List of Thankfulness: Sand & Sun

My summer edition and back in action: List of Thankfulness

I believe down to my core that the most amazing thing you can do for someone is to tell them "thank you".  You are verbalizing with two little words that something they did or said is awesome as sunshine.  If you are socially awkward this could save your life...

Thank you to...

June...
...our first trip to the Zoo
...Nola learning to swim with her vest
...pool pool pool
...beach time with Nana and Papa
...lots of ice coffee (this will be in every list) #addicted
...not waking up to an alarm
...Nola's 2nd birthday beach style
...our first fireworks that did not go over well
...community group girl's nights and dinner (making new friends)
..started interval running/walking

July...
...4th of July in NY
...lots of beautiful memories and pictures from our week in NY
...mommy going to the dentist for the first time in 3 years... (I know, I know)
...my first Zumba class... still not recovered from seeing myself in the mirror
...Jury Duty- case dismissed!
...more pool time
...coffee with numerous dear friends
...date nights, fire pit nights, and family nights
...watching the kids fall in love with their daddy
...splash pad and train rides
...taking Ms. Kim out for yogurt for her birthday
...adult weekend in Baltimore with friends and the pretzel breakfast sandwich I wish I had taken a picture of
...lazy mornings
...late nights
...using abeautifulmess app on my pictures (I'm obsessed with instagram)
...lots of running

August...
...coffee with sweet friends
...a great hair cut from a great lady!
...8 years with my guy
...running 2 miles without stopping outside... first time since college
...listening my littles become friends and have conversations (bossy much?)
...finally decorating my own bedroom and not a nursery
...date night at Carolina Ale House... free babysitting by my bestie
...lots of heart to hearts with the bestie
...ice coffee, like pitchers of it!
...girls' weekend to come

List of Thankfulness: Almost Christmas

I would be thankful for patience if I had any. It's almost Christmas, we are past the initial buzz and officially into the hustle and bustle/ waiting game. Some if us are more than ready, the rest if us are still shopping. Here's my list this week.

1. I am thankful for bath time. Although it is a splash fest, it breaks up the dinner , bedtime routine. Gets the kids interested and active to be sure they are sleepy.

2. Christmas cards, so you won't be getting any cards from us this year. At least not for Christmas, I love getting them. Seeing the creative family pictures and how everyone is growing. I love getting mail!

3. Life and breathe. The horrific tragedy that happened in Connecticut last Friday was just a normal elementary school. Teachers teaching students how to read, getting ready for a bathroom break, writing a story. They thought they were having a regular day. This wasn't us, but it could have been. We were having a normal day too. I am thankful my students were safe and we have life and breathe.

4. Glittery gold nail polish. I have never found a color I like. I don't usually wear it on my fingers. I found a great holiday color. Yay! I haven't gotten into the holiday spirit yet, so this is a start.

5. Fire pit. I love our patio, smartly surrounded by our deck. Gives us the freedom to have a fire put right outside our kitchen. We enjoyed watching the fire from inside during dinner and day outside after we put the kids to bed.

6. Routines help me focus on what's coming next. I am able to focus on getting though the day one section at a time. Field trips are fun, but when you get kids out of their routine they can't handle it. Adds to a hectic day.

7. This week is our nanny of two years last week. She is having her own baby. I am, selfishly so sad to see her go. I have come home while she was upstairs changing diapers. Cooing, laughing, and joyfully entertaining my kids. Just as they were her own. She has allowed me to have peace through my days. We love you Ca Ca.

8. My husband home, happy & helpful. My husband works very hard. Two jobs, and right now holiday hours in retail are insane. Tonight he was home and in a good mood! Playing with his kids and letting me pick on him! He even mopped, my least favorite chore.

9. Giving gifts brings me joy! I love shopping for other people and surprising the with things they will love! Gifts don't have to be huge or expensive, just sweet and thoughtful.

