365 Days of Bliss – Day 1
Hi there Sweet Shoppers!
Libby here, and I’m super stoked about the new direction we’re taking for the Sweet Shoppe blog. For more than a year, we’ve brought you regular features like Penny Candy playdates and Take Out Tuesdays, but starting today, we’re bringing you 365 days of Bliss on the Sweet Shoppe Blog. Digital Scrapbooking is about life, it’s about memories, and it’s about people. We have an amazing team of brilliant women behind the scenes here at SSD, and all of them have incredible stories to tell. We want to share those stories and memories with you so that we become closer as a family here at the sweetest spot on the net, so tune in every day to read something new from one of our staffers! They’ll be sharing everything from recipes and craft projects to tutorials and pics from their latest family vacation, and every day will bring you something blissfully sweet to reflect on so don’t miss it.
You know, when I first signed up for this first post in the 365 Days of Bliss, I didn’t have a clue what I’d write about. Heck, if we’re being honest, as I sat down and logged into the blog here this evening, I still wasn’t sure what little bit of my life I wanted to share with you. I had thoughts ranging from the silly (ie my love for coffee!) to the more serious and reflective (2 very dear family members were diagnosed with serious illnesses this week). I settled on the fact that I’m so blessed, and I’d like to share with you one of the many reasons why.
I had a minor surgical procedure yesterday morning. It really was no big deal, but I have always been very sensitive to medications. As a result, the anesthesia has left me feeling very weak and nauseous even a full day later. My husband Jeff has been such an amazing helper to me while I’ve recovered. I had teased before the surgery that I’d planned to “milk it” afterward, but I haven’t been given the opportunity as he’s constantly one step ahead of me. He insisted that I take a nap this afternoon, and while I slept he cooked an amazing dinner and cleaned the kitchen. Now this may seem like a great thing in and of itself, but the fact of the matter is that this isn’t out of the ordinary for him. He often cooks, frequently does the dishes and cleans the kitchen, and is always there for me to help make my life easier. While I often thank him and let him know how much I appreciate him, I felt the need to share with the world what an incredible gift he is to me. I am truly blessed.
Just because I’m so proud of him, and I hate blog posts without photos, here’s a picture from our wedding in November.
Think about your own life today. Even in our darkest hours, we always have something we can be thankful for. What is your blessing today? Leave a comment below with something you are thankful for, and I’ll come back on Monday to choose a random winner to receive a free kit from my shoppe. Be sure to include your SSD community username or email address with your post so that I can contact the winner with your prize.
ETA: Thanks to all of you who commented! With the help of Random.org the winner of a free kit from my store is the 12th post by Kassy! Kassy, check your email for a coupon code!
kelsey said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 1:34 am
On the husband note, I am also thankful for mine. I managed to tear my front bumper off my car the other day and my awesome husband was able to get it reattached for me. I am so thankful that he isn’t the type of guy to just take it to the repair shop. Instead we go spend a very small fraction of what we would have and he fixes it himself.
Teri said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 2:02 am
My 2 boys! They drive me crazy much of the time (especially as a single mom), but they are wonderful – sweet, kind, caring, smart, etc. My youngest will come up to me out of no where and give me a huge hug and tell me he loves me – totally makes my day!
Rachel (rach3975) said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 2:04 am
I’m thankful for my amazing family: my kids, DH, parents and siblings.
brandy said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 2:06 am
Tomorrow (monday) is the 3 year anniversary of my Grandma’s death and while it’s easy to say I’m thankful for my health. I have to say I’m most thankful for my son. He’s only 6 but he’s always been by my side and knows just when to be silly and get mama into being silly to make my heart feel better.
Lisa(lisabranka) said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 2:07 am
I’m thankful for my health, my job, and my family! 🙂
Shanna Vineyard said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 2:09 am
I am so very grateful for my family. Especially my children…. I think if I didn’t have them in my life…. it would have a lot less meaning and direction. I’m grateful to be a mom. ♥
nancy79 said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 2:43 am
I’m thankful for a day well spent with my family; nice weather, great food. Just a very nice day!
Lani said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 2:44 am
Today I’m grateful my almost two year old son has been full of smiles and giggles. Not a tantrum in sight!
rachelle said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 2:44 am
i am thankful for my little guy…when i’m stressed from my job and outside sources he does something silly or he gives me a kiss or tells me he loves me and i can’t help but smile and realize that things really aren’t that bad…
Mari said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 2:49 am
Today I am feeling thankful that I have a job that can support my son and I and that thanks to my wonderful family members and my job, we are going on our first real vacation this week to visit my favorite cousin.
clearskies said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 2:53 am
I am thankful for my sweet baby making it through open heart surgery like a champ and now getting to live a ‘normal’ life.
