Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Macaroni Grill because we were able to have a very nice meal and I was able to spend time with my family.

Rosebud - being able to go ice skate today because I like going skating and I got to practice some of the stuff I need to for hockey.

Stinkbug - Macaroni Grill because it is delicious, they have a great waiter, I like their mac and cheese and it is really good to go to.

Sugarcake - my shoes because they cover your feet and they make you warm.

ThereO - being able to purchase a new book by one of my favorite authors because it's a long wait in between books and I like having a good read on a chilly night.

HBD - laptop computers for their convenience and efficiency.

OFE - going out in the yard and spraying Round Up so I can get rid of a bunch of weeds.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Snuffer's because I was able to have good food again.

Rosebud - getting all my school work done today because it is nice that I got to get it all done and it's not as hard as I think it is.

Stinkbug - my sister being born because I'm glad she was born and she's a wonderful sister to play with and I think she's my favorite because she doesn't treat me as bad.

Sugarcake - my brother being born because he's a wonderful brother, he's the only one I have and we have little animals and we play with them.

ThereO - a good, juicy cheeseburger because I don't eat them regularly any more and it was so good to have one.

HBD - my guitar because I can make beautiful music with it that soothes my soul.

OFE - the nurse bringing supplies today because they have been furnishing everything and we don't have to buy hardly anything.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - me being able to laugh because it brings joy to me.

Rosebud - noodles with butter because they are very good and it was soft on my teeth while they've been hurting.

Stinkbug - Sugarcake because I can play with her and she's really fun to play with.

Sugarcake - for glasses because they help you see and they make you know what things are.

ThereO - an ice storm so we could just stay in and enjoy the day at home.

HBD - the cold weather because it reminds me how much more thankful I am for the warm weather.

OFE - getting our car fixed and our freezer fixed during the day... dropped the car off this morning and he fixed it and we were able to pick it up by 2.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - me and my mom making up because we were able to talk about things and it feels so good to know that she's not mad at me anymore and I've had a chance to reason things out.

Rosebud - my Undine book because it is a very good book and I love reading those kinds of mysteries.

Stinkbug - the NHL because it is awesome, you get to watch hockey, they score a lot of goals, and it's a really good, competitive sport.

Sugarcake - Robidas because he helps and he is a good player.

ThereO - finishing a 700+ book by a favorite author because it feels like a big achievement to finish a book that long and he writes so beautifully that it really makes me think and feel.

HBD - days when I can just come home when I want and rest.

OFE - the drainage starting to work again because it was stopping up and getting me worried.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - the library because I can find the books there that I want to read and I don't have to pay for them.

Rosebud - HGTV because it helps me get more designing ideas and I love watching those shows.

Stinkbug - shoes because they keep our feet warm and they protect us from hard grounds and nails, I like shoes because they are safe too.

Sugarcake - sunglasses because they keep the sun out of your eyes.

ThereO - hugs because they feel good and make me feel loved.

HBD - our stereo equipment so that we can listen to all the beautiful music that we love.

OFE - going out to eat supper at Outback because we haven't done that in a long time.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - my Nancy Drew books because they are something I can really enjoy and it's gotten me back into reading.

Rosebud - the All-Star game because it is fun to watch and it is when all the best hockey players in the league come together to play.

Stinkbug - the All-Star game because they are fun to watch, it's awesome, and I like how all the best players come together and it's fun to watch and it's fun watching hockey.

Sugarcake - my brush because it takes all my nests out and it makes my hair straight as my mom's.

ThereO - for the opportunity to know Anna because she had such a sweet and gentle spirit and I was able to learn so much from her.

HBD - church because it is wonderful and blesses our family both in liturgy and in the classes for the kids.

OFE - having a day of rest because it was nice.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - being able to be costumes for Wonderland because it is teaching me so much and it has taught me how to make a dress.

Rosebud - power puck class because it is helping me improve my stick handling and I'm glad that we can afford stuff like that.

Stinkbug - Neal being in the Young Stars game because it is awesome and it will prepare him to play in future All-Star games and he's my favorite player and I'm glad that he was able to go.

