30 Days of Gratitude--updating daily

Last year I made a December Daily album (find it on the right-hand sidebar and click to view), to document things we did in December. It was fun to take a picture each day for the month of December, but even more fun to look at the completed album throughout the year and remember the things we did to prepare for Christmas.

This year I decided to make a book of November blessings. I am planning to take a picture each day and write a note of what I'm thankful for the 30 days this month. I was also planning to blog about it each day, and I am already behind. Let's hope I finish the month stronger than my start.

Nov 1: I am thankful for my home and I am enjoying the remodeled space with plenty of room for friends. I am so grateful that I have had the privilege of being a stay at home mom and get to make our house a "home".

Nov 2: What a priviledge to be allowed to vote. God bless America!

Nov 3: I am grateful for the teachers my kids have. Parent/teacher conferences were today, and it was great to be reminded that our public school staff does a great job investing in the lives of the kids.

Nov 4: Early out from school, so I took the girls on a quick shopping trip. It was fun to see them interact together. Grateful--I always wanted them to experience sisterhood.

Nov 5: No school today--traveling to Missouri to see the relatives. I am thankful that we have a dependable and comfortable vehicle to travel in with modern conveniences like the dvd player!

Nov 6: Thankful that I got to spend a good part of the day with my mom, which doesn't happen often. We had our creativity hats on at a rubber stamping workshop, which is a hobby we both enjoy.

Nov 7: It was a beautiful day to enjoy God's creation. We spent most of the day outdoors with our extended families in Missouri. We also got some family pictures taken. I am so grateful that we had a great time together. Here's a picture, in case you haven't experienced what it's like to try to get 12 people to look good in a picture. : ) We did get some good ones--for which I am thankful!

Nov 8: Today I crashed--sore throat, runny nose. Grateful that Ryan and Meggan are willing to be servants. They have brought me tea and read aloud the school work that I would normally read to them.

Nov 9: Grateful to be feeling better today. I was even able to get outside and enjoy the beautiful 70 degree weather. It was a nice surprise to have Byron get home from work early, so we took Brandon to Hickory Park for some bbq to celebrate his birthday.

Nov 10: Celebrating the birthday of my oldest child. He is eighteen today and we are so proud of him.
Nov 11: Grateful for the smell of homemade bread in my new kitchen--I feel very blessed.
Nov 12: I am thankful for a garage to park my van in--pouring rain all day today.  Also thankful for Meggan and her sweet friends who had a band concert for the parents this evening. They worked so hard and did a fabulous job. I hope they always want to spend Friday nights performing music for their parents...

Nov 13: Relaxation--Grateful for a Saturday with nothing going on. It was great to catch up on photography work.
Nov 14: I am thankful for the freedom to worship. Also grateful for a 30 minute Panara date with my hubby.
Nov 15: Thankful for my husband's good job, and that he is such a good provider. He left for Europe on a business trip today.
Nov 16: Thankful for my daughter's piano playing.
Nov 17: Thankful that we have an abundance of food available to us in this country. (grocery shopping day)
Nov 18: Three of us went to the dentist today--grateful for no cavities!
Nov 19: Very thankful for dear friends and the lunch date I had today.
Nov 20: Celebrating my hubby's safe return from his week-long business trip.
Nov 21: I am grateful for friends who invited us to a fun piano concert.
Nov 22: Thankful that I finished up organizing my photo albums before the holiday busy-ness starts. Looking at all the photos from the year made me count my blessings.
Nov 23: Grateful for sunshine--it has been very dreary here lately.
Nov 24: The kids are out of school early today, and I love the feel around the house of the beginning of a holiday break. I am thankful for my four children.
Nov  25: Grateful for my family and this country as I celebrate Thanksgiving.
Nov 26: It was a pleasant day as far as the weather was concerned. I got out all the Christmas decorations and started the process of "decking the halls". I am thankful that I can surround myself with the beauty of the holiday season. In so many parts of the world people are suffering. I take my easy and wonderful life for granted.
Nov 27: We visited the local tree farm today and cut our Christmas tree. I am so grateful for this tradition and the fun we have as a family.
Nov 28: The final day of a four-day weekend.  I am thankful for the time we had to get a lot of work done and still have plenty of time to relax and hang out together. I love long weekends at home!
Nov 29: We had a great day of school today--I am grateful to have had the opportunity to homeschool all four of my kids.
Nov 30: I had my yearly exam and mammogram today. I am so fortunate to have great medical care for myself and my family.