No more OFR

Although OFR has commented at least 8 nights out of these past 31 about not wanting to participate in the Thankful Project, she has drudgingly done it.  However, last night OFE said he didn't really know what he could be thankful for for a whole year so he was thinking that he didn't want to participate.  Very strange, considering he's never had a problem finding something to be thankful for AND it sounded an awful lot like OFR.

When I spoke with them this evening, they told me that they were not going to continue to participate.  After speaking with both, and confirming their decision, OFE came back on the phone and told me he would continue.  OFR does not see this as being fun and doesn't really feel she has anything to be thankful for so she will NOT be participating in the project in 2009.

My heart aches that someone (especially someone that I am closely related to) would see their life in such dreary terms as to not have one single thing to be thankful for in a day.  My prayer is that she will not drag OFE into her deprived emotional existence.  I will also being praying (and I hope that anyone reading this will also) that God will somehow soften her heart and open it to see all the glorious gifts she has been given.

Thankfully,

ThereO

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - getting a chance to spend some time with my mom because I really miss hanging out with her and it's fun and brings us closer together.

Rosebud - my camera because I love taking pictures and I like being able to get them developed.

Stinkbug - my mom because she does lots of things for me and she takes care of me and she's the best mom anybody could have.

Sugarcake - hairbows because if there is a nest in your hair and you put it in a hairbow then the nest isn't there because you cover it.

ThereO - being able to spend the remainder of 2008 with my family because there is no place I would rather be to ring out the old year and ring in the new.

HBD - this past year because my family has grown closer to one another and to God.

OFR - not making OFE cry when I changed his bandage.

OFE - my drain is still working good today because it makes me feel better.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - visiting dad at work because it made my day and it makes dad's day too and it's nice to see him during the day because I don't get to do that very often.

Rosebud - Wilson (#22) because he's very nice to us and he's a good player.

Stinkbug - music because it's really fun to listen to and when you get bored you can turn on the tv or listen to an ipod or listen to it in the car if you are in the car.

Sugarcake - CD's because you get to listen to them and you get to dance to them.

ThereO - a new Robidas jersey (signed today) in a smaller size because it means I am losing weight.

HBD - my family visiting me at work today because it was a wonderful break from a very difficult day.

OFR - being able to contact the two insurance companies because now I know what bills I need to get together and I had been worried about it.

OFE - going to supper at Casa because I didn't feel bad at all and saw a couple that we used to see at church and was able to visit with them (and I'm real thankful that my drainage is doing better and draining where it is supposed to.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - a clean house because it makes you feel so good when you are inside of it.

Rosebud - homeschooling because you get to learn more than public school, we can learn about the things we want to learn, and we don't have to everyone go at the same pace.

Stinkbug - the world because it protects us, it's our home, and if God didn't make the world we wouldn't be here and would probably be on a junkie planet with no food or water.

Sugarcake - the computer because if we didn't have it then we wouldn't get to see what's on the computer and what is in stores and stuff.

ThereO - a clean kitchen because it motivates me to clean more of the house and it also puts me in the mood to cook.

HBD - being able to eat dinner every evening with my family because it gives us an opportunity to talk about the day and spend time with one another.

OFR - his drain working again because I was worried about it.

OFE - the blanket with the foot warmer because it has helped a lot and it keeps the heat in.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Stinkbug's godparents because they love and care for me even though they are not my godparents and they are so very nice.

Rosebud - my parents because they take care of me, they keep me safe, and I love them.

Stinkbug - mommy fixing my ipod later because I'll be able to listen to music whenever I want, won't have to listen to dad's boring talk radio, and I have a mom and dad that can fix things like that.

Sugarcake - the crosses because they are beautiful and they are about Jesus and when He died.

ThereO - Sugarcake remembering the importance and beauty of crosses because those kinds of things fill me with faith.

HBD - my godparents because they are generous and kind to my entire family.

