To Find the Gifts . . .

"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are." ~ Marianne Williamson

"I thank you God for this most amazing day; for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes." ~ e.e. cummings

"The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you.  Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things of life." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts.  Untie the ribbons." ~ Ruth Ann Schabacker

Acknowledging more gifts I'm thankful for, on my journey to 1,000 Gifts.  Today, No.(s) #0043 - 0052.

#0043.  Health Savings Accounts.  Something I initially saw as a negative impact on our weekly budget.  Now I see the light.  Our son's recent injury, a bimalleolar ankle fracture, has proven that it is a blessing in disguise.  Especially, since the cost of his ankle repair has FAR exceeded our monthly income capabilities.  Thank you, Lord!

He's a trooper!

#0044.  Teachers who stay after school to work with our son, in an effort to help him get caught up on all the work he missed while out with his injury.  I GREATLY appreciate each and every teacher!  They have sacrificed their own time to help our son.

#0045.  Beautiful Robins foraging for any tasty morsel they can find, around our yard.  Their brightly colored breast feathers and chipper little dance make me happy.  A sure sign of spring!

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#0046.  BAKEN-ETS Traditional Pork Skins.  A seemingly unhealthy snack that--at ZERO carbs--is totally acceptable on Atkin's Low-Carb diet.  Thus, helping me maintain my sanity while trying to stick to this blasted diet plan!  Grateful for their bit of saltiness and crunch, when I feel the need to munch!

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#0047.  Jergen's Cherry Almond hand lotion.  With this temperamental weather my skin is really dry and rough.  I do so love the scent of cherry almond and it makes my hands feel so smooth.  My alligator skin soaks it up!

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#0048.  My husband's hug, that envelopes me.  I wait with anticipation for him to arrive home and then sink into him when he reaches for me.  In his arms, is the place I feel safe and most loved.

#0049.  For my camera!  I love to take pictures and really need to get out there to take some spring time shots.

#0050.  That our family--knock on wood--has been relatively healthy this cold and flu season.  We've talked a lot about the importance of washing, washing, washing our hands.  They might be 15 and 13 years old, but they ALWAYS need to be reminded of that.

"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." ~ Arabian proverb

#0051.  That my youngest son incessantly bugs me for what he would like to do or would like to have.  ONLY because, it shows that he has perseverance--despite constantly being thwarted.  Another positive way of looking at it, he knows what he wants and sets a course for his dreams.  As an adult, these are strengths.  Right now, as a child, these strengths are trying THIS momma's patience.  BUT. . . I will be thankful, I will find the gift in it all.  I will. . . I will. . . I will.  If I don't, I might be forced to eat pounds and pounds of chocolate; and hide in my bedroom. . . OH.  MY. GOODNESS. CHILD. ENOUGH!  The answer is still, NO!  How can this sweet little boy be so irritating at times?  He picked this beautiful Queen Anne's Lace flower--just for me--on walk with his father, many moons ago!

He's much bigger now!

#0052.  AND. . . speaking of chocolate. . . which I CANNOT have right now. . . I am thankful for its rich, velvety, smooth, deliciously scrumptious texture and flavor.  It is like a little piece of chocolaty heaven right in the palm of my hand.  A soothing balm for any ill that may befall me.

How am I going to make it on this diet during the Easter holiday?  With all those chocolate bunnies scampering about the stores!  Oh NO!