Friday, November 30, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 30

I am thankful for Harry

Prior to meeting Harry I sat down and made a list of all the things I felt were important to me in a relationship - the things I felt I needed and desired.
Someone challenged me once in a business setting saying, "In all areas of your life, business, relationships, health, spirituality, etc. if you could have mediocre or you could have outstanding, awesome, mountain top .... why would you NOT choose the latter?"  I kept this in mind as I made my list; thus it was a pretty long list.

I prayed about it a lot and asked God to put me in such a relationship.

Not that I'm a demanding person but if awesome is a possibility - why would one ask for otherwise?

Harry is everything on that list and more.  God took my idea of an awesome relationship and added so much more.  Its like the whipped cream, nuts and cherry on top of a turtle sundae, melty peanut butter on a toasted english muffin, the sun sparkling across the ocean, or the beer and brats at the end of the finish line of a marathon.  God took my idea of wonderful and made it much better.

As this "30 Days of Thankful" project ends, it wouldn't be complete without Harry.  He has been an answer to my prayers and I am so very blessed and thankful to have him in my life.

Note:  I realize that everyone's list of what they need is very individual; but if you'd care to see mine just contact me directly by leaving a comment and I'd be happy to share it with you.  

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 29

I am thankful for my kids!

I have been so wonderfully blessed by my children and I am so thankful for them.  They have given me so many reasons to be proud and they have been a joy since they took their first breath.  There were a couple occasions that I held my breath praying everything would work out okay, but I have cherished every minute of being their mother. Somewhere along the way I realized that my job was to prepare them to be adults...self sufficient, confident young adults who are able to find their way in this world.  

As I look at them I see my job is done.  

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 28

I am thankful that I can be silly.

When I refer to being silly I do not mean helpless, lowly, humble or weak in intellect.  I am pertaining to being frivolous, goofy, playful and fun.    

I realize that not everyone has the freedom to be silly.  Some people do not live in a situation that allows them to be silly and of course silly is not always in fashion or appropriate on all occasions.

The people I'd like to encourage into the world of silly are those people who are not being held back by the circumstances of life, but rather are held back by some inner voice or protocol that won't let them simply relax and enjoy the moment. I hope they can "let down their hair" or "cut loose" so they can laugh, giggle, and find simple joy in simple things.

Life is much to short to be serious all the time and silly should be a welcome visitor.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 27

Ha!  Can you imagine
finding this mess of baby
and peanut butter love
in your kitchen?
I am thankful for Peanut Butter!


Yes, you heard me correctly.... peanut butter.

I have been a long time fan of it's peanutty-yummylicious goodness and am most enamored  with the chunky variety.  You know the kind with the little nutty crunchies in it.  Harry on the other hand is "nuts" about the smooth version.


  • PBJ sandwiches   
  • A dab on an apple slice
  • Stirred into oatmeal
  • All melty on an english muffin
  • PB and bacon sandwiches are my brother's fave
  • Licking off the knife
  • By the spoonful
  • On pretty much anything
Did you know that in some countries you can't buy peanut butter??!!!!  Definitely a travesty. I do believe my calling may be to start an organization that brings the wonderful goodness of peanut butter to the masses and to the countries that have yet to be introduced to it's delightful taste.  

Yummmmmmmm! 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 26

I am thankful for our home

Harry putting together
our new vacuum
I spent the day cleaning our home.  Dusting, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, mopping, picking up, putting away, sweeping, watering flowers, rearranging, shining, scrubbing, washing, folding, and thinking about how thankful I am to have a roof over my head and such a wonderful home to live in.

My daughter told me once, "Mom, home is where you are."  I liked that.

We don't have everything.  There are things we "want".  But we have absolutely everything we need and more.  We are so very fortunate and so very blessed.

I am very thankful for our home.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 25

I am thankful for being APPRECIATED

Brains, like hearts, go where they are appreciated. 
Robert S. McNamara 


I am so thankful that I am appreciated.  There is no feeling quite like being appreciated for who you are and what you do.

I also hope that I am quick to recognize and tell others how much they are appreciated.  For the big things, the little things, the fun things, the goofy things, the serious things, and the heart-felt things.  All the things that make life just that much sweeter.  



