Ten Reasons I Am Thankful This Week

Last Saturday, Kristina started something with a very thoughtful post, which Lisa then transformed into something more by creating Thankful Thursdays. Today my contribution won't focus on the big stuff---the constants that bless me each and every day---faith, family, friends, good health, a warm home, and all that. Instead, here are some random happenings in my life right now for which I am oh so grateful. (I'll warn you now---this list is long and chatty---and I'm not quite sure exactly how that happened.)

1. I am thankful for the gift of Confession. Okay, I guess this one does belong to the big stuff---stuff doesn't really get much bigger than the Sacraments, does it? Like Kristina, I was able to receive this precious gift last weekend. This is no small feat in Belgium, where there are few English-speaking priests and absolutely no set times for Confession. I love starting over---what a weight lifted. Thank You, God!

2. I am thankful for unexpectedly beautiful weather. Sunny and 50-60s**. In Brussels. In November. Amazing. Note to self: Go outside! Actually, we did. I called a family soccer game Tuesday afternoon, and from the sounds of the cheers ("you're going to play? HOORAY!"), you would have thought I'd proposed ice cream sundaes for dinner. (**I still process temps in Fahrenheit here---just can't seem to make the jump to Celsius.)

3. I am thankful for my generous friend, Ada, who is willing to welcome my kids---all of them!---without batting an eye. Monday the three little girls stayed with her while I drove over to a base in Germany where they serviced the brakes on our van. The girls cheerfully waved good-bye, which tells you just how much they love Ada. Yes, I am sure that there must be some garage somewhere in Belgium that is capable of brake work, but I'm also sure that the amount we saved by going there is worth much more than the gas or my time, especially since I make about 35 cents/hour. I had to go to the commissary anyway. And accompanied by only two kids, I found the trip to be a breeze.

4. I am thankful for the case of Dr. Pepper in my basement. Oh yeah, a whole case, and I think all of my RL friends know exactly whom I have to thank for this impulsive purchase. But there it was on sale...and I haven't had any in ever so long...and well...if it's good enough for my favorite author, it's definitely good enough for me. I'm also thankful for my wiser impulse buy (you have a lot of time to be impulsive when you're waiting for brake pads to be replaced), the Jack Johnson soundtrack to the Curious George movie. It's a fun CD and much better for my general health than the first item.

5. Speaking of my favorite author, I am thankful for my hardcover copy of Beyond the Heather Hills, which arrived yesterday. Earlier this year when we finished this fourth book in the Martha series, I decided to begin collecting hardbound copies of all of the Martha and Charlotte books. They are that good and more. This has been a more difficult quest than I anticipated, because several of the titles are no longer available new in hardcover. But after much searching and waiting for affordable used copies to surface, I finally have all eight books. I'm thrilled to be able to say that all are in excellent condition. This final treasured find was a library discard, so I gently pried off the transparent cover and now, except for a few stamps, it looks brand new. Those poor little readers of the Virginia Beach Public Library have no idea just what they missed. But my children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy these enchanting stories for years to come. (This particular book is especially dear to me as both its title and dedication belong to one of my favorite families.)

6. I am thankful for the sweet Polish woman who cleans my house each week. Let me tell you, having a cleaning person is all the rage among the American community here in Brussels...and I'm afraid we succumbed to the peer pressure. I never thought I would hire someone to clean my house. My dear husband, however, thought it would be good for the girls and me to be able to focus on other things, and I've come to realize that there are a lot of ex-pats here who really need the work. So...I race around like a crazy person on Tuesday mornings, trying to stay one room ahead of her, often simply moving the piles from the floor to the beds, desks, and dressers---and I'm sure she wonders why I bother. But what a great feeling it is to have all of my floors mopped and bathrooms scrubbed each week, even if someone ALWAYS manages to spill a litre of milk right after she leaves.

7. I am thankful for the beautiful blogs I read and for the beautiful women who write them. Each day I am so blessed to read posts---like this and this---that inspire me to holiness, make me laugh out loud, and ease my lonely heart. Thank you, dear friends.

8. I am thankful for sisters and sisters-in-law who faithfully send me photos of my adorable nieces and nephews even though I shamefully neglect returning the favor. At least now I have a blog to share with them...if I ever get around to telling them about it. Today. I promise.

9. I am thankful that my husband's dear parents are visiting us for the better part of three months. Yes, I am truly grateful, and most people are surprised when I tell them so. But I've been blessed with the best of in-laws. They are lovingly involved with the kids and so very good to Jim and me. We all really blossom whenever they are with us. And when they get a little overwhelmed by our chaotic home, they just head over to Germany or Italy for a break. Honestly, I wish we could keep them year-round. I mean, really, why do they need a life of their own when they could just share ours? (My little ones ask me this each time their grandparents leave---and I'm sure their 19 other grandchildren say exactly the same thing.)

Finally...if you've managed to stick with me this long...I saved the best for last...

10. I am thankful for a husband who loves having kids sleep in the middle even more than I do. And I really will be very sad on the morning when I finally wake up and discover that I am not clinging to the edge of the bed with a little foot pressed against my stomach. Truly, truly sad.