Seven Sunday Blessings | Feb 1

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This week, I am thankful for:

1.  Wonderful friends like the Roberts.  I'm so thankful that Connor and Bailey have remained friends since Gr. 6 and have brought our families together.

2.  Water.  I'm not only thankful for its' wonderful effects on our health, but that we are so blessed to have access to clean drinking water, as so many have not.

3.  SuperBowl.  Football has taken over our lives in the last few years, replacing swimming.  I don't usually care for televised sports but football is one game I can understand and actually enjoy!

4.  Grande skinny soy extra-hot peppermint mocha.  Even though it's $1.00 for each word in the title… :(

5.  OverDrive.  I now can just download books right from our local library to my iPad.  Sweet!

6.  Homemade biscuits.  Especially when they are still warm from the oven.  Yum.

7. Weekends.  'Nuff said.

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Sketchy challenge to be posted shortly!

Seven Sunday Blessings | Jan 11

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er… Seven Monday Blessings!

This week, I am thankful for:

1.  My new iPad brain training app, Peak.  Just over a week and already my brain has already improved 1%!  At my age, I need all the help I can get… :)

2. Technology in general.  I am amazed every day at how much easier it makes certain aspects of our lives, specifically health and finance.

3.  Warm cozy throws.

4.  EOS lip balms.  Did you know they were 95% organic and 100% natural? And did you know that EOS stands for "Evolution of Smooth"?  I learn something new every day….

5.  My hubby, who, despite being sick, managed to get the kids fed every night this week while I worked late and caught up after the holidays.

6.  My hairdresser - I've had so many compliments this week! :)

7.  Chocolate Mint Oolong tea by Stash.  Yum.

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the following challenges on my blog:
December 2014 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  January 15th, 2015)
January 2015 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  January 31st, 2015)

Seven Sunday Blessings | Jan 4

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There's so much for which I am thankful that I decided that it was time to bring back my Seven Sunday Blessings posts.  Just to remind me, in case I forget to be thankful!

And right now, I am thankful:

1.  For the atypical weather we've been having.  I'm SOOO okay with a green Christmas, especially when family is traveling for the holidays!

2.  For Starbucks red cups.  Specifically, grande skinny peppermint mochas WITH whip.  Because it's not a peppermint mocha without it.

3.  Fuzzy slippers.

4.  That I have the willpower to bring the remaining boxes of candy and chocolate that we have left over from Christmas into work to share with co-workers.  It makes the whole "clean eating" resolution so much easier to stick to when it's not in the house!

5.  That we have become close friends with Connor's best friend's parents.  We celebrated New Years Eve with a delicious dinner at Mezzo's and drinks back at their place - even if we did miss the ball drop!  Gary is blaming Bell for their delayed feed… :)

6.  That there are less than 150 days to Disney!  We are so excited to spend this trip with the Kims.

7.  For Black's Photo and their great deals on photo books.  I created a small photo book, using a handful of Instagram photos to document our 2014 - for only $5!  I think I will do this every year!

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the following challenges on my blog:
December 2014 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  January 15th, 2015)
January 2015 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  January 31st, 2015)

Seven Sunday Blessings | Mar 2

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I can't believe that my last Seven Sundays Blessings post was in SEPTEMBER!!  While it's sad that I don't have time to blog about my blessings, it doesn't mean that I'm not grateful for everything that is good in my life right now:

And right now, I am thankful:

1.  For staff Christmas parties.  In March.  And yummy food.  And shuffleboard and pool.  And gin and tonics.  And not necessarily in that order.

2.  That we have been transitioning to a healthier, lower-carb eating plan with the kids.  With relatively little complaining.  Just goes to show that you have to keep introducing these foods to kids - eventually they will get tired of refusing! :)

3.  For Chai Tea lattés.

4.  For the (very) brief break in weather where the sun peeked out for a day.  Come on, Spring!!

5.  To Lisa and the ScrapFest girls for graciously including Jennifer and I on their Younique weekend.  It was the kick in the pants my creativity needed - 4 cards and 5 (almost) completed layouts (I ALWAYS forget something at a crop!)

6.  For my scrappy girls, who travelled from Tecumseh, Brooklin, Sarnia, Innisfil, Belfountain, Penetanguishene and Livonia in January, to spend a weekend full of good fun, even better food, lots of wine and giggles and just what the doctor ordered.  Miss you, girls!!

