Donovon and I went to see Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nails at the 360 Amphitheater tonight. I like Soundgarden a lot more than I like NIN, so I enjoyed their set a lot more. But we had a fabulous time nonetheless, and I’m so thankful for getting to see Chris Cornell live again with my hubby!
I can’t tell you how much it helps to have a teen driver in the household. Alexa can run an errand for me, take her sister to get ice cream or pick her up from day care if Donovon and I want to grab a drink after work. It’s a godsend.
Today, I forgot something at the store when I went grocery shopping. It was so helpful to be able to text Alexa to pick it up on her way home. I’m so thankful for my teen driver!
I’m very fortunate that I get to work with a group of women that are smart, caring, fun, and so incredibly sharp. These women impress me everyday. One of my mentors once told me that it’s easy to be a good leader when you’re surrounded by people who are better than you. That is very much the case with My Work Sisters. I’m beaming with pride as I write this. We work hard and we play hard. And beyond that, their concern and support throughout Daddy’s illness and death has given me such solace.
I’m so incredibly grateful for this group of women. They make my work and life that much more enjoyable.
Rain is a rare thing in Central Texas – I’m so grateful for rain today!
While I was pregnant with Ava, I had an inkling of an idea that I might have my hands full with this little blessing. She never stopped moving. I mean ever. Man, did I underestimate that idea. Since in the womb, as a tiny infant, and now at 4-years-old, the child could not and cannot sit still…or stop talking. She has made quite a splash in our little family as Donovon, Alexa, and I could all happily sit still and not speak for hours.
Yet, despite being a busy body and jabber jaws, My Little Princess Ava, is a gift. She gives me so much joy, at times, I can barely stand it. And although I barely survived her Terrible Twos and Tyrannical Threes, she is just such a treat.
Today, Ava spent three hours straight doing arts and crafts while in her Princess Rapunzel dress, of course. Watching her create her little works of art made my heart feel full. And the joy she has brought me over these past several weeks has helped give me peace.
I love my baby girl so much, and I’m so thankful for My Little Princess Ava.
Today we went to Kemah and had lunch at Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack. We [Donovon, the girls, and me] and my Mom, met Donovon’s parents [Pop and Mom Julia], sister Cortney and her kids, Carson and Caroline there.
If you haven’t been, the food there is ridiculously good – best seafood gumbo for miles and miles. If you have been, well then, you just know. Anyway, it was such a fun afternoon, and to be surrounded by so much family just made me feel so loved. I’m so grateful that we could all get together and share memories, good times, and of course….good food. 🙂
It is a Filipino Catholic tradition to offer a memorial mass the 40th day after a family member’s passing. A novena and mass were offered at my parent’s house tonight. The service was perfect and Father Edmond’s homily was both fitting and comforting.
Father Edmond spoke of the peace we need to find in order to move beyond life’s challenges because there is more life to be lived. He reminded us that it is our faith in God that will help us find peace and that whenever we’re troubled, we must trust Him to ease our pain. His words spoke volumes to me as I had struggled so much this past week over losing Daddy.
I’m so grateful today for Father Edmond’s sermon and the celebration of Daddy’s life that followed. We gorged on a Filipino feast and enjoyed the company of Daddy’s family and friends that loved him so much. Daddy wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Although I lost my mother at a very young age, I have been blessed with three “moms” who have all found a place in my heart and have filled the loss with their unconditional love and support.
My Mom Julia is Donovon’s step-mom. As soon as Donovon and I started dating, she welcomed me into her family with open arms and has never let go. Since I joined their family, throughout every triumph, joy, challenge, and pain in my life, Mom has been there. She has fervently given her love, encouragement, and friendship.
My heart ached for her when she suffered the loss of her son, Kyle, and again years later when she lost her Daddy. Today she was there for me. She ached for me as I shared my pain over missing my Daddy so much. I could not be more thankful for my Mom today.
I love you, Mom, and I’m so grateful you are a part of my life.
Probably my favorite Donovon dish, his pork marsala blows me away. It is simply creamy-buttery-marsala-pork-goodness. I felt a little down today, missing Daddy a lot. Donovon’s cooking comforts me like nothing else. Today, I’m thankful for his pork marsala.
We saw Guardians of the Galaxy tonight. It was a really fun movie and I loved it. As I mentioned in my post about Donovon, the one hobby we share is movie-watching. We watch plenty of movies at home, but going to the movies is always a welcomed treat. We tried The Moviehouse & Eatery this time and found it to be an impressive experience. Not only were the seats extra comfy, but the food was good and the service spot-on.
I always enjoy movie dates with Donovon, but I’m especially thankful for the whole experience tonight.
Gratitude Daily 