Giving Thanks Challenge 2025

A tradition I have in November is to post one thing I’m thankful for each day on Facebook.  

Giving Thanks Challenge

November 2025

1 ACU memories

2 the Bible

3 washing machine and dryer

4 my Dad

5 the moon

6 my van

7 our school

8 to have a phone

9  colorful fall leaves 🍂

10 marvelous Monday

11 ladies’ class

12 early dismissal day and porch talks with my sweet daughter in love

13  getting our family pictures back

14 new donations for OS dinner silent auction.

15 yummy lasagna dinner (and the lovely people we got to share it with)

16 the people who have helped with the goats

17 warm sunshine in the middle of November

18 the library

19 the sweet baby girl I got to hold

20 that my husband got a paycheck

21 Caleb…..for the days I get to see him and he unexpectedly comes in the house….for the blessing he is to us all and that he is helpful big brother. 

22 Titus….I’m proud of him for trying something new with showing goats….for his caring heart….for the joy he brings.

23 Sydney…for her love and support of Caleb….for the ways she is such a great “big sis” to Titus….for the encouragement she is to me. Thank you for being you, Sydney. 

24 for my husband ….. the way he takes care of me…prays for me…supports me in everything I do….makes my dreams come true…tells me I’m beautiful….asks me daily “how can I help you?”

While the shutdown was stressful, having him home was time I wouldn’t trade for anything.

25 getting to visit my Dad.

26 yummy treats from the bakery

27 my Mom fixing good food for lunch and the leftovers.

28 a day at home

29 to listen to Christmas music while I worked on Christmas things.

30 new battery for my van

Have a day of blessings! Bethany

Giving Thanks Challenge 2024

In November I participate in a Giving Thanks Challenge where I post one thing I’m thankful for each day. I like to read over these from year to year and also enjoy reading what others post. Join me! Being thankful is important for every day not just on Thanksgiving.

Day 1: I’m thankful today for good salad bar and laughter (because of a cricket 🦗).

Day 2: I’m thankful today for time at the deer lease 🦌 and the memories for these brothers.

Day 3: I’m thankful for the beautiful rainbow we saw.

Day 4: I’m thankful to hear the sound of the rain falling.

Day 5: I’m thankful to be able to go vote on a beautiful fall morning in small town Texas and hear the chimes at the Methodist church downtown playing “I Love To Tell The Story.”

Day 6: I’m thankful I found the misplaced checks that I was depositing from a PTO fundraiser and that the fundraiser was a success! 💰

Day 7: I’m thankful for quilting time on Thursday mornings. I love this hobby and my teacher!

Day 8: I’m thankful for our school and staff. It’s great to witness the care they have for the students and how they all work together to teach the students and also celebrate them.

Day 9: I’m thankful for Saturdays without plans.

Day 10: I’m thankful for our church family and the new people I’ve met so far that are joining us. Special day at our church!

Day 11: I’m thankful for a pretty afternoon walk at the park.

Day 12: I’m thankful for our ladies Bible class and what those ladies mean to me.

Day 13: I’m thankful I could help at the book fair at school this morning!

Day 14: I’m thankful we could go to a fun event at the school together… walking at the track followed by supper provided by the bank, then looking at book fair and seeing the students’ projects on a book they had read.

Day 15: I’m thankful for Caleb. I’m blessed to have him for my son for so many reasons. I’m also thankful that I got to have lunch with him today.

Day 16: I’m thankful for meeting for lunch with family including cousins, uncle and aunts. It was nice to see everyone I haven’t seen in a while.

Day 17: I’m thankful for food to eat, clothes to wear, and our vehicles.

Day 18: I’m thankful I could hear the presentation by the B... family with TxDOT at the school sharing their daughter’s story.

Day 19: I’m thankful for my husband and his love, support, and friendship. Also for our tradition of Tuesday lunch dates.

Day 20: I’m thankful to have Sydney for my “daughter in love.” She is a blessing to our family. I’m thankful Caleb chose her as his wife and for her love and support of him. Also she’s a sweet big sis to Titus.

Day 21: I’m thankful that Titus is my son. He has such a sweet,caring heart. He always knows when I need a smile or hug and I love that about him. I’m thankful we could have lunch at the Thanksgiving feast at school too with him.

Day 22: I’m thankful for friends that keep in touch.

Day 23: I’m thankful for our traditional P.... family Thanksgiving get together. And our cousin picture!

Day 24: I’m thankful for pretty weather and my favorite tea at HTeaO.

Day 25: I’m thankful for a nice day at home with Titus for chores.

Day 26: I’m thankful to have Titus along with me for my errands and for calls from Caleb.

