Blame It on the Amish

I am greatful for the Amish who invented the card game called Dutch Blitz, because, if they hadn't, I would not have been blessed with an uproarious evening of hand slapping, gutteral growling, and tear inducing laughter.  To that end, I say thank you to the Amish card game inventors!

In Plenty and In Need

I am thankful that God chose to place me within circumstances that allow me to enjoy a life in which I lack nothing, even though I often take that for granted, and even though I often want more, because I'm human, and that's how we roll.  But, seriously, during the Thanksgiving season, I am able to gather with friends and family and devour a feast that many people in this world could not possibly even imagine!  I feel guilty for saying that.  I do have a tugging in my heart for those who do not have even enough food for a single meal in a day, but at the same time, I am so very greatful to God for all that He has blessed my family and me with.

I am also thankful for my husband's parents.  They willingly and with a glad heart watch over our children when we are in need of a babysitter, any time of day or night, and on such short notice!  They never complain, even when the boys act like brats!  I honestly don't know how Russ and I would get by without their help and support, and I adore them for it!  I hope they know that.

Seven Days Later...

I didn't realize how difficult it would be to create a new post every day.  Not that I am lacking in thankfulness, but life takes over and I become forgetful.  Lame excuse, I know.  So, since I missed seven days, I'll do my best now to cover seven things for which I am thankful.

First, I'm thankful for the unbridled honesty of little children.  Who else is going to tell you the truth when your butt is fat and wrinkly, your hair looks dumb, or your clothes are ugly?  I think we adults are far too inhibited.  If you ask whether or not your outfit looks good, don't you want to know the truth?  I do.  And my two sons give it to me without softening the blow.  I can't help but laugh.  Then change my outfit.


I'm thankful for my down-to-earth sensibility.  Some people have to have the newest and the best, for themselves and for their children.  Why?  A few years ago, I discovered eBay.  For Christmas, my kids get what they ask for, only I buy it on eBay, used.  Yes, used.  My kids get used toys for Christmas.  And you know what?  My kids get just as many toys as your kids do, but for about 3/4 of the price.  Not only that, but they've never heard of a Wii.  They don't care about cell phones.  And that must-have DVD of the season is just as enjoyable second-hand as it is straight from the store all shiny and wrapped in cellophane.  I do admit, though, that my boys are asking for iPods this year.  So Santa is bringing them $20.00 off-brand MP3 players.  And they won't know the difference.


I'm thankful for my husband.  No explanation needed.  He is, unequivocally, the best man ever.  He has my love forever.


I'm thankful for sunshine and 50-degree weather at the end of November in Western New York!  


I'm thankful for a job I enjoy with people who respect, trust, and value me and my work.  Jobs like that are hard to come by.


I'm thankful for my Grammy, and I miss her every day.


Finally, I'm thankful for my senses.  Nothing is more wonderful than waking up in the morning or coming home in the afternoon to hear my children running to me and saying, "Mommy!  I love you!", then feeling their little arms wrap around me and squeeze me tight followed by a wet kiss on the cheek, and the scent of their little heads as I hug them close.  I will miss these days that are passing by all too fast.

Mom

I am thankful for my mom.  I don't tell her often enough.  In fact, I'm not sure when the last time was that I told her.  But without her, I would be lost.  I aspire to be as amazing as she is, but I fall miserably short.  I am thankful that she loves me, and that she loves me even though.