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Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thankful and Blessed
25th - Happy Thanksgiving! I am blessed beyond measure and thankful for the three children who ended up in bed with me this morning, and the husband who's already given me snuggles today...and it's still early. Have a wonderful day!
24th - I'm thankful for my hubby (you didn't think I would leave him out, did you?). He loves me and our kids something fierce, and it just makes my heart melt to watch him wrestle with Kellen, have tea parties with Tatum, and swoon over Jacey. He drives me crazy like no one else, he makes me laugh like no one else, and coming up on our 10 year anniversary, we've certainly had our ups and downs. But we love each other and we keep working on US...and that's what really matters. In a marriage, it's not the destination that counts, but the journey along the way. I'm glad that God designed Matt and I to travel along this journey together.
23rd - Today I'm thankful for my parents. Parents who raised me correctly. Parents who were involved in and took me to church...who sometimes went to a church in a town 45 minutes away so that their kids could be involved in a vibrant youth group. Parents who I'm sure I disappointed greatly, but who still love me immensely. Parents who have had to start over from scratch three times in their life but still managed to provide for me and my brothers. Parents who taught me the value of money, how to be thrifty, how to shop smart and how to stretch a dollar. Parents who are coming to my house today to spend the night and watch my two older kids tomorrow while I go to work. I'm so thankful that I have parents who, after 38 years of marriage, are still in love with each other and model selfless love daily.
22nd - Today I'm thankful that Jacey slept through the night last night. We (I) started night training her (again) last night. We had worked with her quite a bit to get her to the point where she was going to sleep on her own and sleeping pretty well. That all ended after she had croup, because none of us could stand to hear her cry and the croup freaked us all out so much. So...since she's now well over that, I decided it was high time that she learned to fall asleep on her own again. After two hours of her ripping the paci out of her mouth and screaming, she finally fell asleep. And stayed asleep. All night. From about 9:30 last night until after 6 am this morning. I'm thankful for a full nights rest. I didn't realize how much I had missed it until I got it. Funny how that works.
21st - Today I'm thankful for our church. Matt and I worked on the children's ministry during service today as parent helpers...also known as crowd control. This ministry meets the elementary students where they are, with messages that they can relate to, and gets the kids excited about God and church. They have a variety of mission projects in which the kids can participate, which helps them think beyond the borders of this town, which I think is wonderful!
20th - Today I'm thankful that the Aggies had yet another great win over Nebraska. I'm amazed at the outpouring of support by the Ags...we broke both the TAMU attendance record AND the college football student attendance record. And managed to win without scoring a touchdown. And haven't allowed a touchdown in 6 quarters. I love this school, love being an Aggie, and am so very thankful that this is where God wants me to be right now!
19th - I'm thankful for music. I attending the Skillet/TobyMac concert last night and it was such a wonderful event! My vision of heaven is one where I can praise God while jamming out and dancing....much in the same manner as we did last night, only on a much grander scale.
18th - I'm once again thankful that I am an Aggie. Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Bonfire collapse where 12 Aggies lost their lives. I can't believe it's been 11 years, because I can remember so much about that day like it was only yesterday. Running downstairs in our fourplex to wake up Jules to tell her, phone calls, trips to the hospital, floods of emails from students....the memories. I'm saddened by how much it seems that campus has changed since then...there's a part of the Aggie culture that's gone forever now. But I'm thankful to be part of a university where, regardless of what side of the Bonfire issue you land, there's no question about the support we have for each other....in good times and in bad. Always remember.
17th - Today I'm thankful for a daughter who is growing and thriving! Jacey had her 4-month check up today (there will be a separate post solely for this check-up) and she's doing wonderfully!
16th - Today I'm thankful that there are individuals out there doing exactly what God wants of them. For example, Kellen had the meet the coach night tonight and I was reminded of the incredible time commitment some folks invest to work with my kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
15th - Today I'm thankful for a job where people care enough about me and my health to buy light covers for the lights in my office that are supposed to reduce migraines. They were installed today and my office is lit, but much dimmer than it has been for the last 6+ years.
14th - I'm thankful for quiet and restful Sunday afternoons. The kind of days where, after church, one kid naps, the other works on Sparks and practices his scripture, and you sit in a chair holding your infant, doing your Bible study, while the TV plays (or doesn't...whatever) in the background and you just ENJOY EACH OTHER AND THE MOMENT. There is a reason God designed a day of rest...and I would be well-served to remember that more often!
