Thursday Thanks Tank #213

My thankful list on this Thursday, Sept 22:

My father-in-law. It's his birthday. I am thankful for all that he does for his family. I am thankful for the way he parented my husband. I am thankful for how much he shows others he cares. I am thankful for the way he loves my mother-in-law.

A trail run with a friend. I went on a trail run with my friend this morning. She is the best running partner I have ever had. We're sole sisters. But, unfortunately, our schedules have been such that we haven't been able to run together in a long time. This morning was wonderful. The miles flew by and the smiles were big. We laughed and talked and ran. It was very, very nice.

Neighbors.  I met a neighbor of mine today and if my first impression is right, we are going to be good friends. She is probably a little younger than my parents. I love her already. We talked for a long time. And when we were done and said it's great to meet, we finished the meeting with a hug. That's a good feeling.

Rain and sunshine. They make rainbows.

Amazon Prime. I am such a last minute person. The free two day shipping is a life saver time and time again. The one day shipping came in handy this week.

Brownies. They are in the oven. They are going to be a nice surprise for my kids, three of which are getting ready to get home from practice.

My Dishwasher and my Washer and Dryer. I will never run out of dishes to wash and I will never get caught up on washing and folding and putting up clothes. I cannot imagine my life without these appliances. I would struggle. I just cannot even imagine.

People who challenge me. Challenges are good. Sometimes people purposely challenge me. I have a friend who constantly posts motivational quotes on FB. I have other friends that encourage me to eat well. Other times people challenge me because to me they are challenging people. I grow through these interactions. I am thankful for my challenges- both the ones I welcome and the ones that I'd rather avoid.

Yard work. I spent just about 30 minutes pulling weeds today. I love being outside and getting my hands dirty. I love working with plants. I simply love being outside and working with nature.

Music. This morning before work and school, we listened to Rocky Top, Sweet Home Alabama and Coming Home. I love music and how some songs have a special meaning.

Thursday Thanks Tank #212

My life is so busy I cannot keep up with it. The funny part about that is that the core of my busyness is my kids' activities. It's become ever important that I pause to notice, appreciate and make time for small things.

Today, at this moment on this Thursday, September 8th, I am thankful for these things:

Carpools. As hard as it is to get my kids everywhere they need to be, I couldn't do it without several carpools. Often I have to have 2 kids in two places at the same time. That's simple, as long as my husband is in town and he isn't always in town. There have been a few times where I needed to be in three places. It gets so interesting. We are doing the football/cheer carpool tonight. So, while my husband was picking up three kids to add to our van of three kids, I was taking my oldest from cross country practice to band practice.

A quiet moment. Or, rather, being able to be still in the quiet moment. I have an hour before I have to go pick up my son. I got home about 20 minutes ago and as soon as I got home I started to do one of many, many things I need to do. Then, I sat down and just listened. I listened and I paused and I decided to think about all that I appreciate.

My new home. This past weekend we moved into our new home. We went from renting to owning and it feels sooo good. Yes, we have owned before. Yes, we actually still own another home in another state on the other side of the country. But, feels wonderful. It feels amazing to be in a home we own. I can't even explain it so I will stop trying. I am just happy to be where we are and have a feeling we are going to stay awhile.

My bathtub. Seriously. I'm putting that out there. The last two houses we rented did not have a master bath. Seriously. I could shower or go to the kids bath. This house has it's very own garden tub. I looove it.

My Yeti. I drink water from my Yeti like it is the best drink ever. I love how cold my Yeti keeps water.

A new desk. I spent a few days over the weekend looking at Craig's List for a desk. My husband sometimes works from home and we really wanted to get a desk for him to use. On Sunday, I popped on Facebook 2 minutes after a friend of mine advertised a desk on a FB community site- for free. It just happened, just like that. She was thrilled to give it to someone she knows and I am thrilled to have something that meets our immediate needs.

A memory. One of my Facebook memories from today was the night before my second son, David, started Kindergarten. The last part of the status went like this: "Let's see, school supplies - check. Life saving medicine - check. Emotions - not in check." The memory made me smile. He's in 7th grade now and he has never had to use his Epipen at school. School has gone well. So many people have kept him safe over the years, both actively at school and in prayer. I am so very thankful for that memory and the reminder that David's peanut allergy has only caused inconveniences and not allergic reactions at school.

