A Week of Thanks: Grandparents

Today I am thankful that we live near family so that our children can grow up around their grandparents.  Our kids love visiting both sides of the family and we love that we can occasionally get a break and free babysitting.

This summer, I was afforded the opportunity to go to Florida for the annual Tupperware convention.  If it had not been for grandparents, I would have never been able to go.  My husband was also able to come with me so we could have a mini vacation.  When we came home, the kids barely wanted to come home as they were having a blast with their grandparents.

A Week of Thanks: Jobs

By now, you all have heard our story about going three years without full time income.  Today, I am very thankful my husband finally has a full time job.  Even better, it is one he really likes.

I'm also thankful for my job.  I never thought I would like direct sales but I truly love selling Tupperware.  I also like the fact that it is completely flexible so I can work more when I need to or I can take off at the drop of a hat as needed.  I've met some great friends through this business and I'm happy I decided to give it a try two years ago. 

A Week of Thanks: Insurance

Ok, this one probably should have gone with yesterday's post but I've literally spent my entire day solving insurance problems so this has been on my mind all day.  Although the issues I'm dealing with are frustrating, while logging in to check some information, I noticed part of the hospital bill has hit the processing department.  The hospital portion only, none of the doctors or tests, was $21,000!  Without insurance, this would have been overwhelming to pay.  

Today, I'm very thankful I have insurance and will only have to pay a small portion of the total bill.  I'm also thankful we still have money left in our emergency fund so that I can pay the portion I will owe.

A Week of Thanks: Health

Every year I take the week of Thanksgiving to highlight a few things I'm thankful for.  This is in no way a complete list but a few things at the top of my radar right now.


Today I am thankful for our health.  After spending a week in the hospital with my one year old, I am thankful it was nothing worse and that we are all healthy again.

A Week of Thanks: Morning Snuggles

I look forward to snuggling with my kids every morning. For the past few years, my oldest and I have snuggled in bed every morning while he watches one cartoon and drinks his morning milk. If his brother is awake, I bring him to bed with us too. On days we have to hurry of a morning, I miss this bonding time. It is one of the few slow times of the day and I get to just soak in my kids and enjoy them.

A Week of Thanks: Modern Conveniences

All too often, we take for granted the modern conveniences we have today. I can't image trying to do laundry by hand while keeping up with two active kids. Or have to kill or grow all the food we eat. I also appreciate my internet. If I have a question, need a recipe, or just want to talk to a friend, I can do it in seconds. Take a moment today to appreciate what you have.

A Week of Thanks: Jobs

Although not the ideal situation, in light of today's economy, I am thankful for the jobs my husband and I have. After going close to two years with only a very part time job, he is now working two part time jobs - one with not so ideal hours. Even on the days we feel exhausted from the crazy hours, we are thankful for the full time income. Some day down the road he can hopefully work one job and not feel pulled in multiple directions but something is definitely better than nothing.

I miss the daily interaction with my co-workers from my part time job, but I'm loving working for Tupperware. It is a great company to work for and my local team is wonderful. This month I even promoted to manager so that is exciting.

What are you thankful for today? Feel free to leave a comment or a link.

A Week of Thanks: Healthy Family

Too often we take our family and our health for granted. This summer, when I went into labor exactly one month before my due date, I was scared of everything that could go wrong. Our youngest came out healthy though. This situation gave me a new appreciation for life and my healthy family. Take time today to give your family an extra hug.

A Week of Thanks

Join me this week as I host the annual Week of Thanks here at Living on Less. Starting Monday, I will post at least one thing each day I am thankful for. Feel free to link up or leave a comment telling what you are thankful for too.

A Week of Thanks: My House

I am thankful for the large home God has given us. As you read this, I have a house full of company. All of my husband's family moves to my house after Thanksgiving dinner so we can spend the weekend shopping. I'm thankful God gave us a house large enough to entertain. We've been able to accommodate many people throughout the years and that makes me happy. My husband and I have the gift of hospitality so we are always ready at a moment's notice to welcome people into our house. After our flood and not being able to use large parts of our house for months, we realized just how thankful we are for our house. God has given us a huge blessing in our house and we want to use it for Him.

What are you thankful for? I hope you have taken a few moments this week to give thanks for the blessings in your life.

A Week of Thanks: Church

I am thankful for a incredible church and the freedom to worship in it. I have several friends who are missionaries around the world and they are not able to openly worship. Hearing their stories makes me so thankful for the wonderful services we have each week and the opportunity to corporately worship.

What are you thankful for? Feel free to leave a comment or a blog link.

A Week of Thanks: Seasons

I love the season changes and here in MO we usually experience them all. Summer is my favorite season because I love the sun and wearing flip-flops. I'm thankful for the time I get to spend outside with my child during the summer and the many memories that are made.

I'm thankful for fall for the beautiful leaves. I stand in awe of the beauty God has created when I see the leaves changing.

Winter is my least favorite season but I am thankful for the beauty of a fresh snow. I'm also thankful that I get to spend more time cuddling my husband and son during these cold months.

Finally, there is spring. It feels like life is beginning again each year when spring rolls around and the flowers start popping up. I am thankful for my garden and the time I am able to spend working in it. My son loves to play in the dirt and it is great to spend time gardening with him.

What are you thankful for? Feel free to leave a comment or grab my button and post what you are thankful for on your blog.

A Week of Thanks: Food

So many times we take for granted the simple things in life. I've never had to worry where my next meal is coming from but many people in the world do. I'm thankful that I have plenty of food. There was an article in our local paper last week how a group of social workers participated in a simulation on homelessness. As part of it, they visited a soup kitchen where they were given one small bowl of soup, one roll, and a small cup of iced tea. Many said they would starve if this was all they had to live on. This immediately made me think about how thankful I am that I don't have to worry about my next meal or if it will be large enough.

Take time today to give thanks for some of the things you usually take for granted.

Feel free to grab my button and participate in A Week of Thanks on your blog.

A Week of Thanks: Family

I am thankful for my family. Both my immediate family and my extended family. My family has been a huge help over this past year of living on part time income. They have been both financial and emotional support to us.

I am lucky enough to have three whole days without my child this week (he is staying at my in-laws with all of his cousins) and I am really missing him. Times apart make me appreciate him that much more.

Finally, I'm thankful that our family is about to grow. Yes, you read that right - I am pregnant! We are a bit scared about affording the child but we know this child is from God and He will take care of the details. I am due in July.

What are you thankful for? Feel free to grab my button and join me in A Week of Thanks on your blog. Leave a comment below with the link.