Day 27: I’m thankful for family, good food, and being together.

Day 28: I read this quote this morning and have pondered it today. My heart is full of gratitude for our family and the joy it brings to have our old traditions and to be making new ones. Happy Thanksgiving!

Day 29: I’m thankful for the beauty of nature…animals, stars, fall leaves.

Day 30: I’m thankful for the hope I have because if Jesus.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Giving Thanks Challenge

The past few years I believe I've forgotten to do a post with the blessings I did for each day on the Giving Thanks Challenge.  On Facebook I posted something I was thankful for each day of the month of November.  I LOVED reading the ones that my friends posted too.  Usually several will start out the month participating and then drop off.  It makes me smile to read what they post each day.

Day 1: Today I am thankful for a walk with my boys in our neighborhood on a pretty day.

Day 2: I am thankful for time outside this afternoon and the sunshine.

Day 3: I’m thankful to have the freedom to vote. Also that the weather was nice for standing in line outside. Glad we had sunshine today instead of ice last Tuesday!

Day 4: I’m thankful for my clothesline my Dad made me for many years ago and that I could use it today.

Day 5: I'm thankful for a wonderful encouragement from my friend this morning with all that is going on to be CALM.....

Celebrate God's goodness

Ask God for help.

Leave your concerns with him.

Meditate on good things.

This is from a book by Max Lucado. God knew I would need the reminder today.

Day 6: Today I am thankful for getting to watch our Bulldogs play. It was our last district game. This season I have learned to be thankful for each game we do get to play because with Covid you never know what will happen week to week.

Day 7: I’m thankful for a walk outside with Titus, enjoying the quiet stillness, looking at the stars, and campfire conversations.

Day 8: I’m thankful for safe travel to and from the deer lease. We had a first for us to go Friday night after the game...we didn’t get there till 2 a.m.

Day 9: Today I am thankful for being able to be a stay at home wife/Mom. This is something that is a huge blessing to me for many reasons.

Day 10: I’m thankful for our Tuesday ladies Bible study. What a blessing these ladies are to me! I love them and value their wisdom and encouragement. And the timing of this lesson was fitting.

Day 11: I’m thankful for a nap. Something I don’t do very often during the week.

Day 12: I’m thankful we got to do the team meal for the football players. I wasn’t sure we were going to after our game got cancelled our original week. Thank you to my Mom for cooking most of the food and making the cupcakes. Love our Bulldogs! 

Day 13: I’m thankful for my #60, getting to watch him and teammates play football, for his hard work on and off the field. I’m proud of him. And it made my heart happy to get a hug from him after the game.

Day 14: I’m thankful for a picnic supper at ACU with my boys and ice cream.

Day 15: I’m thankful for my husband and all the ways he loves and supports me. I’m thankful for our marriage, love, and friendship. It is a gift I cherish.

Day 16: I’m thankful for pomegranates.

Day 17: I’m thankful for hearing Titus sing on the way to school this morning. He was singing “Open the eyes of my heart Lord.”

Day 18: I’m thankful for supper in the crockpot.

Day 19: I’m thankful for quilting time and learning new things.

Day 20: I’m thankful for watching squirrels. And it’s cute how Titus gets quiet and tries to sneak up on them.

Day 21: I’m thankful for my boys. 💙💙 There are mixed emotions for this Momma. (I included a picture of their two "school picture" picture frames.  They have 13 slots for their pictures.  Titus has his first picture and Caleb has one blank left in his!)

Day 22: Today I am thankful for books to read and enjoy!

Day 23: I‘m thankful for online ordering and discounts.

Day 24: I’m thankful for having the boys with me today.

Day 25: I’m thankful for the memories of special people in my life that come to mind associated with certain foods/dishes.

Day 26: I’m thankful to be part of a church body that so beautifully loves its members and the community.

Day 27: I’m thankful for yummy Thanksgiving leftovers and pecan pie.

Day 28: I’m thankful for the sound of rain.

Day 29: I’m thankful for getting out a few Christmas decorations. Titus was excited to get out the “blow ups” for the yard.

Day 30: I’m thankful for learning new things from the Bible.

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Giving Thanks Challenge 2019

I think I forgot to copy and paste my list the past couple of years from Facebook onto my blog.  I made a point this year to keep a list so it would be easy to paste it here!

I enjoy participating in this challenge each year on Facebook during the month of November.

Day 1: Today I am thankful for the warmth of the sunshine after a few days of coldness.

Day 2: Today I am thankful for roasting marshmallows by the campfire. 🔥

Day 3: Today I am thankful that in the night I saw a blanket had fallen from the top bunk onto a heater in the camper and it didn’t cause a fire.

