My birthday :)

It’s my birthday! And it’s a big one this year. 🙂 5 years ago I had a group of ladies over to help me celebrate & it was a wonderful time of fellowship. I had been hoping for most of this year to be able to do the same.

Unfortunately, I just don’t feel up to it. And that makes me sad. 😭 (I reserve the right to do so in a few months when I’m hopefully doing some better!!) 😊

Instead of allowing myself to be sad, I’m choosing to be thankful. I’m going to share 40 things I’m thankful for. And tomorrow I’ll share about the wonderful day we had as a family. 🥰 (Even if there’s no cake!! 😫)

1. My God – without Him I would not be who I am & I’m so grateful.

2. My husband – We have been married more than half my life & I love him more every day. I’m thankful for the emotional support he gives me. I would say yes again! 😘

3. McKaylee – You first made us parents & even though we have made many mistakes, we love you SO much! I’m thankful for the lovely young woman you have become, inside & out. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for you. G-G Mick used to always say “She’s strong, she’ll get through this”…and that’s what I see in you. You have a beautiful Strength. Stay strong & stick to your guns. It will take you far & you won’t regret it.

4. Alexanna – You are my “cuddle-buddy”. I’m thankful for the way you see a need & step in to fill it. You have such a sensitive, tender heart. I love that your heart’s desire is to be a wife & mother and I pray God gives you the desires of your heart (in His timing!). Keep leaning on Him for strength. I’m proud of you for persevering through the HARD.

5. Elizabeth – You are such a hard worker! I’m thankful for the way you have taken over much of the cooking duties of late, it has blessed me more than I can say! God knew what He was doing when He put you in our family, in His timing! I’m thankful for your willingness & servant’s heart. Keep your heart tender to God & you will go far.

6. Logan – Our firstborn son. I’m so thankful for the way your heart is sensitive to God. You give great hugs and I love our games that we play together. You have a wonderful sense of humor & such a great smile. Keep your eyes on the prize & keep walking in His ways. I am so proud of you & I can’t wait to see the Young Man you will be.

7. Keira – my namesake. I love that you love to bake. I appreciate your desire to be a leader. I pray that you are wise in how you lead others. And I pray for your heart to be tender to God and what He wants to teach you.

8. Lucas – I love that you still love to cuddle. It blesses my heart. I’m thankful for the way you try so hard to do what’s right. Your diligence in taking care of the animals every day is a lifelong lesson that will bless you in the long run & I’m thankful for your willingness.

9. Emmalyn – You were the baby for so many years, but I so appreciate the way you have stepped into your BIG sister role. You are a wonderful big sister! I am so thankful that you have a heart that loves God & seeks to walk in ways that honor Him.

10. Ellenor – God knew how much I needed you in this season of life! Your life growing up will be so different from your older siblings, but that’s ok! I look forward to seeing your personality continue to emerge. You have a strong will & I pray you will allow God to guide your life.

11. My parents. They have modeled love, service, GRACE, forgiveness, patience & what a good marriage looks like (they have been married 45 years!) I love you, Dad & Mom!

12. My siblings – Drew, Susie & Daniel. Even though we don’t talk as often as I’d like, we always have a great time when we get together once a year. I’m looking forward to laughing together! I love you!

13. Our Annual Pederson get together! I look forward to these 48+ hours every year! It’s even more special this year since it’s been 2 years since we were all together.

14. This blog. It has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time & I’m glad we took the plunge this year & made it happen. 🙂

15. Clean, fun, family friendly CDs like Jonathan Park & the Brinkman Family Adventures. Our kids LOVE listening to CDs & they are always surprising me by how much they are learning that way.

16. The thoughtfulness of my husband & children who knew I had a rough week & bought me flowers to make me smile. 🙂

17. My tub – long soaks are wonderful.

18. Tiesta Tea – I have recently discovered this tea. For years tea has been something that I love to drink but often gave me headaches. This tea is really flavorful & doesn’t give me any headaches! It’s been something I can look forward to enjoying every day even with my food restrictions! Yay! And the relaxer tea does a good job of helping me sleep.

19. Cute little chalkboard labels & fun chalkboard markers 😊

20. Friends who pray for me (& I for them) & text/email regularly to encourage & check in – it is such a blessing!

21. Beautiful sunrises & sunsets

22. Cheerful signs that make me smile & remind me to choose JOY.

23. My Instant Pots! Makes fluffy, perfect quinoa in minutes (among many other things!)

24. My Tigger Mug & french press that my sister gave me years ago. I use them every day & they always remind me of her, make me smile & remind me to pray for her. 🤩

25. A Doctor who really cares & is knowledgeable about what’s going on.

26. Nurses! At each of my 3 Doctor’s offices, the nurses are so caring & several of them have spent time listening to me & give me hugs. It’s such a blessing!

27. My children bringing me random gifts. Just because.

28. Clean TV shows & movies to watch as a family.

29. Games! I love to play games!

30. Fruit…I really love fruit. When nothing else sounds good, I can count on fruit. 🙂

31. Franchesco’s. Our favorite date night place & I get carryout from there tonight for my birthday! My mouth has been watering all week! 😁

32. Time spent with family. May I never take it for granted!

33. Books & Reading aloud. While we haven’t been doing it much lately, it’s still one of my favorite things!

34. Weekly phone calls with my Mom. Even if we only get to catch up once a week, it’s something I always look forward to.

35. Nap Time – I used to be really good at setting aside this time to just rest, especially dealing with chronic pain, it’s important. The past few years I haven’t done as good a job of resting, so I’m trying to get back into the habit. I don’t usually sleep, but lying down for a bit always helps me get through the rest of the day.

36. Christmas lights, they make me smile. 🙂

37. Packages! I LOVE getting mail & packages! 🙂 From schoolbooks to anything we’ve ordered…I think I’m an addict! (And maybe why I love product testing so much?!) 😂

38. Cheesesticks… “they are my one weakness!” (Name that movie/TV show quote!) 😉

39. All the blessings God gives us!

40. Laughter – it’s such good medicine!

What are you thankful for today?