13th - I'm thankful today for my in-laws. I am so fortunate not to have any of the somewhat 'normal' (but oh-so-unfortunate) in-law issues that many folks seem to face nowadays. They love me as if I was one of their own kids, and adore my children...doing for our family so often and spoiling not only the kids, but me! Today, thank you for the sunglasses, shoes, top and pretty toes!!
--As a bonus thankful...I'm thankful that the Aggies pulled off a win over the Baylor Bears!
--I'm also thankful for the brownies, ice cream and chocolate syrup that helped me through watching the bizarreness that was that football game!
12th - I'm thankful for hot chocolate on a cool day. Shallow perhaps, but it's nice to take time to be thankful for the little things, right?
11th - Today I'm thankful for veterans. Those folks who give of themselves so that I, and others around me, can do whatever it is that we do. A I would like to give a special thank you to my countless uncles and counsins who have served and are serving, and a specific thank you to my daddy (Air Force) and my hubby (Marine).
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
7th - I am thankful for friends. Friends that you see a lot, and those that you don't. Friends that no matter how long it has been since you've seen them or talked, when you do it's as if no time has lapsed at all. Friends that you don't have to clean your house for. Friends that know you inside and out, and still love you. Friends that call you to the carpet and hold you accountable.
6th - I am thankful that I went to A&M. I am part of a culture unlike any other. One where a ring and a common experience connects you to others. It's a large network and a small world, and I love running into Ags wherever I go. I'm looking forward to the football game tonight. Gig 'em, Aggies!
5th - I'm thankful for my job. I love, love, love my job. I get to interact with students every day all day, and it keeps me young (not that I'm old or anything, just to clarify). As an advisor, I meet students where they are and help them move to where they need to be. It's a longer journey for some than others, but I love the adventures along the way. God continually confims to me that I'm exactly where He wants me to be, doing what He wants me to be doing. And can it get any better than that?
4th - I am thankful for Jacey. She's the child I never knew I always wanted. Our oops baby. And I can't imagine our life without her. She's a sweet baby. An easy going baby. A baby who will clearly communicate to you when something is wrong (when she's wet, dirty, hungry, etc), but other than that will just laugh and smile at you. She has a great laugh. She has a wonderful smile. My heart melts when she looks at me and smiles that big ole smile of hers and coos to me. She loves her brother and sister, and loves snuggling with all of us. I love her precious baby smell...the smell that makes me want to just inhale her hair and skin because it smells so wonderful. I would be content to sit and hold her for hours - and she would let me. She has baby soft hands and a strong grip, and I'm reminded that she's been entrusted to me to raise when she grabs hold of my finger and doesn't let go. She's not quite as adventurous and her brother and sister, not liking it too terribly much when Daddy plays with her in his rough-and-tumble daddy way. In that respect she is very different than her siblings. She's made me throw some of my 'I'll never....' out the window, and that's ok. She still doesn't sleep through the night, VERY different from her brother and sister, who were doing so consistently at 6 and 7 weeks old, and that's ok, too. She's brought out a protective nature in Kellen and Tatum that I don't think existed in this magnitude before, and I love to watch them both interact with her. I'm so glad that God knows what I need way more than I do, and I'm glad that He decided we needed another kiddo!
3rd - I'm thankful for Tatum. She's a wonderful mixture of girly girl, complete with all things pink and beautiful long hair, and tomboy. She'll be the first to try something out, slide down a huge slide, zip line right there with the 'big kids' and shake it off when she has a bump or bruise. She's stubborn and strong willed, which will serve her well later in life when she has to stand up for what she believes in. She loves making Mommy and Daddy proud, which she did yesterday when she got a wonderfully awesome Happy Note from school. She adores her brother, and wants to do everything he does. She dotes on her sister, wanting to help with her, hold her, give her lots of hugs and kisses and even share her toys. She loves to play dress up. She loves her stuffed animals and her lovey, and she loves, loves, loves to read. She likes coloring, crafts, and playing with Play-doh. She likes cats (which is odd because we don't have one and she's rarely been around then) and acts like a kitty cat quite often. She loves tea parties and playing in her kitchen. She reminds us to say night-night prayers with her and gets upset if we forget and is the first to say our 'good morning' prayers on the way to school. Despite the current discipline issues Matt and I seem to be having with her, she is a great little girl and I'm so blessed to have her!