7.  That everyday, I get to wake up next to an amazing man.  Yesterday, he turned 44, which means that we have officially been together for more than half of his life!

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
March Sketch Challenge (deadline Mar 31, 2014)

Seven Sunday Blessings | Sept 8

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This week, I am thankful:

1.  For long weekends.

2.  That I'm able to take the first day of school off each year.  To send them on their way and to welcome them home and ask how their day was.  Now, if only I could do it all year round...

3.  To my sweet hubby, who braved the rain and cool weather to take the kids to Rondeau camping for the weekend.  Me?  I don't camp.  Period.

4.  That, during their absence, I worked from home and managed to catch up on paperwork in preparations for our inventory this week.

5.  For romantic comedies.  And Gerard Butler.  Or more specifically, his accent. *swoon*

6.  For Michaels' coupons.  Which bring their overinflated prices back down to a reasonable level so I can purchase some new Gelatos without the guilt!

7.  That my family is back home, safe and sound - and the decibel level is back up to where I'm accustomed... =)

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the other challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

September 2013 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Sep 30, 2013)
Leave Your Legacy: Top Ten Lists (deadline:  Nov 30, 2013

Seven Sunday Blessings | Sept 2

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Sorry for the delay - tied up in the back to school rush!

This week, I am thankful:

1. That we live close to a border city and can get to Target (the US-version) for some awesome back-to-school deals!

2. That Connor has tried out for football and has already been noticed by the coach - WTG, C!

3. That school is starting back up tomorrow and we can get back into a routine.  Early morning workouts for me - that's my goal!

4. For Tassimo and Caramel Macchiato discs... yum!

5. For my nephew, who completed some electrical work for us this weekend - you rock, Chris!

6. That Chris and Julia stayed for dinner on Sunday and helped us polish off the banana bread with cream cheese frosting.... or we would have eaten it all!

7. For my considerate nephew, Cory and his fiancée, Taunia.  For sending a beautiful bouquet of thank-you flowers... totally unnecessary, but wholly appreciated!

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the other challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

September 2013 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Sep 30, 2013)
Leave Your Legacy: Top Ten Lists (deadline:  Nov 30, 2013

Seven Sunday Blessings | Aug 25

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This week, I am thankful:

1. For the ER doctor who, when Aili was about 5 years old and at the hospital for the umpteenth time for yet another asthma attack,  insisted that we have a nebulizer at home to prevent another visit.  We had to pull it out again for a moderate asthma attack this week, after a long reprieve!

2. That my cropping friends are all going to be able to join me in Elmira on Sept 21st for a fundraiser crop!  If you are free that day and local to the area (or not, like me!), then come and join us!!

3. For Pinterest - and chocolate zucchini bread!

4. For Swiss Hazelnut Lattes and their ability to curb a sweet craving!

5. For a (relatively) free weekend, so I could catch up on our budgeting and paperwork.

6. For a (relatively) clean studio, so I can get right down to creating this week when the family is gone!

7. Did I mention chocolate zucchini bread!?!?!

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the giveaways/challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
August 2013 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Aug 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline:  Aug 31/13)

Seven Sunday Blessings | Aug 18

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This week, I am thankful:

1. For breezy, sunny weather.  Even if it's short-lived.

2. For birthday parties - and a chance for another Just Dance 4 competition! :)

3. To Ms. Maggie Young, for her talents in creating this lovely cake for Aili's birthday.  I had high ambitions, but time limitations prevented me from attempting it - you saved the day, Mags!

4. That my dad was feeling well enough to come for Aili's birthday party on Saturday.  He enjoyed visiting with my FIL and even complimented me on my espresso-making skills! (Thanks, Tassimo...)

5. To my FIL for staying with the kids this week, saving us a week's worth of summer day camp fees.  The kids enjoyed the visit, as did we - along with the help!

6. That we only have two more weeks before school starts and we can get the kids back on a schedule!

7. That ChristyAnn's visit this weekend has spurred me on to try my hand at sketching!  Here's the results (please be kind!):

Attempt 1:  Abbey Bominable (yes, I know she's listing to the left...)

Attempt 2:  Abbey's eye

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the giveaways/challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
August 2013 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Aug 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline:  Aug 31/13)

Seven Sunday Blessings | Aug 11

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In writing today's post, I realized that it's been over a month since my last blessings post! Such a shame, when there is so much for which to give thanks....

