Showing posts with label Thankfulness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thankfulness. Show all posts

November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Many Waters Happy Thanksgiving

I hope you have a wonderful day, full of family and friends and great food!

November 17, 2013

Giving More Thanks

 

Many Waters Giving More Thanks

I'm thankful for my in-laws. I wish it was easier for us to get together more so they could know Munchkin better, but I'm thankful for the time we are able to spend together.

I'm thankful for those who have served the United States by wearing the uniform of a sailor, solider or airman. Thank you for being willing to risk everything so we can continue to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today.

I'm thankful for The Man's job and that it provides for all of our needs and most of our wants. I'm so thankful for his hard work to support our family.

I'm thankful that everyday I get to do my dream job: stay at home to take care of my daughter. 10 years ago this wasn't my dream job but there is nothing I'd rather be doing. I love that get to be with her all day and I'm thankful that my husband agrees that it's important for one of us to be home with her. He works hard so I can stay home and it means a lot to me.

I'm thankful that my husband will often get up with the Munchkin and let me sleep a little more. Last night was a little rough and that extra 90 minutes of sleep was amazing. It made my heart happy to wake up to the sounds of a giggle baby being tickled by her Daddy.

I'm thankful for friends. The ones I hung out with last night and others that I see on a regular basis, the ones I don't see often or haven't seen in years, the ones that live in my computer. Thank you for making a difference in my life!

Today I'm thankful that my husband not only tolerates my crafty attempts but encourages them. He doesn't complain when my fabric, ribbon and other crafting supplies end up all over our dining room table and the rest of the house.

What are you thankful for this week?

November 10, 2013

Giving Thanks

 

One of my favorite parts of November is being mindful of the blessings I have and am thankful for.  I know that I should always be thankful but sometimes it’s hard.  November, for me, is a perfect time to be deliberate in being thankful.  This year I’ve been sharing what I’m thankful for daily on Facebook.  I’m compiling them into a couple of blogs posts so I have one place I can look back on and remember my blessings. 

Many Waters Giving Thanks

I'm thankful for Jesus and his justification that his death bought me.

I'm thankful for my husband. He is one of God's greatest gifts to me. I can't imagine sharing life with anyone else. He's not perfect but he's perfect for me.

I'm thankful for my daughter. I have moments where I just look at her and think, wow. She's amazing and incredible and I can't believe that God gave her to me (us, really) to raise! What an awesome responsibility but what joy. I love being a mama.

I'm thankful that my mom is moving the PNW and is living with us while her house sells. I love watching her with Munchkin. I'm so thankful that they will have a close relationship.

I'm thankful that a messy kitchen means I have food to cook and a family to feed. I'm also thankful for my dishwasher that makes it easier to clean up.

I'm thankful for our minivan. It gets us around to where we need to go comfortably and we can even take friends.  It's not falling apart like our previous car and I know it will keep us safe.

I'm so thankful for coffee and hot cocoa and the person who thought it would be a good idea to mix the two.

I'm thankful for the sunshine today. It felt good on our faces at the dog park this morning.  (You don’t take sunshine for granted in the fall/winter in the PNW!)

Munchkin decided that she doesn't want to wear a shirt right now and is running around topless. I'm thankful that we switched our furnace from oil to natural gas so it's much, much cheaper to keep the house warmer so she can do this. I love being warm!

If you haven’t entered yet, you should go enter my giveaway for a Turkey Bow & Ribbon Headband…the perfect accessory for any Thanksgiving outfit!

November 26, 2012

Thanksgiving

We were thankful to be able to spend Thanksgiving with family!  We drove down to Oregon to The Man’s hometown.  We spent the day with two of his three brothers, his parents, three nieces, two boyfriends, his brother’s girlfriend, her mom, step dad, brother and my SIL’s brother, wife and son.  Yeah, so there were a lot of us.  It was a little crazy and a lot of fun.

It was different from Thanksgivings I’m used to but different is not bad.  I enjoyed spending time with The Man’s family and letting them all meet Munchkin.  At one point Grammy pointed out that her oldest daughter was making martini’s while the youngest slept in her arms.  That’s quite the age difference!  We don’t get to see the three nieces all that often and all together even less often so that was special. 

When we were first married it took me awhile to get used to the fact that The Man’s family was now my family.  I really enjoy spending time with them and am so glad that they are my family!  I’m thankful that we are close enough that we can spend holidays with them and see them a few times during the year.

