Thursday, January 23

I woke up to the screams of Talia.  After telling her it wasn't time to get up, she wanted a hug from me and then went back to sleep.  I love that my hug worked the magic of what she needed at that time.  LOVE IT!

This morning Kylan told me that when I am 90 and he is 60 he will take care of Rob and I--and maybe he would even take care of us when we are in our late 80's.  Such a sweet boy.  I am thankful that he is thinking ahead! :)  I am also thankful that at dinner tonight I got Alaina to agree to take care of Rob and I in our 80's.  And Talia agreed to take care of us in our 70's.  Now we just have to make it to 70 on our own!:)

I am thankful for Playgroup.  Our group of 7 moms have stuck together for the past 6 years ( a few of us have kids in school, but we still stay in contact.)  Despite the cold cold cold weather, I was able to meet with 2 friends and catch up with them.  We met up at a gym and the kids had a great time.  I loved watching the girls hanging on the rings and the the trapeze.  My favorite part was watching them try to do the Hokey Pokey.  They had a good time.  I am also thankful for libraries.  The girls and I explored a new one today and I found some new books that I am excited to read with them.  I am thankful for the warm van and the constant singing of the girls---even when it is off key.  Alaina told me she figured out what she wanted to do for a job today.  She wants to be a singer.

I am thankful for the excitement of new books and excited girls.  I am thankful for peanutbutter smeared faces that still want kisses.  I am thankful for playdates scheduled and upcoming birthday parties.  I am thankful for owies that don't really need bandaids--but we can bandaid them anyway.  I am thankful for the opportunity to kiss owies with the belief that it does make them all better.

I am thankful that I have Veggie stock bouillon cubes I was able to use for dinner because I forgot to make veggie stock.  (Though it is made now! :) )  I am thankful that even though I didn't get the beans rehydrated enough, they were edible enough by dinner and the leftovers will be just fine.  I am thankful that Ky made the salad tonight and chattered away with me even though I am feeling very tired.  (I am thankful that I will soon be in bed!)  I am thankful that Ky got a speaking part in the school music program next week.  He is so excited and again I am proud of him. 

I am thankful for Alaina's picture of a red jeep in the jungle and the fact that she wrote and spelled the word "jeep" correctly.  I am proud of her reading.  She is doing so well!

I am thankful that I was able to buy the Kindle version of my online book study book for less than $5.  I am thankful that I was able to participate in some of the online interactive FB session tonight.  I am thankful to know there are thousands of other women out there that see that they have much to improve on and they want to be better.  I am thankful that I learned about verse mapping.  I think this will be very insightful for me.  http://heatherbleier.com/2012/06/13/a-day-with-jesus/

I am thankful that Rob has offered to rub my shoulders for me.  I have something wonderful to look forward to.  I am thankful for children fighting over me--asking "Will you carry ME upstairs to bed?"  And I am thankful for bed, because that is where they need to be and that is where I am soon to follow. (Can you tell I am tired?)

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you

 

Wednesday, January 22

BUSY BUSY BUSY!  I thank God that despite all the business of the day, we were safe, warm, and accomplished all that we needed to and saw 2 wonderful friends I hadn't seen in a while.

So this morning we were off to a quick start with running to 2 stores and dropping off a gift for my birthday friend Julie and running to the gym before taking Alaina to school!  Whew!  I am exhausted just talking about it.  I am thankful that we were able to accomplish all and the girls were patient and kind.  They were helpful with unloading the cart and enjoyed seeing their friends when we ran into my friend Olesya at the store.  Sometimes the warm smile of a friend can really make your day--and she made mine when I was feeling overwhelmed!  To top it all off--my good friend Julie also came over this afternoon and was so helpful reading to Talia and putting her down for a nap while I unloaded the groceries.  She is such a blessing and I was thankful to have some girl time and chat with her.  It has been a long time since we have seen each other--too long!  (I also ran into a friend at the gym and the other store I went to.  I love how Madison is just small enough where you run into friends.)  I am so thankful that God has given me such wonderful friends. 

After the errands we went directly to school to drop Alaina off and help out in Ky's classroom.  I love seeing my boy.  He gave me a playful shove when he saw me and pulled Talia next to him to eat lunch.  I love the close relationships with my children.  I can tell that Ky is very proud of his little sister and likes to show her to his friends. 

I am thankful that this afternoon I had just enough time for my online Bible Study.  I am also thankful that they sent out the 2nd chapter online so I could keep up!  (I haven't gotten my book yet.)  I am thankful that the kids and I finished Mary Poppins.  They are excited to see the movie and I am excited for them to see it--especially since it is so much different than the book!

I am so thankful that I have a Christian Mom's group that I can message for advice on getting a new devotional for the kids.  We have finished reading through our children's Bible and we need to find something new to read at dinner.  I have several recommendations and I am excited to check them out. 

