Yay Me! (clap, clap, clap, clap)

I am resting in the glow of a perfect Saturday. Might Heaven be like this? It was Mom Appreciation Day today. No, not Mother's Day, that will still happen later this year. We politely stole the tradition of Appreciation Day from our good friends, the Armisteads. It was created to lift the spirit of one who is feeling blue, neglected, left out, or just for the heck of it. Today was my day. I got to take a nap, pick dinner, NOT cook it, and NOT clean it up. I had the best nap in the sun, just like a cat! Chris took the kids to the store to buy ingredients for spicy sausage penne vodka pasta - my fave!! It was SO good. Bread, wine and "poof!"I was a princess...that's all it takes! Then we watched Get Smart with the kids. I loved it, too. I deserved this. I know that's bold, but it has been a hell of a month, and I needed the lift.

I hope that I am able to blog soon about the challenges we have faced recently as a family. I'm not ready yet, but I aim to be, so that others can benefit from our struggles. I am so grateful to be held in the grace of a loving God, caring friends, and supportive family. I truly don't believe that we could make it if we didn't have this loving community around us! Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude...it does take a village. (but I still don't like Hillary)

Went to Mindy's last week for a brief respite from these four walls. We went grassboarding in downtown Chattanooga and had a blast! I hope to get pictures up soon. It's always centering and healing to be with her family. They really do a great job living intentionally. I don't know anyone who puts more thought and energy into family than the Haworths. So blessed to know them. Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude...

I am off to cuddle with a book, our new dog, and all of this warm, fuzzy happiness that I so needed! Love, Shanna