Thankful (Part 1)

I have seen all over Facebook people pledging to post what they are thankful for daily! While this is a great idea- I will admit I'm not very good at remembering to go on there daily and post- so I'm going to do a week at a time on the blog! Although I will probably log in daily and type my thankfulness I will only probably post weekly.... Or every few days..... Here goes.......

November 1- I'm thankful for my Husband. Although Matt and I disagree and have our arguments and 'spats' deep down we love each other. I can't imagine where I would be in life if he hadn't stayed in mine. There were many times when I didn't think he would stay in my life, but somehow we got through them, together, and we continue onward! We celebrated our 4th year of marriage in June and I can't wait to celebrate many more in the future!

November 2- Today I'm thankful for my parents! They are the steady rocks when I'm on shaky ground, if you know what I mean! No matter what they are here for me- throughout the past 28 year of my life they have loved me unconditionally and supported me with (almost) any crazy idea I've had.

November 3- Today I had planned on being thankful for my brothers- but instead I want to change to random encounters with total strangers. I didn't feel good today, I was having a down day- kinda depressed and spent most of the day with an upset stomach, but HAD to go shopping for some necessities at my house. I ended up going to Walmart (I really do kick myself every time I go there- but it I just so convenient!!) at 8:30 at night. By the time I found 90% of my list- the last 10% could wait because I was irritated with the other shoppers and lack of respect and self dignity- I waited in a semi short line, forever, because the girl in front of my had an exchange and worked at Walmart so she knew everyone. When it was finally my turn, the cashier, an older lady, was very chatty. At first I was kind of annoyed, I really just wanted to be home in my pajamas, but she asked me if I was married - yes- if I had any children- no- and then he said that she hoped if I wanted them they would be in my future- yes please! She then started talking about one of her co- workers who wanted a baby so bad and could not get pregnant and how unfair it is that the ones who would make great parents (Me Me Me & Matt!!!!) struggle with fertility and then there are the baby making machines (my phrase- not hers) and how they make producing children a full time job and we support them! She said she sees so many 'baby makers' come through her line and she just feels for the children and hopes they stand a chance in life. It took probably 15 minutes for her to check out my is but I didn't mind at all. Walking away from her line I felt renewed and relieved! She was genuinely nice and I really feel like I was meant to Speak with her tonight- she was meant to change my attitude- at least for tonight.

November 4- my brothers. Even though they both drive me nuts from time to time- I love them. They are here when I need them and I'm there if they need me- at least when it really counts!! (Don't get me started on Adam and the trim in my house!!) ;-*

November 5- My Dog- Growing up I was never a 'Dog Person'. I really didn't care for dogs. My family always had pets and I loved our first dog Nikki, My parents had her before me, we also had many outside dogs. After Nikki passed away, Alex begged my parents to get another dog, and we got Abby. Although Abby was a good dog, I was not into having a pet dog anymore. After Matt and I moved to Washington, he wanted to get a dog, although we already had a cat, I caved and said we could get a dog. I remember my mom YELLING at me because we got a dog and were completely unprepared for a dog! I remember thinking it was a crazy, stupid idea, but figured, 'why not?' I can't imagine my life without Tucker now! He's our 'discount puppy' because he was on sale and the last one from his litter left. Nights like tonight, while Matt is at work, I love nothing more than curling up on the couch with the Dog and either reading or watching TV. Even though Tucker drives me nuts most nights, I would be lost without him! He really is one of my best friends, he knows all of my secrets and manages to keep them to himself, he doesn't judge me, even if I'm having a bad day, he doesn't hold a grudge and stay mad at me, and no matter what he loves me.

November 6- The Election is over!! I'm thankful for all of my rights as an American, but sometimes I hate politics in the USA. I'm all for using the media and social media to take a stance and state your opinion, but when people take it to the extreme, I hate society. I prefer not to state my political views on social media. I like to think I'm fairly open minded, but WOW, there are a lot of people on Facebook that are not! Oh- Well, I'm thankful that the election is over and I really hope that when I wake up tomorrow I'm happy with the out come of the election!

November 7- Grandparents. Today is the first time we 'celebrated' my Grandma Harmon's Birthday without her. This year has been really rough and from my previous post you can see I'm really not feeling this year!
:( Make sure you take time everyday to appreciate your grandparents. I so thankful for the good times I had with my Grandma Harmon this year. Its been many years since my Grandpap Harmon passed away and I still think of him often. Any time I see anyone wearing a flannel 'cowboy' shirt as I call them, or a tiny old man, and I mean tiny because my grandpap was probably only 120 lbs when he passed away- he was tiny. I'm thankful he married my grandma and accepted her children as his own. He was always there for my brothers, cousins, and I and never treated us as 'step' grandchildren.  I'm also appreciative of the time I had with my great grandma. It has been 2 years since we lost her and I still miss her everyday as well. She taught me so much about life that everyday I'm still influenced by her. I'm also Thankful for my Grandpap and Grandma Monticue. I get to see them several times a week and I'm grateful for all they do. I enjoy chatting with my grandma daily, even though she talks about people she thinks I know (but really don't) I'm so grateful to sit there and listen to her chat. My grandfather gave us a scare earlier this year, but everyday he looks better and better, and for that I'm very grateful!!!

November 8- High School Girlfriends! I choose today to be thankful for my High School friends for two reasons. Today is April's Birthday. April has always been there for me! I was the maid of honor in her wedding, she travelled to Florida for mine, I was one of the first people she called when she got the 'official' word she was pregnant, and one of the best friends a girl could have!! I'm also thankful for High School Girlfriends because tonight I'm meeting Michelle and Lyndsey for dinner. Its always a good time when get together. Its nice to reminisce and catch up with whats going on in life now. We are definitely three different personalities and yet we mesh so well.

November 9- My UPG Girls! :) I love my UPG girls- I"m so glad we all became good friends, and it all started with Candy and rain! No matter how much, or how little time we spend together, its like we are never apart. Even though we all come from different backgrounds and lifestyles, we all get along! Its always a relaxing time when we have a dinner night, go out to eat, or even a weekend trip to the spa! I'm so thankful for all of the time we have had together. We have had the opportunity to travel on many occasions together and I look forward to many more in the future!!

November 10- Today I may seem a little shallow- but I'm okay with that! I'm very thankful for all of my 'stuff'!! With most of it having been in storage for the past year, I love opening boxes and remembering what we own! I'm very thankful that Matt and I are blessed financially and are able to have discretionary income to purchase 'stuff'!! Although I am in the process of downsizing, and getting rid of junk, I still enjoy my 'stuff'!

November 11- I'm thankful for extended family- specifically my Maternal Side. Today we had the opportunity to meet the 'new' family members. As I mentioned in a previous post, we recently found out that my grandfather was adopted and came from a quite large family. Today my mom, dad, Aunt Betty Jo, Uncle Johnny, and I traveled to Indiana, PA to meet my grandfathers older sisters and a few of their children. It was very interesting to speak with them, and hear how their lives differed in the way that my grandfathers did. Overall, the experience was quite interesting, as I find family history to be quite interesting!