Thankful on a Snowy Thursday

Plenty to be thankful for this morning as I join in with Rebecca Jo @ Knit by God's Hand in counting blessings.

This week I am thankful...

* for the beautiful snow covered scene outside my window this morning.

* for my hubby who took pity on my endless coughing and cleaned off my car and cleared a spot for the puppies to do their business before he went to work.

* the school district called a 2-hour delay last night. (Still hoping for that cancellation this morning.)

* for what a good momma my daughter is turning out to be and for her sweet baby boy who is growing and healthy.

* that today is finally the day my husband is getting most of his teeth pulled and getting dentures.  The poor man inherited his mother's soft teeth and he has needed this done for so long.  Lack of insurance prevented it for years and then it was his reluctance to take time off work.  Finally it's all come together.  I am excited for how much better I think he will feel.

* that Mom and John continue to stay in good health.  So many friends are dealing with parents in declining health and we have not run into anything that can't be healed from yet.

* and as always...

For all of you!

Thankful Thursday

It's Thursday and time to get listing all those blessings again.  This really is my favorite post each week.  If you'd like to participate or just read more lists, please visit Rebecca Jo @ Knit By God's Hand.

This week I am thankful...

* my husband is finally on the mend after being diagnosed with acute bronchitis and possibly pneumonia on Saturday.  They put him on a powerful antibiotic, an inhaler, and gave him two different meds for the horrible cough...one for daytime and one with codeine that allowed him to sleep.  He's not quite back to normal, but the cough is nearly gone and he's no longer having pains in his lungs.

* that my mom's case of bronchitis was caught early and has responded quickly to antibiotics.

* that my stepdad is doing well following the surgery to repair a detached retina. He goes for a one week follow up tomorrow.

* my daughter's illness turned out to be related to fluctuating hormones following pregnancy than to the dreaded "bug."

* for all this mild weather!  I should be driving the bus up and down the mountain on snow and ice at this time of the year.

* that a friend, who had major open heart surgery a month ago, came through

his latest "hiccup" without too much trouble.  His appointment last week showed fluid in one of his lungs.  They removed it on Tuesday...nearly 2 liters!

* that while the fatty tumors plaguing my old hound dog continue to grow...and while one of them has caused him to start limping...he doesn't seem to be in pain, just stiff, and he can still jump up on the sofa and still goes out to potty. As long as all that stays okay we don't have to think about making the hard decisions just yet.

* for opportunities that come up on the bus and give me a chance to try and talk to the kids about serious things.  I can't share the gospel, of course, but I can try to talk with them about things like character, integrity, kindness, respect, etc.

* for the guy (or gal) who invented the pooper-scooper!  If you have a dog and have to deal with the yard after the snow melts....you KNOW what I'm talking about!

* for a surprise overnight visit from our daughter and grandson...because their toilet clogged and a plunger just wouldn't fix it.  They couldn't reach the landlord last night but he came right over this morning.  Too bad they had trouble, but hey....extra time with the baby!

* that it's a short week thanks to the MLK holiday this past Monday.

* for a good book I've been enjoying this week.  Nothing heavy, just good fiction.

* as always, for all of YOU!

With Warm Thanks

It's Thursday again so that means it's time to make a list of all the things I'm thankful for this week....well, maybe not ALL, that would take a really, really, really long time.

If you'd like to join in or check out some of the other lists, pop over and visit Rebecca Jo @ Knit By God's Hand.  She's our hostess with the mostest (and maybe a wee bit of a Beauty and the Beast fixation).

This week I am thankful...

* for 65 degree temperatures in January!  It's not going to last long, but woohoo! while it does.

* for God's faithfulness and protection this week.  Two mornings in a row the buses have been out on the roads in horrible conditions.  Tuesday it was a snow storm that hit just as we were heading out and yesterday it was black ice that caught everyone by surprise because it was so warm out, but the road surface was still cold enough to freeze after the weekend's bitter temps.

* for the very patient and understanding parents on my bus run who don't get mad at me when the weather causes problems.  They are, however, beginning to get a little miffed with the school director who is the one who makes the call about delays and cancellations.  They think she takes too many chances with the kids safety just so we don't have to have a snow day.

* for electric service that rarely goes out.  Along with these warm temps we've had some torrential rains and a lot of strong wind.  Our power hasn't so much as flickered.

* for the new cable service on our TV.  They made me an offer I couldn't pass up so we are reconnected and totally amazed by the difference in picture quality.  Comcast's picture is waaaay clearer and brighter than Direct TV's.  We are also having some fun with the new remote.  It's voice controlled....You just tell it what you want.  So cool!

* that the doctors don't seem to think my stepdad's detached retina is all that big of a deal.  He and Mom are on their way to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh for his surgery to have it fixed.  It's outpatient surgery and he could come home tonight, but they got a hotel room in the city for tonight as he has a follow up appointment tomorrow morning at 8:00.  Medical science has really come a long way, huh?

