Day 30

I baked cookies for our across the street neighbors.  They are a wonderful family who help us out quite a bit.

Day 29

I bought a book and stuffed animal for Toys for Tots.  I am also thinking about volunteering with them next Christmas as a gift wrapper.

Day 28

I wrote the first update letter to Lucas' birth father.  This was more difficult than I thought it would be.

Day 27

I had coffee with a friend who is contemplating adoption.  She is nervous and unsure, and I tried my best to encourage her.

3 Months Old!

Lucas turned 3 months old on Thanksgiving! What a wonderful gift he is.

Day 26

To support Small Business Saturday, we are shopping locally today.

Day 25

Dave and I made a decision to do something really nice for Lucas' birth mom.  To respect the privacy of all, we are keeping it a secret!  :-)

Day 24

I spent time reflecting and writing my thankful list.

Thanksgiving List

I would hate to break my favorite tradition of the Top 100 Thanksgiving List, so here goes...

1. Dave
2. Lucas
3. Mattie
4. Fen
5. Mom and Dad
6. Pat and Gary
7. J, J, and jj
8. Amanda
9. Sara, Pete, Meg and Cullen
10. Mike, Lynn, Ben and Kayla
11. All 4 living grandparents
12. Pop Pop and Norma
13. health
14. visiting 9 states
15. Lucas' birth mom
16. being able to stay home
17. Lucas being healthy and happy
18. Lucas being a good sleeper
19. my good deeds challenge
20. Bethy
21. reading
22. chocolate
23. wine
24. my God mother
25. crock pot
26. a loving home
27. YA Lit series
28. re-runs
29. Moreau Lake
30. good friends
31. seeing Dave be a dad
32. growing closer with my parents
33. new traditions
34. hot cider
35. formula pitcher
36. heat
37. water
38. food
39. magazines
40. fall
41. tea
42. CSA
43. good pens
44. smart phones
45. getting our finalization papers
46. volunteering
47. reading to Lucas
48. pumpkin
49. candles
50. leather furniture
51. memory foam
52. the ocean
53. ice cream
54. football
55. Pandora
56. Christmas ornaments
57. online community
58. Kindle
59. roses
60. snow days
61. sock monkeys
62. boots
63. DVR
64. sleeping in
65. getting mail
66. Lucas' smile
67. hugs
68. Market Basket
69. Luca's Cafe
70. jewel tones
71. Target
72. sundresses
73. Bejeweled Blitz
74. Mac
75. Big Bang Theory
76. a good replacement at work
77. a hot bath
78. sisters day
79. Boston
80. blankets
81. a happy marriage
82. jobs
83. good quotes
84. calculators
85. my blog
86. fun
87. lined paper
88. video camera
89. sweaters
90. a close relationship with Lucas' birth mom
91. cuddling with the dogs
92. writing (I have missed it lately!)
93. cooking
94. breakfast for dinner
95. Frank's Red Hot
96.  Mom's love letter
97. everything we need
98. most of what we want
99. a wonderful life
100. a very thankful heart

Day 23

I did not drop them off today, but I have some clothing to donate.

Day 22

Today I donated a toy to a toy drive through Dave's school.

Day 21

Dave and I always donate to a cause for the holidays.  This year, our charity is Mary's Meals.  http://www.marysmealsusa.org/

Day 20

When I volunteered at the food pantry, the manager felt that it was running inefficiently.  It was taking too long for the people to get what they needed in the timeframe allowed.  She asked me if I had any ideas.  Today, I drew up a more efficient (I think) way to organize it.  The pantry is closed this week, but I will bring it with me next time I go.

Day 19

I was honest about my feelings today.

Day 18

I let other people go first when it was my turn.  This sounds basic, but it was difficult for me!

Day 17

I wrote my husband a love letter.

Day 16

Tonight is my first shift at the food pantry!

Day 15

Today I walked the dogs.  They have been receiving much less attention since the arrival of our son, so I am trying to make an effort to treat them right! :-)

Day 14

Happy Veteran's Day!  In honor of today, I made a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Day 13

Today, I will write a thank you note to our volunteer fire and rescue squad.

Day 12

I mailed a get well soon card to my mother-in-law, from LXG!

Day 11

I made dinner for my grandparents!

Day 10

I have a friend who is struggling with her career, and she emailed me for advice.  While I am no expert, I have had a lot of time to think while being home on leave.  This morning, I spent time thinking and sharing with her my thoughts about what she could do.

Day 9

I missed a day!  Yesterday, I spent a ton of time selecting ornaments and gifts for a holiday exchange that I am participating in.  While I will receive a gift back, I LOVE finding just the perfect gift for the person whose name was assigned to me.  I actually spent several afternoon naps browsing the internet, and yesterday I was able to commit.

Day 8

When we first joined our church, I was thrilled to hear that our local food pantry was connected with the church!  Every time it would come up, I would feel a tug toward volunteering.  But I was always too busy.  Today, I signed up!  As someone who has never known hunger, I want to share that with others.  Dave and I are semi-regular donators, but I needed to take it to the next level.  First thing this morning, I signed up and added myself to their volunteer calendar.  I am feeling really happy and excited about this!!!

Day 7

As I was taking my morning walk today in 35 degree weather, I realized that my deed for today should involve warmth.  I am donating extra hats, scarves and gloves that we have at our house so that someone else can be as warm as we are.

Day 6

Today is Orphan Sunday.  http://orphansunday.org/im-excited-about-orphan-sunday-2012/

I love to help out causes, and parentless children are close to my heart.  I am, however, a fan of helping those close to home.  In honor of Orphan Sunday, I will be donating baby blankets to a local church for children in need.

Day 5

My darling husband's back and neck are always sore.  We had a long day of cleaning the house and errands, so for my kind deed, I will give him a massage.

Day 4

A hidden card!  This card is for a very special person who follows my blog so I can't reveal that person's identity!

Day 3

Today I was at a loss for ideas!  I ended up heading to Target early this evening after a tough day with L.  I had to do a return and the lady behind me in line was so frazzled with her 2 kids running all over.  I allowed her to go ahead of me in line.  She didn't say thank you, but I am guessing she was a tad overwhelmed.  Sometimes it is the small things that make life better, and I hope I made her day a little bit less stressful.