Thankful Thursday

There’s a lot to be thankful for every day. Sometimes it’s the small things, sometimes it’s great big things. Either way, I want to continue to name them. Giving thanks softens the sting of the many unfair things in life…a life that can be really hard. So let’s take a minute to list the things we’ve struggled with this week and take power away from them by declaring our thanksgivings.

Extra Grace Required:

• Gman has put holes in three pair of pants and one shirt this week. Seriously, what does he do at recess? Almost every pair of pants have holes in the knees. So annoying.

• Although I know this is a first-world problem, and I should be so lucky, I have an iPad that has been “disabled” for over a year. A certain child of mine made too many attempts to break into it to play Minecraft or watch unsanctioned YouTube videos is my guess. Anyway, I finally started working to fix this situation. Every step of the way I encountered technical difficulties. It took me two days to restore it. I don’t know about you, but technical issues drive me to the brink of insanity! They also make me sad because my husband was so great at it. He was my free tech support throughout our marriage. So handling this one on my own was not only frustrating, it also made me miss him so much!

• The dog pooped in the house right after spending 15 minutes outside. NOT COOL.

I’m Thankful For:

• Lolo had her first solo contest last weekend. She has been playing clarinet for about a year and a half now. She practices and tries to write her own music. She was really looking forward to this big day. On Tuesday she learned she received a I+ rating, and was the top score in her judge’s center. She’s told me this means she’ll get to perform her solo at the next concert. I’m so happy for her! She really needed a “win.” I’m thankful for the friend who so generously handed down her daughter’s clarinet for Lolo to play. I’m thankful for our dear friend who agreed to accompany Lolo for solo contest. I’m really grateful for all these things.

• I’m so thankful to still have two amazing Grandpas. I talk with them on the phone frequently and love hearing their stories, talking politics, sharing news about my kids, etc. What a gift to have them.

• Gman tried out for baseball recently. He hasn’t “played” since t-ball, which was more like everyone tackle the ball or spin in circles and throw dirt. I was nervous for him. I didn’t want anyone to make fun of him for not having skills. I’m so thankful to report he did great! Not only that, but he found out his team will be the Cubs and two of his friends are on his team. FANTASTIC! I feel grateful knowing he’s likely to have fun, develop his skills and also continue pretending he’s “Rizzo.”

Now let’s hear about your week. The burdens AND the blessings.

Extra Grace,

Jodi