* that I seem to have lost my taste for even diet Coke while I was sick.  I sip at it now and then, but it just isn't appealing to me.  I hope it lasts.  Much easier to eliminate it that way.

* that while my husband has caught "the bug" he didn't get the version of it I had.  He has the one with all the congestion and coughing.  Not fun, either, but still better than the intestinal one.

* that my precious grandson seems to have made his mommy grow up a good bit and stop being so focused on herself....something I think might help her in her struggles with depression.

* for all of you!

A New Year of Thanks

Getting to this a little late today, but I can't miss out on counting my blessings with you on Thankful Thursday.  Please, visit Rebecca Jo @ Knit By God's Hand to join in and find links to other posts.

This week I am thankful...

* that I was able to go back to work today.  I'm not really over the flu or whatever it is that I've had all week.  I fought nausea all day and now my chest feels like it's "tightening" and my breathing is a little bit wheezy.  Asthma?  I also had to drive on some dicey roads this afternoon as a snow storm hit about the time school was dismissing.  But I am still thankful.  I went back to work and made it through the day.

* that my husband seems to have escaped this bug.

* for the way my husband pampered me and took care of me in the evenings and called several times a day to check on me.

* to be safely home (the roads are bad) and snuggled up with my pups.

* there is a possibility of a new job in the future for my husband that would significantly improve our financial situation...and that he is will to consider it and other offers that come along.

* for Crumpets, my favorite tea shop.  They have scrumptious flavors of loose teas, fresh baked crumpets with a variety of AMAZING toppings, and a yummy lunch menu.  I am dying to get over this stupid flu and get some of their chicken salad...it has green apples and bacon in it!

* for a nice time with our friends on New Year's Eve...even if I am pretty sure that's where I picked the flu.

* that my friend's husband, who is also a dear friend, a pastor, and something of a father-figure to me is doing well following his open heart surgery.  He has a very long road ahead and is getting impatient, but he is doing well.

* for all of you!

Sorry it's a short list this week....I haven't done much but snooze on my sofa. Stay safe and warm this weekend as the storm hits most of the country.

Year-end Thankfulness

Good morning and welcome to the last Thankful Thursday of 2016.  Everyone has been grumbling about what an awful year this has been and I'll agree it's had its trials, but taking a look back at Thankful Thursday posts proves there was also a lot that was good.  It's like all those articles and books you see on positive thinking, gratitude, and the like say....When you focus on the negative, you condition your mind to only see the bad, but when you purposely focus on the positive you train your mind to seek the good.  Your outlook is really up to you.

This week I am thankful...

* for this little guy....

for having him living nearby and a part of our lives so often and being able to babysit when we're needed.

*  for the relaxing week my husband and I have been having while he's on vacation.  We haven't done anything huge or exciting, but it's a quiet time we've needed.

*  that expensive as it was, we have the insurance and the funds to cover the cost of hubby's visit to the dentist.  The poor guy has terrible, soft teeth and has needed MAJOR work done for years.  He finally went and in three weeks he will go back to have all of his upper teeth pulled and some of the lower teeth and AT THE SAME TIME (!) receive a full upper plate and a partial lower one.  Sheesh! They told him he will not be able to eat solid food for a couple of weeks, but I am so glad he's getting it done.  I sort of suspect that his teeth have been part of his problem with his health in other areas.

*  that our daughter finally has dental insurance and is going to see our dentist today.  Poor girl has her father's teeth and pregnancy was not good for them. She has battled a toothache the whole way through.

*  for a new pair of Keen hiking shoes.  I was looking for Merrell's but these were on sale and they have amazing arch support that will, hopefully, ease the foot pain I struggle with.  I'm hoping they might even enable me to do some walking.

*  for abundance.  I went from not having a printer at all to getting TWO for Christmas!

*  that my husband's work has mostly left him alone this week and he hasn't been tempted to go check on things.

*  that my husband hasn't been sad in this week in which we remembered the anniversaries of both his mother's and his brother's deaths.

*  that my good friend's husband came home from the hospital yesterday.  He went in for a heart cath before Christmas and ended up having emergency open heart surgery.  The doctor couldn't believe he was alive, saying there was no viable reason for him to be walking around.  (My friends are also people of great faith and a pastor and teacher....they know why he is still walking around.)  There have been a few rough patches and even one touch and go moment, but he came home yesterday.  It will be a long, hard recovery, but it is better than the alternative!

*  for new books!  I got the new Mary Higgins Clark and the new James Rollins for Christmas.

*  for a wonderful day with our family on Christmas Eve.

*  for all of you!

