Gratitude Challenge-catching up post...November 29th

To give you a bit of a background, my husband has had some major health challenges for a few years.  We have been spinning our wheels working with an inadequate treatment plan for a while, and fighting and hoping to get a chance to get new eyes on his case and give opinions of how to improve.  We finally got it.  We had 12 days' notice to travel almost 400 miles to see doctors and had to arrange for home, family, children and animals to be cared for in our absence.  What was supposed to be a 2 day trip became 5.  Life was a bit overwhelming and I am still not recovered, but coming up for air and trying to get back into the swing of things before our holiday season takes over with all of my business obligations...

So here is the list as I saved it:
Day 7: Thankful for a vehicle to get us where we have to go at a moment's notice.
Day 8:  Having a small farm to be able to raise many of our own foods.
Day 9:  Children who are innocent and don't know all of the hard things going on in this world yet.
Day 10:  Books.  One can never have enough knowledge, and books keep that knowledge at your fingertips.
Day 11:  My electric blanket.  I get cold, and it makes life more bearable.
Day 12:  A full calendar to keep me busy and prevent me from being bored.
Day 13:  Dirty dishes.  I loathe them, but they tell a story of a well fed family.
Day 14:  Fur-friends.  Dogs, cats, cows.  All of them bring something special to our family, and their fuzzy winter fur makes them lovable and cuddly.
Day 15:  Social media.  It connects me to all of these amazing people.
Day 16: Events that bring new customers to my business.
Day 17: Thirty-One business that provides me all the functional bags I need for travel and daily life.
Day 18: Buffets.  When traveling, it is nice to have an option to eat something, no matter what your tastes.
Day 19: Doctors who truly are attentive to their patients.
Day 20: The Internet and phones that allow us to keep in touch with friends and family while away from home.
Day 21:  Gracious women who are understanding and kind when you have to cancel your plans to meet family needs.
Day 22: My own bed.  There is something comforting about your own bed after traveling, no matter how bothersome it may be.
Day 23: Cupboards with food in them.
Day 24:  Warm winter clothing.
Day 25:  New beginnings and blessings. 
Day 26:  Friends who are there no matter what they think of your situation.
Day 27:  A home where children laugh, make messes, make memories.
Day 28:  A family that is dedicated to each other, through thick or thin.
Day 29:  My Lilla Rose business that provides opportunities to meet amazing women while providing some extra income for my family. 

Join us with the Gratitude Challenge hosted by my friend, Brenda over at Quiet Pandemonium. 

Gratitude Challenge 2013- November 6th

A simple thankfulness today.  Technology.  Being able to talk to friends and family in different time zones, cross state or cross country or half way around the world in real time is a huge blessing. 


Hop on over to Quiet Pandemonium to see what you can be thankful for and link up your own posts.

Gratitude Challenge 2013- November 5th

Today is simple.  I am thankful for big, comfy blankets.  I over extended myself physically yesterday and the piles of big, comfy blankets that help keep me warm and relax those tired muscles are priceless.

If you'd like to join the Gratitude Challenge, hop on over to Quiet Pandemonium and share your thoughts with the rest of our friends. 

Gratitude Challenge 2013- November 4th

Today I am grateful for the quiet time spent in the barn in the early morning with no sounds except for the animals.  The cats purring, the cow munching on her hay, the chickens clucking no and then.  For the farm girl in me, there is nothing more relaxing and peaceful.  There are no pictures that can convey that feeling of total relaxation and comfort.  Just peace.


If you'd like to join the Gratitude Challenge, hop on over to Quiet Pandemonium and use the link up there or just take the time to read some other gratitude posts.

Gratitude Challenge 2013- November 3rd

Today, I am grateful for my faith.  This picture represents a small piece of that faith that was passed down by some very dedicated grandmothers.  Those women had faith that didn't get hidden in my life.  Another copy of this picture hung in my grandmother's kitchen, always a reminder to pray and give thanks. I have a previous post about the details of this particular piece of artwork, should you be interested.

Thank you, Brenda, for hosting Gratitude Challenge 2013 over at Quiet Pandemonium.  My readers and guests are welcome to join us and check out the other Gratitude Challenge posts.

Gratitude Challenge 2013- November 2nd

Thank you to Brenda over at Quiet Pandemonium for hosting the 2013 Gratitude Challenge.

Today, I am grateful for messy windows and glass throughout my home.  They are reminders that someone little lives here that loves to snuggle and can call me "Mom".  They are reminders of a life unaware of the challenges of adulthood and full of opportunities to explore out those windows and doors.
The longer I have little people around, the shorter that time feels.  I am choosing to embrace it and leave those marks of a little "love" just a little bit longer.

What are you grateful for today?  Want to join our Challenge? 
Visit Brenda's page and link up your own post on Gratitude!

Gratitude Challenge 2013 - Day 1

I am participating in the Gratitude Challenge with my friend Brenda over at Quiet Pandemonium.  Go check out her page and see what makes you grateful this month!


"What if... You woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?"  Is a question that swirls around facebook every so often.  A friend recently posted it and it got me thinking again about whether I am truly being thankful for everything I have.  I have a family, a home, a car to drive, food to eat, water to drink, and so many little (and big) comforts in life that so many others do not have.  I often ponder whether I am thankful enough.  When Brenda offered the Gratitude Challenge, I decided I need to participate.

To kick off day 1, I am sharing my gratitude for warmth.  Blankets, a wood stove, space heaters, heat packs, extra clothing...whatever it is I use each day to be warm.  After trick or treating last night, a friend and I bantered back and forth about the weather and how it was too cold to stay out long and it hit me how many do not have those things that we "chose".  Those who are homeless or those who work outside in our region don't always have the luxury of warming up a rice bag in the microwave or warming a blanket next to the wood stove to get that extra little snuggle.  Lord, do not let me take these things for granted.