Desires of the Heart

As I sit here, watching my son sleep, my heart is incredibly HUGE!

For weeks I desired to see Todd for his 19th birthday. Spoke of it with a few people, (ok...whinned about it too) but pretty much hid the desire in my heart as we are recovering from a difficult financial year last year...and the added cost of tuition each month, well - that is something else entirely.

I had, in my heart, resolved to quietly sit at home on April 3rd, speak to Todd on his birthday (while hiding the tears from him of course. Not that I do that well at all...I don't.) and just lay low, let the day pass and make it through some how. I know that there will be birthdays that I do not see him, I was just dreading the fact that it was going to be this one! I was going to keep myself extremely busy - avoiding the pain and void of not seeing my son for his birthday.

I'm grinning as he snores, such a pleasant sound to my heart.

I have my very own Mommie to thank for this gift! I'll never be able to repay her as it is priceless to me. We plan on leaving and NOT telling Todd so he would be surprised for his birthday - and boy, was he was so surprised! I worked it out with his boss, Linda, that we would meet him at the store. (Thank you Linda for your awesome gift of TIME with him!)

He was turning around to do something as we were walking into the store! He had no idea we were coming. The shock, surprise and happiness were all evident as the emotions swept over his heart! The best gift of all - the HUG!! I love hugs and am unashamedly a "hugger". I love real, two armed hugs!! The hug he gave me - priceless!

So, I'm floating through this amazing weekend. Trying to pry my babies out of bed now, so that we can just enjoy the day together. But, I could not resist taking a moment and saying - Happy Birthday Todd. Isn't it just the greatest thing to have such an amazing gift of time?! Yes. I believe it is. Oh, one more thing. You, the readers of this blog, will allow me to indulge and express my complete adoration for my son..right? [nodding, sure you will - and I thank you]

Dearest Todd,

As you lay sleeping and snoring, you are also doing something else. Warming my heart! I have been watching you for hours now, so very thankful for this gift of time with you. You remember when you use to jump up in the mornings and get ready for school as quick as you could, then lay back down with me until the actual time to get up? You'd always hold my hand. I love that. I love how you are fun, how you love to laugh and how wonderful you make us feel when we are around you. I love remembering the little boy that you were, running around in your cowboy boots and diaper only, helping yourself to the last drink of mountain dew and saying "Thanks mommie for sharing with me"...and I love seeing the fine young man that you are growing into today. I love that you still hug and kiss me in public. That is a huge honor!! I'm so proud of you! So proud of the Christian path you are choosing. Choosing because you want to, not because it's what I taught you to do. So proud of how you are seeking God's will for your life. No matter where God's will leads you, you'll be the happiest and have the most JOY, right in the center, as HE will provide a way for you to walk the course He has set for you. I pray you keep seeking God's perfect will for yourself, keep putting one foot in front of the other...step by step, day by day - one problem at a time, one pleasure at a time. Always remember the little things, they truly are the biggest, bestest things ever! I sure do love you son. I simply can not find the words that will express my love and gratitude to the depth that I feel them in my heart.

Love forever and always,

Mommie

To my very own wonderful Mommie....thank you!! I can only hope to grow up to be half as wonderful as you are!! I love you!

What are the desires you are longing for? Is your heart heavy because you are missing a child in college? Missing a child in the military - or something I can not imagine....are you missing a child, who is in heaven?

We have so many desires of our hearts don't we? Let's take them one at a time. Working towards our goals and desires if we can. If we can't, working with what we have to meet the desires the best we can...just as I had thought I would have to, using skype, cellphone, email and texting. To tell you the truth, had I not been able to visit with Todd, I would have probably contacted him using each one of those means.

Keep plugging away at your dreams and desires. You never know - you simply never know.

You are awake now! Time to get ready for a wonderful day! Love you Todd. I sure do love you lots n bunches!

{{HUGS}}

The Shack

When I started reading The Shack in September 2009, it was towards the end of a long battle. Even though I was strong for my family & I trusted and relied on the strength of the Lord and prayers from friends and family, a great sadness enveloped me. My family had literally been through one of the most grievous years I can remember. We battled doctors on behalf of my daughter Meg who could no longer digest solid food, wondered & prayed about employment for my husband Steve and left my only son at college - 15 hours away. I picked up The Shack and read the first chapter. My heart was pounding, the tears were forming as I felt Mack's pain and the terror of his dreams. I think to myself, there is no way I'll ever be at a point where I can finish this book; I, too, was having nightmares so terrible that I desperately tried not to sleep. Just as the great sadness consumed Mack, it consumed me. I closed the book, wondering if I'd ever finish it.

