In honor of the convergence of November (National Gratitude Month) and the Hebrew month of Cheshvan (sometimes referred to as a mar or "bitter" month because of the lack of holidays), I committed to sharing gratitude publicly for 30 days to show that there is no mar/bitterness in this month.

This is my third year engaging in this practice, and I've used the same guiding principles each year:

• Don't overthink it. Whatever comes to mind is that day's post. No heavy editing and word smithing.

• Commit to authenticity. Some posts may veer into TMI. All posts and pictures will 100% be from me.

• Whatever comes to mind that day is what is meant to be shared. Big or small. Connected or not.

There continues to be some significant overlap from year to year as my daily choices truly reflect my core value and priorities in this world.

I am truly grateful

November 1

Today I am grateful for days without technology.

My kiddos and I spend the time from sundown Friday through sundown Saturday tech-free and off of any devices.

We go for family walks and spend time lounging around reading We play board games and Twister and basketball. We welcome neighborhood kids to jump on the trampoline and build Lego cities. We sit around just talking...because we have nowhere to be and nothing to obsessively check.

While, yes, sometimes not being able to zone out in front of individual devices can lead to more squabbling, it usually leads to more creativity and connection.

As technology becomes more pervasive (and invasive) every day, I welcome the regular opportunity to slow down, be out of touch, and just be present.

November 2

Today I am grateful for a perfect fall day and annual traditions that still bring us joy.

(Made ever-so-sweet by a Broncos victory and weather in the 70's in November...)

We've gone to the corn maze at the Denver Botanic Gardens every year, probably since we moved back to Colorado when Itai was 3 and Batya was 1 (and I was pregnant with Ori). Now Itai is 15, Batya is 13, Ori is 11, and Margalit is 10. And we still enjoy the corn maze.

We squeeze into the barrel train. We get dusty on the tractor ride. We debate who should lead us through the maze (and whether or not we want to use the map).

Each year, I wonder if this will be our last year...if maybe the kids have outgrown these things. And, each year when I ask if they want to go again, they do.

I am so grateful for the simple joy and lasting memories this tradition brings each year. Each year feels like a gift.

And I'll happily take it.

November 3

Today I am grateful that I get to walk my kids to school.

I am a big believer that all kids and all schools should start their day with outside movement. Being in nature, moving your body, taking some time for mindfulness, truly waking up. There is so much science to back to benefits of a morning walk...and, it's not the norm in our schools.

So I make it the norm for my kids.

If it's at least 30 degrees outside and not actively precipitating, we walk the .7 miles to school.

Most days my kids humor me without pushback. Some days (like today) are a struggle. And almost always the boys walk a good 50 paces ahead of the rest of us.

But each day, I get 15-18 minutes of present time -- talking about what the day has in store, reflecting on how pretty that tree is, and generally processing the world together.

I am grateful that I live close enough to my kids' school and that my schedule is flexible enough to allow for this ritual...and that Colorado weather allows for this far more often than one might think.

November 4

Today I am grateful for my door.

A few years ago, I was going through a lot of transition. I was starting my consulting business, shifting some very important relationships, and really delving into personal growth. My approach to all of this was one of radical responsibility -- really embracing the mindset that I could design, build, and live a life that I love.

In the middle of that, I decided to repaint my house...and figure out what to do with the front door that I hadn't liked since we moved into the house (there was nothing wrong with it; it just wasn't my style at all).

In my research, I learned that doors can be really expensive. Which is a lot to justify when you have a perfectly working (albeit slightly ugly) door already. And when you don't have stable income.

But then I found one that was significantly less expensive; it just wasn't finished. So I learned how to paint it to give me the look I wanted.

And then my handyman didn't have availability to hang my new door. So I figured out how to do it myself.

I am now weirdly obsessed with my front door -- to the extent that it is a running joke in my family, and I threaten to leave the old door in my kids' beds unless they pledge allegiance to the door.

Yes, I love the look of my door.

But I also really love what it represents to me -- that during a time of significant transition, where things really could have gone in any direction, I stayed true to my values, did the hard work, and built the life I have now.

I am grateful for my door as a symbol and reminder that I always have a choice.

November 5

Today I am grateful for crisp fall mornings and warm, yummy beverages. And. This. Mug.

(Can it even be called a "mug" if it's big enough to fit a small watermelon?)

I got this mug off a Buy Nothing group a few years ago, and it brings me joy with every use.