2012-11-22 15.27.52Hanging with the family before dinner.

photo (1)

A family photo

photo (2)A HUGE Qwirkle game.  We mixed 3 games together and it lasted 3 hours.  Fun times, friends, fun times!

photo (3)The oldest and youngest granddaughters.

photo (5)Grampa time!

photo (7)Getting Grammy snuggles

How was your Thanksgiving?

November 22, 2012

Giving Thanlks

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for all of the blessings you have given me.  There are too many to name; your love knows no bounds. Thank you for Jesus, for his blood that removes my sin. Thank you Jesus, for replacing my sin with your righteousness.  I am not worthy, thank you for loving me. You are an amazing God and I give you honor and glory and praise for all you have done and are doing!

Father, thank for the good gifts you give. Thank you for my husband. Thank you for two years of sobriety and for the growth I see in him. Thank you for his desire to lead our family and grow in your word. Please give him wisdom and discernment. Thank you for his job and providing for all our needs. Thank you for taking care of us and meeting our needs while he has been out of work. Thank you for having a start date!

Thank you for Munchkin. She is the most amazing gift and we are so, so thankful. She is my sunshine girl and I can't imagine life without her. Please help us to show her you. Thank you Father, for this child.

Thank you for family, near and far. Thank you for family we won't see today. Please bless their day. Thank you for family we will see today and help us to enjoy each other and make memories for the future.

Thank you Father, for warm shelter, food, and clothes. Thank you that all our needs and many of our wants are met. Thank you for the luxury of choice.

Father, thank you for your protection and safety.  Thank you that even when I fear, you are my strong tower. Thank you, Lord, that your victory is assured. Help me not too lose sight of the end goal. Help me to stay strong in you.

Thank you for your Word and the wisdom and knowledge it contains.  Help us to cherish it and allow it to direct our lives.

Lord, I have barely scratched the surface the the good gifts you have blessed me with. Thank you is not enough for all you have done. You alone are worthy of thanks.

Amen.


November 8, 2012

The Difference A Year Makes

Right around this time last year we found out we were pregnant.  I vividly remember the emotions. There was disbelief at first, as I didn’t want to get my hopes up and then be wrong.  Once the pregnancy was confirmed by my doctor, there was excitement and joy at the thought of our baby, relief that I didn’t need any more infertility treatment, nervousness at the thought of actually being parents, some anxiety at the unknown and some sadness that my dad would never hold my baby.527455_10151127831688507_1686386667_n  That’s just scratching the surface.  It was the start of an incredible roller coaster ride. 

Now that we have our baby girl and she’s three months old, I can’t imagine life without her!  The Man and I were saying the other night that we weren’t sure what we did before we had her.  She’s amazing and incredible and we are so very much in love with her.  She’s a daddy’s girl and loves it when he holds her.  She loves to watch football with him and life is good when he’s around.  She also love mommy lots.  I love seeing her face light up when I come into the room after being gone for a little bit.  She’ll follow me with her eyes if someone else is holding her.  197231_10151136379228507_490894316_n (1)She also sleeps better when she’s touching me. 

When you’re expecting, you have these images of what motherhood will look like.  For me it was snuggling with a sleepy baby, talking to a smiling baby, watching Munchkin ride her bike for the first time, taking her to Disney.  While I knew that babies cried, sometimes a lot, it was not something I pictured.   There have been nights when she has done nothing but fuss and cry.  Thankfully they are few and far between but the ones we have had have been enough to hurt my mommy heart.  I hate hearing my child cry.  I hate not being able to figure out what’s wrong.  Those times have been enough to make me extremely thankful for my happy baby girl.  The hard times make the other times sweeter.  Without the difficult times I wouldn’t be able to appreciate the good.

643949_10151137646313495_1802868267_nWe love being parents. Even with the fussiness and exhaustion, it’s wonderful. Well, The Man might not think it’s wonderful when I snap at him because I’m exhausted. It’s been an opportunity for me to grow in asking for and receiving forgiveness. I’m thankful that my husband loves even when I’m cranky! He’s also blessed me by allowing me to sleep in and in allowing me to nap without the baby. He’s a dad that loves his daughter and enjoys spending time with her.

I think I’m rambling now so I’ll leave you with one more adorable photo of Munchkin.  I get to see this cuteness everyday and  I love it!

