October 28

Even though he's hit that toddler stage where no one is acceptable except for Mom or Dad, I'm grateful I got to at least view my nephew from a few feet away today. His laugh is a joy to hear.

October 27

Lilu came to our family almost three years ago by way of Busch Vizslas. I remember being terrified of the thought of owning a dog since I had always been a cat person. But within the first few minutes of seeing her squished little puppy face peering out of her kennel, I was in love. I'm grateful she's part of our family and also for Jim and Linda Busch. They are raising some fine animals out there in Illinois. If we should ever find ourselves crazy (or brave) enough to think of adding another one to our family, we won't hesitate to call them up again.

October 26

Halloween time during my childhood always included a big carnival hosted by the PTA. The classrooms were decorated up and each held different attractions: a fish pond, a spook alley, a cake walk. I remember being surprised when I was told there was no Halloween Carnival when Luke was in kindergarten. At some point in the past 30 years, this fundraising effort disappeared.

But this year, Boys and Girls Club took up the challenge and held a smaller-sized version in the gym of Edith Bowen. I'm grateful for their efforts and for all of the memories that came back as I watched all of the sugar-high children bob for donuts, fish the pond, and model the faces they were painting on those pumpkins.

October 25

I'm grateful for packrat tendencies that make creating passable Halloween costumes at the last minute and without having to set foot into a store, possible.

October 24

With the kickoff of fifth grade came the requirement of nightly homework. Although initially this seemed to be not a problem, in the past two months it is become more and more of a battleground.

I'm grateful I finally figured out that bribery is a Good Thing. With the promise of X-box game rental or friends over to play on the weekend, Luke is remembering to bring his homework actually home. And as long as I play the part of Relentless Taskmaster, he's also managing to complete it by the end of the week.

October 23

The family of Em is a pretty awesome family. I'm grateful this evening for her dad, Dee, who took over her position as the Christian Education person and wrangles a large choir of rambunctious children faithfully each Monday night. His energy and talent and PATIENCE are not lost on the mothers and fathers of those kids!

October 22

I'm grateful to just sit and enjoy the warmth of the afternoon sun.