I'm happy to say that I did have the courage to pick it up and continue reading it. This fictional book describes pain, anguish and fear in such detail that you can feel the pain gripping your heart, then, it does something wonderful. It takes you through the healing process.

The author, William Paul Young, does a wonderful job with having the characters asking questions we would typically ask, expressing doubt, anger and fear. He then reminds us that it's of our own free will that develop our relationship with our heavenly Father.

For a fictional book, there were many passages that were full of amazing truth.

"Faith does not grow in the house of certainty"

"Don't ever discount the wonder of your tears. They can be healing waters and a stream of joy. Sometimes they are the best words the heart can speak."

This book has been a source of controversy over doctrinal issues. I suggest you read it, pulling out the powerful truths that are throughout the book while simply enjoying it -- not judging it based on doctrine, not judging at all. Let your heart feel the emotions that Mack is feeling as he is working his way through grief and pain, dealing with the issues of forgiveness and struggling to keep it all together for his family.

Sooner or later, you'll have your own great sadness to deal with, and you'll remember - God is there, through everything...even when you feel He isn't.

What Makes YOU Happy?

When I treat myself, I love an extra hot Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte (sugar free) from Starbucks or a Diet Coke and Reese Cup. These simple little things bring me great joy and are truly a treat.

Last year, I was looking for a journal (a treat for myself) and stumbled upon this cool desk calendar. 3,650 Things to be Happy About, by Barbara Ann Kipfer. Being a lover of the million little things that bring joy to my day, I was intrigued.

One was opened, so I began to flip through it. 10 items a day, everyday. How very cool! Giggling with excitement, I decide to treat myself to this wonderful little treasure. 2 months have passed and I must say, it has been one of the greatest gifts I've ever given myself. I love tearing off the page, anxiously awaiting the next 10 things.

I have not always agreed with some of them, but that is to be expected as everyone does not like the same things. And then, there are the things that I have to "good search" to see what they are. (Sorry Google, Good Searching makes sense, as they help out my little non profit.) I have learned something new from this calendar nearly every other day! For instance, did not know what a Yurt was. Go on...Good Search it, if you need to. I did.

I decided to try and list 10 things a day for a week to see what I would come up with. Some have to do with things that happened on that day - others, are just random things that popped into my head. Here they are in no particular order:

Monday: Full moon hanging on a cloud, Gel Pens, soft Kleenex, board games, belly laughs, waking to a kiss, cool sunglasses, soft carpet, Atomic Fireballs, White out.

Tuesday: American Flag, rolling fog, cute note pads, making cotton candy, cloud shapes, Hot chocolate with marshmallows, Handwritten notes, roller coasters, forgiveness, Reese Cups with a Diet Coke

Wednesday: Cute Socks, Chuck Norris Facts, Free Books, Puppies, Statue of Liberty, heart dangle earrings, unconditional love, hot soup, cute purses, lightening bugs

Thursday: Watching my children sleep, Anticipating Christmas morning, huge sliding boards, Ringling Brothers Circus, itouch, Animal cookies, listening to rain, Long lingering HUGS, Hope, Blue Roses

Friday: Little Debbie Cakes, homemade lemonade, reading poetry, Old books from the thrift store, Service Men & Women, Breakfast for dinner, Choices, PB&J with Glass of Milk, Disney Classics, hot peanut butter cookies out of the oven

Saturday: Toddlers that ask millions of questions, Being safe in God's arms, Singing loudly in the car, Sitting sideways in overstuffed chairs, quotes, Falling asleep listening to the ocean lap against the shore, Watching my kids make the right decision, reading poetry, Policemen & Firefighters, Riding with all the windows down in the car

Sunday: Coconut Cake, Having the Bible ready available in hand or online, Universal Studios, Unsweetened Iced Tea, Monkeys on anything and everything, See sawing with a friend, Blowing Bubbles, Cute adorable socks, m&m's, handmade bracelets

The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.--Henry Ward Beecher

These are just a few things that make me happy. What about you? Can you list 10 things a day that make you happy, so that at the end of the year you'll have your very own 3,650 things to be happy about? What about listing 10 things a day that are simply happy things? For example, spaghetti dinners do not make me happy, as I do not like any form of pasta. But - being at the spaghetti dinner with smiling friends and getting warm hugs - now...that is happy stuff. See what I mean?