Sugarcake - Jesus because He takes care of me and He loves me.

ThereO - learning about money and life energy because it has really changed my thinking about a lot of things.

HBD - our fireplace because it is cozy and keeps us warm.

OFE - going out and working in the yard today because I got finished before the bad weather moved in.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - my mom taking me to the movies and shopping for books because that made my day and that was very nice of her and it was a lot of fun.

Rosebud - the day that mom gave us today because it's been one of my favorite days and my mom is very nice for doing that.

Stinkbug - the thankful project because you can share your feelings and you can tell other people what you have been doing.

Sugarcake - ordering my Grossman jersey because it will be back on Valentine's Day and it says Grossman and he is my true love and my mommy and daddy letting me get it because they are special to me.

ThereO - Sugarcake telling me that today was the second best day of her life because it makes me feel good when one of my kids' enjoy their day.

HBD - it being the weekend so I can spend time with my family, time at church, and time with my reading.

OFE - my brother and his wife coming for a visit today because we had a good visit and it was good to see them.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - showers because they make me feel clean and really, really good.

Rosebud - being able to get my math done because I haven't been able to do it and it's not as hard as I thought it was.

Stinkbug - sports because if we didn't have them then we wouldn't be able to play them and then what would I have to do and I am so glad that they made sports.

Sugarcake - getting the nest out of my hair because it's clean and I love it.

ThereO - my kids really enjoying school today because I finally feel like I am teaching them a "love of learning" which is my main goal of homeschooling.

HBD - all the wonderful things my wife does each day to make our house look so nice.

OFE - pulling some real tough grass out of the rose beds because I haven't felt like doing it but I did today.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - peanut butter crackers because they help me feel better.

Rosebud - my laptop getting here because now I don't have to get on my brother's and it is nice to have it back.

Stinkbug - my sister's laptop getting here because now she doesn't have to use mine and I don't have to keep typing in my password for her anymore and she won't be touching mine.

Sugarcake - my daddy because he takes care of me, he buys me stuff, and he loves me.

ThereO - Rosebud getting her laptop back because I know she enjoys having it so very much!

HBD - reconnecting with old friends because a good buddy I haven't heard from in a long time called me.

OFE - being able to go to the TPA meeting because I got to see a bunch of friends.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Target because I can find what I want there.

Rosebud - power skating because it helps me with my skating and it is helping me with the techniques.

Stinkbug - cameras because you can take pictures and remember what you look like from when you are little and have a great time looking at what your favorite thing was that you did and have good memories of what you lost.

Sugarcake - Momma because she loves me, takes care of me, and she always protects me.

ThereO - E's mom because she has become a good friend, she has a beautiful soul, and she constantly shows me what strength looks like.

HBD - the kids' hockey lessons because they enjoy it so much and it has been good for their self-esteem.

OFE - goobers (peanuts) because they sure taste good.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - my jersey because it is so much fun to have and I'm not the only one in the house that doesn't have a jersey and it is very comfy and I LOVE IT!

Rosebud - the Target photo lab because I get to print my pictures and then I can put them in my scrapbook and look at them.

Stinkbug - pillows because they are comfy.

Sugarcake - my feet because they help me walk and they are the best feet I've ever had.

ThereO - getting some schooling done because it made me feel like I had accomplished what I needed to accomplish.

HBD - Dr. Pepper and Vitamin Water, my two favorite beverages, because they are tasty and refreshing.

OFE - my laptop because it's fun to play on and gives me something to do.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - curlers because I love my hair now and now I have something to curl my hair with.

Rosebud - going to church because we haven't been there in a long time and it was nice to be able to go this morning.

Stinkbug - ice because you can play hockey on it and you get to figure skate (boring) and you get to put it in your water to make it colder and put ice in your mouth when you are hot.

Sugarcake - my bible because it helps me learn about Jesus and everything.

ThereO - that the kids were glad we went to church because I want church to be something they enjoy and not a "chore."

