Tonight is one of those extremely rare nights that I have the time and energy to think and since I suddenly found myself in November I thought I'd start this month off with a list of things I'm thankful for.
1) Although the school year hasn't been perfect, it is going much smoother than I thought. In fact, J (who last year at this time was having severe meltdowns) has been doing an amazing job with both his work and controlling his outbursts! He's only had 1 and it was understandable and didn't last long. I have been praying for him for such a long time and this year I'm starting to see my prayers answered. I love seeing the progress he's made both academically and emotionally.
2) Ray's been employed full time for 7 months! While this job has had its ups and downs and the company isn't particularly stable at the moment, at least Ray has a sense of purpose, is getting out of the debt incurred during his time of part-time and unemployment, and is building new skills and relationships for the future.
3) Jekyll has almost made it 1 year with FIV. On Nov. 20th of last year Jekyll got really sick and was diagnosed FIV positive. Over the course of this year I have lost count of the number of times I've come home or woken up to find my usually very active cat lying limp and dehydrated under the bed. We've gone through countless traumatic vet appointments, giving daily meds, and just last week he started limping and I thought we'd have to have x-rays this week. Thankfully God has healed Jekyll well enough that we don't have to do x-rays. He's not quite himself yet, but he's getting better.
4) I am halfway through my first semester of graduate coursework in special education and so far I am finding the time to get all of my assignments completed. With everything going on this has been a miracle!
5) Since going back to school has made it impossible for me to work nearly as much my income has been reduced. Unfortunately with Jekyll being so sick my expenses have increased significantly. Despite this, God has continued to provide for me. Ray has also been a big help in this area, but even Ray's financial provision ultimately comes from God.
6) I am really enjoying this fall. For one we haven't had a major snowstorm of hurricane yet and for another because the colors of the leaves have been so brilliant. I don't remember the last time I saw such a beautiful fall last so long. I must admit that it does get rather distracting while driving though :(.
7) Which reminds me that I am thankful for my car. Last year I was driving a car that had a check engine light come on every few days and no mechanic could figure out exactly why. I also had very squeaky brakes. After I traded my car in for a new one I learned that my former car actually had a recall out for it. Although my new car isn't super amazing (no power locks or windows) it is very comforting to know that it runs well and it has sirius xm radio so I can listen to a Christian radio station all day long!
