Thankful Thursday - End of 2009

Wow, the end of 2009 already. I can scarcely believe it. Some days I've tiptoed through and through other's I've frolicked and skipped. There is much to look forward to in 2010. I just know it. I have hope. So here is my thankful list in review...

1. Thankful that overall the scale DID register a lower weight in 2009 than at the end of 2008. (Thankful that I'm hopeful I can budge it much lower in 2010)
2. Thankful that I am stepping out and building friendships--something that used to leave me feeling bruised and scared.
3. Thankful that I did not buy a new van in 2009. Seriously!!! The 2011 model is way hot!!!! I can wait.
4. Thankful that my family has been relatively healthy.
5. Thankful that I have been able to find joy in things on a smaller scale.
6. Thankful for a new job that has given me room to grow and relief from a lot of strife.
7. Thankful that everyone of my children have told me at least 10 times how much they love their lives.
8. Thankful that my family has never had to experience the pit of hunger. That God has given us a bounty overflowing.
9. Thankful for the roof over our head's.
10. Thankful that God is bigger that I could ever dream to be.

Happy New Year's to you all. May you enjoy a year fully of rich blessings, extreme health, and joyous surprises.

Christmas In Review - Part 1 (and 2)

I have a big family and we all live relatively close. As in most of us in the same state. So does "the law". So we have multiple Christmases. I love it. My family was supposed to get together last Saturday but we had the biggest snowstorm we've seen in years so not everyone was able to make it--those that live in England and those that could not walk to my house that is.

My big sis made the decision to come in a night earlier. She and her family ended up driving in snow anyway but got to my house safely just in time for everyone to tuck themselves neatly into bed. On Saturday we began cooking because my little brother and his family, at that point, were still coming so there were mouths to feed. Half hour before dinner was to begin he called to say the snow was just too bad. We totally understood. He's the father of a precious little girl and babies A and B. No way we want him risking any lives.

We had a meal prepared so we went ahead with a partial opening of gifts and then sprawled out on couches to chat and rest. It was a good day.

Sunday little bro and his family came over as well as my niece and her hubby. More feasting and present opening ensued and my energetic nieces and my brothers shuffled the kids outside for a girls against boys snowball fight. Ah. THAT was a very nice thing to do.

We cooked a lot, ate a lot and visited a lot. The thing that sticks out most is that I had a very nice relaxed visit with my big sister and her family. It seems that most times when I see her it's in a rush. This was the first time in many years when one of us hasn't been rushing off to get some place else by a certain time.

Maybe that is what a good snowstorm is for. One of those events God created to force us to slow down. Oh, I'm sure there were others that were inconvenienced by the snow event. We certainly had to alter our plans. But the benefits, in my opinion, far outweighed trouble.

Thankful Thursday

Ah, Christmas Eve so exciting. Settled in for the night after enjoying a beautiful Candlelight Service. I would love to be further snuggled in my bed but my husband has decided to set it up as his wrapping station. Man o man he has GOT to get his priorities straight--and mine.

Nonetheless still MUCH to be thankful for.

1. Joy in giving. I can truly say that I had fun doing it this year. There was no grumbling.
2. For this!!! By way of my big sister who spoils me rotten! Let the baking begin!!!

1. For peace. Being experienced right now in my house.
   
2. Convenience food that saves me so many times. Like when all I can think of is shopping lists.
3. Successful hip surgery for my dad.
   
4. That the rain held off for tonight's service.
5. Company. It gives me the feeling that my house is useful.
6. Sisters
7. Brothers
8. Kids, who make Christmas morning so joyful
   

Thankful Thursday

Oh the countdown is far from started and things are falling into place. I know I will awake on January 2nd and wonder, "Where did the holidays go?" No matter. They'll be back again before I can blink. On with my thanks...