Most of the year, it lives in my "fall box," with picture books about Rosh HaShanah and Sukkot and fake pumpkins that I put on my mantle. And every year when I pull out the box and unpack, I am pleasantly surprised to find this mug in there -- a gift from last year Sarah to this year Sarah!

My daughter makes fun of me for using it (she's a pumpkin spice hater...). My other kids laugh at its size. Periodically someone on a Zoom meeting will see it and comment. And I just keep drinking.

I am aware that Starbucks is launching its winter line tomorrow (meaning out with the pumpkin spice), and I don't care.

I will continue using this mug until I decide pumpkin spice season is over, and that day is nowhere in sight.

Today I am grateful for a mug that I got for free that makes me smile with every sip

November 6

Today I am grateful for living near family members who love my kiddos.

We lived in the DC area for a few years when Itai and Batya were little (and Ori and Margalit didn't exist), and while I loved my work and loved our community and loved the people (and still do), something was missing for us.

So we left everything to move to Denver and be near family.

I love that I've never had to hire a babysitter because we have family members who welcome the opportunity to spend time with the kids. I love that my daughter has a special relationship with her cousin because she lives close by, and we can do playdates on a random weekend. I love that I can host family meals for Chanukah and Thanksgiving and summer and Thursday, and people just come. I love that my kids each have so many adults in their lives with whom they have special relationships who have really gotten to experience their turning into their own people.

And, I love that I don't feel like I have to do this parenting thing alone. Four busy kids with their own schedules and one adult (driver) in the house can make logistics challenging.

Tonight, Itai really wants to stay for the Broncos game after his football team's fundraiser at the stadium. But I have soccer and basketball and training and book report writing with the three other kids and can't go to the game with him. Enter Uncle Tom.

Tomorrow is Grandparents/Special Persons Day at my kids' school. And Aunt Trudy and Uncle Denny will be there to spend time with the kiddos.

I am so grateful (for myself and for my kids) that we get to live near family.use.

November 7

Today I am grateful for my cleaner.

I am a big tidy-er. My house is almost always organized, everything in its place.

But I don't clean. I don't notice how dirty things are until they are disgusted. And, whereas I get a weird joy out of tidying and organizing, I feel none of that satisfaction with actually cleaning.

Enter my cleaner.

Every other Friday, I practically frolic around my house, knowing that, later that day, everything will be spotless (I mean, she vacuums by couch and even cleans the inside of my air fryer!).

I was really hesitant to hire a cleaner because I have the time and skills to do it, so I feel weird outsourcing.

And, choosing to hire Delis was such a gift to myself. Also, Delis is thorough and reliable, traits that I recognize are not as common as one would hope in this industry. So I write her thank you notes pretty often so that she knows how much I appreciate her.

My cleaner helps my house be a happy space for all of us. It means I have a clean space to work. It means I know nothing is growing in my teenagers' rooms that shouldn't. It means my energy and bandwidth is freed up for other things and people.

I am so grateful for my cleaner and the role she plays in helping my world run a little more smoothly.

November 8

Today I'm grateful for Saturday.

Some Saturdays I have my kiddos, and that's lovely.

And some Saturdays I don't. And that's lovely.

While I do love spending time with my kids, I also truly appreciate a day to myself, with no obligations and no people needing me.

I spend my kids-free Saturdays reading and going for long walks and catching up with friends. Sometimes I don't get dressed and stay in my pajamas all day. Sometimes I eat cereal for all my meals. Sometimes I leave the house, and sometimes I don't.

And it's all okay.

The other days of the week are dictated by schedules and to-do lists and urgency and productivity. And none of that exists on Saturday.

I'm so grateful for a day to just be.kes with kiddos bundled up and making snow man, I am so grateful for the snow day (advance notice and all).

November 9

Today I am grateful for remote and flexible work.

When we moved to Denver over a decade ago, I was really worried that it would mean that I'd have to sacrifice meaningful work.

And I'm so glad that's not the case!

I get to work with some of the best schools in the country. I am involved in important conversations on a national level. I work with people I truly respect who are truly experts in their fields.

And, thanks to travel and technology, I get to live in my favorite state and be present for my kids while doing all of that.

I'm flying today. And tomorrow. And Wednesday and Thursday.

But in between it all, I get to see the mountains and hang out with my kids.

And Batya thinks I'm crazy and should just be gone for the week (for the record, Ori and Margalit are glad they'll get to see me). And I just really love that I have a choice... And, at the same time, don't have to make "this or that" choices. That I don't have to choose family or work. Colorado or a state I don't like as much. Quality of life or impactful career.

