29 Things

Ok, so it is leap day ... and I am making up my own rules. 'Cause, basically, this is my blog and i can do whatever I want. Also, I am a big fat baby and I just want to. AND, because I am the mom and I said so!!!!
So, here is how it works.... it is leap day. The one time, every four years, when February has 29 days instead of the regular 28. I am sure you already know what leap day is and I am just rambling, but there is a purpose to be served by explaining... So, seeing as how we have been given the gift of an extra day this year, I hereby institute the rule that there must be a list of 29 things to be thankful for. Here are mine:

1. I am thankful for my health. I have aches and pains at times, but it is nothing that a few years and a few pounds (maybe 50 or so :)) off wouldn't cure!!!

2.My house - I love my porch and my kitchen and my big tree filled yard, plus, seeing as how it is snowing outside and it was about 9 degrees out when I put Hattie on the bus yesterday, a house is gooooooood!

3.Heat - see above! Of course, ask me in July and I will probably be thankful for AC!!

4.Food - Not just because I, obviously,love to eat, but because I like to keep my hubby and children happy and fed!

5.Freedom - I can say what I want and feel what I want and BELIEVE what I want and that is HUGE! I can carry my Bible and where my Jesus hoodies and play my Jesus Freak tunes - LOUD - and feel safe in doing so.

6.Cable TV - ok, this is a stretch, but seeing as how my options on local daytime TV are soaps, Jerry Springer and such, can I just say Thank You Jesus for TLC, Discovery Home, Hallmark Channel and Nickelodeon/Noggin (that one is for Hattie!!!).

7.Cell phones - I need to be able to talk to my "posse" when I want to and when I need to! Really, how did we get along without 'em .... and when did I start using words like "posse"? YIKES!

8.Free long distance - Mommy!!!!!!!!!!!!

9.Payless Shoes - I know, totally self serving and makes me look like a spoiled brat. However, were it not for the amazing prices and the beyond brilliant concept that is BOGO, how would I have found the super comfy boots that I wore for Grandma's funeral (and all of the standing afterwards!)? And because I got those boots, Bernadette saw them at church and went out and got her own! That is four comfy feet my friends! Four! What is not to be thankful for in that?!?!

10.La-Z-Boy chairs - Trust me, when you are up at odd hours of the night and need to sit up to feed a baby, but have ample neck support for the bobbing/nodding off movement, the couch just don't cut it!

11.Sleep - for the most part, the La-Z-Boy needing nights are over. Teething has brought some wakefullness at odd hours, but she is usually put back to sleep fairly easily.

12.Orajel and teething pellets - see above.

13.The Internet - Seriously, could I get from point A to B without Mapquest, or make it through the day without my WWW devotionals, or find out what cell phone I want without the online reviews, or LIVE without my Bloggy Buddies?!?!!? I think not!

14.Bloggy Buddies - who would thought that I could make friends that I have never met, keep in touch on a regular basis with friends I've left behind and share pictures with family across the country in a matter of minutes?!?!?! WOW!

15.Non Blogy Buddies - sometimes I need to see a person's face when I am sharing and venting and, ya know, ranting and raving!

16.Email - Again, what did we do before it?

17.Snail mail - sometimes, it is just fun to get a card or letter in the mail (thanks Amanda Jo!!!)

18.Text Messaging - see above and think INSTANTLY!

19.Picture messaging - how else can my Mommy see her Grandbabies at the moment they are doing something sweet or looking cute?

20.My ancestors - Who I am, where I come from and what makes me me. They are my past and, in many ways, my present and future as well!

21.My siblings - I survived my brothers and, though they tortured and teased me to no end, they made stinking sure that no one else ever did!! They loved me in their own cruel ways and made me feel loved - even through the bruises!! I wish I knew Jonita better, but I learned alot from her and love her tons. And Marla, well she was everything I wanted to be growing up - still is in may ways!

22.My nieces and nephews - they were my "practice kids". Especially the AZ bunch who considered our house their second home and would stay days and even weeks at a time! I am sure I got it wrong a few times (Duncan knows what I am talking about), but I hopefully got it right sometimes too!!!

23.Extended family - Cousins, aunts and uncles, etc... They made summer vacations a blast and there are memories that could only have been as wonderful with them in them!

24.Grandparents - I was Blessed in this area immensely! I cannot say enough how very much I loved all of my grandparents - and now that they are all gone, how very much I miss them!

25.THERE fRamily - These people saw me through the hardest parts of my life as well as through the best parts... they still - from across the country - do!!!! My health stuff, my wedding, foster children that they loved as if they were staying forever and the ones that DID stay forever!!! They were my life lines and my inspiration and my sound boards. From day to day stuff, to life changing stuff. From birthdays, BIRTHS, weddings, losses and even death (Paula, Angie and Linda!!) we have been through it all together! I am still here if you are!

26.HERE fRamily - It took a while, and we thought it would NEVER happen, but we are at home here thanks to you all!!!!

27.My parents - Words. Are. Not. Enough. I hope that I show you with my actions how much I respect you, thank you and love you for EVERYTHING!!!

28.My children - Steven - I love you and respect you. I know that you had a hard time letting me in at first, but I am so glad you did. You are such a good man and sooooo much like your dad. More than you know! Chris - You are such a tender heart. You make me laugh and make me cry (toast at the wedding!!) and make me see the world differently. You are wise and loving and, oh so lovable! Hattie - You are my dream come true and SUCH an answer to prayer. You are such a strong and resilient little girl, but so fun and loving as well. Your hugs are the best in the world and come from a place that only you know! I can't wait til you can tell me what you are thinking - I KNOW it will be beautiful! Sophie - you are such a sweet spirit, so serene and peaceful and gentle. You have a light in your eyes that is so beautiful. When you smile - even as a newborn - your WHOLE face smiles. And when you laugh ... I think the angels feel your joy. You are already so communicative and engaging. I can't wait till you get your voice as well! I love all of you so very much and am so proud to be your (step)mom!

29.Hubby - Farmboy... being your wife and mother to your children is what I was born to do. You are every prince in every story book. You are every hero in every romance novel. You are every love song, poem or sonnet. You are all I ever dreamed of and all I ever asked God to bring me, with so many wonderful surprises thrown in that I didn't even realize I wanted or needed! I am so Blessed that you chose to spend your life loving me and so very Blessed that I have the HONOR of spending my life loving you!! When the kids are grown and gone (yes, they will get married someday!!!! Even the girls!) and it is just you and me, on the porch rockin', we can look back and see that all our dreams came true ... and mine came true because of you!!!!! I thank GOD for you! I love you!

These are the things I am thankful for - and I am thankful TO the One who gave them to me!
Have a Blessed day! Tell me what YOU are thankful for!