Back to being grateful...

Hey there - it's been a LOOOOONG while since I've posted on this blog. There really wasn't any reason in particular as to why I stopped writing here, other than having a child and having that be a huge time suck, lol. But I've been wanting to start this back up and I can't think of a better excuse than the Thankful days of November thing that everyone on Facebook seems to be doing now. I missed yesterdays Day #1, so today I'll post two. Well, actually 6 - because this IS the Three Thanks blog, so I list three per day. So here it goes...

Days 1 & 2... I am thankful for:

1. My children, who show me every day not only how cool it is to see the world through their eyes, but make me realize that I really do have enough patience with them not to be tempted to sell one (or both) of them on Craigslist.

2. My husband, who is an excellent provider and father to his girls whom he adores.

3. My home, which is small, cluttered, and barely fits us all in it, but is a space that truly reflects who I am and makes me feel comfortable in a way that a warm towel out of dryer right after a shower would.

4. My friends, who don't judge me for anything and are always my biggest cheerleaders

5. My gut, which tells me immediately when something isn't right with a particular situation.

6. Myself, because I am incredibly resourceful and always grateful for the many talents I have that make just existing everyday that much easier.

What are YOU thankful for?
(Tell me in the comments!)

This morning...

... I was thinking about how thankful I am for something, which reminded me that I shamefully haven't posted here in two - TWO weeks. So here are a few thanks to make up for it:

1. I am sooooo thankful that I can afford the $1,000 a month it's going to cost us for daycare. No, we have no extra cash flow, but Hubby and I make a decent living and we're able to rearrange our finances to*just* make it work. I was thinking about how I used to make $330 a week at Hoam Deepoe (sound it out) 10 years ago, and how my monthly salary was only $200 more than a months worth of infant child care. I don't know how monetarily less fortunate people do it, but God bless them, sincerely.

2. I'm always, ALWAYS thankful for my good health and the good health of my family. This is something that one can NEVER take for granted.

3. I'm thankful that I am a person who remembers to be thankful for things, rather than be bitter about all that I don't have - like many of my coworkers and a few family members do. Life is too short to focus on what you lack... and when you focus on what you DO have, it just grows and grows...

4. I'm eternally grateful for the fabulous friends I've made who support me even when I'm not at my best (read: being bitchy). These people understand that humans are flawed individuals and most don't allow the bitchiness to take over - it's just a passing mood. They know this, and they love me anyway.

5. I'm thankful for some of the decisions I've made. I can be too eager at times and do things or tell people things without thinking. Lately, I've been able to filter that REALLY well, which is good, because it makes for far less regrets.

That's it for now...

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

For Janet

Please see a revised #3 in previous post :P

A little of this, a little of that...

1. I was once friendly with someone I thought was completely harmless. Turned out they weren't even close to being normal after all, and worse yet, they turned out to be someone you'd want to steer clear of for various reasons. Sadly I found out that there were others who thought the same of them for similar reasons I had. I am thankful that I learned about this person as early as I did and was able to see right though them.

2. Yesterday I wasn't feeling good AT ALL. Each time I thought about having to eat something, I felt "grossed out" by that particular food. I was also exhausted... really exhausted. Today was a totally different story - while still a bit tired, I felt better and was able to eat all day long. After being so sick a few weeks ago, it's been a rough start getting back to "normal", but I'm thankful that I'm getting there :)

3. I am SO flipping excited about two new soon-to-be American CANADIAN...lol citizens coming to this country in a few weeks... I can't even STAND it!!!! I am soooo thankful for the blessings that enable two orphaned children in Africa to come and be loved by such wonderful people on the other side of the world from them :)


What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

So many things...

1. I'm thankful for my mother and her genuine excitement and fabulous reactions to great news :)

2. I'm thankful for all of the rock solid friendships I've made in certain bloggers... and that I've been able to avoid the crazy ones (for the most part...lol).

3. I'm thankful for the full nights sleep I got last night, after waking up at 4:30am and thinking I wouldn't be able to sleep any more! I actually didn't get up until 7am!


What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

It's Easter...

... and again, I've been neglecting coming here, but not for any other reason then I keep forgetting (I know, that's terrible).

