grateful heart – Life as Louise

July 9, 2020May 26, 2021 Audrey Link-Ups, Positivity

A Grateful Heart

I’m not trying to kick a limp cactus here, but 2020 has been a weird year.

It feels like my insides are a big ball of tangled yarn that just keeps getting bigger & messier. Pretty much like this:

I’m struggling with isolation, social and civil unrest, interpersonal problems, parenting hurdles… but at the same time I’m trying to find serenity and routine and contentment. As K put it last night, “Your [my] brain is not a fun place to be right now.”

But sometimes I can straighten out a squiggly line or two with a little gratitude. So that’s what we’re doing today.

This week I am grateful for:

My husband. Forever and always. That guy is always in my corner and I know how special that is. I am so grateful for his love and trust and loyalty. M is one lucky girl to have a dad like him.

My small town. Every time I go to a large city I feel grateful to live in a small town. Roadside ice cream stands, town square car shows, a lively and beautiful park. It feels like our town grows and improves every year. I feel lucky to raise M in a relatively safe community like ours.

Friends who help carry burdens, encourage growth, and celebrate little moments.

My “new” car. K traded in our work truck and my daily driver for a new pick-up. So I got the Jeep Grand Cherokee that he’d been driver. I love it soooooo much!

Family members who watch M during the week. I work M/W/F and M hangs out with family on those days. It’s a relief to know she’s safe and loved and snuggled while we’re earning a paycheck.

Healthy communication. The ability and freedom to speak my mind, the education and patience to discuss my opinions and beliefs, and the humility to listen and learn from others. (Granted, I’m always working on humility and education… lol.)

I was going to say my dogs… but then Bristol got into the grill grease trap and vomited all over the carpet Tuesday night. But still, I guess they can be on my list. Bristol’s love for M has been there since day 1 and I’m excited to watch them grow up together.

Of course a handful of other things: family, our healthy & safety, comfort, our jobs…

And that about sums it up for today! How about you?

I’m linking up with Rebecca Jo today for Thankful Thursday!

October 24, 2016October 19, 2016 Audrey Link-Ups, Positivity

On the Road Again (w/ A Grateful Heart)

Last Monday was my birthday & I was bombarded with 15 texts, two phone calls, +60 Facebook posts, and a ton of blog comments & snaps & tweets wishing me a happy day/week/year ❤︎ I am so grateful for my community & tribe & environment.

Today we’re home from 4 days at the beach. We started the trip with a visit to the Circleville Pumpkin Festival in southern Ohio with my brother & sister-in-law. Then K and I hung out in Myrtle Beach for a while. And last night we got to reunite with our fur kids. It was another fantastic weekend.

Since I’m quite tired and keeping this short, I figured I’d drop a few links to my Twitter, Instagram, & SnapChat since I haven’t done that in a while. If you don’t follow me there you should 😀

Tweet Me on Twitter!
Follow along on Instagram!
Check out my snap story as audie_lou

Have a great Monday!

October 3, 2016October 4, 2016 Audrey Holidays & Celebrations!, Link-Ups, Positivity

A Wild Weekend Means a Grateful Heart

I’m having a hard time believing that today is Monday. This was one of those weekends that had no slow moments- but I enjoyed every single second. Originally today’s post was going to be about what I read in September, but that only included one book… ha. (I’m still working on the three I mentioned here, but there was no time to read this weekend.) In lieu of a book review, I’m linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday!

This weekend included time with my family and more landscaping, drinks at home with friends and late, late nights out at the bars, birthday celebrations and comfortable, lazy mornings.

Saturday afternoon/night was the absolute best. Aubrey & I met up and headed to Columbus to surprise Kayla and hit the bars for her birthday. The three of us were friends in high school but really cemented that bond in college- despite being at different universities. Our fourth high school amigo, Emily, just gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl and happens to live in Columbus, too. We were able to stopped and visit her and meet Gracyn before the shenanigans started. It was a little surreal to see Em with a perfect baby in her arms.

A little later, three of Kayla’s local friends joined us to pre-game the night. Guys, the bar scene in Columbus- oh man. I should’ve trained for that event 🙂 We started at 9pm and uber-ed home at 2am. The night was 100% perfection and filled with dancing, drinks, music, and laughter. Honestly, it was an incredibly amazing night and I’m so grateful for my friends. The three of us live in different cities and I feel so lucky that we can get together and have a carefree night on the town. My heart is so full, even if my body’s exhausted.

So that was my weekend. Now I’m sitting in our basement on our new den furniture. (K insisted we take advantage of the BigLots 20% off sale and obtain this chaise/chair/ottoman combo he’s been lusting over.) Tell me about your weekend in comments!

January 4, 2016October 22, 2018 Audrey Life

My Renewed Grateful Heart

2016 feels so fresh and new- like the feeling I have at the beginning of the week but amplified.

This year feels like it’s got some really great things in store for K and I. I’m not the type to count my chickens before they hatch, but I just feel so renewed and hopeful about the next 12 months. I think our family will really thrive and Kyle/we have some crazy lofty goals and predictions for PI. It just feel like we’re starting the year off really…. right. And this unfounded yet confident positivity only reassures me.

Do you guys feel it, too??

For whatever reason my heart is singing. We rang in the new year with some of our favorite people and I spent the weekend organizing the craziness that engrossed our home this Christmas. For me, a little socialization and lot of solitary organization is the perfect weekend!

I have so many things I want to accomplish this year, but I don’t feel overwhelmed. I feel capable and I’m so ready to embrace whatever happens. Ya know??!

Tell me, friends, what are you most excited for this year?? I can’t wait for my baby brother’s wedding and our family vacation to the east coast!