This week, I am thankful:

1. For vacation time!!! So great to unwind and spend time with the family...

2. To the Murphy family for opening their home to our family for a few days. We had a fabulous time (despite the sunburn!) - please send our thanks along to Dave too!

3. For Solarcaine. 'Nuff said.

4. For meal planning and healthy eating. I gained a few pounds over the holidays - likely from the vodka/OJ/diet cranberry drinks but oh so worth it! But I am back on track with My Fitness Pal and making healthy choices.

5. That I had time to sit and just READ this week. Between the 8 hour card ride to Kingston and all the other driving, I managed to finish the entire Eternal Guardians series! (Yes, I know it's not highly acclaimed literature, but very entertaining... ;))

6. To cadet camp, for instilling great values, discipline, compassion and determination in Connor. We were so proud to see him earn the Top Cadet award in his division this term!! (Photos still on SD card!! Will share this week!!!)

7. That my nephew's invitations are DONE and sent off... I don't even want to SEE my Silhouette Cameo for at least a month!!

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the giveaways/challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
August 2013 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Aug 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline:  Aug 31/13)

Seven Sunday Blessings | Jul 7

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This week, I am thankful:

1.  For my lovely, talented friend, Karen, and her help in creating my first painting!

2.  That while my Friday appointment did not result in surgery, it is slated for the fall - blessed to have a warm, caring specialist!

3.  For pool parties and summer get-togethers that keep the kids busy.

4.  For our doctor, for being thorough and adept.  I wasn't crazy about hearing the news about my lower back troubles, but am confident that physic will help me resolve this!

5.  For Kelsey's Funnel Cake Frites - my birthday dessert this week!  OMG, so good!

6.  For painty fingers... :)

7.  To my father-in-law for taking the kids in the summer for a week at a time!  Connor's up this week...

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the giveaways/challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
1,000th Blog Post giveaway (deadline:  June 30/13 EXTENDED TO JULY 15,2013)
July 2013 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Jul 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline:  Aug 31/13)

Seven Sunday Blessings | June 30

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This week, I am thankful:

1.  For BBQ with friends - so great to have out with the Roberts on Saturday!

2.  That we are slowly working through and decluttering our house!  It feels so good to PURGE!

3.  That I was able to continue with the early mornings for most of the days this week - a couple of late nights put a wrench in it, but we're back on track tomorrow again!

4.  That I am almost done designing the invitations for my nephew and his fiancée - can't wait to see them in print!

5.  For convertible days - though they have been few and far between this summer, with all the rain we've been having!

6.  That my doctor scheduled an MRI - and it was done within a week!  Now to get the results tomorrow....

7.  For watermelon season - YAY!

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the giveaways/challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
1,000th Blog Post giveaway (deadline:  June 30/13 EXTENDED TO JULY 15, 2013)

Sketchy Challenge:  June 2013 (deadline:  June 30/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline:  Aug 31/13)

Seven Sunday Blessings | June 23

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This week, I am thankful:

1.  That we are chugging along with our garage sale preparations!  Lots of scrapbooking, electronic and computer stuff to be offered - if you're local, PM me on Facebook and I will send along the address!

2.  That summer vacation for the kids is drawing near - no more lunches!! Yay!  Well, until camp starts up...

3.  For early mornings.  I'm bound and determined to become a morning person - and have been going to bed and waking early all week... Let's hope we can continue this - I feel so much more productive!

4.  For the good feelings that are coming along with purging through our stuff - where did we get this all!?!  My heart feels lighter already.

5.  That we have decided to go ahead and sink some money into the backyard and build an oasis that we can enjoy - not that we are becoming clutter-free, our weekends will be spent outdoors, rather than indoors, tidying!

6.  That both of my kids have inherited my love of reading.  Aili has begun the Clementine series and has completed the first three books this week!

7.  For my family.  I feel blessed to have developed a close relationship with my sisters, which results in a closeness in our families.

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the giveaways/challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
1,000th Blog Post giveaway (deadline:  June 30/13)

Sketchy Challenge:  June 2013 (deadline:  June 30/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline:  Aug 31/13)

Seven Sunday Blessings | Jun 16

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This week, I am thankful:

1.  For my husband.  He is much too wonderful of a father to celebrate for only one day.

2.  For my dad.  Seeing him this weekend and realizing how frail and thin he's become makes me realize that we need to make more of an effort to get out there to see him each week.