OFR - being able to put the rest of the Christmas decorations away because now I don't have to do it tomorrow.

OFE - being able to get up and around because if I couldn't, I'd really be an invalid.

Giving thanks today (12-27-08) for...

Princess - curling irons because after you curl your hair, it makes you feel really pretty.

Rosebud - medicine because it helps me feel better.

Stinkbug - the Stars winning because I went to the game and it was lots of fun and I went with my mom and dad, I got a puck tossed to me by Neal, the food was really good and they won.

Sugarcake - my cash register because it works and I can check things out with it.

ThereO - being able to watch my son be tossed a puck by his favorite hockey player at the Stars game because the look on his face was one of pure joy and that fills MY heart with joy.

HBD - St. Stephen the protomartyr because he sacrificed his life for the sake of the faith and for his care and intercession in my life.

OFR - being able to get the biggest part of the decorations put away because now they aren't sitting in the middle of the house.

OFE - that y'all got to go to a hockey game because y'all had a chance to enjoy it.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - PawPaw because he is the best PawPaw you could ever have... he is sweet, kind, funny and smart and I would never want to lose him because I love him and he loves me.

Rosebud - our television because we get to watch the Stars play and watch hockey on it.

Stinkbug - the light up Christmas tree at MawMaw and PawPaw's house because it is pretty and it lights the house up and it is stained glass and it is really cool and there is not much of that in Texas.

Sugarcake - the blanket because you would be cold without it.

ThereO - seeing one of my dad's doctors and being able to thank him in person for all the help and care he have given my dad.

HBD - being able to spend Christmas with OFE because I know it meant a lot to him and it was important for us to be with him.

OFR - the family having a safe, quick trip home because it's nice to know everyone is okay.

OFE - having such a good caregiver because she is so patient with me.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Christmas because it brings the whole family together, it's the day Jesus was born, and you get to spend time with the people you love, whom you only have for a short time.
Rosebud - Christmas trees because they are pretty to look at and I love all the ornaments.
Stinkbug - Santa because he brings presents and it makes little kids happy and it's fun to open presents on Christmas and Santa brings happiness to little kids and it's great.
Sugarcake - shirts because if you have no shirts then you have to show your stomach and they are fun to wear.
ThereO - my youngest daughter waking up and saying "Happy Birthday Jesus" first, before she asked about Santa because it makes me feel like my husband and I are doing something right.
HBD - our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ because He came into the world to save sinners of whom I am worst.
OFR - my daughter and son-in-law not drinking because it was leading to a bad example.
OFE - all of the family was able to come down for Christmas because it made me really happy and we've had a good time and I'll be really sad to see everyone go back home.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - the glass Christmas tree because it lightens up the house and it's very pretty.
Rosebud - the Thankful Project because we get to share what we are thankful for and we get to celebrate Thanksgiving every day but a better Thanksgiving.
Stinkbug - the phone because if you didn't have the phone you wouldn't be able to talk and you wouldn't be able to tell people what you are feeling right now because you wouldn't be able to share your feelings with people when you feel like talking to them.
Sugarcake - the newspaper because you get to read about stuff and you get to see who all is in the newspaper.
ThereO - the beauty of everyone in church singing Silent Night with lit candles because, for me, that is what Christmas is all about.
HBD - Santa Claus for all the joy that he brings children all over the world.
OFR - Aunt Rosie's cooking because I wouldn't have been able to fix all of that.
OFE - Rosebud asking if she could help out in the kitchen because it was just fantastic that she would do that, not many young people today would.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - our car because it got us here safely and it has done that a lot too.
Rosebud - my dad because he takes care of us and I love him and he's the best dad anyone could ever have.
Stinkbug - Texas Tech because they are a good team, they play well, almost got to the championship, they almost went undefeated, and they are a really good team.
Sugarcake - my toys because I get to play with them and I get to put them up when I want to and then I can play with them again.
ThereO - safe travels because it is a huge blessing to be at my parent's house.
HBD - getting here safely because the weather was bad.
OFR - that the family got here safely.
OFE - that everybody made it here safe and sound, especially in the rain.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Rosebud because she's the one closest to me so we can hang out a lot and I love her although we do fight, she's fun to play with.

