A Month of Thanks: Day 29

It's impossible to read this story to my little one without getting quite teary.  The best way to end this month of thanks is to begin the Advent season remembering why it is and to Whom we are thankful.  Luke 2.  Go read it and remember.

A Month of Thanks: Day 28

I love having some green, growing plants in the house in the winter months.  They make it seem more like winter.  My parents have nearly an entire nursery that they move in each year as the weather gets cooler and days become shorter.  My grandmother did as well, so I guess it's only natural for this "moving of the greens" to be a comfort for me.  I think I'm one of those rare people who prefer the cold. I guess you could say I have SAD in the Spring and Summer, for once the cool weather gets here I breathe a sigh of relief...and bring in my plants.  

A Month of Thanks: Day 27

Today, I am thankful for friends who have blessed us so much.  Dear church family, we are so thankful you allowed us to serve you.

A Month of Thanks: Day 26

This is the first Christmas that Little Man has been able to help decorate.  He absolutely loved picking places on the tree for his plastic, shatter proof ornaments.  I can't wait to see his face as packages begin to be placed underneath. 

A Month of Thanks: Day 25

I'm glad no one told him Thanksgiving is over.

A Month of Thanks: Day 24

I'm thankful for a home that shows a good time was had by all.

A Month of Thanks: Day 23

I'm not only thankful for but blessed by the story these pictures tell.  Two silly boys who love each other.

A Month of Thanks: Day 22

Ah, the canvas bin.  I have several of these in the house.  And baskets.  And boxes.  They are amazing.   Bless the one who invented them.  They keep my house and life organized and clutter free.  And that a happy mama makes.  

A Month of Thanks: Day 21

I'm thankful for the opportunity to have a house full of family this week.  It's a lovely chance for us to all get together to eat, catch up, and reminisce.

A Month of Thanks: Day 20

Today, I am thankful for this oddity of nature younger brother of mine.  Sometimes funny, most of the time a friend, and always someone I can call at 6:00 in the morning for that book title I just can't remember, he is the best little brother a girl could ask for.  Unless of course, you're asking my mom who has three little brothers from whom to pick.  Oh, and my child has a major obsession with all photos of "Uncle Cool."  So, Matthew, enjoy this day of thanks for you.  Perhaps this will be the start of your very own national holiday.

A Month of Thanks: Day 19

I'm thankful that this pot of tomatoes became several of these:

Jars of delicious pizza sauce.

A Month of Thanks: Day 18

I'm thankful for the opportunity to craft for the Advent Season.

A Month of Thanks: Day 17

I'm thankful that this beautiful tree is our yard.

A Month of Thanks: Day 16

I'm thankful for a little boy who doesn't mind helping me finish a brownie.

A Month of Thanks: Day 15

Today, I am thankful for a little boy who just keeps getting cuter and cuter.  Or, perhaps I should say, goofier and goofier.

A Month of Thanks: Day 14

I'm thankful for parents who instilled in me an early love of books and education.  This has provided for me opportunities and experiences that many others never have.

A Month of Thanks: Day 13

As petty as it may sound, I am thankful for good hair days.  Even a stay-at-home mom likes to look nice every now and then.

A Month of Thanks: Day 12

I'm thankful for a wonderful husband.  He is a great leader with strong faith and an amazing father.

He can also be pretty fun.

A Month of Thanks: Day 11

I am thankful for a busy, busy little boy.  This means he is happy and healthy and growing.

A Month of Thanks: Day 10

Robert Lee Cook, Sr.  WWI

Robert Lee Cook, Jr. WWII

 Raymond Gilliam  WWII

John Franklin Gilliam, Sr.  Korean War

Every day I'm thankful for the men and women in our military who are selfless enough to serve for our country.  Today, I want to recognize these four men:  my great-grandfather Cook, my grandfather Cook, my great-uncle Raymond, and my Pawpaw (grandfather) Gilliam.  Their sacrifice all those years ago has made it possible for us to live the lifestyles we want with freedom.  (I also have the last three men to thank for my son's inherited love of trucks.)  Thank you, veterans, for your service and sacrifice.