#GiveThanks

Last week I accepted a challenge to share a gratitude journal on social media, leading up to Thanksgiving. It's been really fun to see the #GiveThanks posts from my friends on FaceBook. I've enjoyed the stories and thoughts and good news. Here's my week in review. I didn't highlight ALL of my blessings, rather this is a random sample.

Day 1: So thankful for our oldest. He doesn't make a lot of noise or get a lot of recognition, so today for just a minute I need to share. He is smart and kind and hardworking. And he did really well on the SAT recently.

photo credit Rachel Lacy

Day 2: Thankful today for a handful of things: love this son of ours, love that he's been safe learning to drive, and love that I have a car. This might sound silly, but I do a lot of driving. This season of life would be impossible if I had to walk or ride a bike or take a bus to all the places. And I love that flag flying in the background.

Day 3: Remember when a phone was just for talking? Don't laugh, but today I'm thankful for my phone because it does other stuff too: camera, maps, safari, library, email, kindergarten check-in, etc. I love all the ways to stay connected to my people.

Day 4: One of the things I miss most about Utah is the 7 minute drive to my sister's house. I'm thankful today for her enduring friendship through the years. She's been there for me during some of the lowest valleys. Thankful for stuff like FaceTime and MarcoPolo. But mainly thankful that God gave me a little sister with sunshine in her heart.

photo credit Lori Fleisher, it's a photo of a photo since I couldn't find the file.

Day 5: Thankful today for happy feet. My feet take me everywhere. Last winter I had plantar fasciitis and it took MONTHS for my right foot to heal. The healing process took a lot of work, time and effort on my part. But I'm amazed at the body's ability to regenerate and grow and recover. Now when I stand up I don't shuffle or have pain anymore. I love walking. It keeps me sane.

Day 6: Thankful today for my tongue. Don't laugh. I like to eat, I like to speak, I like to sing. These things make me happy. I do them every day.

Day 7: Like flowers in winter, today I'm thankful for my village, for the dozens of women who have helped me raise and teach my children. I'm thankful for YOU my friends, for the stroller mommies who make time to talk at the park; for the teachers with their wisdom and patience; for my neighbors who have mentored and loved me and my littles. I love you and am grateful for you, and for friendship.

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Notes for my sister