Please visit Rebecca Jo at Knit by God's Hand to join in Thankful Thursday.

Have Yourself a Thankful Little Christmas

Joining in with Rebecca Jo in expressing my thanks for all of God's good gifts. You can join in if you'd like.  Simply click on Rebecca Jo's name above to visit her blog.  There are no rules...just make your list and link up.

This week I am thankful....

* for the health of my new grandson.  He is just perfect!

* for the way my future son-in-law has been stepping up to the plate taking care of the baby and helping out as much as he can while my daughter recovers from a c-section.

* for an unexpected day off yesterday.  Not for the reason....terroristic threats in the school district I work for.  Still, it gave me some extra time to get things done and to spend most of the day with my daughter and grandson.

* that today is my husband's last day of work so he will be able to run a few last minute errands for me tomorrow....and go with me to a funeral in the evening.

* that my husband will be off all of next week.  Part of it is paid holiday time and part is vacation days. (Please Lord, don't let him get sick.  Last time I convinced him to take vacation time at Christmas we both spent the entire time down with the flu.)

* that my family will all be together for our Christmas celebration on Saturday. I know with the way life is, we are lucky we can all agree on a day and that the time may come when we can't all be together.  I'm not looking forward to that, but for this year I am thankful.

* for Christmas cookies!

* for an easy Christmas dinner menu since we are all cooking and taking dinner and all the gifts over to my daughter's apartment and celebrating there this year.

* it doesn't look like it's going to be bitter cold or horrible weather for Christmas.

* for all of you (and the job I must go back to for the rest of today and tomorrow).

Be blessed and have a Merry Christmas!

Feeling Thankful, Baby!

Hi everyone!  Sorry again for the non-existent posting this week.  It just been busy around here.  That time of the year, you know.

Anyway, I wanted to pop in and touch base and what better way than with a Thankful Thursday list of some of the blessings in my life.

Please, pop over and visit Rebecca Jo @ Knit By God's Hand to join in the weekly thankfest or to just read some more posts.  Rebecca Jo's lists are the bestest!  She always makes me smile and/or laugh.

This week I am thankful...

* for our pellet stove.  I love coming home from work on a cold night and firing that baby up.  It gets so nice and toasty in here and stays that way....no up and down with the temperature like with the furnace.

* for our little Colton Timothy....whenever he decides to get here.  Though his mommy is at the hospital being "evaluated" as I write.  Her blood pressure was high this morning at her checkup so they sent her over.  Last word is the BP is a little higher now and she is doing some cramping.  Depending on what happens with some tests they are running, they may induce her labor today!

* things are going well with my son's physical therapy.  He just started it this week and will have to go twice a week...indefinitely.  He ended up knowing his therapist so is comfortable with her.  Glad he's got a good attitude about it.  Got to get those muscles strong and heal those bones.  No more neck injuries.

* for the sense of humor that allows me to keep my sanity while working with teenagers.  Today's shake-my-head moment came courtesy of the tech kids.  I yelled at one for being on the floor of the aisle while the bus was in motion. Why was he on the floor?  Because his "friends" had goaded him into LICKING THE FLOOR!!!  Ewwww!  Ugh!  Gaaaaaag!!  When he got off the bus I suggested he make sure to always wear his helmet when playing football because I'm not sure how many more knocks to the head he can take!

* someone invented the Crock Pot.  How great is it to just throw some stuff in there in the morning and come home at the end of the day and there's a yummy, hot dinner in there?!

* for online shopping.  I have reached the point in life where I don't want to go to the mall or shopping center between Thanksgiving and Christmas if I don't absolutely have to.

* for all of you!  I could keep going, but I've got to go back to work since there's no word on the baby yet.

Have a blessed day!

Thankful Thursday

Hey, check it out...I'm actually going to get my Thankful Thursday list posted on an actual Thursday!  Impressive, no?

This week I am thankful...

* as I sit here on my lunch break listening to the wind howl and watching little raindrops that occasionally look a bit thicker than rain, for my snug little home and all its comforts.

* that by the grace of God my family was not forever changed when my son was in an automobile accident in October.  His neck was broken (cracked vertebrae) and he has been in a brace ever since.  He saw the neuro surgeon yesterday and while his neck is still broken, it is healing well, and he can stop wearing the brace.  He begins physical therapy on Monday.  I mention the grace of God because the surgeon told him that he was very luck to have strong bones that only cracked, rather than completely broke and shifted, because right where his fractures are is the spot where "internal decapitation" happens and he was hit hard enough that it could have easily happened.

* my daughter was able to sign up for medical assistance since she and her fiancee are not married yet.  What that means for them is that whatever the insurance she has through us does not cover with the baby's birth, medical assistance will.