Kassy said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 2:58 am
I am thankful for my husband too. I know I do not tell him or show him how much I appreciate him as much as I should. But he is always so supportive of me and I love him more all the time.
Helen (winipeg1) said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 3:00 am
I am thankful for my family, my little girl and husband, and thankful that we are all healthy and happy.x
Leontine78 said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 3:08 am
I am thankful that I can enjoy every day coming with my soon to be husband and our cats.
Jacinda said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 3:11 am
I’m thankful that I have great in-laws. I hear so many sad stories of horrible in-law relationships, that it makes me doubly grateful that mine are so lovely. They’re visiting us right now, due to go home tomorrow, and I’ll actually be sad to see them go.
Chloe said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 3:15 am
Love this first post!! I’m thankful for my family and friends that support me and my bad temper, I’m thankful to have a hobby I love and time to practice it, and I’m thankful to be in pretty good health, despite infertility. Oh, and I’m thankful modern medicine gives me the chance to overcome infertility and get pregnant one day!
mrshobbes said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 3:26 am
So excited about this new format 🙂 And how funny that your post is about gratitude, because just last night I was with friends and sharing how grateful I am for Mark’s health. He underwent major surgery last week and for a few days was really weak. But once he started feeling better it’s just be go, go, go! Those scary days I was feeling frustrated because I couldn’t do anything for him. In the end, I realized I had to trust the doctors who were attending to him, and surrender his healing to God. Now he’s pretty much back to normal, and I’m so so grateful we decided to have his procedure done and that he’s recovering nicely. I’m also so grateful for my own health–it’s not perfect, but I am not sick, injured, or with a debilitating disease, which is more than what I can say for a lot of people I know 🙂 That being said, I’m also grateful it’s Sunday here!! Lots of time to scrap and just laze about 🙂
Jennifer (littlekiwi) said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 4:12 am
I couldn’t have done without the support of my whole family for the 2nd half of last year especially my grandmother who kept my spirits up when I was really sick.
Adrianka [helenvader] said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 4:16 am
I’m thankful for having good friends who I can talk (not only) about anything that’s troubling me. Friends are so important in a girl’s life. 🙂
Zora (DeepGirl) said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 4:55 am
…thankful for my friend Adriana (helenvader) who can always make me laugh no matter if the issue is funny or bittersweet.
Anna said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 5:09 am
I am thankful my fabulous family!
Milmomma/brittney said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 5:40 am
I am really thankful for long distant friends that share there amazing designs after long days when I just want to cry. And even better chances to work with her in the future!
Rachael said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 6:55 am
I am thankful for my 2 kids!
Marie said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 6:58 am
Even though my DH passed a little over 8 years ago, I feel that he was the greatest blessing in my life. Without him I would never have had my 2 wonderful children or my granddaughter. I still carry things I learned from our life together with me every day and in a way he still makes me a stronger person every day.
Kara said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 7:17 am
I’m going through some dark days myself, but I am so thankful for my kids and some special one-on-one time that I had with each of them yesterday. 🙂
Tracie (TracerM) said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 7:36 am
I am thankful for my family and friends. I know that they are always there for me and can lift my spirit when I need it.
RealRach said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 7:50 am
I have a lot of things I am grateful for but to keep it short I will say simply, my will power. Over the last year and half I have successfully lost over 75 lbs and kept it off. I never thought I could do it so I am very grateful for my ability to STICK TO IT! Looking forward to the changes here too!
Jennifer said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 8:01 am
I am incredibly thankful for my husband. We’ve been married longer than anyone thought we’d ever make it, through some incredibly rough and trying times, and we’ve managed to come through stronger. Even though sometimes he drives me crazy, I can’t imagine being without him.
eggshell1976 said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 8:09 am
This post has come at a great time for me. This Thursday Stephen & I are celebrating 10 years of marriage. We have been through a lot in those 10 years but he has always been my rock. I could not ask for a better person to share my life with.
Giseli Freitas said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 8:15 am
I am thankful for the many, many, blessings I have in my life: my family, a wonderful and healthy child, an amazing DH. But today I am specially thankful for having the opportunity to sit here in my desktop, with a nice internet connection and do what I love to do: read blogs, do my scrapbook, make some friends, laugh and learn a lot with them… all sit here in my tiny and messy home office. 🙂
Sarah8914 said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 8:23 am
Well, I didn’t get much sleep last night because of my new baby… but, I got up to beautiful RAIN!!!! I am so very grateful for the rain today. 🙂 (and of course all the usual things….)
