Day 10 - Substitute Teaching

Today I am thankful for substitute teaching.  When we moved out here I started subbing to get to know the kids.  I want to know who my kids friends are.  I have continued subbing and get to sub in the jr hi today.  It is a great opportunity to keep the pulse of the school.  To see what actually goes on.  The opportunity to get to know the kids better is priceless. 

Day 9 - Laurie Garis & Coupons

Today I am thankful for my friend Laurie Garis and her love of coupons that she has passed on to me.  Laurie showed me how to start couponing and it has made a huge difference in our cupboards at home.  I would spend about $200 for groceries a week and the cupboards would be bare within three days.  The kids would snack on ramen noodles everyday.  Since I started couponing we have had plenty of food in the pantry.  I spend about the same amount but get twice the amount of groceries.  It has made a huge difference in our budget.  I love that there is food for the kids at all times.  Real food not just ramen noodles.  Now they can eat them if they want, not because its all we have!!!

Day 8 - My mother

Today I am thankful for my mother!  She was not always there for me as a child but she has more than made up for it with my kids.  She is at almost every event they participate in.  She has put her life on hold to take care of her mother, my grandmother, in her old age.  I know grandma wouldn't still be with us if not for my mom.  She takes my kids to the broadway musicals which gives them a view into a world bigger than Enid/Garber, Oklahoma.  She is always there to support any direction I decide to go.  For this and so much more (the fact she gave birth to me) I am so thankful for my mother!

Day 7 - Our Home

Ok this one is pretty hard for me to write.  I really miss my home in Gray Ridge and probably always will.  However, I am thankful for our home out on the farm.  A house is just a house until you fill it with a family and that makes it a home.  It is an awesome two story farm house with plenty of land and barns.  The kids love having the room and walking to the pond to fish.  No it isn't a modern home with the huge bathrooms and closets but it does have indoor plumbing and it keeps us cool in the summer, warm in the winter, dry in the rain, and protected from the wind and snow.  I am thankful to have a home where my family can share our lives together.

Day 6 - Jennifer

Today I am thankful for my last born.  What can I say about Jenni?  She is the most delightful child I have ever been around.  Don't get me wrong she has her moments!!!!  She loves her friends and being in the middle of everything. (Just like her mom!)  She is smart, athletic, beautiful, and kind.  She drives her brothers and sister crazy (which is kind of funny).  She can talk me into just about anything.  Her daddy is wrapped around her finger more than me.  She has a way of connecting with all people young and old.  She is a precious gift!

Day 5 - Joshua

Today I am thankful for my wonderful son Joshua.  Josh is the family clown.  He always has a cute remark to make or a joke to tell.  He is content to hang out by himself and just as comfortable with his friends.  He is a gentlemen of all gentlemen.  I have had several people tell me how he holds doors open.  He loves football and tolerates basketball for me (Love him for that).  His teachers have told me how advanced his critical thinking is and sometimes he stumps me with his thoghts.  So thankful God blessed me with him!

Day 4 - Jacob

Today I am thankful for my wonderful son Jacob.  He is almost to outgrow me and I have looked forward to that since he was born.  He is very athletic and an extrememly kind soul.  He makes me proud everyday.  We have struggled together on his school work.  I know it can't be fun for him to have to study for hours but he stays at it till it sinks in.  For that alone I admire him.  So many that find school hard just blow it off.  Jake stays focused and puts all his effort into it.

Day 3 - Jessica

Today I am thankful for my beautiful first born Jessica.  She has brought much joy to my life.  Even now in those horrid teenage years, she is still a precious gift to me.  We tease around about not liking each other but I hope she knows I'm kidding.   I am so blessed because I completely trust her.  She has a level head on her shoulders and is always thinking of others. 

Day 2 - My Husband

Today I am Thankful for my wonderful husband.  We have been through 18 years of ups, downs, and in betweens.  I think of him as my best friend.  My voice of reason when I'm unreasonable.  He has been so much fun to share life with and I can only hope to be blessed with at least 18 more years!

A month of Thanks! Day 1

First and foremost I am thankful for God!  Without him nothing would be possible.  Even in the times we are experiencing it is his guidance and love that keeps us all going.  I am thankful to him for life, children, husband, home, friends, and the beautiful world I live in.