2nd - I'm thankful for my son. He's all boy. He likes to play sports and try different things. He has an amazing and compassionate heart. (His Sunday school class is collecting toys, so he decided to go through them and prep some to donate to kids in the hospital because 'they need toys to play with in the hospital, and I have other toys'. He tried to convince his sister to do the same, telling her, "Giving things to other kids will make your heart happy!") He loves the Lord and was saved last week, and will soon be speaking with our pastor about getting baptized. He got upset at a kid at school for drawing a picture of Jesus in the clouds getting shot and falling to the earth, because "...you shouldn't draw things like that about Jesus and it really made me upset". He's smart - super smart. He likes to invent and build things (like robots out of cardboard). He loves to read. He likes superheroes. Did I mention he loves to read? His book of choice at night is his Sparks book or his Bible. He gives hugs and kisses for no reason. He plays with his sister(s) and puts up with Tatum's antics. He makes lunches for Tatum (and sometimes me) every day...he helps her with breakfast and helps with Jacey as much as he possibly can. I am so blessed and thankful to have the son I do!
1st - I'm thankful that I've been saved by a God who knows me and loves me anyway. One who loved me so much that He sent His perfect Son to die for all the yucky things I have done, ever will do, or even think about doing. One whose love won't change no matter what I do - or don't do.
24th - I'm thankful for my hubby (you didn't think I would leave him out, did you?). He loves me and our kids something fierce, and it just makes my heart melt to watch him wrestle with Kellen, have tea parties with Tatum, and swoon over Jacey. He drives me crazy like no one else, he makes me laugh like no one else, and coming up on our 10 year anniversary, we've certainly had our ups and downs. But we love each other and we keep working on US...and that's what really matters. In a marriage, it's not the destination that counts, but the journey along the way. I'm glad that God designed Matt and I to travel along this journey together.
23rd - Today I'm thankful for my parents. Parents who raised me correctly. Parents who were involved in and took me to church...who sometimes went to a church in a town 45 minutes away so that their kids could be involved in a vibrant youth group. Parents who I'm sure I disappointed greatly, but who still love me immensely. Parents who have had to start over from scratch three times in their life but still managed to provide for me and my brothers. Parents who taught me the value of money, how to be thrifty, how to shop smart and how to stretch a dollar. Parents who are coming to my house today to spend the night and watch my two older kids tomorrow while I go to work. I'm so thankful that I have parents who, after 38 years of marriage, are still in love with each other and model selfless love daily.
22nd - Today I'm thankful that Jacey slept through the night last night. We (I) started night training her (again) last night. We had worked with her quite a bit to get her to the point where she was going to sleep on her own and sleeping pretty well. That all ended after she had croup, because none of us could stand to hear her cry and the croup freaked us all out so much. So...since she's now well over that, I decided it was high time that she learned to fall asleep on her own again. After two hours of her ripping the paci out of her mouth and screaming, she finally fell asleep. And stayed asleep. All night. From about 9:30 last night until after 6 am this morning. I'm thankful for a full nights rest. I didn't realize how much I had missed it until I got it. Funny how that works.
21st - Today I'm thankful for our church. Matt and I worked on the children's ministry during service today as parent helpers...also known as crowd control. This ministry meets the elementary students where they are, with messages that they can relate to, and gets the kids excited about God and church. They have a variety of mission projects in which the kids can participate, which helps them think beyond the borders of this town, which I think is wonderful!
20th - Today I'm thankful that the Aggies had yet another great win over Nebraska. I'm amazed at the outpouring of support by the Ags...we broke both the TAMU attendance record AND the college football student attendance record. And managed to win without scoring a touchdown. And haven't allowed a touchdown in 6 quarters. I love this school, love being an Aggie, and am so very thankful that this is where God wants me to be right now!
19th - I'm thankful for music. I attending the Skillet/TobyMac concert last night and it was such a wonderful event! My vision of heaven is one where I can praise God while jamming out and dancing....much in the same manner as we did last night, only on a much grander scale.
18th - I'm once again thankful that I am an Aggie. Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Bonfire collapse where 12 Aggies lost their lives. I can't believe it's been 11 years, because I can remember so much about that day like it was only yesterday. Running downstairs in our fourplex to wake up Jules to tell her, phone calls, trips to the hospital, floods of emails from students....the memories. I'm saddened by how much it seems that campus has changed since then...there's a part of the Aggie culture that's gone forever now. But I'm thankful to be part of a university where, regardless of what side of the Bonfire issue you land, there's no question about the support we have for each other....in good times and in bad. Always remember.
17th - Today I'm thankful for a daughter who is growing and thriving! Jacey had her 4-month check up today (there will be a separate post solely for this check-up) and she's doing wonderfully!
