(This will have to count for both Wednesday and Thursday.)

Today we are at my in-laws house where I am particularly thankful for the following:

a fiery furnace (no not that one. my FIL likes to keep it stoked up to about 80 degrees in the hogan--yes, my in-laws' family room is a real hogan). it can be a little too much with a crowd, but when it's below freezing outside the fire is sooooo very warm and cozy

aside from some meal preparation and dishes, having absolutely nothing to do. I cannot tell you the last time I enjoyed a few moments of doing nothing

lots of cousins the same ages as my kids, which are not so abundant on my side of the family

a moon dog (if you'll excuse me, I must go look at it right this very minute) wow! it's the biggest one I've ever seen!

the new bed and new blinds on the window in the room I have slept in ever since I started coming to visit this house--clear back in '83 (if you knew how mushy and broken the old bed was you would appreciate this luxury right along with me, I know you would)

the loaves and the fishes phenomenon. this probably deserves its very own post, but you just have to understand that my family and my husband's family are almost polar opposite in many ways. I can't describe either without appearing critical of both and that is not my intention here, but let's just say I will not cease to be amazed at how at any given meal one dish with a serving size of 8-10 people will miraculously feed 25-30 or more. it happens every time. I think it must have something to do with the praying, and all I can say is I hope these same people are praying over me and mine very single day

that no one shot out their eyes or anyone else's--or any other body parts today--when they went out shooting (see, they must be praying over us already)

that even when my kids get seemingly mixed messages from either family or from their mother and their father they are learning wisdom in making up their own minds (their choices may not always be what I would have them choose, but I respect them for trying to choose wisely)

the words "I'm sorry." I have worked hard to tell my kids this when I am wrong or out of line and it is a blessing to hear those words sincerely said back to me (occasionally not even under duress)

that my MIL had me pass around three kernels of corn before dinner so everyone could say three things for which they are thankful. some of the responses included deodorant, gravy, vehicles and a bed. my husband did add me to his list after I reminded him to and my three were faith family and laughter

faith

family

laughter

(and now I would add friends)

Amen.