Planting Seeds

Yesterday marked our sixth year of living in Austin. The decision to move to Texas is one of the few decisions that I ever made that I have no regrets. I feel like I finally found where we belong.

I'm in my happy place. No matter where my path may lead me I will always consider myself a Texan.

November Keepsakes

Skye is maturing at warp speed lately, taking a special interest in clothing, hairstyles, nail polish and her personal hygiene.

 

She's still a daddy's girl though....

Pretty butterfly (moth?) They were everywhere for about a month in November then they disappeared as quickly as they came.....

We try to maintain  family game night at least once a week. Getting everyone together and all in the mood for it at the same time is sometimes a task but we always have fun. Even Bo.....

Daddy's boy....

Bo. Entertaining if nothing else.....

A failed attempt at a day of hiking. It seems like forever since I've hiked and even though our days are pretty chaotic nowadays I found a trail close to the house for Toby and I to make a "quickie" hiking trip. Unfortunately, the park website claimed to have 2 miles of hiking trail but all we found was a VERY SHORT trail along the river. I even stopped to ask maintenance and he said there wasn't a hiking trail in the park. Shortly after we searched about 30 minutes for the trail Toby got a call and had to cut our trip short anyway. I have to admit I was a little disappointed my pre-planned day didn't work out but as they say Shit Happens......

Floor play....

The below freezing temps prompted me to bring in my outdoor fern. To make it festive I stuck a couple of fake poinsettas in it....

Gives a new twist on "foot in the mouth"....

Right before our FREEZING morning run......

Bo in his ghetto morning run coat.....

I have really been enjoying the Christmas season this year. We've had colder than normal temps and frequent ice and snow in the area. It makes for a more appealing holiday feel.....

Beautiful Texas sunsets are not a rarity....

Until next time.....

Gratitude Attitude

In recent years a lot has been said about the benefits of gratitude. I have to admit it's hard to feel gratitude when life isn't going the way you anticipate or wish it to. It's easy to be happy and grateful when life is a bowl of cherries. The real test of gratitude and joy comes when things go awry in your life.

I also believe being grateful (and joyful) come in the form of action more than a public or vocal profession of gratitude. To be truly grateful I believe showing your gratitude most important....walk the talk.

So therefore - I'm grateful for my husband therefore I take care of his physical needs on a timely basis whether it be a home cooked meal, clean socks and underwear in his armoire, an impromptu afternoon romp in the bedroom, or emotional support for personal endeavors.

I'm grateful for my kids therefore I make sure their physical and emotional needs are met to the best of my knowledge. I lend an open ear and an open heart 24 hours a day and extend love even when I feel I'm not at the receiving end.

I'm grateful for my friends and extended family (as few as I have) therefore I want to be there when they need me and plan time to spend with them as much as physically possible.

I'm grateful for my home therefore I keep it clean and tidy, maintain the lawn and landscape, and make repairs when necessary.

I'm grateful for my car therefore I keep it maintained and in good working condition with the occasional vacuuming and wash job.

I'm grateful for my pet so I take him for daily walks, give him hugs and rubs, give him a comfy place to sleep, and include him in family activities when possible.

I'm grateful for my health so I am mindful about what I eat, drink and keep it well oiled with daily exercise.

I'm grateful for the income that flows through our household therefore I spend it wisely and responsibly.

On a personal level, I look for something to be grateful for every day and have made it a practice to incorporate mental gratitude in on my morning runs. I believe my morning routine of exercise and "meditation" are part of what has made me a more joyful person in my older years.

All In A Year or So

Recently I downloaded all the pictures I had taken over the past year or so off of my Ipad. I don't usually use my Ipad for taking pictures unless it happens to be what I have in my hand when a picture-worthy moment comes along. Because of this I don't really take much notice to the pictures I take on it until I download them onto my computer...which I don't do often.

I came across more than a  few that I want to make sure never get lost somewhere along the way so I'm posting them to my online life journal.

Oddly enough when I look back on the pictures of my daughter in her trying to look like a boy stage I miss the innocence that propelled her to explore her inner being. As hard as it was for me at the time I now look back on them with fond memories. I'm glad that I opted to to just let her be who she wanted to be....

Growing out of the "boy" stage

Whatever it was it was hilarious

WIGS!!!

Making fun of FB "duck faces"

Getting a pedicure from sister

Lucas. LOVE him and luckily he loves me for more reasons than I'm worth......

Bo. As much of a pain in the ass he was when we first adopted him he has grown up to be a mighty fine albeit (lazy) companion....

I'd rather be chasing cats

Houston vacation

Houston - Bed Boss