Thankful Thursday

I know right?  It's been a long time since I've done a TT post, but I've something on my mind lately that I most definitely should express gratitude for.

I have to be the luckiest and most blessed woman when it comes to daughter-in-laws(daughter-in-love's)

Serious.  When I realized that I would never have daughters of my own, I feared that once my sons got married, we would lose touch since daughters seem to gravitate to their mother's and sons kind of get the leftover time.  I hoped and prayed that whomever my sons married would feel a part of our family, want to be with us and would want a great relationship with me.

I started with a great example with my own mother-in-law.  I've already mentioned that if we were Catholic, she would qualify for sainthood.  A great woman who has raised a successful family with both sons and daughters with spouses who do their best to honor her.  She has always allowed us to be our own family, while making sure we stay connected with Splenda's siblings and his parents.  I have always had a great example.

When Corbin met and began dating his first wife, I wanted to follow that example.  Circumstances were different and I found myself growing to love her, worry about her and we developed a great bond.  Many nights spent talking, laughing and bonding.  I miss her.  I wish that there was more that someone could have done for her.  With some outside perspective and help from someone much more qualified than me, I have finally come to the realization that her demon's were more than a single person on their own could assuage.  So even though there were offers of help, from every direction, she battled something much more than she could fight.  That being said, she really set the bar for me on the kind of relationship I hoped to have with my sons future spouses.  Someone with whom I could bond with, be friends with and could share fun family times together.

Enter Karalee.  Words cannot even describe how much I love her.  I have seen her calming spirit and force at work with every person in my family.  We loved the times she spent with us while Corb was finishing his training.  Watching her unconditionally love Chloee.  Watching how she instantly bonded with her and loved her more than I could imagine anyone loving someone else's daughter.  And yet, never feeling threatened.  She has done everything possible to honor Jill's memory while at the same time allowing Chloee to move forward and enjoy a stable, loving family home.  I see how much she loves my son.  She is the perfect mate for him.  He's not the same person he was two years ago, and while the USMC played a part in that, he really deserves the credit and in part his wife who came into his life at the precisely the right time.  I love that she will text me, or call me, or send a message on FB just to keep in touch.  I especially loves that she will post special pictures of Chloee that clearly shows what a sweet and happy life that lil punkin is now enjoying.

And now, Montana.  What is so fun and unique about this darling is that I have known her most of her life already.  She grew up one street over.  She and Tuffy went to pre-school together and while she was a couple years younger, they attended the same schools and knew all the same people.  I got to know her better through the Young Women's program.  Watched how she developed leadership skills and strengthened her testimony about being a daughter of God.  I watched her at camps be sweet and friendly to the other girls making sure that they felt included. When Tuffy and she started dating, I couldn't have been happier.  Knowing her family, and how solid they are, eased my mind about what she could bring to Tuffy's life.  Watching the two of them together, is like watching two old souls who have known each other forever.  They function together like clockwork, and a Mom couldn't ask for more than her child to be happy.  And she too, sends me texts, or calls, or fb messages.  If she sees something she thinks I would like, she fires it off to me.  Love that she will come and just hang out for awhile and be perfectly comfortable with it

(found this on my fb wall from her this morning - she knew I would love it)

So one can see, that indeed I am a lucky and blessed woman.  I couldn't have asked for better mates for my two sons.  They are exactly who they should be with, and complete them in a way that I feel like God intended couples to complete each other.  They are all still young, but life's experiences have teach each of them in their unique ways, how to be a good spouse.

Sometimes, when I let my mind really think about it, I am excited to see what kind of outstanding woman Luke will choose as his bride.  I anticipate seeing all three boys happily married, starting their families, and becoming their own units, with Splenda and me on the sidelines simply basking in the happiness that good women bring to good men.  I'm not naive enough to believe that they won't have trials, but I am confident that so far, my married sons have chosen wisely, and have by their sides, the person who will see them reach their full potentials. 