3.  For the not-so-subtle reminder this week that we received this week about the importance of staying on track.

4.  For creative time.  I have discovered that I need to be in my studio more often, not only to relieve the stress of deadlines, but to replenish my soul.

5.  For some awesome family time this weekend at the Leamington Fair.  It brought back memories of my childhood and created new ones for our family.  Well worth the steep price tag!

6.  For my Cameo.  It's been a while since I've used her and I am happily reminded of how much I. LOVE. HER!!

7.  That Lola is back on the road just in time for summer, after needing new brakes and two new front tires.  NOT so thankful for the $1,200 repair bill, though... :(

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

Sketchy Challenge:  June 2013 (deadline:  June 30/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline:  Aug 31/13)

Seven Sunday Blessings | June 2

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This week, I am thankful:

1.  For my kids' love of reading.  I'm proud to report that if I say, "Okay, we have to go to the mall!", they will groan and complain the entire time.  But if I say, "Okay, I have to stop by the library...", I'm met with resounding cries of 'I WANT TO COME!!!!" :)

2.  That Connor had a great time on his band trip to Canada's Wonderland this year again.  Although I think $13 is outrageous for a funnel cake... and the sound of riding the Leviathan 12 times in a row makes my tummy a bit queasy!

3.  For thimbles.  After spending an hour sewing patches on Connor's cadet uniform, my fingers would have been shredded without my protective little friend.

4.  For the rain.  Not only does it provide a break from the heat, it also is good for my grass and flowers!

5.  For Caramel Skor Apple dip, which provides a kid-approved alternative to cupcakes for school activities!

6.  That Connor has devoted his energy to excelling at cadets - proven by his winning the Best First Year Cadet award at Annual Review!

7.  For Aili.  Because for as much as she makes me crazy sometimes, she makes me smile even more.

Lastly, the winner of the May 2013 Sketchy Challenge will be announced later this evening!

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

Sketchy Challenge:  June 2013 (deadline:  June 30/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline:  Aug 31/13)

Seven Sunday Blessings | May 26

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This week, I am thankful:

1.  That the weather finally turned hot!  Oh, how I've missed you, Summer!

2.  That the weather turned cooler!  Ugh, I hate you, Summer!

3.  That Gary's business trip returned him home to us safely, despite the increasing number of highway accidents.

4.  That Connor's Annual Review for cadets is coming up next weekend - I'm anxious to see how he fared this year!

5.  That my kids have my quirky sense of humour - never a dull moment around here!

6.  For online shopping.  And happy mail days.  Summer wardrobe shopping is now complete for the kids - with the exception of returning all five pairs of shorts for Connor because he grew AGAIN!  He's shot up about 4 inches since December!

7.  For Diet A&W Rootbeer, served over cracked ice... ahhhhhh!!!

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the challenges running on my blog for a chance to win:

Sketchy Challenge:  May 2013 (deadline:  May 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13)

Seven Sunday Blessings | May 12

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This week, I am thankful:

1.  That I got a chance to unpack from CropFest within the first week, rather than having it sit around my studio for a few weeks!

2.  For long car rides home, heart-to-heart chats and a new deepening respect for a friend.  For her strength.  Her beauty.  Her amazing talents.  Her perseverance.  I love you, ************!

3.  For the great deals I picked up at Winners this week!

4.  That although the weather was cooler than last week, it seems like Spring may be on her way here - finally!

5.  For the upcoming long weekend... I'm thinking we need a mini road trip somewhere!!

6.  For great customer service.  It really makes me appreciate retailers when they stand by their product.

7.  That we're another week closer to summer vacation!!!  Now to figure out what to do with the kids this summer?

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the challenges running on my blog for a chance to win:

Sketchy Challenge:  May 2013 (deadline:  May 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13)

Seven Sunday Blessings | May 5

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This week, I am thankful:

1. That I felt better in time for my crop weekend!  Usually, I am working at these events so I don't get a chance to sit down and crop with my peeps so this is a good thing!

2.  To Lisa and her ScrapFest team for the hard work and dedication that they put into planning these events so that we, as scrapbookers, can share our passion and joy for this hobby!