404763_10151134017243495_253621232_n

February 16, 2012

The Good Life

The other day I was listening to my Taylor Swift Pandora station (I'm not ashamed to admit that I love me some Taylor Swift!) when the song Good Life by OneRepublic comes one. Now I'm not going to lie, the first thing that ran through my mind was the Disney Commercial. I'm already daydreaming about our next family vacation to Disney with munchkin. We were going to wait till munchkin was 4 or 5 but I'm not sure I can wait that long. The trip might happen at age 2 or 3 cause I'm just that impatient. But I digress...

I just stopped and listened to the lyrics. It's such a catchy song; I love the beat! My favorite part is the chorus:

Oh this has gotta be the good life  
This has gotta be the good life 
This could really be a good life, good life 
 Say oh, got this feeling that you can't fight 
 Like this city is on fire tonight 
 This could really be a good life 
 A good, good life

It got me thinking...I have a good life.  A GREAT life actually.  I have:

A family, immediate and extend that love me.
A husband that tells me on a daily basis that he loves me...and backs it up with actions
A house with heat and food
4 furbabies that love me unconditionally
A munchkin growing snug and warm inside
3 part time jobs that I enjoy
A God who loves and died for me
Money to cover our bills and expenses...we're not rich but we're ok

So while I don't have everything I want, a huge house, the newest electronic toys, yearly vacations to exotic destinations...what I do have makes me rich beyond measure.  For that, I am so, so thankful.



 What's good about your life?


Linking up with Goodnight Moon
Photobucket

December 31, 2011

2011

2011 was quite a year.  There was good and bad, both of which God used to continue to shape and mold me as a person and also my marriage.

The year started off well with The Man continuing to work on his sobriety.  It was a time of change.  His schedule was a bit crazy and continued that way into February and March.  I didn't love how busy he was with work, helping coach basketball and rehearsals for a show he was in.  There were days that I barely saw him! But we got through it and and April was much better, especially since the show, Sweeney Todd was running. It was a great show and I'm so glad he did it!

May brought a TDY and The Man was back out to sea.  I missed him while he was gone but the time apart was good for us.  He enjoyed being back out and I enjoyed having some time alone too.  And of course, homecoming is always the best part!  We also enjoyed June and July cause we worked on our very first garden.  We were so excited to grow and eat our own veggies!  We are eagerly awaiting spring so we can garden again.  We've already been talking about what we're growing this year...

One of the many house projects
August was good to us.  Looking back, I'm glad it was!  We managed to fit in a trip to Disney Land.  We wanted to go at least once before kids so we could enjoy it just the two of us.  Once we got home we bought a new truck, which we are still enjoying and getting a lot of use out of.  In order for The Man to do the projects he wants to around the house, it's much easier having the truck to haul supplies and debris & trash after!

September started off great with a camping trip.  We hadn't been camping in about two years and were really wanting to go, so we carved out Labor Day weekend for a trip to a nearby campground.  I thought I had posted about it but I guess not.  I think it got overshadowed by what happened next.  I headed to the East Coast cause my dad was in the hospital.  I was going so I could help my mom out and be there when he got home so he wouldn't have to go to a rehab facility.  It didn't turn out that way.  Instead of returning to his earthly home, daddy went to his forever home.  The pain for us is horrible but knowing where daddy is helps.  It also helps knowing that I'll see him again.  I'm looking forward to that!  From daddy's homecoming did come some good.  One good thing was the opportunity to see friends and family and make more memories with them.  People and relationships are so important and I don't like to waste any chance I have to spend time with the people who are important to me!  The memories we made make me smile.

Joey hugging Dad
Our family expanded again with the addition of dad's dog Joey.  We love him but he's been a little trying at time.  We're working on discipline and listening and he's getting better.  He's so much more fun and enjoyable when he behaves!

At the end of October mom came for a visit and while she was here we got some great news!  We found that we were pregnant!  Even though I didn't share with you until December we knew at the very beginning of November.  Morning sickness, fatigue and other fun symptoms have hit and I'm very much looking forward to the second trimester.  Even with not feeling the best, we had a wonderful Christmas.  We were blessed with great gifts and enjoyed spending time with most of The Man's family.

And how could I forget?  We managed to get down to Eugene for a Ducks game.  Not just any game but the Civil War!  I love going to games at Autzen.

And even more importantly, The Man got one year of sobriety in November.  This is huge and I know it wasn't easy.  I am so proud of him for this accomplishment!

