Thankful Thursday

Good morning friends,  Can you believe it is the first Thursday in August already?  Many of you have children starting school again, where did the summer go?  I well remember those days when my girls were in public school and how I dreaded the beginning of the school year.  You see, I was never a mom who relished my girls going off to school; in fact we always had bible study in the morning before school and I counted the hours until they returned.  I'm not saying that is because my girls were perfect, I'm just saying it seemed more natural to have them home with me.  I'm not saying I didn't enjoy my time with friends or the fellowship of others but in my heart of hearts I always felt that they needed to be in our home; in fact due to the strong willed personality of one of our girls, a friend told me it was probably the best for her to be home so that I could deal with it.  Our days of homeschooling were some of the sweetest years of our family and drew us closer than anything else.  To instill a love of learning, to find joy in the midst of struggles, to inspire excellence in all that we do-this was what it was all about.
So this TT, I am especially thankful for the years when our girls lived at home, until their marriages.
I am thankful for the years of homeschooling and the close relationships to each other that it fostered.
I am thankful that there are so many excellent educational activities that can be pursued, that they lacked nothing.  I am thankful that we were part of a private school and they had tons of socialization.  I am thankful for the fruit it produced in both their lives and how they are carrying the torch with their own families.
I am thankful that I have the privilege to be their mom and for the joy of being a nana.  I am thankful that learning isn't restricted to institutions.  I am thankful for living history.  I am thankful that I was able to nurture their individual learning styles and teach them things beyond the 3R's.  I am so thankful for the close bond we still share-they are my best friends, encourager's, helpers and incredible women of God.
So today, I am thankful for the precious role the Father graciously gave me.  I well remember I thought I wanted boys; He knew I needed girls but gave me two boys as grandsons. I am thankful that although I was certainly lacking in training for being a mom, He gently taught me all I needed to know.
I am thankful for more time with our Reggie and for the love and support so many friends in blogland have given me.
How about you, what are you thankful for today? Please stop by Laurie's place, http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/ and read more TT posts.
Blessings, Noreen
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