Arguments. So the other day my husband and I got into a small argument. It blossomed quickly and grew into all kinds of irritation and smashed feelings. And even in the middle of it-- okay, no- not the middle of it. more like toward the end when I just wanted to work it all out (and hear him apologize. just kidding. sorta)-- I knew I loved him. I am not thankful for the argument, really. I am thankful for what I see when the dust settles (dirt stops flying). I thankful for the love we have and the desire we have to mend brokenness when it happens. I am thankful for a healthy, hearty relationship.

My family. I have an outstanding family. My kids impress me. My husband works hard. My parents celebrated 48 years of marriage yesterday. My grandma turned 90 this summer. My sister listens. My sister challenges me to be a better person. My husband loves me. My in-laws encourage me. I have a unique, very diverse family and each person's influence on me is something I appreciate.

My dogs. I have no idea why they have been so quiet since I got home. I kinda wonder what they are into. It's like having toddlers all over again. They are my babies. They make me smile... unless they got into something...

Thursday Thanks Tank #211

When love is so powerful, so visible it leaves you in awe...


Today as I was waiting in line at the grocery store checkout line, I smiled at a man buying flowers. He had two colorful bouquets of mixed flowers.  He looked so happy, it just made me smile.

Being as I was right behind him, I couldn't help but over hear his conversation with the cashier.

"How was your wife's birthday?"
"Not bad. Not bad at all."
"I took her flowers and birthday cake. (happy chuckle) I even took her birthday cake. I put a candle in it for her and then blew it out."
"It was nice. The fresh flowers looked nice on the gravestone."

Stunned. I processed what he had just said.

"Are you taking these flowers to her tomorrow?"
"No, I am going to ride tomorrow. I'll take them the day after that."

They made small talk. My heart was still.

When I walked out to my car, the jovial man, was talking to a friend he came upon in the parking lot. I walked by his jeep, and caught sight of the 'In Loving Memory' window decal.
Beneath her name, it said, "Loving wife, Best friend and Soulmate. Forever Loved, Forever Cherished." There were the dates of her life. The years were 1961-2009.
2009.
Be still my heart.

This man still celebrates and honors her birthday.
He talks about her with a love resounding from his voice. So much so that if I hadn't heard him mention her gravestone, I would have thought he was one extremely loving husband.
He is.

It's still overwhelms me to consider his heart.

So, tonight, I am thankful for love. I am thankful that we- that I- can love and love deeply.

Thursday Thanks Tank #210

A few things I am thankful for:

Fuzzy socks
Goldfish (the edible kind)
carpools
pictures
second chances
my puppies
teachers
getting somewhere on time
hugs
faith
questions
questions I can't answer (because they make me think)
chocolate
getting to see out of town family
optimism
honesty (though it can be very, very hard, I know it is a good thing)
a new washer and dryer (yay!)
having enough gas to get there and back
our kitchen table
a game of uno
my phone
a quiet house
discontentment (sometimes, in some areas, it is a good thing to long for more)
people who yield
tickling and giggles
our military
and military families
a cool day with sunshine
an enjoyable book

Thursday Thanks Tank #209

I am thankful for:

Phone calls
Cooler temps. I'm talkin' low eighties! Gotta love Florida.
My puppies. They are five months old.
Lemonade stands.
Kind people who stop at lemonade stands. My kids have been doing lemonade stands to earn money for their school. My daughter's teacher had her husband (and dog!) stop by. And one of the last customers donated $20.
A great run. I've enjoyed some nice runs with friends lately but yesterday. I ran on my own and I kept a good pace. It felt great.
New friendships.
Pictures.
My husband wanting to talk to me. This list would be longer but my husband and I kept talking. It's a good problem to have. I just love talking to him.
Sleep... Zzzzzzz.....

Thursday Thanks Tank #208

I have been going through a desert. I chose the dry land but I didn't recognize it for what it was. It was desolate. Beautiful but barren. Space to breathe but more space than I needed.
I am thankful for being called out of the wilderness.

