With gratitude

Thankfulness Challenge Day 11.

Today I am thankful for the men and women, past and present, who defend our country every day. They make sacrifices big and small to proect our country and us. Thank you for your service!


Veterans

by Brittany Skinner

They were there,

And they remember,

The shock, the horror

Of watching strangers die.

A life ended

By a fellow soldier's shaking hands.

The unimaginable debt,

Owed by a free world

Can never be repaid,

Still we try

Giving up an hour, a day
To thank you for the burden you now carry
Laid there so we can live our lives.

They fought,
And killed
Enemies with faces
Identities unknown to the bullets
Shattering the protective shield
Laid there by those they loved.

For one day a year we honor you
For our lives,
It can never compare
Still we try
Thanking you on this day
For a million moments
You lived so we could too.

With gratitude

Thankfulness Challenge Day 10.

Little things. There were several 'little things' and/or 'little moments' today that make me very thankful. The kids get ready in the morning without a big fuss. We didn't have to battle over what everyone is going to wear today. We made it to school on time. I was lucky enough to get some Nutcracker tickets switched and it meant even better seats (Row #5...yeah!) to see our oldest dance with the Moscow Ballet. I got to steal away by yourself for a couple of hours of peaceful bliss. Dance class went well and the holiday show is just around the corner. I played piano at church school with only a couple of mistakes (give me credit as I hadn't known which Christmas music to practice!). The girls made fabulous fruit loop necklaces. I got to sit with Mark for church services. We all had a late dinner at Taco John's. Girls in bed by 8:15 p.m. Time for me to get a quick workout in. Time to relax on the couch and blog!

To most everyone its a collection of little, insignificant things. To me its a wonderful combination of things that make up all of these special days that I get to share with my girls. I realize at times these days are all so similar they run together but I wouldn't trade a single, solitary 'little thing' for all the big things in the world.

With gratitude,

With gratitude

Thankfulness Challenge Day 9.

The weather. I live in North Dakota. That means its cold. Often cold. Especially in November. In fact, I remember more than one Halloween that included trick-or-treating with snow on the ground. Well this fall has been glorious. We've had lots of sunshine and warm (at least for ND) temperatures.

Today was beautiful. I'm thankful for that.

With gratitude,

With gratitude

Thankfulness Challenge Day 8.

Today its simple. I'm thankful for health. I've been doing some work lately on my health. Just trying to get back into exercising more regularly. You'll be happy to know I just got off the treadmill! I'm also trying to eat more healthfully. I'm sure I'll always be working on that one but I'll do what I can.

Drink lots of water. Take my vitamins. Get enough sleep (is that humanly possible?!?!?!!!). Eat fruits and vegetables. Exercise. Work hard. Play hard. Do what you can to enjoy a long, long life!

What are you doing to be more healthy?

With gratitude,

With gratitude

Thankfulness Challenge Day 7.

Spring forward, fall back. Yeah! Today we got to fall back. I am thankful to be 'gaining' an hour today. Hopefully my girls will decide sleeping in sounds good. We could all use a little extra sleep. Regardless it will be a nice long day of relaxation and hopefully a couple of projects to get me feeling a bit more caught up.

All my thinking about time made me think of clocks. I've been keeping my eyes open for neat clocks lately. I think a big, over sized one would be fun for our fireplace at the lake. I also seem to be noticing clocks and displays of them in more places. I'm sure its just because I've been looking for one. Anyway, this clock is at Pier One Imports. On another store shelf they had the best display of clocks, all sizes and shapes. They'd be great on a mantle somewhere.

Can't you just picture this up high on a fireplace? The only thing is changing a dead battery might not be much fun...

What will you do with your 'extra hour' today? Make it count!

With gratitude,

With gratitude

Thankfulness Challenge Day 6.

If you grew up anywhere near where I did you have probably been to, heard of or watched a game of Fighting Sioux hockey. I was lucky enough to grow up attending many, many of their games. I remember going when I was little enough to be lifted up on my dad's shoulders when the team scored to cheer with the crowd. I have very fond memories of games sitting next to my grandpa. He was always there and usually ate some popcorn as I recall. Our family traveled to watch the team a few times. We all have great memories of a trip to Milwaukee and a national championship. My dad even made a mad dash downstairs at the end of the game to get us championship t-shirts. My first date with Mr. M took us to a game. I happened to have a job that got me involved in the grand opening of perhaps the most wonderful college hockey arena in the country. Now I get to take two little girls to games and they get to eat popcorn with their grandpa (usually followed by ice cream which has become a 1st period break tradition).

Miss A loves the games and has been going since she was still in an infant carrier. This year she is actually starting to pick up the game. She notices the score for reasons other than fireworks! Miss K has gone since she was teeny tiny as well. She however is still excited to return to "Sioux hockey" because there are fireworks and she gets treats.

No matter what its been a great blessing in our lives and we've enjoyed many hours of entertainment (lots happy and some disappointing) at Sioux hockey games.

Go Sioux!

With gratitude,

With gratitude

Thankfulness Challenge Day #5

Today and everyday I'm thankful for family, friends, community and all the amazing people in my life. I've recognized for a long time that I live in a wonderful place. There have been many times along the way when people have needed help and others have been there to do what was needed. I know there are places where this doesn't happen.

This fall it was our turn to be on the receiving end. I've written about it before. Click here to read.

I'm thankful for all of those involved in helping us but also those to help others each and every day. I hope I am able to find ways both big and small to help others and pay it forward. Let's all try to do the same.

With gratitude,