Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

This series on counting my blessings is one of my favorites because I have so much for which to be thankful. I began the series after a bout of allergies in our home. Now I plan to keep this series with a post at least once a month.

At the moment, I am in the calm after the storm. The month of May was the storm. From those events, I am recovering, resting, rejuvenating, and counting these blessings:

63. Safety while taking students on three field trips during May. Two of these field trips were over an hour away.

64. Successful completion of the Live History Fair.

65. Flexibility of the soccer staff to switch my daughter to a team with her friend.

66. Chatting with friends during soccer games.

67. Watching my son improve his soccer skills throughout the season.

68. Thankful that soccer season has come to a close.

69. My family’s patience during a season lacking menu planning. We practiced pairing coupons and specials to feed our family on double game nights without breaking the bank and staying within our budget.

70. Participating in a Gullah Feast, Field Day, and Awards Ceremony at our school.

71. Successful completion of the school year where my son received a certificate for receiving all “E’s” (Excellents – equivalent to “A” honor roll) for the school year.

72. A wonderful family lunch after the awards ceremony to celebrate a job well done for the school year.

73. Opportunity to send our children to a fantastic school.

74. My kindergartener’s excitement in awaking on our first day of summer asking, “How many more days until August?”

75. Time to stay home and relax.

76. Long warms baths and early bedtimes.

77. Enjoying spending time with my precious family.

Even with a busy May, I found lots of blessings in the midst of our hectic schedule. In dwelling on counting my blessings, I forget about the piles of laundry, stacks of bills, rooms that need cleaning, and items that I just did not get to this month.

Before life passes you by, stop to count your blessings while using time wisely.

Question: What blessings are you counting today?

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Amelia Thornton)

Having had a very difficult week, I really need this post. My 81-year-old Grandma suddenly passed away last weekend. In an effort to help my Mom, our family traveled the twelve hours home.

Though hanging out with my Mom was fantastic, the emotional strain was hard to endure.

On top of dealing with my spunky Grandma’s death, I had committed to Blogelina’s 100 Comments Event which began during my visit home.

By the time our family traveled back to our house, I was behind on everything and tired.

Having taken a couple of days to fulfill my commitments and get some extra rest, I am gaining momentum. As I relax and reminisce on the events of the week, I am, continuing where I left off, counting these blessings:

35. A Grandma, who loved the Lord, served others, and lived what she taught.

36. The time I got to spend with my Grandma, talking to her via Skype these last few months.

37. A dependable van, with lots of space, that made the trip as comfortable as could be.

38. My husband’s employer that allows 3 days of bereavement and support during this time.

39. A loving family that came together to celebrate my Grandma’s home-going.

40. Blunt questions from a child’s perspective.

41. My toddler withstanding long periods of quiet and relative-stillness.

42. Hugs from family and friends who understand my loss.

43. Fantastic funeral home directors that handled all elements of the viewing, funeral, and burial with class and professionalism.

44. The comfort of my bed and comforter.

45. Extra rest to recover from the emotional exhaustion.

46. The almost 150 comments from the Blogelina event (half of those are my responses back to the commenters).

47. Connections made through the Blogelina event.

48. Patient readers, who continue to amaze me with your support.

Counting my blessings encourages my heart. No matter how tough life gets, there is always someone who would love to change places with you. We have much for which to be thankful!

Question: For what are you thankful?