I love things.
“Things” meaning people, places, and…stuff.
As we celebrated Georgia's birthday throughout the weekend, I can't ever recall feeling so thankful.
I just kept looking at her. Staring at her curls. Laughing at her faces.
The blessings just abounded.
In honor of feeling thankful for what we have instead of focusing energy on what we want or don't have, I've decided to make a list of things I love at this very moment (disclaimer: this doesn't include my family, Jesus, or coffee…although I do love them all dearly):
1. My husband. I must admit, as I rolled over in bed this morning to snuggle him (this is practically the one day of the week when he doesn't get up before me to start on work), I felt so blessed to smell that wonderful morning man smell. He doesn't stink – that's not what I mean. He just smells like a man. My man.
I've been all the more thankful that he even wants to share a bed with me still, considering I flop my belly from side-to-side throughout the night and am currently sleeping with three pillows surrounding me to support the ‘ol large midsection. There is something definitely coming between us in our bed – and it's full of feathers. There ain't no way to sleep super comfortably this bit of pregnancy and I am grateful he never complains when I make midnight requests for granola, get up three times a night to use the bathroom, or insist on using all his pillows to support my back and belly.
2. Sushi. Random? Perhaps. But my Mother-In-Law has been in town this past week and she treated us to lunch at a local sushi restaurant on Saturday while we were downtown. I ate three rolls of pure heaven. I really contemplated (as I was scarfing down my plate) if there is another food that I love having in my mouth as much as a delicious sushi roll. It made me thankful for tastebuds.
I've tried, and failed, to make this at home. Therefore, it remains a real luxury.
3. Aloe vera. I've been taking aloe vera internally for the past few weeks (more on this later) and I've been very blessed by the energy burst it's given me to get through the day. I've also found it to be the most effective treatment to-date on fire ant bites.
Did I mention Georgia got into yet another fire ant nest last week? Fire ants are horrible and I hate them. But aloe vera really does help. I am thankful for all it's wonderful healing properties.
4. Raw milk and bananas. Not together, but I love both of these foods very much. I love being able to buy 9 pounds of bananas for $4.25. The price is right. The nutrients are rockin'. I also love being able to gulp down a delicious glass of super-rich raw milk. It balances my blood sugar. It nourishes my baby. It keeps me full for longer. And it's delicious.
5. My washing machine. Laundry just isn't that exciting. But a nice washing machine really helps ease the pain. Speaking of laundry, my Mother-In-Law also purchased a special gift for us – an ironing board. I'm so embarassed to admit we didn't even have one before. As Stuart went off to school with a very wrinkly shirt last week, I knew we'd hit a low. Guess this means I've got a new chore to add to the list.
As a homemaker, I suppose it is important that I learn how to properly iron table linens, dress pants and collared shirts anyway…
So cheers to refining my homemaking skills in the form of ironing.
6. Harry Potter. I'm on book six. I can't stop, nor do I want to. I love the mental fun of getting to sit down at night and travel to Hogwarts. It's my guilty pleasure and I'm not afraid to admit it. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself after book seven. It may involve the Chronicles of Narnia.
7. Knitting. I've been working on a cute little knit clutch for cash, since we've begun using cash for groceries and gas (thank you, Dang Dave Ramsey). It's a cream colored wool, and it's fabulous. Last week, I knit a sweet little cabled cozy for our French Press (since Stu gets up way before me, the coffee tends to be only warm by the time I roll out of bed…hopefully this will help). Knitting is fun. And I don't care if that makes me sound like a Granny. This is my next project, for the new baby:
8. Baking soda. In one day, I used baking soda to brush my teeth, wash my face, scrub my toilet, clean my dishes, bake in my banana bread, take the smell out of my laundry that sat in the washing machine too long, and cure my heartburn.
Booya.
9. New books. This was a gift:
I can hardly wait to delve into it's riches. The layout is so neat – almost like an old newspaper. Even the paper is reminiscent of it – and it's large, over a foot long! This will be a handy tool to have in the arsenal, should I ever (please, Lord!) be blessed with a garden again (pretty, pretty, please!). I can already see the sticky notes attached to the pages and notes scribbled in the margins. For the time being, I think I'll get some kale started in a few pots. Just to see what happens. Now, where is that chapter on container gardening…
10. German chocolate cake.
Georgia's birthday treat. The two candles were for her. The other candle was for her little friend Lydia (because, honestly, who doesn't like to blow out candles). This cake is not healthy. This cake was not made by me. The cake was, however, very delicious. Everything in moderation, I say.
