Giving thanks day 4

Yesterday I said I was thankful for my children. My wonderful DIL left an awesome comment on that post which almost made me cry. So today I am saying that I am thankful for my DIL and SIL. Both are wonderful people; my children could not have chosen better.

My SIL is a hardworking guy who cares deeply for my daughter and yet lets her be her own person. In other words, he doesn't expect her life to revolve around him and him alone. He is a good provider and will someday be a wonderful father, God willing.

My DIL is also a very strong individual - independent, hard working, loving and caring. She married my son and willingly went to another country to be with him and live the military life - often alone without any family while he is away on one TDY or another. She is carrying my first grandchild and will go through giving birth without either her mother or me there to help her along at a time when most women want their mothers.

I have many friends who have not been so lucky with their children's partners. I have heard lots of horror stories and watched some of them go through being estranged from their kids while others had to watch theirs go through divorce and even abuse. I am thankful today, and every day for the two wonderful people that my children have chosen to spend their lives with.

Thanks to Leah at South Breeze Farm for hosting the Giving Thanks Challenge.

Friday!

Time for week 35 of Follow Friday Four Fill In!

Each week, Hilary over at Feeling Beechie lists four statements with a blank for us to fill in on our own blogs. This week’s co-host is Irene from the Soap Box.  She came up with the last two statements! 

This week’s statements:
1.       I have never been to ___
2.       I hate to admit it, but sometimes I tend to be ____
3.       If I didn’t have___________________I’d be completely lost
4.       _________________________is always the best feeling at the end of the day
My Answers:
1.       I have never been to Colorado and I have always wanted to see Denver.
2.       I hate to admit it, but sometimes I tend to be a little bossy.I really don't mean to but I have to admit that I am pretty set in my ways.
3.       If I didn’t have computer I’d be completely lost (I am so addicted)
4.       Getting the dishes done and my kitchen back in order, is always the best feeling at the end of the day

 Now on to 5 Question Friday at Mama M's of My Little Life.

1. What movie do you love to quote?

The only thing that comes to mind is "Nature, Mr. Allnut, is what we are put in this world to rise above." - from the African Queen.

2. Have you ever ridden a motorcycle?

Yes - many times.

3. What's your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 

Curl up with a good book or my crochet hook.

4. Do you prefer a bunch of small gifts, or one really big, (expensive) gift?

I really don't like to get expensive gifts. My gifts mostly come from my children and I would much prefer they spend their money on themselves - I have pretty much everything I need and usually if there is something I want, I'll find a way to save enough to get it.

5. Do you ever lose track of days and show up somewhere wrong?

Haven't quite gotten to that point - at least not yet!

Giving Thanks day 3

Today I have to say that I am thankful for my children. Being their mother has been the most rewarding job I have ever had in my life - and I do think of it as a job. We are given the opportunity to mold a child into the person they will be as an adult - a daunting responsibility really. I made lots of mistakes along the way but I am so proud of the people my children have become. Both are responsible, hard working, caring individuals. There were lots of laughter, tears, sneers, slammed doors and even some times when they said I was the worst mother in the world but in the end, I must have done something right. I am thankful for that.

Giving Thanks Challenge

The 5th annual "Giving Thanks Challenge" started yesterday and I didn't get my post done.  Better late than never I guess. I really wanted to participate in this challenge as I think it's so easy to forget the good things you have and focus on the bad. I hope to gain a better appreciation for the thing I have to be thankful for and I also hope to make some new blogging friends. I can't promise to post every day but I will do my best.  So for yesterday AND today - here goes:

1. I am thankful to be able to participate in this challenge.
2. I am thankful to have a job in this economy.

Wednesday hops

First up this week is WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE from Joyce at From This Side of the Pond. 

Footloose in the Wednesday Hodgepodge-Volume 51

1. Who taught you how to cook?

My aunts and grandma. Sadly, my mother has never been accused of being capable of cooking.

2. Have you been told you think too much? Are too much of a perfectionist? Are too sensitive? Were they right?

I have been accused of both and they probably were right.

3. As a child did you have a favorite blanket or toy? Tell about it.

Can you call a bicycle a toy? We didn't really have a lot of toys growing up but we didn't mind - back in those days, we spent most of our time outside playing.

4. What 'institution' do you have the most faith in?

I'm going to have to go with "family." Those related by blood or by friendship that help us through the tough times.

5. Chrysanthemums, pansies, burning bush, ornamental cabbage...your favorite in an autumn garden?

I just love pansies - they're just a "friendly" flower.

6. What superpower do the kids in your neighborhood seem to posses?

Radar is a good word - they can always tell when you're baking and show up just when things come out of the oven.

7. Are you a fan of the cranberry?

Somewhat! Wouldn't be Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm excited about getting out all the Thanksgiving decorations this weekend. Now that Halloween is over it's time to really start decorating. I'm a firm believer that Thanksgiving is the forgotten holiday as far as decorating goes so I always try to do a little extra for it.

Now to go over to Patrice's for a little chat on her porch. Today's questions are a mixture of hers and some others. 

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 15

1. Alison asks: What's the biggest obstacle you've overcome or need to?
2. Julia asks: If you won $100,000 what changes would you make?
3. McGuffy Ann asks: What's the most unusual pet you've had?
4. When do you start decorating for Christmas?
5. What's your favorite type of magazine to read?

My answers:

1. I was injured in a bad car accident years ago when I was 13. The doctors didn't think I'd ever walk again, be able to use my right arm, or have kids. They also thought I could have some brain damage due to head injuries. I have proved them wrong on all counts.
2. I would pay off all my bills and my kid's college loans, then put the rest away.
3. Nothing unusual - just cats and dogs.
4. The Christmas tree goes up the day after Thanksgiving.
5. Craft magazines - love to get new ideas.