HBD - our church and lunch because I love going to church as a family and our time together afterwards.

OFE - being able to do a little a work this morning because it makes me feel good to be able to do stuff again.

Giving thanks today (1-17-09) for...

Princess - my mom and dad taking me to the Stars game because it was so nice of them and it was one of the best days ever and I had soooo much fun... it was a blast!

Rosebud - the Stars winning because they are getting closer to the Stanley Cup and it is fun to see them win.

Stinkbug - bowling with Grandmother because I got to see my friends and I did good and I won a game with a score of 104 and I got see my friend Alex and it was his birthday and I had fun.

Sugarcake - getting presents because they are the best and they really are good and I got a magnifying glass.

ThereO - being able to take our oldest to the Stars game because she really enjoyed spending time with her parents and that means a lot to me.

HBD - our time with Princess... going to the Stars game and lunch because it was a special time for the three of us.

OFE - going to church today because that was very nice to be able to do that and see some folks I haven't seen in awhile.

Giving thanks today (1-16-09) for...

Princess - my mom telling me I look beautiful when I dance because it made me feel like the best dancer in the world.

Rosebud - Grandmother babysitting us because we got to spend more time with her and my parents got to take my sister to the hockey game.

Stinkbug - the Stars because you get to watch them practice and you get to go to their games and get to get their autographs.

Sugarcake - my pajama pants because if I didn't have them then I would be cold and they keep me protected.

ThereO - our new dishwasher because it is super quiet and it's nice to be able to get all those dishes done.

HBD - our new dishwasher because we can afford nice luxuries like that.

OFE - being able to go shopping because it has been along time since I've been able to do stuff like that and saw an old friend while I was out and it was good to see and visit with him for a little while.

Giving thanks today (1-15-09) for...

Princess - Sears because they helped us get a new dishwasher

Rosebud - staying home all day because then you don't have to get out and it's nice just to stay home.

Stinkbug - Sugarcake being able to go to the Stars game because I thought she would have a lot of fun and she did and I love it when she does that stuff because she can learn and have good memories.

Sugarcake - going to the Stars game because I got to have fun with my mom and daddy and they love me.

ThereO - being able to take our youngest to the Stars game because even though she got really stressed, it meant so much to her to be able to go with just her parents.

HBD - our time with Sugarcake at the hockey game and dinner because I love times like that.

OFE - going to J's house for supper because she made some awesome food and it was really, really good and nice to get out.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - dad going get us supper because that was very nice of him even though his mouth hurts a lot and he had bad day and it tasted very good.

Rosebud - staying home all day because it was not to go anywhere and it was just nice to stay home.

Stinkbug - 24 hours in a day because if it was only one hour then you wouldn't get to do very much so when you have more time then you have more time to play and have fun and have time with your family.

Sugarcake - me because I'm white and I shine.

ThereO - being approved for an education discount for some photo software that I've been wanting because it saved us major bucks.

HBD - conversations with my wife about anything and everything because it is wonderful to be married to your best friend.

OFE - Mrs. P bringing me communion because 

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - mom taking me to Starbucks because that was very nice of her and it was a real treat and we got to do our school work and it was fun.

Rosebud - Coach Mike because he's a very nice coach and he's teaching me a lot in hockey.

Stinkbug - eyes because if you didn't have any you couldn't see and your eyes are really special.

Sugarcake - blankies because they keep you warm and they are soft.

ThereO - an orthodontist that does beautiful work and truly cares about  his patients.

HBD - the beautiful moon tonight for it keeps in perspective God's awesome creation of the universe.

OFE - heater because it keeps us warm and I can remember when I was younger and we didn't have anything... Mother would put about 5 blankets on us and then in the morning when it was still dark, it was my job to get up and get the wood out and get a fire going... I was soooo cold I'd run and get back under the covers in the spot that was still warm.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - water because it helped me feel better.

Rosebud - my toothbrush because if I didn't have it my teeth would be brown and they'd all fall out which would be nasty and the Stars winning tonight because it means they might move up in the standings and I love it when they win.

