A Month of Gratitude Slacker...

I have been slacking during my month of gratitude...I'm sorry. I just haven't been able to remember to do it everyday. I do think about it all the time. So here we go...

1. Long Shots & Hail Marys
2. My Husband. He has given more in the past 7 weeks than I ever thought possible. He has given me strength when I needed it the most. He encouraged me NOT to give up. 
3. My kids...they have shown me joy in the past 7 weeks. They have made me laugh when I wanted to cry. 
4. My parents, they have taught me a lot this last month. You really are never too old to learn something from your parents. 
5. My brothers. Even though they are grown men, they are my little boys. My heart is divided in 4...my hubby, my kids, my brothers and my sisters. They truly are my life. 
6. My cousins. I don't know if they would ever read this, but that is ok. They made me laugh when I didn't think I could. 
7. A new friendship that has developed...she was there in a heartbeat. I called and could barely speak. She knew that I needed someone. She is showing me ways to grow that I didn't realize. Thank you. 
8. My homeschool family. The members of my homeschool co-op. They have shown me understanding and strength this past semester. I couldn't of made it without your love and support. 
9. I am so thankful that I have job. A job that offers me the flexibility to still homeschool my children and fly home to be with my family when they need me. 
10. My daughter, yes I mentioned her earlier. They each deserve their own. She is my girly girl. She makes sure that I don't take life too seriously. 
11. My oldest, who makes that best soft pretzels in the world! I love him for much more than that, but right now I am craving one of those pretzels. LOL.
12. My youngest son. He is my little man who is over 6 inches taller than me! 
13. My sisters..who have become beautiful young women. 
14. DVR...it keeps the peace in my house. 
15. Music....I am thankful for musi. Music can trasport you anywhere. You could be 10 or you could be in the islands listening to the steel drums. Music soothes my soul. 
16. The Ocean...my home away from home. My safe place. This is where I go when I am stressed. When I need to get my life in perspective, because let's be honest...the big stuff is really the small stuff and the small stuff...well that is what you will remember. 
17. My in-laws. They are who I inspire to be like. They seem to know what I need before I do. 
18. A Helping Hand...even when they don't know that I need it. Thank you coach!
19. My house, while we are crammed in here...I am thankful that we have a roof over our heads, food in the fridge. 
20. My dog..silly? I don't think so. She listens when I talk and she doesn't talk back. :)
21. My snakes...yes I said snakes. They actually keep my blood pressure down. Why you ask? You can't get tensed or stressed out while holding them. It is not good for them. 
22. My computer, without it this wouldn't be possible. I also would make the leap into homeschooling. 
23. Pinterest! Who else is obsessed with that site! I am thankful that it helps me stay creative & organized!!
24. Old Friends...I love reconnecting with some of them. 
25. That you have read this far! Thanks :)

It Started With A Conversation...

A very special 6 year old, his mom & I had the most wonderful and enlightening conversation. We spoke of the Golden Rule. We talked about how our attitudes towards others gets reflected back onto ourselves. If you treat your friends rudely, they will treat you the same way. When we asked if that was OK, he said no. He told us that we should treat others much nicer - kinder because that's how WE want to be treated.

SMART KIDDO!

His mom and I carried the conversation on. I spoke of Grace. How I was trying to live more Gracefully. We spoke about how we were NOT perfect and that was OK. We spoke about what the word Grace meant to each of us. I honestly cannot remember what was said-just the emotions. I felt compassion-peace-love-gentleness. I remember feeling that it was OK to be a work in progress.

How does one define Grace? I truly believe that it is up to the individual. To me Grace means kindness, gentle hearted, compassionate, strong elegance, and respectful. Grace does not mean perfection - NO ONE can achieve that. Grace means accepting your imperfections.  It means trying to be the best you can be in spite of your flaws. To realize that you are flawed and to go with your strengths. It means when you fail, don't go licking your wounds...learn from it. It means getting back up and doing better...again and again.

Someone walking with Grace shows compassion and understanding when it is needed the most. Grace is knowing when to take a step back and when to lead.

Grace is being calm in the middle of a storm. We really don't know how strong we are until our world is thrown into utter chaos...believe me, I am learning this now.

I strive to walk with Grace. I am going to make mistakes and that is OK.

I strive to act with Grace, speak with Grace and live with Grace

To my friends, I ask for patience, understanding and guidance as I continue my journey.

To that little boy, I thank you for making my life better for having known you. :)

Day 1: Long Shots & Hail Marys

Here it is November and I am so thankful that it is here. October was a month that I never want to experience again.

 We went from looking forward to the holidays to day by day. Then hour by hour.

We were told there was a chance, a small chance, a Hail Mary.....a long shot. We took it.

We waited. We made phone calls. We prayed. It WORKED. It is still working today.

We are now looking forward, counting our blessings...even the minute ones. 

I am FOREVER grateful for Long Shots & Hail Marys.