Here are my Three Thanks:

1. After being sick for soooooooo very long, I am finally eating regularly, and my nausea has disappeared :) But because of this, unfortunately, the 12lbs I lost has found me again :(

2. I am SOOOOOOO blessed to have the husband I have. Soooooooo blessed....

3. Although it doesn't look or feel like it, spring is here, and with that will come my hundreds of plants! All of my hard work over these past 4 years in this house of planting perennial after perennial Is FINALLY starting to show!


Oh, and of course, Happy Easter to all!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

It's been 2 weeks...

I was really, really sick. The flu AND bronchitis. I barely had the energy to sit in front of the laptop most days, so when I did, I chose to do one thing - and unfortunately, I didn't choose to come here :(

So I'm back, and I'm SOOOOOOO grateful for so many things! So today, I'm just going to list a bunch of stuff I'm grateful for!

1. Babies from Africa - and their mama :)
2. Hubei mama's who pray for me :)
3. Keeping my temp below 102!
4. Waking up today for the first time in 2 weeks and not having my 20 minute coughing, gagging, vomiting - today I didn't do that!!!! This is HUGE!
5. Being able to take pictures of my insides :)
6. Great friends
7. A great mother in law
8. My mom & step dad coming to visit me soon!
9. Not hacking up a lung when I talk to clients at work
10. Going back to my natural color and having it look great!

So there are 10 things for you!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

It's been a while

1. I'm thankful that I'm able to get liquids down, and keep them down (fingers crossed). I have bronchitis AND the flu. Since y'day I've had a fever that won't go away, hacking cough, body aching horribly, (violently) vomiting up anything I put in me - but that could have been the Robitussin w/codeine not sitting well. Even broke blood vessels in my face & that's never happened to me before. Was so bad last night almost went to the hospital, even if to just get hydrated. Been up since 3 with another fever, but thankfully none have been over 101 (that was highest and was brief). Let work know I'm not coming in today & will report back to them later this afternoon as to whether I still have a pulse. I'm so dehydrated that I lost 4 pounds overnight. So I'm thankful that I don't have a fever right now and that liquids are staying down.

2. I'm thankful for a husband who, even when he's sick, takes care of me.

3. I'm thankful for my positive attitude in always seeing a bad situation and saying "a week from now, you won't even remember this - it'll all be over before you know it". That's how I'm handling being sick, and I've already got one day down - only 6 more to go...lol.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

My body, my hubby, my friends

1. I don't have a perfect body. In fact, it's the farthest from perfect it has ever been in my entire existence. But you know what? I have a healthy body that sustains life without issue; no medications, no cane or wheelchair, no real pain. To not be grateful for that would be crazy. I am so thankful for my incredible machine of a body, full of life...

2. I wasn't feeling well y'day at all and I barely ate anything all day (and what I did eat wasn't all that nutritious). Last night I asked Hubby to make me some scrambled eggs in the morning (he makes the BEST scrambled eggs. I assure you, it IS possible to make a bad scrambled egg...lol). So when I was in the shower, he made me scrambled eggs and an English muffin, even though he was running late himself! I am so thankful to have such a great husband, I really and truly am...

3. I have some really great friends. These people are good enough to know that I don't always want them to tell me what they think I want to hear, but even without asking them, they always validate exactly what I'm thinking - verifying for me that I'm not (as) crazy after all...lol. I'm so grateful for these like-minded individuals...


What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Better sense, Valentines cards, loyal followers

1. I've recently had some stress directed at me by an acquaintance and I came very close to telling them where to go. The fact of the matter is, my life and happiness is far too important to allow this kind of crap into my life, and I came just shy of cutting them off for good. But I have better sense. I knew that this would bring up a whole new fresh hell for me so I sucked it up, took the blow (again, for the umpteenth time), and just waved it off. I am so thankful to know when arguing my point will do nothing but more harm. Sometimes you have to consider the source and just suck it up if you want peace.

2. Walternatives sent me a gorgeous, hand made Valentine's day card. it is amazing and I am ever grateful to have been on her recipient list.

3. I don't always post here, yet Patricia and Janet are ALWAYS here posting their own Three Thanks when I do. I am always grateful for them because sometimes there are days where just knowing they're wondering where my post is is the only reason I DO post! I love you both...

What are YOU Thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Safe, friends, hubby

1. I am ever grateful for the incredibly competent pilots who operated my planes going to and from my destination this past weekend and got me there and back safe and sound!

