365 Grateful - the year in review

I wasn't totally successful in completing my 365Grateful project. I skipped 2 months while we were in transition of selling the old house, buying a new one and changing jobs and living away from Scott for 4 of those weeks. In the middle of that we took Jonathan to his first year at JMU. Whew what a couple of months that was.

Regardless of that, I am very happy with how the project made me think about my life and how happy I really am and with all that I have for which to be grateful.  I am most grateful for my marriage and the amazing kids we have. I also became more aware of the relationship that Scott and I have and how much it has grown over the last 28+ years. We lean on each other now more than ever and are making the time to spend with one another to feed our relationship.

I also grew closer to my Mom and have come to appreciate all that she has taught me over the years and for the relationship that has grown as we have both aged.

I celebrated my 50th birthday with family and friends. I feel so blessed to have so many great friends and to be close to such wonderful people.

I am healthier than I have been in almost 2 years. My pemphigus is under control, getting close to being in remission with no prednisone. I have spent most of the year weaning myself down from 40 mg per day to 3 mg. I'm grateful for modern medicine.

I am most thankful to have a loving God that looks over me and helps to orchestrate the happiness in my life and to watch over my family and friends.

Day 365 - 12/31/14 - Celebrate

I spent most of the day alone, reflecting and thinking about the past year, our new home, our children and their lives and how happy I am to be blessed with the marriage God has given me. I didn't celebrate in the usual way.
Scott had gone to Fredbg. for a race today which was then coupled with a race tomorrow - a pair of 5Ks makes a 10K. He will spend tonight with his parents.
I did some cleaning and organizing. I took down all of the Christmas decorations and packed them away, ready for Scott to put them in the garage tomorrow afternoon. I also hung some curtains in my craft room.
Then I settled in with a book, a treat of a glass of Northern Neck Ginger Ale and the quiet house.

I'm grateful that I am happy to be alone at times and am comfortable with my thoughts.

#theidearoom word of the day celebrate 

Day 364 - 12/30/14 - Smiles

Charlie's cat, Tessy, always puts a smile on my face. I stopped by to check on her while Charlie was out of town and to freshen up some things for her.  Tessy let me rub her belly and rewarded me with purrs and a smile.

I'm grateful for all of God's creatures and their interactions with people.

#theidearoom word of the day smiles  

Day 363 - 12/29/14 - early mornings

As I have done so many other early mornings this year, I went for blood work and have a lovely bandage to prove it. This is one of the things I will do for a long time to come, if not the rest of my life. I have to have blood work done on a regular basis to be sure my Pemphigus is under control.

I'm grateful for modern medicine and for those that have made it their life's work to serve others through medicine.

#theidearoom word of the day early morning 

Day 362 - 12/28/14 - fresh

I love baking, especially bread. There is nothing quite like the smell and taste of a loaf of bread fresh from the oven.

I'm grateful for the joy of baking.


#theidearoom word of the day fresh 

Day 361 - 12/27/14 - relax

We spent most of today trying to relax. We read, and talked and walked and had target practice and family photos. This one is Rebecca, Jonathan and Willie, posing in our front yard. Later in the afternoon, we took Rebecca & Taylor to the airport to return to Boston.

I'm grateful to have such a photogenic family and to be able to spend time doing nothing and being together.

#theidearoom word of the day relax 

Day 360 - 12/26/14 - busy

Today was quite a busy day. We spent a lot of time in the car shuttling between different family celebrations and gathering. It was a great day, long and tiring, but great!

I'm grateful for all of my family members and the love we all share with one another.

#theidearoom word of the day busy