Days of Grace: Day 28

It's the last day of my commitment to February Days of Grace. I may do it every now and then. Like one of my readers said, it's nice to forget about the everyday stress. That is something I gained from this. Focusing on what was good in the day even if it was something minor and seemingly insignificant. Those things can trump the negatives sometimes.

1. My husband recognizing that I cannot brew a decent cup of coffee to save my life. He offered to go over to DD and get some for us. And doughnuts for the boys. :)
2. I don't have to use complete sentences in my blog, but I do try to have correct grammar and spelling.
3. We have company coming on Thursday. I can't wait to see how much my little nephew has grown. And of course hang out with his parents. Oh, and have a day off from work.
4. Jigsaw puzzles on the internet. They rock.
5. Nicholas knows March starts tomorrow. Since his birthday is in March he believes the whole month is his birthday. I have no idea how almost 4 years has flown by. It's completely mind boggling.
   

Days of Grace: Day 27

1. TGIF!
2. Getting a decent run in before the cold weather hits again. Hopefully this will be the last of it and we can finally have spring.
3. Doughnuts and free coffee at work.
4. The reliability of a BLT. It's always a good back-up with the pickins are slim.
5. Deciding a run is a better stress reliever than alcohol or junk food.
   

Days of Grace: Day 26

1. Duh, it's almost Friday.
2. A peculiar man left me a message on my cell. "Sorry I dialed the wrong number. I hate it when people don't leave messages. Have a nice day."
3. Letting each boy pick out a book at the book fair. We now own a book about knights and armor, and a touchy feely truck book.
4. Getting to eat the last of the Frosted Mini Wheats. All the wheat and frosting crumbs. Yum.
5. The boys will go to bed with smiles on their faces, despite banging themselves off of stairs and stools this evening. Grace is not something we're known for.
   

Days of Grace: Day 25

1. Giving some of the brownies I made to a friend at work. It's less for more to eat and made her happy.
2. It's my sister's 26th birthday. She's catching up to me. I'm still 28. ;)
3. That my sister has been strong and kind enough to deal with my as her big sister her whole life.
4. The police officer who gave us stickers and high fives at the restaurant tonight. And then he and his buddies left before they could order to respond to a call.
5. Watching the boys work together to empty every sippy cup and lid out of the cabinet. They were so pleased with themselves.
   

Days of Grace: Day 24

1. Glad I'm not in Congress. All that standing up, sitting down, and clapping business. They are going to be sore tomorrow.
2. I totally used Mardi Gras as an excuse to make chocolate brownies. I have no idea how to make a King Cake, but I did explain the concept to Nicholas. He didn't think little toy babies in a cake was a good idea, but prizes on the other hand...awesome.
3. Bought a new craft knife, xacto style. We'll see how it does on curvy lines. Anything will be better than my current knife and the one that died.
4. Pancakes for dinner. Even as a not-recently-practicing Episcopalian, I can't pass up the tradition of Shrove Tuesday pancakes.
5. Noticing the gas tank was on E before it was too late.
   

Days of Grace: Day 23

In case you can't tell, I will come up with any explanation to excuse my ability to procrastinate and make it seem harmless and okay. It's a natural talent really. I was born with it. Ask my mom. She can tell you all about how I got the trait from my father.

1. I am so glad I was not at work with my husband today. He had a vertigo attack and fell out of his chair during a meeting. Sure, his co-workers did their due diligence and checked on him. But I would have laughed my butt off. I still chuckle thinking about it now.
2. I survived a Monday. It really wasn't that bad.
3. Nicholas doesn't like to pick his nose. Not sure why. So I have to step in and assist with my pinky nail. We got a real gem tonight. I have no idea how he was able to breathe through that nostril.
   
4. I got another compliment on my Days of Grace list. Thanks Erica, Jessica, and Jillian. People really do like me.
5. My sister Mallory turned 39 yesterday. Go Mouse! In my mom's words, "She is 39 now and thriving, a hopeful example for the little girls following the same path." Please follow this link to learn more about Rett Syndrome.

