Gratitude Journal #267

Today, I am grateful my husband is such an excellent photographer. All photos on this post are his.

Today, I am grateful for Jack's interest in the trumpet. The 6th grade band played for the opening of the hometown expo a few weeks back, and George got a few awesome pictures!

Today, I am grateful for all the amazing depth of talent in our high school. The performance of Shrek: The Musical last weekend had me toe-tapping in my seat! Everything was excellent, from the sets and lighting to costumes and makeup to acting and singing to the orchestra in the pit!

Nick is the middle guard.

Shrek and Donkey. Can you imagine wearing those costumes and makeup
for four whole performances?

Lord Farquaad was delightfully nasty and so funny, but crawling around on
his knees must have been really tough!

Teen Fiona in her solo from "I Know It's Today"

Nick on left as Burnt Knight #1

Fiona and the Pied Piper

Fiona and Shrek, with Donkey in the background

Three Blind Mice

Farquaad on his horse, with the knight clopping the coconuts together...a
fun reference to Monty Python. Farquaad exited as his horse was backed
of the stage to the sound of a dump-truck backing signal!

Gingy and Pinocchio and other fairytale creatures

The Three Little Pigs and the White Rabbit

Nick protecting Farquaad from Mama and Papa Bear

 

"Oh, my!"

The finale

 

Cast picture

As you can see, this was a huge production, and it was a resounding community success. I love how many kids had solos, and how many participated both on stage and off.

My heart is full of gratitude today. So tell me, what are YOU grateful for?

Happy Birthday, Will

Today is the presumed birthday (and certainly death day) of my dear friend Will. I don't know whether to be or not to be sad that all the world's a stage, and we're merely players, that we sleep, we dream. But I rejoice that because of him, I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows, where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, and hopefully this makes me a witty fool and not a foolish wit because I walk along this bank wisely and slow...they stumble that run fast. He taught me that.

But the oxlips and violets, like my Will, will die; in fact, all that lives must die, passing through nature into eternity. Just so are Rozenplantz and Guildenfern.

Source

To my dear Will, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy, we've missed you these past 399 years, but no legacy is so rich as your honesty and your art.

Thank you.

Gratitude Journal #266

Today, I am grateful for lunch with my friend Tina. When I'm feeling drained, time spent with her energizes me.

Today, I am grateful for my allergy medicine. I can't take it this week because of tests on Friday, and boy, does it do me good when I take it! I'm also grateful to have FINALLY cleared the referral to the allergist through Tricare.

Today, I am apologetic for demoting my brother-in-law in my last gratitude post. He got tenure years ago; he recently was promoted to full professor. Sorry, Tom!

Today, I am grateful for turtleneck sweaters. It got cold in Ohio this week!

What are you grateful for today?

Happiness Is...

Post edited for clarity.

Thanks, Mom, for this happy mug!

What is your happiness...right now, in this moment? Don't overthink, or get all pedantic or moralistic just keep it simple and basic. What are a few little things that have made you happy today?
Birds singing out my window.

• The colors of spring.
• A warm puppy chin resting on my knee.
• Nick telling me that my driving him to school is important to him.

Your turn!

Gratitude Journal #265

Today, I am grateful for a relaxing spring break in Maryland with my mom, sister, and her family. I'll share the gratitude in pictures....

The night we arrived. Three boys looking at screens. "So happy together!"
A few days later, Lisa's router went bad, and we endured 36 hours without
WiFi. The kids handled the crisis well!

Mom and my sister, Lisa, out for lunch. Love these pretty ladies so much!

Paper Nerd-vana. We spent some time at the mall and
saw Cinderella. After the movie, Nick said, "I think
I need to turn in my man card."

My BIL Tom celebrated his birthday with a wonderful dinner out and
lots of cards. That's my niece Rory sitting next to him. Tom was also
celebrating making tenure at the U.S. Naval Academy. He teaches History.

A Pair of Giant Pears. My sister noticed them before I did.
I'm slipping, people!

My sister finally got the go-ahead from Tom to paint
their ugly brick to match the beautiful built-ins
they added a few years ago. The final result is
simply gorgeous and brightened their dark family
room so much. 

Jack loves bowling.

So does Mac, as long as he has bumpers. He and Nick
share a love of comic books and spent a LONG time in
an "epic" comic book store one day while I napped
in the car waiting for them. Good times.

Jack didn't use bumpers (they aren't allowed in Special Olympics),
and he bowled an excellent game!

Young Woman Power at the go-kart track.
 I don't have a pic of myself and Grady in the go-kart.
He and I had a blast together and handled an emergency
unbuckling situation calmly.

 

Our last night in town was Grady's first t-ball practice
of the season. His coach was awesomely patient.

We had such a good time relaxing this trip, and relaxation was what we needed. I'm so grateful for the warm, comfortable hospitality, for the conversation and connection, for the fact the kids survived 36 hours without WiFi in good form, for the food and coffee and wine and fun.

Today, I am grateful that our drive there and back again DIDN'T involve being rear-ended or otherwise having our car damaged in any way whatsoever. There weren't even any near misses or heavy traffic. Yay!

Today, I am grateful for Easter, for sermons and hymns and celebration of resurrection life, for lamb prepared excellently by my husband, for hugs and friends and family and love.

What are you grateful for today?