Yes, there are lots of logistics involved and lots of planning and balancing. And sometimes it means I'm really really tired.

And, I'm so grateful that, for now at least, all of the pieces align so that I can live in the "and."

November 10

Today I'm grateful for Central Park (the one in NY).

I'm not a big fan of NY. I am not a foodie. And I don't like to shop. And I'm actually totally content with the museums and shows and culture that can be found in Denver. I like green space. And I hate traffic. And people. And the "overwhelmed" feeling that always comes the moment I touch down.

And, I "get" to come to NY fairly often for work.

While I generally fly in and out as efficiently as possible (sometimes even taking a red-eye to minimize time), I've also really found an appreciation for Central Park.

Generally when I'm in NY, it's to facilitate something for one of my projects. Which means I'm on. All day. With people.

And I've found that staying at a nearby hotel and taking a morning walk around the park gives me the time and space to center and feel grounded before a big day.

Today, it's overcast and dreary. And the park still did it's job. Walking the paths and almost getting lost while admiring the colors of the trees is a special kind of mindfulness.

I'm grateful for Central Park and the energy it gives me to show up for the day.

November 11

Today I am grateful for this team.

I've always hated group work and have struggled to work with people in general. Each time one of my kids comes home complaining about it, I just nod sympathetically and share, "Samsies."

Part of the reason I went into consulting as opposed to taking a full-time role somewhere was a bit of a trauma response from previous work environments. I didn't want to work for anyone or directly with anyone, and I definitely didn't want to supervise anyone. I very intentionally wanted to be a lone wolf.

So when the opportunity came to join Hebrew at the Center as the Project Manager for their Pritzat Derech: Hebrew for All initiative, I was torn.

On the one hard, the work itself had the potential to make a major impact on the field.

On the other hand, there were lots of people involved. I'd be a member of the Hebrew at the Center team, working collaboratively with colleagues. I'd be working with people from various connected organizations and supervising people within the project. And, I'd be leading the Planning Team of this initiative.

Lots. Of. People.

And, after spending a day facilitating meaningful conversations with this team yesterday, I'm left with an appreciation for being part of a (this) team.

Our team almost never agrees, and there are always questions and push back. We all have different learning and working styles to navigate. We each bring different areas of expertise and welcome the opportunity to learn from each other. Sometimes there are miscommunications. Sometimes there are frustrations. We are almost never get to "the" answer.

And always there is best intent and openness. And passion and commitment and a genuine desire to do what's best for our kids.

I am grateful for this team -- not only in the actual engagement I have with everyone, but also in all that they have taught me about the value of being part of a team and the impact we can make together.

(Full disclosure -- I'm grateful for many of the project teams with which I am involved; I just happen to be shouting out to this team because of timing).

November 12

Today I am grateful for Denver International Airport.

I appreciate that it's (usually) an easy 30 minute drive from my house. I appreciate that it's a major hub and can get me almost anywhere I want to go directly. I appreciate the natural light and open spaces.

I really appreciate how "Colorado" it feels -- from the architecture of the terminal that mimics the mountains to the opportunities to enjoy the mountain view to the local shops throughout the space.

I also really appreciate the way it embraces humor -- from Blucifer (the red-eyed, possessed horse) to the gargoyles in baggage claim to the way the construction signs embrace the crazy rumors about what actually happens at the airport.

And! I also really appreciate how user-friendly the airport is. From clear signage to live people you can text at any time of day to actual humans all over just ready to help.

I travel a lot and, for better or worse, get to experience a lot of different airports.

And my kids can easily share how not all airports are created equally. There was the time the customer service person in Boston kept hanging up on me and yelling at me to stop calling when I really just needed to find my car, and I was just dragging Margalit around after a red-eye. Or the time Itai and I got stuck in a blizzard in Detroit and no one told us there was a whole different building where we needed to be, and there was no way to get there but to wait for the shuttle that come in 30 minutes. Or the time I almost missed a flight because they kept changing gates and never updated anything.

As I sit at the Denver airport in the middle of week where I am flying four days out of five, I just really appreciate the energy of this space.

I recognize that I am partial because I automatically love all things Colorado...and I really am grateful that, of all of the airports in the world, DIA is my base.

(note that the snow mountain photo is not from today...we don't have any snow yet this season)

November 13

Today I am grateful for Camp Yavneh.

For many, it seems odd that our kiddos to all of the way to New Hampshire for summer camp.

