Thankful Thursday

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart

How is it possible to feel like you are losing something that was never yours to begin with? That was the thought running through my mind as I woke up this morning. However, on this Thursday, November 11, 2010 I have so much more to be thankful for.

It is Veteran's Day and though my company does not observe this holiday, I still am thankful for all the men and women who fight for our country and our freedom. Living in San Diego, which is home to many military bases, I see daily the men and women who work tirelessly and put their lives on the line for us.

I am blessed with friends who are willing to share even the smallest things to make my life easier and less stressful. They open their home and make me feel welcome and part of the family. I can count on my friends to listen, lend a shoulder, make me laugh, etc.

On 11/11/11, I will have the privilege of standing next to my sister at her wedding in exactly one year as her Maid of Honor. She has created a beautiful and loving home and life with her fiance and I have enjoyed many trips to San Jose to visit her. I will also be Auntie for the 3rd time to their child (my bambino).

I am so so thankful to be an Aunt. I know I have been able to share a unique and special relationship with my niece and nephew. I have and always will feel like they are "mine" even though I did not give birth to them, I love them no less. I may not have children of my own, but the Lord put these two special children in my life for a reason and for that I will always be grateful.

I am blessed to have a sister (in law) who has been in my life for 17 years, but feels like she has been there my entire life. She shares her children with me and I can't thank her enough for that.

So I may feel like I am losing, but I am really already a winner!

Happiness

Happiness is never stopping to think if you are. ~Palmer Sondreal

My blog post today is about things that make me happy w/out having to think about it. I’m sticking with the Thankful theme for the month of November and hope to continue writing this month to remind myself all that I am blessed with.

Exercise daily. Walk with the Lord! ~Author Unknown

Every night as I close my eyes, I talk with the Lord. I turn all my worries over to Him. It gives me such peace to know that He will take these things off my mind so I can sleep soundly and start the next day anew. Our God is great!

While we try to teach our children all about life,Our children teach us what life is all about.~Angela Schwindt

I love my niece and nephew with all my heart and soul! They teach me something new every time I am with them. Last night I was able to spend time with them. I read books to my niece as I have done since she was born and for the 2nd time she read to me. Wow! What a proud and uplifting moment to know she CAN read and ENJOYS it as much as I do. It is so bittersweet to be reminded of how grown up she is becoming but to miss that dear precious baby she once was. And my nephew… To see his memory work and for him to remember our games we play, such as airplane. “up high, Ti Ti”, He says with the hugest smile. He giggles are music to my heart. I got to tuck them into bed last night and they both came back out to the living room and asked to be tucked in again. God, Thank You for these two precious beings in my life.

Babies are such a nice way to start people. ~Don Herrold

My bambino, you are growing in my little sister’s belly now. I wonder if you are going to be my niece or my nephew. I secretly wish for both and can’t make up my mind which you will be. I love you already! I can’t wait to begin to make memories with you as I do with Jordan and Brayden. I am already starting to think about your mommy’s baby shower and whether you will make your arrival as expected on June 5th or will you come early in May. Hang tight in there and know you are so loved by God!

Friends are kisses blown to us by angels. ~Author Unknown

I am the type to have a few really great friends. I have friends that I can be completely honest with and know that they will not be hurt by my truthful words. I don’t believe in sugar coating anything. And I expect the same from them. I can laugh with them AND cry with them. Making memories only we share.

You can't wrap love in a box, but you can wrap a person in a hug. ~Author Unknown

I absolutely love hugs! They can make any day brighter. Some of the best hugs I have received recently have been from new friends. There is nothing better than a warm hug! Hugs provide a great shoulder to lean on as well. I wasn’t raised in a ‘huggy’ family, but I make sure my niece and nephew are hugged at least a hundred times when I am with them. I want them to be able to accept and give hugs throughout their life because they can make all the difference in someone’s day.

I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom. ~Author Unknown

A Time to Be Thankful

This post was going to start with all the things I don't have and want, but I have changed my mind and have decided to remind myself of all the things I am Thankful for.

GOD

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

The verse I live by. My God loves me and I can seek his counsel at any time. He fulfills my life & my heart like no other can. He has a plan for my life, which at times I tend to wonder about, but know that only He has my best intentions at heart. I am a daughter of the one and only Father. I am so thankful that I have God in my life! Do you know God? If you don’t, then He is a Best Friend and Father you should know.


Parents

My parents (who have been married for 40 years) and gave me life. They are my heroes! I look up to them and can only dream of finding a love like theirs. And watching them with their grandchildren fills my heart. They have taught me love, kindness, compassion, and humility. They have given me shelter, love, hugs, and a deep sense of what Family truly means. I am so thankful to have them both still alive and in my life.


Niece & Nephew

I am so thankful to be their Auntie (TaTa & TiTi)! If I never experience having children of my own, I will have known what it is like to be a surrogate to them. I enjoy taking in every moment and being present at all times with them. To see the world through their eyes is marvelous and amazing. Their perspective on life is innocent and refreshing. And their laughter is music to my ears! I have been so blessed to be active in their lives since they day they were each born. Celebrating Birthdays, Going to Disneyland, Sea World, Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Circus, Pumpkin Patches. And because of my niece I have begun to build my relationship with the Lord. I will never let her forget how much that means to me.


Bambino

Oh, Bambino – You aren’t even here yet and I love you already. Whether I have a niece or nephew I can’t wait to be your Auntie. I will teach you all I can and you can teach me Spanish.


I am also thankful for my brother and his wife Mandie (who is the best Sister-in-Law a girl could ever have), my little sister, my friends, and for having a job.

I am so blessed and need to remind myself of this when I have a "low"/"poor me" moment.

Thanks to all my blessings this November and always!