I’m sitting at the window with a cup of tea, watching the rain poor down,  trying not to feel sorry for myself. That’s what rain does to me. It sends me into the never ending pitfall of woes-me. Storms I can handle, the thunder and lighting are exciting, the rain beating at the side of the house is fun to watch, but the drip-drip-drip of a quiet rain just makes me sad. Instead of having a pity party, I’m trying to think of all the things I am grateful for.

I am grateful for Maya, my tiny orange and white Mama cat, who is at this very moment sitting on the other side of this window looking at the rain as if it here for the express purpose of ruining her day. I know how you feel, Maya.

I am grateful for Max, the gigantic son of Maya, who sneaks into my house at every opportunity and then pays me back for not immediately kicking him out by catching mice in the attic. Earning his keep, that one.

I am grateful for my Mother in law, who not only gave us this house that at this moment is keeping me warm and dry, but also spent the last two days trying to get us a Saint Bernard puppy just because we mentioned we like them. My mother in law has a tough exterior, being a female police chief makes it a requirement. But inside she’s a marshmallow: All fluff. She wants nothing more than for her kids to be happy and does everything with in her power to help them achieve it. The fact that she extends this to me, her daughter in law? Well, I’m grateful. Very grateful.

I am grateful for firewood and woodstoves and husbands that keep them full.

I am grateful to the teachers that recognize a shy kid and make her feel special. Today Bright received an award for being trustworthy. Which she is. She’s also loyal and sweet and helpful, which they also point out to her regularly. She’s the kind of kid that might fade into the background because she’s quiet and smart enough to not need much help. I’m grateful they don’t let her.

I am grateful for pacifiers and bouncy chairs.

I am grateful for coffee and Diet Dr. Pepper and all the other crutches that help me not to need the pacifiers and bouncy chairs too often.

I am grateful for bloggers that inspire me and motivate me and make me laugh out loud.

I would be grateful for chocolate if we weren’t out. Instead I am grateful for Target who not only has every kind of chocolate I need but also sells books and tampons and frozen dinners. Ah Target, how I love you.

Now internets, keep me from feeling sorry for myself and being a big whiny baby. Tell me what you are grateful for.