My Thankful Top Ten

Saturday February 5, 2010


I know, I know. Yesterday was Friday’s Fave Five and here I am, listing again. I can’t help it – I love Candra’s idea, especially since she says “You can do it any day of the week.” After having to cull down to five for my favorites on Friday, there’s still a lot of thankfulness going on!

So here’s my Thankful Top 10:

1. Videos on my phone. My oldest son sends videos of Baby Aiden (my sweet grandson) and I get to see and hear him. It’s awesome!

2. An evening out. My hubby suggested we go out for dinner last night, and it was nice just to sit and talk with no distractions – and to be waited on.

3. Interest in my novel. I’m so excited and hopeful, but I’m trying not to get my hopes up. My agent is going to talk it up this week at a big writers conference.

4. Inspiration. I don’t understand it at all, but I love it. How do little ideas just jump into your brain? I do know God plants them there and maybe that’s just part of his mystery. I think back to how I was inspired to write that novel in #3, and it just amazes me.

5. A little grading break. I’m a high school English teacher, and I’ve been grading research paper work like crazy. I have a little break while they work on their rough drafts – then it begins again.

6. A job possibility for my son. It sounds so good…just really hoping and praying on this one.

7. Florida weather. I feel bad for so many of you, but I can’t help but be thankful that the sun is shining here today and it’s oh-so-nice. It's easy to take that for granted here.

8. A pile of good books. I have three or four waiting for me, and little time to read right now. But I love the anticipation!

9. My blog friends. I’m so thankful for you! Just this week, one of my bloggy buddies told another about my book and a nice review was the result. Love it!

10. My dear husband. He works so hard and has such a heart. I love to hear him talk about “my boys.” He’s a definite keeper.

Hope this finds you with lots to be thankful about. If you’d like to join in, visit Candra here to read more about it.

Have a great week ahead!

Thankful Top Ten

Saturday November 20, 2010

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminding myself of my blessings. Here are ten things I’m thankful for.

1. The Mothers of Boys Society. I contribute a post once a month, and mine is up today. Go read more about the foundation gratitude can lay for your children.

2. No school all next week! We usually get Wednesday through Friday off, but this year, we get Monday and Tuesday, too. I’m so excited!

3. The brother bond. Two of my boys are at the same university, and this weekend, one is in play while the other is running the sound for the show. Neat, huh? Wish I were there, but it’s states away.

4. Dressing. I love turkey and dressing, but I might love the dressing more. My granddad always made the dressing and mine is nowhere near as good, but I think of him whenever I enjoy dressing.

5. Blog friends who make me think. I posted about Amy Sullivan and her blog earlier this week. She’s such a blessing.

6. Friday’s Fave Five. I participate in this meme each week, and I’ve made great friends through it. No matter what my week looks like, I find myself seeing the silver lining by the end of the week because of FFF.

7. Some time with my husband in the midst of our busiest season. We’re trying very hard to carve out that time, and it’s working. I’m looking forward to our Saturday night movie night.

8. Fall colors. I love to see them, and I love to wear them! As a redhead, they’re really my colors. After a long South Florida summer, it’s fun to pull out the browns, greens, and rusts.

9. Getting ready for the holidays. I love having something that forces us to get the place spic and span. And I love that my dear hubby is so helpful at times like these.

10. A house of boys. It will be SO good to have them home! Can’t wait!

What about you? Leave a comment and let us know what you’re thankful for.

Linking up with Thankful Thursdays Top Ten – even though it’s Saturday! Go visit Curious Georgi!

Thankful Weekend #2

Saturday November 13, 2010


I keep cultivating that attitude of gratitude, and you know what? It’s showing fruit.

Ten things I’m thankful for this week:

1. An awesome date night last Sunday with my dear hubby. We saw an incredible concert and had dinner out. Lots of fun.

2. The love of dear friends – those with skin on and virtual ones. I’m constantly feeling their love and support.

3. The approaching holidays! I look forward to cooking and a house full of boys!

4. Meeting some sweet moms face-to-face. Today, I sold my book at a Christmas Boutique and I connected with some great moms.

5. Edy’s Peppermint Ice Cream topped with chocolate syrup. Mmmm….A bloggy friend put me onto the peppermint ice cream and I added that touch of chocolate.

6. Boys who are anxious to get home for the holidays. I love that they’re looking forward to it!

7. Friends for my mom. She underwent some minor outpatient surgery this week, and I’m states away. I’m so thankful she has great friends and neighbors who love to help.

8. My boys! In talking to moms today, we commiserated about how hard being a boy mom is. But I still wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m so thankful for them – they’re my “material”!

9. My writer friends. I write with a dear bunch here, the Kindred Heart Writers, and they’re my buddies, my editors, and my prayer support. Also, this weekend, a local author shared his spot with me at the event in #4 and wouldn’t let me share the cost. A blessing.

10. So much I want to say and I’m on #10! The beauty of Scripture, the poetry of the language…it bolsters my spirit and makes me feel as if He has my heart in His hands.

What about you? Leave a comment and let us know what you’re thankful for.

Linking up with Thankful Thursdays Top Ten – even though it’s Saturday! Go visit Curious Georgi!

A Thankful Weekend

Saturday November 6, 2010


How can I pass up an opportunity to write about thankfulness?

It’s so funny – ever since I decided to make this my theme for the month, it’s been ever on my mind.

I sit at a stoplight and think of what I’m thankful for. What a great way to occupy your thoughts – with lists of the good stuff! I love it.

And I do think you have to cultivate that attitude of gratitude. After all, these things have been here all along, but because I’m tending that garden of thanks, its fruit is ever present in my mind.

What about your garden – and your family’s? Are you cultivating thankfulness?

As I’ve pondered my blessings this week, I’ve noticed:

1. My kids – not my own (that’s another blessing), my kids at school. I do love them. Yes, they drive me crazy sometimes, but what a privilege to touch young minds and hearts.

2. Words. I’ve loved them as long as I can remember! Reading reminds me of that.

3. My Creator. This week I’ve been struck by how grateful I am to know the Author of my blessings.

4. Trust. My oldest has an exciting weekend ahead that involves a job prospect. I love that we can trust that no matter what, One greater than us is in control. We can trust that every experience is a step in the journey, and He holds our hand along the way.

5. The joy of eating. That may sound strange, but I’ve had a temporary crown this week which has reminded me that it’s so much fun to eat without one!

6. The ups and downs of life. The ups are great (of course), but the downs have their place. Without rain, how would we see the rainbow?

7. The love of a parent. I met with parents this week in an activity connected to school, and I saw love in their faces – concern for their teens, even anxiety. But the love shone through. I reminded them to always share that love, even if it seems their teens don’t want to hear it.

8. Anticipation. That’s a word I use a lot lately. I’m looking forward these days, not back. And I’m thankful for that perspective.

9. The warm spot by my husband’s side. How I love curling up by him on the couch and sharing an evening!

10. The attitude of gratitude. I’m thankful for November in a way I haven’t really experienced before – all because I’m trying to cultivate thankfulness. So far, the fruit is awesome.

I thought, “Should I post today? No one reads on Saturday.” But you know what? It’s been a great exercise in thankfulness for me!

What about you? When you look around with your grateful glasses on, what do you see?

Linking up with Thankful Thursdays Top Ten – even though it’s Saturday. Go visit Curious Georgi.