30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 10-17

Day 10: I am thankful for our dog, Duncan. Although he has a few years on him (and the gray hairs to show for them) he is truly a sweetheart and has been so patient and loving to Cade since he was born (the under-the-highchair scraps probably help).

Day 11: I am thankful for the 19 years I had with my Nana. As much as I miss her and wish she could have known Cade, I see her sweet nature in him and feel her spirit every day.

Day 12: I am thankful that my son is getting to know his great-grandparents. I cherish the time I spent with my Great-Grandma Jo and look forward to my son having those memories as well!

Day 13: I am thankful for my older younger brother, Josh. His sarcasm knows no bounds and for that, and a million other reasons, I love and respect him so much!

Day 14: I am thankful for cold/crisp/sunny days. For native Californians (like me), these days are the closest we get to a holiday season.

Day 15: I am thankful for music. Music is another key to my sanity and has always been a passion of mine. I don't sing (well) or play instruments (aside from my short stint at attempting the flute back in the elementary school band) but I LOVE music.

Day 16: I am thankful for the crock pot. I am, what some might call, "domestically challenged" and the crock pot was my "gateway" appliance to becoming a somewhat decent cook (yes, it counts!). I have a long way to go but my husband (the former solitary chef in our household) is thankful for that ol' crock pot too.

Day 17: I am thankful for our home sweet home. David and I have lived many places together but it was an amazing milestone when we bought our house. Now, seeing Cade run through HIS backyard is pure magic. We've already made so many great memories here and I can't wait to see what's next! Be it ever so humble (we prefer cozy), there's no place like home.

Why are YOU thankful today? Please share in the comment section below.

Dear Joe Paterno,

I understand that you are a college football legend and a huge part of Penn State's history but, first and foremost, you are a human being. And now you are a human being involved in, what I believe to be, the most heinous of scandals (in my opinion, crimes against children are the worst of the worst). I just read that you are retiring at the end of this football season, rather than effective immediately, and I cannot understand why?

I also read the statement that you made earlier today and I find it unacceptable. I don't care how LITTLE you know about a child abuse situation, it is reprehensible when you choose to turn a blind eye to it. You don't need "graphic detail" to know when something, involving someone you have worked closely with for many years, is not right. And if you have the SLIGHTEST inkling or any reason at ALL to suspect that a child is in danger (or someone TELLS you they might be), and you do not take serious action (beyond what you are "required" to do), you are a party to the abuse. Abuse that went on and on. Abuse that, no doubt, ruined many lives.

I believe that there is a special place in Hell (or the like) for those who commit crimes against children. I also believe that there should be consequences for those who stay silent and allow such crimes to go unreported. At the very least, you should leave your coaching post of your own volition. Like, now.

If you are not going to "punish" yourself publicly and resign, I can only hope that you are experiencing some sort of internal struggle for not doing something all those years ago. Which would you rather have had on your conscience -- some lost football games or the lost (nay, stolen) innocence of children?

-Marja, an extremely disappointed fellow human being

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 8 & 9

Day 8: I am thankful for my youngest/baby brother, Trevor. He was the best surprise a 13-year-old aspiring babysitter could ever hope for and I can't imagine my life without his sweet smile and wonderful, booming laugh.

Day 9: I am thankful for chocolate. Whether it's "raw" or in the form of a baked good, to me, chocolate is a basic necessity and a key to my sanity.

So . . . what are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 7

I am thankful for great hair days. When the mane has been properly tamed, everything else falls into place.

Your turn. What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 1-6

'Tis the season to be share why we're grateful! More and more of my friends are posting what they're thankful for every day this month on Facebook. I am inspired to do the same but have some catching up to do.

Day 1: I am thankful for technology (cue Kip Dynamite's love song), or should I say my sister's technology. When she brings her Macbook over, we iChat with my brother, Josh (who lives in Florida and hasn't seen Cade in person since he was 1 month old). It's nice that two of my special guys can see and get to know each other, even when they're not in the same time zone.

Day 2: I am thankful that my sister, Caitlin, lives nearby. And no, it's not only because we like to use her computer (although that is a nice bonus) or because she is the ideal built in babysitter. She is my best friend and an amazing Auntie to Cade.

Day 3: I am thankful for my health and the good health of my family and friends.

Day 4: I am thankful for good food. I love anticipating a great meal and the feeling of a warm, full belly once the meal is finished.

Day 5: I am thankful for my education. I feel so fortunate to look back on my schooling -- all the way from Montessori through college -- and how it has enriched my life.

Day 6: I am thankful for cold and rainy days. They are the coziest days and are especially fabulous when you can stay indoors and enjoy the sound of the rain from the comfort of your couch and/or bed.

Please join me. What are you thankful for today?