And, it's such a great fit. And totally totally worth it!

The camp fosters a true joy in my kids and fosters a true love of Judaism in a way that isn't matched elsewhere.

Most of my kids' casual clothes are from Yavneh. Batya starts her camp countdown the minute she gets back from the summer session. Itai sings his Zimriyah song at full blast for months. The kids share their stories and special moments, always with a special light in their eyes.

I am so thrilled to be spending the day with their year-round staff today, working on integrating AI -- exploring how AI can streamline operations and communication, build real systems for camp workflows, and dig into what it means to use AI in a values-aligned way.

Spending the day with their team and experiencing first-hand how thoughtful and passionate they are brings my appreciation for them to a whole new level.

I am grateful my family found this amazing place and grateful for the relationship my family (and each individual kid) has built with Camp Yavneh over the years.

November 14

Today, I'm grateful for the television show Friends.

It's been a week -- including two separate trips to the NY area.

Which has meant lots of time on airplanes and some nights in hotel rooms.

And, through it all, Friends has been there.

When I travel for work, usually, on the way there, I am really productive with my flight time and get tons done. And, on my way back, I just need time to decompress - enter Friends.

And, when I fly to the east coast, the timing is always weird. I leave Denver when it's day time and get to NY when it's dark. My body isn't sure it's ready for bed, but, because it's dark, my mind thinks I can't actually be productive - enter Friends.

There have also been other challenges this week that have frustrated me and made me just want to curl up in a ball and ignore the real world - enter Friends.

I've seen every episode about 100 times, and my kids mock how often I connect something in life to "this one Friends episode."

And, I appreciate the predictive reliability it provides when I just want to smile.

Today, I am grateful for Friends -- and the fact that it's always on TV somewhere and always on in-flight entertainment systems.

November 15

Today I'm grateful for the small moments that bring big memories.

Our evening didn't go as planned.

One kid was grumpy and not interested. One kid was emotional and needed space. Two kids wanted to do the things.

So, we took an hour and went to the annual Tree Lighting at Cherry Creek Mall. We drank hot cocoa and ate cookies. We listened to the jazz quartet and the "belles." We watched a dancing tree and festive stilt-walkers.

And, for a few glorious minutes, we got lost in a wonderland of fake snow.

Ori and Margalit had so much fun with the fake snow, you'd think they weren't both Colorado natives who see snow every year (and lots of it).

They made piles and threw it into the air and danced as it fell.

And we were all fully present for a few beautiful moments.

Yes, I love the start of holiday season that this Tree Lighting event always brings. I love the holiday cheer and the winter lights. And I am not embarrassed to admit that I love the Christmas music.

And I have the next many weeks to appreciate all of that.

Today, I am grateful for the fake snow and the simple, pure joy it brought!

November 16

Today I'm grateful for my village and friends who feel like family.

Raising kids is never easy, and it's so much easier when you don't have to do it alone.

When it comes to schlepping kids to various activities, keeping tabs on school projects, and generally understanding what's going on, I'm grateful to have people with whom to share the burden.

I love that my kids have so many adults in their world who love them like their own. I love that we can call on each other when we need an extra set of hands or a safe place for our kids for an afternoon or just want some extra friends for an outing.

I love that I genuinely like the parents of my kids' closest friends and that, together, we collectively help all of our kids be the best version of themselves.

I'm grateful to have my people and for my kiddos to have theirs.

November 17

Today I'm grateful that I (usually) get to work from home.

I have a big day today -- a few sessions as part of an international Hebrew teaching conference, a kick-off call with school focused on their professional development, a check in call with a camp director ahead of a workshop I'm leading for her staff tomorrow.

And a very long to-do list of client work and business tasks.

And I get to do it all from my comfort of my home. With my fall flowers and my favorite mug and plenty of natural light. I have a selection of my favorite teas and can move to the couch or desk or patio if I need a change of scenery. I started work at 3 am (with a break to get the kids up and ready and off to school) and will be at it as long as my focus and bandwidth allows, without worrying about outside interruptions.

I very much appreciate the times I travel and engage in-person. And I love just being in my space and letting my energy flow.

I am so grateful to have that balance, and today I am grateful to get down to work!

(Also, for anyone who ever Zooms with my and sees the kids' artwork in the background, this is what I see :))

November 18

Today I am grateful for my car.

Technically, it's nothing special -- a 2016 Toyota Highlander that now has over 100k miles on it.