* my friend's husband's tests keep coming back okay.  Something is still wrong with him, but they are ruling out one thing after another....and some of those things have been the big, bad, uglies.  They are waiting (and it will be 5 weeks!) for the results of a fungal test to see if a fungal infection is what's wrong with his lungs.  

* my husband apparently did not get any points on his driver's license due to his accident last month.

* my husband is adjusting to not having cable or satellite television service. Kind of. Sort of.  Okay, he is grumbling mightily, but once he figures it out he'll be fine.  I hope.

* we got the Star Dazzle laser Christmas light set up to make the tree by the deck all sparkly....without, I think, blinding any incoming pilots (we are in the direct flight path for landing at the airport).

* this is a short week.  School was still closed on Monday because it was the first day of deer season.

* for fleece lined leggings.  Have you tried those things??  Oh, my goodness...the comfort level is off the charts!  Walmart sells them in a 2-pack for a little over $7.

* for the newest Stephanie Plum novel.  I finished reading it today.  Still no decisions made about Morelli vs. Ranger.

* for each one of you.

That's it for this week.  Make sure you stop by to visit the Thankful Thursday hostess, Rebecca Jo over @ Knit By God's hand to see her list and the links to others who are feeling thankful today.  You all have a blessed day tomorrow!

Post Turkey Day Wrap-up

Good morning and welcome to that uniquely American holiday...Black Friday. How weird is it that one day after we, as a nation, gather with our families and friends in the name of celebrating all that we are have and are thankful for...by going out and participating in a massive gluttony of consumerism?  Just so you know...I don't.  This is traditionally the day I decorate for Christmas.  I'm not even doing that this year. I'm putting it off until Sunday.

* How was your Thanksgiving?  We enjoyed a nice day with our daughter and her fiancee and my mom and stepdad.  It has become our tradition to go up to my stepdad's home on the mountain. There we are surrounded by woods, enjoy a roaring fire, and can watch the wildlife in the field from the big window by the table.

Our son and his family always spend Thanksgiving with his wife's family which is okay with us as they always come here for Easter.  They needed to be with her family this year, anyway, as they have suffered several deaths.

* I didn't get to do a Thankful Thursday post yesterday, so here is a short list.

This week I am thankful...

• for a great check-up at the doctor's this week.  BP was 108/78.  Cholesterol was 160-something overall...bad cholesterol was down...good cholesterol was up...triglycerides were down.  Kidney function good.  Liver function good.  Heart rate good.  Breathing good.  Red and white blood cell counts right where they should be.  Even my vitamin D level, while at the lower end of the scale, was in the acceptable range.
• for a 5-day holiday weekend.  A handful of the students on my bus have been a real trial lately and I am in need of a break.  I also welcome the time to get the house ready for Christmas and to spend some time with family and friends.
• that the election hoopla, while not going away just yet, does seem to be slowing down.
• that there is no reason for me to be out there shopping on Black Friday.
• for the changes I am seeing in my mom.  Yesterday I noticed a Bible sitting near the sofa she always sits on...I hope that means she is reading it.
• that our old hound was able to go to Thanksgiving with us.  He has a very hard time getting up the stairs as his fatty tumors continue to grow.  It may have been his last time and he had a good day.
• that my husband has a cold or some type of virus....I'm thankful because with the way his health has been the last few years I was worried that maybe it was something else.
• that my husband has an appointment to see the doctor next Wednesday. He refuses to try to go earlier, but at least he is going.

And other things on my mind...

* Sympathy and prayers for the family of Florence Henderson.  The Brady Bunch was one of my favorite shows growing up and I still love reruns.  As Carol Brady, Henderson became one of America's iconic moms.  Another little piece of our innocence gone.

* Tomorrow we are going on a little bus trip to Olglebay, WV to see the light display.  We'll get to stop at Cracker Barrel (so much yummy goodness...and the shopping!!) and do a bit of walking around and shopping at Olglebay, too.  We go with a group of families of mentally handicapped adults.  They go every year and open the trip up to others if they don't fill the bus.  It only costs $10 to go and it's such a blessing to see how excited those individuals get.  I especially love how in awe they are of the big nativity scene.  God speaks to everyone.

* We've done it.  We've done away with cable/satellite television service.  We now have only Netflix and Hulu.  We'll see how it goes.  It's all part of the effort to cut costs.  Cable and satellite are ridiculously expensive and we've been finding that there is less and less variety or even anything we want to watch.

* It's officially time to begin the Christmas movie season!  I have a "thing" for Christmas movies. (confession: I've been watching them on Hallmark for a couple of weeks already.)  In between laundry and cleaning today I will be watching some of my favorites.

* Talk about a Thanksgiving miracle!  Thank you, Lord, for the safe return of the California mom who was missing for 3 weeks.  So amazing to hear that kind of story have a happy ending.

