Friday, November 30, 2012

November Thankful Challenge

There are many specific games or challenges that go on in November.  There is a "Tough Man" challenge, which has to do with some running and obstacle courses.  Some have a challenge to catch a deer.  Others participate in "No Shave November" (which I seriously considered doing this year---no I didn't...Yes I did.  No. I. didn't. haha)  Instead of all those things I decided to participate in the "November Thankful Challenge." It is a challenge to write one thing you are thankful for in every day of November as your Facebook Status.

Here is a quick recap of November:


November Thankful Challenge Day 1: I'm thankful for the glorious hope of my salvation. I'm thankful for the peace that surpasses all understanding throughout this turbulent year.

Day 2: I'm thankful for the time I got to spend with my oldest son, Brandon. He brought so much joy into my life and I am a better mother and person because of him.

Day 3: I'm thankful for my Katie-Bug!!! I'm thankful for her tender heart toward God and her desire to do right. She is smart, affectionate and beautiful!! Our little chatterbox gives us such joy!!

Day 4: I'm thankful today is Orphan Sunday

Day 5: I'm thankful for our friends who had us over for a bonfire Saturday night. It's been our friends, church, pastors and family who have literally held us up through the hardest times in our lives. Thank you.

Day 6: I'm thankful for my Kylie Girl! She has such love and compassion! She's always writing sweet notes of encouragement and freely gives hugs. I love her to pieces and am so proud to be her mom!

Day 7: I am thankful for my Haley-Bee!! She is a continual ray of light and joy in my life. I love her girlie cuddles and affection, her "ditzy" sense of humor, her rolling giggles and her deep understanding and discernment of right from wrong.

Day 8: I'm thankful for my hubby! I still blush at the thought of marrying my boy next door, even after 15 yrs of knowing him. He's an awesome hubby, daddy to all our children and my best friend. I love you, Tim!

Day 9: I'm thankful today is FRIDAY and it's a long weekend AND we have something fun planned for the weekend with our kiddos!! :-)

Day 10: I'm thankful for gorgeous 70-degree Fall weather on a Saturday when our family can actually get out and enjoy it hiking!

Day 11: Today I am very thankful for a much needed family mini-vacation to Great Wolf Lodge. It is nice to get away from our hectic lives and just enjoy our children.

Day 12: I'm thankful for all of the military and their families....especially my husband, three brothers and sisters (in-laws) who are/were all in the Air Force!

Day 13: I am thankful for my job. It has helped pay for 2 adoptions in the last 2 years as well as Christian education for our kidlets.

Day 14: I'm thankful for pay day! After going over a month without any pay because we were in Ukraine, it gave me a whole new appreciation for our income.

Day 15: I am thankful we can afford to buy groceries....and when I was tempted to complain about the freezing cold rain today when I had to grocery shop, I was reminded that many are not so blessed to be able to afford groceries, especailly for a family of 6.

Day 16: I'm thankful for my friends, especially my special friends (you know who you are), who have been there for me this year through everything when many other "friends" dropped me when I needed them the most. I love each one of you!

Day 17: I'm thankful for my parents & the privilege of growing up in a Christian home where my parents stayed married through good times & bad. I love you guys!

Day 18: I'm thankful for SermonAudio, where I can watch my church service from home in my jammies when I have a fever and feel like poo. Additionally, I am thankful for my pastors who continually preach the Word of God, and who pray for the flock by name...and notice when someone is out.

Day 19: I'm thankful for my in-laws for raising such a godly man for me to marry. I'm thankful for them always being there for us to pray & bounce thoughts or questions off. I couldn't ask for a better 2nd set of parents.

Day 20: I'm thankful today is my Friday, even though it is Tuesday!!

Day 21: I'm thankful I have family coming to town today and for the 5 days we get to spend together.

Day 22: I'm thankful for God's Word! "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His Name! Because the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations!"

Day 23: I'm thankful I get to go on a hot date with my hubby tonight to see James Bond along with my sister and her hubby. I'm thankful for my Mom and Dad K who are willing to watch our crazies for us so we can go out alone.

Day 24: I'm thankful that my husband finally (after 6 yrs with a grannie flip phone) got an iPhone....and especially that I no longer have to listen to his The Office (Sitcom) music ringtone at all hours of the day and night. ;-)

Day 25: I am thankful for 4th Sundays of the month. I get my "baby fix" in the 0-6 month nursery at church! I love our church's beautiful little ones!

Day 26: I'm thankful for healthy children. Many of my friends struggle daily with sick children. I do not take for granted having 4 healthy children.

Day 27: I’m thankful for our two reliable vehicles and that we owe nothing on them.  Our Honda Pilot is 10 years old and has been paid off for 7 years.  Our Honda Civic is 4 years old and has been paid off for 3 years.

Day 28: I’m thankful for pets.  It may sound silly to commit a whole day to be thankful for pets, but I know pets who have cheered up the lonely, the empty-nester, the elderly, the sick, the blind and the grieving.  They are God’s little gifts of joy to humans.

Day 29:  I’m thankful for days off to catch up on house work, wrap Christmas gifts, go for a bike ride and to enjoy homeschooling with Kylie.

Day 30:  I’m thankful for this Thankful Challenge.  It reminds me how many things I have to be thankful for.  I am richly blessed.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Some Days Are Harder Than Others

A year ago, a log with my Brandon fishing on it


Same location this year, just a dumb, empty, old, broken log
Some days are harder than others.  I'm not sure what makes it that way or what sets off my emotions.  I hate when I feel all sappy and sad.  I keep hoping one day my heart won't hurt so bad.  It certainly doesn't seem to be getting easier almost a year later.