But, it has lovely natural light from the sunroof and plays all my favorite 90s music through satellite radio, and I keep my favorite lip stuff there, so it's always handy.

It also has a Bluray player that comes in handy for long trips and enough seating for spreading out and/or driving carpool and/or road tripping with Uncle Tom.

We've used it for day trips to the sand dunes and surprise ice cream outings and shlepiing from soccer to baseball to basketball and traveling around national parks.

There are dings and stains and a big black circle on the monitor, but none of it matters because it still does what is important.

Itai will be 16 soon, and my plan is to give him this trusty vehicle and get myself a new one, so I've taken advantage of the fact that my dad is away for a month and left me an extra to get some non-urgent work done on my car.

I've been without my own car for a couple of stretches these last few weeks, and, while I'm grateful to have access to an extra car, I love having my car -- scratches, imperfections, and all.

I am grateful for my car, not just because it gets me from place to place, but because it plays a key role in ensuring all of the other things can happen (and lots of opportunities for memories) happen.

(picture from COVID times when my kids decorated the car for an Israel parade)

November 19

Today I am grateful for the perfect apple (and the lovely woman from Whole Foods who helped me find it again).

When I travel, especially for work, Whole Foods is my go-to for food. They're located all over. Their produce is delicious. And I don't have to worry about what I can/can't eat or what I do/don't like and can focus on all of the (more important) other things.

Last week, during one of my trips to NY, I wandered into Whole Foods looking for something for dinner. I had spent the day traveling and was still feeling a little carsick from the ride from the airport to the hotel, and nothing looked good.

Until I spotted a perfectly shiny, huge apple that had a name I didn't recognize.

Upon biting into it, I discovered a pleasant combination of sweet and tart...with pinkish flesh!

It was delicious and exactly what I wanted.

Upon my return to Denver, I was interested in finding this apple again and wrote "special apple" on my grocery list, unsure of the name of this specific type and, also, unsure if the apple was truly as delicious as I remembered or if I was just really hungry when I ate it.

I ventured into a Denver Whole Foods, unsure if I'd ever again taste the "special apple." And a lovely lady in the produce department asked me if she could help. I explained my predicament, and she knew exactly the apple in question.

Upon biting into it this time, it was just as good as I remembered. And I got plenty to share (and made note of the name, for future reference).

Sometimes, especially when life is complicated (always?), really simple things like a perfect apple are just what I need.

Today I am grateful to have stumbled across the Kissabel apple and to have this simple joy in my life.

November 20

Today I am grateful for the "practice" of yoga.

You don't "do" yoga. You don't "go to" yoga. You "practice" yoga.

As a lifelong learner and an educator who embraces a growth mindset approach, I love this.

And I've needed it.

I first tried yoga in high school. It was very trendy, and friends kept getting me to go. And I hated it.

It wasn't strenuous enough to be a workout. It wasn't calming enough to be relaxing. I viewed it as a waste of time.

Since then, I've dabbled from time to time. Liking the idea of yoga. Wanting to be someone who liked yoga. And never really getting there.

Until about eight years ago.

When Margalit was two, in an attempt to reclaim my body after carrying and birthing and nursing four children, I started going to a yoga class weekly. Full disclosure, the only reason I went to this class was because it started at 8 pm, so the kids would be in bed, and it didn't mess with anyone'e schedule.

It was restorative yoga and involved a ton of props. It seemed a little ridiculous at first, but I left each class feeling like I'd just gotten a massage (such a gift for a mother of four!).

Since then, I've come to embrace all types of yoga and various different styles and have integrated it into the foundation of my life.

I practice yoga three times a week in group classes. Sometimes, when I'm traveling for work, I'll practice yoga before I facilitate. Sometimes, when one of my kids wakes up before the others, we'll practice yoga in the quiet morning.

I'm really interested in form and how the different poses work and the adjustments that need to be made based on different bodies.

I'm really interested in the flexibility and strength training it offers, especially as I get older and know these things matter.

I'm really interested in how incredibly ancient and also relevant the practice is...and why that is.

I struggle with the concept of mindfulness as it's really hard to quiet my mind. But yoga does that. The various postures give my mind just enough focus, allowing for real presence.

I'm grateful for the practice of yoga and the stability (literally and figuratively) it provides in my life.

(Picture of five-year-old Batya's couch version of downward dog.)

November 21

Today I am grateful for Fridays.

