Brianna and Noah made it here! I’m so thankful they made the drive safely. We spent the afternoon just catching up, playing games, and looking through old photos. Then they went to a movie with Bri’s dad while I ran a couple errands.

I’m also thankful for this awesome early birthday gift a friend dropped off today. Those socks make me laugh. And I love that the name of the wine is Grateful. Because I am. It’s been a good day.

My morning started with a 7 am meeting and went nonstop all day. I even logged in a bit after dinner to finish a couple of things. But I’m now off the rest of the week, so it’s all good. I’m so thankful for holidays that give us a reason to celebrate and rest a bit. I’m looking forward to this Thanksgiving week.

It was a busy day. I got some outside stuff done while it was a warm day. I got my peonies trimmed back and a few outside lights hung. I also got some cleaning and laundry done inside, but I still have more to do before my daughter and her husband come over this week. I’m excited and thankful to be able to see soon!

This wine and towel was part of the birthday present my friend gave me yesterday. I think this means I’m cool. Definitely, cool. And the wine was perfect after a day of Christmas shopping.

I realized as I was wrapping presents tonight trying to get things ready before Bree and Noah come next week that I went a little overboard this year. I guess I picked up things here and there for my kids without realizing it. I debated whether to wrap everything but decided I didn’t care. It’s been a long, tough year. And I miss my kids, so presents are in order.

I’m thankful again for the thoughtful gift from my friend, and I’m grateful I’m able to provide gifts for my kids. I hope the ones I got for them make them feel special, too.

The picture is Emma’s car after someone hit her last weekend. She’s been worried because she couldn’t get answers from her insurance company and nothing seemed to be moving forward. Apparently there was question of fault because the girl who hit her wasn’t given a ticket at the scene and yet wouldn’t provide a statement to her insurance company either.

But late this afternoon she found out that the other driver’s insurance is covering all damages. She can finally figure out what her next steps are to getting either her car fixed (which is questionable if there is frame damage) or getting a different car. I’m thankful she has some questions answered, and I hope all goes well now towards a resolution. Fingers crossed.

I’m thankful today for a bit of after work fun with a colleague and friend. We got into the holiday spirit by putting together Christmas pots at a nursery. It’s a bit early, I know. But these days you got to take the fun when it comes.

What a long day. Is it still Monday? Is it already Wednesday? I never even left the house today—only stepped out on the deck briefly at lunchtime. But I’m thankful to have gotten stuff done at work. I’m slowly checking things off my to-do list.

I’m also thankful that my friend found out today she doesn’t need to go through radiation after all. Everything worked in her favor—the cancer was found so early, it was small, the lumpectomy was successful, and she’s on hormone therapy. Radiation wouldn’t necessarily change any future issues. I’m so happy for her! What a testament to early detection.

Speaking of radiation, I’m also grateful that my skin is really starting to look better. It’s now just light pink and barely peeling anymore. I haven’t had to take ibuprofen in the last couple days. Woohoo!