Navigating Life's Shifts: Gratitude, Growth, and Holiday Traditions

As another week rolls by, one marked by the absence of my usual running regimen, I've found solace in the steady companionship of my dog, Goat, on our daily walks. These walks, while tranquil, have made the lack of running more noticeable. Running, for me, isn't just a physical exercise; it's a mental and emotional release, a ritual that brings equilibrium to my life despite its demanding nature.

The concept of gratitude came into play vividly last night during a bedtime conversation with Tsunami. When he turned the tables and asked me what I was grateful for, my answer, 'doorhandles,' might have seemed trivial at first glance. Yet, it sparked a deeper contemplation about the often-overlooked conveniences that streamline our daily lives, making our routines smoother and more efficient.

Tsunami's expression of gratitude for our forthcoming Christmas together opened a window into his perspective and led me to reflect on the evolving nature of our holiday traditions. This season, we've held onto some of our cherished rituals, like the daily stocking treasures, advent calendars, and the live Christmas tree, anchoring us in familiarity. Yet, we've also ventured into new territory with activities like gingerbread house building, a request from Tsunami that may well become a new tradition.

A few nights ago, Tsunami confided his feelings about growing up and moving away from childhood interests. It was a bittersweet realization of the passage of time and the inevitable changes it brings. By shifting our focus to the exciting new hobbies and passions he's developing, we turned a moment of sadness into one of anticipation for the future.

This holiday season mirrors these conversations of growth and change. It's different, undoubtedly, and while it's human to miss the familiar comfort of past celebrations, there's also a newfound strength and understanding emerging. The realization that I'm capable of navigating these changes, of creating new joyous moments while cherishing the old, has been a powerful one.

This journey of adapting to change, both as an individual and as a parent, reminds me that life is a series of evolving chapters. Each one brings its own challenges and joys, and learning to embrace them is part of our growth. As we approach the holidays, I'm allowing myself to feel a blend of nostalgia for the past and excitement for the new traditions and experiences that lie ahead.

Tsunami Warning for Lincoln Nebraska

Tsunami Dawkins Augustine was born at 13:05 on September 26, 2011 at Bryan Hospital in Lincoln, NE. He weighed 8 lbs 5 ounces and measured 20 inches. Mother and baby are doing great!

Kid on a Leash

Has anyone seen these kid leash products around? Sometimes I see them at the zoo, farmers market, or other crowded areas. If a company can make a product that will make a parent feel a little bit safer, there will always be people out there to buy it. When I see one, it reminds me of that scene in Rise of the Planet of the Apes when a leashed Caesar sees a dog on a leash and turns to Will and signs, "Am I a pet?" The idea of the product is that it will keep the child safe and nearby. It is designed to subside the fear that a child will run off or get abducted. I think that if someone is out to abduct a child during the few seconds when a parent is looking away, a leash is a very small deterrent, and likely, not effective. All the abductor would need is a nice pair of scissors or simply their fingers. The latch cannot be that hard to work. If anything, having a leash might give a parent a false sense of security causing them to pay less attention to the child. In that case it

The Poky Little Puppy

Sometimes Jupiter likes to read the classic Golden Book tale, The Poky Little Puppy before bed or nap time. This is another of many children's stories where the intended moral of the story seems to have been surpassed by a message that, I think, conveys the nearly the opposite message. The Poky Little Puppy is a story about five little puppies who dig a hole under the fence to go out for a walk in the wide, wide world. The fifth, poky, puppy is always behind the others. Eventually the poky little puppy smells the dessert that is prepared for the puppies each night. The four other puppies smell it too and hurry home while the poky puppy takes his time. The four puppies then eat their dinner and are scolded by their mother for digging a hole under the fence with the punishment being that they do not get dessert. Then along comes the poky puppy after everyone is asleep. He is met with no dinner but left over dessert, since the four puppies were not able to eat it. This scenario takes

Kirk blAug

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