I loved that when we came home from school today, the big kids asked to go play on the snow hill in front of our neighbors house (even though it was -10 wind chill.)  "Absolutely!"   I said.  I am glad they took the opportunity to play even though it was only 10 minutes.  

I loved the fact that Alaina wanted to hurry out of the bath tonight because she was marrying Pooh Bear and had to get ready!  Ha!  I loved how her and Talia ran around in dress up clothes tonight--Talia mimicking most of what Alaina was doing.  I really enjoy their relationship!  I love kids.

The last week my thoughts have been with my good friends who are currently with their new daughter in China.  They will be bringing her home in a week.  I am excited for them and thankful that they had this opportunity.  I continue to pray that their daughter quickly attaches to them and is able to understand what is going on. 

My thoughts have also been with the foster agency we have sent our inquiry to.  We have not heard back yet, but I know the lady was out of town--so hopefully soon.  I am ready to get that process started and to get my many questions answered. 

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

January 21st

Whew!  I am exhausted.  And I am thankful for the clean bed I will be sleeping in shortly.

Today, I got a lot done and I am thankful for that.  All the kids helped me put together puzzles and over half had all their pieces (I am thankful for that--but dumbfounded by how they lost so many pieces in the past 2 months!)  EGADS!  I am thankful the girls played nicely while I worked on my Bible study. I am thankful that there are 40,000 other women also taking part on this online study.  It is exciting knowing that many others are working on it with me. 

I am thankful for the time I had to prepare for grocery shopping tomorrow and I am thankful for coupons!  They really help save money!  I am thankful for the smell of gingerbread-- mmmm...I baked some for my good friend Julie, whose birthday is today.  I am thankful for my close relationship with her.  She is someone I can talk to when I am sad or happy.  She is always there to listen and she has GREAT parenting advice.  I also love that she will call me and come over at any time.  (I am not the best at reaching out to people--I definitely need to work on this.  So people like Julie are so important in my life.) 

I am thankful for my girls and how well they play together.  I loved listening to Alaina teach Talia how to play Frozen.  And how she got her to sing the songs.  I love how Alaina brings me home pictures she colored for me (almost everyday) in an envelope that says "To Mom"

I love how I was able to go through the kids toys (up and downstairs) and I have collected 2 bins of toys to get rid of.  Less truly is MORE!  I will stash them in the basement and if there is no mention of them by June, they are toys they don't need or want and I will get rid of them.  (I don't love how messy my basement is with all this stuff to get rid of! But I am thankful that we have more than enough--and we will learn how to be more sustainable and have less.) 

I love knowing that my husband will most likely put fresh sheets on our bed soon and then help me fold laundry--and I don't have to ask, he just does.  I love how he is my partner and just helps.  I am so thankful for him. 

I love one of my new verses for the week--I find that it helps me not just with my diet, but also in decluttering the house...

I Corinthians 10:23
Everything is permissible - but not everything is beneficial.

Yeah--that pretty much sums it up.

And now for a thankful verse...

Philipians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  

 

January 18 -20

This entry will cover 3 days since we have been out of town!  Can we say get away!?  Yeah!  I am thankful for opportunities to escape with my family.

On Saturday, I am thankful Rob and I slept in until close to 8:30.  The kids getting older has really been a blessing in letting us sleep past 7.  It is wonderful that they get up and play downstairs peacefully.  Rob took Alaina to ballet (side note--Alaina told me this morning that she didn't need ballet--they do the same stuff over and over and she already knows how to do it.  She would be a much better ballet dancer if she danced on her own. :) ) and I was blessed to watch Ky play basketball.  He made 3 baskets and had a few assists.  I really enjoyed watching him on the court.  Afterwards we hurried home so we could have lunch and pack up for our weekend in Shawano at Pops & Debi's cottage, but first we had a stop in Milwaukee for Lisa, Ryan's, & G'ma Debi's birthdays. 

It was a blessing to see family and friends.  We are so thankful for Ryan--who is working towards becoming a chaplain.  His presence lights a room and he easily listens to anyone.  We are thankful for Lisa, who can be so down to earth and speak out loud what everyone is thinking.  God has given her the gift of boldness! The girl represents!  And we are thankful for Debi, who God has gifted with hospitality.  She makes everyone feel welcomed and loved that come through the door. 

There was much to eat (of course!  What else can we expect with Debi) and not much that didn't break our clean eating detox.  So Rob and I ate like normal.  Afterwards, both Rob and I agreed the food felt very heavy and just didn't sit the same.  We didn't eat a lot (not as much as we would have prior to the detox.) It was interesting to see how our bodies reacted.  I am thankful we have had this opportunity to try the detox.  Rob and I both agreed that even though we eat pretty healthy (before the detox) there is definitely still room to improve.  So after our 30 day cleanse, we will make some steps to eat even healthier.  One step being to buy less store bought bread and make more of our own.  We also want to have the healthy shakes more often.  (Currently on our diet we have a shake every  morning which has 2 handfuls of greens, 1-2 cups of fruit, wheat bran/flax seed/oat bran, and coconut milk.)

