With a Thankful Heart

I love Thanksgiving. I love spending the day with family (I like mine so that's helpful). I love walking into a house and smelling pumpkin pie. And I especially love counting my blessings.

Every year I make a private list of why I'm thankful and this year I'd like to share it.

1. I'm thankful for my husband. Chuck is a hardworking man, who makes me laugh every single day. It's honestly like being married to a cartoon. Here's what I mean. He said he was going to stop by the grocery store so I asked him if he minded picking up the onions I forgot. He said, "Vidalia?"

What? How many types of onions can you name? Oh, just the one? Why would you think I needed a vidalia onion? No, I need the crispy French's onions for green bean casserole. "Oooohhhh. I like those!" So, a big thank you to Chuck for being both funny and thoughtful. Not only did you pick up the onions, but you made me laugh doing it.

2. I'm thankful that I get to stay home with Bean. And no "Bean" is not a typo. Ben has learned how to say his name and luckily for everyone within earshot, he pronounces Ben as Bean. Mostly he likes to say, "Here Bean." Loosely translated that means, "Give that to me."

Feel free to call him Bean - we do. Also, feel free to embellish on this nickname. When he makes me chase him, I like to say, "Get over here you little Kidney Bean." Or if he's fussy, I like to say, "Oh, lo siento Senior Pinto Bean - I'm so sorry you lost your binky." Really the possibilities are endless.

However, of all the beans I love, I love Ben the most. It's fun to watch him learn and play. It's nice to be the one to kiss the tears. I feel like I'm a better mother being with him all the time and I truly cherish this time.

3. I'm thankful that the peace of Jesus passes understanding. Ben's health has been a challenge this year. I never imagined that I would have child diagnosed as Failure to Thrive. Sometimes I'm scared, sometimes I'm exhausted. Sometimes I'm even jealous of other families who seem to have it so easy. Even though we are still without definitive answers, I always feel as though the Lord is leading me and holding our family.

So, with a full heart, I lift my voice in thanksgiving.

Praise the Lord of hosts; for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. ~ Jeremiah 33:11