1. A girls' night out with my sweet lil lady. (Library and dinner--just us!!)
2. The sweet gift of a free appetizer which brought our dinner bill to a mere TEN dollars!--Thank you very much Cody
3. For several fresh movies FREE from the public library. Ones I have NOT yet viewed. (Could come in real handy as they are calling for snow once again)
4. Cushy sneakers. Vanity trapped my bunion-ized feet in heeled black boots most of the week. How refreshing to switch over to mile-a-minute sneakers with a soft soft landing.
5. Ready-made fancy cookies--very handy when you remember the morning of that you are supposed to provide a plate of them for THAT day and you can't possibly be at work AND at home to bake them at the same time.
6. Great teachers. May they reap their just rewards.
7. Kitchen passes--if you've been following me you know how I stress over dinner.
8. Plenty. No matter what you name I'll say I have it. I can not think of one single thing I don't have that I absolutely NEED right now. (Wants don't count)
9. Great friends. Oh how different each are and oh how God places one after the other in my life at the time I need that particular friend the most. (Stay tuned for the post where I talk about the friend who thanked me for being me. ME! JUST ME!)
10. For air cold enough to warrant mittens this morning thus cushioning a worse outcome of a smashed finger in the car door. It was green most of the day, now a bit purple. VERY THANKFUL that I was able to open the locked door before it fully closed! Yoweeee.

So thank you God for saving me
and letting me live so happily.
You sent your son to a dark dark world
and in doing so saved this old girl.
(and many others too)

Wordless Wednesday - Bleak Bliss

Life is simple, its just not easy. ~Author Unknown

I'm having one of those days where the minute I walked in the house it seemed that utter chaos was reeking havoc on my calm. I'm not sure why. I wasn't stressed when I got home. I had run two rather quick (total of less that 15 minutes) errands. One being the Post Office--I was the ONLY one in line. See what I mean? No reason for stress.

However the "family" had different ideas. "She looked at me." "I did not." "I can't do my homework--you need to help me." "What's for dinner, I'm hungry?" "Is that pizza any good?" "6 minus zero is 5." ??????

?????

????!!!!!!

!!!!!!!

So I am currently in time out. Why? Because I'm tired of looking like the ogre in this house. I can't take it anymore. I can NOT do it all. Can you? If you can tell me how. We are friends right? You aren't reading just to humor me right?

So, even though I feel guilty as sin right now I am holed up in the bedroom. I have a few Christmas cards longing for a handwritten note to be tucked inside. (If your's isn't one of them it isn't because I love you less honest. It's because we FB or actually communicate in person).

Nonetheless I am going to finish these cards and affix stamps to them. I'm going to go to the bathroom (can't do that now because if they hear the toilet flush they will determine my location and my peace will be lost--I sure hope my bladder forgives me). I am going to find some comforting music and get back into the mood that my family deserves from me no matter how I feel. Why? Because that is what is expected of me. By my Savior. He provides for me AND my family even when I am a big fat meanie. So I need to do my best to walk in that light. Can I get an amen? Or at least a hoorah!? Because if there was any time I needed you cheering me in my corner it's right now. I'd do it for you if you asked I promise you that.

Now then, I have cards to write. And a costume to finish, and cookies to bake, and ... and...

Thankful Thursday

The work week is rolling to a close and I'm tired. Doesn't matter though because I have lots of stuff to be thankful for!

1. The beautiful snow we had over the weekend. It was lovely and entertained the kids so nicely.
2. A job that has a nice variety of tasks. I love doing different things. It keeps the boredom at bay.
3. Convenience food. Although I do feel a bit guilty that I haven't cooked too many meals this week. Late days will do that to you.
4. Reduced gas prices! 10 cents cheaper than last week!
5. Winter coats to shield my family from the cold. I had a long walk to my car today and had removed my jacket once there. When I had to step outside to pump gas a bit later I realized just how cccccc-old it is out there.
   
6. Generous children. It's been so neat to watch them get excited about getting their siblings Christmas presents.
7. Sleep. Have I said that before? Seems I have. I crave it. Sooo thankful for it.
8. Cordless phones. Especially when you have to make a call and are sitting snuggly under a warm computer and would rather have it BROUGHT to you. No comments about my laziness please-I'm already feeling guilty enough about that.
9. Patience. Something I was able to practice on Monday when the future pilot shut down on me without warning and could not be consoled. I got on my haunches to get eye level and he leaned into me and I fell over. Right. In. The. Middle. Of. The. Christian Bookstore. Oh if that wasn't a sight. We went to the car and I played 40 questions in askance for the reason for his mood, with ever answer being, 'no' until I asked, "Do you want me to sit in that seat next to you and hold you?" To which he replied with a nod. 30 minutes later he was ready to move on. Thank you Jesus ever so much for slowing me down when I'm in the rush of things. Especially since I know the snuggles of my growing future pilot are numbered.
10. That "the Law" is NOT working eve shift this weekend. Hallelujah praise you God. Some normalcy.

Thank you God for another winner of a week. I love You.