Anyway, the drive up to the cottage (after the party) was nice--I slept and so did the kids.  I am so thankful that Rob is a great night time driver!   Once we got to the cottage it was covered in snow.  I had boots on so I braved the 2' snow drifts to get in the front door and opened the house.  The temp was 50 inside so it was impossible to put the kids immediately to bed until the house warmed up.  They were running around like crazy people!  Finally we put them to bed around midnight.  All 3 were in 1 room with Ky & Talia in a bed (a first for not being in a pack n' play on a trip) and Alaina on the floor.  Yeah--that didn't work.  After a while we had to split the  kids up and it was well after 1 AM when they finally were all asleep! 

And of course they were up by 8:30 the next morning!  We had a healthy breakfast and then we were off to the big hill for some sledding!  We were thankful for such a warm day to sled on!  When we arrived we had the hill mostly to ourselves! YEAH!  We had a couple of great runs and the kids were having a good time (with exception of walking back up the hill.  They aren't big fans of that.)  Ky and Daddy then tried the other side of the hill and I watched Ky zoom down and take  a face plant in the snow.  Yeah--he was done after  that.  Shortly after that Alaina was done because she didn't want to walk back up the hill anymore.  And finally Talia was done when I took her down and a BUNCH of snow sprayed her in the face.  I can't blame her, I'm sure it didn't feel so good.  But she was quite the trooper.  I think she went down more than anyone else.  None the less, we were blessed with good timing since a lot people were now arriving.  We went home and had a nice lunch and sent the girls to the rooms for a nap.  (They were SUPER tired.)  Rob and Kylan then had some wonderful boy time (watching sports and playing with Grandpa's trains) while I ran out to Goodwill and scored some nice finds (including pants) for Kylan.  (Now I just need to get him one more pair of jeans and I think I should be set!) 

When I returned we got ready for dinner.  I bought a rotisserie chicken and Rob baked up potatoes and sweet potatoes.  It was quite a yummy meal.  We then settled down in front of the tv to watch The Princess Bride.  This was a first for our kids and they really enjoyed it.  I enjoyed it too--it had been a long time since I had last seen it.  After that it was off to bed where we had the girls share a bed and had Ky sleep in a different room.  Yeah--that didn't work either.  We had to move Alaina and then move her back after she fell asleep.  (It was after 11!) We are thankful that we have the cottage to ourselves where we can be more flexible with these kind of things.  Boy--sleeping over at other people's houses can REALLY be ROUGH! 

The next morning (this morning, Martin Luther King Day) was a much enjoyed lazy morning until we packed up after lunch and drove home.  I am so thankful that the cottage is there for our use.  It is one of the only ways I can truly relax.  When I am in my own home I see all the things I need to do.  So it is difficult for me just to relax.  I am thankful the kids had the day off school and that Rob was able to take the day off.  I am so thankful that everyone liked the idea of coming.  I look forward to spending this one weekend every winter at the cottage (even if the kids aren't sleeping well.)  It's also a great way for the kids to really play with each other since toys are limited (they only get to bring one bag of personal items.)  They are great siblings and I love seeing them enjoying each other. 

I also loved driving home today.  I loved knowing Rob was getting reading time that he doesn't often get (unless everyone else is in bed.)  I also enjoyed the scenery--the snow is beautiful.  And I even had a great laugh when I missed my exit (even after I switched lanes because I knew it was coming up).  I enjoyed listening to Talia again recite her Nursery Rhymes and Ky & Alaina laugh and talk about the movie they were watching.

Once we got home, it was back to business.  I am so thankful the kids transitioned smoothly from playing to helping pack lunches for the week.  I am also thankful for an easy supper since we had leftover rotisserie chicken and Rob made delicious brussel sprouts as a side (seriously--you haven't had brussel sprouts until you've had them cooked the Schnake way!)  I am thankful for some time to play games with the kids before bed.  (Alaina and I played Old Maid and Rob & Ky played a rousing game of Checkers.)  And I am thankful that even though tomorrow is going to be freezing cold--it is STAY AT HOME TUESDAY!  Yeah!  So I can get things done at home and not worry about going anywhere (except to take Alaina to school.)

Finally, I am thankful that my new online book Study has begun and they posted the first chapter of the book online.  (I don't have the book yet!)  I am excited to get started on it.  So I am working on 3 different Biblical book studies now--one on my own, one online, and one with a ladies group.  I am excited by this new challenge and that I will be growing in the Lord.   

I Chronicles 29:10 - 20
Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.