I am also thankful for these things and so much more:
My friend's husband's safe return from a deployment to Africa. So wonderful to see a family reunited!
The kindness of strangers. Recently my 10 year old and 7 year old did a lemonade stand to earn money for their elementary school. They earned $97.50 in just over two hours. People were more than kind with donations. It was heartwarming.
The kindness of friends and family. Many of my friends, most of whom don't know my kids, and family donated to their fundraiser efforts. Super sweet.
Schools and Teachers. My kids spend many, many hours at school. I am thankful for everyone who is dedicating their time to my kids. Teachers give so much to my kids.
Honesty. I am thankful for those moments when you see a true honesty and it gives insight into the complexity of a relationship.
My recliner. The kids keep trying to claim it. It's my favorite chair and I love it. Sitting in it right now, as a matter of fact.
My puppies. We got 2 miniature schnauzers this summer. They are the sweetest things. It has taken a little longer than it should have to potty train them what with the chaos of our house, but I think they are doing great. My daughter asked me today why I talk to them like my sons. (Oh sweetie, they will still be here when you have all spread your wings to fly away.) Speaking of talking to them... I do it all the time.
A rare moment of clarity. I had the wherewithal (I really like that word, by the way) today to realize I needed to skip an activity to tend to an overrun to do list. Everything had been snowballing for a while and I realized that I could stop and give attention to areas that needed attention. It was good to know what I needed to do and not have any doubt about it.
Maturity. No, am not thinking of mine- ha! I have had several moments lately when I have seen my older sons (14 and 12) seem to mature before my eyes. They are making better decisions. It's so amazing to watch them grow and mature.
Laughter. My family laughs a lot. I love it. Love, love, love it!

Thursday Thanks Tank #207: FAAW

I am thankful that my son has not had a reaction to peanuts during elementary school.
I am thankful for the teachers that have worked with me over the years to provide safe options for my son when food was part of a school event.
I am thankful for my son's extremely careful attitude.
I am thankful for a new discovery of Barney's Almond Butter. It's peanut free!
I am also thankful for Blue Diamond Almonds. Also peanut free!
I am thankful for friends who listen to me rant about allergy frustrations.
I am thankful for modern medicine.
I am thankful for understanding from others.
I am thankful that my son knows other students with food allergies.
I am thankful that my husband and I agree on how to manage my son's allergy (including any risks we take).
I am thankful for the companies that take food allergy labeling seriously.
I am thankful our healthy attitude about my son's severe peanut allergy.
I am thankful for FAAN (Food Allergy and Awareness Network) and FARE (Food Allergy and Research Education).
I am thankful for Twitter and being able to do searches on "#foodallergy" or "#peanutallergy"  That took has been invaluable.
I am thankful for FAAW (Food Allergy Awareness Week) and the focus if gives me for the week.
I am thankful that my son has been kept safe.

Thursday Thanks Tank #205

Each week, in an effort to focus on thankfulness, I make a gratitude list. It's not a complete list. It is a great exercise for growing gratefulness. Sometimes I post it. I haven't been good at posting consistently for a while.

I am thankful for:

Cooler temperatures for running
Vacation
A trip away without kids
My parents
My parents being willing and able to watch my kids
chocolate
An allergy safe Halloween
An allergy safe week while I was away
Pictures
Candles- just ordered some, can't wait to get them
Exciting news
Expectant moms
Sleep
Coffee (because I don't wake up quickly)
New experiences
Confidence (exhibited in a child that once had very little)
An ability to let go
Being able to love the unlovable
the fun of college football (come on, Bama, we need this win on Saturday!)
Birthday celebrations
Amazon Prime (without it, an upcoming birthday would be more stressful)
My mom's fudge (which my kids have convinced her to make every time they see her... it's not just for the holidays any more!)
My husband (still hard at work...  love the holidays...shop Amazon!)
Crockpot dinners on  busy nights
Incredible teachers
Being able to recognize myself (my traits- both positive and negative) in my kids
Seeing my child persevere
Laughter
School pictures
Snail mail
Direct flights
Goals
Love.