10. I know we are surrounded by dismay, tragedy, and straight up evil. Try to think about where you were a year ago, search for a place you used to be that you ate thankful you are not. Last year Nate was 18 months, Nola was nursing. Everything was overwhelming. I was emotional, drowning, barely getting by. All the while trying to be in the moment. This Christmas is still crazy, the hype is never what you think it will be, but Nola loves the lights, Nate has claimed the reindeer. I am impressed we even got the tree up. I am so blessed. I am so thankful. He is good, His mercies will endure forever.

List of Thankfulness: We are not...

This is my second year at a new school.  I had created a home at my old school by being there for such a long time. Any time you make monumental changes in your life, it takes much adjusting.  As you know, one of the biggest things that adjusts is the relationships that you had, and the relationships that you don't have at the new place.  All I had last year were first impressions through a blurry, breastfeeding, straight from maternity leave view of people.  I'm thankful we are not our first impressions...


Thankfully we are not

... our first impressions
... the same person that we are when we have emotional breakdowns
... totally insane, even though we feel like we are
... hormonal all the damn time
... not merely what people see, there is always much more than the surface
... our mistakes, people who love you can change
... just a mom
... the unshowered human you might run into at the grocery store
... coffee swallowing, crazy momma screaming at her kids

I'm thankful that I am not limited to my mistakes and the things people see, most of those things are not who I really am.  What a blessing to know that there can be a clean slate, forgiveness and grace. 

List of Thankfulness: Thanksgiving 2012

1. warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful: I am grateful to you for your help.

2. expressing or actuated by gratitude: a grateful letter.

3. pleasing to the mind or senses; agreeable or welcome; refreshing: a grateful breeze.

 

 

I didn't participate in the #31daysofthanks on instagram or facebook. I do think that being thankful in the midst of many unthankful circumstances and people is a gift.  Being truly thankful comes from the heart.  I think it was nice to read all the updates of what everyone was thankful for, especially those that were simple and real. 

So, here is my list for Thanksgiving 2012.

1.  The pitter patter of little feet running all around.  The constant craziness of keeping up with my little ones.  Trying to, that is.

2. My new phone.  I have finally entered into the world of smart phones.  I got the I Phone 4, which I wanted and now love, much to my husbands horror.  He is, yes, a Droid addict.  I love how small it is, how smart it is and the amazing information at my fingertips.  It is overwhelming at first, all the email coming straight to me... My phone is wrapped in a cobalt blue otterbox case, protected from demanding little fingers.

3. Holiday lunch dates and brief outings alone.  Time alone is so cherished.

4. Thanksgiving brunch with my family.  We enjoyed our time, and the kids and I spent the night.  A nice break from being alone when hubby is working.

5. Special cousin time.  My sweet cousin Erin came up to see us.  She is beautiful inside and out.  We went to see the last of the Twilight movies.  We were on the edge of our seats... and loved having time to chat and be together.  It is the first holiday season without her mom, my Aunt Karen.  Her loss is deeply felt.  She is greatly missed. 

Thousand moments.

By Brian Andreas.

I still remember the day the world took you back; there was never time to thank you for the scattered moments you left behind to watch us while we slept.

 

6. Blue Moon Winter sampler.  If the Autumn sampler had still be out I would have got it, it is soooo good.  The Winter is great too.  It was such a yummy treat to have.

 

7. 45 $ fire pit!  We finally replaced our fire pit.  This time we got a smaller one and it was on sale for cheap!!!  Sitting around the fire pit at night is my favorite free date night.  Kiddos in bed, and sitting with a yummy drink, enjoying the red and orange embers.

 

8. Nola's soft blond curls.  I hope they stay this way as she gets older.  Her hair has gotten so long.  It is wispy & dreamy.

9. 2 1/2 and 17 months are such fun ages!  My kids are starting to play together not just pick on each other.
~Right now Nate loves sleeping under a tent in his bed, and watching TV as much as he can.  He throws royal temper tantrums, and climbs on everything.  He is talking sentences and doing lots hitting.  He is a mess, but we love him.
~Nola is so sweet and funny.  She loves to make her family laugh and she loves to eat.  She carries her night night and banket around with her.  She gathers them before she gets out of her bed.  She still sleeps in her crib, and drinks out sippy cups.  She also talks all the time.  She calls me mommy in the sweetest, tiny voice.  I hope I never forget.