Days of Grace: Day 22

So I have concluded that it's better to reflect on the previous day and write my posts. Makes sense, right? Start off your day thinking about the good things from yesterday. :)

I decided that one of the pairs of pants was maybe a size too small. I had picked my normal size but the style is cut differently. I do plan to wear them to work and can't look like a stuffed sausage. This weighed heavily on my mind as the new week was on the horizon. The boys were in the post-lunch, pre-nap period and we were antsy. The rain was done but the sun wasn't out just yet. See where this is headed? I pack them up and brave the outside world on my own with the two of them.

1. The nice girl at Great Clips gave Travis a big boy hair cut. It's still long on the top, so don't stress. She trimmed around the ears and evened out the back. He was very cooperative and looked down at his book when she asked.
2. The girl at Gap said she also went up a size on the same pants. Even if she was lying, I felt better.
3. Both boys were a breeze at Fresh Market while we picked up a few things.
4. When we got home the sun was out and it was pleasant enough that we got to play.
5. Watching this past week's "Lost" after the kids went to bed.
   

Days of Grace: Day 20 and 21

Yes, I combined Friday and Saturday into one list because I'm a slacker. Deal with it.

1. People were entertaining at work and I had some enjoyable conversations.
2. I might have convinced someone to provide doughnuts and coffee Monday morning.
3. The sun is going down later so I can almost make it home without turning on my headlights. One is out and I really don't want to deal with getting pulled over. Replacing the light has been on my list of things to do, seriously.
4. Trying a new bottle of wine, Alice White - Lexia. It's fruity and kind of sweet.
5. Cooking breakfast with Nicholas - scrambled eggs and hash browns.
6. Making it out for a run. I did not do as well as in my recent runs. The cold air really got to my lungs. Is there a device that would allow me to inhale warmer air?
7. Convincing Adrian to take Nicholas around the block. He has a bike with a trailer. It's so cute when they have their helmets on. (Travis would have gone if he had been awake. I should have added a good naptime to this list.)
   
8. Going to the mall. I bought some khaki pants that fit - one dressy pair and one borderline casual pair.
9. Nicholas earned the privilege to ride two of the coin operated vehicles at the mall. He was so excited. A TMNT bus and an ice cream truck.
10. Finding a new restaurant that is family friendly and has great food. They give pizza dough to the kids to play with while food is being prepared. I think my ravioli was actually made fresh, not frozen or vacuum packed. Adrian ate all his gnocchi and saved the chicken and toppings for my lunch tomorrow.
    

Days of Grace: Day 19

1. Not getting back on the computer after dinner to update my blog or check Facebook
2. We have company coming in 2 weeks! I'm taking the day off of work and can't wait. Boy cousin fun - just wait for the pics and stories.
3. Husband and I asking aloud in sync during a TV show, "What's the point of roller derby?" We still think alike after all these years.
4. Almost Friday
5. And this funny story from Nicholas's teacher. The theme for the week was dental health. For Show and Tell Wednesday you are supposed to bring something related to the theme. Nicholas brought in a hand-held game he got in his Happy Meal the night before. All the kids showed-and-told their items - toothbrushes, dental floss, apples, etc. Upon Nicholas's turn, the teacher asked how the game related to his teeth. His response, "I play it while I'm brushing my teeth." His teachers cracked up. Clever and quick, this one is.
   

Days of Grace: Day 18

1. Frosted Mini-Wheats - they're making a comeback with their animated 8 layers of whole grain goodness. I save the ones with extra frosting for last.
2. My chiropractor. A good back crack is good for the soul.
3. Tatiana is off of American Idol. Man, she was annoying.
   
4. Nicholas did not have a major meltdown when I dropped him off at school.
5. Cats never forget where you used to hide their catnip.
   

Days of Grace: Day 17

An awkward day from the start, but I am thankful for its quirks.

1. Not having to drive the boys to school, but still getting them ready in the morning. Travis is a morning person and it's sweet. Soon enough we'll turn him around to be like the rest of us.
2. Not having to pick the boys up from school. They got to spend more quality commute time with Adrian. Oh, and have McDonald's for dinner.
3. Blowing off 1 1/2 hours of work to participate in a focus group about company benefits, monetary and non-monetary. I highly doubt that it means we're getting more benefits.
4. Going to the grocery store on the way home - with NO kids. I was in my work clothes - trousers, sweater, suede heels, wool trench coat. All business-like and buying only the things on my list.
5. Watching "The Mentalist". I have loved Simon Baker since I first laid eyes on him. Remember "The Guardian" where he was so melodramatic and slamming doors every time he left a room? There's a rumor that he's Australian. An accent, gorgeous hair, and a pretty smile.
   