BTW--Ky makes a basket at the very beginning of Video 2

January 17th

Today was a blessing as my son came and hugged me "just because" this morning as I was working to get things ready.   The neighbor kids also walked over so I didn't have to pick them up.  I was also blessed by going to the other Target nearby and stocking up on a few more additional toys--some to donate, some to put in the gift "stock" for birthday presents in the future.  We were also blessed by Goodwill where I picked up a few pair of jeans for Kylan, one brand new with tags.  Unfortunately, none of them fit him now, but they will be great for next year.  (Yeah--call me surprised.  The ones in his "size" were too long!)  So I guess the jean search continues.  And I am blessed by that.  I enjoy looking for good deals.  I also picked up a bolero (sp?)  for myself.  It was too cute to pass up and it will work year round.  What's really funny--is that without Alaina, I would have no idea what a bolero is.  The girl has really informed me on fashion--and that is a blessing.  I tell her all the time that some day she will help me have a fashionable wardrobe. 

Getting ready to take Alaina to school, I noticed that Talia was being really grumpy.  I asked her if she needed a hug and was surprised when she came running to me.  We had such a big hug and snuggle and I and her were blessed by it.  Her attitude really turned around after that.  We enjoyed lunch together again where I was blessed by her big appetite (I cut her off...lunch should not go more than 30 minutes!)  And I enjoyed naptime by baking cakes for Ryan, Lisa's and Debi's birthday tomorrow.  And that was a blessing to me, since I enjoy that.  Decorating is my favorite part, of course!   (And I snitched--sorry clean eating diet! Today and tomorrow are kind of going out the window!) 

Speaking of Clean Eating, according to the scale I have lost 5 lbs in 15 days.  That is pretty remarkable since I eat whatever I want as long as it is clean.  I think it really says something about all those processed foods. (And what's really funny is that I don't eat a lot processed foods.  Hmmm....) 

I was amused and blessed by Talia's tantrum of wanting to eat "poops" as well (see video below!)  Ky told her he was eating poo and she literally had a tantrum when I told her she couldn't eat poops.  (Unfortunately we got out the camera after most of the tantrum was over.)  Crazy kids!  Gotta love them.

Tonight I look forward to catching up with my husband which I am thankful for.  The past week has been very hectic.  After cake decorating and his finishing a small thing for work, it is me and him time and I will be blessed and rejuvenated by that.  And this weekend I look forward to a getaway with the family--a true blessing. 

II Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

 

 

January 16

Today I was blessed by sleeping in--just a tad....

Boy--I guess I was tired.  I fell asleep on the couch and then Talia woke me up in the middle of the night.  Good thing Ky is always up at 7!  I am blessed to have such a reliable son.  I was also blessed by his hugs this morning and his telling me that he loves me.  He again told me not to hug him too long before he left because he didn't want to cry.  (Doesn't he just melt your heart!  The Lord has one lucky lady in mind for him someday!)  He went outside in the fresh snowfall waiting for his ride.  I loved watching him sit in the snow and just take it all in. God is good! 

After Ky went off to school, I used the time to catch up on my Bible study--yes Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood was a blessing so I could do this.  And then the girls blessed me by helping me clean out the pantry and the game closet.  They are such wonderful helpers.  Afterwards we played several of the games to see if we wanted to keep them. And it was fun!  We then walked Alaina in the warm snow to school.  I loved watching Alaina and Talia make shapes with their feet and identify bunny prints that went across streets, yards, and sidewalks.  We had a very nice walk. 

On the walk home I was blessed by Talia's singing and of course I joined in.  We had lunch together where we picked seeds out of our "seedless" grapes.  She asked for more.  It has been a blessing that her appetite has picked up.  Lately, she has eaten anything you put in front of her AND asked for seconds.  I am assuming she is in a growth spurt.  I was blessed when she asked for me to read "The Invisible String" to her.  I love that book. 

Over naptime, I was able to clean the oven and finish cleaning up in the game closet. 

What I am most excited about --is that I finally took the first steps looking into foster care. As we have been blessed, we also want to bless others.  Rob and I have been talking about it and we have decided that with this New Year we are going to look into becoming respite foster parents.  At this time we are unsure about becoming full time foster care parents.  We feel the kids may need to be a little older or that we need to get a better idea how the kids will be with a foster brother/sister, so we want to take one step at a time.  I was excited to look up their website and saw that it said "Live Deeper. Love Wider. Leave Bigger."  Which interestingly enough, fully envelops what my Bible study was about this morning.  (Matthew 20:26 - 28  Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.)  Anyway, I am excited for what God has in store for us and how we can be a blessing to other families.

In the afternoon, Ky was a blessing by helping me to shovel our driveway. He also helped me to shovel the neighbors'.  I am so proud of him and his desire to help.

