Saturday, November 21, 2009

Birthdays

Today I'm thankful for birthdays.

It's fun to receive gifts, but it's even more fun to give them!

So, in honor of my special day today, I will be giving one lucky commenter a $42 Starbux giftcard. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post sometime today, November 21st, and tell me a favorite birthday gift you've received.

There's a catch, though. The offer is good only if there are at least 42 comments. Better get busy and spread the word!

And happy birthday if it's YOUR special day, too!

Friday, November 20, 2009

My Hard-working Husband

Today I'm thankful for my hard-working husband.

He does so much for us, and has so many "irons in the fire" in order to provide for us. I could never say "thank you" enough for the joy and privilege of being able to stay home, raise and homeschool the kids, and just be a homemaker.

As hard as the harvest season is on me (and this year has been especially tough - believe me!), it's hard on him, too. He texted me today and said, "I feel bad, working such long hours when I know you're at home, hurting. I wish I could just come home." But he can't. I know that, and I'll be fine.

Just gimme a month.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Chocolate

Today I'm thankful for chocolate.

It doesn't take much to get me through the day - just one little Dove Dark.

Or two. =)

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

My Wedding Rings

Today I'm thankful for my wedding rings.

They're very simple. My engagement ring is a 1/2 carat marquis-cut solitaire set in gold, and my wedding band is a thin gold band.

Nothing fancy.

But they mean the world to me!

They say to anyone who notices them that I've found the love of my life and that I'm committed to him "until death do us part."

I am blessed!

My Hairdresser

Today I'm thankful for my hairdresser.

Many years ago, a friend and I decided to get our virgin hair highlighted at a local beauty school. We had lunch, then were off for what we hoped would be an awesome adventure. Hers turned out great! Mine, not so much. In fact, I left in tears! I spent several hours in the chair the next day, letting them add my own color back in, and trying to fix things.

I never went back after that. Can you blame me?

Months later, after asking another friend where she went, I made an appointment with what would be my new best friend, Marsha. Several years later, I asked her this question: "If you could do anything you wanted to my hair to spice it up, what would you do?" I assumed she'd recommend a new length or a new cut. But she said she'd add some highlights. The thought made my knees shake!

I knew I had to trust her, so the next month I let her do her thing. I told her I didn't want anything drastic and suggested she very slooooowly ease me into it - and she did. That night at supper, my family didn't even notice! A few months later, she did a little more, and I absolutely loved it!

I get my hair cut every five weeks, and have it highlighted every three months. I've tried varying the colors ever so slightly from time to time, and there hasn't been anything I've not liked.

Besides getting the colors just right, Marsha does an excellent job in the cutting and styling department as well! It's so fun to go to a nice salon, be treated to a mini head massage during my shampoo, and then watch while she creates magic with my hair!

Love it - and am so thankful for my hairdresser/friend!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Fall

Today I'm thankful for Fall.

It's my favorite season. If you want to know why, you can read my Top 10 List that I wrote a few weeks ago.

I would have to add Caramel Macchiato and Gingerbread creamers to the list of hot drinks, as well as hot caramel apple cider. Girls - it's delish!

Also, a few weeks ago I hosted a Scentsy party and got some fabulous items in return - a few warmers, a few plug-ins, and dozens of yummy-smelling wax bars! My favorites so far are Baked Apple Pie, Honey Pear Cider, Mocha Doodle, Coffee Shop and Perfectly Pomegranate. I'm sure I'll love all the rest, too!

So, just had to update the list a little!

Restful Sundays

Today I'm thankful for restful Sundays.

After I cleaned house Saturday (with some help from my girls) and got most of the laundry done, I was able to relax and enjoy the day yesterday!

We planned to watch the Steelers game, but the CBS folks WRONGLY presumed that all midwesterners would rather watch the Vikings game! So that instantly added three hours to the day! (Turns out they ended up losing, so it was probably better that we didn't watch.)

I finished reading "Emma" and moved on to "Northanger Abbey". I also made a cake with Gary, frosting with Suzanne, and Bagel Bites for an afternoon snack.

It was only yesterday, but I can't remember what else I did (besides crawling into bed at 9:20)! That's what turning 40 does to you I guess!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Saturday's Jobs

After looking at these photos, you'll see why I'm praying for motivation today!




I don't mind showing you the laundry and dishes stacked up. But the accumulation of dust on my dining room table? Completely embarrassing! I choose to blame it on too much carpet!

