L. Perry Keithley 1923-2010

Last week my grandpa passed away.  He had lived a long, full life of 86 years and I believe he was ready for his journey on Earth to end.  It was a sad time for our family to lose its respected patriarch, and I felt both guilty and sad that I hadn't spent more time with him in recent years.

Through the sadness, I was able to come away with a sense of how lucky I really am in my life with my family.  At 32 years old, he is the first grandparent I have lost.  The other 3 are still alive and well for my own children to know.  I know everyone is not so blessed to have so much family around them for so long, and I thank God that He has bestowed this blessing upon me and my family.

Family Vacation

Yesterday a photo book I ordered online arrived.  To redeem an offer I received from Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com), I used photos from our trip to Orlando on Spring Break last year to put together a 20-page, hard cover book.  For someone like me who doesn't enjoy scrapbooking but always feels guilty that I don't do more with our family photos, this is a great option.

Looking at each page, remembering the trip, gave me such pleasure.  I am so thankful that we are able to take our kids on fun vacations that will give them and us memories for the rest of our lives.  Even if you can't afford to make a big trip, take the time to plan something with your children when you can.  Even a day trip with the whole family can be memorable--in a good way, not like the Griswolds...  

Here's looking forward to Myrtle Beach, SC in Summer 2010!!! 

Time Flies When You're Too Busy To Look At the Clock

It has been nearly a month since my last entry. It wasn't for lack of things to be thankful for, rather it was for lack of time to sit down and gather my thoughts coherently.  The holidays are always a busy time when you have multiple people to visit.  But now that it is all over, I can better reflect on the good times that were had.  But often life doesn't wait for calm reflection.  We are into a new year and things are off and running.  There is rarely an evening without a practice, game, or lesson of some sort.  I would be dishonest if I didn't admit that there are times I would just like to "forget" to take them to something, but I don't.

I am grateful that all three of my children enjoy school as well as sports and music and are able to fully participate in anything they want.  None of my wild boys have any health problems or disabilities that limit them--unless you count being occasionally uncoordinated.  How lucky we are!

The Little Engine That Could

It has been quite a hectic couple of weeks.  There were times when I wanted to close the door and cry at my desk from stress at work, but I kept chugging along.  I hope you won't be offended at me tooting my own horn, but I am thankful I was able to summon the strength to persevere when I desperately wanted to give up.  Go me!

Material World

Christmas shopping is in full swing.  We have managed to mark over half of the items off of our gift list. When trying to decide what to buy our kids this year, we realized that the reason it is so hard to come up with something is that they have so much already.  We are so blessed in our lives in so many ways and one of those is that we have enough to be able to provide our children with many of life's unnecessary pleasures.  They even have grandparents and great-grandparents who share in spoiling them with toys and clothes.

It always hits me this time of year how lucky we really are, and while we try not to take it for granted, it still happens sometimes.  When you're out doing your shopping this year, take a moment to think of all those who are struggling with how they will feed or clothe their children instead of what to get them for Christmas.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

As we are about to dive head first into the holiday season this week, I am reminded how some people--myself included--can get so caught up in all of the preparations that they don't really enjoy the time with their families.  I intend to do my best to keep the proper perspective this year so I don't miss out on any of the good times with my husband and kids. I hope you will do the same.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Daily Grind

As I forced myself to roll out of bed this morning to get ready for work, I was contemplating whether or not I could sleep a little longer and go in late or even stay home all together.  Despite the draw of my warm bed, I persevered and was out the door more or less on time.  I think we all have days where we would rather just not be at work--some weeks it seems like there are only those days--but when I consider the alternative of not having a job to go to, it makes my complaints seem trivial.

Today I am thankful for my ongoing employment--even though I do work with family...