Saturday, November 24, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 24

I am thankful for FRIENDS

Over the years I have been blessed with many dear friends and for that I am so thankful.  Different people have come into my life at various times filling a hole that they and only they could fill.  I'd like to believe that I was also filling a hole in their life as well.  Time and distance has physically separated many of them, however when we do see each other we just pick up where we left off.  Having just moved I am making new friends and appreciate getting to know them.

I believe women have different girlfriends that they connect with for different needs... ones they shop with, ones they call when they are upset, ones that are their "food" sisters, ones they "talk work" with, ones that are their walking/running/sport friends, or craft-lovers, or theater/chickflick friends, Farmer's Market/event pals, or let's have a glass of wine together and chat buddies.  We laugh, we cry and we live life together.

I'll bet you know which one you are.  Thank you!  I love and appreciate each one of you!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 23

I am thankful for the 
many ways to connect 
with loved ones

Yesterday was Thanksgiving and even though I now live over 1200 miles away from my children, grandson, parents, and most of my close friends I was able to connect with them throughout the day in many different ways.

We texted, chatted on the telephone, and greeted others on Facebook while seeing pictures of the races they ran and the turkeys they baked.  My favorite call came about 8:30 at night on Facetime.  If you aren't familiar with Facetime, it's a wifi video connection between Iphones.  The call was from my son who was in my GRAND's darkened bedroom as he rocked him before putting him down for the night.  We talked quietly about their busy day and I was the recipient of lots of sleepy grins and smiles as my little GRAND snuggled with his daddy.  

It doesn't matter the form of technology as they all brought tears of both joy and homesickness throughout the day.       

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 22

I am thankful for my PARENTS

I totally won the parent lottery!  I am actually struggling right now to find the appropriate words to tell you about them, so I'll let it suffice to say that my mom and dad are awesome and I'm so blessed to be their daughter. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 21

I am thankful for a day to PUTZ 

PUTZ:  Verb - To engage in inconsequential or unproductive activity.  To behave in an idle manner; putter.

Sometimes you just need a day to putz around.  Awake when you please with no alarm clock.  Drink coffee and check in with the news.  Chat on the phone with a dear friend, your children or parents.  Try a new recipe or two.  Go for a walk in the woods.  Read a book.  Water the flowers.  Sit on the porch and watch the traffic go past.  Jot a note or card.  Play a game.  You know, just putz.

I am thankful for a day to putz around now and then.


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 20

I am thankful for a powerful IMAGINATION
Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more 
powerful in the mature than in the young.  ~W. Somerset Maugham

What is imagination?  Look down that road and tell me what you DON'T see.  THAT is imagination.

Bits and pieces had been sloshing around in my head letting my imagination take flight and by Thursday afternoon I conjured up the scenario that my daughter was in cahoots with my husband to come for a surprise visit.  I have a wonderful imagination and the ability to "see" things that aren't really there when it comes to putting together something fun like a surprise.  Also keep in mind that my husband is GREAT at both surprises and secrets and my youngest daughter has a really tough time keeping a surprise secret.

So after Weight Watchers on Thursday, I was telling my friend Sharon that based on a few texts that were probably merely fun and silly banter with my daughter, I was really hoping that when I got home from the meeting that she would be at my house.  After all, she had asked what we were having for lunch on Friday AND Harry had a meeting until 6 (which is very rare) and the text he just sent said he was leaving "the building" (emphasis mine not his).  You see Harry would never lie, not even for a surprise, so therefore leaving "the building" is not the same as leaving work because he never uses that term.  Clearly in my wonderful, imaginative and happy world, something was brewing and "the building" he was leaving was the airport!

Sharon and I laughed and both excitedly agreed that it would be great fun if my imagination was spot on.  We also concurred that it was smart not to get my hopes up too high lest I be setting myself up for a big disappointment.

When I arrived home and came in the house I casually looked around waiting for a "SURPRISE" that wasn't there.  That darn imagination!

So I kept my chin up, smiled and said, "How do hamburgers on the grill sound for dinner?"  

