Small Successes and Thankful Thursday

"It’s important to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1. I have managed to keep my home in order after that big clean up for guests (2 weeks ago thereabouts?). I still have my hot spots, but I don't feel so nervous when the unexpected but welcomed person arrives!

2. I have been doing a freezer and pantry clean out and preparing foods we've had on hand for too long. So, I've been cooking a lot more and we've enjoyed it, and shopped less!

3. I took advantage of Skin Cancer Awareness month and free screenings and went yesterday to get checked (some fabulous friends did a co-op with kids, so we moms could take turns and go kid free). I did this last year and it went great (I go because of my skin type, family history, past exposure, etc and have done it now a few years in a row). This year I'm so glad I went because they found some spots to watch - nothing alarming or needs immediate testing, but a "watch and see" mode and to memorize how my 'freckle moles' (I swear, I did NOT know moles could look like freckles, I thought they were thicker and stood out from the skin) look so I can see any more changes. So, whew!! I'm glad I went!!! Go get checked people!!!

Thankful Thursday

I'm so incredibly thankful for....

1. the area we live. It is so family friendly, small, green, diverse, and warm. Maybe that is just me being "rosey", but it is how I feel about our home.
2. For friends willing to host their home, and friends to co-op, so we moms can take care of ourselves and get healthy checks and screenings. The care taker needs care too!
3. My eldest daughter - who delights my days with hysterical commentary, imagination, and love. Her smile lights up my whole world. She's incredible.
4. For my baby daughter - now 11 months old (I need to post some more milestones! I'm certainly not writing in her baby book for some reason...). Her smiles and gentle manner draw others in, and I love her effect on the world.
5. that fact I can proudly say that the world is a better place because my two daughters are in it.
6. my husband. We celebrate 8 years married together (11 + years total) on June 2nd. I'm so grateful he's my partner in crime and such a support to our family. I love you.
7. For the excitement next week will bring and the friends helping to make the magic happen.
8. For rain, because we need it, and it sounds so nice on my roof.
9. For my parents to live so close they'll have sleepovers with Lovely like they will be doing tonight/tomorrow.
10. For my God, who is there for me, even when I'm not for Him! Love you Man!!!

And, I'm thankful for you - who ever you are, where ever you are. Peace!!!

*** Edited to add a prayer request/thankful thought - how could I forget to be grateful for a friend's great niece (only 2 years old) having her cancerous brain tumor completely removed??!! It all has happened fast, but a tumor that was not expected to be fully operable actually came out in whole. At the last update, she finally was off the ventilator and they just needed her to be more aware to start chemo (it did spread to her spine). She's TWO. Please pray for this sweet little soul. Pray for some good updates ahead!!! Thank You.