Thankful Thursday

Well, well, well it's another Thankful Thursday.

My goodness friends, I have been in a funk lately.  But, after dinner with my lovely Nana and Momma McCoskey, I have a renewed spirit and for that I am thankful.

This weekend Mr.Huff, Vernie girl and I are going away for a long weekend.  I am ecstatic for a get-a-way with the ones I love the most.

And last, but not least by any means.  A week ago I realized I have had Type 1 Diabetes for 29 years.  Holy cow, 29 years.  Your thinking about my age, I knew it.   Ya, whatever I was 2 years old when I was diagnosed.  I am beyond thankful for all of the work my parents put in and how they took care of me at such a tender age.  Thank you Dad, for always calling me "Super Manders" whenever I took a shot or you checked my blood sugar.  Thank you for calling home everyday to find out what my blood sugars were while you were away at work.  Thank you Mom, for giving me a "star " for every shot or prick to my finger.  Thank you for jumping out of bed and rescuing me with OJ in the middle of the night.

Thank you to all of my friends, who have asked me if I was okay and told me to check my blood sugar.  Thank you Kalow, for taking over the role of juice finder and my biggest support.  You all are the reason I am here to today, healthy and sound.  For that, I am thankful.

Thankful Thursday

When my husband I first started dating, we made it a part of our daily routine to tell each other 3 things we were thankful for.  Take a moment, step back and think of all the things you have to be thankful for.  No matter what, big or small, we have a lot to be thankful for. Today, I’m thankful for:

1. A long weekend on the horizon.  We will be celebrating the nuptials of Karleigh and Ian on Saturday and Pearl Jam’s 20^th Anniversary at Alpine Valley on Sunday.
2. The feeling of fall creeping in.  Nothing beats breaking out the boots, scarves and the pumpkin spice obsession.  Come on fall!
3.  Our sweet little Vernie girl.  She has been overly sweet and loving the last few weeks.

What are you thankful for?

Thank you Jack Johnson.

This weekend, Mr. Huff went out of town for a bachelor party in Ohio at Put-In Bay. What a fantastic opportunity for a girl’s weekend. Friday evening Vernie girl and I packed the car and spent an evening with my parents and then Meghan, Katie and I went to Chicago the next morning.

Who does not love a road trip with some candy and two of the girls who make you laugh the most? The past few weeks have rocked my world. I need nothing more than to get the h-e-double hockey sticks out of town and away from the suburbia life.

The city gave me a nice dose of what I needed: laughs, rooftop cocktails, shopping, gluten free cupcakes and a beach breeze. I feel refreshed.

Sunday night as I lay in bed, and I look over at Mr. Huff it hit me. No one says it better than Mr. Jack Johnson himself,

“I’ll tell you one thing, it’s always better when were together.”

Yes, I got what I needed from the girls trip, but my goodness did I miss my husband. There is no greater feeling than crawling into bed after a weekend apart and snuggling up next to one another. When I’m with my love ; I feel safe and sound, complete and all is okay in the world.

It goes with out saying, we are better together. For that, I am one lucky lady.

Sister, sister.

It is hard to believe, that today my baby sister turns 26. I can still picture her as a little girl in the back of our duster buster mini-van, wearing Umbro shorts signing with her fake microphone. Where did the time go?

While we were on vacation one year, Meghan was following me around doing everything I was doing. It boggled my mind, and started to get under my skin. On our way home we stopped at a “Holidome” to rest for the night. That evening I recall having so much fun with Meghan. Helping her in the pool (with matching swim suits) and teaching her new tricks. My Mom said to me “Mandi, your sister admires you and wants to be just like her older sister.”

Fast forward 7 years, the van is packed and I’m leaving for my freshman year at Anderson University. As I was getting into the van, I found a note from my sister. I read it and cried the entire way to. It hit me that I would not be there for the everyday life of my siblings. I soon realized when my four years were done Matt would be graduating from high school and Meghan a Junior.

