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!!!!!!

Day : Grateful for Suprises

I don't have a picture today. But just got a phone call that my Nephew and his fiance are here from Texas. So they will be coming to my house around 6:30 and the rest of the family are coming out for pizza. Steve's parents have no idea why they are coming so I can't wait to see their faces. It will be a good time.

Grateful 22: Grateful for Music

I LOVE Music. Country and Rock and nothing in between. But music for me can make me feel better when I need a lift or make me cry when I need to let it out. Just fits my moods. I
don't buy many cd's anymore thanks to I Tunes but there are certain ones I just have to have the whole cd. My new favorite is Kid Rock's newest cd Born Free. It is awesome!!!!! I also bought Dierks Bentley's latest one Up On The Ridge. Honestly haven't listened to it yet but I will get to it. I am grateful to have something that will adjust to me and however I feel for that day!!

Day 21: Grateful for Awareness

A very good friend of Stephani's Brandon passed away a couple of years ago to Testicular Cancer. Since then they have started doing a memory walk to try to raise awareness of Testicular Cancer. Today was the 2nd Annual walk for Brandon. I am so grateful for all the people that showed up today to do the walk and bring attention to this disease.

Day 20: Grateful for Warm Clothes

As I said yesterday I am a total summer girl. When it comes to clothes I am all about shorts, tank tops and no shoes and socks. My motto has always been less is best. But as I am expanding my horizons in the great outdoors on these brisk November mornings I am finding that More is better. It has been all about long johns, sweat shirts, coats, warm socks and boots. So today I am very grateful for warm clothes!!

Day 19: Grateful for Nature

I love to be outside but not really much in the winter. I am more of a summer girl. But I decided to embrace it this year and go out deer hunting. I don't have a hunting license or tags so I can only walk along but I have to say I had a great time today. No one got anything but I did get to see a big buck in the distance. I am grateful that I am able to go out and enjoy nature.

Day 18: Grateful for Good Deals

One thing Stephani and I like to do is SHOP. I am so grateful for the time we get to spend together and the fact that we have such a special bond. But what makes it even better is when we find some great deals. I love Tim Holtz and I hit the jackpot today when I stumbled across several of his items on clearance. Now I got to get creative with them!!

Day 17: Grateful for Comfy Chair

Everyone has a favorite chair. My chair and I however have an extra special bond. My chair has gotten me through chemo, surgeries and just plain not feeling good. There were times I was in this chair for days. I even had to sleep in it because I couldn't lay flat on my back. I am so grateful for a comfortable place to get me through some rough times. And how could I forget my soft blanket that a good friend made for me.

Day 16: Grateful for washer and dryer

During this month of Gratefullness not only am I grateful for the obvious things. I have tried to look around and be grateful for things that we every day take for granted. Growing up my mom didn't always have a washer and dryer. That meant trips to the laundermat and sometimes bringing wet clothes home in the summer and hanging them on the line. Having 5 children only complicated the task more. There were alot of clothes, not to mention she had to drag us along with her. But she always managed to keep us in clean clothes. Sometimes when I am doing laundry I think about her. The day she got her brand new washer and dryer which by the way was only a couple of years ago I cried for her. She so deserved it. I am grateful to be able to walk down my basement stairs and do laundry in the comfort of my own home.

Day 15: Grateful for Cousins who Become Friends

I am so lucky to have a special bond with several of my cousins. They all have different reasons why they are special to me. My cousin Cindy is someone who I laugh with, cry with, travel with and complain to when things get to me. She is always there when I need someone to talk to and I am always here for her. We have been through alot together and we probably know each other better than anyone else. Our moms are sisters and we have grown up watching the special bond that they have and I think we have that special bond between the two of us. Friends have come and gone in my life but she has always been here. We were born cousins but life made us friends!!!!

Day 14: Grateful for Sundays

I love Sundays. No need to get up and hurry around in the mornings. I usually go to church. Come home put on my comfy clothes and grab a bite to eat. Then catch a football game or a nascar race. Or in other words take a little nap. I am grateful for a chance to just relax and get ready to start a new week.

Day 13: Grateful for my Hubby

You may wonder why it has taken me 13 days to be grateful for my hubby. The reason I decided to wait and post it today is because today is our 28th Anniversary. I met Steve when I was 15. We got married the same year I graduated from high school. Our marriage hasn't always been easy but it has been worth it. He is a wonderful provider who allowed me to stay home and raise our kids, I was able to go to all of their school functions no matter what time of day or how far. There were times we didn't get to see much of him because he was working all hours to give us that privilage. We bought his family business 10 yrs. ago and he and our son work together to make sure everyone's toliets flush and their wells pump water. He is a farmer. And also the Fire Chief for our local Fire Dept. There are many nights he drags himself in the house to eat supper and take a warm shower and not long after he hits his chair he is out like a light. I am so grateful for my hard working husband and I look forward to another 28 yrs.

Day 12: Grateful for a place to call Home

We are lucky to live in a house that has been in Steve's family for almost 100 yrs. We moved to the farm in 1990 and we raised both of our kids here. We have room to roam and wide open spaces outside. I am a complete country girl and am so grateful that I have been able to call this home!!!!

