Thankful for....

Lots of things because I guess I kind of let life catch up with me and I've been slacking.

-Thankful for friends that will go see total teeny bopper movies like Twilight with me. I can't remember the last time I went on an outing with anyone besides Ben and it was fun!

-Thankful for Dad's that have shops and let me do whatever projects I dream up in them. Growing up my Dad always let me build things in his shop. Even when I got older and dreamed up bigger projects he never said no and always helped and encouraged my attempts at creativity. Now I don't get to do that so much with him but Dad Fast also has a shop. I'm pretty sure I've been working on a desk for about 2months (secondary to a busy schedule and well you know, out of sight out of mind) He's volunteered advice and hasn't given me a hard time about it taking up space. I'm so blessed to have two Dad's that help me with my projects, whether they're great ideas or not so great!

-Thankful for willing teachers in my life. I've learned a lot of thins in life but some of my most valuable and memorable lessons have been from family. Whether it was how to shoot a basketball, how to hang a cabinet on the wall properly, sewing basics or more recently, the proper technique for making zweibach, they all take the time to teach me things.

-Thankful for Ben calling the heater repair man so I no longer have to dress like an eskimo in my own home.

-Thankful for sunny days in November. We've had some fog recently and it's so wonderful when there's none and the sun comes out. I admit it, I'm a California whimp and don't like cold weather. I love that it can be sunny on Thanksgiving and Christmas!

-Thankful for Thanksgiving! I love Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday. What about Christmas you ask? Well call me a scrooge but Thanksgiving is better in my opinion. Family and friends get together to share a big wonderful meal and we remember what we are thankful for. None of the fuss with presents and having to attend a million different parties. Just good food, family and friends, and meditating on how richly God has blessed us. I think it's appropriate and a bit ironic that the Christmas season is started off by Thanksgiving. We often get wrapped up in the gift giving and hustle and bustle and forget that we should be remembering how Christ came to earth to be born in a manger for us. Thanksgiving gives me much needed perspective before Christmas comes. Don't get me wrong Christmas is fun, I just always need that moment to take a breath and remember my blessings before December hits.

Thankful for Fresh and Easy

I love Fresh and Easy, its changed my grocery shopping life. Ok, yes I'm being dramatic but really that place suits me. Reasons why I like it:
- I save money! My grocery bill is half what it as at other places. This is partially due to good prices but also is due to their coupons and friends of fresh and easy program.
- I like how small it is. They have most everything I need without having to make my way through a large store. I'm in and out in 20 minutes most times.
- its pretty much one of the only grocery stores that is convenient as far as being on my way home.
- I really like their fresh and easy brand items. They carry a lot of organic and natural products that are healthy.

Things I would change:
- Their produce can be lacking.
- They don't have trader joes almond butter (yeah I don't know what is up with that :)

Thankful for prayer

I don't know what people do without prayer. To be able to bring all my hurts and concerns and needs before God who I know hears and answers, what a wonderful thing. I admit, laying all my cares on him is difficult because I like being in control but I feel peace when I do and you know, things always turn out better in his hands. We may not always understand why we go through the things we do but he's promised he hears us and will provide all we need so we can persevere.

Thankful for farming and music

I'm thankful for farming, yes because farmers grow food and I love food but also because my husband farms. I'm going to be honest, it was hard to adjust at first. Farming isn't just a job, it's a way of life. It's not 8-5 and never will be. Busy season is summer to fall. Not only did I have to get used to Ben working Saturdays but also to the fact that you really don't get away during summer. When it's go time, you go until its done. I've gotten used to what if means to be a farmers wife and I'm thankful for it. Ben LOVES farming and having a husband who is doing exactly what he was meant to do is worth more to me than a hundred summer vacations.



Music. I grew up in a family that loves music and always were involved with it. My mom tried to teach me piano and I was a bad student, how I regret that as an adult! I learned to sing in church reading hymnals. I played flute in band and am now involved in RBC choir. I'm not a talented singer by any means but it does make me happy to be involved in music and I hope to be able to keep it that way for life!

Thankful for RBC and Football

Rosedale Bible Church. Ben grew up in this church and when we moved here after getting married it seemed liked the natural choice. I'm not going to lie, at first we weren't sure. We don't have anyone else our age. There are some close but we are definitely the babies of the young couples. We tried a couple of other churches but God moved in our hearts and we knew we belonged at REC. We've gotten involved in a married couples bible study and me in choir and Ben with sound. It took a while but I think we've found our place and we have been so blessed by the people there.

Football. I know, a stark contrast but still I'm thankful. Ben and I always watch games together and I can't count how many times we've had people over to watch games and hang out. We've had so many fun, relaxing nights that are tied up with football. Funny I know but I love those nights.

Thankful for Costco

Nothingmakes Ben happier than this sight:



A pantry full of snacks. He loves his snacks. He either stuffs his pockets when he can swing by the house or stuffs his lunch box in the morning. Thank goodness for Costco because otherwise all these snacks would really cost us since my husband still has the metabolism of a high schooler.

Thankful for craft dates and pumpkins

And when I say craft dates that's definitely not with Ben but mostly my friend Lidy. We meet eachother at work and though she no longer works with me we share a love of crafts and get together to make things sometimes. Today we were attempting burlap banners. Let's just say we so did not plan ahead just kind of went for it and only got half of what we wanted to do done. It was just fun spending time together even though we totally got very little accomplished.

Pumpkins, when I say love pumpkins I mean in decor and in food. (Except pumpkin pie, I know I'm weird) They're so festive and tasty and when you see pumpkin patches that means thanksgiving is close!