Day 182

I am grateful for Carrie Underwood.

We watched that whole season of American Idol, and it didn't take long before we had our favorite. We have loved seeing her skyrocket to the top of the country charts and become a real American sweetheart. In every interview I've seen, she is humble, grateful, and down to earth. We cheer her on still.

She performed "How Great Thou Art" at the Grand Ol' Opry with Vince Gill a few years ago, and I cried watching her belt out a song she sang from the bottom of her heart and the depth of her soul. I have never seen it sung with that kind of passion and meaning. It remains one of THE most memorable performances I have ever experienced in my life. I think I was spared seeing it in person because I would've died from the joy and thrill of it.

Thank You, Lord, for this talented, thankful child of Yours.

Day 181

I am grateful for limericks.

If even considered poetry, it's the black sheep. Can't help it, I just find them fun.

A macho young swimmer named Dwyer,

Really liked playing with fire.

One night in the dark

He swam with a shark,

And his voice is now two octaves higher.

The limerick is furtive and mean

You must keep her in close quarantine

Or she sneaks to the slums

And promptly becomes

Disorderly, drunk and obscene.

I used to love writing them as a kid. They were all nonsense, but I liked the pattern of rhyming. I found some online by a guy named Edward Lear, and he wrote a ton of them. But he cheated. They all contain the same last word in the first and fifth lines. Not okay with me.

The last line of this one reminds me of me.

There was a young fellow who thought

Very little, but thought it a lot.

Then at long last he knew

What he wanted to do,

But before he could start, he forgot.

Thank You, Lord, for fun, frivolous stuff.

Day 180

I am grateful for herbicides.

We are bombarded with knapweed from every direction. One neighbor sprays and tries to control his, but the neighbor on the other side doesn't. Doesn't appear to anyway. Bugga. We're also afflicted with houndstongue, St. John's wort, dalmation toadflax, mullen, and some thistle. Kev tackles it with a friend's tractor and sprayer, purchasing the herbicide from him at the same time. I spot spray when I can, but it's a battle. I'm thankful for something that works to kill these wicked plants because, a) they're harmful to horses and cattle, and b) we can get fined b the weed board for not controlling them. Bring on that beautiful, green grass!

Thank You, Lord, for herbicides that work.

Day 179

I am grateful for Tina.

One of the four original Ya-Yas, we have been friends for about 14 years. She is all the wonderful things I say about wonderful people. She does something we refer to as "collecting people." A stranger is just a friend she hasn't met yet. She'll strike up conversations with strangers and the famous alike. And eventually have them over for dinner.

She revels in her kids. They are her world, and she has poured mind and soul into them. They are good people who are real and brave and caring--just like their mother. She is also generous, kind, wise, humble, curious, adorable, creative, engaging, encouraging, witty, and funny.

She loves when I monster truck her at our overnighters. She gives thoughtful gifts. She likes me and knows how to show me that. She gets me, and I adore her. Bless her on this, her birthday.

Thank You, Lord, for my beautiful Tina N.

Day 178

I am grateful for dry humor.

There's something about dry humor that's so much funnier to me than the straightforward stuff. People with a dry humor tend to make everyone around them laugh while being difficult to make laugh likewise. Kyle Eschen is a teenage magician known for his dry humor. This particular video isn't that funny, but it's a decent showing. Better material would punch it up a couple notches.

Thank You, Lord, for so many kinds of humor, and for this one in particular.

Day 177

I am grateful for speech impediments.

I don't have one, and no one in my family does, but I enjoy a good lisp in a child. I know that's not something anyone should encourage because who wants to hear a grown man say "I want thith one"? It IS cute in a child though, and it always makes me smile, even as I hope he's seeing a qualified therapist.