Thursday Thanks Tank #204

I am thankful for:

New friends.
New running friends.
New trails to run on.

Encouragement.
A health assessment that indicates what I feel- that I am getting healthier.
Moments of Bonding with my teenager.
Fall. It's just slightly cooler- ever, ever so slightly.
My daughter's new friend. They've worked out our schedule. Last week, playdate at our house, this week playdate at her house, next week our house and on and on. It's precious.
New recipes, including this Pizza Casserole from Paula Deen.

A new favorite tree.

Rainbows in my backyard.

Thursday Thanks Tank #203

I appreciate.

the rain.
my morning coffee.
my yard.
trees.
sweet tea.
the sound of the dishwasher.
the sound of my husband snoring
... okay, sometimes. only sometimes.
chocolate covered pomegranates.
(I do not appreciate that they come in a Costco bag. yes, I do. No, I don't. Um, ya.)
my kids' teachers.
online bill pay.
having a trip planned.

Thankful Thursday #202 on Friday

Yesterday was the kind of day when nothing went well.
It started at breakfast when my tooth broke while I was eating breakfast. Apparently, my old filing was no longer sufficient and decay occurred under it. That was a really bad way to start a day. I scrambled to get the kids to school while I was panicking about my tooth. I got an early dentist appointment. I found out that my break was the worst kind of break possible. My mouth was numb for 4 hours. I wept at home. When I went to get my son from school, he was crying. We went back in to talk to one of his teachers. It wasn't the best impromptu conference with a teacher I hadn't met before. I am disappointed- not with my child but with the teacher that my son meets with once a week. Needless to say, my son came home in a grumpy mood. After a few shouting sessions between him and his siblings, I sequestered him in his room with a snack and a good book. Oh, and during the the shouting sessions, the relator called. The house we rent is up for sale. We are planning to move this summer. The house was shown on Wednesday. The relator was calling to tell me that they put an offer on the house and that she is going to try to talk them into letting us continue to lease for the next few months until school is out. And if that doesn't happen... no stress there.
My tooth was still hurting. I went to bed early after a glass of wine.
Yesterday was just a bad day.

Today is a new day and I am determined to be thankful.

I am thankful for:

My husband who lovingly took care of me yesterday when I wasn't at my best
My brother-in-law coming home from his 10 month deployment TODAY!
My son excelling playing the trumpet in jazz band. His second jazz band concert this week is tonight.
Sunshine. The weather here is gorgeous. Bring on spring!
Music. The best part of yesterday was the run I squeezed in. I really enjoyed escaping to the sounds of my music.
Coffee. A hot cup early in the morning is just perfect.
Flowers. I have some pretty annuals I am going to put in pots today. Again, bring on Spring!
Humility. I just volunteered in my son's class. The whole class was reprimanded because so many of them forgot to bring things to class today. My son was included in the group. He forgot a journal, which he was certain he had put in his 3 ring notebook. He was visibly upset. His teacher didn't buy his 'I think it fell out' response. Upon returning home, I found that I had taken it out of his notebook when I took out the 'leave at home' papers. I humbly went back to his class and apologized to him. Oh sure, I could have waited until he was home but I knew he would be relieved to know it wasn't his fault.
The local sandwich shop. About once a week I treat myself to a sandwich from the local sandwich shop. I love supporting local businesses. I also love a good sandwich.
Coloring pages. My new thing to do with my daughter is color. It's been a fun together activity. She's even willing to let me color on the pages when she is in school. I haven't done that yet but you never know what this afternoon will bring.
The weekend. I'm ready for the weekend. It is going to be a nice mix of activities and relaxing.

I am going to continue to focus on being thankful today.
I'm also focusing on this verse:

From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2

Thursday Thanks Tank #202

I am thankful for:

A new phone. Last Fall, I dropped my phone.

I got a new phone yesterday and I am just extremely happy about it. I can see the words again. And, wow- the pictures are so clear when they don't have cracks all over them!

A found blanket. My daughter's blanket -the one she has had since her first day in the hospital- was missing for two days. Tonight, she asked me to pray to ask God to help us find "Bobby." We found it shortly after she went to bed. She had hid with it and left it in her hiding place.

