Post Thanksgiving Thanksgiving

How can it be that I spent 21 days of November being grateful and the following 2 days being about as grumpy as grumpy can be. Bleh! Wow, it doesn't take long for an attitude adjustment to readjust in the WRONG direction.

So, I think today, I need to think of 22 things to be grateful for. Let's try this again.

1. A lovely Thanksgiving with our church family. I had never had a smoked turkey before. Oh.Wow.YUMMY. I think this may be my new favorite way to eat turkey. One of our hosts said (before dinner) that "Turkey was just an excuse to make the sides." Well, after eating this turkey, turkey has regained its rightful place at center stage. It was the moistest and most flavorful turkey ever... my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

2. I'm thankful for Tiffany, Tamika and Jonathan who play so well with my children. Daryl and I actually got to have some adult conversation because the kids played so nicely.

3. A husband who gently corrects my attitude when necessary.
4. A daughter who forgives so easily. I was a bear towards my Hannah-bear this afternoon. When I was able to humble myself and go to her to apologize, she readily forgave me.
5. A 3-year old who just came to the steps and politely reminded me that I forgot to bring something I promised... yes, politely!
6. A beautiful sunny day.
7. Final preparations for my first 5K are going well. Daryl and I drove the Beverly course this morning. Only 2 potential "trouble" spots:-).
8. Advent preparations are coming along well... I have lots of people stepping in to help!
9. Thanksgiving Leftovers (see #1)
10. Pizza night
11. Some ideas percolating about doing "Random Acts of Kindness" during Advent as a way of teaching giving to my kids... Anyone up for the challenge?
12. My dad's coming retirement... I'm so excited for him!
13. My brother, my sis-in-law, and my niece... we don't get to see them enough, but the last several phone calls, Elsa has been talking and it's adorable!
14. Quiet time... which is NOW!
15. My husband teaching tomorrow which gives me a break this week.
16. Experiencing my bear-like attitude beginning to shift:-).
17. Friends and playdates
18. My college friends... I can't wait for the next girls weekend... Let's get it on the books, ladies!
19. Illinois in summer... Boggs's here we invade come!
20. Christmas in ND
21. Snow... perhaps this week?!?
22. My God and my King

I did it! Being grateful really does push out all those other feelings. Bye Bye mama bear!