29th

I am two weeks behind but I will not forget this annual tradition of giving thanks.  Before I started, I read last year's thanks. I didn't remember how last year's birthday was spent, so reading the words back made me smile.  Digging in the dirt and soaking up the sunshine, I appreciate those words more than ever.  This year it rained hard.  I had school and then played hooky to buy some tomatoes.  Not much changed, except everything.  This year I went back to school, quit my horrible job, had surgery on a bum knee but that was nothing compared to K's surgery to his wrist, babies were born all around us, dogs stayed healthy, new friendships were formed, and roots started to grow.  Still, last year's list remains as ever important in my heart. 

29 things I am grateful for:

1. A husband who strives, loves, pranks, and makes me laugh.

2. Dogs who poke their blonde heads out from the back seat.

3.  And are warm from the sunshine.

4. Crisp stationary.

5. Babies who hide peas in their sleeves.

6. Being able to bend my knee all the way.

7. Gardening barefoot. 

8. Learning to write technically again.

9. Falling back in love with my career. 

10. A family who continues to nurture, cheer on, and help me achieve my dreams.

11. Caramel macchiatos.

12. Date night in.

13. Date night out.

14. Physical strength.

15. Good, though not very personable, orthopedic surgeons.

16. Showtime documentaries.

17. Red velvet cupcakes.

18. Parrot tulips.

19.  Friends who drop off care packages complete with baby hugs. 

20. Baking bread from scratch. 

21. Daily deer sightings.

22.  K getting into grad school.

23.  Sitting on the beach while the dogs run and chomp on shells. 

24. This blog and all that it allows me to do. 

25. Tomatillo salsa from Trader Joe's

26. Staying up way too late talking in bed. 

27. Keeping tomatoes in the laundry room to give them a fighting chance. 

28.   Seeing the end in sight but enjoying the time while its here.

29. Knowing next year is going to be even better.