We got 3 packages yesterday! It was like Christmas all over again. My mom sent me a much-needed foot cream set that smells wonderful. Thanks, Mom! We also received a package from my in-laws with more presents, including an incredibly cute homemade purse. My sister also sent a package with lots of puzzles and boots and a coat for Chris.

We got to see some friends, eat cake, and talk and laugh. Much appreciated socializing when it's been too cold to do anything.

Chris has been much more cooperative when it comes to nap and bedtime. For a while, he would refuse to take a nap unless I was in his room taking a nap with him. Now, I can get through the naptime routine and leave him in his room to fall asleep on his own, and he won't get up even when Max is screaming (happy or sad screaming). It's been very nice t have naptime back again.

I am grateful for The Office and the TBS reruns of previous seasons on Tuesday nights. I love that show.

I am grateful that we could stay inside today when the weather was so bitter cold, but more importantly I am grateful that the kids were relatively good even though we didn't get out of the house.

Chris makes me laugh every day. Today, he was spinning for about 30 seconds. He stopped and said, "Mom, what is our house doing?"

I'm glad that I called and found out how to stop the monthly $12 service charge on our checking account.

I love hearing Chris learning grammar - he has very funny usage, where you can tell he's trying to figure out the rules of the English language. For example, he often asks, "Is this mine's?" He also said this morning, "He wake up'd." I think this language exploration is a lot of fun.

My friend Liz fed me lunch today. I am always grateful to have someone who is over the age of 10 to eat lunch with. Mealtime is definitely the time when I want company, and it is nice to have someone different to talk to and discuss things with. Plus, Liz always has great food.

Max went down to sleep tonight very easily. My nerves appreciate a night without crying.

I mdae cornbread muffins tonight for dinner and they turned out very well. I haven't eaten cornbread in a long time, and I had forgotten how much I liked it.

I know that I haven't posted anything for a while, so I wanted to get started again. I have missed too much to think I can catch up in one night, so my plan is to list several things I'm grateful fo every day for the next while.

I'm grateful that out of two major falls in church today, all Chris has to show for it is a few bumps and a little blood. No trips to the hospital or even trips home. I've got one tough kid.

I'm grateful that Ryan got home before we did and that he did all the dishes. I'm always grateful when I don't have to do dishes.

It made me really happy when Dora told me that I looked "elegant" today in church. Sunday is the one day I really try to look decent, and it's really nice when someone notices and comments.

Today, I am grateful for many, many things. First of all, I am thankful that Ryan could stay home to work and that he didn't have to go out in all of the snow to uncover his car and go to work. I am also extremely grateful for our landlords for not only shovelling/snowblowing the snow off of our driveway, sidewalks, and parking lot, but also for getting the snow off of our cars. That was a little surprise when we went outside to get in the car - how nice! I also have to note that both Chris and Max took naps today at the same time, so I was able to lie down for a few minutes. I am so grateful that I got to sleep some today because the last few nights have not been so good with Max's feedings. Most of all, I am grateful that Ryan received news that he has been accepted to two different MBA programs, one with a $20,000/year scholarship. I'm so proud of him and all of the hard work that he's put into his work and into doing all of his applications. I am so excited for him and for our family to start planning on the next steps in our future.

I am very grateful that our horrendous storm didn't start until AFTER Ryan got home. Ryan is thankfully home with us after his business trip, and I'm very grateful that he didn't get stranded in Detroit or in New York. I really like having him home with me and the kids.

Yesterday, Max did not spit up very much - only 10-12 times. Woohoo! Hopefully it's a sign that things are getting better.

Today, I am grateful that I could listen and participate in some of the Institute lesson and did't have to be in the nursery the whole time.