Thankful Thursday

What I've been thankful for this week...

:: Again, the library that is only a few blocks away. Interlibrary loans make me feel giddy. Plus Koko didn't cry when she went to her story time by herself. They even have this cool Spanish story time on Wednesday that I enjoyed more than my kids did. I learned rojo and verde. I know. It's sad how bad my Spanish is. Oh, and they have so many audio tapes with books and C.D.'s-- just as many as Sulzer's. The downside is that they're relocating in a year, but until then, this great place is only a few minutes away!

:: The precious moments right before Koko falls asleep where she says, "Mom, let's talk" and she'll share all these details of her day that I was oblivious about like how her story time experience went (the librarian didn't give her a stamp or candy, but that was okay) and recently, this long-winded story about a clown fish.

:: The progress with Koko's verbal skills. I know bilingual children are supposed to be fluent in both languages, but Koko was definitely more fluent in Korean and a year ago, she was speaking a lot of gibberish whenever she was with English-speaking kids. But she is learning fine at her own rate. And I love you, M and B for many reasons including that fun Korean movie you recommended, but also for sharing with me how their kids who happen to be brainiacs also mixed up "How are you?" and "How old are you?" What a relief!

:: I am really enjoying Cheeky's toddlerhood even though she's approaching the terrific twos-- the way she looks at me and very quietly makes a one-syllable command when she wants something and how she sings "Deep and Wide" all out of tune and even the way she walks with her feet pointing outward--all this warm my heart.

:: My new glasses that my husband insisted I get. Koko dislikes them, but they do not fall off my nose, get bent out of shape as easily, and the paint does not chip. Kill me--they're plastic. But I asked about BPA and apparently, it's not a concern when you just wear plastic made of polycarbonate.

:: We went to a farm today! Only ten minutes away! I tasted raw goat's milk. Surprisingly smooth, but there is a goat-smelling aftertaste. The family was so delightful--all homeschooled and the mother of eight, so encouraging and open. I shared how I was worried that sometimes I became annoyed/frustrated with Koko and wondered if I should give up homeschooling, but she reminded me that when homeschooling parents ask for forgiveness, that itself is also a redeeming lesson.

:: My mom and dad who call often to check up on me. My dad even reads this blog sometimes. Dad, if you're reading this, I love you!

:: All you homeschooling bloggers out there, especially those who plug on despite new births and pregnancies. You are my inspiration and have encouraged me a lot on this homeschooling journey. I remember just discovering blogs a year ago when I felt really despondent that I didn't know any homeschooling people and not knowing exactly how to go about this Montessori business, but it was eye-opening to see how other moms do it.

:: A free Jet's pizza certificate for "being new neighbors."

:: My children who try to hand-feed me fruit after dinner and save me portions of their samples from Sam's Club.

:: Hema's Kitchen (located near Devon and Campbell in Chicago, IL) Their chicken biryani and samosas never fail to make me smile. Plus, hubby had his first taste and I was pleasantly surprised that he liked it, too. I can't wait until my kids can enjoy spicy food, but for now, more yum-yums for me. Miss all you Chicago people.

:: This beautiful bird we saw on our way home from the library. Many people have birdfeeders outside and though though I see common sparrows most of the time, sometimes, I see some unique-looking birds. Any recommendations for squirrel-proof bird feeders?

Wow, I never expected to write so much. I was actually down for a few days ( I always seem to be after coming back from Chicago) but I am feeling much better.