The icing on the cake is that I am blessed to have a great relationship with them and have now gained the daughters that I never birthed myself.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for an AWESOME facebook status that I saw yesterday:

If you didn't hear it with your own ears or see it with your own eyes, then don't invent it with your small mind and share it with your big mouth.

'nuff said

PS - My close friend is feeling crappy and having some health issues - if you're the praying kind - can you offer one or two for a stranger that needs them?  He, his wife, and I will be most grateful!!

PSS - thank you Mel xoxoxo !

Thankful Thursday - Yankee's style

Remember when Splenda made me my Yankee room for Christmas?

It seriously is my favorite room in the house.  Every time I walk down the hall, I see it and feel loved.  I think of the HOURS he spent hand painting and touching up, and making sure every picture was hung just perfect......  Makes my head spin really.  I love the LOVE that I feel in and from that room.

For quite a while now, I have had my old yellow cupboard that was mine as a child.  I think I remember my Mom and Dad giving it to me one Christmas when I was very little.  Once I grew out of it, it went to my sisters, and then eventually ended back to me.  It's been sitting in the closet since we did the Yankee room, waiting for me to finish painting it.  I had sanded off the yellow and was ready to paint it to match the room and use it as a special place to display all my Yankee memorabilia as well as my race medals.

Now, with some time on my hands and the desire to do something of value, I dug out the paint, had Home Depot spin it a bit to mix it all up and to work I went.  My final finished product:

Now I realize it doesn't look like much to someone else, but to me, it means a hella lot! 

My childhood play cupboard.

My hard work to sand and paint it.

Every last piece of Yankee memorabilia I have -including my beloved ticket stubs from the once in a lifetime experience I had at the original stadium

Yankee logo stuff that different people gave me, because they know I love them and they were thinking of me.

And, yes - ALL of my race medals.

Thankful for Splenda for creating the room in the first place.

Thankful for the opportunity to see a game at the original stadium before they demolished it.

Thankful for good friends who think of me and pick up a little something here or there with just me in mind.

Thankful for the ability I have to run.  Those medals represent a lot of hard work, pain, joy, and satisfaction.

Thankful for the time I had to put it all together today.

I'm a blessed girl!

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful for a son and daughter-in-love who are so vested in Chloee!  They love her so much and I have never worried LESS about her.  They are great parents and doing a fabulous job!
Kar has more than stepped up to the plate - she has hit a home run and I love her for it and am thankful for BOTH of them!

And I'm thankful for this beautiful little girl - I love her so much and am SO happy to see HER happy!!

(and aren't those pigtails the cutest??)

What are you thankful for today/

Thankful Thursday

I have much to be grateful for today. 

Good friends.  I've said it before and I'll say again, probably until the day I die, but good friends are absolutely invaluable!  FB messages, texts, phone calls. emails......some just to keep in touch, some with words of encouragement, and some with just an "I love you" - all bring me such happiness and fill me with such thankfulness for a life blessed with good people.  I am surrounded by them. I am blessed to have them in my life.  My in real life friends, my virtual friends, my family who are also my friends, every last one of you are important and appreciated.  

My family.  I have the best.  Splenda Daddy is a saint.  My sons are supportive and loving.  Despite a fabrication that has been circulated out there, I did NOT kick Luke out of the house. He moved closer to school and to his job.  I get so frustrated by people who make stuff up.  Who lie about me and my family.  For the record.  He moved because he wanted to and needed to be closer to the things he does.  

My sweet doggies.  Sure Jordan barks a shrill, annoying, want to rip your ears off bark, but she is sweet, obedient and loving.  Jack is a cuddler, smart and loves Chloee.  They are important in our family.  Our litter.  And I love the happiness that they bring all of us.

My son's significant others.  Right now, 'antana is girlfriend status and Karalee is fiancee status, but I love them just the same.  I see how happy they make my boys.  How much they love them.  As a mother, you love anyone who loves your kids.  Both of those girls have a special place in my heart.  And when Luke finds his perfect one - she will nestle right in on in there as well.