10. Finding Nola's night night.  Her little froggy Pottery Barn night night dissapeared after nap time two days ago.  Lost. Gone. not forgotten... I think I was more worried about it than she was.  When she does grow out of it, I want to save it for her.  Losing it was not going to happen.  So, I finally searched the garbage can.  And there it was, 2 days later.  Thankfully, gratefully found.

11. I am happy.  I am loved.  I always fight for more, but that is in my nature.  I am blessed. 

List of Thankfulness: This week

thanks pinterest

 

October 15- 19 proved to be another wild working mom week for me.  5 straight days of non stop, forgetful, unplanned, running behind, unable to catch up, event packed, refusal to potty train, attempting to cook, week for this mom.

As soon as I wake up every morning til the moment I fall asleep- my life is in motion.  Here's a day in the life of the teacher/mom.

Sunday night, make sure the house is clean for the week, and so our babysitter doesn't have to walk around in a gross house.  Or at least be sure the bathroom, kitchen and living room have been mopped, washed, vacuumed.  Ok.  Make enough dinner to have lunch for Monday.  Pack the lunches.  Wash the cloth diapers and the laundry for Monday.  So the kids can wear clean clothes, or at least have clean diapers. Play with the cuties til its time for bath and bed at 7 for Nola and typically 8 for Nate.  Terrance has worked today from 1-6.  We try to catch up.  I will go to bed at 9 pm.

Monday, 5 am.  Get up and get ready for work.  6 am get in the car and drive to work.  6:30 am start getting my classroom ready for the week.  Start writing lesson plans for the next week.  Look at lesson plans for today.

Students arrive at 7:30, eat breakfast in the classroom, copy homework for Tuesday and unpack book bags. 8:00 announcements, 8-8:30 Accelerated Reader time, 8:30-9 Vocabulary Centers, 9-9:30 Whole Group Reading Lesson, 9:30- Students go to specials, and I finally get to eat something and go pee since my breakfast at 5:45 am.  I get as much planning done as possible in the remaining 25 minutes and pick students up at 10.  10-10:50 Intensive Reading Groups. 11:00 lunch time.  We all go to the cafeteria and eat as fast as possible.  I grade papers during lunch.  11:30 Recess til 11:50, 11:55 Math and 12:45 Intervention time, time to catch up on anything kids need help with.  1:15 Accelerated Math, 1:45 Social Studies or Science, 2:15 Pack up and get ready for Dismissal.  2:30 dismiss kids to cars and buses, Come back to class and plan, grade papers, clean room, get ready for next day til 3:15, and go home.

3:15 drive home, enjoy the quietest part of my day by myself. 3:45 Walk through the door, Open arms to joyful babies, and Say goodbye and thank you to nanny.  Prep and cook dinner. Change 2 poopy diapers, get juices, get snacks, put the tv on Nate's show. Cook with Nola around my feet, and wish I could pee in peace. 4:30 T is home.  Eat around 5, play play play til 7ish.  Bath and Bed.  Get ready to do it again tomorrow.

I feel stressed just writing that down.
This is all why it is important for me to be intentional about being thankful.

So- here it goes.

1. Fresh air.  Being cooped up indoors all day long, I crave fresh air. 

2. This week a student wrote on her spelling test...
                13. I love you Mrs. Crawford.   obviously, there was no #13.    Great thing to read on a Friday.  Clever and cute!

3. I'm thankful I haven't given up on Potty Training yet.  He seems ready with me, but not interested in having any one else help him when I'm not home.

4. A mom who is encouraging and so understanding.  I still need her.

5. Friends who understand why I don't call them often and love me anyways.

6. Music.  Calms the heart & mind.

7. Nola walked up to me today with the remote in her hand, asking for Little Bill.  When I ask her, "Who loves you Nola?"  She says, "Nate".  Adore.

