Grace In Small Things: 17/2010

This week, my post is going to take a slight turn - - let me explain:

This past week, I have helped out, and participated in, the "Kris Rocks" Benefit for a very dear friend and coworker of mine. Kris has been battling Breast Cancer for the past 14 years. She is Stage IV, and it has spread to her bones and liver. BUT - - you will NEVER, EVER find a more positive, upbeat person than Kris. She is a fighter; she is determined to beat this nasty, vicious disease. And if anyone can do it, Kris is the one!

That all being said, here are the 5 things I am grateful for this week:

• Donating 10 batches of my "world-famous" brownies to the Benefit - - 8 for the Bake Sale, and 2 of my Chocolate Mint Brownies to the Silent Auction . . . and watching a "bidding war" going on over them!
• Mr. Dizzy and I spending an entire Saturday afternoon with the most amazing group of people. The entire hall was packed!
• Meeting Kris' Dad, and sharing a few tears with him while telling him what an amazing, strong person my friend, his daughter, is, and how she has inspired me over the years.
• Finally getting to hear the band "Mister Sister" play, and they are awesome! Kris' husband, David, is the keyboardist for the group. He is amazing. Actually, they all are!
• Getting to spend time with my nephew Travis, who adores Kris; she was one of his instructors in College, and they have kept in touch over the years. He made a special trip to Decatur just to be at the Benefit and spend time with her (and us, of course!)

This past Saturday afternoon made me realize once again how generous and giving people are, and willing to rally around a friend/coworker/family member in need. Yes, there is a lot of bad in the world - - A LOT - - but yesterday showed me that the good greatly outweighs the bad!

I'm glad you had such a good day, yesterday, Kris. And don't forget - - KRIS ROCKS!!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 16/2010

Things I am grateful for this week:

• The positive feedback we have received, via e-mail and phone calls, from people all over the country (!!) who attended our Conference Presentation in Chicago last weekend. Quite a (much needed) ego boost!
• Carmichael-kitty curled up in my lap, head-bumping my hand as I try to type this post. What a lovable little beast . . .
• Sunshine and warm temps outside, making my apple and cherry trees bloom, and my strawberry bed grow!
• Spending all day yesterday with my grandsons (SO worn out today!)
• Andes Chocolate Mint Brownies baking in the oven. The whole house smells so good!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 15/2010

Sorry this is so late - It was a very hectic weekend, and I'm still exhausted!

Things I am grateful for this week:

• The presentation my supervisor and I gave at the big Educational Conference in Chicago was a hit!
• The view from my room at the Hyatt Regency - - 30th floor, corner room, overlooking the lake with Navy Pier in the background . . . so beautiful!
• Walking Chicago's Navy Pier Saturday afternoon, with the sun shining and a beautiful breeze blowing off the water.
• A pretty smooth train trip to Chicago and back.
• Being back home, sleeping in my own bed, with my Dear Mr. Dizzy and my three warm-n-fuzzy fur-kids. There really IS no place like home!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 14/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• A much-needed three-weekend!
  My new Strawberry Garden is all set up (now to get the plants in)
• Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting hot from the oven for breakfast
• Warmer weather and sunshine
• Getting my Spring/Summer wardrobe out of storage - - finally!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Happy Easter!

May you and yours be blessed on this day!