grateful among other things.

I have been riddled with a dull and annoying headache for the last five days; after googling myself into various diseases and ailments, I decided to try my hand at making it bearable and worry only if it doesn't go away within the week.



Some yahoo with more time on their hands than I stole my debit card information, likely by playing around with numbers until the magic one was found.  The declined charge in Madrid wasn't enough of a hint of wrongdoing, so smaller purchases were made elsewhere.  Guilt may have been a nuisance because before I could get the dispute letter signed for a refund, the purchase was returned, money refunded.

Last night, I had the pleasure of indulging in an extremely healthy dinner consisting of garlic cheese bread and water, while thinking about my next pleasure to be satisfied: peppermint oreos.  For the record, I believe the person that came up with these things needs to ensure they are on shelves 365 days a year, otherwise there may be a throw down in the future.  I can't get enough.  As I contemplated all things peppermint, my husband doing the dishes, my baby squealing in delight as she rode her princess tricycle backwards into the wall, and babycake doing his/her own rendition of the cha cha in my belly, I realized I have it all.

It may not always seem like it, and I know I don't show my gratefulness because like everyone else I am flawed and selfish.  But when my biggest worries of the day were how I was going to store all of the Christmas cookies to be made, how I would manage to get my laundry done before bed, and how many pieces of cheese bread to eat; that's eye opening.  Especially when I consider our sweet sponsor child, Fiona and the millions of people who are contemplating how to have some semblance of a holiday season despite having no food, no money, and even no shelter.

Teaching Ruby about God and how to show thankfulness is something that has been so rewarding to me; especially when she reminds me about Him as we lay down in bed.  I can't wait for her to look around and realize all that she has, not only in terms of material possessions but as far as love and opportunities go.