Day 7- Money

I know, this sounds greedy and pathetic at the same time, but today was pay day for me, so I just finished paying my first-half-of-the-month bills.  I'm thankful that I have a job that provides me with enough income to pay my bills (on time even!) and still (sometimes... not always) have a little left over!  God always provides what I need, and usually above and beyond.  I'm thankful that I didn't have to wonder where the money was going to come from to pay my bills this month, and I realize that not everyone has the same luxury.  I also realize that at any moment God could take away this luxury, and I could find myself without a job.  I suppose I should have actually said "Day 7- A Job," but that would put too much emphasis on the job (and probably give the false impression that I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job... which I don't... I just usually ENJOY my job.  Not the same thing).

Numbers 8 & 10

Two posts in one day!  I know... ridiculous! Do I expect you to read both of my posts today? Not really. Do I want you to?  Obviously, or I wouldn't have posted it!

On Saturday, I scratched two more things off my bucket list:

#8- Eat a meal at the Bravo! Cucina Italiana (the Italian restaurant out at Jordan Creek)

#10- Buy something worth wearing in a bright, bold yellow.

Helen and I had a sister date day on Saturday.  We started out at Jordan Creek with the intent to start our Christmas shopping.  She bought nothing at JCM; I bought four shirts for less than $20 total, one of which was a bright AWESOME yellow sweatshirt!

We took an early afternoon break for lunch at the Bravo! which was YUMMY!!!  I was expecting outrageous prices, but it was actually comparable to Olive Garden.  We split an order of grilled chicken pesto spaghetti, and we both walked away MORE than full, for a total of $15.  Score!

After we waddled away from lunch, we hit Old Navy, and then proceeded on to Valley West Mall.  Once again, Helen bought nothing, and this time I joined her.  We did, however, have a marvelous time exploring the fantastic kids store!  So many cool things from our childhood- puppets, paper dolls, and color forms!  So much fun!

Then Helen finally bought something when we got back to Ankeny! She bought the makings for several Christmas presents, which are gonna be FABULOUS!  We then returned to my house for pizza and a movie.

It was a great day, and probably one of the last sister dates we'll have before she leaves in January to go to Cedarville (in Ohio).  I'm gonna miss her like crazy, but memories like these will keep me company.

:)

Day 6- Health

Far too often, I take this one for granted.  I'm thankful for my health!  Today I was a little under the weather, so I took a sick day.  I woke up tired with a sore throat and a headache. It is days like these that remind me how thankful I am that the majority of my days are spent in good health.

I have a fully functioning body, including all limbs and extremities.

I am not battling cancer, chronic disease, or any other life-changing health issues.

I do not have to take daily medications to function.

I have full use of my senses and mental faculties (no laughing on the second part).

Sure I have aches and pains from time to time, but for the most part, I have great health, and I'm SO THANKFUL!!!

AND, when I do happen to be ill, I'm thankful for things like orange juice, hot tea with honey, yogurt, vitamins, and cough syrup.  When I'm sick this time of year, I'm also thankful for my small collection of Christmas movies, which kept me company today.

Oh, and I'm also thankful for clean sheets, which somehow always manage to make me feel better!

Day 5- Snail Mail

I love writing letters!  There isn't much more personal than a hand-written letter sent via snail mail. I've been especially thankful for this  mode of communication over the last eight weeks, as it has been my only means of communication with my dearest AB Lusk, who will graduate (if things go as planned) next Friday from Air Force Basic Training!  Without snail mail, I would have been completely detached from him, so I'm thankful for the simple pleasure of being able to write a letter (or 21, as the count continues) and drop it in the mail whenever I want.

:)

Day 4- My Mom

I'm thankful for my mom.  Over the last year, she and I have gotten very close, and she's a close second to Helen in the Best Friend contest.

I'm thankful that I can talk to her about any/everything. 

I'm thankful that she endures 2 1/2 hour long phone conversations with me, even when these "conversations" consist of me talking through things with myself.

I'm thankful that I can look to her for advice and guidance.  

I'm thankful that she loves me unconditionally.  

I'm thankful that she expects me to do the right thing, and that she expects me to follow God's leading.  

I'm thankful that she supports my decisions even when she doesn't understand them.  

I'm thankful for the way she prays for me on a daily basis, and not only for me, but for those I love.  

I'm thankful that she's involved in my life even though we're miles apart.

I'm thankful that she teaches me by example how to be a servant, a loving wife, and a good mother.

I'm thankful that when I was 4 years old, my mom faithfully taught me of my need for a relationship with Christ, and that on the night before my 5th birthday, she sat with me when I prayed to accept God's gift of Salvation!

I'm thankful that God chooses are parents for us because He chose to bless ME with the best mom!

I LOVE you, mom!