Monday, February 1, 2010

Gratitude...

I've been meaning to do this for weeks:
My gratitude post.
I know that gratitude isn't a one-day or one-post sort of character trait, it's more of a way of life.
Daily.

However, I have felt a tremendous amount of gratitude since Christmas for two things in particular.  I would be a total ingrate to let these things slip by.



I woke up Christmas day with anticipation (as usual).  Ben made me wait with the kids at the top of the steps.  I walked down and looked towards the loveseat.  There, in all its amazing, stylish glory was IT.  You know, the coat.  The "it-spoke-to-me-coat" from Macy's.  Do you remember the posts (11-18-2009 and 11-21-2009)?  I looked to Ben quizzically.  He shrugged his shoulders, told me to read the note laying on top of the coat.  I did...in shock.  Some kind, generous, thoughtful, selfless individuals whom I assume are readers of my little blog gave me the coat!  Humbled was an understatement.  I was quietly contemplative at the generosity of friends.  I was borderline teary--not that the coat made me cry (well, maybe a little bit...it's THAT cute), it was the fact that friends cared for me enough to do something completely unexpected, unecessary and chose to remain nameless.  I thought of that scripture in the New Testament (Matthew 6:1,2,3-4): Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them....  Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee...but when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

I know, whoever you are, that God blessed you for your kindness (at least I prayed that He would, and he usually answers those kinds of prayers).  Thank you.  Really.  I wear that coat humbly, and feel so gosh-darn cute.  Not that I'm cute, it's the coat's "magic."  You (all) have forever left an impression on me that I hope to emulate.  FYI: I have received many compliments about that coat...all because of you.


The second Christmas gift, completely unexpected, but gratefully enjoyed and used daily is this cute, cute, apron.  My sweet cousin, Shelley, made it for me (with a little help from Diana).  Cooking in style makes meal prep slightly dreamy.  It's fun, domestic, and dare I admit, a little sexy (to Ben, of course).  I feel like my Grandma, who always wore an apron, but this is a 21st century apron--so cool.  Thanks, you guys.  You really make my day--every day (It's usually on for breakfast and dinner).

Needless to say, gratitude for "things" are not the only reasons for gratitude, but I will cherish these things as long as my little brain is functioning clearly.  Thank you all so much.  XOXO.

p.s. I'm not really sure why I have to stick out my arms in every picture...I guess it's to add a little more pizazz, or to make myself look like a total nerd.  Either way's fine.

11 comments:

Ashton & Co. said...

That coat is SO cute. You must be loved! :)

Janie said...

The coat is beautiful!! Question though. Wasn't the original white? You look stunning and I don't think it is the coat magic that makes you look that way!!

Lanette said...

Janie, FLAX is the actual color.

Cylee Pressley said...

What a cute post. I love how sweet you are. And I love your arms sticking out in the pictures.

Your coat is beautiful but I have to say I am loving that apron.

Thank you for always making me smile when I read your posts!

Honey said...

Very cool. And, you are cute!

Shelley Gee said...

Cylee, Thanks for the complement on the apron, it makes me want to make you one!!! Lanette, you know my love language and this is something that I REALLY needed!!!

Poulsen Family said...

I see where your thoughtfulness comes from; you are surrounded by people who are as generous as you.

Suzette said...

Both are stylin.

katieo said...

Love the coat. Love the apron. Love the anonymous generosity. love your arms sticking out.

Yayi said...

Is there a day when you don't look stunning??? Sweet Netty, you should be a model!!

Kathy said...

i LOVE that coat. i am the least stylish person ever - but i wish i was. that coat is WAY cute. and i love the apron! i love aprons.

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