All about family

So, I spoke with my friend about this whole "gratitude journal" thing...come to find out, you're supposed to pick 3 things you're grateful for each day. I know it's a personal choice, but whoops! I've never done one before, obviously.

Anyhoo, today, I am grateful for sunshine. Seriously. I live in upstate NY, and during the winter, sometimes it feels like the sun will never return. And then, on days like today, it's like winter is a distant memory. Maybe that's just my mind blocking traumatic memories, I dunno, lol. Sunshine grows the grass we play on, it grows the fruits and vegetables we eat, it feeds our bodies the vitamin D we need to survive and thrive, and it just generally feeds the soul. Because no matter what else is going on, having the sun shining and being outside with my family blowing bubbles and watching my dog play in my parents huge side yard? That is awesome.

The second thing I'm grateful for is my prius. Superficial sounding, maybe. But whatever. I'm glad I went for it and bought something that was just a little too much money, so that we can have a nice car that I've always wanted. And it saves a lot of money on gas, which is important when my family lives 85 miles south east, and my fiancee's family lives 60 miles northwest, and my stepson's other parent lives 30 miles southwest. I was lucky to be able to afford the luxury of stretching my budget to fit this car. For that, I am grateful. 

Last but certainly not least, I'm grateful that my daughter has a relationship with her elders. I grew up knowing 2 grandparents very well, 1 grandparent was a yearly visit or so, and one was very infrequent  (because she lived in Florida and I lived in NY). I never met my paternal grandfather, but I know he had a big laugh, a bigger belly, and an even bigger heart. I even have some memories of 3 great-grandmothers. Gram, Nanny, and Grandma Kelly  (Kelley?). My daughter has 4 grandparents and 1 great grandparent. As well as some great aunts and uncles too.

I'm grateful that, in the grand scheme of things, she is able to enjoy her time with her grandparents and great grandma while they are in relatively decent health. Some healthier than others, and understandably some need to rest after dealing with the tiny tornado of craziness. I know there are health battles, but all she sees are people who are all able to hold her, hug her, play bubbles with her, tickle her, wrestle, build duplo castles with her, sit on the porch and play basketball, plant flowers, go out to eat together, and so much more. Those are memories she will keep. She won't remember everything. But I know some will stick.

She loves all grandparents too, not just her own, and is blessed with seeing grandparents from several families on a fairly regular basis (her BFF's great grandma, and her babysitter's family, to name two).