11. This face. What more need be said.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend, my friends! What are YOU lovin' on at the moment?
Laura Rowe [twirl]
So sweet! Happy birthday to Georgia (late). I saw you guys at the bookstore yesterday, but by the time I dropped Eddie off & turned around to say hello you were gone! See you at bible study tomorrow!
Fairhope Supply Co.
I just found, and have been flipping through your wonderful blog! Welcome to Fairhope! So glad you are here and settled in. You will find it is a wonderful place to raise children!
I’ll be stopping by your blog to check in on you often.
Anonymous
I love this! Very controversial for a pregnant woman!! Or perhaps it depends on who you talk to. Coffee, sushi, aloe, raw milk. Quite the statement. The aloes isn’t giving you contractions? I can honestly say Im thankful for almost as many things as you have listed. Now if only I could get someone to teach me to knit….
Jaimie
Well, you, for one thing. You make me smile, laugh, and happy with every post you write. 🙂
Aloe internally? Haven’t heard of that before! More research to do! 🙂
Sushi. Um…raw fish. Never been able to stomach the thought. Never tried it. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to.
Baking soda. Oh goodness, I love that too–seriously don’t know where I’d be without it (and vinegar!).
I also love knitting, but alas, haven’t been doing it in ages… not enough time. Or for reading, which is even more sad. I echo your love of Harry Potter. And for goodness’ sake, yes, read the Chronicles of Narnia!!!
My very favorite section of this was the first. Because I know exactly what it’s like to roll over and cuddle my hubby first thing in the morning, with his lovely man-smell. At least not yet, he’s not having to put up with lots of pillows, because pregnancy is not in the near future (unless God has some huge surprise up His sleeve).
This is great, Shaye. 🙂 <3
Anonymous
Loving that we have rains again and the crunchy grass was really never dead – it just needed revived.
brenda from ar
Sara
I am grateful for the heater in our house. For food glorious food. Good reads. Pretty pictures. Our cattle. Our boys. My awesome hubby. Our wonderful friends and family. New jeans. Comfy boots. Clean clothes. Clean sheets. Feather/down pillows and down blankets.
Sandra Grecki
I am grateful for your blog!!
That is from the bottom of my heart and truly honest!!!
When I read about your guilty pleasure (Harry P.) and then knitting and Sushi and TOBY TURD from your other blog a while back… and the name of your farm and the meaning of it!!! I just love it all and yes – I am grateful for your blog, you wit and your humor!!!
I wish you and your family and all critters a very VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Sandy from Adirondack Park, NY
Louisa
Hello,
What brand of washing machine do you have? I’m looking for a new one and yours looks great!
tricia
I am thankful for learning to can , for my new canner .Got it for my anniversary and plenty of jars. have been enjoying trying new canning recipes and growing my garden.
Cassandra
I am grateful for the inspiration of your blog, I look forward to it! I am also grateful for my significant other and the tiny miracle we will be welcoming into the world this year! ( and grateful to know I’m not the only one who steals all the pillows at night!)
Denise Watson
Hey Shayne, Happy New Year!!1 Hope you and yours have a happy, healthy one!! I just wanted to comment on how our great full list changes as we go through life circumstances and we get older. I’m 53 and a mother of three boys, ages 27,24,14, and I have been married for 32 years, Wow I do sound “older” LOL but my great full list and the things that are important to me have changed drastically over the years! They all have been changed for the better I must say, life goes by way to quickly and is to short to worry about three quarters of the things young people worry about. If only we can all realize that when we are young, life would be easier and more enjoyable!! You my dear are learning that at a much younger age than many of us and my hats off to you! Enjoy your babies when they are young because before you know it they will be off to college. Enjoy every stage in life and look at all the trials and hard times as a gift of learning. Keep up the great work, I received your cookbook for Christmas and I am loving it!!!!!
Denise Watson
Sorry misspelled your name by accident!!:((
Donna
I’m 69 today and grateful for the years God has given me, especially the 50 years with my husband. And I’m thankful that God has never failed me, but has loved me, provided for me, and guided me all my life in Jesus Christ. When you get to be my age, you realize what a treasure that is, more than anything money could buy.
I enjoy your blog very much, though I’m obviously not a young mother, and I’m not a homesteader. But homesteading does sound like a great way of life for the young. May God richly bless and keep you and your family.