2012 is going to bring even more change to our family.  We know what some of them are but know that there are many surprises in store for us.  So we go into the New Year thankful for each other and our families and friends and we know that nothing that happens will surprise God.  He'll be there with us every step of the way.

November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope that all of my readers
have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I hope you have a day of

family
friends
good food
football
and 
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

and that in the midst
of the busyness
you stop 
and think
of all the blessing you have.

We are so blessed.

I'd also like to wish 
my daddy a
Happy Birthday.

He would have been 64 today.

I'm thankful that I had him
for almost 32 years.

Happy Birthday Daddy.

Happy Thanksgiving!



November 23, 2011

Thankful Thursday...

...on Wednesday.  I didn't post this last week but I have kept it up on Facebook.  So here's what I've been thankful for:

Nov. 10

Today I'm thankful for things like heat, indoor plumbing, refrigeration, dishwasher, oven, washing machine, dryer...you get the idea!

Nov. 11

Today I'm thankful for our Veterans. Thank you to those who have served! I'd especially like to thank my husband, my grandpa, Uncle P, Uncle S, my BIL, SIL and FIL for serving. I love you all!

Nov. 12

Today I'm thankful for the families of active duty, reserve and guard families. Moms, dads, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, wives, husbands, children and friends...they hold down the fort, worry, pray, send emails, letters, skype, wait for phone calls and send care packaged to their loved ones. The support of those at home mean so much to the ones who are away. Thank you for being there for your sailor/solider/airman!

Nov. 13

I'm thankful for the freedom to go to church to worship. I'm thankful that I have the freedom to publicly share my beliefs. This is a freedom that I don't take lightly, as it does not exist everywhere.

Nov. 14

Today I'm thankful for creation! I love how beautiful creation is and how it reminds me of my creator. I love the mountains and the ocean and the changing leaves!

Nov. 15

Tonight I'm thankful for heat on a cold night!

Nov. 16

Today I'm thankful for our jobs.

Nov. 17

Today I'm thankful that my husband has one year of sobriety. It's been an incrediable year. I'm so proud him!

Nov. 18

I'm thankful that The Man made second again!

Nov. 19

I'm thankful for Jesus, for his redeeming blood and love that never lets me go.

Nov. 20

I'm thankful for my crockpot! I love that I can have a delicious meal at the end of the day with very little effort!

Nov. 21

Today I'm thankful for an unexpected day with The Man


What are you thankful for?

November 11, 2011

Thank You

To all those that have served in the military,

Thank you.

Your sacrifice is not unnoticed or taken for granted.

I also extend a special thank you to the Veterans in my life.

My grandfather
My Father-In-Law
My Uncle S
My Uncle P
My Brother-In-Law
My Sister-In-Law

And

My husband.


I love you!

November 10, 2011

Thankful Thursday

I have so many things to be thankful for.  Here are a few of them:

Nov. 4

I'm thankful for technology! Isn't it amazing what we can do these days? I love being able to stay in touch with family and friends even when we're far apart. I also love that I've been able to meet some amazing people though blogging and Twitter.

Nov. 5

Today I'm thankful for friends. Friends here in WA, friends in MA, friends in Viet Nam, China and everywhere else. My life has been enriched by you. Thank you

Nov. 6

I'm thankful for my furbabies:) Edgar, Allen, Molly and Joey are great companions and keep me company when The Man isn't around. They love us unconditionally and bring joy to our life.

Nov. 7

I'm thankful for books and that I love to read. My mom was always reading a book when I was growing up and that started my hunger to read. I love getting lost in a book!

Nov. 8

Today I'm thankful for answered prayer. God is good, even when he tells us no or makes us wait. His ways are so much better than my own.

Nov. 9

Today I'm thankful for beautiful flowers. The Man bought me some today just because:) I love that man a lot! Thank you babe.


My Roses from My Love



What are you thankful for this week?

November 3, 2011

Thankful Thursday

I love November.  There's just something about this month that I love.  It might have to do with Thanksgiving, which is one of my favorite holidays.  I love from Thanksgiving to Christmas because it is always full of family, food, laughter and good times.  


I like to look at November as a month of thanks.  Remembering the blessings we have and being thankful for them is a great way to keep our perspective grounded.  It's a lot harder for me to want stuff when I'm focused and thankful for the things I do have.


So every Thursday this month I'm going to share some things I'm thankful for.  I'm sharing daily on my personal Facebook page things that I'm thankful for and I may just copy and paste.