3. That I completed 5 layouts this weekend! And even started a sixth!

4.  For lime-strawberry margaritas at Lone Star!  Yummmm....

5.  For eight hours of sleep this weekend... For both nights combined!!  Thankfully, Sharon forced Holly and I to get even that, or the 4 hour ride back home tonight would have been dicey!

6.  That I accidentally butt-dialed Amanda on Saturday night when leaving the restaurant and she called me back, to chat!  I miss her -have to make a point of connecting more often.

7.  As always, for this crazy hobby that introduced me to some of the greatest friends a girl could ever hope for...

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the challenges running on my blog for a chance to win:

Sketchy Challenge:  May 2013 (deadline:  May 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13)

Seven Sunday Blessings: Apr 28

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It's been nearly a month since I posted my Seven Sunday Blessings. Certainly not for lack of them, though...

This week, I am thankful:

1. That my audit at work is over, and everything went relatively smoothly.

2. For the warmer weather we have had lately - even if it's been sporadic, at best...

3. That my breadmaker has gone and died on us. Because I think I could seriously eat an entire loaf when it's fresh out of the oven!

4. That Connor got accepted for the CSTC program this year. He will be attenting the summer camp in July/Aug for two weeks.

5. For lunch with fellow co-workers at an awesome local Middle Eastern restaurant.

6. For technology.  Because you allow me to keep in touch with friends and family far away...

7.  For Crispy Baked Drumsticks with Honey Mustard Sauce.  Undoubtedly my family's favourite entree right now.

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the challenges running on my blog for a chance to win:

Sketchy Challenge:  April 2013 (deadline:  Apr 30/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13)

Seven Sunday Blessings: Mar 24

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On Tuesday.

This week, I am thankful:

1.  For menu planning.  And no more, "What am I going to make for dinner?"

2.  To the television show, The Big Band Theory.  For making me laugh for 30 minutes straight.  Or at least with 3 minute commercial breaks.

3.  For home baked bread.  Or pizza, since we chose the bake setting instead of dough...  But delicious, all the same!

4.  For my house cleaner.  So nice to come home to a clean house!

5.  For creative time.  Love to get painty/inky/glittery...

6.  That my bloodwork and tests for my annual physical were all normal - now to get the extra lbs off!

7.  For maple walnut ice cream.  (which doesn't help #6, at all...)

And Happy Birthday to my Dad, today - he's 85!! (Although he's convinced he's only 84...)

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the other challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

It's a Sketchy Challenge:  March 2013 (deadline:  Mar 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13

Seven Sunday Blessings: Mar 21

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Except today, it's Ten Thursday blessings.  'Cuz I missed March break postings.  And 'cuz I'm weird.

This week, I am thankful:

1.  To be asked to be a guest designer for my sweet friend and CS teammate, Susan K. Weckesser, for the next three months.  So blessed to have wonderful friends!

2.  For flexible work hours.  Especially when you're up til 2am the night before, trying to pack four people for a long weekend away.

3.  For Katrina & family, for opening up their home to us last weekend (Mar 8-11).  Gary and the kids had a fantastic time, skiing/snowboarding at Brinacombe and I was in my glory, scrapbooking (relatively) uninterrupted all weekend!  Our turn to host next time!

4.  For being able to take the March Break off with the kids.  We just hung out and enjoyed each other's company - for the most part. :)

5.  For Katrina (again) for her honesty and for telling me how it is - whether I'm ready to hear or not.  My eyes are WIDE open.  Love you, girlie!

6.  For getting back on the clean eating/whole foods kick.  So much more energy now that I'm not full of preservatives and stuff I can't pronounce!

7.  That I have resurrected my love of cooking again.  Chicken enchiladas, crispy drumsticks with honey-mustard sauce, homemade chicken noodle soup... yum.

8.  For purging.  And realizing that, despite common assumptions, I do NOT need four corkscrews!  My kitchen drawers are singing - now to purge the cupboards!

9.  For green pancakes on St. Patty's Day.

10.  That I figured out how to add a table to Blogger!  Took me most of the evening the other night, but I'm finally able to make some of the remaining inventory on my blog available to sale to clear it out - so I can reclaim my basement again!

What are you thankful for this week?

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the other challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

It's a Sketchy Challenge:  March 2013 (deadline:  Mar 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13