My health. Right now I'm injury free.  As I ran a little this morning, I found a good pace that I think I will go for on Saturday for the first race of the season.  My legs feel good.  My cardiovascular is strong and besides some occasional gallbladder pain and a sore neck from a bad pillow last night, I am feeling great.  Strong and ready for the season.  Fingers crossed it lasts this way!

A great attorney.  I can't even believe we have had to retain one (and again - to clear up a fabrication out there, he is NOT charging us 12,000 a month - my goodness!).  He is a good person, who believes in doing the right thing and is doing all in his power to make sure that little people who can't decide things for themselves are protected.  He has made sure that he uses our funds wisely but also does not take shortcuts.  We are blessed to have his counsel, experience and wisdom.

And finally, Chloee.  A Thankful Thursday wouldn't be complete without expressing gratitude for her.  She is an amazing little one who brings happiness to our family and to our home.  I expressed concern a post or two ago about her not wanting to look at pictures of her Mommy.  She has since changed her approach.  On the advice of a professional, we took the framed collage down but left it in her room where she could get it if she wanted to.  Then on her nightstand left a stack of prints without making a big deal about them.  She now looks at the prints, carries them around, asks questions, talks about them and even has slept with them the past two nights.  I take that as a good sign.  I think giving her the control over when she wants to look at them and how, is good for her.   I will be glad to meet with her therapist tonight and get started on things we need to do to to continue to help her, and to work on transitioning her to a life with her Daddy and his new wife Karalee.    We know that it's gonna take time, and I certainly hope that Corb and Kar will take time to be newlyweds and enjoy being together without having a child to care for, so everyone understands that it's not going to be immediate, but there is a great long-term plan in place and I am so grateful for all the wisdom and counsel we have received from so many professionals regarding her and her best interests. 

Wow - what a blessed woman I am.  In spite of all the tough times over the past several weeks.  The frustration, the fear, the anxiety of the unknown, the unfairness of other's actions - it is refreshing to put down all the things that I am feeling thankful for and be reminded of how blessed I am.

So what are you thankful for today?

 

Thankful Thursday

(as always - the beautiful graphic is from her)

I'm thankful for the bucket of love I found on my front porch yesterday morning.

Filled with yummy clementines and CHOCOLATE!

Complete with an anonymous love note.

I suspect one of my beloved young women, and since they are all my friends on FB - I know whomever took the time to show me some extra love will know how much I appreciate it.

I am SO thankful for good friends, old or young - who see an opportunity to serve, lift someone's spirits and brighten another's day.

Now to pay it forward!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for a thoughtful son who saw this at the funeral home, loved it and snapped a photo on his cell phone.

I am thankful that he shared it with me.

I am thankful for the feelings of truth that it stirs in me.

A once, old and tired woman crosses the veil to the other side as a vibrant young woman in her prime headed straight into the outreached arms of her Savior.

I love this.

It makes me feel calm and thankful.

Thankful Thursday - Marine Family Style

I'm spoiled.  I'm blessed.  I'm a lucky, lucky girl.  I'm not worthy!

Some background - The Colonel was supposed to come out for 'dawg's graduation from boot camp.  There ended up being a problem with the plane, no other flights to get him there in time.....long story short - he didn't make it.  It would have been a privilege and an honor to have him there, but we understand that things come up.

His wife - my BFC (best friend cousin) had prepared a package for my family that Colonel was to deliver, but since he wasn't coming, she put it in the mail.

It came Tuesday.  I opened it.  I cried.

 I couldn't BELIEVE all the special swag that she put in there.  Something for every member of our family!

A mother's pin (there is the eagle,globe,anchor logo in the middle); a pin for each of the boys. 'My Brother is a Marine"

Some dog tags and a key chain for Splenda and I

Some window decals for our cars and a Christmas ornament

Some stuffed animals for Sissy.  A Marine bear and "Chesty" the Marine bulldog

The most special was this card.

There is no way I could possibly share what she wrote to our family, but let me say this:  They were the exact right words at the exact right time.  She has been there.  She knows how we feel.  For 28 years with the Colonel and his career with Marine's has given her unique insight and perspective that I desperately need.