Nov. 1.  I'm thankful for The Man. He's not perfect but is the perfect husband for me and I love him more than I can say. He works hard to provide for us and takes wonderful care of me. Thank you for all you do baby!






Nov. 2.  I'm thankful for my mom:) She's loved me unconditionally and been one of my biggest cheerleaders for almost 32 years. I can't imagine life without her (and glad I don't have too!) Thanks mom for all you do:) I'm so glad you were able to come visit! I love you!






Nov. 3.  I'm so thankful for our house.  I'm thankful that God provides money for our monthly mortgage payment, to heat it, keep the lights on and for the upkeep!  I love coming home to such a welcoming place! 


What are you thankful for this week?

April 22, 2011

Why

I was planning on writing a post for Good Friday on what it means to me. I find myself unable to write coherently due to the gremlin that's taken up residence in my head (in the form of an awful cold). So instead I'll leave you with this song...Why by Nichole Nordeman.




Thank you Jesus. 
Thank you for leaving heaven, for me. 
Thank you for dying, for me. 
Thank you for loving me just the way I am.

February 28, 2011

February Blessings

February has been a pretty good month.  Some of the highlights and things I'm thankful for:

~Candy & Flowers on Valentine's Day...even though we said we weren't going to buy anything for each other (The Man got two bags of smarties, his current candy addiction)

~Quality time with The Man.  He's not home much between work (work days have become longer and duty days more frequent), meetings, coaching, doing trustee stuff at church (he's become BFF's with the sump pump) and rehearsal for the show he's in.  We're not getting a lot of time together but we're making the most of what we do get!

~A random S.I.Q. day.  For those of you that aren't familiar with military jargon, it means sick in quarter...basically it's a sick day.  It was unexpected due to some minor oral surgery and we enjoy having a day together.  Granted The Man slept till noon but he needed it.  I enjoyed just having him in the house!

~Great training in Portland.  My company provided some home office training and several of us car pooled down.  It was a fun day away and I learned a lot.

~The Man getting some me time.  I've been working for some of the time that The Man has been able to get home.  I'm glad that we was able to just relax at the house.  He got some projects done around the house...putting a new light in the sewing room, hanging some candle holders, putting in a dimmer switch in the dining room.  Little stuff that he just hadn't gotten to.  Doing stuff like that relaxes him so it's a win-win situation!

~I'm babysitting for a family in our church 2 days a week while her parents are working.  The little girl is adorable and is a very happy 1 year old.  I'm happy to be earning a little extra money while helping out friends!

~My dad is home!  Mom's still a little stressed but dad's home and doing pretty well.  His feet are still swollen and they are trying to get some weight on him but overall he's doing well.  Mom too.


What are you thankful for this month?

December 14, 2010

Thankful Tuesday



This is going to be my 3rd post for today but I really wanted to participate in Thankful Tuesday.  It's so easy for me to forget all the things I'm thankful for.

I'm thankful for:

~the fact that it's raining and not snowing.
~that I have a puppy and 2 kitties that like lots of love and give it in return
~for awesome friends
~ for awesome family!
~that I have a washing machine and don't have to wash the huge pile of clothes by hand
~that I have a dryer and don't have to hang the clean, wet clothes all over the house.
~that my husband will be home for Christmas!
~answered prayer.
~Christmas lights


What are you thankful for today?

If you would like to participate, head over to A Little Something to link up!

November 27, 2010

A Month of Thanks; Marriage

I know I've already given thanks for my husband.  In addition to being thankful for him, I'm thankful for our marriage.  We do not have a perfect marriage but I believe we have a good one.  Even with all that's going on at the moment, we have a good marriage.  It's getting stronger.  Adversity does that.  It breaks things or makes them stronger.  We decided that when we got married that divorce is not an option.  Ever*.  So instead of breaking us, it will make us stronger.  With divorce off the table, we have no choice but to work through our issues and difficulties.  It's freeing to know that we are together forever.  Yes, things are difficult but I don't love my husband any less.  I love him more.  I love knowing that we will work things out...together.  I love knowing that we are committed to each other.  We are willing to be honest and vulnerable with each other, even if it is hard at times.  I wouldn't want to be married to anyone else. 

Things are hard at the moment.  The uncertainty is hard.  Not knowing what will happen is hard.  I still have hope.  Things will work out the way God wants them to work out.  And we will be together.  This is bringing us closer together and for that I am thankful. 