Day 4: Today I am thankful for my washing machine and dryer.

Day 5: Today I am thankful for lunch dates with my hubby.

Day 6: Today I’m thankful for making treat bags with my little helper for the football players.

Day 7: Today I am thankful for watching my #60 tonight in his last game of the season. I'm going to miss his games on Thursday nights! It’s been fun to watch the Bulldogs. (We’ve gone from 100+ degrees at the beginning of the season to 37 degrees tonight....not sure which temperature I prefer!) I love watching Caleb and hearing the announcer call his name for tackles, and I’ve been so proud of his hard work on the field. I’m thankful for the friends and family that have made the trip to come watch him too. Next up for him is powerlifting and raising chickens.

Day 8: Today I am thankful for Friday night football with my boys! 🏈 And the beautiful tribute to our veterans before the game was so touching.

Day 9: Today I am thankful for a weekend at home.

Day 10: Today I am thankful for our small group.

Day 11: Today I am thankful for my husband being home and a fire in our fireplace on a cold day.

Day 12: Today I am thankful for a new friend.

Day 13: Today I’m thankful for hearing this song again on the radio. We sang it a few weeks ago when we went to church with my Dad. "Yes I Will"

Day 14: I’m behind! But today I’m thankful to watch the Bulldogs in their playoff game. It was a fun experience for Caleb. Football has been fun, and I look forward to next year.

Day 15: Today I am thankful for lunch with my Mom and supper with friends.

Day 16: Today I am thankful for quiet solitude and also the laughter and stories of sweet girls.

Day 17: Today I am thankful for the life of Mrs. H and the many lives she touched while here on earth. She will be greatly missed.

Day 18: Today I am thankful for being able to pick up my boy at 4. I love football season, but it’s nice for him to be home earlier.

Day 19: Today I am thankful for my thoughtful neighbor bringing us some supper. Very unexpectedly and a nice surprise!

Day 20: Today I am thankful that a sweet girl named Sydney was born (and her brother too!). Sydney has been such a blessing in so many ways to all of us, and I am thankful for her sweet spirit and heart.

Have a great day Sydney! Thank you for being you!

Day 21: Today I am thankful for yummy chicken tortilla soup on a chilly day.

Day 22: Today I am thankful for traveling safety as Caleb was driving. I do not understand why some people have the need to pass in a no passing zone.

Day 23: Today I am thankful for new memories with the P family. I’m glad we can get together.

Day 24: Today I’m thankful for the smell of my peanut butter chocolate chip cookies when I walk in the door. 🍪My favorites! Caleb made them with Sydney this afternoon.

Day 25: Today I am thankful for my Titus and our days together. I am thankful for his imagination, questions, and songs.

Day 26: Today I am thankful for my Caleb and the young man I see him becoming. I am thankful for his hugs, his sense of humor, his willingness to take a stand, our conversations (sometimes about hard things and hearing his thoughts/opinions), and how he’s a great big brother.

Day 27: Today I am thankful for sleeping late and having both boys home.

Day 28: Today I am thankful for a nice Thanksgiving with family and all our favorite foods. I always enjoy eating at lunch, but my favorite is to have a plate of warmed up leftovers at supper made by my Momma. She heats it up just right, puts what I want, and knows how I like the turkey and dressing with a little gravy on it.

Day 29: Today I am thankful for my husband . I’m thankful for how he takes care of me, always seems to know what I need, and the ways he invests in our boys.

Day 30: Today I am thankful for books to read and relaxing day.

Have a day of blessings!
 Bethany

Giving Thanks Challenge

I participated again this year with making a list of things I was thankful for each day of November.  I shared these on FB daily (or a couple a day when I got behind).  I usually have several friends that participate throughout the month but I did not see that this year for some reason.

Here is my list from this year.  I like to save them on my blog and reread through lists from previous years from time to time.  (And it's January and I'm just now thinking to post these on here from my ipad where I typed them before posting them on FB!!)

November 1---Today I am thankful for coaches and the influence they have on young lives. When Caleb expressed an interest in athletics, I thought about what kind of coaches he would have. My own impression of coaches from my past wasn't the best I will admit, but I knew there were really good ones out there and wanted that for him. I prayed he'd be blessed with positive, influential Christian men like Danny K. and Pete M. Those were two coaches I knew of who were positive role models for young men.  I am thankful for the coaches he has had so far. As you see from my previous post, one of his coaches died last night and I never got to say thank you to him. So tonight I'm thankful for his coaches and the role they've already played in his life 

November 2--Today I am thankful for pretty afternoons to spend a little time outside with my boys. Oh how I love seeing my boys play together! Titus is so cute trying to keep up with everything Caleb does. They are both such wonderful blessings! 

