Thankful Thursday | a pregnancy memory
New here? Thankful Thursday is something we’ve been doing in these COVID times; an exercise to help us hunt for the good that is in our lives and in the world, even in the midst of a pandemic.
The other morning, I was out for a walk and I was thinking back to when I was newly pregnant with Zoe.
This was my hardest pregnancy out of the four as far as being sick went, and the timing was the complete opposite of what I would have chosen (we had three small kids and were about to move into a house that needed a lot of fixing up).
I didn't have a blog back then, of course (it was 2005!), but I was part of a mom's message board, and I remember lying on the couch and writing a message board post that was a list of things I could be thankful for.
Things like:
- at least I mostly packed up the townhouse contents before I got too sick
- we have family to help us move
- my Zofran (anti-nausea med) is pretty cheap through mail order
And so on.
Anyway, I smiled when I thought of this memory because it reminded me that I have so often depended upon thankfulness to get me through hard times.
Of course, it was all worth it because I got this sweet pea at the end:
Note: we bought this before car seats had five-point harnesses. Also, I know the slider should be higher while in the car; I took this photo after we'd finished driving and I'd carried Zoe inside. Car seat safety is important; use a five-point harness and scoot the slider up before driving. 🙂
On to today's actual post content!
This week, I am thankful:
for a few non-humid days
The humidity is back again, but we did have a lovely respite for a few days! And since it's September, I know a bunch of not-so-humid days are on their way.
That helps me have a less crabby attitude about the current humidity.
that we have not been sick
Of course I am very grateful that we have not gotten COVID. But we have not had any other sicknesses in a long time either (probably partially because of masks/handwashing/distancing).
that Lisey is still able to work
I am so grateful that she switched out of the restaurant business when she did. Automotive maintenance is a much better industry to be in right now.
that Lisey has such a good work ethic
She's chose a very physically demanding job that entailed learning an entirely new set of skills, and she has really persevered through it all (even through the miserable summer heat).
for my fabric shaver
I know it seems kind of dumb, but my goodness, I love this thing.
It is so satisfying to remove pills from clothing; kind of like the feeling of painting an old, ugly piece of furniture.
Before:
After:
It's so much fun, I almost get excited when something pills!
Apparently, I am easily entertained. 😉
I got my fabric shaver at Aldi a little while back, but this one on Amazon looks basically identical.
for my comfy bed
Almost every night when I hop in, I think (and sometimes say), "Oh man, this is so comfortable!"
There is nothing quite like your own bed at the end of a day.
that there's plenty of nature around me
I don't live in the country, but I'm also not in the city. So there are lots of trees, plants, flowers, birds and such around me.
Like this this bumblebee. Isn't it cute?
The plant it's on is this one, which is super easy to grow from seed each year.
I'm thankful for Thursdays so I can read your gratitude posts each week! I've been struggling more than I'd like to admit, thank you for helping keep my mindset more positive.
I am right there with you, girl. I have really struggled to put these lists together a lot of weeks.
But that is exactly why I make them. I need to hunt for what is good, especially when I am down.
Hugs to you!
Thankful for...
* Being able to take 2 days off work this week to nurse an injury, and the process being easy (just call in sick to get replaced)
* To have an amazing massage therapist (it's hurts, but it's for my own good!)
* Being invited to a girls weekend to Niagara falls . Friendships does not come easy for me (I'm introverted and I'm selective, so it makes it harder) so it's really nice to finally have a group of genuine girlfriends!
* Read an interesting book. I've given myself the challenge to read at least 50 books this year and of the 43 I've already read not many were "really good". But this current one is quite entertaining! (Prior bad acts, by Tami Hoag, if you wanna know)
* Lipstick. Before Covid - before constant masking - I used to wear daily. Deep reds, bright coral, etc. Just love it! It's the only makeup I put on. But with the constant masking (I'm a health care worker) I stopped putting it on, no point. Anyways, long story short to say that I've been home all week, so I've put on lipstick everyday this week, and it makes me feel great!
Oh, the weekend sounds so fun.