Tonight, I went to a new women's study.  I was a bit nervous, but it was a blessing to see several familiar faces.  I am not always the best at starting up conversations and I often feel a bit awkward in new situations (guess that is the introvert in me), but I felt good by the time we sat down and began.  I am really looking forward to this opportunity to grow and thank God for the opportunity to meet these women and to grow with them.  And afterwards I ran to Target, where I scored some toys for 70% off!  (Yeah to early Christmas/birthday shopping).  I am definitely thankful for Target 70% days--it only happens 2x a year!

Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

January 15th

I am thankful for Rob who got up early this morning to shovel the snow (and I am thankful I did not have to! :) )  I am thankful that I was able to help out a neighbor today as well as two teachers. I am thankful that I have these opportunities to serve and to show my children how to serve.  I am thankful for trips to the grocery store and that the girls do pretty well.  And I am thankful for the extra bag of flax seed I found as I unloaded the groceries. (I wonder which child slipped that in the cart when I wasn't looking!)  I am thankful that the mark on my nose is only temporary and it is kind of cute that I match my husband with his scar on his nose.  (The back hitch on the van decided to close unexpectedly and caught me on my nose.)  I am thankful for opportunities to sit next to my son in class and observe him.  I am thankful that he has the ability to be friends and converse with everyone.  (This is definitely a skill I lack in.  I am thankful that I can learn how to do this from him.)  I am thankful Talia was not hurt when I discovered she had taken out her hairbands and put them around her wrists at naptime.  (It was a bit scary to see how red her hand was and the imprint the rubberbands left on her wrist.)  I am thankful that my 2012 family photo album arrived in the mail today.  I am thankful for the time we sat as a family tonight and looked through it.  (This is the first book I have made. Eeks!  I have 6 years I have to catch up on now!)  I am thankful for bedtime.  The kids have been great today, but this day has been non-stop busy and I am ready for the quiet time with my husband.  Oooh!  And I am thankful for bananas and that they were on the clearance carts today.  I must have bought 14 lbs or so.  Most are in the freezer and they will ALL be eaten.  I am glad I was able to amuse the cashier by our large banana purchase. 

And I did forget yesterday, that I am glad that Daniel, our neighbor boy, turned down Alaina's proposal for marriage.  I am not ready to discuss wedding plans with Alaina--and I know that would have been a HUGE topic for the next week had he accepted.  PHEW! 

Psalms 100: 1- 5
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Janaury 14th

I am thankful for Stay at Home Tuesdays!  This is the day I have designated that I don't leave the house (except to take Alaina to school.)  I love this day!  I am thankful for carpools that drop off Ky in the morning and bring Ky and Alaina back in the afternoon.  I am thankful for the beautiful snow this morning (and that again, I didn't have to drive).  It really was gorgeous.  I am thankful for being a stay at home mom.  There is nothing more precious than these years I have at home with them.

I am thankful that Alaina and Talia both happily washed floors with me this morning (of course I turned it into a game--wash the floors with orphaned socks), but beyond that I am thankful for Alaina's helper attitude.  She helped me clean out the cabinets by the sink (the next step to my uncluttter and meticulously clean the house in a month.)  I am thankful that Talia has a wonderful big sister to look up to and helped.  I am thankful that we then had time to paint together.  I introduced them to drawing with a white crayon and then painting over it to reveal what they drew.  They enjoyed that for a few minutes before just wanting to paint.  I am thankful that they enjoy craftiness.

I am thankful for funny comments.  Like when Alaina said, "Talia, close the bathroom door--you're showing everyone my privacy."

I am thankful for the wonderful walk the girls and I had to school today.  I am thankful for the games (don't step on sidewalk) and for the laughter when falling on ice.  I am thankful for kids that savor the snow and enjoy eating handfuls of it.  I am thankful the snow eating kept Talia so busy she didn't cry until the end of the walk.   And I am thankful for sharing lunch with her.  Today, she pretended to be a monster as she ate each bite--just another moment to cherish.

I am thankful for my new miter box.  Even though my cuts for trim in Alaina's room have yet to be good--I know I am learning and will have perfect cuts soon.  (crossed fingers)  I am thankful for the plethora of food we have.  Even though I wasn't ecstatic about dinner and this Detox Clean Eating is starting to wear on me, the amount of veggies we are able to eat in the winter is amazing.  I know to be thankful because we have so much, when others don't.  I am thankful for playdates with friends and that Alaina had the courage to call.    

I Thessalonians 5:16 - 18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

January 13

Today was a joy.

I again give thanks for the warm weather. I am thankful the kids were ready plenty early and we had no difficulties leaving for school. I am thankful for a good RIPPED class even though I was lost on a few moves. (I'll get them next week.) I am thankful for my friend and instructor Jamie, who takes it all in stride and has a cheerful demeanor. I am thankful that Talia didn't pee on her dress, but merely dipped it in the toilet when she went potty. I am thankful it was laundry day, so that was taken care of!