I watched the younger/older sister relationship with my girlfriends at school, and I wanted to be the best older sister I could for Meghan. It dawned on me, Meghan and I had a special bond that goes beyond being a sister.

Today, I can say Meghan is not my younger sister, she is my best friend. I now look up to Meghan and the amazing lady she has become. She has a heart that loves everyone, she is genuine in her relationships, and is beautiful inside and out. I feel blessed to call her my sister and best friend.

Happy Birthday, SHISSY!!!

Today I’m obsessed with:

1. Knowing that KDH and I are meeting my entire family in Brown County and staying for the weekend in a gorgeous cabin. Yummy food, hot tub time, some wine and even better company.
2. The windows down weather. A walk/run with fresh air hitting my face tonight sounds fantastic.
3. My Jeep has been fixed – no more driving the Jimmy. Now, I can drive to work and put on my makeup. KDH will be so proud.
4. That overwhelming feeling – the one where you’re so happy with life in general.

Dear Papa

Dear Papa,

Oh, how I have missed you my sweet Grandfather. I miss your whit, your sense of humor and your unique zest for life. I miss you calling after every single Colts game, checking to see if it was Kalow and I you saw in the crowd. I miss chatting with you about how wonderful it is to be a Democrat and how crazy the Republicans party can be. I miss watching you tease Nana to no end, and especially when you would give her a little love tap or pinch on the booty. Until the day you left us, I saw how smitten and in love you two were. Thank you for always showing us true unconditional love.

It goes with out saying, that you impacted each person you came in contact with. You should have seen all the people that came to celebrate your life. High school basketball players, young families, friends from church, and the largest group of family members imaginable.

Next weekend, were heading to Brown County to stay in a cabin as a family and to celebrate your life. In honor of you we will watch some basketball, eat some chocolate, read a little and enjoy the wilderness. I’m sure we will all share our stories about you that we love. From: “Pastor that was Hell of a good Sermon” to “Piss on Peace” to those precious moments we all cherish as your grandchildren.

Two years ago when you left us to go on to heaven, I was not sure what my world would be like with out you. Today, I can say that my life has forever been enriched and molded by you. You’re forever in my heart.

I love you,

XOXO

Mandi Jo

Oh the small things....

If you know me, you have heard me say "It's the small things" in life. Today, my favorite go to phrase took new meaning. I found out a new Deli opened up on Indy’s north side, and imagine this they serve Gluten Free bread. When the last two years of your life have been order a burger or egg mcmuffin sans the bun, order a real sandwich is like standing at the pearly gates of heaven

I put a phone call into Mr. Huff to see if he wanted to meet for lunch, and to my dismay he could not make it. What’s a girl to do? Heck, ya get in your car and drive yo self and eat by yo self. (side note – if you know me, you know I don’t do much alone.)

That’s exactly what I did. Jason’s Deli is located on 82^nd street right before you get to the Keystone mall if you’re heading west. As I pulled up the parking lot was bumping! Always a good sign. I was greeted inside by an eager young man who was ready to share his love of Jason and his Deli. He quickly printed off a Gluten Free menu and gave his input on what the “Gluten free kids in the south love”. I took his recommendations and ordered the California Club, which comes with chips and a pickle and BREAD! I added a drink for a total of $9.71. Of course, I chickened out on dining alone and got it to go.

For less than a split second, I considered driving home to eat. Ya, right! Needless to say the next five minutes in heaven or the parking lot went as hoped. I savored every bite of the amazing club. It was all that and more. Fresh veggies, yummy meats and non-plastic cheese, oh my! Chips were average, and the pickle finished my ten minutes of bliss. A shout out to UDI’S Gluten Free bread and the partnership they have with Jason’s Deli. I will be back, that you can count on.

One might say it’s just a sandwich, but to this girl it’s her new found freedom. I have options, and that I'm thankful for.

Oh....the small things!