Wordles Wednesday - I Finally Spilled The Beans

Lights!

Armed with things we really like...
We admired this guy upon a bike.
Brightly lit mids threw off their hats,
A red crustacean thought he was one cool cat.
A big cuddly bear bid a gigantic hi,
and an airplane headed for the sky.

For the third straight year the future pilot slept through the entire thing. I suppose the drive is just too much for him. The airplane was a new addition this year too. Oh well. Maybe we'll make it out that way again before it ends.

Two (or more) For Tea

What an exciting day! I sucked up my "what if's" and attended our Ladies Tea with the ladies at my church. I don't get out much and I should. I've said that before. Even less do I invest in good fellowship with the abundantly rich souls that can be found right in my very own church community. I have my reasons. None of them good. They all begin with "what if" but we'll save that topic for another day.

Today, I didn't let anything stop me. What excuse did I have? The ladies ministry offered free childcare! I didn't even let the threat of snow convince me that it was a "sign" not to go. I went. I met ladies I've walked by for years yet never truly held a conversation with. Oh and no, giving baby instructions (or taking them) does not count.

In a beautiful city. In a quaint little tavern. On a rainy day. How better to converse then over tea?
Not wanting to impose on those in the party I didn't do any photo snapping until the waitstaff was cleaning up.
I can vouch that the place was decorated very festively.
And the walk back to the car was enjoyable and scenic.
And that silly old snow, though frosting my windows, didn't pick up too heavy until I was home.

Thank you to to all of you who made this day possible. I had a great time and can't wait until we meet again.

Thankful Thursday Friday

Sorry for being so lame and not posting this on it's appointed day. Yesterday was quite a busy day. Filled with gratitude for it though (and for the cyber break).

1. Public libraries and patience to keep going back and following around my favorite lil girl in the world while she "finds" her place there.
   "Mom, do they have non-fiction books here?"
   "Yes. What exactly do you want to read about?"
   "Um. Hmm. I don't know. Hmm."
   "Start with this...person place or thing."
   "Thing."
   "What KIND of thing?"
   "Um, cookbooks?" (found 'em, next?) "What about fish?"
   We came home with a books about bats, and gorillas. Go figure. God bless the book
   selection though. We are getting there.
   
   Oh and both kids (I picked for the future pilot since he stayed home with "the-Law") got books by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers. If you haven't seen these books yet you MUST. Ingenious illustrations! (You can check out some of the art work here http://morarwen.multiply.com/photos/album/1/Saxton_Freymanns_Food_Art)
2. Soothing Christmas lights. The tree is up and it is beautiful. The lights are twinkly and pleasing
3. Children who, though rambunctious, share good times together
4. My favorite first born, who promises me he is going to roll up his sleeves and help me get the basement converted into a workout area and place for the kids to go wild without harming themselves (padded cells come to mind--for me...)
5. Eggs! LOVE 'em
6. Patient husbands who, when their frustrated wives throw in the cooking towel now and then, muster up and grab a bowl of cereal
7. Mints. Not as much as gum mind you but, well, when you can't have gum...
8. Sleep. People this is soooo under-rated!
9. i-Pods. A device which allows you to finally here your children sing without them tell you to stop listening. Is it me or do kids just think you can't hear them because THEY can't hear them?
10. Warm fuzzy pj's (they go especially nice with a steaming cup of coffee) Mmmmmmm

I know some of these may sound a bit frivolous but I am thankful for them. It is the little things sometimes. It truly is.


Thank you Jesus for providing for us!

Wordless Wednesday - Next Year's Tree

The Long Short Road

I am no longer allowed to chew gum. Yep, the dental hygienist said yesterday I'm killing my teeth and jaws. I kind of think it will be worse if I don't chew. There will be nothing between my teeth and the grind. Oh well. I have to suck it up and be a good sport. Why?

Because this little guy...

This sweet lil boy...
has been told he has to give up his thumb. Yesterday. And he's doing it!

He's a man boy of great logic. I didn't argue with him, brow-beat him or bribe him. I didn't even lecture him. In fact he saw past his sorrow with enough compassion to tell ME he was sorry that I had to give up gum. He asked me WHY it was again he had to give up his thumb and I calmly explained that it would push his teeth in a position that wasn't natural. He then came up with a few different things he could try instead of sucking his thumb. Thank God for Blanky and Pooh. Thank God for the logical future pilot.

Today's lesson. Never underestimate the mind of a child.