Thankful ...

Over the past few days, I have been fighting a bad cold, stayed in bed all weekend, and in general started to get a bad mood about everything in life at the moment. Well today, I dragged myself out of my sick stupor to go to a cardiology appointment and shopping with my Dad. Different things throughout the day made me realize how good I have it, helped put things into perspective, and made me feel a little better ... even though my head still feels like it's going to explode!

First of all, my Dad has to have his internal defibrillator replaced next Tuesday. They have to place new leads, a new unit, the works - so prayers would be appreciated for a simple, non-eventful procedure, as things generally seem to get complicated with him! Attending this appt. today, the cardiologist reminded us that it has been 15 years since my Dad's first major heart attack. 15 years ago right now, we were in a hospital 6 hours away from home, at his bedside, hoping he'd make it to the next day.

So to start the list off, I'm thankful to still have my Daddy ... thankful to be able to hug him, to tell him I love him, and thankful to still have him there to bail me out of sticky situations! :)

On the way home Dad and I started talking about the economy, and how bad it's really getting. It made me think that I am extremely thankful to be in a career that I not only love, but one that will always be in demand. I am thankful to have a job I can basically count on to always be there.

Now having gone to school for 8 years, you can imagine what a hefty student loan bill I racked up! I got a few of those notices in the mail today, telling me it's time to start repaying! But as I grumbled to myself, I remembered how thankful I am for that education - and student loans or not, I wouldn't take it back. And I'm thankful that I have a job where I can at least get by on minimum payments for now!

This is getting longer than I had planned - I'm a rambler, so instead of the short list I was expecting to write it became paragraph form! Just one more thing ...

As I sit and listen to Christmas music, with the glow of our Christmas tree and garland brightening up the living room, looking at the nativity scene with Baby Jesus so carefully placed in the middle of the scene, I am so very thankful for the miracle of Christmas.

'Tis the season, as they say - and today was my day to remember the true spirit of the Christmas season - and be thankful for everything I have and everything I have been blessed with.

What are you most thankful for today?

Me and my Dad

Today is my Dad's birthday. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing man as my "daddy." I am a daddy's girl to the full extent. If I need anything, Dad is only a touch away - speed dial #2! (only because #1 is taken by 911) I remember being 11 years old, watching my Dad laying in a hospital bed fighting for his life. He was told at one point that he had 6 months to live. The fact that 15 years later we are celebrating another birthday with him is a miracle in itself. My Dad has taught me so many things about life, and I don't think I tell him often enough how much I appreciate him. Each day that I get to wake up and see him or that I'm able to tell him I love him is truly a miracle, and I am so thankful to still have him in my life. No matter what, he's always been there - and I know he always will be.

So Dad, I love you. I appreciate you. And I don't know what I'd do without you. Happy Birthday!!

Nashville, here I come!

So the camera on my phone is not the best, and you probably can't read it ... but I'm on my way to Nashville! I am about to the halfway point, a layover in Milwaukee. I have been excited about this trip since we started to plan it - all the way back in June, while we were in China! I am going for a reunion with my Show Hope Missions Trip girls. Yay! It will be great to catch up with everyone, and to be able to exchange hugs - something you can't do through Facebook. :) We are also helping out at a fundraising event for Shaohannah's Hope, the organization we went to China with.

I encourage you to go to their website, Show Hope!, look around, see what the organization is all about and what it helps. And donate!

Well, I better get through security. See ya'll in Nashville!!

The Great Pumpkin

Hello all, I know it's been awhile. My intent was to keep this blog updated each week, but it's fallen to the wayside a bit. In the past few days, I've been finding some fun blogs to read - so it's gotten me inspired to hopefully keep up with this blog a little more.

For my first weekly update, I bring you my Little Ones ... all dressed up for Halloween! It was such a fun time seeing them in their costumes, having fun and eating candy. :)

The Great Pumpkin ... Brody, 8 months


And our fearless Indiana Jones ... Drew, 5 years old


Super Princess! ... Haidyn, 5 - almost 6!


Oh look, it's a new GC Cheerleader! With a Storm Trooper ... Jake and Cole, 10 and 6.


And the gang, all together. What an array of costumes this year! I think this was a bit past the Great Pumpkin's bedtime. :)



Aren't they a cute bunch?? Proud to say they're "mine"! Or at least my nephews and niece ... so thankful for them each and every day.

Brotherly Love

My nephew Jake (Rob and Lisa's oldest), has played football for the past 3 years. This is his fourth year as quarterback - and I might be a little biased, but I'm thinking he's got Brett Favre potential! This year, his little brother Cole got to start playing on the younger team. I went to their games a couple weekends ago, and caught a brotherly moment as they were walking off the field together after their games.

The Beginning

Don't worry - I don't mean "the beginning" of this family! Just the beginning of this blog. I wanted to start a blog for our family to share some of our great moments and memories. And of course, it wouldn't be complete without some "Griswold" happenings! (which I'm sure there will be plenty of)

Now that I am finished with school, I wanted to re-start my previous blog. But then I realized that I lead a fairly boring life ... at least, without the rest of my family being involved and mentioned. So therein lies where this bright idea came from - I'll blog pictures and stories about the fam!

I hope to update this as often as things happen, pictures are taken, or simply when I have a moment to sit down and thank God for my family. I hope everyone enjoys staying caught up with the Logghe's! :)