A fun thing I have noticed people do on facebook sometimes during the month of November, is list something they are thankful for each day. I liked the idea, so I participated. The result - I really am blessed. I already knew this, but I think I appreciate it more when I point out specifics to myself.
My Month of Thankfulness...
Day 1 of Thankfulness: Thank you to my husband for loving me unconditionally, even when I'm not so awesome. I love you babe!
Day 2 of Thankfulness: Thank you to my friends who make me smile and laugh. I LOVE you!
Day 3 of Thankfulness: today I am thankful for sisters - the best friends given to you by God that you didn't know you needed. I have been massively blessed with 5 amazing, talented, and loving sisters (3 biologically, 2 by marriage). I love talking, laughing, and learning from each of them. And I am SO happy my girls are able to have that bond with each other.
And don't worry Amber... I forgave you a long time ago for borrowing my favorite white shorts, spilling grape juice on them, and then hiding them under the mattress.
Day 4 of Thankfulness: I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a stay at home mom. I know there are a lot of women out there who don't have that chance, for whatever reason. I am thankful I get to see my babies wake up in the morning; that I get to take care of them, play with them, laugh with them, dry their tears, kiss their boo boos, teach them, and see the joy in their eyes when they learn about or discover something new. I LOVE being a mom
Day 5 of Thankfulness: Cuddles and kisses. They're like a jolt to my happiness/energy level. Like a warm blanket of delicious sunshine. Unless it's from some stranger I don't know. Then fight or flight kicks in
"Day 6 of Thankfulness: Music. The one thing that touches us all, no matter who we are or where we are from. It brings people together; helps us relax; evokes feelings that cannot be spoken; encourages adorable chubby babies to run in circles and bounce; makes us want to dance; opens a window to our souls; and connects us to God and the universe
Day 7 of Thankfulness: A job. In today's world, it's not so easy to find a good job. Especially one that you enjoy. I'm so grateful my husband has a job, and not only that, but a job he loves
Day 8 of Thankfulness: Books. They feed our imagination; expand our mind; encourage conversation; and ease a tired child before bed. You cannot open one without learning something!
Day 9 of Thankfulness: low gas prices. Gas prices in Saudi. About $7.75 for 17 gallons of gas. It's nice cause I can use the extra money saved on gas to pay for those $2.00/ea. strawberries.
Day 10 of Thankfulness: The Internet. I met my husband on the Internet - you might not have known that (10 3/4 years strong and still in love). I can email, video chat, call, send an ecard to, and share pictures with my family and friends. I can watch TV shows and movies and listen to rockin' tunes. I can look up information - all KINDS of information like: Did you know that ketchup was sold in the 1830's as medicine? And the past tense of the English word "dare" is "durst?" An Example: "But Father, he durst me to do it!!
Day 11 of Thankfulness: Forgiveness. Sometimes I make mistakes. I know, I know it's hard to believe, but I do. I think some of the sweetest, most meaningful, and glorifying moments in my life have been when I feel the overwhelming feeling of freedom and peace that come from being forgiven after I have done something wrong. And what a feeling to also forgive others. It is such a release and joy in my heart and soul. Forgive!
Day 12 of Thankfulness: Trees. Trees are fresh, breathable air, radiant beauty, oxygen, a home and source of food for birds and other animals, shade from the powerful sun, fresh, crisp smells, a dance in the wind, an umbrella from rain, conservers of energy, inspiration, joy, love, LIFE.
Day 13 of Thankfulness: Precious Kitty Mevec, , a.k.a. Kitty-roo. We found her when we were living in a 1-bedroom apartment back in 2007. She was sitting on top of Paul's geo metro. She is very loving, cuddly, playful, and sweet. Tolerates a lot of baby prodding. Loves boxes, bags, laser lights and things dangling on a stick. If we get to busy to play, she is perfectly fine attacking and kicking a table leg. Plus, we met her before we made our money so we know we can trust her.
Day 14 of Thankfulness: Lazy days. Woke up when we wanted. Made some homemade pancakes. Watched about an hours worth of videos on YouTube of cute cats and dogs, laughing all the way (ho ho ho). Now to do something fun and slightly productive so I can keep Abby from taking her diaper off - a new favorite activity - and Maddy from taking all the stuffed animals out of the toy box, convincing her baby sister to get inside the toy box, and then sitting on it.
Day 15 of Thankfulness: My, and my family's, health. I'm so thankful our bodies work properly and are able to heal from wounds and illness. Especially lately with how adventurous and fearless my girls are. I'm grateful my children were born healthy and strong; that they are full of energy and are able to learn and grow so quickly.