I am so blessed to have her in my life.  And all that she gives me.

We've been cousins, friends and confidante's forever.  We have stories from our childhoods, memories and inside jokes that bond us together no matter how many miles separate us and I am SO thankful that I have her to be a part of this journey with me.

I love you BFC!

And THANK YOU!!

xoxoxox

M

Thankful Thursday

It's been awhile since I've done my TT post.  I used to be so faithful at it, but then I don't know what happened.

The past 24 hours have been a challenge.  Won't be posting about it.  Please don't ask.  But it has given me the opportunity to decide whether I am going to wallow in sadness or dry my face and move forward.

I choose to move forward.

With happiness, gratitude, and optimism.

A girl can never have too many besties.  I am thankful for my girls who listen to me even when they don't speak cry-ese and likely don't understand a word that I am wailing saying.

I am thankful for my Splenda Daddy.  Serio - the dude is a solid rock full of wisdom, patience and a calming spirit.

I am thankful for my sons.  I am grateful that we can talk, advise, and comfort one another as adults.  It's kind of nice being on the other end of the mothering spectrum - even though you really never stop being the Mom.

I am thankful for Puffs plus lotion.  If I didn't splurge for that little luxury, my nose would be raw.

So what you are thankful for?

Thankful Thursday - Illustrated style

This has been a CRAPPY week.  Horrible really.  I blame pre-marathon jitters and the lack of the brown bubbly.

But I am DETERMINED to find things to be thankful for!

Cool things that come in the mail.  I ordered this to support HER fundraising - and I absolutely love it!!

I'd be even more thankful everyone would donate a little more to her efforts!

More cool things that come in the mail.  Remember when I did this?  My prize finally came.  I had my choice of choosing a picture from their gallery (but I looked awful in all of them) or submit my own.  How could I not submit this cute one?  Love that Risa Runjah!

Good friends who come out to support a JDRF fundraiser even when it's way before dinner time and a last minute event.

(l-r)  Olivia, Risa, Me, Germ, Roger aka Santa, Frankie, Adam, Tib, Ava, and Amelia

Behind the camera is Jamie.  Naughty girl wouldn't get into the pic!

So much fun!  And even though I am pretty sure we scared Santa and Frankie with our naughtiness (nope no Christmas presents for me), they didn't run away from us when we said goodbye so I will take that as a good sign!

I've decided that I am going to be especially thankful for when it is Saturday at about noon.  I should hopefully be done by then, and relaxing in the shade with a LARGE, icy diet coke in my hand!

Whatchoo thankful for today?  (and if you mention brown bubbles - I am over the ledge)

Thankful Thursday

It's Thursday and I'm Thankful.......

MRI came back with this:

IMPRESSION: Mild stress reaction of the tibia without evidence of fracture.

See that?  NO fracture.  I don't know what stress reaction is, but it's mild.  In my all-knowing wisdom I am going with "shin splint"  And while Doc wants to discuss at length the results with me tomorrow, I am not worried.  He didn't say I couldn't do the marathon.  He DID say to ease off the running for a bit.  No prob.  I can do that!  Me and the stationary bike and the pool can become BFF's for a week if it means I get to tackle the marathon! 

For good news - I am thankful!

For bff's that think of my granddaughter when passing down clothes.  She dropped a couple bags off with cute stuff that will def help Sissy both at my house and her mom's!

For thoughtfulness - I am thankful!

I got a several page letter from the 'dawg yesterday.  Most of it made me cry. I can't wait until Monday to post it.  It is so nice to hear specifics about what he is doing, and what's happening.

For special mail - I am thankful!

For friends.  I have the best.  IRL and URL friends.  The absolute best.  Calls, emails, texts........they get me through the day.  Laughs, cry's, jokes, trouble, 'fight's'..... I love it all

For my best girls everywhere - I am thankful

Wednesday's have become very quiet for me.  Not in the sense of I have less to do.  In fact, quite the opposite.  But the things I am doing are quiet.  I spend 5 hours in the morning in the Temple.  It's calm.  It's peaceful.  Talking is done is hushed tones.  It's so serene.