I am hoping sometime in the next year or so that I can do a girls weekend with my three best friends. We all used to live close together but now we don't, and my goodness, I miss them.
Its been so hard for me to find the good lately. I am soooo tired of the pandemic and all of its associated political nonsense. Not to get on a soapbox. But we are so slow at the hospital that my hours may be cut and that gives me great stress. But today I am thankful for:
*cooler temps this morning which makes it feel like Fall!
*all the ingredients to make a great dinner for my daughter and Hubby tonight and the time to prep it before I head to work
*said daughter visiting us for the last two weeks (I do miss my peeps) and getting to spend time with her
*my elderly mother got her cast off from a broken wrist and is healthy and doing well
*we have a fun weekend planned!
I hope you keep getting the hours that you need!
1. We are healthy
2. School is back in session and the students make the building feel like a school again
3. I am employed
4. The bills are paid
5. I have an amazing family that loves me
I'm thankful for:
-my husband making me coffee this morning
-being able to watch the chickens we hatch grow (we have a crowing rooster!)
-lots of books to read
-my daddy wanting to move in with us (I feel better when he's near)
-thrift stores
-hugs from my children
-my kids being thoughtful to think of things that I forget (helpful things--like, "Mom, didn't you want to pay the credit card bill today?")
-I like having a garden, but as I need to be doing more school, I'm glad the garden is winding down.
-cooler temperatures
-my cousin sending me a lovely letter this week; I look forward to replying.
Kid hugs are indeed very good!
Kids hugs truly are the best. My 3 children have encouraged me more than they probably realize just by their random "I love you, Mom" hugs.
1. Like you,that comfy bed at the end of the day is blissful. We needed a new mattress and finally sprung for one about 6 months ago. Heavenly!!
2. I am grateful that I actually ENJOY cooking. I have been preparing 3 meals a day at home with only about 4 Take outs, March 9. My kitchen is one of my happy places.
3. SOO GRATEFUL my art collective group leader coordinates a weekly ZOOM meeting where we artists/crafters show up, work on our individual art projects with our cameras on, and sip coffee and chat like we used to do in person.Not the same, but a great morning.. everyThursday!
4. Soo grateful my husband and I and our grown son are healthy.
5. I am so grateful that we have a safe,friendly neighborhood, a comfortable home, many books, art supplies, musical instruments, and each other, to get us though these times.
Your second one is so impressive. Good for you!
"It's raining, it's pouring, my daughter's still snoring . . ."
It is raining, which we desperately needed. And my daughter is still asleep at 7:40 a.m., so I'm very thankful I didn't have to wake her up so I could get to work today.
Thankful I don't have work today. Bad weather days are very challenging with a bunch of energetic elementary students who are ear-splittingly loud during indoor recesses. 🙂
Still thankful we are able to do in-person schooling.
And lastly, thankful that although one of our sheep was killed by what we think was a mountain lion two nights ago, nothing and no one else--including dogs, horse, other sheep, or people--were injured in an attack that took place approximately six feet from my son's bedroom window. Yikes.
1. That everyone in my household is still employed.
2. That we've all remained well.
3. That I'm finding my way in a new job where I don't really get much direction.
4. That string of appliance and plumbing repairs at our house seems to have ceased. It's been a very expensive year, even with a good home warranty in force.
5. That cooler weather is finally here. I don't love ragweed, but I love autumn.
That we have my mother in law still around; she's turning 90 soon!
That I am back to knitting now that the temperatures are down at bit. It relaxes me immensely, to feel the soft warm yarns in my hands;
That recent medical tests showed I am in good health;
That I had some fun jobs to do at work, in an otherwise stressful week;
That I feel less tense now than two weeks back.
1) Rain, finally rain with some cooler temperatures.
2) Strength to do what I need to do...watching a 2 yr old five days a week while my son & daughter-in-law work.
3) That I get to spend almost every day with my grandson AND that means I get to see my son pretty much every day too.
4)My son's promotion....after 10 yrs of working nights he'll be working days by the end of the year.
5) That my husband can still work from home....& his recent promotion that makes that easier.
Oh wow. 10 years of night shift! God bless him. So glad he gets to do days soon!