16th - Today I'm thankful that there are individuals out there doing exactly what God wants of them. For example, Kellen had the meet the coach night tonight and I was reminded of the incredible time commitment some folks invest to work with my kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
15th - Today I'm thankful for a job where people care enough about me and my health to buy light covers for the lights in my office that are supposed to reduce migraines. They were installed today and my office is lit, but much dimmer than it has been for the last 6+ years.
14th - I'm thankful for quiet and restful Sunday afternoons. The kind of days where, after church, one kid naps, the other works on Sparks and practices his scripture, and you sit in a chair holding your infant, doing your Bible study, while the TV plays (or doesn't...whatever) in the background and you just ENJOY EACH OTHER AND THE MOMENT. There is a reason God designed a day of rest...and I would be well-served to remember that more often!
13th - I'm thankful today for my in-laws. I am so fortunate not to have any of the somewhat 'normal' (but oh-so-unfortunate) in-law issues that many folks seem to face nowadays. They love me as if I was one of their own kids, and adore my children...doing for our family so often and spoiling not only the kids, but me! Today, thank you for the sunglasses, shoes, top and pretty toes!!
--As a bonus thankful...I'm thankful that the Aggies pulled off a win over the Baylor Bears!
--I'm also thankful for the brownies, ice cream and chocolate syrup that helped me through watching the bizarreness that was that football game!
12th - I'm thankful for hot chocolate on a cool day. Shallow perhaps, but it's nice to take time to be thankful for the little things, right?
11th - Today I'm thankful for veterans. Those folks who give of themselves so that I, and others around me, can do whatever it is that we do. A I would like to give a special thank you to my countless uncles and counsins who have served and are serving, and a specific thank you to my daddy (Air Force) and my hubby (Marine).
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
7th - I am thankful for friends. Friends that you see a lot, and those that you don't. Friends that no matter how long it has been since you've seen them or talked, when you do it's as if no time has lapsed at all. Friends that you don't have to clean your house for. Friends that know you inside and out, and still love you. Friends that call you to the carpet and hold you accountable.
6th - I am thankful that I went to A&M. I am part of a culture unlike any other. One where a ring and a common experience connects you to others. It's a large network and a small world, and I love running into Ags wherever I go. I'm looking forward to the football game tonight. Gig 'em, Aggies!
5th - I'm thankful for my job. I love, love, love my job. I get to interact with students every day all day, and it keeps me young (not that I'm old or anything, just to clarify). As an advisor, I meet students where they are and help them move to where they need to be. It's a longer journey for some than others, but I love the adventures along the way. God continually confims to me that I'm exactly where He wants me to be, doing what He wants me to be doing. And can it get any better than that?
4th - I am thankful for Jacey. She's the child I never knew I always wanted. Our oops baby. And I can't imagine our life without her. She's a sweet baby. An easy going baby. A baby who will clearly communicate to you when something is wrong (when she's wet, dirty, hungry, etc), but other than that will just laugh and smile at you. She has a great laugh. She has a wonderful smile. My heart melts when she looks at me and smiles that big ole smile of hers and coos to me. She loves her brother and sister, and loves snuggling with all of us. I love her precious baby smell...the smell that makes me want to just inhale her hair and skin because it smells so wonderful. I would be content to sit and hold her for hours - and she would let me. She has baby soft hands and a strong grip, and I'm reminded that she's been entrusted to me to raise when she grabs hold of my finger and doesn't let go. She's not quite as adventurous and her brother and sister, not liking it too terribly much when Daddy plays with her in his rough-and-tumble daddy way. In that respect she is very different than her siblings. She's made me throw some of my 'I'll never....' out the window, and that's ok. She still doesn't sleep through the night, VERY different from her brother and sister, who were doing so consistently at 6 and 7 weeks old, and that's ok, too. She's brought out a protective nature in Kellen and Tatum that I don't think existed in this magnitude before, and I love to watch them both interact with her. I'm so glad that God knows what I need way more than I do, and I'm glad that He decided we needed another kiddo!
