lawmummy

I spent Valentine’s evening in sweats on my sofa, watching “Miss Marple” on public television whilst my husband brought me hot toddies for my cold. It was lovely.

So, we don’t have any fabulous plans for Valentine’s Day, just staying in with the kiddos for dinner and then maybe watching some TV. I say maybe since Comcast has decided that it only occasionally wishes to give us service (their repairman is coming on Saturday).

That’s probably best after the week that we’ve had.

Have a good one!

Internet shopping.

Friends.

Definitely friends.

In particular (though clearly not to leave anyone out which I know is dangerous because someone always gets left out):

• Sally, Suzanne and Madeline for loving my children almost as much as I do;
• Kristin and her family who have been our extended family for a kazillion years (and no, for the millionth time, Kristin is not my sister);
• Bren, Trin, Court and all of my wonderful Meredith chums;
• Roxy, Ginny and Agnes for being some of the funniest, nicest, most fabulous science and math geeks around;
• Pat, who “virtually” listens to me more than anyone;
• My neighbors:  the whole crew (Jay and Angel, Marion and Jim, Sue and Gary, Catherine and Charles, Darree and Tom, Eelin and Gaspar, Jen and Dave and all else) whose collective help and encouragement have made this place such a wonderful place to live and raise our kids;
• My Wednesday night Gossip Girl crew (!);
• Our summer Friday happy hour chums;
• Father Kirk and his family;
• My friend, Jenn, who I rarely get to see anymore;
• and all of you who have touched my life in some way.

Thanks.

On Thanksgiving, I realize that I am thankful for…

my dishwasher.  7 loads.  More later.

Thanks for reading. And thanks for being such good friends - virtual or down the street.

It has been a really tough year for me personally. I have struggled a lot with concerns about the health of my parents, the health of my inlaws, my career, my finances and of course, my kids and hubby. The summer was tough - to sell or not to sell - and my head wasn’t in such a good place. Thanks for sticking with me.

Today, I read this:

Americans enter the holiday season in a dark mood, with economic worries, security fears and a lack of confidence in government fueling growing pessimism, according to a Zogby poll released on Wednesday.

True?  Are the rest of you feeling pessimistic?

Well, I for one, won’t have it.  Having come out from under a dark cloud myself, I realize that I have a lot to be thankful for even if things aren’t resolved or perfect.

So, I’m starting a list through the end of November.  My goal is to jot down at least one thing per day that I’m thankful for.  So far, you, my readers, are the list.

Join me?  What are you thankful for?

Food pantries all over the country are reporting severe shortages.

And it’s the holidays.

I grew up pretty poor.  I know that my parents struggled with money.  I remember my parents telling me that Santa might not be able to stop by my house at Christmas.  I wore lots of hand me downs and homemade clothes.  But we always had enough to eat.  Always.

And as a parent, I cannot imagine a more horrible feeling that not being able to feed your child.

I suspect that most of my readers do okay.  So, I would encourage you to give a little bit this season.  Children should never go hungry in this country.  Ever.

Consider:

Second Harvest

Salvation Army 

In Philly, Philabundance

And get some candy!

One of a few Halloween pics (more to come). And yes, I am very proud to say that I made the costumes!

It’s cool outside, Chris is home and all is right with the world.  Back to ‘normal’ on the blog shortly…

I hope you and your family have a great 4th of July - and if you’re not American, same thing!

Here at the house, we’re cleaning and grilling up a storm. Hope your day is a little more grilling, a little less cleaning…