I'm all about the gratitude apple. Without it, I would completely implode under the weight of my own ego.

I"m glad you had a good blog break!

And that clip makes me tear up, everytime!

Gratitude apples are hard for me, I'm allergic to fruit. So I go for the gratitude steak, much more filling and I won't die from anaphylactic shock. Always a good thing. ;)

Melinda - you're alleric to fruit?! So is my son. But I'm allergic to nuts (Not the people kind of nuts - they're my fav).

Heidi, you have totally inspired me today. Have you ever had one of those days when everything seems to go wrong (and you burst out in frustration in the middle of Sun.School?) okay, maybe that's only me. But I love the idea of Grapple. It's been a very hard couple of weeks for me, and I think I've forgotten all about gratitute. Thanks for the reminder. =)

I saw that! It was really inspiring.

Your guest bloggers were fun to read. I think everyone needs a blogging vacation sometimes!

It's nice to have you back. I enjoy your attitude. I love the gratitude apple. Maybe Grappletude? I agree that gratitude really helps to keep things in perspective. And it’s amazing how much happier we are and emotionally healthy when we have the gratitude perspective

You're very welcome! It was nice to be asked, so thank you to you, too!

I'll see you this week!

Welcome back. I'm grateful for the positive thoughts and laughs I get from your blog.

Gratitude is an amazing thing. Even when you hear someone else expressing it, it still does wonders for your own soul.

On the countdown now!

Do NOT worry about catching up; just take it from here. Otherwise, you've just moved the stress. This week, little "Maddie" passed away, and groups are forming to walk in her honor at the March of Dimes Walkathon. I've been catching up all weekend, and there is nothing else that earth-shattering going on in Internetland. Enjoy your burden-free week :)

What a wonderful break. I am so touched by what your 7 year old said to you. Made me realize how much blogging can pull us away from our focus. It's a hard balance.

Don't catch up. Just start over. Slowly.

But first have a wonderful wonderful time in Utah.

Give everyone a hug from me OKAY! Especially Val. Please take photos with them all.

LY

Thank you again, Heids for the opportunity to guest-post.

I loved the guest posts too but I missed your unique brand of happy-quirky-kindness. =]

Thank you for the mention about gratitude. I needed it today. I can't wait to meet you this week. =]

I keep meaning to start a gratitude journal... some days I think I could put in some real deep thoughts... other days, I have to be grateful that my kids are only nasty 75% of the day - or that I only have 5 kids to drive me crazy...

and apples are one of the few fruits that I'm NOT allergic to, so bring on those gratitude apples (Melinda, how about a gratitude zucchini?)

You guys are so sweet and clever! The only thing I feel grumpy about is not being able to meet ALL of you this weekend! Grump grump grump!

Where are you off to this weekend? Enjoy! I'm glad you had a nice break... we missed you but you had some great ladies fill in for you!

I have seen that apple now several times AND ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!! So very amazing and it was nice to see that side of Simon. HEY - it is looking good that I will be able to meet up with you all this weekend and I am so excited. Won't that be cool - to see each other in person. whooppee

Welcome home! Glad to see you back :-)

Yea what crash said...no need to catch up, just start over and slowly!

I love biting into a good Gratitude piece of attitude! It just seems to align everything right where it needs to be! :)

I ♥Simon Cowell...
And she is AMAZING! I love those shows where someone comes out with an unexpected zinger.

I went to church today too. It was good :)

Abra--that's good to know! Love your new profile pic! Fiona--I'm going to Utah. I don't suppose you are up for an eight drive to the Provo area, eh? hee hee

I read on a blog recently (I just put it in the comments on Kimberly's blog, too, sorry, I just LOVE it) that feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it away. So you've done a great job with both the wrapping and the giving. :) Thanks so much for letting me guest post.

I can't believe it's already that week!! I hope you have a WONDERFUL time and take pictures and share!

Glad you enjoyed your break and I hope you continue to find a good balance of 'real life' and blogging. I know that blogging is fun, but it doesnt take the place of real moments. Enjoy your moments!~

Way to "grapple" with life. Ha!

Remember, there are no "Have to's" in blogging. Be gentle to yourself!

Ditto everything LT said.
Lovely thoughts on gratitude.
And isn't it funny how much easier it is to feel grateful and notice goodness when life gets a bit ROUGH?

I think Susan Boyle is the next Paul Potts! That clip gives me chills.