3rd - I'm thankful for Tatum. She's a wonderful mixture of girly girl, complete with all things pink and beautiful long hair, and tomboy. She'll be the first to try something out, slide down a huge slide, zip line right there with the 'big kids' and shake it off when she has a bump or bruise. She's stubborn and strong willed, which will serve her well later in life when she has to stand up for what she believes in. She loves making Mommy and Daddy proud, which she did yesterday when she got a wonderfully awesome Happy Note from school. She adores her brother, and wants to do everything he does. She dotes on her sister, wanting to help with her, hold her, give her lots of hugs and kisses and even share her toys. She loves to play dress up. She loves her stuffed animals and her lovey, and she loves, loves, loves to read. She likes coloring, crafts, and playing with Play-doh. She likes cats (which is odd because we don't have one and she's rarely been around then) and acts like a kitty cat quite often. She loves tea parties and playing in her kitchen. She reminds us to say night-night prayers with her and gets upset if we forget and is the first to say our 'good morning' prayers on the way to school. Despite the current discipline issues Matt and I seem to be having with her, she is a great little girl and I'm so blessed to have her!
2nd - I'm thankful for my son. He's all boy. He likes to play sports and try different things. He has an amazing and compassionate heart. (His Sunday school class is collecting toys, so he decided to go through them and prep some to donate to kids in the hospital because 'they need toys to play with in the hospital, and I have other toys'. He tried to convince his sister to do the same, telling her, "Giving things to other kids will make your heart happy!") He loves the Lord and was saved last week, and will soon be speaking with our pastor about getting baptized. He got upset at a kid at school for drawing a picture of Jesus in the clouds getting shot and falling to the earth, because "...you shouldn't draw things like that about Jesus and it really made me upset". He's smart - super smart. He likes to invent and build things (like robots out of cardboard). He loves to read. He likes superheroes. Did I mention he loves to read? His book of choice at night is his Sparks book or his Bible. He gives hugs and kisses for no reason. He plays with his sister(s) and puts up with Tatum's antics. He makes lunches for Tatum (and sometimes me) every day...he helps her with breakfast and helps with Jacey as much as he possibly can. I am so blessed and thankful to have the son I do!
1st - I'm thankful that I've been saved by a God who knows me and loves me anyway. One who loved me so much that He sent His perfect Son to die for all the yucky things I have done, ever will do, or even think about doing. One whose love won't change no matter what I do - or don't do.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thankful
23rd - Today I'm thankful for my parents. Parents who raised me correctly. Parents who were involved in and took me to church...who sometimes went to a church in a town 45 minutes away so that their kids could be involved in a vibrant youth group. Parents who I'm sure I disappointed greatly, but who still love me immensely. Parents who have had to start over from scratch three times in their life but still managed to provide for me and my brothers. Parents who taught me the value of money, how to be thrifty, how to shop smart and how to stretch a dollar. Parents who are coming to my house today to spend the night and watch my two older kids tomorrow while I go to work. I'm so thankful that I have parents who, after 38 years of marriage, are still in love with each other and model selfless love daily.
22nd - Today I'm thankful that Jacey slept through the night last night. We (I) started night training her (again) last night. We had worked with her quite a bit to get her to the point where she was going to sleep on her own and sleeping pretty well. That all ended after she had croup, because none of us could stand to hear her cry and the croup freaked us all out so much. So...since she's now well over that, I decided it was high time that she learned to fall asleep on her own again. After two hours of her ripping the paci out of her mouth and screaming, she finally fell asleep. And stayed asleep. All night. From about 9:30 last night until after 6 am this morning. I'm thankful for a full nights rest. I didn't realize how much I had missed it until I got it. Funny how that works.
See the first three weeks here
22nd - Today I'm thankful that Jacey slept through the night last night. We (I) started night training her (again) last night. We had worked with her quite a bit to get her to the point where she was going to sleep on her own and sleeping pretty well. That all ended after she had croup, because none of us could stand to hear her cry and the croup freaked us all out so much. So...since she's now well over that, I decided it was high time that she learned to fall asleep on her own again. After two hours of her ripping the paci out of her mouth and screaming, she finally fell asleep. And stayed asleep. All night. From about 9:30 last night until after 6 am this morning. I'm thankful for a full nights rest. I didn't realize how much I had missed it until I got it. Funny how that works.
See the first three weeks here
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thankful...winding down
I've gotten so much of out this project, that I might reserve at least one day a week to try and continue to remind myself to be thankful for what I have...We all need added incentive to be thankful and content, don't we?
22nd - Today I'm thankful that Jacey slept through the night last night. We (I) started night training her (again) last night. We had worked with her quite a bit to get her to the point where she was going to sleep on her own and sleeping pretty well. That all ended after she had croup, because none of us could stand to hear her cry and the croup freaked us all out so much. So...since she's now well over that, I decided it was high time that she learned to fall asleep on her own again. After two hours of her ripping the paci out of her mouth and screaming, she finally fell asleep. And stayed asleep. All night. From about 9:30 last night until after 6 am this morning. I'm thankful for a full nights rest. I didn't realize how much I had missed it until I got it. Funny how that works.