Rosebud - Princess because she's fun to play with and I love her.

Stinkbug - chess because it is fun to play with my dad and I love it and it helps me to think better.

Sugarcake - Grandad because he takes care of me, he used to, and he took us places and he took us to Santa's Village.

ThereO - a new video camera because with it I can capture family moments and family members that we might not have with us much longer.

HBD - the care and kindness that is given by my wife to myself and our children.

OFR - the home health agency letting Kathy come over on Mondays because she does such a better job.

OFE - Rene because he came over and help me out with some stuff.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Pastor Wes because he taught me a very valuable lesson today.

Rosebud - Carol of the Bells song because I love the song and it is fun to listen to.

Stinkbug - football because it is fun to play, I have a good arm and I sometimes score lots of touchdowns and it's a fun game.

Sugarcake - my toothbrush because I can clean my teeth and they sparkle real white and they help my teeth not be dirty.

ThereO - my organizer/calendar because it helps me keep track of everything going on and helps me remember some things I would probably forget.

HBD - Sugarcake because she brings a lot of happiness and joy into my life.

OFR - getting OFE's tube back in without it hurting him too much.

OFE - OFR fixed my bandage because it had gotten out of place and it was hurting me pretty good but it's better now.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Christmas trees because it brightens up the day and night.

Rosebud - Grandmother because she takes care of us whenever mom needs her to and she's nice to us.

Stinkbug - Modano because he took us to the Stanley Cup and he leads our team very well and he's a good player and he has almost 1400 goals and that is awesome and he's a great player and I like him a lot.

Sugarcake - The Stars because I get to get their autograph and take pictures with them.  

ThereO - time alone because it gives me a chance to calm all the thoughts in my head and accomplish some tasks that require concentration.

HBD - the weekends because it gives us a chance to be together and catch up on our much needed rest and relaxation.

OFR - the priest giving me a large portion of the consecrated host because it always makes me feel better.

OFE - Aunt Rosie made a beautiful coconut pie and it is delicious and I'm so thankful for the price of gas going down so that people can go visit their families.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Aunt Deborah because she is the best aunt ever and she's really, really nice.

Rosebud - my violin because it is a fun instrument to play and I love how it sounds.

Stinkbug - scoring 7 goals during Hockey 101 because it feels good to score goals and it is really fun and it is like scoring, and going all the way to the big game and sometimes I have friends on my team and it's just lots of fun.

Sugarcake - jewelry because I get to look at it and I get to wear it.

ThereO - being able to watch my daughter dance because it is a beautiful gift that I wish I got to see more often.

HBD - my mini Christmas vacation because it gives me time to spend with my family and meditate on the birth of my Lord and Savior.

OFR - friends (Sandra J.) came over and surprised us and it was just so very nice.

OFE - being able to shave because it keeps me looking good.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Grandmother because she loves me and she's really, really sweet.
Rosebud - Nouna because I love her and she's the best nouna anyone could ever have.
Stinkbug - vitamin water because it gives us vitamins and it is good.
Sugarcake - MawMaw because she's nice and she gives us money.
ThereO - music lessons because of the discipline and ability it has given the children.
HBD - the opportunity for my children to take music lessons because of the life long benefit it gives them.
OFR - going to the dentist because I didn't have any cavities and didn't have any grinding.
OFE - not hurting as much today as I have been because I like feeling better.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Kirkland's because you can find a gift for anyone there!

Rosebud - PawPaw because he's the best PawPaw anyone could ever have and I wouldn't want to replace him with anyone.

Stinkbug - beating my dad at chess because he never "lets" me win, I have to really do it myself.

Sugarcake - mom's Santa hat because sometimes I get to wear it and I get to see it.

