Thankful

For the past week we have been in Corvallis with Lane's entire extended family who came from all over the country for a reunion. It was a typical family vacation for us all, complete with flight delays, toothaches, and the stomach flu. The latter of which afflicted both James and I while we were there. (I caught it the night before the big family photo shoot. I can hardly wait to see those pics.)

It was miserable. I was achy, feverish, and, worst of all, had no appetite. For several days following the flu, I continued to get stomach aches every time I ate, which was really awful because I normally enjoy eating so much.

We came home exhausted and had a couple of crazy busy days, and then Lane also came down with the flu.

Now, I am not saying any of these things are excuses for neglecting my little blog, but only my humble explanation of the circumstances. I had really great intentions for a bunch of post ideas I have had, but currently I am just trying to keep my head above water while taking care of one sick big person and one very energetic little person all by myself. (Oh, and the little person is also keeping both the big people and the dog up all night.)

I know what you must be thinking right now: "she hasn't posted in eons, and then when she finally does, all she does is whine?" But, in fact, what I am really getting at in all my blabbering is that lately I have realized how grateful I am for so many things in my life that I usually take completely for granted.
Let me explain:

• my car- since it is currently not working and has not been for about three weeks now
• Lane's car- without which we would have gone no where over the last three weeks
• power- we had a random power outage for about an hour one evening a couple weeks ago and I kept tripping over things and losing James
• my health- since the flu
• my husband- since he has the flu
• our house- I love visiting family, but it is oh so nice to be home

...the list could go on and on. 

I once heard someone ask the question "What would your life look like if all the things that you haven't thanked God for suddenly disappeared?" It really made me think. How many people, how many daily experiences, how many body parts even, or senses, would all vanish because I have never taken the time to thank God for every amazing blessing I have. 

Sometimes it takes the absence of things or people to make us truly grateful for their presence. I am trying to be more aware and to thank God for all the present things and people in my life as I encounter them. 

Current example at this moment: thank you, God, for Seinfeld reruns, peppermint tea, and Hershey kisses. 

And thank you all for reading my rambling. Happy New Year.