Happy Thanksgiving!

The whole month of November, I have been reading the lists of things that others are thankful for this year. There are so many things that we all are blessed to have- family, home, health, a job...  While I love reading these lists, I resisted making my own because everything seemed so redundant to what had already been said.  So I decided that I would use my blog on Thanksgiving day to share some 'unique' things I am thankful for.  These things may seem minor, silly, or petty to some, but in the past 3 years, I have learned that there are many things that we take for granted until they are no longer there... You will not find family, home, health, work listed in a general sense, even though I am incredibly blessed to have all of these!  I also did not specifically name God, however, since I believe He created all that is good and gave me these blessings, He will also know that I credit Him for my blessings.  After all, He made me and if He can't figure me out then no one will!!

Here are my Top Ten Thankful Thoughts (in no specific order)...

1.  I am thankful that I grew up in a home where people argued A LOT!  I learned to say my piece, listen to others who had different viewpoints, and forgive.  I learned that even though boys are bigger and stronger, that doesn't always work in their favor and a girl with quick wits can hold her own.  I also learned that it's next to impossible to be more stubborn than two German/American parents...

2.  I am thankful I grew up on a farm.  I tested my limits doing insanely crazy dangerous things, developed a deep seeded love of nature and solitude, learned that sometimes no matter how much you try and want an animal to live they don't, and that life goes on in spite of it.  This was also when I learned that sometimes Daddies cry too.

3.  I am thankful for coffee and chocolate, simply because I REALLY like both of them and they are a more socially acceptable form of 'drug' than a bottle of wine...especially at work...

4.  I am thankful for paper crafting and all the supplies that go with it!  While I can't say it's 'cheap' therapy in my case, it is still a wonderful way to unwind and destress! Plus there is the bonus of making others happy too!

5.  I am thankful for a husband who is not afraid to argue with me (Are you seeing a trend here? Maybe I should have been an attorney...)  It keeps me grounded and humble to know that despite my best efforts, I am NOT always right.  Of course, he has A LOT to learn about my required supply for paper crafting...

6.  I am thankful that sometimes when I have big plans to do a lot of outdoor work, or run errands, a huge rainstorm or snowstorm occurs and forces me to spend the day inside instead.  This also applies to days that I have grand plans to work indoors, and the glorious weather beckons me to go out and play.  Sometimes we have the most fun just going with the flow of nature...

7.  I am thankful for a sense of humor, and a rather warped one at that.  Especially when life is at it's darkest and the most ridiculous thing strikes me as humorous.  Of course, I would be even more thankful if everyone shared this trait instead of looking at me like I've lost my mind...  I am also thrilled that most young children share this talent.  It makes my job so much more enjoyable!!

8.  I am thankful for a handful of family and friends that REALLY get me.  I'm not talking about just love me, but truly understand my screwy thought processes and embrace all the oddness that is me.

9.  I am thankful for the following TV shows- Once Upon a Time because it has guaranteed a block of 'girls time' every Sunday night while DH watches The Walking Dead in the other room, Warehouse Thirteen and the lengthy discussions DD#1 and I have about the characters and artifacts, and The Big Bang Theory because it is REALLY FUNNY!

10.  I am thankful for my Mom's AWESOME dressing that she makes every year.  Not only does she make a huge roaster full for the big family dinner, but she also makes a smaller pan to be baked on our private Girls Cookie Day.  While my sisters and I have helped make it and have the recipe, there is nothing like Mom's...

As I made my list, I realized that I could have easily turned this into a mini series!  Perhaps one day I will start that Favorite Things scrapbook I have been planning for two years..

I hope all of my US friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving and find time to reflect on the little things that make us so blessed every day.  And to all my 'worldly' friends... I know it's not technically Thanksgiving for you, but I am counting you among my blessings today as well!  Have a wonderful weekend!!