Read the rest of the month here
22nd - Today I'm thankful that Jacey slept through the night last night. We (I) started night training her (again) last night. We had worked with her quite a bit to get her to the point where she was going to sleep on her own and sleeping pretty well. That all ended after she had croup, because none of us could stand to hear her cry and the croup freaked us all out so much. So...since she's now well over that, I decided it was high time that she learned to fall asleep on her own again. After two hours of her ripping the paci out of her mouth and screaming, she finally fell asleep. And stayed asleep. All night. From about 9:30 last night until after 6 am this morning. I'm thankful for a full nights rest. I didn't realize how much I had missed it until I got it. Funny how that works.
Read the rest of the month here
Thankful
Thankfulness in review.....
21st - Today I'm thankful for our church. Matt and I worked on the children's ministry during service today as parent helpers...also known as crowd control. This ministry meets the elementary students where they are, with messages that they can relate to, and gets the kids excited about God and church. They have a variety of mission projects in which the kids can participate, which helps them think beyond the borders of this town, which I think is wonderful!
20th - Today I'm thankful that the Aggies had yet another great win over Nebraska. I'm amazed at the outpouring of support by the Ags...we broke both the TAMU attendance record AND the college football student attendance record. And managed to win without scoring a touchdown. And haven't allowed a touchdown in 6 quarters. I love this school, love being an Aggie, and am so very thankful that this is where God wants me to be right now!
19th - I'm thankful for music. I attending the Skillet/TobyMac concert last night and it was such a wonderful event! My vision of heaven is one where I can praise God while jamming out and dancing....much in the same manner as we did last night, only on a much grander scale.
18th - I'm once again thankful that I am an Aggie. Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Bonfire collapse where 12 Aggies lost their lives. I can't believe it's been 11 years, because I can remember so much about that day like it was only yesterday. Running downstairs in our fourplex to wake up Jules to tell her, phone calls, trips to the hospital, floods of emails from students....the memories. I'm saddened by how much it seems that campus has changed since then...there's a part of the Aggie culture that's gone forever now. But I'm thankful to be part of a university where, regardless of what side of the Bonfire issue you land, there's no question about the support we have for each other....in good times and in bad. Always remember.
17th - Today I'm thankful for a daughter who is growing and thriving! Jacey had her 4-month check up today (there will be a separate post solely for this check-up) and she's doing wonderfully!
16th - Today I'm thankful that there are individuals out there doing exactly what God wants of them. For example, Kellen had the meet the coach night tonight and I was reminded of the incredible time commitment some folks invest to work with my kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
15th - Today I'm thankful for a job where people care enough about me and my health to buy light covers for the lights in my office that are supposed to reduce migraines. They were installed today and my office is lit, but much dimmer than it has been for the last 6+ years.
14th - I'm thankful for quiet and restful Sunday afternoons. The kind of days where, after church, one kid naps, the other works on Sparks and practices his scripture, and you sit in a chair holding your infant, doing your Bible study, while the TV plays (or doesn't...whatever) in the background and you just ENJOY EACH OTHER AND THE MOMENT. There is a reason God designed a day of rest...and I would be well-served to remember that more often!
13th - I'm thankful today for my in-laws. I am so fortunate not to have any of the somewhat 'normal' (but oh-so-unfortunate) in-law issues that many folks seem to face nowadays. They love me as if I was one of their own kids, and adore my children...doing for our family so often and spoiling not only the kids, but me! Today, thank you for the sunglasses, shoes, top and pretty toes!!
--As a bonus thankful...I'm thankful that the Aggies pulled off a win over the Baylor Bears!
--I'm also thankful for the brownies, ice cream and chocolate syrup that helped me through watching the bizarreness that was that football game!
12th - I'm thankful for hot chocolate on a cool day. Shallow perhaps, but it's nice to take time to be thankful for the little things, right?
11th - Today I'm thankful for veterans. Those folks who give of themselves so that I, and others around me, can do whatever it is that we do. A I would like to give a special thank you to my countless uncles and counsins who have served and are serving, and a specific thank you to my daddy (Air Force) and my hubby (Marine).
