Today, and everyday, I am grateful for...

•  My husband, Erik: he works 7 days a week, without (much) complaint to provide for our family, and to allow me to stay home with our daughter.

• My daughter, Alaina: she never fails to bring a smile to my face, no matter how low the checking account balance is, how full the dishwasher may be, or how much laundry has piled up.  Seeing the pure joy on her face when she sees something she likes is a constant reminder to revel in simple pleasures.

• My family, both blood and paper: the support they've given to Erik and I while we learn to be parents is unparalleled.  They celebrate our victories, and kiss our owies when we fall.

• My brother (yes, he's family, I know...): he has stepped up and embraced the role of "uncle" more than I knew was capable.  And in being a great uncle, he has become an even more amazing brother than before.

• My community and my neighbors: they are excellent resources for humor, consolation, and a cup of sugar.

• My health, both physical and mental: for allowing me the capability and desire to spend time with my daughter and husband.  I adore watching her grow, and I can't wait (well, I can wait a little bit) to watch Erik get gray hair and start wearing old man suspenders!

• My country and government: maybe its not ideal at the moment, but it's certainly working better for me than a lot of others might.  Except for Canada and France.  The whole "government-mandated vacation" thing sounds awesome.  Get paid by politicians to not work?  Okay.

• My state: seeing bald eagles surveying passing cars while sunshine pours in through my windows, spending wonderful days nestled in the temperate rainforest, watching the breakers of Pacific Ocean roll into shore, or heading over the arid eastern Washington climate...and can do it all in the same day!  I am truly blessed to make my home where I choose.