One good thing meme, day seven

My baby girl, who is not much of a baby anymore, took a nap on my chest today, for almost an hour.  

This is something Alaina never does; I can't remember the last time she napped on me.  But today she blessed me.  She took a nap in her bed, but when she woke up and came downstairs, she snuggled into my lap, tucked her head on my chest up under my chin, and fell asleep.  I cherish the moments like this. 

Reflection:  I really enjoyed the last seven days of focusing on the good.  Some days were easier than others.  Some days I had to wait until the end of the day to find the best thing, other days I thought of it all day - what would happen that I'd get to write about?  This was a good exercise and something I'll try again.  

One good thing meme, day six

Breakfast at Palmers... 

He called to brag about his good breakfast he is cooking, and instead of just listening to the brag - we all piled in the car for a drive to his house to join him. Me, Paige, Alaina and two of Paige's friends all joined him for eggs, sausage and pancakes.  Yum.  

One good thing meme, day five

Well, I know it is a bit late for my day five... but if I'm still awake - it is still day five, right?

We had our holiday retreat for my job today out at Lake Shawnee - one of my favorite places of all time.  The geese were on the lake - the sun was shining - it was just gorgeous.  I love this place for its peace.  The elements of nature all coming together - the water - the sun - the trees - the animals.  

I spent much of my time enjoying the outdoors with a good friend, a coworker whose last day of work was today.  She is leaving town to go to Michigan to care for her husband's ailing mother.  This is a challenging time for her, a time of loyalty and blessing for the opportunity to care for this mother who needs her so desperately.  But also a time of sadness as she leaves her children and grandchildren behind, and a job which she loves.  I felt blessed to spend some alone time with her in this space and just be with her on this last day, in a location that also holds significant meaning for her, including childhood night-fishing trips with her father, and the wedding of her daughter at the exact location of our retreat.  It felt like life coming full circle for her on this day and I was just blessed to experience it with her.  

One good thing meme, day four

Today the good thing is about Palmer. 

We had lots of conversations today.  They started kind of weird, odd - and unexpected.  But ended with some great resolution and support.  

One good thing meme, day three

Today's good thing is brought to you by...... Linda!  

After getting home from work, Paige and I immediately got into battle.  You know - the typical tween stuff, she hates her life - doesn't like her mom - no one understands her - yadda yadda yadda.  It was getting ugly.  

Then, we heard a knock on the door...... 

.... in walked Linda.  

It was an unexpected visit, but so welcomed!  She could sense the tension and asked if she should leave.... but I was so glad she stayed. 

It gave Paige and I the distraction we needed to regroup and end the battle.  

One good thing meme, day two

I'm so glad I waited to post my one good thing.  It was a hard day and I was really struggling with what to write... that was until I got a call from my oldest girl, who I miss so much. 

Chelcie turns 16 years old in two days.  I was feeling rather nostalgic, not believing that my little girl is about to be sixteen years old!!  I asked if she wanted to hear about the day we met.... of course she did.  So, I shared all of my memories with her.  

Chelcie was two years old.  She'd been living with her mother, and hadn't been allowed to see her dad in awhile, so we were both excited for this visit.  It started with preparing a room for her, I bought her some posters: a clown and two African American art posters.. I do believe this was the start of her interest in AA history.  I also bought her some pajamas, and a stuffed elephant toy that made the elephant sound.  It was cute - and we still have it, though he has been silent for years.  

After Palmer picked her up from her mom, he brought her to meet me at my apartment (we weren't living together yet.)  She was so sweet, quiet, and shy.  We took her to JC Penney at the mall to buy her a new outfit...  cute little denim overall shorts and a cute floral shirt.  I took her to the dressing room to make sure we got the right size.  

We then went to McDonalds, and I remember her eating a TON of ketchup with her fries.  After that - we went to my parents - and this was the first time she met her grandma.  

Chelcie was amazed by all of these details that I remembered.... and I loved sharing the story with her.  I'll never forget that day... it was the day I became a mom.  

One good thing meme, day one

Taken from earthmama... Thanks friend.

1. Post about something that made you happy today even if it's just a small thing and even if it's just a one-line post.
2. Do this everyday for a week without fail.

Today I resolved some issues with a friend.  We both weren't saying what needed to be said, and it felt so much better and really cleared up a lot of things once we both opened up.