Thankful for soo much! : )

I've neglected poor little Blog for so long.  I get busy living and forget to document Life.  We had an amazing summer trip, and I never finished posting pictures.  I had a birthday, I'm officially forty-two, ha!  (As if I was faking it.)  And we had such a wonderful JDRF Walk this year..lots of friends who are just like family, and we've had soo much support and love!  And we just (didn't) celebrate Clay's two year Diaversary.  It's been two long years since D came to visit again.  We've grown together.

Roller Coaster CAPITAL of the world!!  (Carter is ready, obviously!)

He was going on the absolutely SCARIEST ride!  We all chickened out..especially after we learned there was a 1 3/4 hour wait!!  But this child did it!!

I have things on my mind.  Always do.  I always wanted a Titus/Timothy group to teach/learn from..and maybe I should be doing some teaching.  I'm not the youngest momma anymore, and I've lived and learned a little.  I'm not the most eloquent or perfect by any means..but a note to say I appreciate you can build bridges and soften hearts.  

American Girl in Chicago..first and LARGEST store!!

Did I mention GORGEOUS? and soo spacious for downtown Chicago square footage.

and we do love some Lego stores!

The most fascinating fountain in Chicago: Crown Fountain in Millennium Park.  The children's pictures change (1000 of their own kids) and the photos center with their mouth on the fountain..so the water comes out of their mouths even as the photos morph.  Beautiful art and soo many to enjoy it.

We got to visit the Bean (aka Cloud Gate), also in Millennium Park!

and we visited the Sky Deck at sunset.  Amazing looking west.  The kids are sitting out over the city.  No..I didn't join them.  I'm a 'fraidy cat.

It was formerly the Sears Tower, now called Willis Tower.  It's an amazing visit/sight at 103 floors high.  Love that we get to take our kids to see these gifts!

One of the girls by world-renowned Spanish sculptor, Plensa.  They are different from every angle, it's almost unimaginable..except they are real.  The look changes as you look from far at an angle to straight on.

One thing I'm gonna say just for today is to send a thank you note.  It bothers my momma heart (thanks to my momma) when my kids don't get a thank you note after a birthday party/gift.  My kids have to sit and write thank you notes, and they don't understand when they don't get one.  They wonder if their friend liked the present they took to the party, especially if they birthday child didn't say thank you or that they liked it.  I think we should take the time to write one today.  For the kind words we received on Saturday, for the small thoughtful gift last week (or for the time someone took to donate to our team!).  If I've ever forgotten to send you a note, I'm sincerely sorry.  I make notes for my notes, and double back to try to remember every single person and thought.

I still get to go on field trips..even in ninth grade, thank you, JESUS!!  We had a blast out on the trails at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville!  (His teacher and I also got to thank Alice Walton in person for this amazing facility right in our own backyard.  It felt awkward to ask for a photo..so we didn't.  We are uber cool like that.)

Maybe our society is moving into expectation, but I don't expect anything from you.  (Except a thank you note, obviously.  Just kidding!)  Maybe it's my Words of Appreciation Love Language talking. : )  Prayers for a blessed week for you..and lots of things to be thankful for!  Hugs!