Gratitude Friday

It's been a hard week. My work has been very demanding and Riley was sick at the beginning of the week. She also got her fifth tooth, which made her kind of irritable and clingy, which is definitely not a typical Riley trait. In addition, i am trying to make a really big decision that will touch almost every part of my life, so a lot of my available brain space [as NR would say ;) ] has been devoted to wrestling with that. I guess it's a good thing that today is Friday, the day that I set aside some time to think about the good things in my life. This really helps me to put any problems or issues into perspective and realize that even when things are tough, they are also pretty great.

1. First, so thankful for my little one.

Even though she has been sick and teething, she is so much fun! Her giggles are infectious and even thinking about her little smile just makes me happy. Plus, I am crazy about her rock star hair! I can't imagine my life would be without her. She is truly the most perfect thing I have ever done.

2. So thankful for my mom. She hung out down here for a few days this week and really helped me out with Riley. Riley loves Grandma Nita and was perfectly fine as long as Grandma Nita was playing with her, rocking her or giving her a bath. They had a lot of fun and it helped me get some work done without worrying about Riley and her snotty nose.

3. Incredibly grateful for my cousins Jade and Merrinn. Riley has spent some quality time at Jade's house lately, and she loves being there and playing with Porter and Marli. Merrinn has been there yesterday and today to help with Riley and Riley really digs Rin, too. I don't have a picture of Merrinn to post ( I will get one today) , but I did find this one of Jade and Todd and thought it was worth getting out on the 'net. Thanks Jade and Merrinn! You guys are wonderful!


And Thanks, Todd for wearing this wig and allowing me to capture it on camera. You really should grow your hair out to look like this. It rocks!

3. I finally bought my very own mountain bike and I LOVE IT! I'm not very good yet, but it gives me something to work towards. I love the feeling of riding a bike and I'm looking forward to spending more time outdoors on it. It's so fun and a great workout, too. Now, I'm on the lookout for a bike rack that will fit on my Jeep.

4. I'm very much looking forward to the workshop I am attending in September and to add to the excitement, I found out this week that some of the authors whose blogs I regularly stalk will be in attendance and helping with one of the classes I am signed up to attend. Also, they just announced that an artist whose music I am really enjoying lately, Jonatha Brooke, will be putting on a small concert at the workshop and assisting in one of the classes I will be attending. This added to the excitement and I am literally counting the days until I go. I am so excited and grateful that I have the opportunity to attend this event. I am certain it will be a great and very productive time.

5. Finally, I am grateful that the summer is here and there is much to look forward to. I have a lot of plans this summer and I'm looking forward to keeping busy, exposing Riley to new things and new people, and trying some new things myself.

Happy Friday, everyone. Enjoy your weekend!