I helped my friend, Betsy, once when I was watching her little Katie. She would drop her r's and say things like "buttoo" instead of "butter." I worked with her off and on over the course of several hours, and eventually she got it. I was as proud and pleased as Katie was to show my friend what we'd accomplished. She got a funny look on her face and called me as soon as she got home. She explained that she's a speech therapist and knew her daughter would outgrow it. She actually enjoyed the mild impediment, knowing it wouldn't last long. I felt so bad... We joke about it now, but I'll never forget that look on her face.

We find the priest funny in "The Princess Bride" because we know a lisp is tolerable in children, but not okay for adults. "Deewy Bewuvved..." makes any fan of that movie smile and join in. I still think it's funny that someone made the word "lisp" unprounceable to someone who has one.

Thank You, Lord, for the humor in this manner of speech, but keep them from mocking and bullying who have one.

Day 176

I am grateful for digital photography.

Besides the obvious savings from not having to buy film, this medium allows for instant editing and a thousand different effects. This technology has improved, enhanced, and enlarged my viewing and creating pleasure to no end.

I really enjoy great wedding photography and pictures of babies. I also like seeing something ordinary from a different angle or distance. Honestly, the possibilities are absolutely unlimited. How cool is that!

Thank You, Lord, for this marvelous creation.

Day 175

I am grateful for bacon.

Bacon is one of THE most versatile foods I have ever used. Far beyond its typical sidekick position to eggs, it adds loads of flavor to salads, seafoods, soups, appetizers, and even desserts.

I found a recipe for something called pig candy. I first heard about it in a book called Sweet Potato Queens. It's just bacon coated in brown sugar and baked, but is it good. I have high cholesterol, so bacon is something I eat only when I have a craving that borders on mental illness. That, and bacon-wrapped oysters arouse just such cravings.

I wouldn't be surprised if there's bacon in Heaven. But it'd be good for you and plentiful. And somehow it would honor Jesus. I sure hope He's thought about this.

Thank You, Lord, for this decadent food.

Day 174

I am grateful for stretching.

My mom always told me to stretch right after I wake up. It loosens your muscles and helps get you moving, mentally and physically. It's something I grew up doing and continued into adulthood. Being limber decreases the chance of injury during activity and helps maintain fitness.

My mom got that one right. But she always told my short friend, Kelly, to stretch to the sky because that would help her grow. That one, not so right. ; )

Thank You, Lord, for this priceless exercise.

Day 173

I am grateful for copper fixtures.

Our home is decorated in what I'd call "lodge lite." We like a rustic look, so I chose copper colored fixtures for the inside and out. My mom looked at the fan and asked, "Did you buy it like that?" We had very different tastes. =)

Thank You, Lord, for these rustic accents.

Day 172

I am grateful for gentleness.

It is a marvelous fruit of the Spirit, and it is a pure pleasure whenever I see it displayed. It melts my heart to see a daddy with his tiny newborn, all cradling and protecting. Animals have been known to show meekness--strength under control--like this dog toward the itty bitty kitty. "A gentle answer turns away wrath," (Proverbs 15:1). A word gently spoken can mean someone caring that you know and knowing that you care. I want to be that for someone.

Thank You, Lord, for your ever-gentleness toward me.

Day 171

I am grateful for rosebuds.

Wild rosebuds in particular. It was a spring ritual for me to take Jylle and gather as many as we could find. I would dry them to use in potpourri or just fill a small vase. Their color, fragrance, and size are charming. To me, they represent femininity, Victorian decor, and the unmatched imagination of our Creator.

Thank You, Lord, for Your beautiful flora.

Day 170

I am grateful for fireflies. My cousin wrote the other day that her kids went firefly hunting. I did just that with them the last time we went to Texas. We only came back with one, but we were happy all the same. For me, the fun was tripled by the kids' simple gladness, the cooler evening air, and the joy of being a kid again. We don't have fireflies here, so I really appreciate the memories of that time.


Thank You, Lord, for these gentle, glowing, happy-making bugs. =)

Day 169

I am grateful for Father's Day.