8. Routines.  I like knowing what to expect, even when I need to be flexible for the surprises.

9. My friend is due any day now with her second baby!  I'm excited.

10. I have a really brave sister.

List of Thankfulness: Autumn

I love Autumn.  It is hands down my favorite time of year.  Football, pumpkin lattes, sweaters, boots, and scarves...

Cheers to being Thankful!

1.  Trees are starting to change colors. It is beautiful to see the earth reflect God's glory.  Glorious colors, golden yellow, ripe reds, and vibrant oranges.

2. Pumpkin Patch Time!  WE made it this morning to the pumpkin patch and it was EXACTLY what you should always hope for!  Hodges Family Farms, had horses, cows, chickens, and pigs, a cute hay ride, with sunflowers and pumpkins growing everywhere!  I can't wait to post pictures!

3.  Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee... really, need I say more?  Save some money on that latte and just have them add it to your ice coffee... yum. y.u.m.

4. Knee High Boots, of all colors and fun skinny jeans... long sweaters and great cheerful scarves... I love all of this.  It is perfect for a breezy fall trip to the farmer's market, and playing outside with my kiddos.  So fun to look simple and cute and get dirty!

5. New hair cut!  I left 4 inches in the dust last Saturday.  I warned my hair stylist that I was ready, after almost 8 years!!!! practically my entire marriage... Although I think there was a terrible shorter accidental hair cut in between... This time its cute, kind of a longer bob.  I feel like I am a big girl, with a fun mature hair style.  The long long hair was starting to get me down, and be such a drag to fix every morning. 

6. Grilling out. I love grilling out with fresh veggies and chicken or steak.  I know I grill out all the time, but there is something about being able to be outside and it isn't scalding hot. 

7. The beginning of the school year is over.  I do not like the beginning of the year.  You have to create a bond with the kids, and it takes some time.  Finally we have a bond, they know me and I know them better.  I have a rapport with the parents and are really getting to teach some good stuff!

8. Nola-  my little Nolaprise update!  She is so big, about 16 months now and talking, talking, talking.  She adores her daddy and big brother... thankfully is a mommy's girl :) 

9. Nate- such a little man.  He has started to sometimes call me, "mom" instead of mommy... although heartbreaking, it is funny to hear him sound so old.  He is obsessed with watching youtube videos of horses and Elmo.

10.  Terrance- so busy.  Daddy has been so busy between teaching and Sears, I feel like I keep missing him.  You can pray that we seek each other even in the small moments of life, and pursue our marriage regularly!  I am blessed to have a husband that loves me so!

List of Thankfulness: Naming Names

It's that time of week, where we all just want the weekend to be here, and we wish we could wear jeans to work. 

The sweetest free gift you can give someone is, "Thank you!"  So here's some things I'm thankful for this week.

1.  Thank you to Terrance for helping me clean the kitchen and living room last night.  He came in from being outside, and I exploded... I need your help, with cleaning EVERYTHING!  And he did, without complaining... :) thankfully!

2. Thank you to my mom and Jessica for keeping the babes all week.  I am blessed to come home to smiling, happy, dirty=we had the best day, babies!!!  It's hard for me to believe that they are 2 and 1, and getting older every day!

3. Thank you to Marissia, she's ridden to work with me this week, and its been nice to have someone to talk too.  Sometimes you meet people that you get along with right away, well that wasn't us, but it was pretty close!  We're almost 10 years difference in age, but have a lot in common, especially teaching styles.  Specifically, I thank you for sharing your boyfriend excitement, it has reminded me of all the memories that Terrance and I have.

4. Thank you to our next door neighbors who are NEVER annoyed that Nate wants to play with them, talk to them, swing on their swing, help with everything that they do... it so sweet he gets to be involved with fabulous friends.

5. Thank you to my Starbucks for making my Pumpkin Ice Coffee today, it was so yummy!

List of Thankfulness-Whatevs

1.  This week I am thankful for the weather.  I adore cold mornings, with yummy coffee on the road, now if would just stay cold all day!

