Thankfulness

I feel very thankful for all I have: I have enough food and shelter to keep me safe and healthy. I have a loving family including a beautiful little niece who is learning and growing fast. I have friends who care about me and share their joys with me. I have an inquisitive and creative mind with which to explore and enjoy the world around us. I have meaning and purpose in my studies and my work life. I have beauty all around to discover and appreciate constantly. I have the gift of life itself, being, which I should never take for granted.

Thanks be.

Ally rides the rocking horse

This Sunday the family gathered for my Dad's birthday, and I got to see how much Allison has grown since September. She's a very active and smart little girl. I think she is learning well how to do things for herself, though this often puts her at odds with her mom. She is not very verbal yet, though. She says a few words, but I did not hear her speak much. Mainly if she is unhappy about something she will fuss or cry. Otherwise, she communicates non-verbally. She seems able to make her wishes known to those who are patient enough to pay attention.

I took pictures of her riding the toy rocking horse that was my brother's when we were little. It is so great to see how big and capable she is becoming.

Happy All Hallows E'en