2. I am always grateful for the incredible friends I have.

3. I got home from my weekend trip to find that Hubby had done a few VERY long standing things on the "to do" list. I was so shocked and SO grateful, I was brought to tears!!!


What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!!!)

The little things

1. This morning it started snowing snowflakes the size of golf balls. I noticed that my bird feeders didn't have any seed in them, and I asked Hubby - who was still in his pj's (as was I) if he'd fill at least one of them up for me. Without hesitation or even a passing glance to me, he very willingly went and put on all of his snow gear (hat, coat, gloves & boots) right over his pajamas and went out and did it for me. I had to tell him how to open this particular one up, and at the end of telling him, I said, and then you do the Hokey Pokey (all while he's standing there in the falling snow). When he was done doing what he had to, h stood there in the middle of the deck and did a wiggle/twist as if he was doing the Hokey Pokey...lol. I can't believe that he did that, in the middle of what looked like a blizzard, and right out of bed no less. I am so thankful to have such a great and happy-go-lucky husband.

2. After hubby had filled the bird feeder, I was standing there watching the birds while he then made us bacon & eggs. He had just placed a 13x9 glass Pyrex baking dish on the table and said "I'll need this for later (to make baked mac & cheese, his new nemesis...lol). I stood there looking at that dish, trying to recall where it had come from. I've had it for years and years, but it wasn't new when I got it, and I couldn't remember when I got it or from whom. I mean, here's just this little glass baking dish that I know someone had to have given me, and it's been with me forever. How lucky am I to get one of these old glass Pyrex dishes that last forever and ever - they're great, aren't they? And as I stood there thinking of these things, I realized how incredibly blessed I was to have all of the things I have, how easily they came to me, and how rich I am for having them. I have cupboards filled with glasses that were gifts, we made our breakfast in pans that were gifts, and we ate off of really cool plates that were really cheap. I stood in my cool kitchen watching birds feed off of seed that was on my deck, attached to my very own house. I stared out through the bare trees and across the property of the neighbor behind me to faintly see two swans swim by in the torrent of the storm, all from the comfort of my warm home. Thanks just aren't enough. I am immensely blessed.

3. After dumping a few inches of snow, the sun has come out full force as if it's a day at the beach! I am so thankful that it's not a gray and gloomy day today!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Thoughtfulness, feeling good, FRIDAY!

1. I received the most beautiful bracelet from a bloggy buddy. It was so incredibly thoughtful and generous, it brought me to tears. I am so very, very grateful for my dear, dear friend.

2. Lately I've been feeling run down & tired, but today I'm feeling GREAT! I'm thankful for how good it feels to feel good! lol...

3. It's FRIDAY, and it couldn't have gotten here soon enough. I'm grateful that I have the next two days off from the hell that is my job.


What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!!!)

Friday, Hubby, my job

1. I am SOOOOOOO thankful it's Friday!!!

2. I know I'm always thanking him for something, but I can't help it - he's always worthy of it! He never ceases to amaze me with how much he does for me.... I am forever grateful for him.

3. I hate my job. It's boring, the people are abrasive (ok, well only a few, but enough that it may as well be everyone...lol), the entire building (old Victorian house) is decorated in early 1970's dark wood paneling, the place is a dump that's falling apart, we're packed in like sardines, I hate the users I have to talk to, my office mate is so frigging loud I get a headache daily and can't hear ppl on the phone, and the developer of the software I support is a raging asshole. However, with all that said, I am thankful to have a job, and one that affords me the opportunity to pay my bills with no problem. Yes, even the sucky jobs are worthy of thanks.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Babies from Africa, Friends feeling better, Good signs

Quick one today...

I am thankful for:


1. Babies from Africa :)

2. Friends who are feeling better :)

3. That sometimes, sucky, uncomfortable things are good signs - and I remember this.


What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!!!)

Feeling good, making decisions, mother in law

1. I wasn't feeling great last week, but this week I'm feeling back to my old self for the most part. I'm thankful for feeling so good!

2. I'm grateful that hubby and I came to the same decision about our adoption paperwork. It's a little scary at first to realize you're going to let everything expire, but it's the better alternative than renewing them over and over again.

