More Reasons to Give Thanks

I am thankful that although our icemaker leaked frozen water all over our entire freezer, it's not the end of the world, and I can buy a new icemaker.

I am thankful that while our dishwasher leaves our dishes with a white film, I can try vinegar and Finish and get rid of some of the white stuff. Phosphate free detergents to not mean that life is over.

I am thankful that while our dryer was making a noise for DH and his mama this weekend, it has been reverently silent upon my return home.

I am thankful that while some little things were broken this afternoon, I was able to mend the little spirit that I hurt while not being the best mama in the world.

I am thankful for time away with my sweet mother because I know how blessed I am to still have her. I am thankful for a mother-in-law that I love like a mother and for her sacrificial love for our family.

I am thankful to have the children home for an entire week of rest and play and decorating for Christmas.

I am thankful that while sometimes he has to work really long hours, my husband is not deployed or working out of state. Most nights he is right here at home with us.

I am thankful that while I have lots of things to work on in this dear body of mine, I am healthy and happy. I can run and jump and sing and play with my children. I can empty the dishwasher and fold their clothes and take them to their activities and hold them in my lap and snuggle beside them in their little beds. I don't take these little things for granted.

I am thankful that while my "to be ironed" pile is overflowing, I know that I can be the one to wither it down to a more manageable size. It's a great accomplishment to iron the shirt that goes on dear hubby's back:).

I am thankful for a husband who loves me more than I deserve.

I am thankful for five miracle babies. I am especially thankful that our tiny 2 and 3 pound babies are taller than 4 feet these days and growing like weeds!


I am thankful for 2 brothers and 2 sisters (in laws) who I love deeply and who have given me our precious niece on one side and precious nephew on the other!

I am thankful for our niece and 2 nephews out west!

I am thankful for friends who show me the love of Christ in how they treat me and others.

Most of all, I am thankful for a Savior who chose to die on the cross for my sins. I did nothing to deserve His infinite grace and mercy. Thank you, Lord, for all that you have given each of us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful

Wow! This week has flown! Sometimes I feel like life is moving forward without me while I try to hang on as tightly as I can! We've had a normal week with homework, activities, lots of hugs, laughter, ballet, golf, piano, family dinners, and school events. Life is full, but life is so good. I have been praying that I will delight in the mundane including washing clothes daily, emptying the dishwasher twice a day, and meal planning. I am much happier when I delight in these things rather than dread them. I am thankful that my body is healthy enough that I can do these things. I am thankful that I get to share my life with such a wonderful husband whom I love more each day and five beautiful precious children. I am so blessed.

As we enter Thanksgiving week and enjoy celebrations at school and with family and friends, for what are you thankful? Are you thankful for the mundane day to day activities? Have you been a good friend this week? Have you reached out to your parents and in-laws? What about your siblings and neighbors? Pray about how the Lord might use you in someone else's life. When we were first married, my Bible Study leader, Laura, said that she would often double their dinner. While she was making it, she would pray that the Lord would reveal who most needed the meal. I love this. What a way to love your neighbor! How will you show your thankful heart this Thanksgiving? Inspire me! Mama Henley can always be more giving and more thankful!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a great time of year to be reminded of what is most important in life... our Lord and our loved ones. It is a time during the year to reflect on our blessings before entering into the season of "I want I want I want" & "Give me Give me Give me". We lost my sweet father-in-law 11 months ago, and it makes me even MORE thankful for the time I have with loved ones. I read somewhere today that the only promise of time spent together is what we have at the moment, so enjoy your time with family and extended family!! You never know what the next day or year will bring, and this time is a gift!!!

It's easy to get all upset over little things like a relative's comments or a fussy baby or a still-frozen turkey, but what is most important is just being together. HAVE FUN!!!

And, if you have to bite your tongue over the holiday, please come and post the stories here in my comments section!! I'd love to hear!!! :)

Let's be thankful

This time of year reminds us of the need to be thankful. We shouldn't only thank those around us at special times, but throughout the year. We should also thank the Lord DAILY for His provision.

I try to do small things for our teachers throughout the year. However, it can become quite expensive to send in a treat when you have so many teachers!! I found an inexpensive way to say, "thank you" this Thanksgiving. I bought cute pumpkin spreaders 2 for $1 at Target. Today I went to Costco & bought a bag of Babybell cheese for just under $10. I am taking one spreader & one round of cheese per teacher & wrapping a little ribbon around it. Then, the children are making cute cards with turkeys made from their thumbprints. K & I made hers today & they were really cute!! I bought a bunch of new colored stamp pads at AC Moore recently. They were just $1 each. K just signed her name and her teachers' names, but our 7 year olds may want to write a little message!!!

I took the craft with K a little further because we had time. She made 2 of the many place cards we will need for Thanksgiving dinner. We will take them with us as a little surprise for our extended family!! We also had to make a card to send our Mimi. I can't wait to see what the trips will make!! If I can take some pictures, I will!!

This little gift for the teachers did not cost much, but hopefully it will brighten their day!