Adorable baby photo!
1) I had an allergic reaction to a wasp sting over the past few days, but it appears to be getting better. And, grateful for the Benadryl that allowed me to sleep, after some non-fun sleepless nights.
2) Grateful for cooler weather, even though the sky is orange & it feels like the entire west coast is on fire.
3) So happy that my husband did a bunch of grilling over the weekend, and we have been eating delicious leftovers all week.
4) Appreciating that the air quality is good, combined with the cooler temperatures today, so the kids can play soccer outside & get some exercise.
5) Grateful it's a short work week!
I'm thankful for:
1) A dramatic drop in temperature this week. I'll take flannel sheets and hoodies over "How much more can I possibly sweat?!" any day!
2) Recent opportunities to spend time (safely) with friends. Picnicking on a friend's lawn last weekend and then staying to talk and watch the stars for a few hours was lovely, indeed.
3) A pragmatic husband who balances out my "All the emotions!" self. Focusing on actionable things has always been my best coping mechanism when stressed or frustrated, but I have to get there first! It's nice to have someone who reminds me of the "What is in your power?" option vs. dwelling on things I can't change. I come from a loooooong line of dwellers, so my husband's efforts are deeply appreciated.
-People, like you on your blog, to encourage thankfulness!
-Nature, where we are right now is beautiful! Big boabob trees, fields, and iridescent birds. What a creative Creator!
- Friends for my kids
-Time with my husband
-More stable finances than several months ago.
-More time to try new recipes.
-Coffee
- That I have the Bible in my language and was taught to read, thousands of language groups do not have thos opportunity. I was born into a language that did and I'm grateful for that privilege.
I love the picture of the precious little peanut in her seat.
1. I'm thankful that our new front door, which came with a leaking seal in the window, is an issue being handled by the contractor, not me!
2. I'm thankful that a relative is bringing a nice lunch to my husband today while I'm at work.
3. I'm thankful for the lovely, long phone conversation last night with my 91 year old uncle, who lives in another state. He and his 90 year old wife are doing well. Their assisted living facility had one asymptomatic case of Covid a while back and that person was simply quarantined, never sick. No one else, resident or staff, has tested positive right through yesterday.
4. I'm thankful that my 100 year old uncle, who is in another assisted living facility in yet another state, is still well, although he finds it nearly impossible to talk on the phone anymore. He is still checked on regularly by family and we all sent cards for his 100th birthday in May.
5. Although it was disconcerting to watch, I'm grateful to have had the chance to see nature at work on my lunch hour: a hawk with a snake in its talons landed in a tree near me, where it killed and ate the snake, swallowing it whole. Not something I expected to see while working in a city of just under 200,000.
What a blessing that your elderly relatives are doing ok in the facilities. Wonderful!
Are you able to buy a replacement blade for you fabric shaver?
I totally get the excitement for fabric shaving, I felt it myself! After trying the shaver out on my own shirts I have brought it to family gatherings to shave all their stuff, too. Now the blade is dull and doesn't work so well anymore.
However, there are no replacements for my cheap department store device. I don't want to replace the whole device that feels so wasteful. The motor works just fine. I already tried to order no-name blade heads from ebay, but unfortunately they did not fit.
Have you found a frugal solution?
Oh man, I haven't even thought about that. Hmm. I will have to check and see if there are options for mine.
So thankful for RAIN! It has been a dry dry dry summer here in Western Colorado. We are so grateful for rain and a few days of cooler temperatures too. Still thankful for a job I do from home and for my clients...for our weekly produce box that is always filled with locally grown goodies...and that we haven't been sick and have still been able to participate in our favorite outdoor activities.
- That we're in the stage of not using A/C or heat... It's just right.
- For our library staff who cares for us so well.
- For other moms who have a kid with struggles similar to those in our house. It's great to get ideas and it is great to know that I'm not alone.
- Good health. There's a COVID explosion half a mile from our house (thanks, college kids) but my family has been protected so far even though my first grader has been in school for almost 3 weeks. Hallelujah that there are no cases at her school!