ThereO - the telephone because I am able to talk to my dad and cheer him up when he doesn't feel so good.

HBD - our beautifully decorated Christmas tree because it makes me feel wonderful inside.

OFR - having the utilities paid for a couple of months because it helps financially.

OFE - the glass Christmas tree we made many years ago because it still functions and is just absolutely beautiful.

Giving thanks today (12-16-08) for...

Princess - Stinkbug because he loves me and it feels awesome to have a little brother you can play with and he shows me and teaches me a lot because he is really smart.

Rosebud - my parents taking me to the Stars game because that's one of the best things that you can do is go to a Stars game.

Stinkbug - the world because it gives us a place to live and I thank God for it because he made it and it is a place we can live and give other people nice things.

Sugarcake - shopping because I get to buy stuff and I get to look around.

ThereO - unexpectedly being able to go to the Stars game because I love watching the Stars in action and it just makes me lose track of anything I'm worried about.

HBD - our time together (HBD, ThereO, Rosebud) at the Stars game because we got to go and it gave me a chance to spend time with my wife and daughter doing something that the three of us enjoy.

OFR - being able to get in contact with the doctors because OFE's been hurting.

OFE - my wife put up all the Christmas decorations because it looks really pretty.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - noodles and butter because it is very good and it cheers me up.

Rosebud - my brother because he's the best brother anyone could have.

Stinkbug - television because it is fun to watch and I can learn stuff and one of the things I like a lot is Star Wars and if we didn't have television then I wouldn't be able to watch it.

Sugarcake - Grandmother because every time we go over there she buys us stuff and she loves us.

ThereO - being financially able to give gifts to children whose families cannot afford to give them anything for Christmas.

HBD - radio ministries because it is a wonderful way to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

OFR - going to the Catholic Daughter's meeting because it was nice to get out for a change.

OFE - getting to go see Eloise and Paul because he's been real sick and it was nice to be able to go and visit him.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - my church because it helps us grow in our faith, the people there are wonderful, and our family is able to grow stronger together and I've learned so much there about Jesus and biblical times.

Rosebud - our church because without it I wouldn't be able to learn about God the way I do.

Stinkbug - church because we learn about God and communion is a special time and going to church makes you closer to God and not doing bad things so you can stay near God.

Sugarcake - food because it keeps you healthy and you grow bigger.

ThereO - our vehicle because it gets us places safely and is big enough for our family.

HBD - safe travels to and from my nephew's graduation because we are safe.

OFR - everyone made it safely home because there was a lot family on the road and they all are home now.

OFE - for a wonderful supper that my sister-in-law cooked because it was delicious.

Giving thanks today (12-13-08) for...

Princess - breakfast because it is the most important meal of the day and it keeps you energized.

Rosebud - soccer because it is a fun sport to play.

Stinkbug - my family because they take care of me, sometimes we fight but I love them and we play games together and share and love one another.

Sugarcake - church because I learn stuff and I learn about Jesus.

ThereO - my nephew graduating from college because growing up he had lots of learning difficulties and it is just incredible to see someone work hard and overcome those difficulties to accomplish a dream.

HBD - my nephew being able to finish his school.

OFR - Anthony graduating because it was a lot of work for him.

OFE - my rose club friends because they gave me a standing ovation when I came to my first meeting back and it is just incredible to have wonderful friends like that.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Sugarcake because she is hilarious and she makes me laugh all the time and she always gives me something to talk about and she loves me and I love her and she is a big ball of fun.

Rosebud - hockey 101 because it teaches me to be a better hockey player and it's fun.

Stinkbug - toys because they are fun to play with and we wouldn't have fun stuff (legos, football toys, stuff like that).

Sugarcake - chairs because they are comfortable and they don't make you walk.

ThereO - my Robidas sweater because it is comfortable and reminds me of how different I am now compared with last year at this time.

HBD - my kids waving bye to me in the morning because it's a beautiful way to start my day.

