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.