Beyond Bringing Up Boys

Hats. Today I am intentionally grateful for hats. I love hats--whether it's a basic baseball cap, a 1920's cloche hat, a Derby Day fascinator, or almost everything in between. But, my favorite hats are those ones that aren't visible to the eye.  I've worn a mom-hat since 1997, and it is my favorite hat. But with that came a closet full of corresponding headgear to complete my uniform. There was the nurse hat that came out to clean abrasions, lovingly kissed boo-boos, wrapped sprains or splinted fractures. Also, over the years, I've had the chauffeur hat. I've chauffeured to and from the library, school, piano, field trips, baseball practices, marching band events, friends' houses or swim.  I've worn the hat of a teacher. I taught them how to pray, how to use good manners, and how to properly brush their teeth. I taught them how to read and how to write. And, as they grew, so did the other subjects.  I've worn a firefighter's hat, to

Laughter.  I am intentionally grateful for laughter today! Our home often rings with laughter, and nothing can cheer a weary heart like the sound of happiness springing out of the soul. My husband makes me laugh everyday. And, often when I'm on the phone with my sister, I laugh until I'm crying. In addition, David's sister makes me laugh every time we're together. Laughter. Listen to it. Enjoy it. Be grateful for it. Proverbs 17:22 -- A merry heart does good like medicine.#intentionalgratitude #november #givethanks #baltyfamily #baltyboys #laughteristhebestmedicine

Wisdom. There's no biological connection in this picture, but I don't recall a time in my life before I knew her. My "Granny."  She is the one that patiently combed out all of the goop that was in my waist-length, thick hair after spinal surgery. She is the one I've sought out when I've needed spiritual guidance throughout the rough places of life. It was her house that I went to the night mom died and it was in her arms that I sobbed like I was a small child. It's her voice that, even today, tells me every time that I talk to her, that I am special to her. She represents so many characteristics to me, but today I am especially thankful for her wisdom.  Psalm 37:30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom and their tongues speak what is just. #intentionalgratitude #wisdom #granny #love #thanksgiving #givethanks #everygoodandperfectgiftcomesfromabove

As I begin this month of intentional gratitude, I'm overwhelmed. I have so many blessings that it's difficult to know where to kick off! But, today I'm choosing beauty.  I'm thankful for the beauty of God's earth! Whether I have my feet in the sand at sea level, standing at 10K feet above looking over the handiwork of our Creator, or viewing my lovely home state, I'm thankful for what I can see. psalm 96:11-12 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound and all that's in it. Let the fields be jubilant and everything in them, let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. #intentionalgratitude #beautyoftheearth #givepraise #november #jekyllisland #bloodmountain  #amishcountry #pennsylvaniaisbeautiful