Tuesday, November 23rd
101) Specialists- So first we visited with a pediatrician, then a pediatric nutritionist and today a pediatric allergist. I am thankful for each and everyone one of them, for their dedication to their studies, their chosen profession and their patients. I am grateful that I do not have to be everything above, all by myself, to our daughter. I have people I can turn to with more knowledge who can advice us and guide us after gaining an understanding of our situation. This blessing extends beyond the medical field though. For specialists occur in all fields of work- carpentry, mechanics, electrical, research, plumbing, and the list goes on. I know that I do not have the capabilities in any of the areas I listed above or a great many others that I didn't list, but I benefit from the expertise that others have and I am grateful for their expertise and specialty.
102) A Child's Resiliency- While at the allergist's office, they performed a scratch test on our daughter. They pricked her back between 30-40 times with various possible allergens to see if and how she would react. The office had a method that reduced the emotional trauma and the length of the process- for which I am also grateful- but still, it was quite an ordeal for a 17-month little girl to sit through. Even though she has always handled needles exceptionally well, this was a lot to ask from her. By the time the pricking/scratching was done, all she wanted to do was hug me tight. However it only took a few markers, a picture and the slightest bit of coaxing before we had her coloring, and within a few minutes she was smiling and chatting away. What an incredible bounce back!
Wednesday, November 24th
103) Learning Moments- Besides the scratch test, we also had to have some blood drawn in order to get a final confirmation regarding the nature and extent of our daughter's allergies. I took her this morning and was hoping for the best, but she must have remembered something from yesterday because she reacted in a way I have never seen her react before. As soon as they started to look for a vein, she was fighting, screaming and crying. Of course the crying got worse when they actually stuck her with the needle, but we were in for a worse time yet because her vein dried up before we had all of the blood they needed. They did a little "hunting" and then tried our daughter's other arm, but that vein wouldn't give any blood. The nurses didn't want to work on her any more because of how distraught she was. The allergist had told me that if we had trouble getting enough blood we could eliminate some of the tests and when they checked, they found they had enough blood drawn for the necessary tests. We decided to call it a day.
It was a hard experience for our daughter, though I know it's one she is not likely to remember, but it was also hard for me. It's never easy to be the one holding your child while you know they are being forced to endure such pain. I am no stranger to blood draws myself, so I knew what she was going through and I hated that it had to be. However I am grateful for opportunities where I can become a stronger mother, moments like this one. I am not going to be able to protect our daughter from every pain in life nor should I; sometimes I will have to let her go through the pain for her own good. I need to be able to let her do that when it is needed. These are just baby steps for the two of us- little learning moments that I will hopefully recall during the bigger moments.
104) A handmade stuffed whale- As you just read, our daughter's experience having her blood drawn today was a rough one- for both her and me. After it was over, a nurse came back with a handmade whale and gave it to our little girl. At first I thought it was just to comfort her while we finished up the last of the paperwork, etc., but when I went to return it to them as we prepared to leave, they told me that she could keep it. By the time I placed our daughter in her car seat (after a couple of minutes to get her coat on and just love on her some), she was smiling again and going on and on about her "fishy." It was then that I noticed the tag on the whale which said "Courtesy of Presbyterian Volunteer Services". What a wonderful little blessing. The individual who made the whale may never know it, but that whale eased the pain from a little girl's memory and made us both smile a little sooner.
Thursday, November 25th
105) Airport & Airline Personnel- Thanksgiving day, a day when almost everyone I know wants to be with family and loved ones. We were no different. This morning we were up early to catch a flight that would eventually take us to Tennessee and my family. I cannot even imagine how many people had to work this morning for that to become a reality though- airline registration, TSA, baggage handlers, food vendors, airport maintenance and custodial staff, pilots, flight attendants, air traffic control, ground control, security..... Once again, I am certain my list is far from complete. I am thankful for every one of the individuals who worked on this Thanksgiving day, so that I could make it to Tennessee and spend some time with my family.
106) Safe Travel of Family- This Thanksgiving we had four generations coming together, traveling from Minnesota, Iowa, Tennessee, Nebraska, and New Mexico. Whenever so much of your family is on the road, you cannot but pray for safe travels. We were blessed with just that. With our arrival at my parent's home, everyone from my grandparents to my niece and nephew had arrived safely.
Friday, November 26th
Time with Family:
107) My parents and siblings- My family is precious to me, every last one of them. I love every moment I can spend with them.
108) My Grandparents- My grandparents have always been dear to me. I have so many wonderful memories of them from my childhood, so it was amazing to be able to spend time with not only my immediate family, but also my grandparents. I never know when I will see them again and I see them far less often than I would like, so each and every visit with them is a double blessing in my opinion.