We went to church with my brother's family, then met at Dad's for lunch. He doesn't eat lunch, but he does when we twist his arm. We bought two roasted chickens and some French bread, and Alan and Wayneen bought three side dishes. I made Dad's favorite, spice cake, for dessert.

It's a great blessing to have my father for a friend. He's changed a lot in the last ten or so years, mellowing and growing in grace. His generosity is unrivaled, saying that the Lord told him to help people with all that he sees as income he doesn't need. He is doing that indeed. He's certainly not wealthy, but he is kind.

For all the blessing that a caring, loving, generous, great-hearted father is to a daughter who will always be his little girl, I am profoundly grateful.

Thank You, Lord, for my daddy. xo

Day 168

I am grateful for floss picks.

I used to hate flossing. I only did it the week before my check-up so my gums wouldn't be so sore afterward. I know this is a first world pain, but I have fairly tight teeth, so I hated when the string would break off, leaving fibers in between and making it doubly difficult to get new floss in to get the broke stuff out. Bleecchhh.

They sent me home with a sample about eight years ago, and I've been a believer ever since. So. much. better. I keep them everywhere--purse, kitchen drawer, glove box, jacket and jeans pockets. Angels to my teeth, they are.


Thank You, Lord, for floss picks.

Day 167

I am grateful for finishing.

My job this last week and a half has been to box up all the books in the middle school library. It's being moved into the main building, and the regular librarian took leave to stay with her daughter who just had a baby. The goal of boxing up an entire library fell to me, but I was up for the challenge.

The biggest deal was figuring out the best way for her to be able to reshelve them in the fall. Once I figured that out, the rest was just putting the books into boxes. That, however, proved to be the biggest obstacle, as two teachers were also moving, and they needed boxes too.

I called Safeway and Napa, who gladly saved their boxes for me, and the maintenance department scoured the hospital and a few other businesses. Score! After setting me up with packaging tape and a nifty dispenser, I was set. I finished yesterday, saving me from going back on this last day of school. It feels good not only to have finished strong, but to receive such congratulations and gratitude from a number of people I admire and respect.

Thank You, Lord, for allowing me this finish.

Day 166

I am grateful for a sweet breeze.

We have actually had a spring this year. It's so common for us to go from 40 to 80 like *that* and skip the mild weather I enjoy so much. My sweet, talented husby installed two screen doors that allow a breeze to flow through the house, creating a perfect temperature while also keeping us from having to use the AC and up the electric bill.

I love sitting outside when a spring zephyr brushes past, like a silky scarf across my skin. It's easier for me to sleep when it's cool, so I keep my bedroom window open, and the breeze is so welcome. They are a heavenly caress from my Heavenly Father, reminders that I am ever watched over and loved.

Thank You, Lord, for Your gentle breezes.

Day 165

I am grateful for fiber.

When you're young, you take some things for granted. Like being regular. As I've gotten older, not only does fiber help with that, but we now know that everyone benefits from a diet with a decent amount of fiber, regardless of age.

As my cholesterol skyrocketed, I took to heart the admonitions to incorporate more fiber into my diet. Oatmeal was an easy fix for breakfast, especially when I sub because it's quick. I add Benefiber powder to my tea, which is tasteless and nonthickening. Easy peasy. Hoping not to stroke out, but finish strong, oat bran and flax seed are also no-brainer additions to muffins, scones, biscuits, and sometimes even cakes and pie crusts. I don't overadd. Everything in moderation.

Thank You, Lord, for this rich, healthful addition.

Day 164

I am grateful for ebay.

There have been so many times that I've been able to get what I want at a much cheaper price on ebay than I would have at a regular retail outlet or even a dot com. An SD card adapter cost me 25 cents with free . A cover for my cell phone cost $5 as opposed to $15, there was no tax, and again, free shipping. We found and bought a nearly new movie projector for my dad so he could go through old reels. It's not for everyone, and I haven't been 100 percent satisfied with everything I've purchased, but on a scale of 1-10 stars with 10 being the best, I'd give them a 9.5.