Thank you so much for you prayers.  God in answering and working in amazing ways.  I have peace that can only be from Him.  With things still so uncertain, please keep praying.  Thank you!

*Under no circumstance would I stay, or expect anyone else to stay, in an abusive relationship.  The best thing you can do for yourself and everyone else involved is to get to a safe place. 

November 26, 2010

A Month of Thanks; Black Friday Tradition

I'm thankful for traditions.  When you have traditions that you love, you look forward to them happening!  I hate getting early but I LOVE my family's Black Friday tradition.  For about 20 years, My mom, Aunt, cousin & I have been getting up crazy early to go shopping.

The tradition was born when there were lots of people to but for and saving money way key.  My cousins & I would create lists for family about what we wanted for Christmas.  Then on Thanksgiving night we would pore over the ads.  (Back then I was pointing out what I wanted, not deciding what I wanted to buy!)  We would often choose where to go first based on what time they opened, what items we wanted to buy there and what they were giving away.  Back in the day the stores used to give away things.  I remember getting CD's, stickers, chocolate and mini snowglobes. Actually, JC Penny's still hands out mini snowglobes...I have a few.  We would split up (mom & Auntie, my cousin & I) and shop, often hiding our baskets when we came close to each other.  We would hit the stores we wanted and then get some breakfast.  Breakfast is a great way to end the morning!  The afternoon almost always included a nap...still does!  I get pretty cranky when I'm tired.

While I was in Asia a friend of my cousin would take my place so she would have some one to shop with.  She went with us once I got back.  She's stopped coming now, so it's just the 4 of us again.  I wasn't on the East coast last year (I stood in line at Best Buy with The Man and my in-laws in the freezing cold for 3 or 4 hours last year).  My cousin is super excited that I'm here for Black Friday this year.  I'm super excited too.  Black Friday has made us many memories.  We'll probably head to Michael's Thanksgiving night, just cause we can.  We don't buy for tons of people any more but we have still continued our Black Friday Tradition.  I'm looking forward to the day when my neices join us...and hopefully someday a daughter!

November 25, 2010

A Month of Thanks; Wise Women

I am extremely blessed to have wise women in my life.  I'm very thankful for them.  These are the women that I can turn to for advice, prayer and wisdom.  They don't judge but offer practial advice.  They are women of God who aren't afraid to be honest but do so with love and kindness.  They point out sin and aren't afraid to admit that they sin.  They share their experiences to give encouragement.  They seek God in all circumstances.  They are not perfect.  They seek God's wisdom for themselves and others.  They are teachable and willing to share what they have learned. 

These are the older women that I look up to and hope to one day be like.  They are a blessing to me.  I know that I can pick up the phone and call anyone of them at any time of day for any reason.  Some people don't have 1 person in their life like this.  I have seven.  Seven amazing women who love me for me and who support me and encourage me in all of life's ups and downs.  Thank you Lord, for these women. 

November 24, 2010

A Month of Thanks; Books

I'm thankful for books.  I love books.  Growing up, I remember my mom reading a lot.  I remember wanting to read so I could be like her.  I was so excited when I learned to read.  Once I learned I read all the time.  When my chores weren't getting done my parents would take away my books until they were done.  I remember staying up late reading by the crack of light streaming into my room through the slightly open door.

I still love to read today.  I'm currently ready Harry Potter-again.  While I enjoy the Harry Potter movies, I love the books.  I have many favorite authors and am willing to read most genres as long as it's not horror.  I hate to be scared.  I read for fun, to lose myself in the story.  If the story is good, I'll reread the book.  I've read the Harry Potter series at least 8 times since I got them for Christmas last year.  The Man finds it amusing when I pick up the series again.  I was anti Harry Potter until he wanted to watch the Half Blood Prince last year when it was in theatres.  I saw it and then had to see the other movies.  Once I had seen the other movies I HAD to read the books.  I was hooked before I had read 3 chapters. 

I'm thankful that I know how to read.  While living overseas I had a taste of what it was like to illiterate.  It's hard!  It's hard to not be able to read anything.  Not road signs.  Nothing while at the post office or when trying to fill out forms.  It's not fun always relying on other people to help you out.  You feel stupid and unable to do things for yourself.  Teaching someone to read in empowering.  It allows them to have freedom and independence.  I'm so thankful I have the skill of reading and all the benefits that come with it.