I used to push through on Friday, doubling down on pushing myself to do more and cram in as much productivity as possible before the weekend. And then I was a mess all weekend -- exhausted and grumpy (which wasn't good for me or my kids). And then I'd go into the next week feeling hung over from the week before, not feeling at all rested, and already feeling behind (and being even more grumpy).

Not now.

I try really hard to intentionally make Friday a transition day for me, using the time to tie up loose ends, wrap up items on my list, and prepare for the next week.

I try really hard to avoid scheduling meetings on Friday. Because meetings almost always mean follow-up work, and I don't want that hanging over me all weekend.

I try really hard not to have any creative work on my plate on Friday. Because by the end of the week, I'm tired, and no one gets the best version of me.

I try really hard to build in coffee dates and little adventures that bring me joy and fill my cup in a way that carries into the weekend.

I try really hard to do what needs to be done on Friday in order to have the best possible weekend and week ahead.

Today, for example, I emptied out my email inbox, got my house ready for the cleaner (yay for cleaner Fridays!), got my kids off to school, attended a really lovely event focused on growth that happened to be hosted in an immersive art space, spent a few hours on focused work time getting key projects to the next stage, reviewed my calendar for next week and made sure I'm ready, and then went to the Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab - CELL as it's a resource I've wanted to check out for some time, and today happened to be free.

I'm grateful for Friday and the space the day gives me to power the rest of my week.

November 22

Today I'm grateful for 43.

I made the very intentional choice to spend today (my birthday) alone.

I've spent a lot of time over the last few years exploring who I am. Period.

Not who I am as a mother or a sister or a friend or a professional.

Just who I am.

And that's really hard to do in parallel to maintaining all of those other roles and connections. And, I've made it a priority and am very proud of the growth I've experienced as a result.

As part of that work, I've really come to better understand what I like and what brings me joy (separate from my brings me joy because it brings others joy). I really like waking up early and going to bed early. I like eating in a very specific way. I like walking everywhere.

And, while I appreciate being in community and being with friends and loved ones, being with others inherently means compromise.

And I decided that's not what I wanted for my birthday (and it helps that the kids are with their dad this weekend, anyway).

I chose exactly what I wanted to eat (without worrying about what others wanted).

I chose exactly what I wanted to do (without worry about what others wanted).

I chose exactly how I wanted to spend every minute of the day (only taking into consideration what I wanted to do).

I chose to end my day with my free Starbucks birthday drink, a stroll around the Botanic Gardens holiday lights, finishing a book, and heading to bed early.

Throughout the day, I had time to reflect on 43 years on this planet and consider my hopes for this next year.

I am grateful for all of the years I've experienced, for all the experiences that are coming my way, and for getting to spend today -- just as I wanted.

November 23

Today I'm grateful for the Libby app, the library, and the various ways books come my way.

I'm an avid reader -- averaging about three books per week.

I only buy books from specific authors -- books I want to highlight and/or know I'll want to refer back to in the future for work.

Most of my books come from the library, and those are split between real, holdable books -- that I read mostly on Saturdays and as I'm falling asleep -- and books from the Libby app -- often audio books that I listen to while folding laundry or exercising.

I have a whole system for choosing my books with specific authors on alert, specific people whose recommendations I follow, and a guiding principle that if I see reference to a certain book at least three times, I'm meant to read it.

When I go to request books from the library/Libby, sometimes they are available right away, and sometimes I have to request them.

And, another guiding principle is that if I have to request a book that is on hold, I believe the universe delivers that book to me exactly when I am meant to read it, so that book becomes my next read.

On Friday, the book that became available to me was Hostage by Eli Sharabi (the memoir of a survivor of 491 days of captivity).

And I thought to myself, "Oh. Okay. So this is what I am meant to read over my birthday weekend. I wonder why."

And I trusted the universe and delved in.

At 208 pages, it's not a long book. And the writing isn't complex. And I spread the reading over three days -- because I had to.

I had to reread sections to give them the honor they deserved. I had to put the book down at times to give myself the space that I needed to process. And I had to really grapple with the ideas and themes at a deeper level.

While heart-wrenching, it's also a beautiful story of resilience, faith, and the power of choice. While his is a story that needs to be witnessed, it's also an incredibly inspiring story that needs to be heard.

Today I am grateful for the role books play in my life -- and the lasting impact of my latest read.

November 24

Today I'm grateful that I have capacity for differentiated parenting.

I'm one of three, and my mom used to joke that she thought you could only have two opposites until she had a third child.

Well, I am so fortunate to have four completely unique children.

