Day 14 - Thankful for peaceful moments

Thankful for those moments, sometimes short, sometimes long, that are filled with peace. I had a longer peaceful moment after work this evening. We had to drive up to Tijeras this evening and on the way back into Albuquerque, it happened. Declan fell fast asleep by the time we got on the freeway. I drove in the quiet, savoring the tranquility. Nothing but the occasional sweet baby sigh. Reminding me of how hard we had all just laughed and played together.  I am an extrovert. Super social and busy. Although this week, after what has felt chaotic, quiet felt so good.

Tonight I am also thankful for Starbuck's hot chocolate, that delicious mix from Costco! It helped me to feel even more relaxed and to help keep me awake for blog writing! Hello, it is after 6:45pm and it has been dark for about two hours!
I am thankful for our blog. Jonathan suggested a blog when we were on our World Ramblers trip in 2007. At that point I knew very little about writing a blog. Even after we got started I felt like I was horrible at it. I loved reading peoples comments and knowing that other people were viewing our journey and travels. For us that was the easiest way to communicate, because you email and everyone emails you back. Emails back were fantastic but not when internet was so expensive and at that point we could afford maybe thirty minutes of internet time every few days. Anyways, once we were The Maple's I wanted to start another one. Well here we are...A Tale of Two Maples. Fourteen days into our Thankful exercise. I feel more thankful for the people and experiences in my life. I feel refreshed and renewed when I sit down to think about what I am going to write. Thank you for reading and adding fulfillment to our lives.
I also have to say that today is Baby Kyle's 1 and 1/2 birthday!!!

 Dearest Kyle, Someday I will have a beautifully written story to share with you about the beauty of the day that you entered the world. The pure, true and beautiful person that is your mother. You should celebrate your half birthdays and do a silly dance because you were born a year and a half ago and that is a marvelous thing! We Love You!





I am very thankful that my Mom let me use her Highlander.  It has been no easy week and this will make life so so much easier these next few weeks.  My engine will be rebuilt and I am thankful for my honest and good mechanic.  He takes the time to tell me and show me what's going on with the car.  I learn a lot. 

I am thankful we get to play so much time...all.the.time.  woot!  When Tara was inside the car after feeding, I saw her playing with Declan.  OMG I could have snorted at the thought of what I was about to do...in fact, I think I did snort.  I started running towards them in the dark, Declan didn't see me and then. *BAM* I pounced on the passenger side window smacking it with both palms!  Watching Declan startle was HILARIOUS.  He thought so too, because he started laughing and jumping (almost in hysterics) on Tara's lap.  I stuck  my head in the passenger side making funny noises and oh how Declan laughed and squealed in delight!  We continued like this in the cold mountain air for a good 15 mins.  It was awesome.  I am so grateful for such a wonderful, loving, and playful Wife and Baby boy!