Daily: Reflect on 5 things for which I'm grateful.

1. She is happy, healthy,and developing like she should – despite a rough start in the world.
2. She smiles at us like “Wow! It’s YOU! What wonderful thing will happen next?”
3. Every social worker who has come here has commented on how “bonded” we are to each other.
4. She cut her first tooth!
5. Her laid-back happy personality seems to fit in just right with her two-year-old sister’s hyper Type “A” energy (and is a relief for me!).

1. My droid phone which keeps my 2-year-old entertained.
2. A computer on which to type what I’m thankful for.
3. Beer.
4. Health.
5. Family visiting.

1. Running water… Hubby’s DIY project today had it turned off for a bit.
2. Paper plates, paper towels, wet wipes, and disposable diapers. So glad I’m not living in pioneer times!
3. Hubby’s first full day off work in a while. We got lots of projects done around the house.
4. Slumber parties on the futon in the living room floor. We sprayed the back of the house for bugs, thus the need for the “party.” Our two-year-old loved it.
5. Rest in my own bed tonight.

The people I love the most have all been surprises to me.

1. My husband – At one point, I never would have thought we’d wind up together. Now I can’t imagine a life without him.

2. Our son – He arrived when I was eighteen and had so much to learn. Raising him taught me more than college.

3. Our dear daughter-in-law – Son at age 20: “Surprise, here’s some wedding cake! We eloped!” After the shock wore off I was thrilled!

4. Three wonderful Grandkids – ‘Til you are a grandparent you never know this kind of love is out there!

5. My late-in-life babies – Found out i was pregnant right before 40th birthday. I’m still not over that shock, but we LOVE having this little precocious, stinker of a toddler in our life! And, last but not least – the daughter of my heart; our foster baby.

Surprise gifts God sends….. Thinking about it from the perspective of a new mother with an unexpected, but much-loved baby, I realize all the great loves of my life have been a surprise to me; My son at age eighteen, my husband who had been “just” my best friend, My son’s sweet bride who he’d just eloped with, their two sons, and now my beautiful daughter at age 41.
Go figure….. God knows better than I do what I need! I am super-duper thankful!!!!

1. Long walk through the park with Rebecca
2. Chittery squirrel noises in the trees.
3. Friendly neighbors.
4. My obedient dog.
5. Rebecca saw her reflection in the mirror and smiled at it!

1. Time with relatives
2. Hamburgers from the grill
3. Digital Cameras
4. Music in church
5. The Angel Tree

1. Milk for baby Rebecca
2. Rebecca’s smiles.
3. Rebecca’s weight-gain.
4. Hubby who is crazy about her and helps me all he can.
5. Baby gear from consignment!

I want to get in the habit of doing this every day.

the blue, blue sky shining through the dark green pine needles

the awesomely showy azaleas in all their colorful glory

the fragrant and nourishing strawberries and cottage cheese, which I’m eating right now

fresh vegetables

that I am almost halfway through what has to be the Looooooongest pregnancy ever! :-)

I am so thankful that I have so many caring people in my life.

My age makes this a high-risk pregnancy, but I don’t worry. This baby is absolutely covered in prayer.

My next-door teacher’s wife is pregnant and he just understands stuff and thngs. Gets my jokes. Looks out for me, etc. Understands my moods and doesn’t hold them against me.

My doctor is reachable after hours and on weekends (actually more-so then, than during office hours). He is very caring and reassuring.

My husband has to be the world’s sweetest. He reads to the baby almost everyday. He cooks, shops, cleans, and let me sleep in his arms. He is getting me through this super-tired lump-like phase and never makes me feel guilty about how little I do around the house. Though I make myself feel guilty sometimes.