While they all share some commonalities (I consider it a personal point of pride that they all love the mountains!), they have also each established their own personalities and preferences.

Three of them like skiing, and one likes the beach. Two of them like going to the ballet, and two like going to the Broncos game. Three of them eat sushi, and three of them love salmon (not the same three). Some like overnight camp. Some are adventurous. Some are social. For some learning comes easily, and some need additional support.

And sometimes it changes, based on the day.

While I love doing things as a family and having those shared experiences, I also really love that I am able to make space for individual opportunities.

Today, for example, Margalit and I are headed to Las Vegas to see The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere. She really loves the story, and we've been reading to book together. And this is a special day just for her and me.

Previously, I took Batya to Dallas for Taylor Swift and Itai to Detroit for a Bar Mitzvah. And Ori and I went on a special mountain bike ride.

We work towards an understanding that the kids are are different and, therefore, get different opportunities that fit them -- whether it's the books I buy for one kid in the day they are released or signing another kid up for a personal trainer or allotting time to cook together or taking a special trip.

My kids aren't the same and, therefore, don't have equal opportunities. That wouldn't be best for anyone.

I am so grateful that I am able to support each of my kids in ways that are special to them.

November 25

Today I'm grateful for the mundane, everyday.

Yesterday, I was in Vegas for the day. Tomorrow I'm taking the kiddos to a resort for the night. Earlier this month, I went to NY twice for exciting work projects. Saturday was my birthday, and I spent it exactly how I wanted.

But not today. Today is a "normal" day.

My day today includes of lots of parent/teacher conferences via Zoom, catching up on some work, a dentist appointment, grocery store run, yoga.

And, yet, it gives so much space to be grateful for the little things:

Waking up in my own bed.

Seeing an especially beautiful sky during my morning walk.

Using yummy-smelling soap in the shower.

Drinking delicious tea at the exact right temperature.

Sitting on a really comfortable couch.

It can feel easier sometimes to be grateful for the big things. And I really am grateful for the big things.

And these small things are so important. And I'm grateful for them as well.

I'm so grateful for the everyday moments and happenings that so often go unnoticed but really are special in their own way.

November 26

Today I'm grateful for snowfall.

Now, granted, we here in Denver have yet to experience our first snowfall of the year (fun fact -- we're currently in the longest stretch of no snow ever, and if it were to snow today, we'd be at the second latest snowfall in recorded history).

And, I just got an alert that Keystone (my favorite ski resort) just got 7" of fresh snowfall.

I know more about the science and economics of the ski industry than is probably normal. I can tell you about the financial model shifting from day-passes to season passes. I can tell you about all of the factors that go into determining opening and closing dates. I can tell you about how Daylight Saving (and the potential end of it) would impact the ski world.

And, I don't think I have to tell you how important snow is to skiing.

As a native Coloradan who grew up skiing and now lives within a couple of hours of some of the best ski resorts in the world, I am very particular about the conditions in which I ski

And snow is a big part of that.

I prefer natural snow to man made snow. I prefer groomed runs. I don't actually like to ski on fresh powder. I don't like skiing on ice.

So snow, real snow, is pretty important to me.

But it's more than that.

Colorado is almost always in drought conditions, and a huge part of our water supply comes from snow/snow melt.

The snow we get in the winter impacts the river flow and water of lakes in the summer. It impacts the spring wild flowers. It impacts the fall colors in the Aspens.

And, snow is fun.

Sledding, snow men, snow angels. I'm here for it all.

So getting a simple text alerting me to snowfall in the mountains brings such joy to my life as I picture the winter season ahead.

AND! We might even get snow in Denver this weekend!

I am so grateful for big fluffy snow flakes and where ever they may fall...especially if it means I get to frolic

(pictures from the one and only snow day off from school last year)

November 27

Today I am grateful for (undocumented) memories.

I share a lot publicly.

Some of it is a way of feeling connected to friends and family. Some of it is a way of keeping records. Some of it is my way of spreading authenticity.

And there is so much more.

We're spending a couple of days at Gaylord before celebrating Thanksgiving.

We spent yesterday traversing the lazy river, roasting marshmallows, watching the sunset from the outdoor hot tub, sliding down sides made of pure ice.

Laughing and sharing and sometimes squabbling.

And I don't have a photo of anything.

Because I chose to keep my phone far away and just be present.

Part of me fears that if I don't have a picture, it's like it didn't happen -- that those experiences don't count.

