2017 Thankful post #4

I am thankful for my parents.  I had amazing role models growing up.  My parents were very young when I was born...just 19 and 20.  We had almost nothing when I was really little, but I didn't realize it.  It wasn't until later when my Dad began to advance in his career that I realized how little we had when I was a child.  My parents always made sure we had what we needed, and many times it was even what we wanted.

Both of my parents have an amazing work ethic.  My mom was a stay-at-home mom and took on just about any volunteer project that came along.  I don't remember many weeks when my dad didn't work on Saturday, and he worked many Sundays as well.  They were always there for us though.

Even when we became adults, my parents were always there.  We shared so many things as a family, and I can't even begin to come up with the words to describe what a blessing my parents have been!

2017 Thankful post #3

I am so thankful for my faith.  I can't imagine where I would be or how I would handle things without it.  It is just such a comfort to me, and brings me peace in both good times and bad...but especially in the rough ones!  I'm grateful for the church we attend, and that Andrew and I have found a way to come together and share our faith with our kids.  My faith is truly a blessing!

Our last visit four years ago

It was four years ago today that I last visited with my dad.  There are so many things from that visit that I so vividly remember from that day.  The weather was very similar to today...cloudy but not terribly cool.  We were moving furniture for my parents, and although Dad was very weak by then, he sat in the room with us for awhile.  We laughed so hard that afternoon about how my mom and I couldn't seem to put some desk drawers back together.  I will always remember that laughter, and I'm so incredibly grateful that was how I remember our last visit.  I also remember as we were leaving looking into the room and seeing him sound asleep on his side.  It is all so very, very vivid.  As we head into November, I feel a little sad.  At the same time, I'm grateful he is at peace.

2017 Thankful post #2

I am grateful for my three children.  Parenting is not for the weak of heart, that is for certain, but I wouldn't trade them for anything.  I can't imagine my life without these three amazing people in my life.  They make me laugh, they make me cry, and there are just so many other things to say, but yet I don't seem to have the words.  I am so grateful that God chose me to be their mother.  I have learned so much by being their mother and it has completely me changed me as a human being.  They are the biggest blessing ever!

A full five day week

This is the first five day week I've worked since 4-1/2 years ago at our former district.  Last year there were a couple of weeks where I would have a 1/2 day off, but none where I worked all five full days.  This is this week though.  It's been classes I've really enjoyed though, and I'm so grateful for it.  The tough part is that it is the beginning of the month so I have reports due at my church job and also for band, but I'm grateful for these five days, as right now there isn't much on my work chart for the rest of the month.

I'm tired though.  Monday I spent three hours here at the high school ironing uniforms before this weekend's band competition, the last of the year.  Tuesday was Halloween, and Catherine had a friend come over who needed a ride home later in the evening.  Last night, Catherine's band practice was cancelled due to the weather.  Thomas hasn't been feeling well, and we gave him NyQuil and put him to bed at 7.  We all commented on how it felt so much later than it really was, and I finally decided I was done and went to bed at 8:30.  It has been YEARS since I went to bed that early, but I am so glad that I did.  I woke up feeling so almost rested this morning!  It's going to be a crazy long day because Robert has a doctor appointment after school, and Catherine has band practice and then a community performance.  Tomorrow swim practice begins for both of the older ones, and then we are at the weekend!  Time flies by!

2017 Thankful post #1

I am planning to post each day about something for which I am grateful.  I almost hate to begin with someone other than my children, but I've decided to go chronologically by age, and I am so incredibly grateful for my husband.

Honestly, I don't feel there are words to describe how I feel about him.  He is absolutely amazing.  He is incredibly patient, and I'm pretty sure he is the most loyal person on the face of the earth.  He makes me want to be a better person, and by being with him, he does make me a better person.  He is incredibly helpful and supportive, and not just with our family, but with everything in which he is involved.  He is an amazing father.  I can't not even begin to fathom doing this parenting thing without him.  I hit the jackpot when I found my husband, and I'm so grateful for the life we have made together.

Excited about November

I can't believe how quickly October flew by.  Today is November 1...just two more months left this year!  I'm a little sad that October flew by so quickly because it is one of my favorite months.  It was warm for the early part which was disappointing, but the last week was definitely fall like.  And as always, it was absolutely gorgeous.  In fact, the leaves changed late, but we haven't had a really big wind storm so most of the leaves are still on the trees.  It is so peaceful and lovely.

October had a great deal of stress in our family, and I don't necessarily see November being better in terms of that.  But at the same time, it is the month of Thanksgiving, and that is something I absolutely love.  In fact, my goal is to write one post a day on the things for which I am grateful.  I wish peace for everyone this month!