November 3---Today I'm thankful for being able to watch my #50 play his first year of football. This has been such a wonderful experience for him and so fun for us to watch his team. It was definitely a learning experience for me too! Tonight was his last game of the season (we won 44-6), and we were blessed with the family that came to watch with us. 


November 4--Today I am thankful for the community in which we live. There are a lot of good people in our little town.

November 5---Today I am thankful for time to work on the quiet book I'm making for Titus. 

November 6---Today I am thankful for time my son and husband had together at the deer lease this weekend. I've enjoyed Caleb's stories of his time with his Dad, Pawpaw, Uncle Charles, and Uncle Cody. I know this time is important for him, and I'm thankful he has men like this in his life. 


November 7---Today I'm thankful for my essential oils and the benefits I've seen using them with my family. I had placed an order last week and was so thankful it had arrived this weekend when we got home. I enjoy learning about them and hearing of others' successes.

November 8---Today I am thankful that I live in this country and that we can vote.  

November 9---Today I am thankful for the little note my Caleb left for me on my mini chalkboard. I found it this morning, and it made my day.

November 10--- Today I am thankful for sweet moments with Titus..... when he looks at me with his pretty blue eyes and gives me his sweet grin, when I hear his laugh when I kick a ball, when he tells me "more, more" when we finish reading a book. I told him today he brings joy to my heart and he put his little hand on his heart. 💙

November 11---Today I am thankful for the day to honor and thank our veterans. It was great to see all of the programs, tributes, and flags. What a special group of men and women. 

November 12---Today I am thankful for beautiful days with my boys. They let me sleep this morning which was so nice. 

November 13---Today I am thankful for my amazing husband. I feel so blessed to call him my husband and to be loved and encouraged by him every day. I love walking this journey with him.  What a wonderful gift God gave me in my husband! 

November 14---Today I am thankful to be able to be a stay at home wife/Mom. 

November 15---Today I am thankful for time to read with my boys. Titus has his favorite books we read over and over. Caleb and I read books together before he goes to bed, something we've been doing for several years. 

November 16---Today I am thankful for sunny days and for the convenience of our little town's local grocery store.

November 17---Today I am thankful for the colors of fall and seeing the colorful fall leaves 

November 18---Today I am thankful that both of my boys are feeling better. Caleb had strep throat on Sunday and Titus went to the doctor Thursday with strep. 

November 19---Today I am thankful for time with family, seeing these cousins enjoy time together, and the yummy food we shared (we all made our own pizzas that were cooked in a brick oven....delicious!) 

November 20---Today I am thankful for the community Thanksgiving service our family attended and the beautiful reminder of the eternal things we have for which to be thankful.

November 21--- Today I am thankful for going to my boy's first basketball game! (Last Monday was really the first game but he had to miss it because he was sick.) 

November 22--- Today I am thankful for libraries and books. I've loved books for as long as I can remember! 

November 23---Today I am thankful for rest and relaxing. 

November 24---Today I am thankful for family and for Thanksgiving memories and traditions. 

November 25---Today I am thankful for productivity today and this week with online shopping. Hooray! 

November 26---Today I am thankful for visiting with more family and laughing together. Also I'm thankful for looking at our family pictures tonight and ordering one to go with our Christmas letter. We had many laughs taking our family picture this year.  I love so many of the shots and how they capture Titus' personality right now.  

November 27---Today I am thankful for coming home with my boys. The break was so nice and I can't believe it's time to get ready for Christmas now. 

November 28---Today I am thankful for hugs from both of my boys. 

November 29---Today I am thankful for lunch dates with my husband. As we waited for him we were walking along the sidewalk. Titus waved so big when he saw him and hollered Dada. It was so sweet!  Also for trips to the grocery store when it isn't busy and I have my little helper with me. 

November 30---As we end this month today I am thankful for normal, regular ol' days....days with laundry to fold and a water bill in the mail that I don't worry about being able to pay. Days with homework and fixing lunches and waking up in the night to a little boy calling "Momma, Momma" cause I know many who would love to be woken by a baby in the middle of the night or to have a boy to make a lunch with.  Over and over this month I've been reminded how many people are not experiencing normal, regular ol' days...death, sickness, injury keep these families from enjoying their normal lives. My heart hurts for these families, and I am reminded how quickly life can change for any of us. 