And, as I watch my kids get bigger (so very literally) every single day, I know that what matters most is not the pictures and the evidence of the moments, but the moments themselves.

I'm grateful to have this awareness now, before it's "too late" and grateful that my memory (while not as great as it used to be) is good enough to hold onto the memories that don't make it the camera.

November 28

Today I am grateful for (Thanksgiving) pie (leftovers).

I love Thanksgiving for so many reasons.

The theme. The family gathering. The lazy afternoon watching Friends and football.

And the pie. Definitely the pie.

I make pumpkin pie, cherry pie, chocolate pecan pie, and apple pie. And a bonus birthday cheesecake for Uncle Tom that we eat as an afternoon snack.

This year Batya helped make all of them.

And they are all delicious.

I know because I had them for dessert last night. And then as a late-night snack after the dishes were done. And then for breakfast this morning.

So now I'm absolutely sure they are delicious.

I have gone on record as saying that Thanksgiving dinner is just something we get through in order to get to the pie.

And, on the day after Thanksgiving, we can just go straight to the pie.

I'm so grateful for delicious pie that just keeps giving.

November 29

Today I'm grateful to just go with it.

Pretty much every major frustration I have in life relates to lack of control -- over traffic, over world events, over people.

Usually people. I so often wish I could get people to act the way I want them to act. And that's not how it works.

This is made so very clear on Saturdays with my kids.

We don't use electronics from sundown Friday through sundown Saturday, which can lead to both really beautiful times for connection...and really long stretches of fighting without distraction.

I used to go into these days with big plans for myself -- I was going to sleep in and rest and read books and have time for myself.

And that just doesn't happen.

Inevitably at least one child wakes up before the weekday wakeup time. Inevitably someone ends up crying. Inevitably extra kids end up at my house. Inevitably everyone is always hungry. Inevitably nothing goes as planned.

I used to get annoyed and frustrated because I couldn't control anything or anyone, and my day never went as planned.

And then I shifted to a mindset of acceptance and embracing.

I wouldn't get to rest, and that would be okay. I probably wouldn't get to read as much as I wanted to read, but the book would be there tomorrow. My house would end up in complete disarray, but it could be tidied in 30 minutes or less.

Today we organized shoes and played Exploding Kittens. We went for a walk in the fresh snowfall (that was completely gone shortly thereafter). We drank hot cocoa with mini marshmallows. We played Twister and built a haunted house. We walked to the park and play various iterations of basketball.

The kids woke up before I was ready (except Itai who managed to sleep in). They ate all day. Two kids cried at different points. There were, somehow, 11 pairs of socks scattered around (note that only five people live in my house, and I almost never wear socks...).

And it was a beautiful day...because I just went with it.

I'm so grateful that the patterns of my life allow for me to have the time and space I need to rejuvenate so that I have the patience and bandwidth to appreciate days like today, knowing that I'll get my rest soon

November 30

Today I'm grateful for what is.

As an over-thinker, some of the most dangerous places I go are to the lands of "if only..." and "I wish..." and "it's not supposed to be like this."

It's very easy (and not at all helpful) for me to spiral into thinking about all of the ways things didn't turn out how I'd imagined -- my life looks very different from what I imagined it would be 10 years ago or five years ago or even two years ago.

There are people who I thought would be in my life forever who aren't. Many of my relationships look much different than what I thought I wanted. I never thought I'd hold the professional role that I do.

And something I've realized (but is still a work in progress) is that one of the surest ways to be miserable is to constantly compare what my life actually looks like to this fictional alternate universe I created.

I go to the same Sunday morning yoga class every week unless I am traveling. With mostly the same people.

This morning as I walked in, I was greeted by everyone as if we are old friends, with people asking about my kids...and chatting about the Broncos...and seeming genuinely happy to see me.

Basically strangers. With whom I share nothing but an hour of yoga once a week.

And I was practically moved to tears. Because in this month of gratitude, where I have been so intentional, I almost missed something really special because it didn't look like what I thought it was supposed to look like.

I've spent a lot of time this past year thinking about community/friends/my people -- who there are and where to find them.

And, like many things in my life, I clearly was overcomplicating things.

I had in mind that I needed a traditional nuclear family. And a solid group of friends with whom to share the everyday and have adventures. And all of the other things from the TV shows.

And that's not my life. And that's okay.

Because my life is beautiful and complicated and mine.

And I am so grateful that I have made it mine.

(picture is totally unrelated, but is the only picture I took today -- from DMNS Magical Winter Nights, taken before the penguin disco)