It's really hard...

when you attach yourself to someone or something. You give up a little freedom when you care deeply, keenly aware of changes that threaten your peace - held captive by restless thoughts.

When I was told that my oldest daughter was pregnant, I did not realize just how much that little person would change my life. I love all my grandchildren, but this one is at a disadvantage.

My daughter loves her child, but she is yet a child herself, not ready for the responsibility of raising a child and all that it entails. And throughout the past 3 years, it's been a struggle because on one hand, I don't want my grandchild to miss out on what he deserves. But, on the other hand, I don't want to be a doormat to my daughter, which is really what has happened.

In my struggle to make things right, my daughter has responded with a decision to move out on her own. I think this is the best thing for her; however, I know it is not in my grandchild's best interest...and I'll leave it at that.

Housing, food, utilities, transporation, child care, etc. are very expensive in our area and for someone who has never taken responsibility seriously, she will have a huge adjustment to make. Add that stress to the fact that she has nevered worked and will need to find a job while going to college for the first time, plus the stress of dealing with a very strong-willed child, and you've got the recipe for a bad situation all around.

It's going to be a fierce struggle, and she will "sink or die," so to speak. But I think she will learn a very valuable life lesson either way and grow to understand just how much work it takes to be a responsible adult.

In the meantime, I'm very grateful today that my daughter has agreed to allow me to help her with her child in a very important way. Thank God, and today I say a prayer of thanksgiving and relief.

I opened my eyes today...

and my room was still clean! I smiled and thought, "It's gonna be a good day." And you know what? It was!

My room is the gathering room when I'm at work. The computer is in there, I have the biggest TV, and my bed is comfy. Usually, I come home and find stuff on and under the bed, baby juice spills on my TV stand, cups and plates and mess, mess, mess!

Hopefully, my room is still nice...I spent a whole day cleaning it this weekend, and I want it to stay that way...it's nice to wake up to a clean room, don't cha think?

Ahhh, but no matter what...clean or messy, I'm just grateful for the people in my life because without them, I'd be very lonely.

Little surprises...

always catch me just at the right moment! No gas for my car--luckily work is within a mile of my home; fridge low on food once again and payday still 4 days away--invites from family to come to dinner arrive just at the right time; tired but wake up in time for work every day...yes, I'm blessed.

But the greatest surprise this week came during a mandatory employee meeting at work. You know, one of those meetings you dread going to because you are so busy and have to take valuable time away from your duties to listen to boring content that has to be presented...well, just happens employees were being recognized for years of service in five year increments. I've worked at my job for 25 years and I got a $250 gift card! I wanted to cry in gratitude!!!!

God loves me...even tho i don't deserve it! He's awesome! And my employer ain't too shabby either!

There are only...

a few things in life worth working for...love and happiness! They can be experienced through many things, not necessarily in the following order~this is just how they came to mind:

Kids...learning...school...good food...God's love...

friends...music...grandkids...extended family...

movies...books...holidays...good deeds...interesting

work...breezy days...the rain...BBQs...Baileys...walks...

the nite sky...laughter...Harry Potter...


AND THE LAKERS! Muahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!! 2010 Champs! Yes sirrrrrr!!!!

Wow, I'm an official...

"Blogger" blogger...I have a follower! That's so cool!! Thank you, follower!

Off to sleep I am...it's been a long day...but what a nice little surprise.

Well, it's been awhile...

...and it depends on my mood which blog I'm going to focus on. I have a humerous blog, a spiritual blog and this thankful blog. Today I felt a little on the thankful side...my little grandson was born late March...see that's him smiling up a storm on the left next to my other grandson; both are beautiful grandsons. ♥♥

Just looking at this picture cheers me up enough to forget that my job is going to require furlough days this year, no employer contribution to our 401Ks for one year as well, and a requirement to now pay 15% of our medical insurance premiums. I'm living paycheck to paycheck as it is now...

Let me just gaze at my grandkids now and ease my worries. Yep, that does the trick!

Very soon...

there will be a new Ornelas added to the clan! I'm so excited.

Today was Wendy's baby shower, and we had fun.

I can't wait until the baby is born...my son is on cloud nine. He's wanted a child for so long, but his circumstances were never quite right, until now.

I think Wendy will be a wonderful mom.

March 12th couldn't get here fast enough, if you asked me! :)