Gratitude Friday

I recently saw on one of the blogs that I follow the idea for a gratitude day, done once a week. I think it's a great way to sit back and slow things down a bit ~ to actually take the time to think about what we are thankful for in our lives. So here is what I'm thankful for right now, this week:

• Ryan. Besides my own dad he is probably the most patient man I have ever met....I have issues with patience at times so this is something that I continually see and admire in him. He's funny ~ constantly making me laugh ~ we have a blast together. He's pretty close to a genius ~ there's not much he doesn't already know or have the capability to learn about. In addition to brains he also has the skill to fix, construct, or 'design' anything. I think it's the engineer in him...even when I have problems with my sewing projects (or anything) I just have to turn to him and he's got it all figured out. He is very selfless, always putting others before him. He is thrifty. He is AMAZING with children. I knew this before, but this week he has spent extra time with the kids I watch and I (as I am currently doing a 3 day stretch with them) and I have seen a side that hasn't yet been able to shine through. It's so marvelous to watch him interact with these 2 kiddos that I have come to love so much. He is kind and caring with them, going out of his way to make sure they are having a blast. He continually comes up with new ideas or things we can do that they might enjoy. He laughs with them. He plays with them. He looks at them and I can see the love in his eyes ~ because he has come to know these kids through me over the last year and a half. And in addition to all that he helps me with them. He just picks right up with them as if he has been watching them as long as I have and helps me be a good person for them and a rock in their lives. He helps me to discipline them or 'reward' them. And he helps me to give them a good life. He's great, I love him. :)
• The changing colors of fall ~ providing such beauty
• Chilly mornings and warm afternoons ~ in the same day
• The Colbie Caillat concert I am going to tomorrow night. I love her music and am very excited to get to see her and see friends I haven't seen in a while
• My family. AND the fact that a week from right now I will be in Maui with my family.
• Comfy beds with fluffy pillows and a down comforter
• Soft, cozy slippers. I've been wearing mine a lot recently due to the weather change and I just love them. The girl I watch was wearing mine around tonight and found them to be just heavenly....requesting a pair. So now I am on a hunt to find her the perfect pair, because I believe everyone should have a great pair of slippers.
• Great sewing projects.
• Old friends like Megan. Got to chat with her this week after way too long of not catching up and it was wonderful. I love how we can go for months without having a good conversation and then pick up exactly where we left off. I miss her.
• Being domestic.
• My health and the health of the ones I love.
• Season premieres of my favorite TV shows.
• Heading to Albertson's (one we don't ever go to but it was near where we were when we were out and about) to pick up a great deal on meat ONLY to find the store was closing so the ENTIRE store was 50% OFF!!!! Can you believe that?!!! We got $116 worth of groceries for only $58!!!! INCLUDING about 10 meals of yummy seafood....doesn't get much better than that!!!!