OFR - getting the lights on the tree because it has been awhile since we've even had a tree and I'm just glad I can still do it.

OFE - going for a walk today because I haven't been able to do that since before they changed my tube.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Nick because he made me laugh and he was a very good cousin.

Rosebud - the Angel Tree because it gives us a chance to help those who don't have anything...it helps us to help them have a better Christmas.

Stinkbug - laptops because without them I wouldn't get to learn stuff and it's fun and they have lots of cool websites and without a laptop, I wouldn't have very much fun.

Sugarcake - Wilson (#22 on the Stars) because he's very nice to me and he's a very good player.

ThereO - blogs because they have opened up my world to so many people I wouldn't have the privilege of  "knowing" otherwise.

HBD - Chuck Swindoll because of his wonderful messages.

OFR - being able to go to the Rose Club meeting this evening because it gives us something different to do and it will be good to see everyone.

OFE - Tylenol because it has helped my pain go away.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - my dad because he protects us and he provides us with whatever we need (and for so much more than I can ever name, for so many reasons).

Rosebud - my bed because it feels good and it is very comfortable.

Stinkbug - God because if He didn't want us here then we wouldn't be here and he loves us and we have all these things to love (like tv, friends, and people to share things with) and He gives us all these things and He loves us and I love Him.

Sugarcake - my Christmas tree because you get to decorate it and because you get to make ornaments to go on it.

ThereO - my mother-in-law for taking care of the kids when I really need her to watch them.

HBD - my mom for watching our kids and being nice to them.

OFR - OFE's macular degeneration not progressing because it is very common for it to become much worse after cataract surgery and his has not.

OFE - utility companies because without them we would all be just miserable.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - for the Stars because they bring our family closer together.

Rosebud - my mom because whenever we go see the Stars we are the only kids there and because she rubs my feet and it feels so good.

Stinkbug - snow because it's fun and you can make snowballs and snowmen and you can play in it and it's cold and we didn't get a bunch of cold weather in Texas and if you have a pond you can skate on it and that is one of the most fun things.

Sugarcake - Santa because every Christmas night he comes and gives us treats and he loves us.

ThereO - a warm fire on a cold evening because it reminds me how blessed I am to be comfortable.

HBD - for my wife and it's hard for me to just say "because" there are a million reasons... reasons too numerous to name.

OFR - being able to get most of the Christmas decorations because I could hardly move after putting out the outside decorations on Saturday.

OFE - for Congress and the President because they've blown it so bad that everybody can't blame everything on me now.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - my mom's godparents because they bring joy and I'm glad to have them in my life.

Rosebud - my violin teacher because if I didn't have her as my teacher then I wouldn't have been able to learn the violin like I've been able to.

Stinkbug - Pepsi because if they didn't have it then we wouldn't have a great drink like that and I like it a lot.

Sugarcake - my stuffed animals because when I'm sleeping they keep me protected and they are my best friends and I love them because they help me get sleep so I won't be lonely.

ThereO - the library which makes books available for free so we have the opportunity to explore and learn things we might not have been able to find out about otherwise and we are able to save money at the same time.

HBD - for our house because it keeps us safe and warm and offers us a place to spend time with one another and rest/relax.

OFR - being home where I can rest and not have to be around people.

OFE - doctors and nurses and the medicines they have because they can help make you well.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Christmas because we get to spend time with our family and we get to give to others.
Rosebud - my parents because I love them and they are with me through everything.
Stinkbug - food because I can eat it and it's good for me and it's yummy.
Sugarcake - Christmas because I get to spend time with my family and they get to buy me presents and that is very, very nice.
ThereO - missionary families who bring love and hope to others through the Word of God.
HBD - St. Nicholas for his everlasting love and kindness to children and adults.
OFR - that I got OFE's tube back in because it didn't hurt him and we didn't have to go to the ER to put it back in.
OFE - that Oscar is no longer here because I don't have to listen to him bark any more.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - my laptop because I can learn a lot of things on there and I can communicate with people I don't get to see everyday.

