Friday, November 26, 2010

Grateful

We had a really good thanksgiving this year, with the three of us. We decided to forgo traveling up north, and to spend thanksgiving with our little family. Graduate school has been so busy for me, and we have rarely been able to spend quality time as a family the last few weeks. So, when we had an entire day to spend together as a family, we enjoyed it to the max. We cooked a full out thanksgiving dinner, you know...turkey, ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, rice, and homemade apple pie. Our food was yummy, and we got full so fast. But thanksgiving is so much more than a great homemade meal and physical time with family. Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, as the word, backwards, implies.

While we had dinner, David and I shared some things that we are grateful for. Among having each other and Gabriel, we also had other common gratitudes. David said he was thankful for our house, his job, his christmas bonus (that will be used to pay bills). I said I was thankful for our house, being able to afford food for us, good food actually (we sacrifice spending $ in other things to instead invest in organic meats/food, and lots of veggies and fruits), two working cars, graduate school and the new friends I've made there, and being able to be happy and healthy.

To expand, we are so grateful for our house and the home we are building for Gabriel. Our first house, what is meant to be a starter house, is big enough to be an end house for lots of people. We are so fortunate that we are able to live in a big enough home that more than comfortably meets our needs. Many people in the world never get to have the luxury that I already have in my 20's. But really, that is a monetary blessing, one that i'm grateful for, but what I'm even more grateful for is the home I am able to make out of our house. Our home is a place for love, respect and peace. We hope that as Gabriel grows older, he will be able to carry those values into the lives of others. We are not perfect people, but we are striving to be providers of the best home a child could have.

I am grateful that David has a job that helps us pay for our living expenses, (as well as my grad school loans) and for the good food we are able to consume. Again, many people in the U.S. and around the World, are not that lucky. Nearly 17 million families in the United States, about 15 percent of all households, had trouble putting enough food on the table last year. The stats in other countries are more stark.

I'm grateful for having cars that work, not just one, but two. I'm grateful for all of my family and friends, for the love I know they have for us. I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to obtain a higher education. The kind of higher education, that is needed in todays society. I'm grateful that one of my talents is to have the ability to help other people in need and be a voice for them.

I am so grateful for all that I have. This life is full of trials and tribulations that make our life hard at times, but in the end, it always makes it richer. I'm so grateful for how great my life is, and the journey that the three of us are on.

"Of all the things that exist, we breathe and wake and turn it into song."
-Buddhist precept

Friday, November 5, 2010

Fall Adventures

I have really enjoyed this fall so far. We have done lots of fun and memorable things. We've been in a bit of a drought in Richmond and so it has affected the beautiful fall colors we normally have. Last fall was the most beautiful I have ever seen. This year is still nice, but not nearly as colorful and it's made me nostalgic of last year. One of our favorite things to do in the fall is drive through monument avenue countless times. The beautiful vibrant colors in combination with the historical homes is so fitting. I love being able to appreciate all the beautiful things around me. We are so blessed to be able to be a witness to how beautiful this world is, in every changing season. Living here in the fall always reaffirms why I love the east coast so much. I'm so proud to live in such a beautiful place that is rich in history. Below are pictures of what we have been up to:


We took our fall trip to the mountains and did a small hike with Gabriel and my sister.
During the hike

I love these pictures. So amazing.
During our hike

On Gabriel's first field trip at school! They went to the pumpkin patch. It was SO FUN!
Wagon rides on his field trip. We also went on hay rides and through a spooky forest.
This is at another pumpkin patch we went to, Farm 2 Family
We had a blast this halloween, it was the funnest ever. We dressed up as Rockstars. We went to the fan and trick or treated on Hanover Ave. Every house in a few block span decorates their houses really spooky. It was amazing. They put lots of $$ into their decorations and candy!
Witch, the only thing that scared Gabriel. My sister was the paprazzi to the Durrant Rockstars.

Some people had a band playing at their house!
We spray painted Gabriels hair tips red too, but it's hard to see in pictures.




We were pumped on our way to trick or treating.
Durrant Rockstars 2010. We hope you had a blast this halloween!