Then I come home to work.  No chatter of other cubicles.  Noise from people on my floor.  Phones ringing or hallway discussion.  Just my bedroom, my Jordan and the laptop.  It's relaxed.

Then I spend an hour with the most amazing young women and leaders ever.  Just being with them soothes my soul.

For Wednesday's and all it's serenity - I am thankful

This:

I came home from the gym this morning and was enthralled with the beautiful moon.  And while I know that anyone working with the public dreads full moons and all the crazies it brings out (for real) - I absolutely love the view.

For a stunningly full moon overlooking an amazing earth that I am privileged to live on - I am thankful

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

Thankful Thursday

Pretty simple today.  I am thankful that the Mormon Pioneers crossed the plains into the Salt Lake Valley and that someone saw fit to make it a celebration and state holiday.

That means a day off tomorrow.  Parade, family, parties, and fireworks on Saturday.  Prolly some great Pioneer lessons at church on Sunday with great hymns to sing and remember and be grateful.

Did I mention that it's a state holiday and that today is actually my Friday?

Yeah - I bet YOU wished you lived in Utah just for the extra holiday.  NGL - it's pretty sweet and I'm pretty thankful.

Thankful Thursday - Spiritual Edition

Easy friends, gonna head down an emotional and spiritual path.  Prolly will lose a reader or two but hey, them's the breaks.

I have made it no secret that I am a active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Some know us as Mormons.  I've explained some things over the course of different blog posts and you can always click on the link I provide if you want more information.

We are unique in our church is that we have no paid clergy.  Each position is filled with a volunteer whom is called and set apart with a special blessing from God to be able to complete their responsibilities in the church.  Callings rotate based on whom the Lord needs at what time and in what capacity.  We don't seek for callings, we don't petition nor campaign for them.

We also worship in our holiest of all places the Temple.  We have over 50 temples all over the world.  The temple is a place where worthy members can obtain special blessings and ordinances and make covenants with God that we believe are pertinent to progressing in the life after.

Just two nights ago, I was called in to meet with a member of the Jordan River Temple Presidency.  Seems I was recommended to them as one who could fulfill a calling by serving in the temple as an ordinance worker.

It was an amazing and incredible experience, one that is too special to share publicly, but I have never felt God's love for me more than at any other time in my life.  Me.  As His daughter.  Not someones wife, or mother.  But as a daughter of God.

I accepted the calling and many things were explained to me pertaining to the importance and reverence with which I should approach this new line of service.  I am able to keep my same calling in my ward with my YW - this is in addition to it.  It will require some flexibility with my employer and I am praying that it will work out, but in my heart I feel like it will.  I was "set apart" (given a special priesthood blessing) that among other sacred blessings, promised me success if I worked hard.

As I have pondered on it the past couple of days, deciding whether I record this in my public blog or not, I keep having the thoughts and reminders of how much my Heavenly Father loves me.  He isn't looking for perfect people to serve him in special callings.  He just needs and wants simple people who love Him, love His gospel and love other people.  I am that.  I am not the most reverent, spiritual person ever, and when I encounter other workers in the temple, I always have thought that I could never be like them until I was really old and really matured.  And yet again, the thought comes back, that the Lord knows EXACTLY who I am and still sees me fit to serve in this manner.  Right now.  Irreverent, mouthy warts and all.  To me, that is the supreme act of confidence and love.  I couldn't ask for more from my Father in Heaven.  He trusts me.  In spite of my faults, shortcomings, and other lacking areas, He trusts me.  He loves me.

I am SO thankful for that knowledge.  I am thankful for the blessing and opportunity that lies ahead for me to serve in this new capacity.  I am thankful for the faith that my God has in me to do His work.  I am humbled.