If you blog, I challenge you to list 10 happy things a day, blog it and then link back here. I'd love to read it as well as share it with others!

If you don't blog, consider listing your 10 happy things a day for the week in the comments below. It will be wonderful to see the things that make YOU happy!

If you can't list 10 things aday - how about 3? What about 5?

Again, I ask - What makes you happy?

{{{HUGS}}}

All Because ONE Child Cared

I have the Greatest nieces and nephews in all the land. The youngest nephew, Jonathan, recently did a little thing for me. He told his teacher about Spreading Joy Corporation and how we help people. In his mind, he was just telling her about how his Aunt Marie was making a difference. What he didn't realize was that he was actually doing something huge and giving me an opportunity that I may never have gotten myself.

After meeting with his teacher, the preparations start. I want to introduce Spreading Joy Corporation to them. I want them to know what we do, what we've done and what we want to do! What our hopes, dreams and desires are. I want them to know that we've had goals and fallen short of them, but we weren't feeling guilty about it because we simply did what we could with what we had. More than all of that, I want them to walk away empowered, feeling like they can make a difference. I want them to see and KNOW that there's no joy like Spreading Joy.

I only have 30 minutes to speak to them and know that I have so much more than that to say, but am prepared to make it work. After introducing Spreading Joy to them, I quickly run through our accomplishments (article on that soon to be published) explaining to them that while we didn't reach the individual goals we set, we were not feeling guilty. We simply did what we could, with what we had and used that to make a difference. I fill them in on New Year of Hope (NYOH). Explaining where we were and that we needed $802 to deliver HOPE to Dwayne and his 10 year old daughter Diana. Oh, I can't wait to deliver this.

We spend much of our time talking about noticing and appreciating the little things that truly make life big. I'm a lover of the million little things in life that make my heart smile. While I'm sharing this, I hand out Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies. The first guy to receive this Chris, wasn't sure about what I was doing and offered it back as I was walking away. I smile and told him to keep it, it's what I love doing. My favorite thing to give out is Reese Cups, because they are my absolute favorite! But, Little Debbie makes is affordable to give sweet smiles. While I'm "spreading joy" and passing out some of my favorite things, I want to remind everyone that holding the door for others, smiling at everyone, letting someone ahead in line and a whole slew of other "little" things make a huge difference.

Middle school children do not have a lot of resources financially, but they do have huge hearts, creative minds and the power within themselves to make a huge difference. We talk about a few of the 50 Ways to make a difference with spending a penny. The list was printed out for them. I'm hoping that they will be inspired to start spreading joy from that. I also tell them I want 50 more ways to make a difference for free and ask if they would consider sending in some ideas.

After giving Jason Lott a few of the "little things that make his life big", I call 4 people (Tols Detmer, Thomas Butner, Madeline Tilley & Sabrina Twery) from the group of kids. Give them a "joy pack". This is not a gift for them to keep, I ask them to choose someone to give this to, someone that could use a little joy that day. They are spreading joy heroes. They give freely, happily and everyone is hoping to be chosen. Are the bags huge gifts? NO. Remember, it's the little things.

The 4 heroes come back to me after spreading joy. I thank them for not grumbling, not whining and doing such a great job. They are all smiling, standing there empty handed. I'm hoping that their hearts are soaring because they just did something amazing! Before I let them sit down, I give them a little something, more than what they just gave away - but still, little things, because I want them to know, first hand, little things are amazing! I want them to realize that they (the huge hearted kids) have the ability within themselves to make a huge difference.

So, what really happened because one little 11 year old boy cared? Well, let me tell you!

Spreading Joy was able to:

• Enjoy the snow while talking to one amazing teacher over delicious coffee


• Give away 300 joy packs of candy with our information attached to it.


• Joyfully hand out and throw into the crowd 10 Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies


• Give away 6 yummilicious, simply the best treat on the face of the earth Reese Cup - Reese Eggs


• Give away 9 packs of lip gloss (with 8 different kinds in each) I think


• Give away 4 packs of fingernail polish (with 7 or 8 different kinds each)


• Give away 3 $10.00 McDonald's gift cards


• Give away 3 boxes of a beautiful necklace set


• Give away 9 books (I love giving away books)


• Speak to around 200 middle school kids with HUGE amazing Hearts! (and several Amazing teachers too!)