Days of Grace: Day 16

1. Daytime date with the husband: lunch at a local bar and grill (a couple wings, a BLT, and a Coke) and a matinee to see Taken (just Twizzlers), shopping at a locally owned sports store (sports tank and shoes). It's part of our economic stimulus package, supporting the locals.
   
2. Picking the boys up from school together. They are so excited when they see both of us.
3. Sleeping until 8:30...again. This is a trend that will unfortunately end tomorrow when I get up at 5:45.
4. Putting away clean laundry. Where did all of it come from?
5. Travis has become a hugger and was giving them away after dinner.
   

Days of Grace: Day 15

1. Children letting me sleep until 8:30
2. Running errands alone
3. Preparing and eating all meals at home together
4. Not having to think about going to work tomorrow (Thank You Dead Presidents)
5. A huge tent set up in my family room. It's like a play pen. I can zip them up inside and go to another room.
   

Days of Grace: Day 14

I got some really sad news this morning to kick off my Valentine's Day. A friend of mine had her baby girl on January 1st due to complications at 26 weeks. I followed along on their blog. There were a lot of ups and downs, but the baby always seemed to come through. She lost her last battle to a staph infection and pneumonia. She passed away in her parents arms early this morning. I know Valentine's Day will always have a very different meaning for them going forward. I can't put into words the sorrow I feel for them. It has made me truly thankful for how fortunate and blessed I am. There are so many things they won't get to experience. I hope they come out of this strong and maybe one day will get to be parents again.

So here is my list today:

1. Family - all of them, even the ones who whine, stink, and snore
2. A day together going places and doing the things we love
3. Hugs and snuggles from the boys
4. Take-out from a new pizza place. Spinach calzone, yummy.
5. Wine and a movie with the husband after the boys go to bed
   

Days of Grace: Day 13

This is yesterday's post - I know I am tardy. But there are no Days of Grace police to take me away, so it's all good. I will post today's later.

1. It's Friday
2. Having a great friend and her daughter come babysit
3. Going out with my husband
4. Surprise Valentine's doughnuts at work (I picked chocolate iced w/heart sprinkles)
5. Leaving at 4:45 for a three day weekend
   

Days of Grace: Day 12

1. Getting a crown. Although it's not the jewel encrusted kind I always envisioned, I think my loyal subjects will still bow down to me. I am their queen.
   
2. Making a few good impressions - even if it was the dental kind.
3. Watching Travis try to follow along to "If You're Happy and You Know It"
4. Chick Fil A Cookies N Creme Milkshakes
5. Someone else emptying and loading the dishwasher.
   

Days of Grace: Day 11

1. Traffic that flows smoothly
2. Not having to wipe anyone's nose - we are going on a cold hiatus, probably not for long
3. Getting Valentine's gifts early
4. Fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella sandwich, lightly toasted on a panini grill
5. "Reductions in Force" giving me more work than I know what to do with
   

Days of Grace: Day 10

1. Running in the evening while the neighborhood is cooking dinner. It's quiet and smells nice.
2. A busy day at work.
3. Kids who are pleasant in the morning. They are on a good streak so far.
4. Funny people.
5. Husband who cooks a pizza and feeds the kids all by himself.
   

Days of Grace: Day 9

1. Kids who are agreeable in the morning
2. Getting to work on time
3. Sore muscles from a run yesterday
4. A beautiful day outside...that I enjoyed from inside
5. Taking second-hand smoke breaks with co-workers
   

Days of Grace: Day 8

Today is my mom's birthday. I won't reveal her real age because she looks and feels younger than she is. The items listed for this entry are things I am thankful for because of my mom. Obviously I can't encompass everything, we'd be here all day if I did. If you know my family you'd understand these.

1. I can file my nails and pick my nose at red lights just like her.
2. She introduced me to Candy Kitchen and Thrasher's in Ocean City, MD.
3. She loves me more than all of my sisters and brother, at least I feel that way sometimes.
4. I learned to always eat breakfast, even if it's a cold Pop Tart at the bus stop.
   