Melissa said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 8:27 am
I am thankful for life. I know that sounds odd but when I was told my daughter would never see her first birthday I was completely freaked out & promised myself that I wouldn’t let a moment go by where I was “too busy” to stop and enjoy my kids. Now she’s two and a half and my little miracle baby.She’s still facing challenges and she’s over coming them all. I don’t take a single moment for granted. And not just with her, but with my aunts, cousins, family & friends as well. You never really know when that ‘last moment’ will come.
Valgal said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 8:45 am
Like some of us I’m going through a lot right now and I’m so grateful for my older sister who flew from Colorado to Michigan, spur-of-the-moment, just to come to my aid. If you were sitting down for a cup of coffee with me I’d tell you all the details because it’s amazing what she helped (and is still helping me) me get through.
So sweet about your husband, I have one of those too 🙂 I hope you keep recovering!
Val (Valgal)
Sandy/tx-nana-scraps said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 9:02 am
Love your comments about your hubby. Jim & I will celebrate our 48th anniversary this December and he has been so caring the whole time. I’ve had back & neck operations in the past and he’s taken over doing things so many times. He still will empty the dishwasher (in fact as I write this at 8 AM he is doing just that now!)
He will vacuum, make the bed, run the washing machine…keeping whites together without colors…he grocery shops, cooks, etc. He’s been my strength forever and I don’t know what I’d do with him!!! Thanks for asking!
Sprauncey1 said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 9:03 am
I am very thankful for my youngest son, I had some very scary and dark dreams last night about him and his health and woke up to reality and realized just how blessed I am he is alive and healthy!!
Vanessa (nesser1981) said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 9:16 am
I’m thankful for my healthy, cancer free daught that will turn 6 in 2 short weeks and my crazy, over active 3 year old son that keeps life interesting.
Melanie (melrio) said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 9:35 am
Life around here has been crazy with our grown son and his family issues but we are thankful for each moment and know that we will pull thru. Its our way of learning new lessons about life. We’ll be stronger in the end. Thanks for the chance. Blessings to All.
Heather (isaacsmom) said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 9:38 am
I am so thankful for my two beautiful boys and a mostly uneventful year of health for my youngest who will shortly turn one!
Ethereal_sheep said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 10:24 am
I’m thankful for my bubby, my family, and the opportunity to pursue my dream job!
celeste said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 10:33 am
great post libby! what a way to kick off the 365 days of bliss. 🙂
i’m thankful for my family, my health, and my friends!
kristijoy said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 10:35 am
There are so many things to be thankful for! Today I am so thankful for my Mom, who is just the best Grandma ever! My son has been so happy the last few days!
Crystal/ cbettua said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 10:46 am
I am so thankful for my Husband and two wonderful boys. God gave my family such blessings!
Andrea said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 11:57 am
Great post Libby, hope you mend real soon x
jengerbread88 said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 12:33 pm
I’m thankful for family, especially right now. Two of my aunts passed away this week, and it’s just very hard to cope with… but my family is so much a part of me, a part of my life, that I am blessed, despite being very sad about the situation.
Ginger_79 said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Family is a big thing for me as well. I constantly feel blessed! Today I was the one cheering my sister up. We are so close and I just love that. I have no clue , how I’d get through life without her.
taracotta7 said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 12:35 pm
I am thankful for my family. My immediate and extended family….we are a very tight group. I am blessed to have each and every one of them in my life.
Stacy said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 12:49 pm
I KNOW that I am blessed. A month ago, DH called me from work (he’s a trucker) telling me that he had passed out behind the wheel. He wasn’t hurt…nobody else was hurt…and all that was broken was his rear view mirror and passenger window. He had to stay in the hospital for about 12 hours…scads of tests were run…and everything checked out fine. He can’t work for awhile, and that is scary in this economy, but God is good and we are managing to make ends meet on his disability check. I know that things could have wound up much differently, and I am so grateful that I still have my husband here with me.
Amanda P (apphotos) said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 12:58 pm
I am so thankful for everyday I get to wake up on this Earth. Every day is a blessing, no matter what happens. The good, the bad, the beautiful, happy, sad…all a stepping stone in our path & journey here.
Happy Now said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 1:09 pm
What a nice post, Libby! Glad to hear you have recovered from your procedure…
2011 has gotten off to a rough start for my family, but I am thankful for my two healthy, sweet boys (the subjects of almost all of my layouts…). 🙂 Happy May!
irish_eyes22 said...
on May 1st, 2011 at 1:15 pm
I’m so thankful for my two healthy children and (most of the time, lol) wonderful hubby!! Life seems to have rough patches – more so lately – but my family remains strong & healthy. I’m truly grateful for that! 😀