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
7th - I am thankful for friends. Friends that you see a lot, and those that you don't. Friends that no matter how long it has been since you've seen them or talked, when you do it's as if no time has lapsed at all. Friends that you don't have to clean your house for. Friends that know you inside and out, and still love you. Friends that call you to the carpet and hold you accountable.
6th - I am thankful that I went to A&M. I am part of a culture unlike any other. One where a ring and a common experience connects you to others. It's a large network and a small world, and I love running into Ags wherever I go. I'm looking forward to the football game tonight. Gig 'em, Aggies!
5th - I'm thankful for my job. I love, love, love my job. I get to interact with students every day all day, and it keeps me young (not that I'm old or anything, just to clarify). As an advisor, I meet students where they are and help them move to where they need to be. It's a longer journey for some than others, but I love the adventures along the way. God continually confims to me that I'm exactly where He wants me to be, doing what He wants me to be doing. And can it get any better than that?
4th - I am thankful for Jacey. She's the child I never knew I always wanted. Our oops baby. And I can't imagine our life without her. She's a sweet baby. An easy going baby. A baby who will clearly communicate to you when something is wrong (when she's wet, dirty, hungry, etc), but other than that will just laugh and smile at you. She has a great laugh. She has a wonderful smile. My heart melts when she looks at me and smiles that big ole smile of hers and coos to me. She loves her brother and sister, and loves snuggling with all of us. I love her precious baby smell...the smell that makes me want to just inhale her hair and skin because it smells so wonderful. I would be content to sit and hold her for hours - and she would let me. She has baby soft hands and a strong grip, and I'm reminded that she's been entrusted to me to raise when she grabs hold of my finger and doesn't let go. She's not quite as adventurous and her brother and sister, not liking it too terribly much when Daddy plays with her in his rough-and-tumble daddy way. In that respect she is very different than her siblings. She's made me throw some of my 'I'll never....' out the window, and that's ok. She still doesn't sleep through the night, VERY different from her brother and sister, who were doing so consistently at 6 and 7 weeks old, and that's ok, too. She's brought out a protective nature in Kellen and Tatum that I don't think existed in this magnitude before, and I love to watch them both interact with her. I'm so glad that God knows what I need way more than I do, and I'm glad that He decided we needed another kiddo!
3rd - I'm thankful for Tatum. She's a wonderful mixture of girly girl, complete with all things pink and beautiful long hair, and tomboy. She'll be the first to try something out, slide down a huge slide, zip line right there with the 'big kids' and shake it off when she has a bump or bruise. She's stubborn and strong willed, which will serve her well later in life when she has to stand up for what she believes in. She loves making Mommy and Daddy proud, which she did yesterday when she got a wonderfully awesome Happy Note from school. She adores her brother, and wants to do everything he does. She dotes on her sister, wanting to help with her, hold her, give her lots of hugs and kisses and even share her toys. She loves to play dress up. She loves her stuffed animals and her lovey, and she loves, loves, loves to read. She likes coloring, crafts, and playing with Play-doh. She likes cats (which is odd because we don't have one and she's rarely been around then) and acts like a kitty cat quite often. She loves tea parties and playing in her kitchen. She reminds us to say night-night prayers with her and gets upset if we forget and is the first to say our 'good morning' prayers on the way to school. Despite the current discipline issues Matt and I seem to be having with her, she is a great little girl and I'm so blessed to have her!
2nd - I'm thankful for my son. He's all boy. He likes to play sports and try different things. He has an amazing and compassionate heart. (His Sunday school class is collecting toys, so he decided to go through them and prep some to donate to kids in the hospital because 'they need toys to play with in the hospital, and I have other toys'. He tried to convince his sister to do the same, telling her, "Giving things to other kids will make your heart happy!") He loves the Lord and was saved last week, and will soon be speaking with our pastor about getting baptized. He got upset at a kid at school for drawing a picture of Jesus in the clouds getting shot and falling to the earth, because "...you shouldn't draw things like that about Jesus and it really made me upset". He's smart - super smart. He likes to invent and build things (like robots out of cardboard). He loves to read. He likes superheroes. Did I mention he loves to read? His book of choice at night is his Sparks book or his Bible. He gives hugs and kisses for no reason. He plays with his sister(s) and puts up with Tatum's antics. He makes lunches for Tatum (and sometimes me) every day...he helps her with breakfast and helps with Jacey as much as he possibly can. I am so blessed and thankful to have the son I do!
1st - I'm thankful that I've been saved by a God who knows me and loves me anyway. One who loved me so much that He sent His perfect Son to die for all the yucky things I have done, ever will do, or even think about doing. One whose love won't change no matter what I do - or don't do.
