A Trip to the Zoo

For myself and Doodle, this wasn't just another trip to the zoo.

We have been to the zoo together more times than I went my entire childhood.

But this time, we went with my parents. And it was my dad's first time to a zoo.

I continue to be humbled by all that my parents have done for me. They grew up, literally, dirt poor and worked SO HARD and LONG to provide much better for their kids. Being the youngest of 3 and more than a decade younger than the older 2 kids, I was certainly more spoiled than the others. I continue to be so thankful for my parents and all they did for me. I will never know why God blessed me to be their daughter.

The weather that day was gorgeous! I loved seeing Doodle run place to place with PaPaw and my dad laughing at all his antics! This day was certainly a day I will always remember!

Maw Nana helping Doddle see the swimming penguin

PaPaw's boy

Of course he is saying, "Cheeeeese!"

It was so nice to have help wrangling that boy!

This makes my heart smile :]

Success

I actually accomplished a 2011 resolution I set last January:

I

DONATED

BLOOD

4

TIMES!

And potentially saved the lives of 12 people.

It was totally free and it feels awesome.

Come join me sometime in 2012.

What Are 3 Things...

We have started a new ritual in the Raker house. While reading in one of my magazines, I came across this tip. I don't remember exactly what it was a tip for (stress relief, happiness, sleep) but I do remember thinking it was an awesome idea. So much so that we've implemented it. While Daddy J and I are lying in bed we ask each other "What are 3 things that made you smile today?" Inevitably, when someone asks you this, you immediately smile. Guaranteed. As time goes on we will likely use this as a family conversation starter at dinner every evening. That brings a smile to my face. So, feel free to steal this fabulous idea. I did.

Here are some of the things we have mentioned since we began a few days ago:

•  both of us have mentioned Doodle (formerly known as Baby J) at least once every night
• Daddy J brought me home dinner last night from work, WITH a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie
• Texting with Kameron, WHO CAME HOME HOME MONDAY
• listening to and watching our cats play with their new toy mice

Have a go at it. You won't be disappointed. What 3 things made you smile today?