And....imagine with me, for just a moment, if you will. If those 200 individuals tell one other person, JUST 1 - that will be 400 people hearing about Spreading Joy Corporation for the first time. And - if that second set of people tell 1 other person, then we are up to around 600 people hearing for the first time.

So, Jonathan, you amazing Spreading Joy hero - do you see how the "little" thing of telling 1 person, has made a HUGE difference? I hope so. I hope others will too.

What did I get out of all of this? Oh, yes, new people heard about Spreading Joy. Yes, I enjoyed presenting my passion to the school - they were attentive and fun to talk to! But more than that, the hugs, the laughter, the smiles, the bright sparkly eyes - from realizing that "hey!!! I can make a difference, right here - right NOW!" filled my heart with so much JOY, I floated through the rest of the day! I was literally flooded with great joy from the response of the children afterwards! Warm, receptive and their minds were already thinking of ways they could make a difference! My heart was completely overflowing as I was extremely blessed by simply being able to hear their comments as they were heading back to class.

So, when you think that giving a little blue bunny is something small - ohhhh...THINK again!! HUGE!! Huge Spreading Joy Hero there!! I love this guy and someone with a HUGE heart was kind enough to make my day and give him to me!

When Reese Cups are on sale, buy one, get one free....Get them, give one and discover how AMAZING you feel when you are instantly transformed into a Spreading Joy Hero! Chris, the first recipient of the Little Debbie Cake, surprised me with an amazing treat at the end of the presentation! Thank you for the wonderful Reese Cup! It was fantabulous!

There is nothing like being flooded with great joy when you see, first hand, the little things that make life big!

Thank you Lincoln Charter School for having me at your wonderful School! Thank you Ms. Paula Micol for inviting me to present my passion for making a difference. Thank you Jonathan, for being one child who cared and acted on it - and made a Huge Difference!

The question goes out to all who read this:

Have you ever considered for one moment, what telling just one person could do to help spread the word about Spreading Joy? Do you see the amazing difference that just one person doing so has created?

Who will you tell today? Will you be a Spreading Joy Hero and spread the word about Spreading Joy?

Thank you!

Thank you for making a huge difference, right where you are, with what you have, leaving the guilt behind - because you are truly making a difference!

Confessions of a Cranky Gal

Friday morning in January....the alarm goes off, ugghh…I groan. 4:30 already? Mercy. I hit the clock, drag myself out of bed and start the day. It’s Friday, I should be excited. Few more hours and the weekend will be upon me, right? Wrong! Normally the super silliness you see here is just me. While I am and can be completely serious, I love laughing, smiling, cutting up and just loving each and every moment that I can.

I’m not sure what is going on, but I feel anything but happy. I start getting ready and as I normally do, spend time in prayer while getting ready. Someone is on my heart that day, so I pray, specifically for them. Normally this would lift my spirits, but it doesn’t. I head out the door to work. No music, no nothing, just feeling cranky. I realize this and decide to keep my ickiness to myself.

A few hours pass and I’m diligently working through the day. Trying not to focus on the growing crankiness within my heart. A friend calls. “Morning!”, they say – “how are you today?” Before I even realize what I’m doing, I laugh out loud and confess “I’m pretty cranky today, how are you?” My friend laughs and we talk for a bit. Then the friend realizes, wow, she’s not kidding. I admit, no, unfortunately I’m not kidding. I don’t know why, but I’m pretty cranky and what’s worse, can’t shake it. We talk for a few more moments and say our goodbyes. My co-worker laughs and admits that she didn’t even know I was cranky, that I had hidden it pretty well. I apologized and said I was trying not to be spreading crankiness and I’d keep working on it because no one should have to deal with cranky Marie. I wasn't even really trying to hide it, just didn't want to "share" the crankiness and bring down the "TGIF" mood. You know what I mean?