Thank You, Lord, for this alternative place to buy.

Day 163

I am grateful for herbs.

I know that's a LARGE category, and I have my favorites, but I enjoy nearly all of them. I enjoy growing them even more. The perennials are always great, but I don't mind buying fragrant little basil plants every spring to add among their perennial cousins. While I use them mainly for cooking, they make beautiful wreaths that can be hung in the kitchen. Simply pluck off whatever you need, and add it to your dish. Simple and beautiful.

Thank You, Lord, for these wonderful goodies.

Day 162

I am grateful for Jeny.

She's the one who first made me an aunty. An only child, she was indulged when she was young because in the words of my sister-in-law, "Why not?"  She grew into a beautiful, intelligent, sweet-souled woman who is devoted to her four children and wonderful husband. We love Mike for helping to shape and nurture this sweet spirit with his stability, provision, and great love. He's one of the good ones!

Jen home schools, taking a front seat in moral, ethical, and educational matters. She teaches classes, tries out new gluten-free recipes, travels with the kids so they can participate at local, regional, and national events, and still maintains her home. I'm afraid sometimes that her health issues take a back seat to the tyranny of the urgent, but I trust the Lord will keep her safe and sound. Because I love her and want her to live forever.

Thank You, Lord, for my sweet Jen. Bless her on this, her birthday.

Day 161

I am grateful for the saxophone.

I don't play one, but I enjoy contemporary jazz and the soothing music that comes from tenor and alto sax. I'm a long-time Kenny G fan and am not ashamed to say so. I still an evening of his mellow tunes while Kev and I savor the most perfect part of a warm summer day.

Thank You, Lord, for this lovely, lovely music.

Day 160

I am grateful for Jeslyn.

This is my brother Alan's second daughter, the middle child. (I'm the middle child too, so I had that instant connection with her there. ; )

She is strong, compassionate, intelligent, charming, and sincerely interested in you. Her skills as a journalist are impressive as I watch her interact with others. She makes you feel like you're the only person in the room, even if there are 50 others.

She is the only Democrat in our family. But her handle on what it means to be Jesus's feet and hands is sure and steady. As a teenager, she took her whole paycheck and bought food  to take to the homeless. This past winter, she took several weeks to go through my folks' storage area and completely pack her car with coats and blankets to give to the street people in a "free fair" downtown. She founded the Women's organization at EWU in an effort to give them a collective voice in campus affairs. She has served with missions in Africa twice and will probably return since she left a large chunk of her heart there.

After she finishes her masters degree, she'll begin work on her PhD. Where she ends up depends on the fellowship she's awarded. While I hope it's not too far away, it'll be exactly where God wants her. I'm so very thankful that she's taken it upon herself to visit my dad once/week, even though she keeps up a steady flow of activity. He cherishes her company. And I cherish this girl. Bless her on this, her 27th birthday.

Thank You, Lord, for our beautiful Jeslyn.

Day 159

I am grateful for Hannah.

This is my brother Alan's youngest daughter. She is his third girl, and like  most "youngests," has gotten the hand-me-downs, leftovers, and fought for her fair share. She is scrappy, fiercely independent, and tenacious while also being sensitive, creative, and a woman after God's own heart.

Her intelligence, talent, and common sense are only matched by her beauty, inside and out. She is fun, humble, gifted, and crazy, and I love her so much. I love that her laugh is giant, just like my mom's was. It fills the whole room as it resonates in my heart.

She just got into a relationship with a guy named Jacob whom she met at Bible college a few years ago. He seems to treat her like a lady, which means a lot to me. We'll see where this leads... Bless her on this, her 24th birthday.

Thank You, Lord, for our beautiful Hannah Rose.

Day 158

I am grateful for butterflies.