I am thankful for resale stores like Saver's where I can purchase used items at a discount and keep from purchasing excess. I am thankful the girls love it there and I love watching them try on shoes (high heels of course!) I am thankful for Wendy, the manager there, who knows me by name and we can have nice brief chats at the register--it really does make me feel important and special to her that she always remembers my name. I am thankful for another pair of ice skates!--nothing like saving money on rentals when we go ice skating! 

I am thankful of the time the girls and I spent together watching part of the Nutcracker. It was neat watching Alaina's face and how she now has understanding that people actually have jobs to be ballet dancers. I also think she had greater appreciation for the dance and the music. I loved talking with her about it.

I am thankful for naptime and the tape player. I was able to do my Bible study then since I didn't get up on time this morning (intentionally, since we were up with Talia in the night.) I am thankful for carpooling so I didn't have to bring home Kylan.

I am thankful I had the courage to force the kids to go outside and play. (I struggle with this--should I really force them.) I watched them make snow angels, eat lots of snow, throw snow, go down the slide and pull each other in the sleds. I know they had fun. I am thankful that Ky is such a great big brother. He took great care with Talia and really played with her.

I am thankful for these precious memeories with the kids. Today Alaina and Ky decided I was the kid and they were the parents--and I was the kid that cooked them dinner :) . I also watched Ky attempt to teach Talia how to play the piano. That was very cute. And at the end of the night, I am thankful the kids are getting a firm foundation with the Lord. It was neat (and reminiscint of Joel and I) watching them play church and listening to them preach. Finally, I am thankful for some verses that have touched me today...and reminded me of what I am doing with my Blog:

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks, to God the Father through him.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

 

 

 

 

January 12

I am thankful that even though the kids got up early, Rob let me sleep in until 8:00! I am thankful that I was able to be a blessing in Sunday School this morning. I am thankful that I was able to accomplish so much today and with the kids help! I am thankful that Alaina offered and then did vacuum the whole downstairs when I said she didn't have to. I am thankful she also helped me clean out cabinets and really enjoyed it. I am thankful that she wanted to watch me cut the cantaloupe because she "wanted to learn so she knew how to do it when she was a parent." I am thankful for our good friend Wendy, we always enjoy her visits and she truly brightens anyone day. I am thankful that the kids feel the same affection towards her--as they waited 45 minutes by the window waiting for her! I am thankful that my children have learned Christians songs to sing over and over and over and over and over (until I want to pull my hair out)--at least they are songs that build their relationship with God and that build character. I am thankful for Alaina and her desire for creativity and beauty--it was fun watching her do Wendy, Rob and my hair--and Talia trying to followin in her footsteps. I am thankful for "Breakfast for Dinner" Sundays--there is no better way to kick off the work week. I am thankful that Ky is learning resposibility and spent time researching turtles and writing down what he needed to know to have one as a pet. I am thankful for Bible Study offerings. While I was hoping for something closer, I think I will try one a little further away. I am nervously excited since it is over a book I had been wanting to read, but it will be in a new place with new people. I am hoping it will be small enough for me to connect with other women, but not too small that I feel like an outsider.

 

January 11

I am thankful for a relaxing day where I was able to clean out the hutch and organize the kids crafts.  I am thankful that Ky had a good basketball game this morning and Daddy took him so I could work on organizing.  I am thankful they were safe, since the roads still looked a bit icy.  I am thankful for Rob.  I loved watching him read the "Monster" story to Talia in the rocking chair.  I loved listening to her growl and clap her hands with him.  What a precious moment of bonding and love that I was able to witness.  I also loved that he played football on then Nintendo (yes, we do it old school here) with Kylan.  I found his loss to Kylan amusing.  (yes--I know the control wasn't working....:P)  I am so thankful that God made Rob to be my husband--that he planned for us to be together and to create and raise these children.  I am thankful and honored that he trusted me with this great responsibility.  I am thankful for the Dollar store and buying cheap Valentines with the kiddos today (as well as the great variety of storage items they have!)  I am thankful for "pizzamovie night" (that's how Talia says it).  I love that the kids are so excited.  I am thankful I have not craved pizza--this clean eating diet seems to be going pretty well! :)  I am thankful I have a wonderful partner (Rob) that sat through the AWFUL movie with me and made fun of it with me, even though we know the kids enjoyed it.  (Santa Buddies---pass it up, if all possible!)  I am thankful that despite Talia's multiple injuries in the last 24 hours, nothing has been major.  (A scraped eye--falling wooden drum, smashed & bloodied finger--toy box, bump on the head--pulled into a wall.)

