My old rocker

Before my first child was born I bought a solid wood rocker that I sanded and had to refinish. Every one of my kids has spent time in my arms in that rocker. Maggie also has spent some time with me. I love that rocker and the memories it holds. Several long sleepless nights with a child snuggled in my arms, not daring to stop rocking since I would probably wake them up.
The rocker even makes the same creaks even after all these years.

The Library

I stopped by the library yesterday to pick up some items I had reserved. I am grateful for the whole system. I would hate to think that any book I wanted to read, or cd to listen to or DVD to watch that I would be stuck having to buy them or borrow from a friend.

Plus you get to see the most interesting people in the Down town library, especially when it is really cold outside!

Rechargable Batteries

Today, as I was plugging in my iPod and my Balckberry how nice it is to have rechargable batteries built into these things. Way back in the old days I used to have to listen to my cassette tapes with regular batteries. In fact every Christmas and birthday I always asked for batteries as a present since I seemed to go through them so fast.
Now days it is different...what a great time to be alive!

Saying thank you

For the past week I ahve tryed to say thank you where I don't usualy do it. On the bus as I get off at my stop, at work when my team does just their normal job, to a cashier as she rings up baby forumla and diapers.
It really makes a difference to how you feel and how others feel around you.
Try it, you might be surprised!

Diaper Genie

We got one at a baby shower for Maggie and at first I thought “Oh this will be nice” I was wrong…it is fantastic!
Just shove the diaper in, close the lid, twist 3 times and it is gone along with the smell etc. No more having to walk out in the cold-rain-snow-dark of night to throw the smelly thing away.
Now I just need to figure out how something so small can create such a massive stink.

Being a Band Geek

So I started as a band geek in 7th grade (did it mainly to avoid having to do choir).
I played the clarinet then bass clarinet then baritone sax. Summer between 9th and 10th grade the new band teacher at high school asked me to learn the Tuba since we didn’t have one. So that summer I did.
So in high school I played the Bass clarinet in Orchestra, the Baritone Sax and Flute in Jazz band and symphonic band, the tuba or sousaphone in Marching band, the harmonica in pep band (goofed off a lot with the drummers).
So I learned a few things from being a band geek. (Some funny some not)

(I am not the one in the pic...I looked much cooler! Samr goofy uniform though)

10. You only have to count to 8 to do the fancy marching steps at half time
9. It is easier to carry a flute home to practice than a tuba.
8. I have learned to appreciate great music like Maynard Ferguson, Chicago, Buddy Rich
7. I go to a movie just to hear the soundtrack
6. Without a bass sound the rest of the music gets lost.
5. Without music the world would be boring.
4. If the team loses it’s the bands fault.
3. Even the group KISS used a bass clarinet. (listen to Beth)
2. Football games would be boring without the band.
1. No matter how manly you look girls still dig the drum line, not the tuba player.

Bottom line…I am grateful for what band taught me.

Floating Holidays

Ok so it has been awhile since I posted. (A new baby takes up time but is well worth it!) That doesn't mean I am not grateful every day. I am. Today is Presidents day and I have the day off since we can use a floating holiday. I am grateful for that. I love any time I get to be with Nat and Maggie.

Daddy Day

Nat had to go into work today for a few hours to tie up a few things. I got to stay home and play Mr Mom.
I loved it. I am so grateful for my daugther.

Good Hair cut

I have been going to the same haircut professional for years. Lately I have had to miss her and go to other places but nothing compares to how Nikki cuts my hair. I am greatful for that. I have had bad haircuts, true they grow out in a couple of weeks it is still a bad haircut for that time.
Now I just need to get some dye and cover up the grey

Tooth Brush

Have you ever thought how bad your life would be without the simple little toothbrush? Not only would our food taste lousy, but think of having to kiss your spouse? Or the horror your kids would feel everytime Grandma bent down to kiss them?
Mondern day inventions are great, but sometimes the simple little things make a world of difference.

Naps

Ok, so with a new baby in the house and all the exictment that goes along with that, including getting up every 3-4 hours for feedings and changes, I must admit I really am grateful for the nap I had today. I don't mind getting up with Maggie during the night. I know how hard it is during the day for Nat as well as I sleep lighter than she anyway. So naps are cool...

VPN

I don’t know what it stands for…all I know is I am able to log into the network at my office from home. The laptop acts as if I am sitting at my desk. Yes it is a bit slower on big downloads but all in all it is nice to be able to stay somewhat caught up on work.
This has been a big help this week since all I want to do is stay home and bond with my new baby. Oh well, Monday is soon coming and I am back in the office full days and then coming home to vpn in and work more.

Family and Friends

Wow today is a mixed up day of emotion. I am mostly grateful for just life today and the future. Maggie was very steady last night on her feeding every 2 hours, but man was the missed sleep ever worth it. Also yesterday our next door neighbor brought over their 8 month old little girl who they adopted to meet her new neighbor. The neighbor on the other side of us deliver twin girls 2 weeks ago. How cool is it going to be to have 4 girls within 8 months of age of each other all next to each other as they grow up.
Also yesterday my brother and his wife stopped by. They brought a baby afghan that my grandmother had made. It was for a little girl but since they had all boys they never used it. She died before my kids were born so I never got a baby one. I have a large one she made for me but not this size. That was cool. Maggie also met her aunts for the first time yesterday. My sisters came over and Nats sisters and mom who have been in Disney World got home yesterday and drove straight from the airport to our house. Wow what a cool day!

Diapers have changed!

Considering that Cody is 18 and now I have Maggie in my life who is 4 days old alot has changed over the years.

We had throw away diapers way back when but no way were they as nice as now. Back then it was a one stick thing. Now you can seal, postion, undo, reseal as much as you need to and with the same diaper. Wow the modern world is just wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Addition

Ok so today I am so grateful for my new daugther...Maggie Grace!!! yup, she was born on Friday and we met her and her wonderful family Sat night and her wonderful birth mother lovingly placed her in Nats and my arms tonight! I haven't written much the past couple of days and this is why.

Thank you Jessica and Family you guys are turely heros to us and I am grateful for you!!!