109) Cousin Time- Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed about my children growing up near their cousins, probably because I grew up near a set of my cousins (at least for the first 14 years of my life) and it was such a wonderful experience for me. I want the same thing for my children. That's probably an unrealistic dream for Army kids, but I do still hope that my children will know and be friends with their cousins. Watching my daughter and my niece and nephew together was a joy and a little fulfillment of a dream.
Saturday, November 27th
110) Christmas in November- (or January, or May, or July....) So years and years ago, someone decided to celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th. They chose to set aside one day to celebrate that event. Of course there is nothing wrong with that, but there is no reason you can't celebrate the amazing and wonderful gift we received with His birth in November or January or May or July or ...... So when we celebrated Christmas in November, it reminds me that the gift we were given is not something that is limited to one day or even one month. Jesus' birth ultimately impacts my life every day and therefore it is worthy to be celebrated every day. Thank you Jesus for your birthday, today, tomorrow and everyday!
Sunday, November 28th
111) The Church- We may be many parts spread across this nation and around this world, but in the end we are one Church. I love experiencing this reality. The Church not my church or your church by The Church. It is something so much greater than you or I and that is why it has lasted for over two thousand years. I am thankful for its presence in this world; I am thankful for its founder and foundation; I am blessed when I am involved.
112) Biting my tongue- This is one of those lessons that I needed to learn, I thought I had learned, I forgot and then tried to relearn..... and the cycle seems to continue. So whenever I can check myself and keep from saying something that is unnecessary, even if it is correct, I am thankful. I take it as a sign of hope and progress. The ability and strength is within me and with time, and maybe a little more humility, I will get there.
Monday, November 29th
113) Puzzles- I love to sit down and do puzzles, but I believe half of the love comes from my fond memories of wonderful times shared over a puzzle with my grandparents and other relatives. I have so many such memories. They are a wonderful, inexpensive source of entertainment that allows you to still interact and communicate with the others around you. You can talk and discuss; you can come and go as needed. And in the end, you can create a beautiful picture.
And as my grandfather says, "Life has no puzzle which God cannot solve." Thank you, Grandpa!
Tuesday, November 30th
114) Our daughter's recognition of grandparents- I want our daughter to know and love our parents and siblings and grandparents as much as we love them. If we could give her time with them, I knew it could happen because she would come to know them and recognize, trust and love them. During this week, our daughter has come to know all of her grandparents on my side of the family. That is something I never dreamed she would have the chance to do. Not only did she recognize my parents, her Grandma and Grandpa, but she recognized both sets of her Great Grandparents. What a blessing!
Wednesday, December 1st
115) A new view- Flying back to Albuquerque, I sat next to the window from El Paso to home. It was a quiet trip, the skies were shockingly clear, and I had the chance to contemplate the terrain below. It was incredible. So much of the land we flew over was untouched in places. There were spots that appeared as though they were lifted straight off an elevation map. Thanks to the placement of the sun, the shadows allowed me to see every hill and crevice in the land. From that elevation the land was breathtaking. I am afraid if I had seen the same piece of land from ground level, I may not have been quite as admiring. Perhaps kind and even positive, but not truly appreciative. Sometimes it takes a new view for that. After my realization about new views, I realized that we all need new perspectives sometimes. We can't always take an airplane 30,000 ft. into the air, but it doesn't hurt to step back and reassess or see the situation through another's eyes before we act, react, or maybe even blink. I can honestly say that the times I have been the proudest of my behaviour have been the times I have gained new perspectives by doing just that and it is when I have refused to do so that I have been the most ashamed.
Thursday, December 2nd
116) Bumper Stickers- So while I was out running errands today, I saw a bumper sticker that said "Got Hope?" I immediately thought that relates to one of two things- Jesus or President Obama. While we were stopped, I could read the fine print at the bottom where I made out the words Barack Obama- question answered. Once that question was answered, my thoughts turned to the question actually posed by the bumper sticker- Got hope? Why yes I do and I am most thankful that it is not in any mortal. No matter how wonderful and "powerful" a man or woman may be, they will be limited by their mortal being; after all, they are human. However, the person in whom I have placed my hope has won the battle and can claim victory. What is even more wonderful is that He allows me the right to claim that same victory through Him.
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary;
they will walk and not grow faint."
Isaiah 40: 29-31
So I may not have been moved by the intended meaning of the bumper sticker today, but it had quite an impact on my thoughts all the same. I am grateful for that. What a wonderful reminder that if I truly live life in expectant hope of my Lord and Savior, I will abide in a power beyond my comprehension.