2.  Nate called a sweet friend of mine, and I quickly hung it up hoping not to bother her.  She heard 1/2 of a ring and called me back.  We got 10 minutes of chat time while she was  driving to see her grand kids.  I was blessed with a joyful conversation.  I want to be a mom like her some day... she can quote millions of bible verses and then Beavis and Butthead in efforts to laugh and connect to her son.  :) love that!

3.  My husband reminding me to get the oil changed in my car.

4. Target Optical!  203$ years worth of contacts and new lenses for my glasses... Flex Card + Target Gift Card and no money out of my bank account... so awesome! And they gave me 30% off plus a 15$ gift card back...

5. Nola this past two months has finally started calling me mommy!  It is precious!

6.  I got a great shot of Nate, Nola & I.  I'll post it soon.  Terrance was working... bummer he wasn't in it!

7.  I received a yellow scarf for my birthday, and it is glowing! I love it! 

8.  I really love my Bobs, I can't wait to wear them more often.  I want more colors too... they are very very comfortable! ( I know, I'm a trader)

9.  Thankful for a great nanny who loves my kids when I am not here.  Sometimes I walk in when she is upstairs and kiddos are getting up from naps.  I listen as she chats with them on the monitor... she is so silly with them.  Any person who leaves at the end of the day and still says ,"that's adorable" is a great catch!

10.  The dollar store next to Target.  We always get $1.00 balloons before we go inside Target.  Helps keeps the littles entertained!

List of Thankfulness: 32 Years

32 years ago, I was born.  My dark haired brown eyed mom, and dark haired blue eyed dad, looked into the eyes of a blue eyed, red head.  Their first born.  They were shocked to see that bright red hair.  I'm sure they would say that I am your typical first born child.   Responsible, leader, motherly...  Clearly, firstborns are natural leaders. They also tend to be reliable, conscientious and perfectionists who don't like surprises. Although, firstborns are typically aggressive, many are also compliant people pleasers. They are model children who have a strong need for approval from anyone in charge. Found this online... clearly me.  Yikes!

So in celebration of life, my life.  My most thankful moments in 32 years. 

1.  September 15, 1980.  I think its cool to be an 80's baby.  I love the number 15.  I love September, school has started back , the fall is coming.  No more bathing suits.  We can wear fun colors and jeans and its the best.

2. Born in Charlotte NC  Presby Baby!!  Lived in Charleston, SC; Ohio and back in Charlotte, NC.  Currently in Kannapolis.  I am proud to live and love the South. My favorite place is the Beach.  Nothing compares to the salty smell and gusts of wind.

3. I don't remember much about being little.  I remember growing up with my sisters. Green Ohio grass, salty Charleston waters. A fun trip to Disney.  Camping every summer.  We had a pop-up camper.  I was a dad's helper.  I loved basketball and being with him.  I loved family movie nights on Fridays.  Eventually those nights became Dawson's Creek & Felicity extravaganzas.

4.  The day that my brother was adopted.  This is a huge event in my life. Most precious and memorable, watching my proud parents walk off the plane with the cutest Charlotte Hornets decked out toddler, ever.  He had huge brown eyes, and beautiful warm brown skin. He spoke baby spanish, and learned english quickly.  He opened my eyes to love that sees color and yet sees past color. 

5. Middle School.  I was homeschooled until 7th grade.  The first time I stepped into a classroom, was Covenant Day School.  Where I have so many amazing memories, learned to be my own person, and laughed all the time. (Right?)  We met in 7th grade, and are still friends to this day. I have super love for these people and if they ever needed me, even though we don't talk every day. I would be there in a heartbeat. 

6. My first year of college, I met two amazing people.  My roommate that year and a guy named Ethan.  We were a trio, and had so many laughing marathons.  I wish every year of college had been that wonderful for me.
Graduating from UNCC where I met an amazing woman, who is now a dear friend, Missy.  It took me 5 years but I did it.  And then started my first year of teaching.

