Thursday, August 4, 2011

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
s

11 comments:

  1. I am thankful we have fall to look forward to. The heat is frying us!

    ReplyDelete
  2. A lovely list of thankfullness Noreen. I am sure you have a most wonderful relationship with your children!!! I believe I do as well. It is a Mama's greatest joy!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh Noreen again I am struck by what kindred spirits we are...I know just what you are talking about here with your connection with your girls. I love my sons to death and the roles they have played in my life could just never be explained, but oh the love I have for my girl. How I thank God for her. I do envy you (in a good way!) the joy of having yours near and the time you can share soo easily with them and those grandbabies of yours. Have a wonderful day my kindred friend! HUGS

    ReplyDelete
  4. aren't you glad He gives us what He wants (in this case your girls) rather than what you want (stinky boys :P)

    ReplyDelete
  5. My daughter is my best friend. She is the age now I was when she was born. I can't believe it. She blesses me every day. Her hubby is a blessing and a joy...

    My son is also a keeper. Very close to his father and I and we adore his wifey. Everyday I'm amazed at how incredible my children turned out. The reason?

    Hours upon hours spent upon our knees asking the Most High to protect, lead and guide them.

    He did...

    Love you~

    Rebecca

    ReplyDelete
  6. How precious, Nor. I just soo love your heart! It shines through in all you say, and I am so delighted to be your friend! :o)

    So many women look at the sacrifice of raising children these days. I am so glad that God has a different take on it, and that He planted in our hearts the seeds that helped us to see things differently.

    Love and hugs to you, sweetie!
    Beck

    ReplyDelete
  7. I felt the same way about my kids going to school.....I was never glad to see it to start but oh so glad to see it end in the spring......I miss our summers together.....

    Your Thankfulness attitude always is a reminder to me to be have an attitude of gratitude.....Thank you sweet friend...

    ReplyDelete
  8. i always enjoyed my girls being home with me too and people thought i was weird! i still love spending time with my girls - they are my best friends!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Noreen...what a beautiful list of thanks. It is an amazing gift to have such cool relationships with our children isn't it....VERY THANKFUL! Rejoicing with you over each day with Reggie....he is so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  10. So blessed to have come across your blog and read this post. My kids are 5,4 and 2. We are doing 3 days of school and 2 days of homeschool with my soon-to-be kindergartner. I hope full-time homeschool is in the future for us, it wasn't the Lord's timing just yet! looking forward to reading more!

    ReplyDelete

Leave your comment
"Thank You" for leaving me a comment on my blog ~ I so appreciate each one and even if I don't respond please know I do read them.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14