Friday, December 3rd
117) Finding balance- Finding balance in life can be difficult and for a person who can have an A Type personality (some would say an excessive A Type personality), it can seem almost impossible. I am grateful for those times when, despite my personality which feels like I need to do it all, I can let go, ask for help, recognize my limits and find the balance. It makes me a better person, a better friend, and a happier person to be around.
Saturday, December 4th
118) Recloseable baggies- I use these little items so much that if I didn't list them at some point, it would be a shame. Most recently though, they saved us from a second HUGE mess. Bottles of lotions, shampoos, etc. and pressurization do not mix. I have learned this the hard way.... twice. (Yeah, I know. Shame on me!) But never again. from now on when we are flying, all of our toiletry items will be packed in recloseable baggies and then if any of our bottles burst or pop from the pressurization, the mess will be enclosed within the bag (as it was on our way home from Tennessee).
Sunday, December 5th
Last evening we took our daughter to Albuquerque's Twinkle Light Parade held in the downtown area. Since she loves lights and cars right now, we knew she would enjoy all the cars and floats being lit up with Christmas lights. We were not disappointed. One of the floats was sponsored by the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy. Right then and there I thought I am so grateful for my ...
119) Hearing. I love to hear my daughter's laugh. I love sitting in Sunday morning worship and listening as the congregation sings songs of praise to our Heavenly Father. I love music. I am grateful for my hearing.
and then I thought, I am thankful for my....
120) Sight. I enjoyed the parade. I love watching my daughter as she experiences this world for the first time, as she interacts with our family, and as she does silly things like standing on her head. I love seeing clean vacuum lines in the carpet. I love watching the hot air balloons and sunsets. I am thankful for my sight.
Monday, December 6th
121) Positive outlook- Negative outlooks don't get you very far. In fact, they usually just make the situation worse. A positive outlook may not be able to make the situation better, tangibly, but it will have an effect on you emotionally and that will make a world of difference, which is an incredible blessing.
Tuesday, December 7th
122) Newborn babies- There is something about holding a baby. With them, I get such a sense of hope and promise.
Wednesday, December 8th
123) A little caution- When we first moved to Albuquerque, Naomi would jumped into anyone's arms indiscriminately. We always said we were glad she was so friendly but were afraid that someday she would have to learn to understand who a stranger was. In the past few weeks, I have recognized that Naomi no longer does this. She is still very friendly and will jump into people's arms, but only those she knows. When we are at church, she readily goes to those people she recognizes, but with people she doesn't know, she plays shy. While I don't want her to become unfriendly, I am thankful she seems to be showing a certain amount of caution.
Thursday, December 9th
124) To Do Lists- I am definitely a list girl. It helps me stay organized and ensures that everything we need to take care of is handled when it needs to be. If you looked at our computer monitor, you would see several electronic "sticky notes" as well as a few lists sitting on our computer desk. I LIKE to make lists, but even more than making the lists, I like to cross things off the list. There is something so wonderful about seeing the list near completion. I guess it must be the sense of accomplishment. I feel that way right now. I have had what felt like an ever growing list, and thanks to the items I needed to tackle first, it didn't seem like anything was getting crossed off. I only had a few days left in which to handle everything on the list and that was making me nervous. But as I look at it tonight, it's nearly complete. I am thankful for that, but even more than that, I am thankful for the help from Drew who made it possible to be as far along as I am with my To Do list for this week.
Friday, December 10th
125) Overcoming the stress, not vice versa- I have often heard that when people get frustrated or stressed out they take it out on those closest to them, ie. usually those at home. Well, this week has been a week filled with stress for me. My to-do list seems to have only grown longer and longer and the deadline has marched ever closer. If that was not bad enough I was plagued with migraines and then a sinus/cold problem. Needless to say, I felt crummy and didn't have the time for it. My stress has grown as the week has gone on, but I am thankful to say that instead of it tearing and Drew and I, I think it has actually been a positive for us- not only in how he has responded to my dilemma and struggles but I have responded likewise. I feel as though we have come through the week stronger than when we started and that is a wonderful blessing.
Saturday, December 11th
126) Personality- Our little girl has personality with a capital P! Tonight my aunt gave us a Christmas dress and dress shoes that she had picked us for our daughter. Well our little girl loves shoes, but I guess I didn't know how much. Before I knew it, in the middle of the restaurant, our daughter was taking off her current shoes and trying to put on her new shoes. Then she proceeded to show her new shoes to everyone she met. Once the shoes wore off (after a good 15-20 minutes) she focused in on the dress, and the next thing I knew, she was trying to get the dress on over her head. What a ham! I have never seen her so determined to be the center of attention and I wouldn't trade her for the world! Needing the be the center of attention may get her in trouble, but having a bright and cheerful personality, like she has, will always be a blessing.