Day 16 of Thankfulness: Abigail Lily a.k.a. Dolly a.k.a. Abra-cadabra. Cuddle bug, adventurous fearless dare devil; likes food with flavor and chunks (it is so nice not to have a picky person in the family when it comes to food); dimple faced, giggle-filled, sweetheart with an interest in EVERYTHING. Loves singing, talking, running, sliding, and climbing. protective of her family and loving toward those who are important to her; An old wise woman in a baby body. we'll love her forever and ever and ever.
Day 17 of Thankfulness: Madeline Olivia a.k.a. Toots a.k.a. Madelina Beaverhousen. Our first born; loving; sweet; loves to talk; loves books; creative and artistic; a singer; a dancer; our little model - the camera loves her; sensitive soul; a great big sister; a wonderful friend; initiator of regular family group hugs; reminder to us to have and keep a humble and peaceful heart; very brave; a hugger; gives Mariah Carey a run for her money when it comes to high-pitched vocal tones; a sweet, forgiving soul who has made me a better person and taught me more about what is really important in life more than almost anyone; my eternal friend who I will love forever
Day 18 of Thankfulness: Our house helper. She helps us around the house 3 times a week. She folds and puts my laundry away for me. She mops my floors, scrubs my toilets and bathtubs, vacuums my carpets, dusts everything, changes the sheets on all our beds each week, organizes all my junk drawers, closets, cupboards, clothes drawers, etc. I never imagined I would ever, in a million years, have a house helper, but I have got to tell you... it is SWEET. And because of this, I get to spend even more time focusing on my husband and children - a GREAT blessing she is, indeed, and I am SO thankful for her.
Day 19 of Thankfulness: Today I am thankful for laughter... the kind of laughter that hurts your belly and makes you cry tears of joy. Only a few people in my life have really made me laugh that hard. You know who you are. Let's do it again some time.
Day 20 of Thankfulness: Rain. It has been raining all last night and this morning here in Saudi Arabia - a rare and wonderful thing. So it is only fitting I recognize it. I was born on a rainy day in April, and ever since, rain has been my very favorite weather. It is romantic and cleansing and crisp and fun. One of the most intoxicating smells in the world is the smell of a rainstorm in autumn wh
...
ere I grew up, as the water hits the dirt and leaves. I think of dancing, kissing, singing, splashing in puddles... NOT sitting in a window sill, listening to U2 and feeling sorry for yourself as drips run down the window (dumb) or going to funerals.
Day 21 of Thankfulness: My Mom. She is a friend, a comforter, a shining star of love. A teacher, a protector, an angel from above. She’s always there to listen, makes my spirit warm and snug. Nothing heals my aching heart like her loving, perfect hug. She makes a dark room brighter with her laughter and her smiles. Nothing can break the bond we have, not even many miles.
Day 22 of Thankfulness: The Thanksgiving meal and gathering with friends to eat it. What a delicious, fun, relaxing evening we had. Just love our Saudi family! I was stuffed last night and went to bed with visions of leftovers dancing in my head. I hope all of our family and friends back home had an amazing Thanksgiving too! We missed you.
Day 23 of Thankfulness: Traditions. I love the moments that we share as family and friends that bring us together without question; the moments that I remember from my childhood, and have always looked forward to; and, now, sharing those traditions with my own children. This time of year is packed full of fun and meaningful traditions and I. Love. It!
Day 24 of Thankfulness: My brother Greg. Today is his birthday. The only blonde, blue-eyed one out of the bunch of us; artist; amazing, hard working husband and father; loves his family; down to Earth; welder; tattoo artist; very funny; introduced me to pink floyd, Trasnformers, G.I. Joe, M.C. Escher, and the fact that farts can be lit on fire. He gave me his boy Cabbage Patch Kid - Neil Tobias - because he didn't want to look like a Nancy. I'm proud to call him my brother - he is a good man and I wouldn't wish him to be any other way. Happy Birthday Gregorious! I love you!!
Day 25 of Thankfulness: the simple, honest minds of children. I love that simple things make children happy; A hug, a toy, attention, a cardboard box. I love that hours of joy can be attained from playing peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek. I love that children so easily offer forgiveness and love to others. I tell you, if we could all keep the honesty and simplicity of childhood as a foundation in our decision-making, relationships, and plans this world would be a much happier and peaceful, less complicated place.
Day 26 of Thankfulness: Deodorant. Thank you to those who are able to wear it and do.
Day 27 of Thankfulness: Romance. *wink *wink.
Day 28 of Thankfulness: Silence. Peace and quiet.
Day 29 of thankfulness: The sunrise and the sunset. What a beautiful and inspirational way to start and end the day.
Day 30 of Thankfulness: My home. A place of acceptance, love, and comfort. The place where those little tiny moments in our lives we will always look back on and cherish happen. Where we learn and grow. Where we are protected. But most of all, I am thankful that I have a place to call home and a beautiful family and wonderful friends to fill it.
I am one blessed woman!!!