- For storage space for hand-me-down clothes to wait until my youngest is ready for them. It was so nice this week to just go to the box and pull out the things she's growing into. No stores necessary.
1. For our 2 dogs. They give us a lot of entertainment and joy while we are staying home a lot.
2. Being able to sleep in on the weekends. I do miss my kids being little but it sure is nice that they can wake up on the weekends on their own and let us sleep in.
3. Having the time to try new recipes. A slower pace of life and less activities/practices to run to has given me more opportunity to cook. I tried your chicken and biscuits and gravy recipe and omg it was amazing and very well-received.
4. That my son is feeling better after having a stomach bug this week.
5. That I get to decorate for Halloween in less than a month. It is a pretty big deal in our house and we go all out with yard decorations and dressing up. Who knows what trick or treating will be like but we will still make the best of it.
1. My daughter's school provides so much encouragement and support for whole families. It's helped our family holistically, not just academically. I truly cannot give thanks enough for this school.
2. I have the luxury of staying home with my kids and teaching them.
3. It was 50 and misty when I woke up today, and I got to take our dog (an Alaskan dog who lives for cold) for a walk by ourselves. I'm not sure which one of us loved it more.
4. The bread I made yesterday turned out really well even though I forgot salt. We've been sprinkling each slice with coarse salt before eating it, and so far no one has complained.
5. I'm wearing a sweatshirt because it's cool. I love sweatshirts. I love cool weather. Fall is indeed coming.
I love sweatshirts too! Can hardly wait to start wearing mine here in Northern Virginia.
Thank you for your honesty about struggling to come up with this list! I think this is how I get by as well, when I'm feeling down. We are down to one car in our household, although we are in the process of looking for another one. The one car that we have broke down right when I was getting ready to leave for an appointment. I am grateful that I could get a ride from someone. It's taking over a week for it to get fixed, but I'm grateful that we have a store within walking distance. My husband and I walked to get some groceries this last weekend when it was over 100 degrees outside. I was feeling down about walking in the heat and then realized we weren't alone in this. At the entrance of the store, there was a couple on bicycles that looked homeless. It made me feel sad for them as I knew that when we got home, we have great air conditioning. Sometimes it's the things that I take for granted that I later realize I'm most grateful for, things like clean water, a clean bathroom, nice shelter, food to eat, my husband having a good job during these trying times.
Thankful that I can host family while they pack up and move across state; for having the retirement savings that will allow me to relocate cross-country now that I am widowed; for rain which chased away extremely high temperatures; for friends who check up on me on a regular basis; and for my health.
For the many blessings the Lord has bestowed upon Bob and myself.
Knowing the Lord as our Saviour.
Thankful for family, friends, small garden.
God is watching tenderly daily over all of us.
I am usually a humidity hater, but lately I've been appreciating it b/c it makes my hair seem thicker. Which may sound strange, but I've been dealing with more hair fallout lately (stress? too much Vitamin D?) and I don't know why. So that humidity is helping me feel a little more confident! I live in South Central Virginia. Also, we are cleaning out our (small) basement. It's been hard, and there's still not as much room as we'd like, but I'm going to purchase a shelf just for me, just for our excess food and essentials with yard sale proceeds of the stuff we're clearing out. Stocking up, here I come! 🙂
Long time reader...first time commenter. I think it is a good season to get on the thankfulness train.
This week I am thankful for....
Good jobs for my husband and I that allow us to pay our bills and live comfortably.
The ability to work from home for me which gives me more family time, time to cook, tackle projects, garden etc. The removal of stress from not having to commute has been a great blessing during this time.
For coffee. I don’t need a lot and it doesn’t have to be fancy but a cup of Folgers with a little natural bliss sweet cream stirred in makes me happy.
For the break in humidity and cooler temps we had. I love the summer but about this time of year I start to long for cozy things and cooler temps.
Have a great week everyone!!
Love the name of your cream. "Natural bliss". Makes me feel calm just saying it. 😀
I am also thankful for a comfy bed; nothing is so wonderful as curling up after a long day in a cozy bed.