3. Hubby was on the phone with his mother today having a grand old time. She is a great lady, and I'm very thankful that she's such a good person and that we get along SO well! I love her!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Good medical staff, my self esteem, hubby

1. I recently had a routine Dr's visit and it's AMAZING what a difference it makes when everyone working at the office is NICE and friendly!!! I am so thankful for the staff at my doctors office!

2. I am reminded daily of what a person is like when they lack self esteem, because I work with someone who is so lacking, there should be a sign over her head wherever she walks. Because if this, she is nearly intolerable to be in the same room with, because the way she defends her inability to believe in herself is to try to make everyone else feel like an asshole while they're in her presence. I am soooo grateful that I'm so confident and never, EVER feel the need to put others down to make myself feel better.

3. I know I thank him a lot, but hubby has pulled out all the stops lately with this house cleaning stuff he's got going on. He is truly amazing with all he does and I am blessed beyond belief to have him.


What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Confident, hubby, Giants

1. I am incredibly thankful for the level of confidence I've had lately... it's very comforting!

2. I am unbelievably grateful for my hubby who has been doing every single little thing around the house... I'm sooooo lucky!

3. I'm thankful that the Giants pulled it off last night!!! On to the superbowl!!!!!


What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Love this...

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.

Johannes A. Gaertner

Tasty lunch, understanding friends, my capable body

1. I haven't been feeling well lately and was home from work yesterday. Today I was feeling better, but still had no appetite. Finally, just before I was set to go to lunch, it occurred to me that I can get some bland food at my favorite sushi joint down the block. I ordered Miso soup, a salad with avocado & miso dressing, and white rice. It was sooooo tasty and I am soooo thankful to have found something that didn't make me want to hurl...lol.

2. I'm (most likely) going away to Atlanta in Feb and a friend of mine (who I adore) lives in Nashville. When I mentioned to her that I'd be there and when, she was so excited and asked if she could drive the 3 hours to Atlanta to spend some time with me. I initially told her yes, but after thinking about it, I have no idea what's planned or if I'll even have time to spend with her. I casually mentioned this to her and she understood immediately. I am thankful for mature, self secure, and understanding friends.

3. Again, I'm am constantly amazed at what my body is capable of. Even though I haven't been feeling good these past few days, just when I need to feel better, I do. When I have time to relax and rest, and do, I immediately feel better. I am ever grateful for this body of mine.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Friends, my body, my attitude

Quick & dirty one today...lol


I am thankful for:

1. Trustworthy friends

2. my healthy and capable body

3. my incredibly positive attitude!


What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

A good read...

Got this in my email this morning... Since big brother is still here (I'm still training someone at my desk...lol), this is all I have time to post today, but it's great!

Smooches to you all!!!

Sorry...

I'm training someone at work, which is mostly when I blog...lol. Training her means that she is sitting next to me, viewing everything on my monitor at all times - I can't email, web surf, blog, read blogs, look at porn... nothing (Yeah, right! ROFL!). So I'm sorry for my absence so quickly after getting back here, but it's unavoidable.

So, on with my three thanks!

1. I am thankful for my own assertiveness and that I stand up for what I need.

2. Hubby has been doing so much around the house that he became the primary cleaner and house keeper, and I became the slug. I am so thankful to have a husband who will do everything around the house, including making my dinner while I sit on my fat arse...lol. It's not intentional at all - I didn't even realize I've been slacking until yesterday. I'm trying to turn that around (got a load of laundry in and I just scrubbed the potty!), but in the meantime, I'm grateful for all of his hard efforts.

3. I'm thankful for old friends who decided to get back in touch with me - they always have great news to share (seriously!) and I'm always so overjoyed for them!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

State of calm, a helpful husband, good soup

1. I am extremely grateful for my state of calm. Some things make me very anxious, some things don't. Lately, nothing does. And for that, I'm grateful.

2. Hubby stayed home from work yesterday and when I got home, the Christmas tree was put away, some of the gifts put away, and the whole downstairs vacuumed. I am very thankful for my helpful hubby!

3. I scored a huge bag of pre-chopped kale at BJ's last week and the expiration date was growing nearer. I decided today to just fudge a pot of soup made with whatever I had in my cupboards. Black beans, kale, diced roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, chicken broth and some corn and I had myself some kick ass soup - and, it's incredibly healthy to boot! I am thankful for my really great cooking skills!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

A long, long time ago...

