I had a little extra reading time this week while the big girls were taking their tests.  My mother-in-law always sends me her magazines when she is finished.  (She is so great that way.  I get to read some really good magazines ).  An article in Woman's Day encouraged me to celebrate every day.  With the daily demands of life, I often fail to see the small moments.  By recognizing the positives in my life, I feel joy.  "If you look for reasons to celebrate - no matter how small - you'll increase your overall happiness."  How many times have I thought, "I'll be happier if I lose 20 pounds."  "I'll be happier when we get a larger home."  "I'll be happier when the toddler is potty-trained (lol)."  Celebrating the everyday blessings is a deliberate action.  It is a purposeful mind set that transforms my inner being.  It gives me joy.  Recognizing the giver of those everyday "joy-makers" gives me joy that surpasses all understanding!

My 1000 thankfulness list continues. . .

31.  Hand-me-down magazines from my mother-in-law.

32.  Strawberry Short Cake made with love by my mom.

33.  Dinner and watching the NFL Draft with our tribe and my Brother-in-law and his tribe.

34.  Seeing my brother and his family build the horse farm of their dreams, may God add to it greatly.

35.  Adding a wash board to my collection of antiques (thanks to my mom's yard sale savvy).

36.  10 year old's poems.

37.  3 year old's jokes.

38.  1 year old's kisses (pucker and all).

39.  6 year old's artwork.

40.  Sitting on the porch listening to the rain with the love of my life. 

on my 1000  never-ending gifts journal.

26.  Mini-vans.  With four kids, need I say more?

27.  Husbands who do the yard work.  I don't like to sweat .

28.  Mommaw Jenny, who has devoted her life to caring for those in need.  (At 74, she's still caring.  She is caring for two elderly,  three teenagers, and three newborns.  She is amazing!)

29.  My brother and his sweet family

30.  Daddy, who is so loving and thoughtful (don't worry, he doesn't have the sideburns anymore)

 I can't help but think about all the things I'm thankful for.  I can't help contemplating my 1000 thanks journal. 

21.  Mother-in-law's who bring delicious homemade soup when I'm super sick.

22.  Aunt, uncle and cousins who make family get togethers so much fun!

23.  Precious memories of promises made before the Lord (promises we seek diligently to keep)

24.  Watching my highschool sweetheart, fall in love with another

25.  And another, and another, and another.

11.  Little girls in matching dresses . . .

12.  Newborn Twin Cousins

13.  Haircuts (Before and After, respectively)

14.  Playing Outside on beautiful Spring Days

15. Having tea with a Princess

 6.  Birthday celebrations and blowing out candles!

7.  Naps

8.  Nature hikes that lead to beautiful lookouts.

9.  Cozy Little Old Inexspensive Houses

10.  Baby Grins

Is the cup half empty or half full?  Read this:  IAMNOWHERE - Now read this:  I AM NOWHERE - But wait, read this:  I AM NOW HERE.  The cup has the same amount in it whether you see it as empty or full.  The letters are the same in each statement.  I choose the perspective.  When my head hurts, the baby needs a diaper, the preschooler wants something to eat (again), the 1st grader needs help reading her lesson, the 4th grader wants me to check her assignment, and I'm trying not to burn supper - I forget to be thankful.  I love to read http://aholyexperience.com/.  I have enjoyed her Thousand Thanks Journal so much.  I want to bring my life into focus.  To concentrate on the full and not the empty.  I choose to be thankful. 

1.  I am thankful for sweet little baby feet.

2.  So very thankful for husbands who whisk us away to the Creation Museum and then read each and every description to the children. 

3.  "Praise God from whom all blessings flow. . ."  God's magnificent creation, in our backyard.

4.  Husbands who think it is cool when their daughter gives them a whoopee cushion and a "grill" for Christmas (and poses for a picture).

5. Dinner at Nanny and Jed's with all the cousins. . .