Stinkbug - vegetables because they help you grow, some of them help you get more vision - like carrots, and they are good.

Sugarcake - my guitar because I get to play music and learn about music

ThereO - the money to purchase things like a dishwasher because it is a comfort to know we can pay for things and not have to go in debt.

HBD - our home because it's been a wonderful place to grow our family.

OFE - my drainage coming out because I was worried I was stopped up again.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - being able to read music because if I'm not able to take music lessons then I can learn on my own.

Rosebud - our car because it helps take us places and we don't have to walk.

Stinkbug - playstation because you get to play games and they are really awesome like Star Wars and hockey and racing and they are really fun and sometimes it is almost like you are watching one.

Sugarcake - hockey practice because it teaches you how to play and it is fun to do.

ThereO - a relaxing day at home because it has given me a chance to recharge and begin focusing on what God wants me to focus on.

HBD - my comfortable bed that allows me to sleep so peacefully.

OFE - my nurse saying E for Elephant because it put everyone in a good mood during rough time and that I talked to Sugarcake the other night because I enjoyed it.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - being able to babysit Sugarcake because it brings us closer together and I was able to surprise my family by cleaning the house and that brings us closer together.

Rosebud - my blog because I get to write whatever I want on it and they are fun to have.

Stinkbug - the guitar because it helps you learn music and it's really fun and I love it and it teaches you a lot about music.

Sugarcake - PawPaw because he is sweet, he loves us, and he is the best.

ThereO - being able to watch my kids practice hockey because it just fills my heart with good feelings to see my kids doing something they enjoy and knowing how much skill it takes.

HBD - weekends that I can spend with my family to relax and enjoy each other's company.

OFE - being able to have breakfast with my breakfast buddies because it's been two or three years since we've been able to and it was so nice to visit with them.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - the J.'s because they are a wonderful family, they are so nice, and they set a good example.

Rosebud - my mom taking my laptop to be fixed because I don't have to use Stinkbug's anymore and I will be able to get on sites of things I want to learn about, like architecture.

Stinkbug - the J.'s because they are lots of fun and me and P like to play and do lots of things together.

Sugarcake - showers because they wash you off and you smell clean.

ThereO - a peaceful visit with a friend because their children play really well with our children so we can actually have a conversation.

HBD - comfortable shoes because they keep my feet warm and protect my feet from injury.

OFE - my laptop coming on because it takes so long that it is hard to wait but it is on now.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - chess because it is a fun and intellectual game and it is fun to learn about and it is very interesting and it's a game where you have to use skill.

Rosebud - my math book because it helps me know more about math and when I get older it will hopefully help me to be a better architect.

Stinkbug - Princess to play chess with and have time with her because we can have time together and I get to play with her.

Sugarcake - my DS because you get to play on it and it is fun.

ThereO - time to get MOST of my closet organized because it has been difficult to get to my stuff and it just feels so much more relaxing to have that done.

HBD - quiet nights at home because it is restful for my mind and soothing to my soul.

OFE - my "plumbing system" was flushed out and started working properly.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Stinkbug teaching me how to play chess because that was very nice of him, it's a fun and intellectual game and I enjoy it very much and I enjoyed playing with him.

Rosebud - my icons because they are very pretty and I can pray with them every night.

Stinkbug - my family because they play with me, they protect me, they watch tv with me, they're really special and when I need help, they help me.

Sugarcake - laptops because you get to get on stuff, you get to get on Claire's and Macy's and Target and you can get on a lot of stuff.

ThereO - my sponsor agreeing to still be my sponsor even though I haven't been on program for about 6 weeks.

HBD - the book "The Holiness of God" for it has dramatically impacted my life.

OFE - a beautiful day because I was able to piddle in the yard and prune some more bushes.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - my room because it is a place of my own and it is where I can have quiet time to think.

Rosebud - my bible because it helps me learn more about God and it helps me grow closer to God.

Stinkbug - video games because they sometimes help you and they are really fun to play and sometimes you get awesome games and they are fun.