And I share these feelings because there is always someone else out there that struggles with feelings of inadequacy.  No matter what religion you may belong to - or no formal religion at all.  We sometimes feel like we don't have much to offer.  Little of value that anyone else would want.  I am here to tell you otherwise.  I don't care what church, mosque, or even front room that you worship in.  God loves you.  He loves you more than you will ever love yourself.  He knows you.  He knows your faults, but he also knows what you are capable of.  If you will love Him back, serve Him and find ways to serve others, the confidence you need will come.  Self esteem will rise.  You will find yourself capable and doing much more than you ever thought you could.  This I know.  I hope you know it to.

Yep - pretty thankful this Thursday. 

xoxoxox
M-Cat

Thankful Thursday and some other crapola, I mean stuff.

It's Thursday.  I'm supposed to list all the stuff I'm thankful for.  FINE.

Let me preface - still feeling a little out of whack.  Or just plain whacked.  Whatever.  I'll come around.  Give me time.  I am going to try hard to be nice though.  And kind.  And grateful.  And not a beast.

Guess what I got in the mail??  WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!!

A gift card to VS

Cause I won on Kado's blog.  CLICK HERE TO CHECK HER OUT

I swear that girl does the best giveaways!  And so where will I be this weekend?  At the mall.  At the VS store.  Buying.......................lotion.  For this I am thankful.

I am also thankful for the Splenda Daddy.  He went golfing today for his work's annual golf tournament.  Last year, he won an ihome that he promptly set up on my side of the bed.  Isn't he the best?  This year, I was hoping that he would win a Mini Cooper S.  Instead, he got a gift certificate to Macaroni Grill.  Dinner out with my boyfriend?  Oh yeah!

I am thankful that every single day, Splenda looks for my perfect Mini.  I had one all picked out, but it was a little more money that he wanted to pay for it.  I can be patient, I really can.  At least I'm trying to.  He keeps looking every single day.   I'm a lucky girl to have such a great Splenda.

I'm thankful that summer is kinda here.  I don't have to wear a sweatshirt to the gym anymore, and most days I can ride my bike or run outside, but I could be done with the rain.  

I'm thankful for race season.  I love this time of the year. I get so amped up looking at my calendar and all the fun events I have registered for.

I'm thankful for good blogging friends who do giveaways that even though I don't need to win, I am gonna pimp out anyway because you NEED this book!  CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

And finally, I am thankful for some really cool people in St George. 

Whatchoo thankful for?

Thankful Thursday

For her:

For a Splenda Daddy who knows I am stressed and freaking out and comes home with these:

I'm a lucky girl.  Who will feel better about noon on Saturday.

Thankful Thursday

Time to express some gratitude....

I am thankful for people who "get" me.  I'm not easy to understand and most often obnoxious and offensive without trying.  I appreciate my friends who still laugh with me and validate me.  You know who you are.  I love you.

My furnace.  It's friggin MAY!  And my furnace is running.  And I am so damn thankful, I can't stand it.  I want to come home, climb into my jammies with some thermals underneath and slink under my covers never to come out again.  The furnace allows me to surface.  Thank you furnace.

I'm so thankful that my boys are done with Little League baseball.  For SO MANY YEARS, we spent this time of year living at the ball park.  Every night.  Cold or not cold.  Cooking burgers, keeping score, yelling at umpires, encouraging my sons.  It was a fun time in our lives and full of memories that will last forever, but I am glad that it's not our season of life anymore.

I am thankful for Jazz tickets for Saturday night!  Gonna go scream my lungs out, trash talk some Laker fans, and hopefully not get Splenda in a fight.   Good times.  Can't wait!

I am thankful that my fam can take a joke.  That we can be sarcastic, funny, witty, and pick at each other, but all know that at the end of the day, we would die on the sword for each other.

I am thankful that my son's divorce papers are finally filed.  They both need to move on with their lives.