Rosebud - Dad's cookies because they are so very good and they are vegan/sugar-free.

Stinkbug - Star Wars because it is awesome and they have a website that you can do lots and lots of stuff on.

Sugarcake - my sisters because they love me and they try to be nice with me.

ThereO - liturgy at the Orthodox church because it not only connects me to God and Jesus but to all the other Orthodox Christians in the world.

HBD - HDTV because it makes the viewing/television experience much more spectacular.

OFR - good friends like J. because it gives me a special feeling to have friends like that in my life.

OFE - my 4 grandchildren because they are polite, fun, and wonderful to be around...I love them all.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - the thankful project because it helps me to see what I am truly thankful for and what all I have.

Rosebud - taking a shower because they feel so good and I don't know what I would do without them.

Stinkbug - my PawPaw because he's really fun and he helps me and takes care of me when my parents aren't around.

Sugarcake - God because He helps me be not sick and He loves me.

ThereO - for hockey because it has brought our family together and gives us something to enjoy as a family.

HBD - Friday night hockey because it is a wonderful way to start the weekend.

OFR - the truck is running so we don't have to have the gas tank cleaned out.

OFE - my son-in-law because he does such a wonderful job of taking care of our daughter and he has become a wonderful friend.

Giving thanks today for....

Princess - my mom because she helps me through everything and if she was gone I'd be hopeless.

Rosebud - God because if He didn't make us, we wouldn't be here.

Stinkbug - electricity because we wouldn't be able to have video games, computers, tv, or even lights without it.

Sugarcake - my brother because he always likes to play with me and he tries to protect me.

ThereO - Nick because I wouldn't have started this incredible journey if it wasn't for him.

HBD - dinosaur fossils because they are awesome and provide a window into our pre-history.

OFR - being able to open up OFE's drain so he wouldn't have to go to the hospital.

OFE - my daughter because of the joy she has brought to my life, all the help she has given me, and the surprises that have come along because of her.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - my teen group because it has helped me a lot and makes me more mature.

Rosebud - my teacher because she teaches us a lot of stuff that we wouldn't get to learn in public school.

Stinkbug - my dad because he gives me lots of care and he plays games with me.

Sugarcake - Grossman because he plays good and he tries to score and he tries to keep the other team from scoring.

ThereO - peppermint white chocolate mochas because they are just plain heavenly.

HBD - for a very intelligent son that I can play chess with.

OFR - getting almost all of the paperwork in the mail because it is a huge relief to get that off the to do list.

OFE - my wife because of all the things she does for me.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - the sky because it is very beautiful and God made it for me.

Rosebud - Christmas because I get to spend time with my family.

Stinkbug - Neal because he is my favorite hockey player.

Sugarcake - being able to babysit Ainslee because she's fun to play with.

ThereO - my father-in-law because he raised such an awesome son by teaching him how to be a great dad and husband.

HBD - alcoholics anonymous because it helped to save my life.

OFR - for my husband waking up without an infection today because it makes it so much easier on me.

OFE - being able to talk on the phone because it means I'm feeling better.

Today begins the journey.  A journey towards a life of THANKSGIVING.

Giving Thanks today for...

Princess - music lessons because it shows me how to be more artistic and I can perform for the people I love.

Rosebud - my little sister because she always makes me laugh.

Stinkbug - hockey because it is fun to play.

Sugarcake - my family because they care about me and they protect me and they love me.

ThereO - my dad because he is not only my dad, he is also my friend.

HBD - a beautiful sky of the moon and two planets because of astronomical magic.

OFR - my husband making it through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation even though doctors had said he shouldn't have any of those things.

OFE - for the many things my daughter and son-in-law have done over the last few months, locating doctors and nurses, taking care of caring bridge updates, nights and days spent with me at the hospital, bringing the grandchildren to visit and so many other things.