Today in Sunday School, we discussed things we were thankful for and how to be grateful even when things aren’t perfect. We played a game where each person had to state what he or she was thankful for and had to be careful to not choose what the person before them stated. You were allowed two seconds to respond. This proved challenging because each of us are thankful for a lot of similar things- family, food, shelter, etc. With more time, our thank you’s are more heartfelt and have more meaning. This activity and lesson got me thinking about what I’m thankful for. Yes, the end of this year has been difficult and it’s far from over, but I have so many things to be thankful for. I thought I’d share in hopes that it gets you thinking about what you are thankful for, and as a reminder to me that as my journey becomes more challenging, to remember all of my blessings.

Quiet moments- I am thankful for the quiet moments when it’s just Will, the boys, and me at home watching a movie or here lately documentaries on space travel. We usually pop some popcorn and discuss what we are watching. The cat retires to the ottoman and seems content as well.

Riding in the car with my mom- my mom and I are a lot of like, and she is my best friend. She goes with me a lot to doctor’s appointments with the kids. I cherish this time because we talk about all sorts of things- the past, the kids, whatever- the soundtrack to our car rides in the background is usually the Beatles or 60’s channel on my XM.

Deep discussions with my dad- I love a good debate and the most objective man I know in this world is Mike Rogers, my dad. I’m not sure why he was never a lawyer because Lord he can see both sides to anything. I love to hear him to discuss his thoughts on what’s going on in the world- I can see a light in his eyes and the passion in his beliefs. In my mind, I imagine this is how Harper Lee felt about her dad. My dad is my Atticus.

Anytime spent with my sister- with kids, work, and life, it’s rare to have a moment when it’s just the two of us. When that moment arrives, I cherish it. I’ve always looked up to her. She’s smart, funny, and the life of the party. She lights up a room just as my dad describes my mom regarding the time when they first met. I’ve always kind of envied her self-confidence and ability to do anything she decides to do. I’m not exaggerating- anything! She knows me better than anyone and knows all of the right things to say when I fall apart.

Listening to friends talk and being around friends- I love to be surrounded with friends and watch their interactions. I love listening to them tell a story or talk about their kids. I love our inside jokes that no one else knows, and how they laugh if I do an impression of something or someone. I love how they make me feel included.

A cold diet coke- okay so not as deep but I love a can diet coke that’s been in the fridge.

Getting lost in writing- if you read my blog then you know I enjoy to write. Once I start, it’s as though time stands still and I look up and thirty minutes or even an hour has passed.

Text messages with funny GIFs or inside jokes- bonus points if both are included. There’s something so special about receiving a text from a friend that took time to send a quick picture, joke or words of encouragement.

Dates with Will- when we have time, I enjoy going out to eat with just Will. We have time to catch up and afterwards, find a good movie to stream. If we are traveling, then we really enjoy trying new restaurants and wine.

New Orleans trips with the Nelson’s- we’ve enjoyed two successful trips to New Orleans with two of our dear friends, the Nelson’s. They always know what restaurants to choose and we just have the ability to roll with whatever the day brings- scheduling some outings but allowing down time.

“Playing” in Anderson’s band- my 2-year-old loves to play “band”. He plays his drums and I pretend to play the guitar. We sing all the classics like ABCD (as he calls it), Monkey (5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed) or Old McDonald. He bangs away and I sing. You best believe I’ll be backstage at every concert of his when he’s famous.

Cuddling with William Michael- he’s not quite old enough to be embarrassed by his mom or to not want to cuddle. I love spending time on the couch just the two of us watching TV or a movie.

Walking with my mother in law- I enjoy this time with her. I listen to her recount the day or share a good recipe. She always has great advice and is encouraging.

Hearing old stories about my family- I could spend a whole day talking to my Aunt Donna Sue about our family or hearing my granddad’s stories from long ago. Nothing better.

Long distance phone calls from Seattle- okay, so really with cell phones I guess there is no more long distance phone calls per se or roaming but I always look forward to talking to my friend Sarah who lives in Seattle. We’ve been friends for 18 years and each time we talk it’s as if we are still in college at my apartment or at the DZ house eating lunch.

Music, and its ability to be a time machine- I love listening to music and letting it transport me to another time. I love music’s ability to bring people together.

I always enjoy practicing being thankful. It’s a great exercise of remembering that it’s not things that we end up being thankful for- it’s people, time with people we love.