Have a day of blessings!
    Bethany

2015 Giving Thanks Challenge

30 days of thankfulness:
Day 1-- Today I'm thankful for smiles and laughs from my boys to start my day.
Day 2-- Today I'm thankful for Titus laughing so hard at his big brother.
Day 3-- today I'm thankful for Caleb telling me he'd take over fixing supper so I could rest.
Day 4-- Today I'm thankful for getting a nap while Titus napped.
Day 5-- Today I'm thankful for Thursday snack days after pep rally.
Day 6-- Today I'm thankful for visits with my sweet neighbor and friend.
Day 7--Today I'm thankful for cell phones and text messages to keep in touch through the day.
Day 8--Today I'm thankful for goulash that Mom made me and that I'm home with my boys.
Day 9--today I'm thankful for being able to be a stay at home wife and Mom.
Day 10-- Today I'm thankful for lunch dates with my husband. It's a sweet tradition we have, and we both look forward to it each week.
Day 11-- Today I'm thankful for the ways my husband is so helpful every day, like today at the grocery store on his day off.
Day 12-- Today I'm thankful for our 7 month old baby boy. He is such a sweet blessing, and we are having so much fun watching him grow and learn new things every day.
Day 13-- Today I'm thankful for a fun night at the drive-in movies with my boys.
Day 14--Today I'm thankful for all the things we have to keep us warm on chilly days...my favorite blanket, fuzzy socks, pajamas, etc.
Day 15-- Today I'm thankful for encouragement from reading this verse on my calendar.
Day 16-- Today I'm thankful for the new pillow my Mom made me. ❤ for many years I have used a leg pillow when I sleep I showed her recently how my old one was falling part with stuffing coming out. We can't remember how old it is! She made a new one for me.
Day 17--Today I'm thankful for Mrs. Nona. She was such a beautiful Christian example. She was Caleb's teacher for VBS and Bible class when he was little. He loved her and she loved him. She touched so many lives and will be missed.
Day 18--Today I'm thankful for days at home.
Day 19-- Today I'm thankful for our new Texas canvas arriving in the mail. I love how it turned out and was so excited to see the finished product when it came today. I'm making a new wall of various pictures of our family, and this is going on that wall.
Day 20--Today I'm thankful for a good appointment at the eye doctor.
Day 21--Today I'm thankful for our visit with our P. family and safe travel.
Day 22-- Today I'm thankful for attending a community Thanksgiving service.
Day 23-- Today I'm thankful for time to read with Caleb before he went to bed. We are reading Where The Red Fern Grows. I love that he has always loved books and little brother seems to love them too.
Day 24--Today I'm thankful for Mexican food.
Day 25-- Today I'm thankful for my doctor and my husband driving me to appointments.Day 26- Today I'm thankful for family, delicious food, laughter, memories, and our boys.
Day 27-- Today I'm thankful for the sound of our baby boy sleeping peacefully.

Day 28-- Today I am thankful for relaxing days
Day 29--Today I'm thankful for visiting with my Dad.
Day 30--Today I'm thankful for our first Christmas card in the mail and getting started on addressing ours.  And BOGO meat with room for it in the freezer! 

Have a day of blessings!

Giving Thanks Challenge

Each November here on my blog for the last several years I've participated in the Giving Thanks Challenge. I love to go back and read my lists from previous years.

Will you join me in giving thanks this month?

You can keep your list however you like.....on a blog, through daily pictures, on Facebook, etc.  Find something you are thankful for each day this month.

Be thankful!

Have a day of blessings!

Giving Thanks Challenge 2014

Today I am thankful for....

11-1: the progress made preparing for our new baby today while remembering this date that was my due date for our previous 2013 miscarriage.

11-2: our wonderful church family and their love, support, friendship, and encouragement.

11-3: ears to hear so many things...audio books, phone ringing, music, laughter of my son, my husband's I love you

11-4: rain, rain, rain!

11-5: telephones

11-6: standing outside on a cool fall night and seeing the stars and moon.

11-7: watching my boy give a presentation on ham radio to his science class.

11-8: going to bed early when I was very tired out.

11-9: watching both my boys at skate night with the church group.
11-10: wonderful lunch with my forever friend, sweet surprises in the mail, and a time of encouragement with a great lesson at our ladies' Bible study

11-11: hearing the strong sound of our baby's heartbeat and my wonderful husband driving me to the appointment on his day off.

11-12: warm clothes, coat, bed

11-13: my thoughtful husband warming my car for me on cold days.

11-14: having such an enjoyable day up at school.

11-15: my doctor. So glad we went back to her this summer for a second opinion.

11-16: fun gift from my Secret Sister (boxes of cards) plus the pretty snow falling.

