Today was in a word, hectic. The kids and I rushed around all day running errands for our weekend trip, and I spent the evening doing laundry and packing up our entire house (how does one little baby need so much stuff). Kyle had to go to a benefit dinner after work so I was flying solo, which only added to the stress around here. It’s days like these that I wish I possessed the ultra-cool powers of one of my childhood heroes, Samantha, and I could simply twitch my nose and all the bags would be perfectly packed and ready to go.

Now that all the preparations are as complete as possible, I’m ready to relax and say what I’m thankful for this week.

I’m thankful that we are headed out of town tomorrow. We all need a break, and I can’t wait to take Kade to the hotel pool. He picked out a pair of goggles today, and I had to bargain with him for a good 30 minutes to get them off his head and into the suitcase.

I’m thankful to be able to witness the love between my children. Kade will come over to Liv at different points throughout the day, plant a gentle kiss on her forehead, and tell me that he loves his baby sister. In return, she breaks into a smile, squeals, and reaches out to grab his face in a gesture of pure delight…it’s enough to make your entire day.

I’m thankful for my friend, Viviana, and her donation to my marathon efforts (I’m also thankful that we’ve gotten back in touch).

I’m thankful for my Mom, Dad, and Beth Kromer, who have all been busy selling candy bars to raise money as well. A special thank you goes out to my mom’s boss, Mike Crum, who threw in a large donation and didn’t take a single candy bar in return.

I’m thankful for my sister who stayed here after she got off work last Friday night so Kyle and I could go hang out with some friends. And if that wasn’t enough, she is picking up the dogs tomorrow and taking them to Sandusky with her, which allows us to spend the weekend in Pittsburgh with no worries.

I’m thankful that it’s time for bed. I am tired. Liv was up every two hours last night (she’s been terrible about sleeping all week). I think she may have caught the cold I’ve been fighting off (fingers crossed that Kade and Kyle don’t follow suit).

I’ll be back Sunday…