Well, I am off to get busy.  Please enjoy your long weekend and family gatherings...your shopping trips...and Christmas kick-offs...but be safe and don't forget the real meaning of this season.

Voting and Beth Moore and Pumpkin Flavored Everything!

Joining in with blogging friend, Rebecca Jo @ Knit By God's Hand for a little Thursday Thankfulness, because really, don't we all need a little something extra nice and positive this week?

This week I am thankful...

* the election is over.  My prayer now is that we recognize the grace and mercy the Lord has extended and don't squander it.  I pray for our leadership and I pray for our people.  I pray we find our way to being united as a nation once again.

* that I live in a country where I can vote and make my voice heard without fear of government reprisal.

* for the pumpkin roll and container of soup I was given as a "thank you" at the technical school I drive some of the high school kids to.  

* for the month of November and this season of thanksgiving.  I love that so many of my friends are participating in the 30 Days of Thanks on Facebook.

* for the amazing time my friends and I had at the Beth Moore conference this past weekend.  I learned a bit, but mostly it was an incredible time of refreshment for my weary soul and I came home feeling rejuvenated and lighter than I have in months.

On an interesting note, as we looked around our seating area the first night, who should we see sitting just two rows behind us but the pastor (a woman) and a few members from the church we had all left two years ago.  She and our leader had not spoken since then.  They hugged and that pastor shared that she missed and loved our leader.  Unfortunately, there was no apology, but it was a start....definitely a divine appointment, because what were the odds to travel to a different state and be sitting that close together in a large sports arena?

* for bittersweet memories of childhood Thanksgivings when life was simpler and my entire extended family was intact and gathered together.  I miss those days of knowing I was a part of something bigger, of having everyone at the same table...extended by the infamous kiddie table.  Now with so many gone from us and the rest scattered all over the country it just never happens.

* for this 4-day weekend.  There is no school today because of parent/teacher conferences and none tomorrow because of Veterans' Day.  I plan to get a lot of work done here at home today, do some Christmas shopping tomorrow, and Saturday I'm going to an auction with my mom.  Very low-key, but nice just the same.

* for the generous co-worker who filled my trunk with packages of diapers to give to my daughter.

* for Salonpas patches that take care of the pain in my feet and the cramps in my legs in pretty short order.

* for all things pumpkin flavored!  My mom brought me pumpkin-flavored cornbread yesterday.  Who knew??

* of course, for each and every one who stops by my page.

Have a blessed and thankful weekend!

Thankful Thursday

Hey all!  Sorry to have gone MIA this week, but it's been kind of busy...nothing terribly exciting, but busy.  I wanted to at least check in and join Rebecca Jo @ Knit By God's Hand in Thankful Thursday, because tomorrow I am off with friends to see Beth Moore in Ohio.  I won't be back until Saturday night.

This week I am thankful...

* that our insurance company has been great about paying for everything from Tim's accident.  What it does to our premiums remains to be seen, but I'm not going to worry about that yet.

* that our son's meeting with an attorney about his accident went well.  He and the Stanley Steamer van that hit him have the same insurance and the insurance company is being.....not exactly nice or fair.  The attorney thinks he can get enough to take care of the car, medical expenses and living expenses.

* to that our son got cleared to go back to work next week.  His job can be done at his desk so even though he's still in the neck brace and won't see the neuro surgeon until the end of the month, he will at least have income.

* for amazing warm, sunny days.  In November!!

* the election season is nearly over.

* that our daughter's nasty downstairs neighbors got evicted.  They were drug addicts, violent, loud and stressing her something awful.  At 7 1/2 months pregnant she didn't need that.

* that I am leaving at noon tomorrow for that over-nighter with some of the girls from Bible study.  It's going to be a blast.  I can't wait!

* this weekend's time change.  I know, I'm like the only person on the planet that likes it getting dark early.  I've always liked how it brings people indoors to spend more time together and it's so cozy.

* for all of you!

That's it for this week.  Have a blessed Friday and I'll see you Saturday night!

October Blessings

I missed joining in last week, so it's good to be participating in Thankful Thursday again.  Let's start off with a big thanks to Rebecca Jo @ Knit by God's Hand for hosting.

This week I am thankful...

* that my husband and son are okay.  

My son was hit from behind while stopped at a red light on his way to work last Tuesday.  His car is totaled and he is off work and wearing a neck brace for a month because of fractures in 2 of his vertebrae.  Every airbag in the car went off! What a praise he wasn't hurt any worse and all the insurance companies involved seem to be taking care of things quickly and without argument.  

Then Friday afternoon my husband was in a wreck on the Parkway heading into Pittsburgh.  Traffic was bumper to bumper and hardly moving and he thought he saw a vehicle trying to cut in from the side and swerved....into the back of a vehicle driven by a pregnant woman.  Unfortunately, the accident was his fault so our premiums will probably go up, but everyone is okay and the insurance is fixing the truck and paying for a rental in the meantime.

