Happy...

Lots of things make me glad, but not as many things make me happy...

Today, I am happy that I have my kids in the middle of the week. Tommy had something going on tonight, something special enough to give up one of his nights off with the kids, so I got to take them to Elk Grove for RotaryFest. The twins were with Jay's folks, so the big kids and I got to go on rides and play games for a few hours. It was really fun.

Today, I am happy that things are going well in my relationship, despite some rather big hurdles. Jay and I have come quite a long way, and I am really proud of how we are doing.

Today, I am happy that I feel brave enough to share that with friends, family, and strangers alike. It is rather strange to deal with the reactions of others to my relationship with Jay. I can't always put a finger on it, but I often feel like I have to downplay the importance of what is going on there...and that is sad, and dishonest. So today, I'm being straightforward.

Today, I am happy that I got an email from my brother that was so perfectly timed, I can't explain it. Simple, short, and sweet, his words were the exact encouragement I needed at the exact right moment.

Today, I am happy that I have some pretty important friends that offer up the right words to build me, that offer up the time to share with me, that offer up themselves as pictures of grace. SB, JZ, and DB...you mean a lot.

Today, I am happy that my mom is starting to feel better. I has been hard to see her not be herself, so it makes my heart smile to see her up and at 'em again!

Today, I am happy that my stepdad is so freaking cool. Yesterday, he was watching my twins while I went to an appointment, and I had to call on my drive home to say I had a flat tire. Not only did he pack up the kids to come help me, he bought me new tires, too. Now that is kindness above and beyond the call...again.

Today...I am happy.

Whew.