11-17: feeling those sweet baby movements through the day plus Caleb reading a book to the baby before he went to bed.

11-18: lunch date with my husband.

11-19: sunshine and the higher temperatures today compared to recent days.

11-20: having Thanksgiving lunch at school with our boy and making our "thankful pictures."

11-21: seeing my boy get his awards today for another great job he did through the 2nd Six Weeks.

11-22: safe travel in rain and fun times playing "spoons."

11-23: nice visit with the family.

11-24: beautiful fall leaves on the trees in our yard.

11-25: remembering to turn off my school alarm before going to sleep.

11-26: laughing and remembering old memories and making new memories today.

11-27: nice Thanksgiving celebration. I'm thankful for so many blessings and all the family we've seen the past week.

11-28: hearing the words "Congratulations, your baby is perfectly healthy" at our ultrasound.
11-29: home safely and hearing my boy tell about his hunting trip.

11-30: a month of blessings too numerous to even count...my helpful loving husband, my son making us smile and laugh, our growing baby, our home and health, our friends and family.

Have a day of blessings!
 

Giving Thanks Challenge 2014

I've been participating in the Giving Thanks Challenge for several years.

It's important to find what you are thankful for daily, not just at Thanksgiving or in November. Because every day there is something, no matter what kind of day you are having or what is happening in your life.

Join me in giving thanks this month. I will be posting my list on my blog and on Facebook.

Give thanks.

Have a day of blessings!

Giving Thanks 2013

30 days of thankfulness 

November 2013

 

11-1: thankful for the love of both of my boys as I woke up this morning, so encouraged by them both all day.

11-2: thankful for being married for 12 years 5 months today to my husband. Marriage is a blessing!

11-3: thankful for the reminder I was made by God and He has a purpose for my life.

11-4: thankful for hearing my boy singing "The Lord Liveth" as he got ready for school this morning.



11-5: thankful for lunch dates with my cute husband. (and I had a coupon so it was cheap haha!!)
11-6:  thankful for books...having the ability to read and sharing a love of reading with my husband and son.
11-7: thankful for after school snack day with my boy. We do this once a week and go to the library and get a snack he chooses. I look forward to it every week!
11-8: thankful for Friday night football with my boys.
11-9: thankful for fun day doing some Christmas shopping
11-10: thankful for fun surprises like the one today from my Secret Sister (these packages of Whoppers were on our car this morning) and yesterday one in the mail from the leader of an online discussion group I'm in.
11-11: thankful for the reminder of how many true heroes live around us and have served our country through the years. The entire school here gathered together to honor our community's veterans in a very nice program. I thought it was a wonderful tribute with student speakers, the school band, and lovely singing of patriotic pieces by the choir (which made me miss singing with my high school choir and director). Thank you to all who served and are serving. I know there are many of you in my friends list as well as several family members.
11-12-13: thankful for the many ways I can stay warm on a day like today and remember that so many do not enjoy these comforts....warm clothes and coats, an abundance of blankets, my favorite robe, taking hot baths with heated water from our hot water heater, turning on the heater as needed.
11-13: thankful for the beauty of fall. I noticed the pretty colors of the leaves this cold morning.
11-14: thankful for crayons. I've always loved coloring and haven't in a long time. I had a little picture I needed to color tonight and was reminded I should color more often!
11-15: thankful for my wonderful boy who received the citizenship award for his class for this six weeks and the kind words one of his teachers shared with me today.
11-16: thankful for the moon and seeing it tonight. It is so pretty.
11-17: thankful for a beautiful weather weekend filled with fun for us all, Caleb having a great time hunting and the stories he's told from that, and having our family pictures made today.
11-18:  thankful for my wonderful husband who works so hard to provide for our family. For example today he was at work early at 6:45, worked all day, and then went to work their booth at the resource fair. He works hard every day with little thanks or appreciation. And he always, always makes time for us which I value so very much.
11-19: thankful for how our bodies heal. I burned my pointer finger on the oven a couple weeks ago. Since it is right on top of my finger, I notice it every day and have watched it heal a little more each day.
11-20: thankful for my cozy bed.
11-21: thankful for time together making our thankful pictures. My Mom had me do this every year, and I've continued the tradition with Caleb. I need to put them all in a book so I could compare them from year to year.
11-22: thankful for my two sweet nieces and the blessing they both are to me.
11-23: thankful for time with our P family and safe trip home tonight.
11-24: thankful for laughing at various times today with my boys. Laughter is good!
11-25: thankful for a day to get caught up on some household chores.
11-26: thankful for my favorite supper made by my Momma.
11-27: thankful for seeing my cousin today. I'm thankful for all my cousins and the fun memories I have of our years growing up together. I like keeping in touch and seeing their kids on FB.
11-28:  for memories of past Thanksgivings and new memories today.
11-29: thankful for being warmed by a campfire.
11-30: thankful for the peace of God that has been with me all month long, fun memories this weekend at the deer lease, and supper plus leftovers from my Mom on our way home.