Finally!!! Lunch time! I knew what needed to be done. I clocked out for lunch, sent out a tweet that said:

I got in my car and headed over to a near by Wal-Mart. Trying to figure out what to get and for whom. I knew that I needed to do something for someone – to get rid of the crankiness. I check ubertwitter to send out a few tweets while I’m walking through Wal-Mart. What I saw made me laugh so hard, out loud and in front of everyone. Gene sent a reply that simply said:

With that belly laugh, I feel the crankiness slowly start lifting. Laughter truly is good medicine! I see the perfect thing; Little Debbie Cakes. I LOVE unwrapping smiles and so will the people I give these delicious treats to. I purchase them and see a few more replies about my crankiness. I respond thank you to Jarrell who said "Keep raising those arms & waving hands & praising God." Then to Catie who said "Don't be cranky!! Here's a hug! *HUG* hope it makes you feel better :]" and trust me...it Did make me feel better. More crankiness, slowly oozing away. Then I respond to Angie and Katie who both sent more HUGS, knowing I ADORE hugs. Lastly I reply to Barbara who said "Feel better lady joy!" and head over to Subway to get a sandwich and Peanutbutter cookies for lunch. I smile and give every Subway worker a Little Debbie Valentine Brownie and wish them a wonderful day. I send out a tweet about what I had just done. I smile. I noticed more crankiness oozing away, “nice feeling” I think to myself. I’m walking through the parking lot, pull 2 cakes out for my team and then proceed to give the others away. "I love spreading joy", I happily think to myself. "Does a heart good!"

I get into my car and check ubertwitter to send out a few more thank you’s and WHO do I see?Why, it’s Little Debbie herself - Saying:

At this point, I’m like a kid on Christmas morning! “OH my gosh! Is this real or is this a bot?” I’m giggling out loud to myself. So I ask and they reply that sure enough, they are the real deal! Wow! As real as rain! Some how, knowing this and the fact that the person I had been praying for much of that morning had said that the day had started out difficult, but was getting better, simply just made my day. Those few simple, yet extremely important things helped to get rid of the crankiness.

Next to giving out Reese Cups, giving out Little Debbie Cakes is one of my favorite things to do. They are delicious and very affordable, as well as always bring a smile! I do love unwrapping a smile!

The moral? Am I always spreading joy? No, just ask my kids or husband or for that matter my little sister, Angie. Can there be an easy fix to it? It’s not always easy, but I’m telling you – from experience, I know that if you’ll FORCE yourself to focus on someone else for awhile, the crankiness will leave you. It has no choice but to run for the hills! There will be no room in your heart for the crankies. The joy you get from giving, even something small, will NOT leave room for the crankiness in your heart.

Don’t believe me? Next time you are cranky, spend approximately $3.00 on a couple boxes of Little Debbie Cakes and just give them out to random people with one of your amazing smiles. Then, after you have given them all away, come over here and describe the joy that has just flooded your heart and pushed out the crankiness.

I dare you!
I can't wait to hear from you on what you do to get rid of the CRANKIES!

Sending {{HUGS}} of gret JOY!

Letters To God - Soundtrack

Letters To God is a major motion picture that will be in theaters on April 9th 2010.

The movie Letters To God is based on a true story about Tyler (an 8 year old boy) and his fight with cancer. The letters are his way of praying and talking to the Lord about things that are important to him.

"These letters didn't only help Tyler deal with facing cancer but also worked to change the faith of those closest to him."

I had the privilege to preview the soundtrack for this movie. I've been listening, this week, to the 2 cds with over 20 songs. Talented artists, such as Addison Road, Matthew West, Jeremy Camp, Santus Real and many others have contributed amazing songs to this motion picture.

The instrumental music is awesome! Included are several original scores by composer Colin O'Malley.

This 2 disc set is sure to encourage, inspire and remind you of hope as you listen to the music.

Sampling of the music:

Dear Mr. God - by Warren Brothers This link has some details about the making of the movie, as well as pieces of the song Dear Mr. God. Check it out!

You are Everything - by Matthew West

You can follow them on twitter @letters_to_God They have some links & contest info in their stream.

Check out the preview to the Letters to God movie airing April 9th, 2010. Maybe a family outing is instore for you?

Let me know what you think. Hope you enjoy!

HUGE Thanks @letters_to_God for the complimentary copy of the soundtrack!

Leave a comment, and I'll put you in a drawing for my copy of the soundtrack!

Launch of NEW Web Site and Blog site!