Did you happen to miss Day 19? Click here to read a short story about surprises. 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 19

I am thankful for SURPRISES!

Knock knock
Who's there?
MY DAUGHTER, KARI!!!!!!
True story.

Yay!
They went swimming...I
volunteered to stay out
and take pictures
On Friday I was just finishing up some work on the computer and ready to go run a few errands when the doorbell rang.  I wasn't expecting anyone and typically if it rings during the day its someone trying to sell an alarm system or pest control.  I answered the door and imagine my astonishment at seeing my youngest daughter who lives 1200 miles away at our door!  What an excellent surprise!  So we spent a whirlwind weekend in and around Pensacola... the Naval Aviation Museum, Gallery Night, puppies at the pet store, biking on Pensacola Beach, lunch at Peg Leg Pete's, jumping in the waves, BeerFest, Joe Patti's for salmon, and Worship@Water followed by PBJ's on the beach before heading to the airport at noon.  It was great to have her here!  I love surprises!


Soaking up the sun
before heading home

Getting salmon at Joe Patti's

It was cool, but a great
day at the beach

 

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 18

I am thankful to be at a healthy weight

2003
On November 9, 2006, (six years ago) having lost over 50 pounds in 9 months, I became a lifetime member at Weight Watchers.  I am thankful, pleased and proud to have maintained at my goal weight since that time.  It has been such a blessing to be energetic and to have a body that is well nourished and feels good.  Making healthy food choices has become almost second nature in many ways and a knowing what an appropriate portion is has made a world of difference.   

2006
I know lots of "talk" on the subject (click here to read my weight loss and healthy lifestyle blog) , but walking the walk and not just talking the talk this past 6 years has been key to being healthy and feeling good.  
 
2012
My grandma Fern lived to be over 90 and as long as I can remember she maintained a healthy weight.  I wish I had asked her if it was something she had to work at.  I do know that she made it a practice to walk "laps" up the steps and down the halls in the complex she lived in.  She was quite mobile and fit until just shortly before she died.  She also had this belief that if she patted her belly with both hands alternating at a fast pace that it would help her stay fit.  Considering her age and fitness level when she passed I think it would be wise for me to take up that practice very soon.

In the meantime I am thankful that I have chosen to fuel my body with healthy and nutritious food helping me to live life to the fullest.  

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 17

I am thankful for friends around the world
Estoy agradecido por los amigos de todo el mundo
Аз съм благодарен за приятели от цял ​​свят
Esu dėkinga už draugais visame pasaulyje
Ich bin dankbar für die Freunde auf der ganzen Welt

Harry & I with German son
Benny, his wife Claudia
and our GRAND, Fynn
I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to get to know people around the world through mission trips to Lithuania, Bulgaria and Ecuador as well as hosting exchange students (who are now my children as well) from Germany, Ecuador and Lithuania in our home.  I have loved getting to know them all and I am so thankful that through Facebook, Email and Skype it is so easy to stay in touch with them and what's happening in their lives.

My world has become much larger and for that I am thankful.


Friday, November 16, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 16

I am thankful for the joy my Granddogs bring to my children

"Dogs are great.  They love you unconditionally, like Jesus." ~Lindsay Bacher




Kona
Dia

Dia
Elizabeth & Josh
with Dia & Kona

Lindsay and Samwise
Sam
Samwise
Andrew and Sam



Double Grand!
Mason & Oscar
Mason & Oscar
Oscar!

Mason and Oscar


Pongo
Pongo
Kari & Pongo




Kari's Oreo pup

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 15

I am thankful for the simple things in life


I am so thankful for simple things in life...

  • Kites
  • Beaches
  • Hopscotch
  • Jump Rope
  • Bikes
  • Yahtzee
  • Go Fish
  • Old Maid
  • Butterflies


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 14

I am thankful for people who are brave enough to stand up and speak out about what truly loving one another means.  


