30 days of Thanksgiving-month of posts

1- Today, I am thankful that I found my biological father 12 years ago. Finding him brought my brother Ronald Dilling into my life. Even though we don't get to see each other in person, we get to talk and text a lot and I am so grateful having him in my life. I do not dwell on missing him my entire life, but embrace what we have now. On his birthday today, I say I LOVE YOU to my big brother!

2- today, I am thankful that I got all the classes I needed for school next semester. I am thankful that I was able to create a schedule that will work better for Harrison's needs and let me spend more time with him. ♥

3- Today, I am thankful for the example of my friend Chris Mecham - one of the 2 organizers behind the Million Muppet/Puppet March to support Public Broadcasting- no matter what people think of him, or his politics--Chris is actually out there DOING something about what he believes in! While the rest of the population sits home and does nothing but complain about political activity...he is actively working for his cause! He is a great example--so on this day..as the march is taking place right NOW...I give thanks for his example to me!

4- Today, I am thankful for waking up to the sound of my children's laughter as they play games together. 7 kids-and they actually do get along great. ♥ ♥

5- Today I am thankful for Harrison. He came into this world 5 years ago today. It was a huge surprise pregnancy and it was hard at first. He has brought so much love and smiles and joy into my life and has also taught me so much. My life would not be the same without him. Happy Birthday Harrison!!!

6-Today, I am thankful for my right to vote . I am thankful for the right to have my own thoughts pertaining to our Government and country-and for the ability to express them freely without fear of reprisal. Some people do not even have that.

7-Today, i am thankful for early morning snuggles with Harrison. I am thankful for a day off from school that I am going to spend knitting and watching movies with him on the couch--full of peace and love on this new day!

8-Today, I am thankful for my artistic nature. My creativity is the one talent I possess and I couldn't ask for a better one (well, I'd love to sing but....) Knitting is a passion and sewing a bit less-but still there. I love color. I love sharpies and doodling all over everything in color. For me, to dye yarn is the ultimate expression of my love of color and art. I would be lost without my creativity and love of color.

9-Today, I am thankful for the close relationship that I have with my children. Even the teenagers :) We can talk, have fun and truly enjoy each other's company. I am thankful for each one of them and their unique personalities, quirks, strengths and weaknesses. They truly brighten my day. ♥ ♥ 

10-Today I am thankful for waking up to the very light dusting of snow on the ground--for the reminder of the beauty that is nature....and the excited squeals of the kids as they see it!

11-Today, I am thankful for my freedom.

12-Today I am thankful for the work I am doing at the Refugee Center. Working with these women has been an amazing experience and has given me a greater appreciation for the smaller basic things we take for granted every day. I only have 4 more days and I am going to miss it! The way their faces light up when they finally get something, or when you see the intelligence in their eyes and see how they grasp the idea of concept we are teaching--those are the moments I am going to miss...along with their smiles and laughter. ♥

13-Today, I am thankful for the house in which we live, the car we have, and the food we are able to eat. Even though we may not have much, we still have more than a lot of people in this world - most of all, we have the little things taken for granted every day (like heat, running water, available food sources.)

14-Today, I am thankful for my online friends. Even though I haven't met most of you in person, I enjoy our friendship. I enjoy our talks, our debates and I learn so much from you all. I worry when your kids are sick. I think of you when I am going about my regular day. I talk about you to my hubby and kids. I have known a lot of you online for over 10 years now. ♥ I think that just makes you my friends! ♥

15-Today, I am thankful for all the students "2 strapping it" on campus today. It brought Channing Tatum to mind and a big smile to my face.

16-Today, I am thankful for the education I am receiving. This semester alone has taught me so much about discrimination, racism, and prejudice. It has brought a greater understanding and awareness of the issues still prevalent in our society and I am so grateful for all that I have learned-no matter how sad it makes me to know that people are still being treated so horribly.

17-Today, I am thankful for my unending patience....it serves me well with 7 kids, 3 of whom are teenagers.

18-Today, I am thankful for knitting and my yarn stash...without it my children would not have such cute and warm mama-knitted woolies! ♥

19-Today, I am thankful that my work with clients for the semester has ended. I LOVED working with the refugees-but the time commitment was hard and I am glad to have the time back to just focus on school work and getting this semester ended while maintaining straight A's. whew! I do admit to a great sadness as I drove away from the center for the last time today. :(

20-Today, I am thankful for the kids week long Thanksgiving break....I enjoy spending all this time with them! ♥

21-Today I am thankful for my son Noah who has Aspergers. He has taught me so much about love, patience, and acceptance. He has brought to me the appreciation for the simpleness of a hug or an "I love you" and to recognize that love can be shown from him in many ways, not just the way we expect it! ♥

22-Regardless of how this holiday came about, I am thankful for this day--and the chance to spend it with my husband and children. Happy Thanksgiving to all of my family and friends. I hope your day is filled with family, love, thanks and peace.

23-Today, I am thankful for my brothers life. It was 4 years ago today that I got the call that he had a serious car accident and had been found 6 hours after he had been ejected from his car. His body core temp was dangerously low, but that ended up being what saved him as it slowed the bleeding in his brain. Life flight could not transport due to weather so they drove him several hours to get to the hospital. He was in the ICU for many days in a coma. His hospital stay ended up being 2 months with a huge amount of therapy afterwards. He has a traumatic brain injury. They said he would NEVER ride a horse or rodeo again. He proved them wrong. He's a little different, but still my goofy baby brother, and I am so thankful he is alive and with us still.

24-Today, I am thankful for my very large family. There is always someone to give you a hug, always someone to talk to and share with and be a friend. There is also a whole lot of love, fun and craziness going on in my home! LOL and I wouldn't have it any other way. ♥

25-Bella: "whimper..I don't feel good"
me: "RUN!"
Today, I am thankful that she made it to the bathroom before throwing up.

26-Today I am thankful for my son, Conner and for the strength, courage and integrity he has shown this year through some really rough crap. He took a bad situation and rose above it and focused on strengthening himself instead of bringing others down. He is such an inspiration to me and his character shines through. I am so proud of who he is. ♥

27-Today, I am thankful for chocolate, pepsi and midol---and my families patience with my uh...hormonal grouchiness.

28-Today, I am thankful for little boy snuggles that can always brighten my day. For his sweet little voice as he sings "our song" with me-even when he is so sleepy. I am thankful for how much he loves his mom and how his face lights up when he sees me. I am thankful for HIM....Harrison....my *very big surprise* baby.

29-Today, I am thankful for the men and women who serve our communities: The fire fighters, police officers and paramedics. Today, 3 years after the Lakewood shootings, I am reminded of the risk and sacrifice that comes with these jobs. To all of you that serve, to all that have family members that serve: thank you.

30-Today, I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for this, the last day of the 30 days of Thanksgiving and for all the friends that joined in with me this month to take part in recognizing all the things, no matter how big or small, they had to be thankful for. I am thankful for all that I learned from them. To make it short, I am thankful for all of YOU!