WHAHOOO!!! PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT!!


http://www.spreadingjoycorp.com/ and this blogger site have been combined to one place. I think you’ll love the new layout! The blog articles are listed on the left side, the main web pages, events, what we are up to etc are across the top of the header.

I’m always looking for new ideas, new ways of spreading joy and would welcome any suggestions that will make the new site better and more fun to meander in!

IF YOU FOLLOW THIS BLOGGER BLOG, PLEASE GO OVER TO NEW SITE (right now)AND FOLLOW THERE!!

It is http://www.spreading-joy.org/

You will love it there! You can subscribe by email. Click on the subscribe button on the left column – there is 2 tabs, choose the far right one. I know…lots of trouble, but hey…Spreading Joy's worth it…don’t you think? (grinning..very cute adorable grin)


I LOVE MY FOLLOWERS AND WANT TO KEEP YOU! But not sure if I can keep posting at both places or not!!

Thank you for your support, for your encouragement and for walking on this journey as we look for ways of making a difference right where we are, using what we have!

{{{HUGS}}} for your journey!

Thankful Thursday - The Great Moms in My Life

I've been thinking all week about what to write today for my Thankful Thursday post. Then a wonderful friend of mine, Melanie, asked if I would read something she wrote for Mother's Day. It was awesome - and should she post it, I'll link to it.

It started me thinking about Mother's Day and all the wonderful women that have made a difference to me over the years. I realize that there is no blog that will hold the amount of writing I would have to do in order to properly thank every lady that has made a difference in my life. Today I'd like to touch on a few of them and reserve the right to come back and highlight a few more.

1st and most importantly, my Mom! My Mom is such a strong, wonderful woman. She taught us values, awesome work ethics, how to be givers and instilled in us that no matter what, family is family and you need to be there for them. Mom will be 68 in a little over week and still works so very hard for a living. She always has. Hey, she raised 4 of us to be self sustaining...productive citizens and personally that is by far the greatest accomplishment ever. I think I would have had to shoot the 2 middle children on most days - but she didn't. (What? Me...a middle child? :-)

Mom, thank you for all you have done for me. For your love, support and encouragement. For the freedom to be me - with all the silliness and sometimes meaness that is within me. You always have there for me to lean on when things were hard or to give me a much needed nudge, to get me back into the race. You have literally loved me through thick and thin and then back again. Even when I was at such an unhealthy weight, you were kind, but stern. You encouraged without killing the spirit and I'm so grateful for that. You always love us kids - as well as your grandchildren no matter how stupid we become at times, no matter if we don't call like we should and even though we probably don't see you enough. We know that no matter how hard life is or if we are basking in the glory of success that you are there for us, encouraging, motivating and wishing for the best for us. We know that you are there for all of us and for that I'm so thankful.

I'm glad that we share the love of the ocean. I look forward to our beach trips every year. I'm thankful that we share the love of so many things. We love horror movies, the beach, flea markets and just riding around. We love going to bingo. Even though we never win money, we walk away richer than we came because of the laughter we shared for the evening. Thank you for the never ending love, the laughter and the happiness that you've given to me all of these years. Thank you for your support and for always believing in me. Thank you for being one of my very, very bestest friends. I love you and appreciate all that you do and all that you are.

Next is my sister, Angie. Angie is one that I can talk to about anything at any time anywhere and trust me - we talk, text, email or facebook each other everyday. We love spending time together at the coffee shop or the beach! When she discovers something new on the computer, she shares and I do the same. I love the fact that we can laugh together, work together, sit and be quiet while enjoying each others company or just plain do nothing together. We have so many great memories as we've raised our children together - just years apart. I'm also thankful that she is one of my very, very bestest friends! One that when the times are tough - she will be there to help me through it. When I don't feel like I can make it, she will encourage me on. And when I need a smile, she always brings out the silly side in me so that I can carry on one more day. I'm also thankful that she will even go and pick up my wallet that I'd forgotten - even though when I told her there was a password, she immediately knew what it was.....she hates that nick name and I have NO idea where I got it from so many years ago. I love you and appreciate all that you do and all that you are.

The next person I'm thankful for is my very, very bestest friend, Jeanne. She loves me just the way I am - silly one day and so focused that I hardly have time for email the next. She loves my children like her own and is willing to walk through the valley with me. I'm so happy that we can just sit, relax and enjoy coffee together anytime. She has prayed for me, cried with me and has been honestly happy for my successes. She inspires me, reminds me and motivates me to continue on fighting the good fight. She loves me for who I am, just the way I am and for that I'm thankful. I love you and appreciate all that you do and all that you are.