I came across an amazing blog post on Single Dad Laughing.  It made me cry.  It made me think, ponder and search my inner being.  It made me thankful that he spoke up.  He actually posted it a year ago and he has since posted several follow up pieces which are amazing and brave as well.  I am so thankful that others are able to choose such wise words of love to share with the rest of us.   
___________________________________
The greatest spiritual leaders in history have all preached love for others as the basis for all happiness, and never did they accompany such mandates with a list of unlovable actions or deeds. They never said, love everybody except for the gays. Love everybody except for the homeless. Love everybody except for the drug users. Love everybody except for the gang members, or those covered in ink, or the spouse abusers. They didn’t tell us it was okay to love everybody with the exception of the “trailer trash,” those living in poverty, or the illegal immigrants. They didn’t tell us it was okay to love everybody except for our ex-lovers, our lovers’ ex lovers, or our ex-lovers’ lovers. The mandate was pretty damn clear, wasn’t it?

Love others.
Period.
 ~ Dan Pierce, Writer/Author/Blogger
___________________________________
This is an excerpt from one of Dan's follow up posts by James, an insightful young man with Cerebral Palsy:

“Look at the heart. Look at the mind…. When you really listen to people, and listen to the words that they are saying, then you’ll get to the heart of the person.” ~ James
“What are you guys going to do to make the discrimination and the hurt stop? It’s up to every single one of you.” ~ James


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 13

I am thankful for ANTICIPATION

Don't you just love the feeling of anticipation as you await something you are excited about?   Such as....

  • To see a friend or loved one after a period of time apart? 
  • For baby's birth, first tooth, step or word?
  • For a phone call with good news?
  • For the first snowfall - and the first snowman - of the season?
  • For the first flower to bloom in the spring?
  • For a batch of cookies or loaf of banana bread to come from the oven piping hot?
  • For the rush of cresting the top of a rollercoaster?
  • For the coolness of leaping into the ocean on a hot day?
  • Spending Thanksgiving or Christmas with family?

Anticipation is a fun part of life and as I mentioned in an earlier post some things are worth waiting for especially when you anticipate fun occasions with long threads of witty banter.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 12


I am thankful for POPCORN!


Long, long ago as a wee child I inherited the love of popcorn from my mother.  This was back in days prior to video, DVD and the ease of on demand movies.  I remember every year when the Wizard of Oz came on TV we'd pop a big bowl of popcorn to enjoy as we watched Dorothy and Toto sing and dance their way through the magical land of Oz. 


The fluffy, light, crunchy, salty goodness of these little morsels just enhances my happiness.  While visiting my daughter when she lived in Honduras we even had a tasty little popcorn treat Honduran style.  

I am happy to say that Samwise (one of my granddogs) is a popcorn lover as well.  The evidence follows in this cute little video:    


Sunday, November 11, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 11

I am thankful for HUMOR!
Lindsay trying on her
cap and gown
Yale Div School 2009
Note:  This is a post from my personal diary dated June 8, 2008 that I thought I'd share...with a few minor edits.  I find it is still very relevant in my life today.  

Humor is a gift.  I don't know if everyone sees it that way or not, but I do.  I had a good "belly laugh" today because of Erich and KT and I took a moment to just enjoy the act of laughing.  I cannot image my life without laughter being a part of it.
Is humor something learned? Inherited? Is it in our genes? Can we learn to appreciate the sense of humor of others? Is humor only in the laugh or is it also in the eyes?
I love that my children get my humor and that I get theirs.  How cool is that?
This past few months the Jones' (name has been changed to protect their privacy) have upheld me through a very tough time with their humor. The fact that I've been able to be with them and laugh with them has truly been a life saver. I have loved seeing the humor between them in their relationship.
"Humor is a gift. Not something that can be given in a pretty package all tied up with a bow kind of gift, rather a shared gift of a piece of you that is precious. I have truly loved the sense of humor of my children. I pray they continue to share that wonderful gift with others. It makes life sweet." ~ Patti Bacher June 8, 2008

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Filled w/Thanks = Filled w/Joy: Day 10

I am thankful for KINDNESS!

Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return.  It is the joy of our life to do them.  When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want and do.  -Emmanuel Swedenborg

In the quote above I particularly like the reference to kindness being an inner desire.  I am so thankful for the many people in my life who have this inner desire to be kind.  I'd start listing all of you but the list would be exhaustive.... thank goodness there are so many of you!