... I used to post here...lol. I'm not really sure why I stopped - I guess the only thing I could blame it on is the holidays taking over and my getting totally sidetracked.

But a recent someone has made mention that they miss the three thanks, so I'm back today to post some.

So today, here are my Three Thanks:

1. I am eternally grateful for good surprises that have happened recently for me and for a few of my friends... (nothing specific, just different things that were great surprises)

2. I am thankful for how healthy I am after these hectic holidays! Everyone I know is sick!

3. I am thankful for my fabulous husband, whom I've been married to for 5 years today!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Giving Thanks

It's been almost a month since I've posted here. Mostly because I've been really busy and not even posting to my main blog more than once a week. But there was also a lull in how thankful I felt about things. I wasn't depressed, so it wasn't that. I guess I felt as if it was a little contrived, all this "thanking". I guess I felt that way because I started not feeling grateful while I wrote my three thanks each day, and I didn't want to just post them without truly feeling the gratitude behind it. Then I just forgot to post entirely and so here I am, a month later, posting for the first time.

There are so many things I'm grateful for, truly grateful for, and sitting here alone on Thanksgiving - in the living room with my coffee before Hubby wakes up - is the best time for me to really reflect without distraction. So without further ado, here are my thanks...


I am thankful for my lax attitude towards my weight this past month - I haven't been this relaxed in forever.

I'm thankful that Hubby has finally understood what I've been trying to tell him for the past 5 years and that he's FINALLY found his "mojo".

I'm grateful that Hubby and I have finally combined finances and no longer have separate accounts.

I'm so grateful that my mom still looks like my momma since having her face lift. Pre-op and post-op, there is still nothing more beautiful and comforting than seeing your mothers face.

I'm thankful of who I've become, in spite of the circumstances I've been in throughout my life. I have fared very well, and I have been truly blessed.

I'm thankful for the incredible relationship I share with my step sister, whom I usually refer to as my sister. She is my rock in the turbulent river that is my father and her mother. I am so grateful that she and I are 110% on the same wavelength when it comes to them and we are able to support each other through whatever evil deed they dream up next.

I am grateful for deciding to let my fears be replaced with the excitement and joy of what is possible.

I am thankful that I've been able to color my own hair and not miss having all the highlights. I've been saving myself $200 every two months!

Even though my house is teeny tiny, I am soooo grateful for it!

I am grateful for the men and women who are overseas right now, representing our country. They are the reason you and I don't have to fight wars, and they do it in other countries so as to keep war from being fought on our soil. We all should give thanks to them daily for standing tall, and for fighting for the freedom we enjoy every day.

We have a new girl training to answer the phones at work. It is painfully apparent - based on her actions and also what she has told me thus far - that at 23 years old, she is in dire straits financially and has had a pretty rough life. I remember being exactly like her many years ago, and I am ever grateful to the Universe, God, whatever your word for it is, for watching over me though my times of complete destitution. To think there were times where I was only one night on a friends couch away from being homeless at one point in my early twenties, to being madly in love with my husband and owning a home - and adopting my baby girl Gracie now in my late thirties, is a miracle - a true miracle. I feel forever eternally blessed for that experience because it's what makes me so very sincerely grateful for so very much in my life today. I send prayers to this girl today and I wish for her to one day have the comfort I have right now.

I give thanks for the relationships I've formed with women on these blogs - I sincerely have never, ever met so many quality people in one forum in all my life. I sit here tearing up just thinking about it, and my gratitude for you all is deep and immeasurable.

For my daughter Grace, who, because she has yet to be conceived, currently exists only in the realm of the universe: I can feel you all the time, your spirit surrounds me in certain moments and I'm taken aback at how real you are in that moment to me. Although you have yet to be conceived, I know your soul is just waiting to be delivered to us, to show us how much more beautiful this world can be because you are in it. I am grateful to you for the moments you visit my heart because it's what keeps me going, keeps me trudging forward towards you. You have already enriched my life so very much that sometimes it's inconceivable that you're not actually here yet in physical form. This is how powerful you are, how full of love and light you are, and how much you are meant to be here. Never for a moment think you are not wanted, for you are wanted beyond measure. And even thought I can't yet hold you or see your sweet face, I am immeasurably grateful for the opportunity to be your mother. I cherish it, I cherish you, and I will always be forever grateful that you are my daughter. I love you endlessly...