And last but not least, I'm thankful for my Step Mom who loves me and my family as if we were her own. She came into the family and cares deeply for us. She isn't able to get around as much as she used to - but we still have fun together. I do miss the walks to taco bell in the snow, the movie watching all hours of the night and playing yahtzee - even though I always lost. I love you and appreciate all that you've done for me.

There are so many other women who have influenced me! They are strong, courageous and use their abilities to strengthen their families as well as those around them. I want to say thank you to all the wonderful Moms that I know and say - well done Mommie....well done!

Thank you for your constant sacrifices, your unconditional love, your laughter, your smile, your hugs and your shoves back on the right track. While we might not always like what you tell us (cause who likes hearing the truth when it hurts?) you always have the courage to tell us what we need to hear! THANK YOU for having that courage!

Happy Mother's Day!

Photo - My Mommie!

I'm Thankful for My Favorite Things

In this weeks's edition of Thankful Thursday I'd like to share some of my favorite things that I'm thankful for. After all - we all do enjoy our favorite things - so why not express our thanks for them.

1. Coffee - ok, so that was on the last list, but it is so versatile. You can drink it hot, cold, dressed up with whipped cream and steamed milk or just plain black. YUUM

2. Krispy Kreme - HOT doughnuts, is there really any better brand?

3. Sun rises over the ocean - Anytime I'm at the beach, I get up early enough to watch the sun rise. It creeping up over the horizon in a blanket of bright bold colors is such an experience. You should try it.

4. The ocean all by itself - I could sit and watch the ocean time and time again. I'd love to have a house where I could go out on the back deck and enjoy my coffee and just watch the ocean.

5. Spring and Fall - It is spring for a few more weeks here in NC. I love the crisp cool mornings that warm up to almost summer like days. Doors open, windows open - cool wind coming through.

6. My Gameboy SP - I know with the modern technology out there - why would I still love this? I guess it is the kid in me. Anyone have any games they don't want anymore? I rule Kirby's Pinball!

7. Magazines - Even with how I keep up with blogs to save money on buying books, I do ask for magazine subscriptions for birthday presents and Christmas presents. Hey, it's the gift that gives for a year. I love Real Simple and Scrapbook Magazines. I'm not very good at scrapbooking so I'm also thankful that scraplifting is ok.

8. Cook Books - I used to try one or two new recipes a week, but lately I haven't been doing that. I need to get back to it.

9. Driving - I like to drive. Many tend to hate long trips, but I love driving. Now I don't like bumper to bumper traffic mind you.

10. Giving - Call me obsessed, but I like to give. I was at the store and they had Easter candy on sale for 75% off. I was thinking about who to give the bunnies to - to see about how many I'd need. I love giving. I always have. Hopefully, I always will.

11. Snow - we actually had a bit here in NC this winter - so that was pretty cool.

12. Laptop - I LOVE my laptop. I'd like one of the 8 inch itty bittys but - hours being cut back means no for now - still. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my laptop.

13. Candles - Cinnamon candles are my favorite. Kind of gives you the feeling of Christmas time.

14. Reading - I'm so thankful for being able to read. I love reading. I love to read blogs, books, papers. I love reading.

15. Cool Computer Buttons/Icons - The Thankful Thursday button picture above is adorable. So many blogs have them these days and I think they are wonderful. Still can't figure out how to make one, but I'm thankful that people will let us untechy people "grab" them. I just wish someone would make a button with "It's the little things that make life big" on it for me. That would be awesome.

This is my list for this Thankful Thursday. What are you thankful for this week? Don't wait until Thanksgiving to think about your blessings. Take a minute and express them here!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward

Thankful Thursdays

This post is part of "Thankful Thursday" Go to JonnandKate's Blog. To get your own button and start your Thankful Thursday post today.

I've come across a blog that is such an encouragement to me. His name is Jonathan Jay. He is 15 years old and he is blogging about his journey while fighting cancer. "A story of landmarks, of struggles and of hope. Today I am 15 years old and even more so I am a survivor." (Let me stop right here and say click on his name, check out his amazing story and then leave him a comment letting him know you are thinking of him.)

