Thankful Thursday

I got an idea, Thankful Thursday! A friend of mine blogs, Not Me Monday and Wordless Wednesday. Go Erin! I've tried to play along, but nothing comes out. I've had some wonderful things happen to me in my time of grief. I am thankful, so thankful! ONE, I am still so blessed and TWO that I'm still able to see, hear, taste, and feel the blessings!!!

So its Thankful Thursday! Let's give thanks! (Oh. I must add Russ and my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving...BTW it's always on a Thursday too!)

1. Walking with the kids on Monday. Our plan was to scope out the yard where I picked my wedding bouquet, and pick a couple for my Anniversary. All the flowers were a little chilly from the snow, so we just enjoy the pond and rock garden. We saw tad-polls!

2. Lillian is so honest and pure at heart. We were talking about our anniversary, March 3 2001. They wanted to know all the ins and outs of the day. It was a nice chat. Lillian ended it with, "Mom, I want you to have another husband." I giggled "Oh really, why?" She answered "Cause you don't have one here, on earth." I told her I'd think about it, but I enjoyed just being with them for now. She is so precious, she just wants her momma to be happy.

3. Isaac held my hand for a long time. I love his hands and his quiet nature. As well as, how he answers EVERYTHING with..."Mmm fine, Mmm kay, Mmm sure..." What a man.

4. I'm thankful for my marriage with Russell. It was not perfect, but it was the REAL DEAL. He made me talk so much, about things I just wanted to ignore or blow off. We made each other laugh from the get go, and kept it going until the end. He made our family think about others and try to help whenever we could. Changing tires for older ladies, buying pizza for cops on Christmas Eve, and stopping to thank soldiers whenever they'd pass. He is just a loving, sweet, caring spirit. I'm so thankful I had the little time I did to celebrate life with you, sugar bear. My eyes and heart are open wide. Happy Anniversary!

5. For my ladies! For thinking of me, praying for me, watching my children, sending food, and loving on me. As well as filling me up with laughter on my anniversary. I really am blessed to have such wonderful women in my life. My mom is the best one of all, sorry girls. M'Kay!

6. For little signs and wonders that let me know He and Russ are around. The hawk I saw while I was listening to his music for the first time after his passing! He could spot a hawk from 200 yards; once we saw one fly down and pick up a rabbit...no lie. It was NUTS! The earth-angels that surprise me in Kroger!! Thank YOU!

7. For my little friend Esther, she melted my heart the other night. "It's Marah! Hey Marah!" We read a book and snuggled for a few. She is precious and helped me to re-think my name for my grandchildren, from SamBam to Marah. Is that the BEST or what!?!

8. Speaking of Esther, I'm thankful for my study of the book Esther. It came along at a great time. God's will during a time of crisis and following Him. PLUS...The time to read! My two new books I can't wait to dig into as well...Sacred Romance by Curtis & Eldredge and Sex God by Rob Bell. It's not what you think. (He he he ;))

9. For laughter. I can still laugh and take every chance to do so!!! Mom and Woody are funny. Now that we are "roomies" the on-goings of their everyday here and there are hilarious. It's nice to be around them during this time; they listen, cry, and help me to laugh a lot. Life, it is what it is. LAUGH.

10. Spring! Yeah, the snow was great and all, but I'm ready for spring. Warmth, flowers, festivals, and grilling out with my babies. (It was one of their FAVORITE things to do with Russ. "Dad, Are we grilling out? SWEET!")
I'm ready to find a home and take advantage of my SWEET gift-card to Home Depot! Flowers, plants, or....TOOLS!! Can't wait to build a home full of love.

Thanks for sharing in my Thankful Thursday. Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give a thanks full of cheer, He loves a cheerful giver. He IS.