January 10th--Eucharisteo

This past year I read 1000 Gifts by Ann Voscamp.  It is a wonderful book that basically comes down to--we have so much to be thankful for and yet often forget to.  When we forget to thank God for his blessings, we lose our focus on Christ and where our hearts should be.

Anyway--I have been thinking about my daily blogs and was thinking I need to change them to Eucharisteo--my daily journey to see His blessings...

So today I am blessed.

I was blessed by Kylan who woke up early and came downstairs because he "wanted to make sure he gave me a hug and kiss before I left for work." And he was going to miss me and tried hard to make sure he woke up early.  (Talk about melting a girl's heart!)  Today I subbed, but left before the kids got up.  I was blessed to have this job--it was a job where I work with the brightest and most challenged--what a spectrum!  I was blessed by a day that went well.  I was also blessed to have the opportunity to help several different people out at the end of the school day.  It was a blessing that I had a safe drive in the freezing rain and that I got to do some shopping by myself. 

It was a blessing to come home to a wonderful home-cooked meal that my husband had made.  I was blessed to see my children all playing happily together.  I was blessed to listen to Talia read to me her Mother Goose Rhymes (Again!)   I was blessed to hear Alaina say "It looks like a fairy vomited in here" when she saw glitter on the floor.  I am blessed to see that Rob picked up my miter box from Home Depot (I'm so excited!  And it comes with a saw!)  And now I am blessed to spend the relaxing evening with my husband.

January 9

I loved having quiet prayer time this morning in bed before I got up and then my Bible time.  I love the quiet of the morning.  I love that Ky didn't ask for more breakfast, instead he patiently waited until I returned to the table with the bowl.  I love that Ky said I couldn't hug him too long or he might cry before he left for school (he still wants to stay home with me.) I love going to the club and attending Punk Rope--(boy, do I need to work on my jumping--I used to be a pro back in the day.)  I love that I got to talk to a friend before I left.  I loved going to the library and having the peace to just browse the books (even if the girls were addicted to the Ipads they installed.)  I loved that they had just got in the book I wanted!!!!  I loved watching the girls excitedly unpack the library bag and carefully look through each book before placing it on the shelf.  I loved reading to the girls before we left to school.  I loved sitting at lunch with Talia where she argued with me that her turkey wasn't turkey, "It's meat!"  I love how she kept looking at me bewildered every time I accidentally said turkey.  ("Geez mom!  Can't you get it right?!  It's meat!")  I loved how she read to me her Mother Goose book before bedtime.  I loved reading to her the book "The Invisible String."  It's one of my new favorites.

I loved having time to sort out the sewing desk.  I love that I made a list of things to sort through and I should have the house organized (with exception of the basement, of course!!) in 30 days if I tackle one thing a day.  I love that Terri was feeling well enough to bring the kids home, so I got extra time to work in quiet. 

I loved not having to make dinner since it was all leftovers and no one complained.  I loved how Alaina gave me every little detail about school when I asked--down to "Felix rang the Clean up bell!"  yet when I asked what book they read at school, she had no clue. 

I love that Talia hugs me when I am on the computer and it usually chokes me (they are intensive hugs!)  I love how the girls play so well together and how when Daddy asked what they were doing, Alaina gave a 5 minute dissertation on exactly what they were playing, what had happened, and what was going to happen.  I love listening to Talia to attempt to sing like her sister and only 2 or 3 actual words are sung in the song  (the rest is a lot of made up stuff.)

I love that Ky just came down wondering why his socks didn't fit right (he was wearing Daddy's).

I loved that when I came downstairs after tucking in the kids for the night, I found the girls' dolls dressed like this....all sitting quite nicely on the couch. 

January 8th

I loved waking up before anyone else and doing my Bible reading.  (I have slacked off since Christmas.)  It was wonderful to start the day the right way.  I loved waking up all my kids to the new day (though Ky was already climbing out.) I love how he gets himself up every morning at 7 AM  (no need to set an alarm with this kid.)  I love how I can snuggle with Alaina in the morning and she is gentle.  I love how Talia reaches her arms out to me for me to pick her up.  (We just moved her into a big girl bed right after Christmas--but she still loves for us to get her up.) 

I loved how Kylan cried real tears because he didn't want to go back to school--he wanted to spend another day with me.  I love how Alaina followed suit--even though it was more whiney and complainey--I knew she meant the same thing.  I love how Ky beat me in a quick game of "HI" (we didn't have time for Horse) on his basketball hoop before we left for school.  I loved how the neighbor kids beat me to my van, I didn't even have to drive over to their house to get them.  I loved watching them jump out of the van and Ky looking back as he walked into school.  I loved going to Woodman's and getting great deals on produce they consider "old".  99cents per HUGE bag--be there before 9 if you want good stuff.  I loved that I got grapes and fennel and more organic lettuce mix!  I loved getting Cream of Wheat for 79 cents with coupon!  (I didn't quite love my total bill--this Clean Eating Detox is PRICEY--but it's just one month...and I am learning to balance...)  I loved going to the Princeton Club for a quick workout.  I tried to love running on the treadmill--but seriously, I just can't quite get into it yet--or maybe ever...