One of the things he blogs about is "Thankful Thursdays". I've read his amazing story and think wow - I have so much to be thankful for. I'm so glad that I came across it and now I will be posting a thankfulness post every Thursday. I always think of my blessing more than just at Thanksgiving, but will try and focus on them each week.

Like most people, I will start out with the obvious. But in the next few week I think you'll be intrigued by the things I'm thankful for. (Well, I at least hope so.)

On this Thankful Thursday - I'm thankful for:

• My Husband - We've been married for 19 1/2 years. He is a great guy, father and friend. He doesn't mind my "spur of the moment" ideas like "let's drive to the beach for a day" or "let's hang out at the book store for an afternoon". He usually does the dishes when my son doesn't do them and doesn't mind my facebook/twitter addiction. Or my coffee addiction for that matter. I'm sure I get on his nerves sometimes, but that is what keeps us on our toes.


• My Children - I have 2 wonderful children. 18 yr old son and 14 yr old daughter. They are givers (wonder where they got that from)? My daughter more so than my son, but still a good thing. They don't give me any trouble and usually when I ask for something to be done, I know it will get done. I'm proud to be their mom and they make that very easy.


• Place to live - It is not my dream home - but I have a home and it keeps me warm, cool, dry and safe. I may not have the room that I want or that office to keep me organized, but I have a lot more than many people in America have and for that, I'm truly thankful. If you don't believe me - check out this post from Invisible People.


• No significant health issues - My son does have Tourette Syndrome and my daughter struggles with IBS daily - but these are nothing compared to many things children their age are going through. They can work around these and still be great people. They can encourage others that are struggling and make a difference in ways they never dreamed.


• My regular family - Well - there is nothing regular about my family. I have great brothers and a wonderful sister. I can't imagine life without them. My Mom is by far the bestest, greatest most wonderfulest Mother of all and I'll never ever back down from that assumption. (I know, your Mom is great, but I'm telling you - my Mom is the lady!) I have been blessed with the greatest Step Parents on the face of the earth, even though we tease my step mom and call her our step monster :-) I have a great group of nieces and nephews and I love each and everyone of them. I have wonderful cousins and love all of my aunts and uncles dearly - all of them.

Now for a few of the less obvious things I'm thankful for!

• Puffy shaped clouds - I saw the biggest group of clouds together yesterday. I tried to get a picture of them but couldn't. Looked like a snow capped mountain. I love to find shapes in clouds.


• Reese cups - Who doesn't love reeses - really. If you don't, why? I'm sorry - really - tell me why. I know some who don't like chocolate (the horror) and some who don't like peanutbutter - but really? Reese's? LOVE them.


• Coffee - why this isn't at the top of these, I don't know. I love coffee. I must admit that I'm going to have to start doing at least half caf until I can get my sugar cravings under control. (ugghh) but my favorite treat (cause I can't afford it daily) is a Cinnamon Dolce Latte steamed extra hot! NOTHING like it. I love it.


• Being born in this day and age - I can't imagine sending my children somewhere at age 16 driving without me and "wondering" if they made it. I love being connected. I love know when my kids arrive to school and home each day. I don't see how my mom did it. As you'll see - I totally addicted to modern technology!


• Texting and emailing - I'm so thankful I can harass my sister through texting. I enjoy the fact that I can email my friends that live in Korea or the Philippines. I love emailing Bonnie in Russia and being able to keep up with her family.


• Facebook - I'm so thankful I can keep up with friends that live near and far. I love seeing Toni's girls on facebook and checking every ones "status". It's a quick peek into their life and it's wonderful. I love keeping up with the Holtsclaw family in Pennsylvania as well as my sister who lives down the road. Modern technology is the greatest thing.

• Twitter - I LOVE twitter. I have met so many wonderful people on there. Really inspiring, funny and full of information. I've learned a lot and found a lot of new blogs to keep up with. The Internet is full of great learning tools and so many generous people that will help you along the way!

• My Blackberry - I'm so thankful that I can be connected. I can have my emails, my facebook status, my replies from twitter anytime I'd like. It is so nice to be blessed with these resources. I don't take it lightly - as many people would love to be able to afford a blackberry or iphone.
  

This is my list for this Thursday full of Thankfulness. Oh - I'm glad I got to leave work a little early to see my son participate in his track meet.

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.--Brian Tracy"