Giving Thanks

(16) One of my favorite songs is "Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart".  And there is so many reasons to be thankful.  You can click on this song and hear it on YouTube if you'd like.  Just think of how grateful they must have been at the First Thanksgiving, when the Pilgrims and Indians came together to thank God for His protection and for a wonderful harvest.  Just last night, Jillian turned to Chad with a very serious look on her face and said, "Daddy, were you a Pilgrim or an Indian?"  After the initial shock of the question wore off, Chad said, "go ask your mother." 

(17)  Good Health.  I am so thankful for the health and well-being of our family.  Okay, okay, we aren't the most healthy family around when you consider that I have RA and the other 4 members of our family each have a heart condition.  But, I am so thankful that we are able to lead normal lives, despite our health challenges.  And I'm thankful for good doctors and for the insurance provided by the school. It could always be worse.  In fact, our dear sweet neighbor Linda has suffered from a brain tumor for over a year and she is now in her final days.  She would have been Jenica's 7th grade English teacher if she hadn't gotten sick the spring before.  Her husband has done some carpentry work for us on our home.  And our hearts just ache for their family.  Please pray for them today and in the days ahead.  They are going to be difficult days. 

(18)  Betty Crocker.  I love to bake!  That's no secret.  My sister even refers to me as "Betty" periodically.  And boy does good old B.C. put out some good recipes.  And easy!  Today, I am baking  Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars to take to my mom's house tomorrow.  They aren't very hard, and look so delicious!  I can't wait to try them tomorrow.  I'm going to make homemade caramel sauce to drizzle over the top.  I also made buttermilk brownies, and since Jenica was at a friend's house, I got to lick the frosting bowl myself.  I'm also extremely grateful for Chad, who is always eager to help with the dishes, even when the counter can't get any fuller.  I love a man with dishpan hands! 

Betty Crocker's Divine Caramel Sauce
1 c. light corn syrup
1 1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. butter
1 c. Heavy Whipping Cream
In 2-quart saucepan, heat corn syrup, brown sugar and butter to boiling over low heat, stirring constantly. Boil 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Stir in whipping cream; heat to boiling. Cool about 30 minutes. Serve warm. Store covered in refrigerator up to 2 months. Reheat slightly before serving if desired.

(19)  Reading with Jillian.  Jillian is in first grade, and we get to read together a LOT.  She is supposed to keep track of how much time she spends reading, and her teacher has assigned homework of 15 minutes per night.  Today, we are reading a book called "If You Were At The First Thanksgiving."  This is a book that I will get to read, as it's a bit lengthy.  But Jillian does great and is learning new words all the time.  Phonics are a bit challenging for her, but she's catching on to our very challenging English language. 

(20)  Lending a helping hand.  I love helping people, which tends to run in the family.  Our whole family enjoys helping others, which makes this mamma's heart smile.  Jacob is in his first semester at college, but when he was home a couple weeks ago, he noticed a sign-up chart at church for Salvation Army Bell Ringers.  So, he quickly went and put his name down.  He has been doing this every year since 9th grade.  This noon, I volunteered to fill in at Curves so the owner could leave for her Thanksgiving trip a little early.  And tomorrow afternoon our family is going to a homeless shelter in Hastings to help serve their evening Thanksgiving meal.  This morning, Jenica got up early (when she could have slept in, since there was no school today) and joined a group of friends from youth group, who raked leaves for someone who needed help.  They filleded 25 33-gallon bags with leaves!   And last week, Chad offered to help a single lady in town by cleaning out her gutters (which took 3 hours).  What joy fills my heart at the opportunity to lend a helping hand.