A visit with family. My brother-in-law is in town. It's special to see the kids get excited about seeing family. It's also just great to catch up.

A visit with best friends. Our friends that are close as family- so close that the kids tell people they are cousins- came to visit last weekend. It was refreshing. I laughed until I cried. We talked late into the night. We also did a little sight-seeing. I am thankful we got to take our friends to see Lake Tahoe.

 



Rain. Nevada needs precipitation. It rained last night and it was so nice. It's forecasted to rain again tomorrow and I'm pretty happy about that.

Dark Chocolate Pomegranate. Seriously. I am thankful for these and thankful when they are gone. I cannot stop eating them once they are opened. They are heavenly.

For my son's friend and his parents who are going out of their way to accommodate him and his peanut allergy. My son is going to a sleep-over this weekend. He is so excited. This is a milestone of sorts. While it isn't his first sleep-over, it is a new experience. They don't live next door and they aren't our super close friends or family. Tonight, as I went over all of the food that the kids will have at the party, I was touched by the mom's consideration and planning. Her son has been asking my son about food he can have and she has already bought him a safe alternative dessert he can enjoy when the other kids are having cake.

These are a few of the things I am thankful for tonight.
Take time to be thankful. It's time well-spent.

Thursday Thanks Tank #200

Well, this #200 Thanks Tank has been a long time coming.


Today I am thankful for my brother-in-law, Josh.

I most certainly met Josh in Kindergarten. It's possible we met at church before that but I can't remember that far back. Besides, I have a picture from Kindergarten:

Weren't we cute? It's hard to imagine that I was sharing crayons with my future husband's brother. 

We were also in 1st grade together. (The picture says 2nd grade but so does the next year's picture. They mislabeled this one- or I skipped first grade and repeated 2nd grade twice.)

We went through school together. We went to the same church. We went to youth group together and on youth church trips. 

In fact, it wasn't until I was a senior in high school that I noticed his little brother. 

A week ago, Josh almost died. He suffered a pulmonary embolism and he has been in ICU all week.
While he isn't awake yet, he is improving every day.

I am thankful that Josh is alive- So very, very thankful.
I am thankful that his parents (my in-laws) drove out to see him when they heard he wasn't well. They literally saved his life by being there and calling for an ambulance. They drove from TN to CO because they felt like they needed to be there. They were so right.
I am thankful for Josh being such a great dad to his boys (age 12, 10, and 7). He is essentially a single dad. While he shares custody with his ex-wife, he has the boys M-F. He is such an involved, caring dad.
I am thankful for Josh being a good big brother to my husband and their other 3 siblings. I love listening to family stories. Those kids had a lot of fun growing up together.
I am thankful for the doctors that have been working and with Josh.
I am thankful for the nurses who have been taking care of Josh.
I am thankful that my husband and his other 3 siblings could all travel to be with Josh.
I am thankful for the many people who are praying for Josh.
I am thankful for the prayer. So many people are praying for Josh. I pray longingly and with deep heartache but I have to say, I am touched by the simple, sweet prayers that my children offer each night for Josh.
I am thankful for Josh.
I am so very thankful he is alive. If you will, be praying for him

Thursday Thanks Tank #199

I am thankful for these things and more:

coffee in the morning
a successful frugal shopping trip
a recent camping trip
southern living magazine
a bouquet of flowers
a family hike
2 pregnant friends
a good visit at the allergist's office
a 2nd practice that went better than the 1st
homemade popsicles
my son's trip to camp
discovering photos that other people took of my son at camp
a rare afternoon of showers
the smell of rain
18 years of marriage