Have a day of blessings!

2012 Giving Thanks Challenge

Here is my list for the entire month of November.
2012 Giving Thanks Challenge

1. a new month and reading through the lists from past years.
2. electricity, water, and food to eat....something many people are without.
3. the relaxing, quiet calm of being away from the city, looking up to see the stars, hearing the night time noises of insects.
4. our home and the memories we've made here together.
5. washer & dryer as well as my clothesline to use on beautiful days like today
6. lunch dates with my husband.
7. my cousins.
8. my wonderful husband. He's my best friend, takes such good care of us, makes me smile, works hard every day, is a great Dad...I could go on and on. :)
9. my Caleb. I feel so blessed to be his Mom. I have learned so much from him; I am thankful for his sensitive heart, that he is healthy ,and the sound of his laughter.
10. a found DVD.
11. my boy leading two songs tonight. Also for my "Secret Sister" and her encouragement, prayers, and fun surprises.
12. finding my clean, folded clothes to put away when I got home tonight. Made me smile! My husband is wonderful!
13. coats, heaters in house and car, hot baths, and fuzzy socks.
14. to fill shoeboxes as a family for Operation Christmas Child.
15. for going to the Thanksgiving lunch at school with my boy.
16. a beautiful fall afternoon to play tag and take a walk with my boy after school.
17. electricity.
18. attending a community Thanksgiving service.
19. a nice evening outside playing ball (in the dark) with my boys.
20. God's neverending love and forgiveness.
21. safe travel.
22. special Thanksgiving memories.
23. pecans in my freezer.
24. grandparents...both mine and Caleb's.
25. God's Word and being able to read it.
26. time with my boy after school as he was doing his homework and then reading to me. (Most days he wants to read to himself.)
27. my parents and the love they've always given me through the years.
28. Christmas cards in the mail.
29. our vehicles.
30. being a stay at home Mom and able to volunteer at my boy's school.

Have a day of blessings!

November 1 Thankful Thursday

Happy November!  I always like the first day of the month, changing the calendars and thinking ahead to our plans.  I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season. 

The past few years I have participated in the "Giving Thanks Challenge" for the month of November.  I have not yet seen a post about this on the blog that normally does this.  I will be keeping a list in my side bar and on Facebook of one thing that I am thankful for each day. 

Today I am thankful for...

~ my sweet husband and the amazing Daddy he is to our boy.  They have a special relationship, and it always blesses my heart to see them develop that close bond. 

~ my sweet boy being alright after a scary time for me as a Mom after school Tuesday.  He was having trouble breathing, and we took him to the clinic.  He has allergy induced asthma but has never reacted like this so suddenly before.  The doctor examined him and found he had strep throat; the infection caused the asthma problem.  I had not seen any symptoms of strep either.  He is fine and we are thankful!

~  a wonderful family lesson my husband did using the seeds in the pumpkin before we (they) carved it. 

~ going to see my Meemaw as she had to be hospitalized last weekend to get blood.  She was in good spirits, and it was nice to see her for a while.  Please keep her in your prayers as decisions are made regarding what to do next.

~ having such an enjoyable time last Friday night with ladies from our church.  We ate a yummy supper, played a fun "ice breaker" game, and then shared about the way Christian women should be clothed....like with compassion, forgiveness, thankfulness, love, etc. 

Have a day of blessings!

Giving Thanks Challenge 2011

I have enjoyed participating again this year in the Giving Thanks Challenge!  Here is my full list from the month. 

