Well, here we are at my first get-back-in-the-swing-of-gratitude, Thankful-on-a-Thursday post to go along with the Giving Thanks Challenge 2012, and boy do I have to dig deep to come up with something! {smile}

Yesterday would have been my Dad’s birthday and, wow, I really miss him. Sometimes it just seems like it never gets better. But then I think about all the things that are so special to me that I wish every day, every moment, that I could share them with him. The moments that make my heart squeeze up tight and bring tears to my eyes.

I’m thankful for vibrant, healthy children. I know my Dad would tell me to count my blessings if I ever complained about the running, leaping, throwing, shooting, galloping, shouting, indian-tomahawk-Davy-Crockett-knife-fight with the sword of Thor and Kung-Fu Panda slow motion through the living room.

I’m thankful for quiet moments when the Cowboy tells me he thinks he should grow up and be the President because he loves God and God likes it when the President loves Him.

Or when the Ladybug said that she thinks God is telling her to marry someone that goes to church when she grows up.

Or when Speedracer says “I love you Momma. Because I love God and He says we should love everyone and I love God so much that it makes me love you too.” (You know, those moments when you’re not completely sure what he meant, but clearly he thinks he’s being sweet.)

I’m thankful for a husband that can fix broken washers door sensors…and dryer heating elements…and car window motors…and tractor fluid leaks…and double-rod curtains…

And I’m grateful for our needs being met…a roof over our heads, comfortable beds to sleep in (oh, the comfort of my feather-top mattress and natural down comforter on a gray and rainy morning!), food on our plates, clothes on our backs, and even some left over at end of the month-until the beginning of the next month, anyway! {smile}

What are you thankful for today?

Link up a post about your blessings–or tweet, facebook, or even Pin your blessings. (I started a Giving Thanks Board just for giving thanks this year!) I’m keeping a daily list running over in the sidebar this month as well.

Won’t you join me in the Giving Thanks Challenge?