Day 19

I'm thankful for bedtime stories.

This book is one of Sophie's current favorites. We read it every night. She calls it the "Find sheep book" and delights in pointing out all of Bo Peep's wandering sheep each time we read it. There are other nursery rhymes also.

Last night, she was going to bed late. We were busy, trying to finish last-minute weekend things like getting the laundry put away. When she started wandering the house crying I realized how late it was & scooped her up for bed. Since it was way past her bedtime and she could barely keep her eyes open, I told her we would only read one book instead
of the usual two. I chose the other one.

Big mistake.

As soon as I finished reading about bedtime hugs for forest creatures, she started. "Want find sheep book!" And the tears. I thought she'd be happy if I just told her the rhymes.

Um, no. If looks could kill, I'd be a pile of ashes. She wailed and flew off the bed in tears. She really loves that book!

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Sad.

Emma at age six

Something has happened that I honestly didn't think would happen. The teenager stage of "My mom is an idiot and I can't believe I have to coexist with her" has been reached. We've always had such a great relationship that I just assumed hoped that would continue.

Apparently, I've fallen out of favor.

Sure, there are moments when she talks to me normally. But an increasing percentage of time she ignores me, or answers me with a tone of derision. I get the huffs, the eyerolls, the attitude for as little as saying dinner is ready. Heaven forbid I should enforce a long-established rule. You'd think I was an evil dictator.

She won't even return a hug anymore. If I get close enough to give her a hug, she just stands there. Nothing. Maybe if I'm lucky a half-hearted pat with one arm, but that's it. Forget our talks of the past, when she'd confide in me or tell me about her friends. Those days seem to be over, too.

And it breaks my heart. I miss my daughter.

Day 18

I am thankful that my husband successfully took two stink bugs outside without any incident.

However, I am NOT thankful for the one that was hiding and apparently I squished.

Ew.

Day 17

Sophie and I made a cake today.
I'm thankful for time spent together.

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Day 16

Chats on the morning drive to school.

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Day 15

I'm thankful for washable markers & patient pets.

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Day 14

I'm thankful for playtime.

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Day 13

Reading is my addiction. A good book is like a drug - when I force myself to put it down, I still think about it, wondering what happens next, forcing myself to wait until an appropriate time to read more. More than once I've been awake almost all night because I just couldn't sleep until I've finished a particularly good book.

I am thankful for free Kindle books on Amazon. The photo is my count as of last night. I also remove books as I finish them, so you can imagine how many I've downloaded!

I'm in book heaven.

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Day 12

Yes, I'm thankful for Curious George. Sometimes, he is necessary for a little sanity.

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Day 11

I'm thankful for health.
http://www.buddysrace.org/home


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Day 10

Sleepy baby snuggles


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Day 9

I'm thankful for transportation. Gasoline. The ability to go to work, visit family, go on outings. Not everyone has that luxury.

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Day 8

I'm thankful for pets. These are our dogs. Tucker is on the left, Daisy on the right. They are cuddly, happy, and a joy to own. Also, they are testaments to the adage "Every kid should own a dog."
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Day 7

Music.
I am so grateful for music to get me through the paperwork portion of my job. Sitting still and doing a repetitive task is torturous for me! But putting my iPod on shuffle and closing my door helps get me through.

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Day 6

I'm thankful for the courage and sacrifice of generations before me.