I am thankful. . .

Alas, it's a few days past Thanksgiving but I'd still like to reflect on my blessings. . . Joel is out with the kids taking them for haircuts and I am thankful for the quiet household where I can sit and think :>)

I am thankful for Elijah and that he's proud of how well he can play "Guitar Hero" (and that he's accomplished a few "expert"-level songs). I'm proud that he's trying wrestling for the very first time and that he's developing some interests on his own; he's courageous to take on the sport without his brother attending practices with him. It's cool to see him try his own things.

I'm thankful that Isaac still likes to hang out with me and talk (even if it's just hearing the entire story line of the latest video game). . . I like that he's willing to help me with projects and that he'll cuddle with Faith and sleep next to her when she's having nightmares (Faith sees Isaac as her hero). I like that Faith looks up to him and that he's a good guy worthy of her admiration.

I am thankful that Faith is so eager to learn and that she encourages me in my faith. . . She's been attending a catholic school and it's helpful that she is the only other member of our family who really pushes to go to church each Sunday. She sings happy Jesus songs and tells me the cutest antidotes about how "God bless you" means "God is blessing you" and how it's not one word but two: "God blessyou" :>)

I'm proud that I have smart, sarcastic, funny kids that like to cuddle me too :>)

I am thankful that Joel really is trying to make things better for our relationship and I'm thankful for our time to talk and that we're adding date nights (two dates so far!!). . . I'm thankful that he's willing to take the kids for haircuts.

I'm thankful that we have two goofy dogs that make us laugh and are loyal despite Faith's trying to hold Oliver or get Kali to chase her tail. ;>)

I'm thankful that the shoppers were out on Black Friday (with me) and that people are still trying to stimulate the economy. I'm hopeful for a better tomorrow. . .

I'm thankful that I have family support with periodic check-ins because they haven't heard from me for awhile.

I'm thankful for having a girlfriend who takes me shopping and teaches me the fun of purses and "pretty shoes" AND who understands my feeling like "one of the guys" and doesn't judge me for it.

I'm thankful for "my boys" at work who make me feel smart, funny, competent, and protected. I feel encouraged and like I can continue to grow. . . That's really special in this crazy I.T. business.

I'm thankful that we're making progress on the house (slower than I'd like) but that the windows and roof aren't leaking and the toilet has quit flooding! I'm thankful that, despite the washer & dryer's threats to break-down, it's hopeful that they'll wait until after Christmas!

I'm thankful that we have cars that run and friends who gave us a car when our other one was totaled. I'm also thankful that the gas prices have dropped down to less than $2 after hitting the $4 + mark this past Spring!

I'm thankful to have cozy sheets and comfy sweats to lounge around in. I'm thankful for the creativity and freedom and humor and . . . . so much in my life!

I'm thankful that I live in God's country -- with lush green as far as the eye can see, mountains within an hour's drive and the coast within an hour's drive. . . I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth and I am thankful.

Praise the Lord for all my blessings!