I loved returning home and having the girls ANXIOUS to help unpack the groceries.  I loved how they waited for me on the basement stairs (even though they know they aren't supposed to.)  I loved their enthusiam in helping pack lunches.  I loved going to school and being able to help out two teachers.  I loved that Talia wanted to help.  I loved the moment she returned the stapler to one of the teachers and the kids thought she was adorable.  (Hey--I'm not the only one!)  I loved being able to help fix the copier--yeah--I still have that touch.  I loved reading Talia her nap book and letting her choose which bed she wanted to sleep in (she chose Alaina's). 

I loved waking her up and her snuggling in my shoulder.  I loved letting her sit on my lap while I drove 2 doors down to the neighbor.  She was excited to spend time with Mrs. Terri while I picked up all the kids.  I loved how excited Alaina and Ky were when I picked them up, I got big hugs from them both.  I loved how Maelin gave Talia a stuffed dog when I picked her up (I loved the action--not the toy...I think Mrs. Terri is going to be receiving some stuff animals soon too!  Geez!  How many stuff animals can a kid possibly have--and I am talking about my kids!)  I loved watching Alaina proudly display the bear she made "all by myself" at school today.  I loved reading Mary Poppins to the kids at snacktime.  I loved how Ky happily helped me chop vegetables (he is really good at chopping veggies!)  until Daniel came over.  I love how Maelin taught Alaina how to make paper dolls and clothes.  I loved how Talia asked me to trace her hand.  I loved how the kids preoccupied themselves so I could make dinner.  I LOVE PLAYDATES!  I love how Alaina wanted so badly for their friends to stay for dinner.  I loved watching Maelin and Daniel say "We like lentil barley soup!"  I loved how then they didn't eat the soup!  I loved how they screamed and played tag after dinner.  (Yes---we allow this at our house--in fact we have a path to run....kids have to be kids and when it is -10 for a week, they have to get their energy out somehow.)  I loved watching Alaina dress up in the clothes Maelin brought over.  I loved tucking the kids in and knowing I will be spending some time with my husband now.  I really loved this day.  Getting back on schedule went much better than I thought it would. 

January 7th

I loved sleeping in for one last time.  I loved that it  was too cold to go to school or to go anywhere!  I loved that the kids were again playing with Legos and puzzles and only Talia was pushing me for breakfast.  I loved that we sat together and ate and the kids told me what their "1 thing they want to do for the day was..."  Ky wanted to watch a movie, Alaina wanted to play her video game, and Talia wanted to help me make dinner.  I loved attempting to make "Instant snow" outside and how the kids crowded the window to watch.  I loved blowing bubbles outside for them so they could see them freeze.  I loved that they cleaned up the house happily so I could vacuum.  I loved watching "I want a dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown" with the kids over lunch.  I loved that we stayed in our pajamas again. I loved that Alaina kept asking to get dressed, but never did even when I said "yes" every time.  I loved that Ky wasn't mad when I accidentally smashed his Gingerbread train.  I loved watching the kids play with Play Doh for hours!  (Okay--it was only an hour, but it felt like hours!) I loved using my slowcooker to make dinner AGAIN! I loved it when Daddy came home and we ate together like always.  I loved that we played tag as a family after dinner and Talia is old enough that she actually plays.  I loved listening to all the laughter.  I loved tucking my kids in and the extra hugs Ky gave me since he wanted to spend more time at home with me instead of return to school tomorrow.  I loved being able to resume work on Alaina's bedskirt.  I loved that I got to bed before 11.

January 6th

I loved pretending to sleep in (I got up at 7:30 and didn't let the kids sleep much later since they needed to be getting back on the school schedule.  Though honestly, it was only Talia that I had to awake.)  I loved that the kids and I decided today would be a pajama day.  I loved how they played with Legos as I finished and ordered my 2012 photo book I have been working on forever!  I loved watching a movie (Prancer--though I did not love this movie) with the kids at lunch and eating in the family room. I loved getting out the "Goo -Hoo" , a gift from the Vander Heyden's, with Kylan and creating cars and bouncy balls.  I loved making necklaces with Alaina.  I loved letting the kids eat part of their gingerbread trains as I read Mary Poppins over snack.  I loved playing the game "Camp" with them.  I loved giving the kids baths in the afternoon only to have them change from their pajamas into new pajamas!  HA!  I love how they hurried through their baths so they could go play in their rooms now that I have them reorganized.  I love my crock pot and making beans in it for dinner--even if I didn't think the recipe was very good.  I loved it when Daddy came home and joined us for a game of Camp.