I am thankful my husband is getting healthy! I prayed for my husband (who has some serious genetic predisposition for cardiovascular disease and cancer) to get serious about weight loss and exercise for many years and it happened! He is down 35 lbs and he his BMI is in the normal range for the first time since we’ve been dating/married. He just had a fasting glucose checked and it was 72. 72!!!!!! He has worked very hard and I am so proud of him. We are even joining a gym as a family this fall.
I am thankful for the library. We just picked up a bunch of books and it is just such an amazing resource.
I am thankful for my son’s preschool and that we have the funds to afford it. He seems to be really enjoying it.
I am thankful our SUV is still running well. It was making an awful noise and as it is 17 years old we feared the worst. But it was just a simple clamp that was loose in the power steering and it was quickly tightened for no charge! What a relief.
So glad your husband's health is improving. Yay!
I'm thankful for:
1. My new stove, after waiting 4 weeks! But blessed that we had a slowcooker, instapot and airfryer so we didn't starve!
2. A healthy family!
3. Steady work for all of our family.
4. Really good friends who stay in touch during these trying times.
5. Cooler weather that allows me to walk in the mornings before work.
You can also use a regular razor instead of a fabric shaver.
1. Our health insurance. While I have sometimes had to fight to get things covered, my insurance has covered all my surgeries, medications, and supplies (like a power electric chair and a breathing machine I sometimes have to use). I had a pre-existing genetic condition but that has never been an issue. I never lose sight of how lucky and privileged I am.
2. Our library, which has continued to function by using curbside pickup.
3. Found the perfect birthday gift for my sister. It is so seldom that you see something and just know the person will love it. When she opened it, my sister cried. It was a tea towel that had pictures of our grandmother at the corners and her most beloved family recipe in the center. Very thankful to the creative Etsy person who makes these things.
4. A bouquet of sunflowers from our garden, picked just before our first frost. So cheerful.
5. Our rescue dog. He came to us underweight and afraid of all sudden movements or raised voices, even if the noise was from laughter. A year later, he is such a loving and responsive boy, outgoing and friendly to everyone. His antics make us laugh every day, which is priceless during these sometimes difficult times.
Your fabric shaver reminded me how much I love the Snag Nab-It (and not just because the name is adorable. It fixes those stupid snags that I get on...everything. It even works on really fine fabrics like satin and organza. (https://www.amazon.com/Dritz-618-Snag-Nab-2-Inch/dp/B003PTVS68)
I'm grateful I have a job. My university isn't protecting me, my students, or my colleagues very well. But I have a job and I can do most of it remotely.
I really appreciate my students' grace this semester. They have been so encouraging as I fumble through new technologies. The feeling of community that we're developing is so encouraging.
Thankful I found a bottle of antibiotic spray for my dogs hotspot. It had not improved for a week and 2 days with the spray it's lookin good.
That one of my close friends was at work today and we got to talk!
We had rain. All rain has went East West North or South of us.
That no one was hurt in taking a couple of large trees down. One we were worried might split from the top and fall on someone mowing the lawn.
We were able to have a small group of people over labor day weekend. How I miss people in general.
I'm thankful for a cooler day on which to roast and can red peppers! I'm grateful they are in season and I got them for 87 cents a pound. I'll know I'll be grateful I put in the effort when I open a jar in the middle of January when red peppers are $5 a pound!
I'm thankful I found another broker that carried Jevco insurance, which is considerablly cheaper here than other insurance would have been.
I'm grateful I've gotten a good harvest of herbs this summer. And that I've found a method to grow lettuce for six to seven months of the year.
I live in smoke-filled Northern California so my list is pretty "regional" for now. I am thankful that (so far this fire season) our house has not burned down. I am thankful that it cooled down from the 111 degrees we had on Sunday (no air conditioning!), and we are not sweltering in smoky air. The deep layer of smoke is a mixed blessing--it's not letting the fog burn off and we have blissfully cool temperatures, but dark, orange and yellow smoky air. I am thankful I'm able to work at home and do not have to go out in the terrible, smoky air. I am very thankful that our electricity was not off for nearly 3 days like it was for most of the people in our town (to prevent downed power lines from causing more fires). I'm thankful to have two other family members home with me during lockdown. I'm thankful we were able to find non-medical N95 masks for when we have to go outside in the smoke.