And finally..... I'm thankful for certain blogs that allow me to stalk guiltfree.  You know, we all have those in our readers that we love to read, but rarely comment.  You don't know much personally about the author but you like their work.  Whether it be funny or touching or insightful.  You can hit their part of the www world, be entertained and then move on without feeling like you've neglected a dear friend by not leaving a comment.  You know, that one blog that you will likely never meet the author IRL, you just enjoy them fairly anonymously.  Well, I have one that I am going to "come out of the closet" on.  The little office comedy blog called:

Workforced

Ever been there?  He doesn't post every day since he is involved in a lot of other writing thingamajiggies, but when he does?  DUDE IS FUNNY!.  I don't care if you don't work in an office, you will find his take on the corporate world funny and amusing.  If you do work in the office environment, then you will relate on all kinds of levels.  Likely piddling yourself on more than one occasion.  And now that I'm "out" and all, I will have to leave my ninja stealth like skills behind me and comment more.  What do they say?  Be loud, be proud?

Anyhoo...go check him out.  And then let me know just how right I am. 

So that's my list for the week.  How about you?  Thankful for anything in particular?  socks, thumbs, watermelon? ........

Thankful Thursday - late edition

I usually post earlier in the day, but I have been waiting for a particular piece of news so that I could add it to my list.

1.  Brinley went in for testing today.  She's been feeling miserable and the fear of relapse hung heavy.  Earlier this evening I read the news that for now - preliminary results - show no relapse!!  I'm sure her mommy and daddy can actually breathe again.  Of course, need to get to the root of her pain but no relapse is FANTASTIC news.  And I am so thankful for it.

2.  Gym rat friends.  We've become quite the Trifecta and I love it.  I know I can count on these girls every damn morning.  It gives me extra incentive to get up at the butt-crack of dawn.

3.  The ability to run again.  The last couple of weeks, I had a few people ask how my hip was and how I was feeling and I can't even describe what happens in my heart when I can say "I'm great!  Back to normal!"  Planning races or events to add to my calendar just makes me so happy.  I am thankful for a strong body and good health.

4.  My employer.  I know right?  Who is thankful for their boss?  Me.  I just got a 15 year recognition certificate and the chance to order a fun prize.  Me and a coworker got them together since we worked for the same company when it was puchased by our now employer.  I work with a fabulous team of people, I have flexible hours, and I seriously have the best boss in the world.  Even when I screw up ROYALLY and want to throw up out of sheer stress because I blew it, she just calmly expresses her confidence that I'll get it taken care of.  I heart her.  (And no, she doesn't even read my blog - so back off on the kissing arse accusation)

5.  I am thankful for the fact that it's almost May.  Like in 2 days! That means in 31 more days it will be June.  It's warm in June.  It doesn't snow in June.  And then 30 more days it's July.  I love July. I love the holidays, the races and the fireworks.  And then 31 more days after that it's August.  My anniversary, my birthday, MY FAVORITE MONTH!

6.  I am thankful that I have a great relationship with Sissy's mom.  I know lot's of MIL's or MeeMaw's aren't so lucky.  But really, she is open with us, shares Sissy on a regular basis and tries to be a really good mommy.  I never have to worry if I will get to see our little angel or not!

I could go on and on today, but I've been reading about people's blog pet peeves and discovered that long posts are one of them.  I need to stop being so wordy!  : )

Whatchoo thankful for?

Thankful Thursday - A shout out to Linda

I just have to say that I am having a hard time coming up with the right words.

Let me back up and set up the scene.

A week or so ago, a darling new blogger that I have met and fallen in love with Linda of Lindanjake sent me an email mentioning that she had a little something for me and my son and could she get my address.

Well, I'm NEVER one to turn down prizes, and gave her my deets.  I actually then forgot about it for a little while.  Got busy with other things and you know, let it slip that I might have a prizey coming in the mail.

Today, I stepped out to the mailbox inbetween rain showers and, to my delight, found a box addressed to me with a return address of CA.  Linda's name was on it and I immediately got giddy with excitement.