Friday, December 3rd
117) Finding balance- Finding balance in life can be difficult and for a person who can have an A Type personality (some would say an excessive A Type personality), it can seem almost impossible. I am grateful for those times when, despite my personality which feels like I need to do it all, I can let go, ask for help, recognize my limits and find the balance. It makes me a better person, a better friend, and a happier person to be around.
Saturday, December 4th
118) Recloseable baggies- I use these little items so much that if I didn't list them at some point, it would be a shame. Most recently though, they saved us from a second HUGE mess. Bottles of lotions, shampoos, etc. and pressurization do not mix. I have learned this the hard way.... twice. (Yeah, I know. Shame on me!) But never again. from now on when we are flying, all of our toiletry items will be packed in recloseable baggies and then if any of our bottles burst or pop from the pressurization, the mess will be enclosed within the bag (as it was on our way home from Tennessee).
Sunday, December 5th
Last evening we took our daughter to Albuquerque's Twinkle Light Parade held in the downtown area. Since she loves lights and cars right now, we knew she would enjoy all the cars and floats being lit up with Christmas lights. We were not disappointed. One of the floats was sponsored by the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy. Right then and there I thought I am so grateful for my ...
119) Hearing. I love to hear my daughter's laugh. I love sitting in Sunday morning worship and listening as the congregation sings songs of praise to our Heavenly Father. I love music. I am grateful for my hearing.
and then I thought, I am thankful for my....
120) Sight. I enjoyed the parade. I love watching my daughter as she experiences this world for the first time, as she interacts with our family, and as she does silly things like standing on her head. I love seeing clean vacuum lines in the carpet. I love watching the hot air balloons and sunsets. I am thankful for my sight.
Monday, December 6th
121) Positive outlook- Negative outlooks don't get you very far. In fact, they usually just make the situation worse. A positive outlook may not be able to make the situation better, tangibly, but it will have an effect on you emotionally and that will make a world of difference, which is an incredible blessing.
Tuesday, December 7th
122) Newborn babies- There is something about holding a baby. With them, I get such a sense of hope and promise.
Wednesday, December 8th
123) A little caution- When we first moved to Albuquerque, Naomi would jumped into anyone's arms indiscriminately. We always said we were glad she was so friendly but were afraid that someday she would have to learn to understand who a stranger was. In the past few weeks, I have recognized that Naomi no longer does this. She is still very friendly and will jump into people's arms, but only those she knows. When we are at church, she readily goes to those people she recognizes, but with people she doesn't know, she plays shy. While I don't want her to become unfriendly, I am thankful she seems to be showing a certain amount of caution.
Thursday, December 9th
124) To Do Lists- I am definitely a list girl. It helps me stay organized and ensures that everything we need to take care of is handled when it needs to be. If you looked at our computer monitor, you would see several electronic "sticky notes" as well as a few lists sitting on our computer desk. I LIKE to make lists, but even more than making the lists, I like to cross things off the list. There is something so wonderful about seeing the list near completion. I guess it must be the sense of accomplishment. I feel that way right now. I have had what felt like an ever growing list, and thanks to the items I needed to tackle first, it didn't seem like anything was getting crossed off. I only had a few days left in which to handle everything on the list and that was making me nervous. But as I look at it tonight, it's nearly complete. I am thankful for that, but even more than that, I am thankful for the help from Drew who made it possible to be as far along as I am with my To Do list for this week.
Friday, December 10th
125) Overcoming the stress, not vice versa- I have often heard that when people get frustrated or stressed out they take it out on those closest to them, ie. usually those at home. Well, this week has been a week filled with stress for me. My to-do list seems to have only grown longer and longer and the deadline has marched ever closer. If that was not bad enough I was plagued with migraines and then a sinus/cold problem. Needless to say, I felt crummy and didn't have the time for it. My stress has grown as the week has gone on, but I am thankful to say that instead of it tearing and Drew and I, I think it has actually been a positive for us- not only in how he has responded to my dilemma and struggles but I have responded likewise. I feel as though we have come through the week stronger than when we started and that is a wonderful blessing.
Saturday, December 11th
126) Personality- Our little girl has personality with a capital P! Tonight my aunt gave us a Christmas dress and dress shoes that she had picked us for our daughter. Well our little girl loves shoes, but I guess I didn't know how much. Before I knew it, in the middle of the restaurant, our daughter was taking off her current shoes and trying to put on her new shoes. Then she proceeded to show her new shoes to everyone she met. Once the shoes wore off (after a good 15-20 minutes) she focused in on the dress, and the next thing I knew, she was trying to get the dress on over her head. What a ham! I have never seen her so determined to be the center of attention and I wouldn't trade her for the world! Needing the be the center of attention may get her in trouble, but having a bright and cheerful personality, like she has, will always be a blessing.