* that my daughter remains close but doesn't live in the same house.  She stopped by yesterday and was "venting" about a lot of things.  Her life is so drama-filled and being around it stresses me.  I don't know how she can deal with it.  My life has become much more peaceful since she moved out on her own.  It makes me appreciate being a boring old lady!

* for the shorter days.  Yes, I really do mean that.  It's one of my favorite parts of fall and winter.  It pushes everyone inside together and with heartier meals cooking and candles lit, it's so cozy.

* that my cousin who is only 43 or 44 is okay.  He had a heart attack yesterday! They inserted a stint and he will recover.

* that my husband has finally agreed to my plan to drop DirectTV and rather than get any other satellite or cable service, subscribe to Netflix and Hulu.  It will save over $100 a month.

* for pumpkin pie milk.  I kid you not.  So yummy and not as many calories as Arby's milkshake.

* for the beautiful scenery I get to drive around looking at all day on my job.

* for each one of you!

Have a blessed and happy Thursday!

Serenity Now!

There are not enough hours in the day....or maybe there is too much day in my hours right now.  I am feeling rushed and stressed as I wrap up the work week and also prepare for my daughter's baby shower tomorrow.

Typically, I don't do so well in these high pressure situations. (Please, don't ever come to visit the day before Christmas or the day of a big family gathering.)  I do, mind you, crank out some of my best work.  The problem is that I tend to do it with a short temper and a notable lack of grace.  Not exactly a good example for the ones watching to see how you, the Christian, are living out what you say you believe.

So, knowing my weakness, I have asked the Lord to help me keep it (my stress levels and my mouth) under control...or rather to put it all in His hands.  I asked Him to help me hang on to that bowled over feeling of amazement from yesterday, to know with assurance that He is bigger than anything, and He is in control even when I'm not.  Especially, when I am not.

Then God reminded me that I missed Thankful Thursday yesterday with Rebecca Jo and the rest of the gang and that counting blessings always brings peace. With that in mind, here, a day late (again!) is a list of a few of the things I am thankful for this week.

* The financial help from my mom and my future grandson's other grandmother in paying for the baby shower.  My daughter gets the shower she hoped for and none of us gets poor...or at least not any poorer than we already were.

* A couple of new friends I've made through putting the shower together.  One is the cupcake lady.  I can't wait to see the cupcake tree she is putting together. I promise to share pictures.  She is so creative!

* My mom, who has been supportive, helpful, and encouraging through all the preparations.  It's such a welcome surprise.  She is usually quite critical of everything.  Oh, how I hope and pray, she is changing for good.

* The extra bus run at work and what it means in my paycheck.  That extra bit has come in very handy in planning this shower.  I can't believe how much baby stuff costs!

* I'm really not missing Facebook.  I still check my notices to see if I need to respond to anything, but I'm not cruising my newsfeed to see what y'all are doing every day. Nope, all I do is play games for a little bit before I go to bed or during lunch and honestly, I'm likely to fall asleep doing it.

* These absolutely breath-taking fall days and nights.  Perfect weather!

* Little Colton is growing just as he should and should be here right on time somewhere around Christmas.

* The hated truck is still running just fine!

* Arby's has pumpkin cheesecake shakes.

* All of you!

And now, it's time for me to rush back to work.  No stress...all is calm...it's in the best of hands.

Write 31 Days

Thankful With A Bullet

A day late and a dollar short.  Story of my life, but I'm not about to skip sharing a list of things I am thankful for this week.  I'm late, but as always, a huge thanks to Rebecca Jo @ Knit by God's Hand for hosting Thankful Thursdays. To read what everyone's feeling blessed by or to join in, just pop over and check out the links.

This week I am thankful...

* first and foremost that my husband has a job that allows him to work as much overtime as he wants.  While a lot of the time I am not so thrilled about it and grumble appropriately, the bottom line is that it's a blessing that choice is there when we need it to get out from under a particular financial burden.  There are many who don't have that option.

* for the amazing Middle Eastern meal I experienced last evening.  A large group of us from our home church went to Antiochian Village which is a retreat center/banquet hall/museum/library/a bunch of other stuff for the Orthodox church.  Our group is not Orthodox, but it was interesting to see all the things they had from the Middle East.  They even had a small display of things from the Titanic in a separate area.  And I am dying to go back and explore their rare books collection.  

We were treated to platters of appetizers that were shared between 2 people.

Their hummus was excellent!

Followed by a platter of varied dishes.  This one was not shared.  That's how much food each person got!

A lot of people said the kibee was their favorite.  It's the round
brown thing.  It's a mix of ground beef and lamb, bulgar wheat
and then it's stuffed with more seasoned lamb.  I personally
liked the stuffed grape leaves best.

