Being Thankful

Well the turkey's in the oven, the chocolate chip cheesecake is looking lovely. . . let the drooling begin.

This morning I am burdened for some families I know that are really struggling this Thanksgiving. While putzing around in the kitchen (one of my favorite things to do) I've been thinking over a lot of things.

Last Thanksgiving Day I was making dinner for one of the dearest people in the world to me. With a terminal cancer diagnosis, she had months to live. While stirring gravy and what not I wondered how we could bear it, how we would ever laugh again, how would life go on. She was laughing and happy in the living room, visiting with those she loved, but nobody could ignore the sadness at the edges of the conversations.

And here we are already, a year later. She is with the Lord. What better could we wish for someone that we love? That is REAL life, and she is FILLED with Thanksgiving. And today, we will be FILLED with turkey, and mashed potatoes, and gratitude for God's grace and comfort and peace that passes all understanding. With hearts that are changed forever we are still able to laugh, and praise God.

So, this really isn't a downer post, and I wanted to share this with those who are facing uncertainty this Thanksgiving, and may be afraid. We are more resilient and resourceful that we might think, but more importantly, God is better than we know. Here's a poem that just about everyone has probably heard. I'm not sure of the origin; it was supposedly written by an unknown Confederate soldier. It's a timely reminder. In everything . . . Give Thanks!

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly obey...
I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things...
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise...
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God...
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things...
I got nothing I asked for - but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among men, most richly blessed!

"the things we do for love"

Are you hearing it? Remember that song? I was singing "The things we do for love, the things we do for love" this morning on the way to the stable. That's the only 2 lines I could remember.

But anyway, those of you who know me know I'm not thrilled about early mornings, and even less thrilled with cold weather, so why am I found driving to horse stables at dawn's early light on a cold and frosty morning?

Cue the music . .. "the things we do for love..." You see my daughter loves horses, and I love my daughter, and I love to see her work...so I drive her to the stables once a week in the early morning to do her share of barn chores.

Now that you think I'm such a devoted and sacrificing mother, let me share a little secret. I actually LIKE going into the barn early in the morning to feed the horses. Really, I'm starting to enjoy it.

It's quiet and still when I open the door, and then they all start this quiet nickering noise. They recognize and acknowledge where their food is coming from - unlike most of us humans. And their needs are so simple - a slice of hay, a scoop of grain, a bucket of water...life is good.

There's something therapeutic about doing simple, physical work - pushing a wheelbarrow and filling buckets with water, even shovelling you know what.

And I'm getting to know the horses' personalities. There's Onyx, who likes to bite the hand that feeds him. Gotta watch yourself around him. Hmm, I know people like that. And then there's Zipporah - she's sweetness and light to people at the top of the food chain, but will bite the butt of her horse peers given half the chance - funny, I know people like that too!

Then there are the ones that snort and kick their stalls if you don't get their grain served fast enough to please them, and toss their heads and look important, like they have somewhere they really need to be. Wow. I know people like that too.

And there are some, like my favorite fat little pony, who are content to gaze dreamily out their stall door, with wisps of hay dangling from the corners of their mouths, waiting to be petted on the head. I can feel myself relax just looking at them!

Very interesting - maybe I could learn something here - I'm sure there's some deep, profound truth just waiting to be discovered - but I think I'll just scoop grain, carry water...and enjoy the earthy, satisfying simplicity of barn chores; a nice break from the rest of the week.

Bargain Alert!

If you're in the market for any type of curriculum, or learning resources of any kind, check out the Schoolhouse Store for the most amazing deals over the next few days. There are lots of free products too, depending on how much you spend.

A one-year subscription to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is $7.95. That's the price of one issue, usually! This is a sale you won't want to miss!

Way too much excitement

No, seriously.

Obviously the blog's been neglected. I'm busier than the proverbial one-armed paper hanger with an itch. And the last few days, when I most need to have my head together, have just been goofy!

It started Friday when I was out on an errand, and two little old ladies in a car pulled right out of a store driveway, whacked into the back end of my van as I drove by on the main road, and then just drove off (apparently obliviously - let's give them the benefit of the doubt) into the sunset. No major damage was done - just enough to get my blood pressure up.

Then we spent the weekend in Canada, and on our drive home encountered the worst winter driving scenario we've experienced in 20+ years. I was so glad my husband was with me this time, as he did most of the driving. And I'm grateful that when we slid off the freeway we didn't hit the car in front, or continue sliding down the steep embankment.

Tuesday my husband used a different flea and tick treatment on the dogs. Do not EVER use Sergeants Silver product. EVER. 12 hours after treatment Cassie (above) was foaming at the mouth, and quickly detoriated to shaking all over, and being unable to stand up or walk. What did we do before the Internet? A quick search found a 1-800 hotline number to call in case of reactions. It did make me wonder just how common reactions were. A few more minutes on the 'net turned up dozens of horror stories about this product. Unbelievable that it can still be marketed. Anyway...long story short, Cassie is fine...and we were burning some midnight oil with repeated baths for her on Tuesday night. Do NOT USE Hartz or Sergeants Silver flea and tick treatments on your pets. Search the Internet yourself if you need to be convinced.

Yesterday we had a scare with our youngest daughter and hypothermia. Very weird situation. Again, it's a good plan to know the signs, and know what to do in a hurry.

Today we have a winter storm warning, beginning this evening and lasting through to tomorrow. And I am almost happy about it. I've stocked up, and am glad to have a reason to stay put at home, and re-collect the random spaghetti strands of matter that used to be my brain!

Wuzzup Today?

Today's findings:

Well first up let me tell you about a really great blog I came across today. It's Simple Mom and here's the link: http://simplemom.net/. This is a new favorite place for me to visit online! Right now she is running a contest to give away an Epson all in one printer/scanner/fax machine that does all kinds of cool stuff like print directly on CDs, print excellent quality photographs, coloring pages and graph paper . . . my oh my, it's enough to make the most uncovetous person droooool. Somebody's gotta win ...might as well be you...(or me!) So go enter the contest - it ends November 12.

I'm just back from Big Lots - our local discount store, and boy did I stock up today. I've been trying to stock the pantry little by little, and today was a great leap forward. Deals like Starkist Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water for 90 cents a can - bought two stacks of those. All kinds of name brand canned fruit and veggies for cheap, cheap, cheap. Winter's coming folks, and who knows what else? Stock that pantry if you have one!

I'm thrilled about this deal - a Nalgene, made in the USA refillable 20 oz water bottle for $2.50 - and here's the deal. It was filled with 10 single serving Crystal Lite powder packets. (I don't normally buy these, but my son does love them), a coupon for $5.00 off Brita products, another coupon for 20% off any purchase at nalgene_outdoor.com, and a 50 cent coupon (which my store will double) for Crystal Light singles packets. Now THAT's a bargain - and it would make a great gift, for just about any age or gender. Hmm. . . maybe I should pick up a few more.

A proper response (sigh)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

I Timothy 2: 1-2