7. Being an Aunt!

8. My first teaching job, I ended up staying their for 7 years. The people at this school love kids and that's why they persevere through the most insane situations.  I can't believe I've been a teacher for 8 years.  Seems impossible.  Although teaching has taken a back burner to having kids and being a mom.  I do love it, I am good at it, and I do enjoy seeing kids learn.  It's a blessing to have a job that I enjoy. 

9.  The day that I met my husband.  I saw this handsome 3rd grade teacher, carrying a motorcycle helmet.  He had the most amazing smile.  We had mutual friends, and started hanging out.  As we fell in love, he was always one step ahead of me.  Ready for our lives to be intertwined, and I fell in line behind him.  Saying yes.  Getting married.  And having a family.  I am so thankful to meet a guy from NY, and be his partner in this life. 

10. Becoming a mom has changed my life.  Having children, the process of being pregnant. Finding out what a woman's body can do, and how we are created to create.  Learning to deal with motherly emotions, and knowing that I get to be a mom.  Understanding even more depth of what my own mom went through, it's like I've been accepted into the sorority of womanhood. 

 

My neice & I

 My brother & I, visiting me at college.

 September 15, 1980. Day of birth.

 Pregnant with Nola.  9th month

80's Toddler

 Terrance & I

 My sister, brother & I . I'm in college

Home from college. Go Volvo. With my sister Ellen.

 My Nola Ryleigh

 Pregnant with Nate.  Terrance's 30th birthday. Yes, the Race Track.

 Pregnant with Nate. 8 or 9th month.

My dear friend Missy & I at her bachelorette.

 Nate & I with my mom.  She's beautiful.

 

List of Thankfulness: Odds & Ends

Ok, I'm working hard for this list.  I do not feel very thankful!

1. Thomas the Engine-  Nate is in love.  He has been watching it a lot this week, which has given me time with him and a little break.  I love watching him enjoy something that is just for him.

2. My mom bought Nola the correct size of shoe.  I went to Stride Rite (never had an issue before)  they measured Nola at a 6, when she wears a 5.  The selection wasn't good, so we didn't try anything on while we were there. I ordered a pair of silver Bobs.  They are so cute, but too big. Mom to the rescue!  She is really a size 5.

3. Nola has been so excited to see me when I get home, I always woke her up to feed her last year. So this year I don't get to see her in the mornings.  I stand on the stairway every morning and pray that the three people still sleeping will be safe and have a great day...  She is finally calling me mommy, and I love it.

4. Grocery shopping is done, and I love full cabinets of food.

5. Been making lots of iced coffee this week... so good.  My method, 12 cups of water, full filter of coffee grounds (French Roast, or dark roast).  Brew pot, pour over pitcher of ice.  Stick in fridge.  Pour in glass and enjoy!

6. Sleeping pretty well after Nate finally gets settled. 

7. 5am wake up call hasn't been to bad.

8. My hot glue gun.  Nothing is falling off the walls of my classroom.

9. No big behavior issues as of yet in my classroom... Praise!

10.  I am still standing. 

List of Thankfulness: Friends

Why in the world is it so hard to make friends when you get older.  I am 31, two weeks away from 32 (yes I did just promote my birthday).  I am a birthday snob.

Anyways, as I've gotten older it has been increasingly harder connect in an AUTHENTIC way to other women.

We are narrow minded sometimes, and just can't seem to get out of our own way.  So here are 12 reasons, I am thankful for friends~ old and new

1. Accepting me for who I am.

2. Thanks for being open minded and not judging me.

3. Laughing with me.  Not just a little chuckle.  The real thing, even a roaring belly laugh.  (You know laughing helps you lose weight.)

4. Honest to ask awkward and tough questions.  Honest to be truthful and let me know if I have something stuck in my teeth.  Or something on my shirt, probably its snot... just warning you.