Finally, we each got a dessert plate with rice custard made with rose blossom, Baklava, and another cookie that was very tasty but had a most unusual texture. The minute you took a bite it dissolved into dust in your mouth.

* for leftovers of that dinner that I'm enjoying for lunch as I type.

* for blessedly cool fall weather (and even the rain!).  This is my time of year, people!

* that everything is coming together for next weekend's baby shower.  No major snags or snafu's yet.

* that though she is uncomfortable and miserable, my daughter's pregnancy is going well and baby Colton is healthy and growing just as he should be.

* for the God who sustains me when I literally have no one else to lean on.

* that today is Friday.  Work keeps me running a lot more this year.  I leave the house at 5:00 in the morning and though I have this time at lunch (which is shorter than it used to be) I don't get home for the day until 5:30.  By the time supper is made and eaten and I've gotten a shower....I am ready to call it a day. The weekend is a chance to rest, refresh and catch my breath.

* for puppy kisses and tails that waggle like crazy every single time I walk through the door.

* for good books that give me much to think about...and those that simply entertain me.

* for being able to start wearing my favorite cool weather clothes again.

* that often, a good night's sleep is all that is needed to make a situation look much better.

* for a house decorated for Fall and ready for cozy evenings.

* for my son, who will turn 30 on Sunday!  How is that possible when I'm only 29??

* as always, for all of you!

Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to sneak my 30-day challenge entry in here.

Day 12: Bullet your whole day.

• 3:45 A.M. Wake Up.
• 3:46 A.M. Take the dogs out.
• 3:49-5:00 A.M. Eat breakfast, get dressed, watch news/weather, straighten up kitchen, feed dogs, throw in a load of laundry....
• 5:00 A.M. Leave for work.
• 5:30 A.M. Sign in at work.
• 5:30-5:50 A.M.  Pre-trip inspection of bus, get ready to go.
• 5:50 A.M. Head out for high school run.
• 6:25 A.M. Pick up first students.
• 6:25-9:00 A.M. Pick up all secondary students and drop at high school and middle school, pick up morning technical school students and drive them to tech, pick up all elementary students and take to elementary school.
• 9:00 A.M. Drive to bus garage.
• 9:07-9:12 A.M.  Fuel bus.
• 9:13-10:15 A.M. Drive bus home to my house, let dogs out, do a couple of chores.
• 10:15-11:00 A.M.  Pick morning tech students up at tech school, drive them back to high school, drive back to bus garage and park bus.
• 11:00-11:25 A.M.  Drive home in my car.
• 11:25-1:30 P.M.  Lunch, chores, computer time.
• 1:30 P.M.  Back to work.
• 2:00-5:05 P.M.  Pick up middle school students, drive to high school.  Pick up high school students.  Take secondary students home.  Return to elementary school.  Run in school to pee (if I'm lucky).  Load elementary students.  Take elementary students home.  Drive back to bus garage and park.
• 5:05-5:30 P.M.  Drive home.
• 5:31 P.M.  Take dogs out!
• 5:40-?  Kick off shoes, make supper, change loads of laundry, fold washed laundry, shower, read, watch television, take dogs out several more times, wash dishes....zzzzzzz.

Being Thankful & A Challenge

Getting around to blogging very late today, but since it's Thursday, which is my favorite blogging day because it's time to join in with Rebecca Jo @ Knit by God's Hand, I don't want to skip it.  Today is also a bonus day because I'm doing a 30-Day challenge and "must" answer the designated prompt each day.

This week I am thankful...

*  To finally have my husband's truck back because that means I have my car back...after 3 months without it!

*  The awesome insulated travel cup a friend gave me.  This thing is AMAZING! I can put ice and a drink in it in the morning, have it on the bus in 90 degree heat, bring it home, and there will still be ice in the cup the next morning if I don't dump it out!  I priced them out and they sell at Walmart for $10...it's worth every penny.  Oh, and it promises to do as well at keeping hot stuff hot.

*  That when my bus broke down yesterday it was something easily fixable and not the transmission like I thought.  I only had to drive a cruddy spare bus for the morning runs...not several weeks like I had imagined (big repairs are warranty work and have to be sent out...our mechanics could fix them, but aren't allowed to).

*  The new TV season started.  I am more than ready for some new shows...especially if they aren't reality shows.  I didn't get to see it last night, but I'm really wanting to see "Designated Survivor" with Keefer Sutherland.

*  All this incredible late summer/early fall weather.  

*  Football is back!

*  We are 7 days closer to the end of this endless, awful presidential campaign. I just keep reminding myself that it does not matter which of the less than stellar candidates wins.  God is in control and it will not be the first time He has used someone who was not exactly righteous to achieve His purposes.

*  Tomorrow is Friday!