I am always and forever thankful for my husband, one of the most morally and ethically upright people I've ever met. He is incapable of doing anything other than what is "the right thing", because nothing else ever crosses his mind. He is kind, considerate, thoughtful, caring, generous, helpful, funny to the point of making me cry with laughter, he's sexy, he's gorgeous, and he adores me regardless of what I look like at any given moment, and, regardless of the weight I've gained since marrying him...lol. I am truly blessed to have found such a man, one whom I no longer thought existed. Thank you John for loving me so well, and for choosing me to be your partner for life... You are an incredible husband, and you will be an even more incredible father... I awall you.

And just for you two here on this blog, Patricia and Janet: for you two I am so thankful, because you have always given me the steam to continue to think about what I am grateful for. I always look for your comments with your own thanks, and it truly boosts my gratitude to read what yours are. You also remind me of things to be grateful for that I may have missed, and that enriches my gratitude as well. Thank you for always following along with me, reminding me that I'm not crazy for posting my gratitude. I love you both, and I send up a prayer for you and your families today in thanks for being my sisters in gratitude :)

Now for anyone else who might be reading: Go and be thankful today, go and make a list of what you have in your life to be thankful for, and hang that list up in a place where you can always see it. Write until your hands hurt, and make your list as long as you can get it. This is a fabulous life and we are blessed beyond measure... the things to be grateful for are there, you just have to open your eyes, and take a moment to see them.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all....

Comfy sweater, Hubby's dinners, almost Friday

1. I made an impulse purchase last month of a huge cowl-neck sweater. I got it at Marshalls for only $20, but I didn't need it. I didnt even try it on in the store - I held it up and said "ok, if it doesn't fit I'll bring it back". Well, not only did it fit and look FABULOUS on me, it's sooooooo comfy and warm... It's the kind of sweater you want to be wearing on a cold day. I am thankful that I have no buyers remorse about my new sweater...lol.

2. I got home y'day and Hubby had made - are you ready for this - Chicken Cordon Bleu! NOT frozen and thawed, NOT purchased at a local restaurant and placed on our dishes... he made it himself!!!! And, it was delicious!!! He is not one who cooks often and usually doesn't have confidence when he cooks, and yet he just whipped this up himself!!!! I am SOOO impressed!!! I am thankful for my Hubby and everything he does for me! Including his tasty dinners!

3. I can't believe how fast the weeks have been flying by lately. I mean, I blink and it's the weekend again. Not sure why it's going so fast but I'm not knocking it! I am thankful for the fast flying weekdays and that tomorrow is Friday!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

great advice, decisions made, blogs done

1. My last post on my other blog was about having fear of things and not proceeding in life because of fear. The comments I got were just what I needed to start putting my mind at ease. I am thankful, very thankful for the comments on my blog post - they were so thoughtful and they really helped.

2. In regards to that same post, I was trying to make up my mind about something and I am happy to say I have done exactly that - and I'm content with how I feel about it. Again, it's not about our adoption - Gracie will get here eventually and she is already our daughter :) But it's nice to be able to feel good about decisions you make that initially paralyzed you with fear. I am thankful to not have the incredible fear (I initially had) associated with my decision.

3. I have had 2 full blog makeovers in the chute for (I swear to you) almost a year. I have procrastinated doing them because of the time factor - I just haven't had any time at all. Well, I spent literally 12 hours y'day doing blog makeover stuff. The TV was off, I was at the laptop, plugging away, and didn't even think to eat anything til almost 4pm. I have one blog completely done and the headers for two others in the works. The feeling I have from getting this accomplished is incredible. I am thankful to finally have the ball rolling on these and to have completely finished one!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

my mother, my calm mind, my cooking hubby

1. I had a really great talk with my mother tonight, and it was incredibly helpful. I am thankful for the conversation, for my mother, and how well it went.

2. My mind has been racing left and right lately and right now it's pretty calm. I'm thankful for the peace and quiet in my head!