5. Sharing prayer request. And actually praying for me.

6. Having insane, wild, jungle like play dates with me and my two littles.

7. Dealing with my puzzle of a schedule.  Figuring out times we can hang out to make the most of it!

8. Encouraging me to take time for myself.

9. Respecting my opinion, and supporting me through tough times.

10. Letting me talk, actually listening, even when I repeat myself and talk to much.

11. Loving me and my kids and getting to know my husband.

12. Knowing things that bring me joy and sharing them with me. ( Coffee anyone?)

 

 

List of Thankfulness: First Week Back to Work

thanks pinterest

I missed my list this week.  Go figure.  So here goes nothing!

1.  Kids adjusted really well this week.  They look forward to going to Nana's house and playing with their Auntie and Cousins.  They love when Jessica comes over to play.  Super blessing to a worrisome mama's heart.

2.  Making new friends!  Hardest thing about leaving my old school, was leaving all my friends.  I started working there when I was single, dated Terrance, engaged, married and two babies 7 years later!  I grew up there, and knew everyone and loved my friends dearly.  This year I am not the newest on the block, and that is always good!

3. Second grade.  I didn't change rooms or grade levels.  And although we lost an amazing teacher, we also gained one.  Kindred spirits She even loves 90's music & coffee & hot glue guns & sarcasm:)

4. There is no better coffee than the first cup on a cool, early morning.

5. I get to come home to a lot of hugs, love and laughter.  It really isn't possible for me to put this into words.  I might cry. Full arms equals a full heart these days. 

6. Jesus is working on me.  He is giving me strength to get back into the swing of things.  Using people who read my blog that say thanks, so encouraging.  Using women who just mention that they are thinking of me through the transition... so encouraging. 

7. Prayer Journal Update.  I made my binder journal, and I have been sticky noting prayers and putting them in there.  I then think of them throughout the week, and know that I've given it to the Lord.

8.  Mani-Pedi and Glass of White Wine- 35$.  I was just going to get a polish change, but this was such a great deal.  I checked with the husband while driving home from school Friday afternoon and he said, sure!  So I went.  My goal this year is to do a much better job of taking some time for myself at least once a month.  This was the first of many!

9.  15 of 20 parents showed up for open house.

10. I survived.  We transitioned.  Our dinners weren't great, and there were definitely growing pains, but we made it.  I'm a fighter.

 

“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” –

2 Corinthians 4:17 

List of Thankfulness: My Man

Something new!   In hope to have something kind of catchy, regular, weekly and listy to blog every week (hopefully, yet I promise nothing)...  This superwoman is creating a Top Ten Thursday.  Goal:  Create a weekly top ten list.  Could be anything, try not to get to excited. 


I believe that the best gift someone can give is the gift of thankfulness.  Telling someone thank you is a simple way to affirm that your appreciation of who someone is, what they do, how they have touched your life in the most simple of ways! 
In celebration of my recent anniversary to my husband of 7 years, here is the first list.

Top Ten Reasons I love my Husband (he probably doesn't know about)

1.  I love the way that you mow the lawn.  You have a system, and the smell of freshly cut grass is one of my favorites.
2. I love the way that you spend time with our kids.  (What mom doesn't!) I listen to you in the monitor when you read to them, and it melts my heart.
3. I am thankful for how efficient you are.  It keeps us on track (most of the time) and even though it does drive me crazy sometimes, I know it gets things done!
4. I love how you appreciate my expertise, ideas, thoughts.  It makes me feel special.
5. I think its funny how you sleep with your arms on your head or behind your neck when you are sleeping.  It looks like you are awake, how is that comfortable?
6. I love that you do your own laundry and help with the kids laundry.  This helps me with other household chores I despise.
7. I love the way you call and talk to my mom and dad when you have big news to share.  Super special!
8. I love the way that you have been willing (slowly but surely) to find new ways to love me in my own love language.  It makes me feel like you love me and feel that I'm worth it to you to change.  Our marriage is powerful when we compromise.
9. I love when you help me cook dinner.
10. I love drinking a good cold beer together, trying new things, and when you ask me to go do things with you.  It is a wonderful thing to be included in your life! 

I think you are beautiful tired and surrounded by your babies, and rested with energy!  Love you!

Psalm 107:1"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."