Inn on Main

I am grateful for time spent with my husband.

The mountains are where we can reconnect. Our first trip together was to Asheville, we were married in Montreat. We honeymooned in Weaverville.

This weekend, we are back in Weaverville at the Inn on Main. There will be guitar shopping and massages. Dinner out at the Sunny Side Cafe. Walking. Sitting. Talking.

Reconnect.

I am grateful that I have a person I want to be connected to.

Baby's Birthdays

Ok so not totally. I actually hate that my little boy will be three this weekend but in hating it I have also learned how blessed I am to get the privilege to see this little guy grow up. I get to see him every single day of his little life. I am so grateful for that. I get two, almost three WONDERFUL little lives to guard over just long enough for them to be wonderful adults and with any luck, they will someday, make a Grandma and I will get to do it all over again. I am so grateful for getting old.

Struggle

"When we long for life without difficulties,

remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds

and diamonds are made under pressure."

– Peter Marshall

Lovely Baking

Tonight, I am grateful for baking with my stepdaughter. She often comes in the kitchen, hovering over what I might be making.

I never know whether to ask for help, so that she might learn, or to let her just watch. Tonight, I put her to work.


Easy Berry Cobbler

Melt one stick of butter in an 8x8 pan. The oven should be preheating to 350. Stir together 1 cup each of Bisquick, sugar, and milk. Pour mixture over melted butter. Spread 1 quart of fruit (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cut up strawberries, peaches, or plums) over mixture. Bake for 35-45 minutes.


My stepdaughter, who is 11, did this recipe mostly by herself. I helped with the melting of the butter in the oven, and handled anything hot. Other than that though, she made the cobbler.

After we ate the entire thing, she said, "I didn't think it would be good. I don't know how to bake."

A clean pan and her daddy letting loose a highly inappropriate, yet admiring, belch, let her know that in fact, she is a very good baker.

I'm grateful for affirmations of self esteem. I'm grateful for moments in the kitchen that bring me and Lovely closer together.

Ah, The Blogosphere!!

Today I am so grateful for the blogosphere.

I was asked to complete a meme about real moms. While I've tried to stay off my soapbox on the ole blog, I sort of got going and before I knew it I had an army. It was all in my head of course.

But then the most amazing thing happened.

People started commenting with the most gracious words.

Becoming a member of this weird blogging world has been an incredible experience for me. The community of women--real women--who have so easily extended a hand in friendship has been incredible. There is nothing more empowering than realizing that you are not alone in the world. Women for so long have been sectioned off and pitted against one another. The blogosphere seems to be providing the opportunity for us to join together and realize our strength. I look forward to seeing where we take it.

In the meantime, I'm terribly grateful for the people I've met through blogging and for the chance to be part of this...whatever it is.

Wet Dog Noses

You can be having a REALLY chaotic day and sometimes all it takes is a wet dog nose on your leg to remind you it's the simple things.

Today I am thankful for Charlie's wet dog nose.

Sweet Tooth

I am giving thanks tonight for Ben & Jerry's Creme Brulee ice cream. If anyone else has a flavor worthy of gratitude, me and my tastebuds would love to hear about it.