Sugarcake - reading because it learns you how to read and you learn stuff to be nice.

ThereO - my laptop working again because I was able to balance the check book and do bills without a bunch of hassle.

HBD - our incredible universe for it gives us a glimpse of the majesty of God.

OFE - being able to get my valve changed because it went smoothly and they had one so it wasn't a big problem.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - my dad being a vegetarian because I know he is taking care of himself, he's teaching my mom to take care of herself and he's teaching me to take care of myself because he is teaching me to be healthy, love animals, and to watch our colon health because meat is actually not good for you.

Rosebud - a fire in the fireplace because it warms us and it warms up the house and it's very cozy.

Stinkbug - our car because if we wanted to go to Lake Charles we would have to walk there and it would take 5 days or more and if we went to OK it would take a long time and cars can take us wherever we want and it goes a lot faster.

Sugarcake - birthdays because you get presents and it's a happy day and you get to play with your family, you get to have a happy day and you get to go out and do stuff.

ThereO - a clothes washer and dryer because it would be NO fun whatsoever to go outside in cold weather and try to wash clothes and dry them by a fire.

HBD - the gift of sight for obvious reasons but mostly to see the natural beauty of this world and the ability to read.

OFE - all the prayers people have been saying for me.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Burt's Bees Wax because it cleared up my sinuses for awhile and made me feel really good and it cleared up my dry skin and made it feel so much better.

Rosebud - Aunt Lynette because she is very nice to me and she is a very good aunt and I love her.

Stinkbug - lights because they light up the house and when it's Christmas people put up a million lights on their houses and it's beautiful and they make things so pretty.

Sugarcake - the fireplace because it warms you up.

ThereO - the opportunity to tell someone how much she means to me because it brought a smile to her face and hopefully it will encourage her when she is feeling sad.

HBD - Catherine and Ernie and the example they have shown for us as parents over this past year.

OFE - being able to work in the yard because it's nice to be able to do stuff.

Giving thanks today (1-3-09) for...

Princess - Aunt Catherine because she has inspired me to be a better person and a better person and she's very loving and a wonderful person.

Rosebud - Aunt Catherine because I love her and she is very nice to me and she's the best aunt anyone could ever have.

Stinkbug - football because it is fun to play, I have a good arm and it makes you healthy and you run fast and it is a fun game.

Sugarcake - cameras because you get to take pictures and they are fun to take.

ThereO - being able to watch my son be the ring bearer at my nephew's wedding because he was just so darn handsome and behaved so well, he just made me very proud.

HBD - Ernie and Allison found one another and that their wedding was beautiful.

OFE - the wedding going okay and that everybody had a good time.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Allison because she is so very nice and sweet and she is going to be a wonderful cousin.
Rosebud - Uncle Carl because he helped me get my medicine so I would feel better.
Stinkbug - Buddy because he is like a guard to me at night and I love him and when I get sad I can cuddle up with him and I can play with him and when I get mad, I can go to him and I have lots of fun with him and he is very special to me and I wish the girls would never treat him like he is junk.
Sugarcake - the clock because it can tell time and you can see what time it is.
ThereO - prayer because without prayer, I would make really bad decisions and through prayer I am able to communicate with God.
HBD - Ernie and Allison finding one another.
OFE - taking a walk outside in the beautiful weather because I like being able to get around better.

Giving thanks today for...

Princess - Kristin because she is a wonderful friend, babysitter and she inspires me to grow in Christ more.

Rosebud - Kristin because she is very nice to us and she's a very good babysitter.

Stinkbug - ornaments because it lights up the tree instead of being bare and the red and gray ones are really pretty and I like the other ornaments and they're really cool and some of them aren't as pretty as the other ones but they are fine and it's really beautiful.

Sugarcake - hotels because if you didn't have a house you would have to live in a hotel.

ThereO - a date with my husband because I love to have that time to reconnect and discuss issues without interruptions.

HBD - date nights with my wife because it provides a time for us to connect with one another.

OFE - ringing the new year in and having a good meal at Aunt Rosie's because it was just really good.