We are home for the holidays and having a super time- As always I’m feeling grateful- but on a different level. So happy to be home with family and friends.
Monday’s bits of gratitude.
1- Phone call love from family in other places. ♥
2- That I can sleep as well in my bed here as well as I can in the one at home in Holland.
3- Coupon Codes for free movies.
4- Cajun boiled Alaskan king crab made by diddy. YUM
5- Great customer service from Jessica- at Best Buy in Mobile.
Since the last time we were here- Mom and diddy have a new pastor at their church and I’m looking forward to meeting them on Wednesday night. I’ve heard great things about them, and they are really making big changes and progress is happening. They’re getting ready to build a new sanctuary- and who knows, before long they may need to look for church buses for sale for programs and events that they attend. Love seeing this kind of progress and growth.
I know- you may have wondered what’s been happening to my gratitude posts- or if I’m even still living a life of gratitude, but to answer your question- yes, I am! I’m posting daily to my Facebook, since that’s where I spend most of my online time- and it’s good to see it from time to time throughout the day.
In addition, you never know when you may bless the life of someone else simply by sharing- so it’s a double dose of goodness. In giving- you not only bless the person you’re giving to, but you also bless yourself!
So without further verbage on my part-
Friday’s bits of gratitude:
1- The beauty of a flock of birds flying around outside in unison- It’s completely mesmerizing.
2- The angels that walk among us each and every day.
3- The ‘stroopwaffel’ guy at the market- who was thrilled that his waffels were once again going ‘global’ – so he tossed in a free one just because..
4- Learning from what doesn’t work and letting go.
5- Hindsight and the realization that it’s never too late to learn.
In addition to packing and prepping our home for our upcoming vacation- I’ve been spending some time perusing the Internet looking for Christmas gift ideas- and making a list (I haven’t checked it twice, yet!) of what I want to buy for whom. I’ve also come across some great cushion deals, which have been a source of inspiration for some decorating ideas I’ve got brewing.
I’m excited-and it hit me today just how excited I am. Lots to get done in the time between now and our travels, but I’m looking forward to every moment.
I’m counting down- to many things- Black Friday- Thanksgiving- Christmas- our trip home for the holidays. That’s last on the list- but certainly not the least thought of. In fact- it’s on the forefront of my mind as I’ve been packing and arranging the past days getting everything ready for the trip.
It’s going to be different this year- People I’ve enjoyed seeing in the past, I won’t see this trip- and in some ways I feel a tinge of sadness about it- but I know the importance of letting people walk away when they want to go. I am not one to look back, nor am I one to conform myself to be manipulated just to suit someone elses desire of what I should and shouldn’t be doing. I accept people for who they are- and if they can’t reciprocate- that’s A-OK with me!
This change is not a bad thing- it’s just a different thing. There are family members who I hoped to see and spend some time with that have passed away, but I know that things are as they are supposed to be- I embrace that and know that the time spent with everyone else will be extra sweet.
Counting down til lift-off and I can’t wait.
This has been a year of blessings for so many people that I know. My brother has started a new life and is happier than I’ve seen him in .. well, ever. He has a new home- complete with boston bedroom furniture and other gorgeous furnishings- plus good things are happening all around him.
I also feel blessed. My business is doing well, and I have many great plans for the new year, which will hopefully allow it to expand and grow even more. I don’t take any of it for granted- I’m grateful. Not just for the month of November- but every day.
What about you-What are you grateful for?
I’ll admit it- I’ve been reading the Black Friday ads for a few days now. I’ll also admit that I haven’t found anything that I don’t think I can live without- but I’m still holding out hope and looking forward to some fun shopping with family. I did see where Target is going to open at 9 on Thanksgiving night and I’m seriously thinking a trip may be in order- but we’ll see how it all plays out. I know our plan is to be up bright and early Friday morning and make a day of it. Fun day in the making for sure.. I’m just crossing my fingers and toes for some ‘can’t live without’ deals- and lots of sunshine!
Marcel made a mention a while back that maybe it was time that we both started thinking about new computers. Of course- little does he know, but I’ve already been looking at ultrabook devices for him- and have a couple that I’m considering. Since we both use our computers for entirely different things- (Me for work- and him more for play), I figured his would make a good Christmas gift- and I could always get something for myself in the new year.
I know that Christmas is still a little while away, but I’m hoping to have a list of all the gifts I need to buy by the time we arrive home for the holidays- and that way all I need to do is buy. It sure makes life easier.
It has been a while since I shared a photo of Mister M. in this space- so I thought it was about time.
This was him earlier today and when I look at him- I can’t believe that he’s 7 years old. SEVEN! It seems like yesterday we were visiting him after his birth and picking him up to bring him home to live. Now here we are- seven years later and I often wonder where the time has gone.
I’ve been thinking a lot about time lately- Yesterday I celebrated my ten year anniversary in the place I now call home. It’s been one of ups and downs- but a lot of learning and growing not only about myself, but about others.
Some of those life-lessons have been painful, but after walking through them- I have come out on the otherside with something valuable to apply to my life and to help me in this journey along the way. I’ve felt alone here at certain times throughout that ten years- but now I’m surrounded by a wonderful group of people that I adore and who I’m happy to have as a part of my inner circle and to call my family.
Along this ten year journey- I’ve learned so much and in that process it has meant letting go- and learning that when I hold on to something that I should be letting go of- it keeps other doors from opening and other blessings from happening within my life.
It reminds me of something I heard T.D. Jakes say in a sermon recently- “When people walk away from you- let them go.” I’ve embraced that- and have done some walking myself. And you know what? It hasn’t been without pain, but there is always a rainbow after the rain.
That could be the name of a song couldn’t it? I guess that popped into my mind when I typed the title because one of 3 Doors Down’s album was called 17 Days. It was also pretty great- but then I guess you could say I’m biased since they are from my home town.
The reality is 19 days is the time left before we head home for the holidays and I am EXCITED! I know- imagine that! I still have a lot to get done here before we head out- but once I am past this weekend’s cupcake madness- I should be home free with more time to get things done.
We’re already making plans and setting up little gatherings- and I can’t wait to see everyone and spend time with them. I’m looking forward to having coffee in the morning and watching the sun rise over the field- and hanging out with my brother, plus getting to know his girlfriend, whom I already really like! SO much to look forward to- 19 days and counting!
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