3. I came home tonight and hubby had dinner all ready for us - he did last night too. Cooking isn't really his forte but OMG it's been GREAT! I am thankful for my cooking hubby!!!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in your comments!)

love notes, effort, money

1. My husband makes my lunch everyday and yesterday, on my sandwich wrapper, he drew a heart in magic marker. Today he drew a smiley face. I am thankful that I have such a thoughtful and loving hubby :)

2. I have often accused my thoughtful, loving hubby of not making an effort to come up with original things for us to do (I come up with many, many things, but he doesn't often seem interested in doing them). Well, he came up with something - a brewery tour! And he doesn't even drink! lol! But he does like the tours, so it's something we will both enjoy and have enjoyed in the past as well. I am thankful for the effort that he is going to in order for us to get off the couch and out of the house...lol.

3. I have been focusing on having money come to me, and, it's working. I'm thankful for the money that seems to be finding its way to me on a weekly basis :)

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

Too long....

Sometimes I forget to come here. When that happens, I feel guilty. I don't want to feel guilty about not being thankful because everyday I say my own thanks regardless of whether I type them out here or not. So now I'm curious as to why I feel guilty about not writing them out... interesting...

Ok, so here are quite a few thanks to make up for the days I was gone:

1. I am incredibly thankful for the people I've met through this adoption process. I have met many people in my life and haven't clicked with more than 5% of them. However with these women I've met through adoption, I have clicked with over 90% of them. I spent the entire weekend with two of them in Georgia, and the friendship we have formed is a bond I have not been able to establish with anyone in many, many years. I haven't flown on a plane since my honeymoon, and yet when these women wanted me to join them in July, I flew. I had happy pills, but I flew. Then again this past weekend, they wanted to get together and I jumped at the chance and flew again. People like these women will make you do things that you wouldn't normally do just to be with them. The best part is, I'm meeting new women just like these two all the time. I have many friends in this adoption world and with time the bonds can only grow stronger. I am honored to have met such amazing women on my journey to my daughter...

2. I have been trying to save money and spend less and make more money (did that even sound right? lol). I am thankful to say that I have become so aware of my spending that when I got a lg coffee this morning for $2.13 (I usually make my own but was running late), I added up all the days in a month that I would buy my coffee and it totaled $40. I was and still am amazed that I used to spend what is currently the equivalent of 1.5 times my current gas bill on coffee. Two months of coffee could pay for 3 months worth of heating/cooking gas in the warmer months - yet one vacuum pack of coffee is only $3.99 and lasts me 2-3 weeks. I am thankful for my newly found awareness of how much wasteful spending goes on in my life.

3. Recently my mother said something to me about how I have learned to take care of myself over the course of my life. I won't elaborate as to why it was mentioned or the conversation we were having, but it made me feel good that she recognized that in me. I am thankful for the mistakes in my life that have created the person I am today, and that I was afforded the opportunity to become a self-sufficient adult as a result of them.

4. Hubby makes me lunch every weekday now when he makes his own. This morning he told me that my sandwich was on the counter. I like my sandwiches wrapped in aluminum foil because it keeps the bread on the sandwich instead of it sliding around in a plastic baggie and getting mayo or mustard all over the inside. Anyway, when I went to get my sandwich to put it in my purse, he had drawn a heart on it in black magic marker. I love my husband so much, and he reminds me of how wonderful he is every day. I am thankful to have this wonderful man as my husband and partner for life.

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)

new doctor, endo not likely, fast appointments

1. I went to my new GYN this morning and he is amazing beyond amazing! I am thankful to have been referred to him and that I have FINALLY found a great Dr!

2. My new Dr said that I most likely DO NOT have endometriosis and that what I'm experiencing is probably due to my body changing. He was very very confident that even if I DID have it, it would be so minute that it wouldn't be what is causing my symptoms and that instead, it's due to my hormones changing due to my age. His confidence and sympathy/empathy is enough to have me convinced, because he sat and talked to me for 30 full minutes before examining me. I am thankful to not have endometriosis.

3. He wanted me to have an internal ultrasound done just to be sure that all my "lady parts" are there and look normal...lol. When I went to the reception counter to schedule it, she asked me if a particular time of day was better, I told her that if it's in the next month, mornings are good (because my schedule is changing). She said "next month? How's tomorrow sound...". I have an ultrasound scheduled for 10am TOMORROW... can you believe it? I am thankful for a Dr who is so on top of things, he gets me scheduled for what I need, WHEN I need it!

What are YOU thankful for?

(Tell me in the comments!)