The Simple Life at Home

Well I have a lot to be thankful for this week. Some things that I thought were bad that turned out to be not so bad, especially.

* I'm thankful that I'm more hopeful for our little dog, Snow. She injured herself on Tuesday night and was unable to walk or to use her hind legs for the most part. After a trip to the vet yesterday morning, I was devastated. According to him, her prognosis was not good and she might need to be put down. He told us to give her three weeks to see how she did and if she hadn't recovered by then we'd need to consider euthanasia. After spending the day crying off and on (we've had her 9 years), I did some research on the internet and found it's not as grim as he made it out to be. Yes, it will be a slow recovery, but 4/5 dogs do recover. Instead of the 3 weeks he gave her, we should allow for 6-12 weeks for healing. I went to bed feeling so relieved!

* I'm thankful for the internet. While there is plenty out there that ranges from harmful to just plain stupid and wrong, it may have just saved my dog's life. Not to mention all the wonderful helps I find in my attempt to be a great wife and mom - parenting help, delicious recipes, organizational tips, and wonderful blogs to find encouragement and laughter (see sidebar).

* I'm thankful that now I understand what's going on in my kids' math classes. While I know my kids and know that they are not math savants, I've been shocked to see how poorly they've been doing. During a parent meeting this morning, I learned that the school's educational philosophy is one I had never heard of. They have been "inquiry-based" rather than "directed learning based." Which basically means the teachers don't directly teach the kids how to do the work, but rather let them figure it out for themselves. The problem is so bad that they are having to let the entire high school re-take their semester exams (following intense math labs to get them all caught up). Hopefully the school has figured out that it's not working and changes will be made. I'm just glad to know it's not just my kids!!!

* I'm thankful for the amazing weather we continue to have. Beautiful blue skies, temps in the high 70's to low 80's. Soon enough I'll be complaining, but it's beautiful right now!

* I'm thankful for God teaching me new things all the time. Right now He's working on teaching me not to be led by my emotions. To stop and think things through and seek out truth, rather than feeling. It's a lesson I really need to learn and learn well.

* I'm thankful for my husband. Tomorrow is our 16th wedding anniversary. While there have definitely been ups and downs in our marriage, I know that we are truly meant to be together. He's a wonderful, godly man who takes care of our family beyond measure. I love him and I'm proud to be his wife.

For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Grace Alone.