Multitude Monday

So I have a friend named Marlene.  When I think about it, Marlene was probably my first friend -- befriending a very scared and shy version of me that had just been plopped into the second grade after a whole 3 days in the first grade, and one week of kindergarten under my belt.  We remained friends all the way through college, and although we lost track of each other after college, we have recently been back in touch through the magic of Facebook.

Marlene also writes a blog.  She's a fantastic writer, and a very thoughtful person, and I enjoy reading her entries.  On Mondays, she has begun listing 10 things that she is thankful for...counting her blessings, if you will.  I love visiting her site on Mondays, and have decided to do the same thing (warning:  blatant rip off ensuing!).  I so often get lost in my worry, it would do me good to focus on all that I have to be thankful for.

So here it is, my first "Multitude Monday."

1.  I'm thankful for the safe return of Lauren from her campout weekend -- these weekends are always back to back activity, some of which could turn on a dime and be dangerous -- and I'm always so relieved when I see her walk through the door.

2.  I'm thankful for the daily conversation and comradarie with Jeanie -- always injecting laughter and friendship into my day.

3.  I'm thankful for tennis -- which may sound superficial, but it truly gives me a physical outlet and a break from my life -- we all need that.

4.  I'm thankful for my husband and the celebration of our 9 year anniversary.

5.  I'm thankful for the impending visits of not one, but two high school friends in the coming week.  It's always so wonderful to reconnect.

6.  I'm thankful for my good Mom friends, who have given me perspective and support this week as I struggle with the choices I've made for my children.

7.  I'm thankful that my children are becoming more and more aware of the importance of values and goodness and morality, which is being enhanced by their Episcopalian education. 

8.  I'm thankful for my family's good health.  As I watch so many people struggling with theirs, I become more aware of what a gift it is.

9.  I'm thankful for the excitement being generated by upcoming travel plans....our annual trip to Disney with Jay's family, a possible girls trip to Miami with Jeanie and Meredith, and a couples trip to Carmel with the McBee's and the Griswold's for Jeanie's 40th birthday.

10.  I'm thankful for this blog, which gives me the opportunity to reflect on my life and document the memories that I don't want to forget.