Nothing could have prepared me for when I opened the box and first found this note:

Wha?  Someone thinking of me and my son?  Whenever I get a note or a message like that, I am always taken aback slightly.  Only because I don't ever feel myself interesting enough to think about.  I think the 'ole lack of self esteem creeps in, and my mind doesn't allow me to think that I am worthy of anyone else's thoughts.  So this note started my tear ducts to well up.

I then undid all the bubble wrapping and tissue paper to discover these:

I had unwrapped the saluting Marine bear first and I immediately began to soflty cry while my heart swelled up.

Then when I unwrappe the Marine with his bulldog - I full on Let.It.Out.  Loud weeping.  Tears of happiness, of pride, and of sheer thankfulness.

How is it that a perfect stranger (okay not perfect stranger since we do blog and all), but someone who doesn't even know me IRL, can just be out and about and think of me?  I feel so unworthy of the many gifts, kind words, and thoughtful goodies that come my way.

When the gifts are especially personal, I get all verklempt and overcome with an emotion that is hard to describe.

I feel complete love for my benefactor.  I will humbled that someone would even bother to think of little old me.  Me, who is just a sassy, crassy broad who spends more time offending people than doing kind deeds.  And yet, I am treated so kindly.  So often and by so many others.

What made this package particularly special was the discussion 'dawg and I had earlier in the day.  He was torn between going the the Jazz playoff game and fulfilling his committment to the Marines.  I suppose he could have created an elaborate lie and gotten out of the assignment to make it to the Jazz game, but he had a "come to Jesus" moment with himself.  He reminded himself that being a Marine is what he REALLY wanted to do.  It was going to require sacrifice and he was going to need to get used to giving up things that he wanted for the better good.  I had a proud moment with him today.

This gift this afternoon was the icing on the cake.  And it came at just the right time.  I do not believe in coincidences.

There are not words for me to adequately thank Linda for her thoughtfulness.  Just know that it means the world to me!  I am going to keep the saluting one and 'dawg will take the one one with the Bulldog (since that's his nickname anyway), until he goes to boot camp.  Then it will sit safely on my shelf until he returns.  When he is called for deployment to the wicked desert of Afghanistan or Iraq, it'll come back to my shelf awaiting his safe return.

Linda - thank you.  From the bottom of my heart.  Not just for the darling gifts, but for the mere act of thinking of me.  The message that I am worth someone else's thoughts, does my heart good more than anything else right now.

xoxoxox

M-Cat

Thankful Thursday

(graphic courtesy of a very talented Shark)

I think it's been awhile since I did a Thankful post, and it's definitely about time to show some stinkin gratitude!

Today, I'm thankful for:

The fact that March is half over.  It excites me each day that I get closer to summer.  Closer to running outside, riding my bike and soaking up as much sun as possible.  Yup!  Each day is a day closer to summer!

Drugs.  Okay, let's be specific.  A 3 day Z-pack and some hydrocodone cough syrup.  I am now feeling SO much better, and it's due to these little gems and my wonderful doctor who gives them to me.

A scheduled road trip next week!  San Diego.  'Nuff said.

Our new computer.  It's wicked fast and has some bells and whistles that I immensley enjoy.  I'm also thankful for the tech savvy boys that live in my house and help me do stuff on it.  And for the cool movie they are making of our vacay.  We've come a long way since the days of a polaroid snapshot eh?

Australian Gold sunscreen.  I hunted all over looking for it in an SPF higher than 8 here in the states and just couldn't find it.  However, in Cancun, they had our beloved 30.  They also now have an after tanning extender lotion.  The smell is pure heaven.  It puts me right back on the beach and I can practically feel the sand.  One of the best products EVER!!

Speaking of tanning. I am thankful I have two more free passes for my happy bed.  I know I don't need to be any darker, but I need that bright light and the wicked heat.  Go ahead and judge me.

I'm thankful that these two beauties could have a birthday so close together so we could go to Chef Tom's to celebrate:

Happy BD to MB and BB!!  They are fun to hang with.  Talking about school, boys, whatever! 

Dee-light-ful!

Pretty good list this week, whachoo thankful for?

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful I am going right now for this:

**Still taking questions......