Motivation

Today I'm thankful for motivation.

Sounds weird, huh? I totally agree!

In order for me to really be able to rest and relax and enjoy the Sabbath tomorrow, I need to prepare for it all week. Usually I do a little bit around the house every day, and a quick tidy is all that's necessary on Saturday. But this week I haven't done much. Which I why I'm thankful for the extra motivation I have this morning to tackle all the tasks I've been so neglectful of!

The plan involves lots of laundry, some vacuuming and dusting, some garbage removal and at least a plan for Sunday dinner.

I'm praying it all gets done.

It should, if I keep my eyes on the prize - a restful day tomorrow with my family!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Makeup

Today I'm thankful for makeup.

I don't wear much, but I'm thankful that it was created, and that I have the option to wear it. My daily regimen is pretty simple and takes about 5 minutes: tinted foundation powder, eyeliner, mascara, blush and little lipstick or colored gloss.

Okay, that sounds like a lot but it really isn't.

Okay, it is, but it doesn't feel heavy. Yeah - that's what I wanted to say.

Many women wear TOO MUCH makeup, and upon closer inspection it appears as if they'd have to chisel it off at night! (Those of you in this camp, tone it down!) On the other hand, many women wear NONE, and they really should! I mean, if the barn needs painting, paint it! (Those of you in this camp, try it - even just a little bit! If you have curtains on your windows in your home, it shows you do care!)

Sorry - that sounded more like a chastisement post than a thankful post, but I'm just trying to keep it real.

Yay for makeup!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Texting

Today I'm thankful for cell phone texting.

My cell phone - it's certainly not the latest, greatest model, but it has an unlimited texting plan and it does the job for me. Maybe somebody has plans to get me a new one for my birthday? Maybe? Hoping! =)

Texting is a quick, easy way for me to stay in touch with my family. I text with my parents from time to time, even though they prefer the good, old-fashiond telephone. I text with Gary many times during the day while he's busy farming. I text with my son most days, just to keep in touch and see how / what he's doing. I text with my cousin, Karolee, in Montana several times a week when one of us is bored. And I just now got a text from Gary saying not to wait up for him - he'll be late tonight.

Another fairly new way of communicating with loved ones - love it!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

God's Provision

Today I'm thankful for God's provision.

Today is the six-month "anniversary" (and I use that term loosely) of the fire on our farm (which I wrote about HERE). It was a very surreal day and one I hope never, ever to repeat.

Re-reading the post I wrote about it left me in tears. I guess a slight twinge of sadness and loss over the whole thing still remains. But mostly the tears are because of the many ways that God has been providing for us since then, financially. In a year that's fallen through the floor for alot of people, He's been there for us time and time again.

God is good and I'm forever grateful!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Music

Today I'm thankful for music.

It sort of ties in with my post from yesterday about the piano. Sort of. But not really.

For me, playing the piano is more about getting things right - the notes, the style, the timing, the dynamics - than it is about focusing on the words. But listening to music stirs up all kinds of things in people, good AND bad. It can be a very overwhelming experience!

Take this song, for instance. The first time I heard it (in front of my computer), I was in tears. It just stirred my soul as I thought about the awesomeness of God. Grab a Kleenex, mute the music at the bottom, and take a listen.

(Sorry about the Spanish subtitles.)

Monday, November 9, 2009

My Piano

Today I'm thankful for my piano.

These days, that instrument brings me nothing but pleasure. I wouldn't have been able to say that during my growing-up years though, when I was taking lessons and made to practice.

But now, I love to play and am so thankful I stuck with it! Depending on the music I choose, it can be either relaxing or challenging for me. I haven't worked my way through a difficult piece in awhile, but will have to keep an eye open for something new to muddle through.

Can any of you piano players out there recommend something?

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Peace and Quiet

Today I'm thankful for peace and quiet.

We've had a shingling crew working at our house. Need I say more?

Yesterday I was bound and determined not to move from my favorite spot - the family room couch. Even though the guys had their radio turned on fairly loudly, sitting right above me on the family room roof, I was determined. First I heard country music, then it sounded like what could possibly be a football game. Yep - football alright. The minute I wondered who was playing, they cranked it up so I could hear my beloved Iowa Hawkeyes! Now, I'd rather watch it on TV, but they made it possible for me to hear the announcer's play-by-play coverage of the entire game without me ever having to leave the couch! Wasn't that so nice of them?

So no noise today - a most welcome reprieve!