*  And as always, all of you!

Day 4: Your views on religion.

Hoo-boy.

I don't believe that a religion is what God planned for us.  I do believe that we were made to be in relationship with God.  I believe in a triune God...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  I believe the Bible is 100% truthful and free of mistakes. I believe Jesus Christ was the final sacrifice, holy and perfect, who died to pay the price for all human sin once and for all.  I believe He defeated death and thereby, Satan, by dying and then on the third day rising from the dead.  I believe He ascended to heaven to sit at the right-hand of the Father where he acts as our intercessor.  I believe Jesus is the only path to heaven and eternal life with the Father.

That's pretty much it in a nutshell.   

That's all for now.  This girl has got to go get some sleep.  

Have a beautiful, blessed, and safe weekend!

Another Thankful Thursday

Sorry I am running late at posting today.  Aside from my (new) usual tight schedule, my daughter pulled in behind me as I arrived home for lunch and asked me to go look at bridesmaid and wedding gowns.

Oh my, it's been 32 years since I got married and while I thought the gowns were much more elegant than all those big poofy things we wore in the 80s, I'm still reeling from sticker shock.  Both of the mother-of-the-bride gowns I looked at were over $500!  The bridesmaid gowns we looked at were running around $300 each.  You don't even want to know about the wedding gowns.

Well, enough of the moaning.  I do want to take the time to be thankful today and join in with Rebecca Jo over at Knit By God's Hand for Thankful Thursdays.

This week I am thankful...

* that the saga of the truck I wish would die in a ball of flames is about to end.  After three months of trying many, many, MANY!, different repairs and diagnostics...some on our own, some by mechanics...it was finally decided that the $8000 part we had put on it in April was no good.  Praise God, it was covered by warranty so we do not have that bill again...just what we owe the last mechanic for all his time and parts and now for inspection because that ran out while all this was going on.

I should finally have my car back tomorrow evening!

* that the dog groomer I use agreed to stay open late to take care of my poor Poodle.  With no car, I couldn't get my fur-baby groomed all summer and she was a horrid, hairy mess.  She looked bad, smelled bad, and felt bad.  Now she is all pretty again!

* that God has been more than patient with me this past few months when I have wanted to sink into a pit of worry, anger, self-pity, and probably a whole host of other nasty feelings.  

It has taken a while to break the habit and I'm not perfect at it, but now, more often than not, I'm remembering to stop...speak scripture...and give it all to God before jumping off into the deep end of the freak out zone.

* for all of the absolutely perfect days this last week of summer is bringing.  Blue skies, lots of sunshine, cooler temperatures, and most important...LOW HUMIDITY!

* for a whole day with my grandkids.  We had an absolutely awesome time at the zoo and then at home watching the new Jungle Book and making supper together.

* for hot, cheesy pizza delivered just this minute.

* for all of you!

That said, it's time to post and go eat supper.

Enjoy your evening and smile, tomorrow's Friday. 

Be blessed!

Back-to-School Thankfulness

I'm running late at posting my list of things I am thankful for. This week saw the schools back in session and for me that means I am back to work.  I took on an extra run that requires just a bit of running between the morning and afternoon runs. Nothing major, but it does break up the time during the day so that I am only home for about 45 minutes with the bus then zip across the highway to pick up students at the vo-tech school and run them back to school.  From there I take the bus back to the garage and come home for about 2 hours.

So, now that I'm here, let's get on with giving thanks!  A special thanks to my bloggy friend, Rebecca Jo @ Knit by God's Hand for hosting every week.

This week I am thankful...

* for a mostly uneventful first week of school. The mix of kids on the bus has been shaken up just enough to change the dynamics during each run and I like it!

* that our daughter is no longer working nights for the cleaning company.  She really, really needs a job, but NOT that one.  I hated the idea of her working alone in those businesses at night.

* the season of all things Pumpkin Spice is upon us!  Yes, I am one of those people.

* we are finally starting to make some in-roads into the cause(s) of my husband's chronic pain and other health issues. He has cysts on both kidneys, high cholesterol, sleep issues, and the biggie....on a scale of mild/moderate/severe damage, both of is hips are moderate-severe.  The doctor says he will probably need to have both of them replaced within the next 5 years.  It's not great news, but at least we know it isn't something awful like cancer.

* for the upcoming 3-day weekend.

* that when our daughter's ob sent her to the emergency room yesterday because of shortness of breath, all they could find was mild anemia.

* for getting the baby shower invitations done and in the mail and for continued communication with the other grandma.  It would be nice to have a good relationship with them.  I get that they aren't very comfortable in social situations, but a little is better than bad feelings and miscommunication all around.

* for all of you, of course!

Enjoy the rest of your week

and have a safe and happy

Labor Day weekend with

family and friends!