Such a mess~ Thursday Thanks Tank #198

It's Thursday. Where did the week go? This summer has been flying by...I cannot believe there are only 3 weeks of summer break left. I am very thankful for summer break. I've enjoyed time at the water park, running, chauffeuring my son to and from soccer camp, having neighborhood kids over, going camping, chauffeuring my kids to and from swim lessons, having the whole family at VBS -working and participating, late evenings, slow mornings, eating outside on the patio and more... tonight we are headed to the drive-in movies. I love summer. I am thankful for the relaxed schedule and my messy house. My house is so incredibly messy right now because I have been taking more time off than normal to have fun with the family. The living room is a spread of toys. The kids are in the middle of it right now. We were going to clean the toys up today but we decided -after very little deliberation- it could stay until tomorrow. I am behind, so behind,  on cleaning clutter piles, doing the laundry, cleaning the floors... okay, I'm not even going to keep thinking about all of the things I am behind on. The mess- this current mess- is just a sign that my time has been filled with more important activities. Oh, I do find it hard to relax in the mess... but somehow -much to my amazement- I've manage to keep up with the important and let go of what can be put aside. It is summer and I am enjoying it as much as I can. The mess can wait. I anticipate another night when my husband and I call the kids to "come quick" because we hear the ice cream truck. I look forward to the next night of talking to my husband as we sit on our front porch swing. It will get dark as we talk. The kids will be running around outside in their bare feet that are so dirty they look black. They will be up later much than they should. And, it will be wonderful.
I love summer.

I am thankful for summer break.

Thursday Thanks Tank #197

I am thankful for these things and much more:

early morning runs
evening runs with my 12 year old
new shoes
the corner lemonade stand put on by the kids on our street
a successful (fairly quiet) trip to the library with all 4 kids
a new cooking light dessert recipe that the whole family loves
summer break and slowing down
camping trips on the calendar
date night
my dad
confidence
selling things on craig's list
finding a great deal on craig's list
having passes to the local water park
date night - oh wait, I already mentioned that one...

I'm headed out to enjoy a kid-free evening.

Thursday Thanks Tank: 196

I've been thinking about my thankfulness all day. It is late but I desperately want to write out some thankful thoughts, anyway. Bare with me, this list will probably be shorter and choppy.
I am thankful. for these things and so much more:

accomplishing a goal - ran my first 5k this past weekend!
healing - all of the kids are back in school, as of Wednesday
MOPS- it was wonderful to make it to the group this week
funny things my kids say
a happy trumpet player- it was wonderful to watch my son having a good time during his concert tonight
honesty
flowers starting to bloom
finishing a book - there is something fantastic about getting lost in a book for a few days
fresh fruit - I forgot how much I like cuties.
my husband's job
a call from a friend who had tips to share about our upcoming Disneyland trip
finding out that our local baseball team will have a peanut-free day this year - I will be so much more relaxed at the game
a good listener
setting aside the necessary for the important- I didn't get all of the work done around the house today, but I did play with my daughter
Rainbows - I love them. Still can't believe I caught that shot from yesterday's post on my phone

Think about what you appreciate. Take time for gratitude.

Thursday Thanks Tank #195

This day was not what I expected. 
I stayed home with a sick child. One child was sick Sun-Tues and made it back to school on Wed. Now, another child is sick. 
It wasn't what I had planned. Quite frankly, I was not happy this morning with the prospect of being home with a sick child. When I looked at him, my mothering heart wanted to comfort him and take care of him but when I was not with him, my heart was grumbling. 
My grumpiness melted away as I went through the day... or perhaps it was it as I drank my second cup of coffee
Today wasn't bad. It was a low-key. I moved through the day, being productive, while letting my son rest. I decided to focus on thankfulness and then make a batch of cookies... or banana bread. 
I did part of that... I focused on thankfulness. Then the afternoon got busier and busier and the day turned into night.

I started this thankful list mid-afternoon and I am finishing it just before bed. 

I am thankful for:

chocolate - Even just a few chocolate chips can be perfect sometimes.
appointments scheduled - This week, I got some appointments scheduled that I've needed to schedule for months.
houseplants - I recently grew some spider plants from offshoots from another spider plant. My 7 year old said he wishes we could make our house look like a jungle.
Tylenol - thankful for how it can bring down a fever and bring pain relief 
Our trampoline - My kids and their neighborhood friends spend many hours jumping. I love that the kids like to congregate in our backyard.
knowing other allergy parents - Today is Pi day. Another allergy kid's mom called this week to ask if she could provide a piece of pie for her son and mine when the class was having Pi. What a wonderful treat to have another parent that not only understands the allergy but gets that it is fun for our boys to have the same food as someone else in class.
Strawberries - I love them.
The gym - sometimes I just cannot get exercise in at the "right" time. I am thankful the gym is open late and that I can go at night when necessary. Also, I am thankful for the childcare so I can go and take my daughter during the day.
Silly sitcoms and Laughter - My husband and I enjoy laughing together at a few shows. Sometimes it is the perfect end to the day.
Tulips: I enjoyed beautiful cut tulips in my kitchen for much of the week. I love the vibrant color of tulips.
My Kids Reading Books - I watched my oldest laughing to himself as he read a book today. My second son just finished a book - and enjoyed it. It's a major milestone.

I have these things to be thankful for and so much more.

Let your heart be full of Thanksgiving.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4

Thursday Thanks Tank #194

A few things that I am thankful for: 

growing excitement over our upcoming vacation
being able to complete projects

Our Disneyland vacation countdown chain. One chain for each kid and each link has a Disneyland fact.
 


snow and sunshine (all in one day)
home cooked meals
getting together with a friend
the sound of my kids laughing
our trampoline
praying with my family over concerns
a night off while my husband took the kids to the places they needed to be
a library day with my 5 year old
picking a book for my 9 year old - that he wants to read
recognizing when my 11 year old needs a little grace
coffee lovingly delivered to me when I'm having trouble getting going in the morning
reminders from my kids that I'm old (keeps me well grounded)

being a mom

He dedicated his project to me because - I am his mom.

Thursday Thanks Tank #193

I am thankful for:

Owning 2 cars. We paid off my husband's truck this month and now we do not owe anything on either vehicle. It's a good feeling.

School Projects. Last weekend all three of my boys worked on school projects. It took up a good part of our weekend. I am thankful for the projects because I enjoy seeing my kids' creativity. I am in the middle of working on treats to go with a 20 minute presentation my 9 year old is giving tomorrow. Maybe I'll share a picture of the treats later.

Daisies. I have a few daisy bouquets adorning my house right now. I love them. Daisies are the happiest flower for me.

The love of a child. All of my children love me, I have no doubt about it. One of my sons is going through a phase that is constantly building me up and melting my heart. At bedtime last night he asked my husband if he could have me come back to his room, "just so I can see her beautiful face." He emphatically tells me that he will love me forever. He also says that I need to move with him when he is older. And since Daddy goes with Momma, "I guess he will have to come, too." I can't even explain it all but this stage is a gift and I am enjoying it.

Productivity. This is a busy day. I am ahead of schedule at this moment.

Amazon Prime. I put in an order on Wednesday. I ordered it with free  2 day shipping, just hoping the small item would arrive by midday on Friday. It arrived midday today.

Yoplait Greek yougurt. The small cups with the fruit on the bottom are fantastic. It is a small pleasure- but a tasty one.

Freezer Jam. I made strawberry freezer jam this week. Very tasty. I cannot believe I haven't done that before.

Date night. Tomorrow night, my husband and I are going on an over-due date. I say that because it's been a while. We'll enjoy dinner out and a concert. I am thankful that I made these plans. I am als thankful that I now have a babysitter that I really like.

Family. My family isn't perfect. There are many things that I wish I could change or fix. However, I am extremely thankful for my family. I am thankful for the privilege I enjoyed growing up. I am increasingly  aware that many in the world have very, very little. I have been given, through no merit of my own, an abundance.

Hugs. I've been getting and giving a lot of hugs lately. One of my kids cannot let someone leave the house without a hug- or two- or three. It is cumbersome sometimes. As in, "Thank you but I really have to go now." I realize that this is another stage that will one day pass. I also recognize that the whole family has begun hugging more.

Flexible Teachers. I am thankful that my son's teacher was flexible enough to put his presentation at such a time that I can be at his presentation and still make it to my other son's classroom open house.

This Thanks Tank. I am thankful I made time to write down a few of my thankful thoughts before the day got away from me.  I am thankful for this afternoon. Dinner is prepared. The kitchen is clean. We are headed to piano lessons.

I thank God for all of this and much more.