Today I am thankful for:
1. lunch dates with my husband   2. looking at thankful lists from previous years and realizing all that has happened since then!   3. pretty colors on the horizon this morning   4. sweet prayers of my boy and God's answers to those prayers   5. our ACU family, brothers and sisters in Christ coming together in a time of tragedy   6. singing songs of praise   7. the wonderful pricipal, teachers, faculty and staff at Caleb's school   8. seeing trees full of colorful leaves   9. getting to keep a baby girl for a couple of days   10. an electric bill with this month's paid plus a $42 credit   11. a day to remember our veterans   12. getting to spend a little bit of time with my "forever friend"   13. hearing my boy singing beside me this morning   14. my husband winning a pretty bag for me!   15. money to buy groceries   16. being able to volunteer at my son's school   17. blessing of being together, whatever we are doing   18. sound of laughter   19. getting to see Mrs. Pat tonight and her being awake and trying to talk. God is so good!   20. a nice Thanksgiving meal today with my husband's side of the family, safe travel, nice visit.   21. good report at my dentist appointment today for my check-up   22. the way my boy makes me laugh and smile every day   23. seeing the movie "Courageous" with my husband   24. having a home...This time last year we had our stuff in the moving truck.   25. time with my family I haven't seen lately.   26. enjoying the trip to the deer lease with my boys. Fun memories with my husband, son, father-in-law and two brothers-in-law!   27. seeing our neighbor Laura today, such a blessing to see all the progress she has made and the answers to prayers   28. feeling rested and ready for the week  29. song lyrics that inspire and encourage   30. excitement of the upcoming month and being able to decorate here for the first time. 

Have a day of blessings!

Giving Thanks Challenge 2011

It is time once again for the Giving Thanks Challenge which is hosted by South Breeze Farm.  I've participated the past two years I believe and was looking forward to November and participating again this year. 

I will be adding something I am thankful for every day this  month at the top of my blog.  Here are my lists from previous years:   2009 and 2010  It was fun for me to read the two lists and remember the times we were going through those years and think about how much has changed for us since then.

Visit South Breeze Farm to join in the giving of thanks every day this month!

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Giving Thanks Challenge

I am thankful for...

1. the beginning of a new month 2. freedom to vote 3. warm fuzzy socks 4. the people who bought our old house 5. our free mobile-to-mobile minutes 6. my wonderful husband 7. my sweet son 8. that the "joy of the Lord is my strength" 9. fall leaves 10. being a stay at home Mom 11. those who have served our country 12. walking in the cold around ACU with my husband and son 13. my coat 14. God's love 15. yummy leftovers 16. memories 17. cooking supper for my hubby 18. schools and teachers 19. food to eat 20. getting to move this week! 21. watching the sun set with my boy 22. God's plan, even when I can't see 23. a place to live and school for Caleb to attend 24. help loading our truck to move 25. blessing of family 26. audio books 27.to wake up in our new city...a dream come true! 28. our vehicles 29. my boy had a great first day at school. 30. sweaters, coats, and my warm robe.

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Giving Thanks Challenge

I am looking forward to participating again this year in the Giving Thanks Challenge for the month of November. You can join in too. Visit South Breeze Farm to link up.

I'm going to be posting my list starting on November 1 in my sidebar. Each day I'll plan to add what I'm thankful for that day. Then at the end of November I'll put them in one post. I also plan to put my list on Facebook this year too.

Have a day of blessings!

Giving Thanks Challenge 2009

I am thankful for...
beautiful fall days,
my husband,
colors of fall,
being able to volunteer,
living in the USA,
being together on Friday nights,
a special day with my boy,
the beautiful voice of my boy singing beside me in church,
being a stay at home Mom,
doctors,
fun family projects for school,
receiving "good mail,"
having fun finding things to pack a shoe box,
food to eat,
singing,
being published in a magazine,
sleep,
Caleb's Thanksgiving program,
joy in my heart,
getting to go to a Casting Crowns concert,
having our family picture made,
small group at church,
lunch with a sweet friend,
traditions,
safe travel,
time with my husband,
seeing my cousins,
yummy leftovers,
Caleb feeling so much better,
upcoming Christmas season,
warm home.

Have a day of blessings!

Giving Thanks Challenge

You may have noticed a new link in my side bar to the 2009 Giving Thanks Challenge. Earlier this week I started seeing the 30 day thankful challenges on other blogs and remembered I participated in this thankful challenge last year. Each day I will be adding something new to my list.

It's not too late to start if you want to participate. Visit South Breeze Farm for more information and to visit others who are participating in giving thanks this month. Here is my list from November 2008. It was fun for me to see what I felt thankful for last year at this time!

Have a day of blessings!

Giving Thanks Challenge

I'm thankful for...
having family visit, extra reading time before bed, cool breezes, America, encouragement from bloggy friends, music, ability to read, sleep, $1.87/gal. gas, answered prayers, the feel of a little boy's hand in mine, lunch with my husband, Thankful Thursday, my Mom, good mail, warm house, a huge sack of hand-me-downs, Christmas shopping, blessing of sharing with others, days at home, Christmas pictures, memories, seeing old friends again, sitting with the warm sun coming in the window as I fold clothes, relaxation, seeing high school friends, memories shared with loved ones, yummy leftovers, a day with my sweet husband, the coming Christmas season.