Day 11: Grateful to be an American

I am so grateful to have been born in a country that is free and we have all the liberties that we do. To be able to go where we want, worship where we want, read what we want. So many things that we take for granted each and every day. Today being Veteran's Day I hope each of us take the time to thank a Veteran or at least think of them and all that they do so that we can be grateful Americans!!!

Day 10: Grateful for Good Friends

I met my husband when I was 15 yrs. old. At the same time I met his two best friends. We have been lucky enough to remain friends all these yrs. We have went on vacations together, raised our kids together and made so many fun memories. They have been here for us through all times good and bad. I am so grateful to have friends that have lasted all these yrs. This is a picture of them with their two boys and Steve this past summer on one of our many vacations. I am looking forward to many more with them.

Day 9: Grateful For My Bed

My bed is nothing fancy. It has the cheapest brass headbroad we could find and afford when we bought it twenty plus yrs. ago. It doesn't have fancy pillows, sheets and blankets or spread. But after my day of stubborness and determination yesterday with my aching back from all the bending and crawling around on the floor when I laid my head down on my pillow in my nice soft warm bed I didn't care what it looked like. I was grateful to have a place to find comfort for my aching body. Just goes to show it doesn't always matter what something looks if it brings you comfort and contentment!!!

Day 8: Grateful for Stubborness and Determination

I recently got a gift card from Target. So I decided to get something for my Stampin, Scrappin room. Found this cube organizer and a couple of drawer units. Thought they would be perfect and I could put them together myself. Well perfect they may be but easy to put together they are not. It took me 3 hrs. to just get this much done. I have 3 more drawer units to put together. But I am determined to do it myself which I will. I'm not quite sure which side of my family I get my stubborness & determination from and honestly it is probably from both sides. But whoever it came from I am grateful that they passed it to me!!

Day 7: Grateful for Those serving in the Military

I have always known that my Grandpa had served in W.W. 2. But what I didn't know until his death in August was that he was a decorated veteran. He never told any of us that he had earned the bronze star and other medals while serving. He had lost all of them on his way home from the war. Upon his death and after seeing his discharge papers my cousins who also served in the Army got his bronze star replaced for him and were able to pin it on him during his funeral service. They were also able to get the Patriot Guard to escort him to the cemetary and the Honor Guard for his graveside service. I have to say I have always been proud to be his Granddaughter but I couldn't have been prouder that day. And was so happy that he got the recognition that he deserved but had never asked for. So in his honor and memory I am grateful today and every day for all the veterans who have served our country and all the active soldiers serving today. Our freedom is because of their sacrifices.

Day 6: Grateful for Morning Coffee

As I said in my previous post I never used to be much of a morning person. I hated coffee so that was no help and then.....AHHHH...I discovered Starbucks. My love affair with coffee had begun. Now mind you I come from a looooonnng line of coffee drinkers so I had always felt left out of the whole coffee thing. Then.....omg it got even better. They came out with flavored cream....so I could have my chocolate and drink it too. So since then my mornings have started looking better because I look forward to that first taste of chocolate coffee. And that makes me a Grateful person and my family appreciates it too!!

Day 5: Grateful for Country Mornings

Today I am grateful for country mornings! I never used to be much of a morning person but as I get older I have started to appreciate the newness of each day. Living in the country is best place I could imagine being. The stillness and guietness is comforting and calming to me.

Day 4: Grateful for Bible Study

Today I am grateful for my Thursday morning bible study. We are currently studying the book of Exodus. I feel so blessed to be able to spend my Thursdays with my fellow Christian women and spending time learning the word of God.

A Daughter is....

Thought I would do a quick layout with the pic. of Stephani and I.

Day 3: I am Grateful For My Children!!

Today I am grateful that God allowed me to be a Mother to the two most awesome kids!! First he blessed me with a son who has grown into an amazing young man. He is a hard worker, doing his plumbing apprenticeship with his Dad, a Fireman, and an Amazing Christian and Preacher whenever he gets the chance. Second I was blessed with a daughter who has brought so much sunshine to my life. She is currently going to college to be a nurse while working at the hospital and being a wife. She some days has her hands full and still she pushes on. She is turning into a strong and amazing woman. But most of all she is my Best Friend!!! I can't imagine life without them and they are the reason why at times when it seemed things were to hard that I pushed on. I love you both and you both complete me!!!!

Grateful For Rockin The Attitude

Day 2: Today I am grateful for the special times I get to spend with Zachery. Although both of my kids are grown and have their own places I still get to be a part of grade school fun. My life was blessed by this little guy who I have watched since he was 3 mos. old. I am still able to be a part of school functions and parties which I thought would be over when my kids left grade school. He def. pulled this costume off. He is supposed to be a punk rocker and his quote to me the day of the party was "I like all the attention." And he told one of the other Mom's "You just gotta know what the girls want." Thank you Zachery for always making me smile!!!

I am grateful for Survival!!

I decided to participate in a challange over at TSM. It is 30 days of gratefullness. Each day you post a picture of something you are grateful for and then link it to their blog. At the end of the month they are having a big prize giveaway. So with October just ending and it having been Breast Cancer Awareness month I decided to make my first entry "Survival." It has been 5 yrs. ago last May that I found out I had breast cancer. So much has happened in those 5 yrs. and I am happy to say that I am a "Survivor."