Day 30: Grateful for a month of Gratefullness

I made it. I did it. I posted each and every day the whole month of November something I was grateful for. Wow. First of all I would like to give a shout out to the girls over at TSM who came up with this idea. It was a great idea and what a way to make me stop and think each and every day I have something to be grateful for and something to give Thanks to God for. I am going to try to continue (not posting) to take time each day and pick one thing that I am grateful for that day. I have so many blessings in my life and unfortunately sometimes all the hustle and bustle espically at this time of the year takes over and I get caught up in not taking the time to enjoy and truely appreciate what it is all about. So for my last grateful post I am grateful for TSM and all they do to inspire and keep us going. Thanks girls!!!!!

Day 29: Grateful for Brandon

Two years ago today was a very sad day for our family. Stephani's good friend Brandon lost his fight with testicular cancer. I got to know Brandon when they started Jr. High together. He made such a difference in our lives. He was fun, arnry, silly and loveable all at the same time. He found a lump when he was a freshman in High School but was to embarrased to say anything. He went through two years of sports pyhsicals without having the proper checks done. By the time he said something to his parents it was to late. He fought it for two years and there were so many times we were hopeful that he was going to be ok. And there were times that he was. But God needed others to become aware of this growing problem. My last time with Brandon was one night in Sept. I had to go at midnight and pick up the kids because they had a few problems. We had the chance to ride home just the two of us. He was so suprised that I was so willing to come and get them. I would have done anything I could to keep them safe. When he got out of the car that night the last thing he said to me was "I love you." I can still see him standing there and hear those words. That was a moment that I am so grateful I had with him. Now it is up to us to keep Brandon's memory alive and to make sure we spread the awareness of this problem. If you have boys make sure you talk to them about it. I know it is not an easy subject to approach but so very important. Brandon's parents did get a law passed in the state of Illinois. It is now being taught in the schools and Drs. have to do the proper physicals. That was Brandon's purpose. I am just so grateful that I had the chance to know him!!!! I love you and miss you everyday Brandon!!!!!

Day 28: Grateful For Leftovers

We have a family tradition that whoever has the Thanksgiving Meal makes a casserole out of the leftovers and we all get together again and eat it. It is dressing, mashed potatoes, turkey and smothered in gravy. It is yummmy!!!! Tonight was the first night we could all get together again. So I had another night I didn't have to cook. Grateful for leftovers!!!!

Day 27: Grateful For My Time With No Regrets

My title is a line from Kid Rock's new song "Born Free." I have listened to that song so many times. I love it. But this line really jumped out at me. How many of us are truely grateful for the time we have here on this earth. Do we look forward or do we spend our time in the past regretting and beating ourselves up over mistakes we have made. Life is to short to live with regrets. I think we need to live each day as the Lord blesses us and look forward to the gifts of the future. If we spend all our time living in the past we will not be able to live and enjoy the moments as they happen. So I am grateful for the time I have and the times I will have with no regrets.

Day 26: Grateful to Have Survived Black Friday

Ok so I braved it this year and went out shopping. I guess not really the die hard that started at midnight and stayed out all night. But I left home at 6:30 and went to Steph's. I didn't want to drive my truck to the stores because of trying to park and didn't want to get it dinged up. Soooo I decided to put the first scratch/dent in it myself in Steph's driveway. Not a good way to start the day. But it could have been alot worse. That's what I keep telling myself. Anyway we went on about our shopping and we did find some good deals and got some Christmas shopping done. That is a good feeling to have it at least started. I am grateful to be back home worn out but nice and quiet away from the crowds.

Day 25: Grateful for Good Food and Good Drinks

I love the holidays. All the good food and good time with family. I am normally not a wine drinker but my sister-in-law had some pretty good stuff today. I am grateful for a full tummy and a few good drinks and great time with family.

Day 24: Grateful for Time To Spend With My Son

24 yrs. ago today I was blessed with a happy, healthy 8 lbs. 11 oz. bouncing baby boy. That day my life was changed forever. He has brought me joy, happiness and more pride than I ever could have imagined. This past weekend we got to spend some good quaility time in the blind while deer hunting. I know your supposed to be quiet and watch and listen. But we talked, we laughed and we even took alittle nap. I get to spend alot of time with Stephani but don't get much alone time with Jonathon. I am grateful for that time we got to be together and I can't wait until next weekend when we get to do it all again. Happy Birthday Jonathon. I"ll love you forever!!!!!!