, including the loss of his sight, more than half of his hearing and being paralyzed on his left side. He will spend the rest of his life dealing with these injuries while I can continue to enjoy the many freedoms I have from being born in this country. When he came home, the town gave him a parade. My daughter attended it and I asked her to tell him thank you for protecting us. As the good little girl that she is, she did, but it occurred to me, when have I said thanks? So here it is, "Thanks, Josh!"

And thank you, Father, for allowing me to grow up in America, where I don't have to wear certain clothes and where I can own property. Where I can choose how I worship my God and how I raise my child. Where I get to live where I want to and say what I want to.

Today, I am thankful for freedom!