TGI (almost) F

Maybe it's the lack of sunshine these past few days (or I'm just getting old) but I'm certainly missing that extra spring to my step and the zest for life that's patently mine. The muse of inspiration has certainly left the building and here I am stuck on a color-less, mechanical way of living routine. So before I succumb to the depths of mediocrity and self-pity, let me take the sage advise of counting my blessings. From the lame to the mildly sublime, here's my "thankful for" list in random order, indulge me...

• Friday! - end of the work week for my husband and we can just put our feet up and let the world pass before us as we look forward to the future together, libation in hand - mine -his
  

• My new front-loader washing machine - it does three times the load of the old one and our clothes are cleaner too. Raise your hand if you were, once upon a time, mesmerized by your front-loading machine you actually stood there to watch it wash your clothes (it's okay, we all do it )

• Pinterest - yup that's the lame part I was talking about.  It awoke the sleeping beauty that was my creativity.  Never mind that the first thing I searched for there was a maroon dress! (burgundy actually produced better results)  Remember when this blog was used to be called Faith, Family, Friends, FASHION and posted my fashion picks?  Well, a busy life of five children later there was just no room and time for vanities (and certainly not in the budget).  Then pinterest entered my life, I could peruse clothes again with someone else doing the homework!  As I always tell my husband, a girl can dream and pinterest is surely giving me that dreamy existence again (no offense husband!)

• Sacrament of Penance - especially when I'm helping my kids prepare for it (once a month). Those are privileged moments for me, when we run through their transgressions and I see the anguish they have over it.  That window to their soul is so sacred, to be allowed to step into it is a gift that I'm cherishing before the time comes when I am no longer privy. That triumphant moment when they come out of the confessional with a joyous sparkle in their eyes and that piety in prayer - moments that make me want to cry.  The effects are also immediate, there is more peace at home and I can see how hard they try to cooperate with the grace bestowed on them.
  

• Books - even electronic ones that keep me up at night and drive my husband crazy   .  Crazy in a good kind of way because I am a better person when I read. Just this week I finished the Anne (of Green Gables, Avonlea, et al) series that I started reading in Texas. As my husband is the Gilbert of my life he totally benefited from my reading that romantic book! Although I'm sure he thought I was a little bit crazy to find inspiration in fictitious characters. Speaking of Texas, that's where I got caught up with all the reading. Lord of the Rings and various other classics that were free on Kindle. Oh and American Girl hahaha, hey it was on my daughter's reading list, must know what they read!  The bad side to this is that when I start to read a good book it is hard to peel myself away from it.  Thank you (again) to the new washing machine, I'm not so behind on laundry.

• Babies and children - mine specifically.  Because they are forgiving, loving, funny, silly and to paraphrase Scripture "I know mine and they know me".  Here, as we toil, day in and day out, either academically or attending to the massive chores before us, we are one in heart and mind not counting the temper tantrums .  What a privilege.

I will not add my husband to this list because there is no end to my praise and thanksgiving for him.  I harrass him enough on Facebook.

What are you thankful for?