5. A day never went by that we went without the necessities.
   

Great Weather

Only in NC can we get 75 and sunny just a few days after below freezing temperature and minor snow flurries. And my backyard is the best place on Earth.

Days of Grace: Day 7

1. The weather has warmed up. It's currently 67 and clear blue skies. We are loving it!
2. I did not take part in today's Krispy Kreme Challenge. I hail from the Krispy Kreme hometown, and live in a city that holds this great race. People run 2 miles from the NCSU Belltower to the KK and 2 miles back. Oh, and eat a dozen donuts at the KK. It's for charity so it's all good. But I can't stomach all that running and the dozen donuts!
3. I did hit Costco and Target with Travis. And we had lunch at Chick Fil A.
4. Watching Adrian and Nicholas have special bonding time. They went to REI, lunch at Snoopy's, and worked in the garage. I'm not sure what males do in the garage for such long periods of time, but whatever.
5. My TiVo is hooked up again. It moved rooms and was disconnected for a long time. Now I can record and watch my shows without negotiations. And now my mom can stop calling to ask the status of the TiVo.
   

Days of Grace: Day 6

TGIF! It feels like it's been two weeks this week. On to today's list...drumroll...

1. I only woke once during the night and it was because a cat was scratching up the rug...again. Usually I wake several times during the night. 2 pregnancies and babies and I cannot revert to my former sleeping habits. Annoying.
   
2. Cafeteria workers who let me have double roasted potatoes because cooked cauliflower is just gross. Yuck.
3. I coined a new term, "How to tell if your cafeteria worker is into you". It starts with #2 above. And when they give you heaping helpings - coined "the hungry girl special". This bothered my friend Edward when the sandwich girl overstuffed his veggie wrap and it busted. I convinced him it was a good thing because she also makes it for him as soon as he walks in without waiting for his order. (Note to self: I can be pretty clever sometimes)
   
4. Freschetta Brick Oven 5 Italian Cheese Pizza - 15 minutes to a very happy and fed family
5. Some down time by myself. Adrian is out with friends. The boys will go to bed. And I can watch last night's Grey's and Private Practice. Woo hoo!
   

Days of Grace: Day 5

1. Rumor has it the chilly weather will be taking a break soon.
2. Recognition from a co-worker saying how much I rock. Thanks, I try. Can someone intentionally be sucky at their job? Or do they do it unknowingly? Not sure, since you know I like to keep my job and make more money.
   
3. Free tea bags at work. I can have regular Lipton tea, Earl Grey, Vanilla Chai, etc. whenever I want. This is nothing new, but I appreciate it on the days I don't want to walk across the street to Sbux.
   
4. At least one kid eats what I cook, takes a bath, and goes to bed like a good boy.
5. A friend on Facebook posted a really old picture that give me serious flashbacks. Whoa. And I was sincere when I thanked her.
   

Days of Grace: Day 4

1. Random gifts from loved ones
2. Flor carpet tiles - especially when they're on clearance 70% off
3. Dunkin Donuts coupons
4. Predicted snowfall that barely even stuck
5. Warmth
   

Days of Grace: Day 3

So I survived this round of layoffs too. Go me! And with the new restructuring and updated business initiatives, I'm on the good side of that too. I hope this will last.
And then I finally went in for my root canal this afternoon. It went pretty quick. Now the Novocaine is wearing off and I need the ibuprofen to kick in. Soon. Real soon.

1. Having a job
2. Being on the winning side of new corporate initiatives
3. Novocaine
4. Kind dentist and chill dental assistant
5. Chocolate milkshakes
   

Days of Grace: Day 2

1. Men who still hold elevator doors open
2. Fresh made gyros
3. Pajama day at school - it's such a time saver!
4. Starbucks gift cards
5. Kids who are happy to see me when they wake up
   

Days of Grace: Day 1

I mentioned this back on New Year's Day. The endeavor to acknowledge five small things to be thankful for every day. (If you want to read more about it, there's a button on the right you can click.) I know I can't do it every day. But I figure I can attempt to commit to it for the shortest month of year. Hopefully. So here goes Day 1.

1. A fresh haircut that is professionally styled - and will last through tomorrow so I won't have to do my hair in the morning.
2. Preseasoned pork tenderloin
3. Short lines at the grocery store
4. A tidied up craft room/dining room
5. Owning a dishwasher