I'm right there with you...here in Washington smoke from the gorge, Idaho, California, Ashland and Medford has everyone staying indoors due to the air quality being so bad...
Prayers for all those who have lost homes, pets, businesses ect...its heartbreaking.
Stay safe.
I just have one today: I'm thankful for the generosity and selflessness of so many people I know who have stepped up to do whatever it takes to help evacuate people and animals from the fires in the past 24 hours (one person even going INTO a Level 3 evacuation zone to rescue horses), who have opened their homes to evacuees, donated money, food and clothing, etc. We personally live with the fear of fire every summer at our house, but it has not touched our family (yet), other than the constant smoke every August/September. I am just heartbroken about the devastation, and news today shows that some of the fires may have been set intentionally. If you are so inclined, please say a prayer for these families and communities in Oregon and the firefighters and first responders who run in to help. No need to comment to my post, just pray. Thank you.
Love the picture of your boo boo kitty little one!
Thankful that I am able to work from home.
Thankful that my relationship with my daughter is finally a pleasant one. She gave me a run for my money from 16 until 27 or so. I had to hang up the phone many times when she was being ugly. Although I did learn to tell her that I was not going to accept her disrespect but I would continue to love and pray for her. I am also thankful for my siblings who emotionally supported me and continue to do so.
Thankful for these cooler nights even though the days are still hot and muggy.
Thankful for a gentleman and his 10-year old son who offered to carry my heavy bag of library books to my car for me. It gives me great joy to see adults raising kind children. PLUS.... a stack of new books to read at no cost to me.
Thankful for all the delicious grilled meals my sister and brother in-love provide. I never learned to grill and I sure enjoy grilled food.
Lastly, thankful for your posts Kristen. I always feel happier and more content after reading each of them, along with the comments from all your gracious readers.
I am grateful for:
The hlate summer produce from my garden...the fridge looked bare but the garden provided dinner.
My very good next door neighbours who help out with all my home repair projects, talk me through how to tackle them and lend me tools as needed. I have learnt so much about household repairs in the ten years we have been neighbours.
My friendly squirrel who comes to visit almost every day...she is funny and feisty and highly entertaining.
That school is back in session and my tenth grader will be attending part time.
I am so grateful I discovered this blog oh so many years ago. It’s a comforting place to be.
I am often thankful for my bed! Especially a comfortable, modern bed with good linens in a climate controlled house. I love history but have no desire to travel back in time before the modern conveniences.
1. This sounds silly, but I am grateful I found a good chocolate cake recipe that works at my altitude. Baking (especially cakes) is tricky here.
2. So many people have mentioned their libraries. I love it! I am grateful that our county's library sale is resuming this weekend after having been shut down completely for 6 months. I don't need any books to read at the moment but just the shop opening gives me hope and a sense of normalcy.
3. I am grateful that I had meds left over from the last time my cat had an eye infection last Christmas. She developed another one and I was able to treat her without another trip to the vet.
4. I am happy that its almost Friday. Its been a rough work week.
I miss library book sales! I will be thrilled when our county libraries start holding them again.
I am thankful for sleep. I often battle insomnia but I do so enjoy my sleep.
I am thankful for books that transport to many different places.
I am thankful my Lord and Saviour.
I am thankful for my granddaughter. She brings joy, laughter and love wherever she goes.
I am thankful for colour. Today I have been exploring creative ideas and I love colour today especially.
My son has gone to the outback to work this week. Ia m so thankful he drove there safely and feels it will be a good work week for him. As you have noted working in catering is very tough at present.
I am thankful for:
My first (and only) cup of coffee in the morning, it is my anchor
Talking with people that flip negative to positive, laugh instead of whine
I can make choices, I am not trapped
9 days back in school and no covid case that we know about
Parents who are grateful for what I do as a teacher
When in doubt, or in the throes of despair--- be a helper, thank you Kristen for being a helper.