We spent the day Christmas shopping instead of putting up Christmas lights outside. Now we are supposed to get snow overnight. Grrr. But thankfully, I don’t think it will last. I’m also thankful for getting some items off the Christmas list. And that Cooper didn’t knock over the Christmas tree while we were gone.

It’s my birthday! And I’m thankful that I got to spend it with friends and family—I talked to my kids, got messages from a ton of people, hung out with Patrick, shopped with a friend and went out for a dinner of drinks and appetizers. It was a perfect day.

I’m thankful for a wonderful Thanksgiving with people I love. And a delicious meal by Patrick.

Friyay! I’m thankful for getting caught up at work, so I can have the next couple of days off without worrying about it. I’m also thankful for dinner out with Patrick, puppy silliness, and sparkling lights.

I’m thankful for getting together with friends, for an early birthday gift, and for getting one step closer to a long weekend.

I’m thankful for this short week and a Monday that wasn’t long.

Today is my mom’s official birthday. I’m grateful we had a fun day celebrating her yesterday. And I’m always grateful for her love and support in my life.

Today I drove to my mom’s house to surprise my mom her for her birthday. When I got there, she and my sister were outside putting up Christmas decorations, so I pulled up to the curb, rolled down my window, and asked if I could use their bathroom. It took my mom a full minute to realize it was me. Perfect surprise.

Tonight we went out to eat with my sisters, brother-in-law, niece and her boyfriend. We had great food and a wonderful time together. Once again, I did not get people pictures, only picture of the good food. I’m thankful for a fun time with my family.

Patrick cooked for my company Thanksgiving and retirement luncheon today. He was up super early to get ham smoked and everything ready and I’m so grateful for his hard work. And so was everyone else. His food was a hit, of course.

I’m thankful today for a nice dinner after work to celebrate a retirement and for running into my friend Ann at the same restaurant. Bonus! Also, today Barley had a little medical issue and needed a visit to the emergency vet. It doesn’t seem to be anything major, but we have to watch him and keep him from rough housing with Cooper, so that will be a challenge. But I’m thankful he’s now doing okay.