I love the huge diversity of color and pattern. I love how they dance random dotted patterns, completely unconcerned about speed or direction. I love how they begin life as something completely different and morph into a creature so utterly comely. I love that I consider resurrection life whenever I see one and marvel that I was once a lowly caterpillar too...

Thank You, Lord, for making butterflies.

Day 157

I am grateful for good quotes.

I love when a good quote just sums it up perfectly. Here are some of my favorites:

A crushing hurt comes to our heart and the sympathizing, scarred hand of Christ presses the wound; and just for a moment, the pain seems to intensify... but finally the bleeding stops.  ~Beth Moore

If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart

Did you ever get the feeling the world is a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes? ~George Gobel

The glory of God is man fully alive. ~ Saint Irenaeus

You don’t know what you’re alive for, until you know what you’d die for. - Martin Luther

A stiff apology is a second insult. The injured party does not want to be compensated because he has been wronged; he wants to be healed because he has been hurt. 
~G. K. Chesterton

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~Chesterton

I saw a wino eating some grapes. I told him, "Man, you gotta wait!" ~Mitch Hedberg

Thank You, Lord, for good quotes.

Day 156

I am grateful for clouds.

I love an uncluttered sky as much as the next girl, but I also love those huge, fluffy cumulus clouds, the kind whose shapes are obvious and interesting. It's the stuff of childhood that never gets old to me. I see dogs and dragons, fruits and veggies, swords and scissors. I love the occasional heart cloud though. I have a dear friend whose life is peppered with struggle, sacrifice, and selflessness. Whenever I see a heart shape, I think of her and pray.

Thank You, Lord, for making condensation entertaining.

Day 155

I am grateful for Jylle's graduation.

She graduated yesterday with honors. Her valedictory speech was touching. She looked beautiful, radiant and full of life and joy. I'm thankful to Kev's mom for making the flight here to attend. That meant a lot to all of us. Ryan being able to make it was pretty perfect too.

How all three kids graduated as valedictorians is beyond Kev and me. We don't take credit for their smarts; that's all God's handiwork. We just sit back in wonder and gratitude for such amazing blessing.

We're at the end of the most fantastic era of our lives. Parenting has been my very best adventure. We move into the role of counselor and friend. One of the greatest graces I've been granted is to enjoy a real friendship with my kids. I'm on the verge of launching into the world one of my favorite friends now. It will be sad and weird not to have her here everyday, but she'll live with my dad, and that will be symbiotic. We look forward to seeing her wring the life out of her college career and go on to make a difference in the world. Love you so much, baby girl. Congratulations on all you've accomplished!


Thank You, Lord, for my precious daughter.

Day 154

I am grateful for my nephew, Brian.

Just six months younger than my Brett, Brian is a cocktail of intelligence,  humor, musical knack, people skills, novelty, adventure, patience, and knowing what you want. He is thoughtful, handsome, eager, generous, and kind.

He works for a company in LA booking bands on tours. He hopes to end up doing the same thing from home but back here in the Northwest. I would love to have him that close again.

It touched our hearts that it was his idea to spend Thanksgiving at our house. His mom was the only one who had been here before. The four of them came with Kev's mom, my brother and his wife came, and so did Ryan, Brett, and Lydia. It was the first Thanksgiving without my mom, and it turned out to be the BEST one for me ever. Thanks again, Bri. I so love this guy. Happy birthday!

Thank You, Lord, for Leaping Navel. =D

Day 153

I am grateful for roses.

Their fragrance, color, and symbolism cause me to greatly esteem this flower species. I can't grow them here without battling the deer, and you have to pick your battles. On the rare occasion I do receive a rose or two, I do everything I can to extend its life. I'll put it outside or in the fridge at night, use a floral packet in the water, and smell it a hundred times. Okay, that last one doesn't extend its life, but it does add to mine. I honor this sweet gem this month of June.

Thank You, Lord, for the wunnerful flower.