Five for Friday

My friend Rachel used to post five things she was thankful for every Friday, which she called Five for Friday.  I always appreciated the reminder to be thankful for what we have been given.  I miss her.  And I miss a lot of the wisdom she shared with me on a variety of topics.  I've been thinking a lot about her lately.  I think of her every time one of my children throws a tantrum because she was the first person I called when Kenna threw her very first out-of-control completely-defiant tantrum.  I think of her when I pull out my pizza stone, or any other Pampered Chef tool for that matter, because she was my very first show.  We talked for hours that night about food and marriage and children.  I think of her every time I go to Chick-fil-A because we worked there together for several years in my high school/college years AND because she introduced me to chicken strips with ranch dressing. I think of her often and long for another conversation.  One more tidbit of her wisdom or silly story to make me smile or a long chat over coffee or sweet tea.  But I can't.  And since I can't, I figured the next best thing I could do was to focus on what I am thankful for, following her example.  

Truth be told, however, it is unlikely that I would maintain a weekly post like that so you'll hear from periodically on things I'm thankful for... probably on a Friday, but not every Friday. 

But, it's your lucky day!  Today is Friday!  And here we are.  So, here it goes...

1)  Makenna's memory.  Ok, this is kind of a double-edged sword, but I really am in awe of what her little mind can retain.  She is SO helpful in finding things that certain members of our family leave all over the house.  She is memorizing Bible verses, worship songs, and learning to read three letter words (sometimes four).  And most of all, she is piecing together the story of Christ... not just His birth and His death, but asking questions about who He is, where He lives, and why it's important that we love and obey Him.  She asks us crazy theological questions that few 4 year olds ask and is not satisfied until she feels that we have given her a complete answer.  

2)  Mattie's laugh.  That girl cracks me up.  She loves laughing and she loves making others laugh.  And let's be honest, we could all use a little extra laughter in our day, yes?

3)  Collin's smile.  I love love love baby smiles, but this kid flashes me some huge grins and it just melts my heart.  He smiles at a lot of people, but he seems to give his momma a little extra and I love it!

4)  Coffee.  Could I survive the day without it?  Probably.  Do those days go well?  Not a chance.  I'd like to think that there will come a time when I get more than 6 hours of sleep (on a good day), have an abundance of energy, accomplish all I need to in a day, and feel cheery without it, but right now... well, it's my best friend.  

5)  Husband.  That guy has been working his behind off trying to provide for our family.  It hasn't always been a piece of cake.  But anyone who can juggle 4+ "part-time" jobs, a family, and still manage to sleep a few hours gets bonus points in my book. So what if our date nights are centered around whatever we can do for free.  Time spent together is time well spent.  

That may have been an easy first five, but I meant every last one of them. 

What about you?  Do you take time to reflect on what you're thankful for on a regular basis?