I am truly grateful for Ava's demeanor. She keeps her cool, even when a doctor wants to swab her throat and she has no idea what is going on. She teaches me volumes in trust and resiliency.

I am truly grateful for patience. It helps me keep my cool when Jack is not keeping his.

I am truly grateful for people who rescue animals. These animals need us, and those who step up really show the world what living is all about.

I am truly grateful for soft toilet paper for obvious reasons.

I am truly grateful for my inhaler that keeps me breathing when the spring allergies cause problems.

I am truly grateful for the black squirrels that chase each other in the yard because they make me smile involuntarily.

I am truly grateful for Gano Cafe' for giving me the pick-me-up I need in the afternoon.

I am truly grateful for books because they can transport me to places that give me a better perspective on my life here.

I am truly grateful for the times when Ava and Jack snuggle and laugh, because these are precious moments in my momory (yes, instead of memory, momery). :)

I am truly grateful for fresh fruit, especially organic fresh fruit because it is so tasty and nourishing!

To My Sister Mary:

Thank you, Mary, for being a kind and generous person.
Thank you, Mary, for teaching me so many things when I was little.
Thank you, Mary, for being a great business partner and having passion for what we do.
Thank you, Mary, for your humor.
Thank you, Mary, for the 3 lovely young ladies you brought into this world.
Thank you, Mary, for teaching me patience.
Thank you, Mary, for loving our parents as much as I do.
Thank you, Mary, for helping me know myself better.
Thank you, Mary, for your mistakes that taught me some good lessons.
Thank you, Mary, for always supporting me.


To My Best Friend Jenn:

Thank you, Jenn, for being my friend when I did nothing but whine.
Thank you, Jenn, for making me think a little deeper.
Thank you, Jenn, for being a good example of Love.
Thank you, Jenn, for always listening, even when I make no sense.
Thank you, Jenn, for your hugs, kindness and love toward my children.
Thank you, Jenn, for laughing until we cry sometimes.
Thank you, Jenn, for the strength you have shown me we can all possess, even in the most trying times.
Thank you, Jenn, for being a shining example of resilience and hope.
Thank you, Jenn, for helping me see things differently when I need to.
Thank you, Jenn, for showing me how someone can make a 180 in their views and opinions.




To My Husband Mark:

Thank you, Baby, for being the best father our kids could ever dream of.
Thank you, Baby, for being so tolerant of my moods.
Thank you, Baby, for your sense of humor that keeps me laughing.
Thank you, Baby, for accepting me, warts and all, and loving me always.
Thank you, Baby, for taking care of the icky tasks around the house.
Thank you, Baby, for working so hard to support our family and my dreams.
Thank you, Baby, for listening to me when I need to be heard, even if you didn't really want to hear what I had to say.
Thank you, Baby, for being a committed husband, for never wavering, for never wandering.
Thank you, Baby, for teaching me more about who I am.
Thank you, Baby, for always hugging me when I need it, even when I am very unhuggable.

1. I am truly grateful to live in Michigan because we have such a wide array of seasons, which brings around a wide array of animals, which makes my heart filled with joy.

2. I am truly grateful for our home because it keeps us warm, safe and humble.

3. I am truly grateful for the Cardinal couple that visits our feeder because I like to think it is my mom and dad visiting.

4. I am truly grateful for knowing that my mom and dad are with me always, even though they are gone from this world.

5. I am truly grateful for weekends, because my family is home with me.

6. I am truly grateful for the mistakes I have made, because I have learned from them and become stronger and better.

7. I am truly grateful for the little breaks I get now and then because without them I am not my full self.

8. I am truly grateful for our trees, because they keep our house cool in the summer.

9. I am truly grateful for the little things my kids say that make us laugh so hard.

10. I am truly grateful for my business...it will soon provide us with a more comfortable total income.

1. I am truly grateful for spring because it brings me a lighter feeling...a renewal of sorts. Hope.
2. I am truly grateful for my dog Lola, because she brings me joy and laughter and is a comfort when I need someone to hug.
3. I am truly grateful for my health, because I need to stay healthy to be happy.
4. I am truly grateful for my bed, because it is so comfy and snuggly at night.
5. I am truly grateful for Jack's cute smile, because he has a way of making everything okay.
6. I am truly grateful for the ability to plant pretty flowers, because they make our home look so much better and feel so fresh.
7. I am truly grateful for the screened-in porch because it is like having an addition to the house...an extra room, and I can hear all the birds singing.
8. I am truly grateful for my parents for watching over me because it makes me feel very safe.
9. I am truly grateful for the porch swing, because it is peaceful and soothing.
10. I am truly grateful for my husband, because he is the other half of me.