21st - Today I'm thankful for our church. Matt and I worked on the children's ministry during service today as parent helpers...also known as crowd control. This ministry meets the elementary students where they are, with messages that they can relate to, and gets the kids excited about God and church. They have a variety of mission projects in which the kids can participate, which helps them think beyond the borders of this town, which I think is wonderful!
20th - Today I'm thankful that the Aggies had yet another great win over Nebraska. I'm amazed at the outpouring of support by the Ags...we broke both the TAMU attendance record AND the college football student attendance record. And managed to win without scoring a touchdown. And haven't allowed a touchdown in 6 quarters. I love this school, love being an Aggie, and am so very thankful that this is where God wants me to be right now!
19th - I'm thankful for music. I attending the Skillet/TobyMac concert last night and it was such a wonderful event! My vision of heaven is one where I can praise God while jamming out and dancing....much in the same manner as we did last night, only on a much grander scale.
18th - I'm once again thankful that I am an Aggie. Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Bonfire collapse where 12 Aggies lost their lives. I can't believe it's been 11 years, because I can remember so much about that day like it was only yesterday. Running downstairs in our fourplex to wake up Jules to tell her, phone calls, trips to the hospital, floods of emails from students....the memories. I'm saddened by how much it seems that campus has changed since then...there's a part of the Aggie culture that's gone forever now. But I'm thankful to be part of a university where, regardless of what side of the Bonfire issue you land, there's no question about the support we have for each other....in good times and in bad. Always remember.
17th - Today I'm thankful for a daughter who is growing and thriving! Jacey had her 4-month check up today (there will be a separate post solely for this check-up) and she's doing wonderfully!
16th - Today I'm thankful that there are individuals out there doing exactly what God wants of them. For example, Kellen had the meet the coach night tonight and I was reminded of the incredible time commitment some folks invest to work with my kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
15th - Today I'm thankful for a job where people care enough about me and my health to buy light covers for the lights in my office that are supposed to reduce migraines. They were installed today and my office is lit, but much dimmer than it has been for the last 6+ years.
14th - I'm thankful for quiet and restful Sunday afternoons. The kind of days where, after church, one kid naps, the other works on Sparks and practices his scripture, and you sit in a chair holding your infant, doing your Bible study, while the TV plays (or doesn't...whatever) in the background and you just ENJOY EACH OTHER AND THE MOMENT. There is a reason God designed a day of rest...and I would be well-served to remember that more often!
13th - I'm thankful today for my in-laws. I am so fortunate not to have any of the somewhat 'normal' (but oh-so-unfortunate) in-law issues that many folks seem to face nowadays. They love me as if I was one of their own kids, and adore my children...doing for our family so often and spoiling not only the kids, but me! Today, thank you for the sunglasses, shoes, top and pretty toes!!
--As a bonus thankful...I'm thankful that the Aggies pulled off a win over the Baylor Bears!
--I'm also thankful for the brownies, ice cream and chocolate syrup that helped me through watching the bizarreness that was that football game!
12th - I'm thankful for hot chocolate on a cool day. Shallow perhaps, but it's nice to take time to be thankful for the little things, right?
11th - Today I'm thankful for veterans. Those folks who give of themselves so that I, and others around me, can do whatever it is that we do. A I would like to give a special thank you to my countless uncles and counsins who have served and are serving, and a specific thank you to my daddy (Air Force) and my hubby (Marine).
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
7th - I am thankful for friends. Friends that you see a lot, and those that you don't. Friends that no matter how long it has been since you've seen them or talked, when you do it's as if no time has lapsed at all. Friends that you don't have to clean your house for. Friends that know you inside and out, and still love you. Friends that call you to the carpet and hold you accountable.
6th - I am thankful that I went to A&M. I am part of a culture unlike any other. One where a ring and a common experience connects you to others. It's a large network and a small world, and I love running into Ags wherever I go. I'm looking forward to the football game tonight. Gig 'em, Aggies!
5th - I'm thankful for my job. I love, love, love my job. I get to interact with students every day all day, and it keeps me young (not that I'm old or anything, just to clarify). As an advisor, I meet students where they are and help them move to where they need to be. It's a longer journey for some than others, but I love the adventures along the way. God continually confims to me that I'm exactly where He wants me to be, doing what He wants me to be doing. And can it get any better than that?
4th - I am thankful for Jacey. She's the child I never knew I always wanted. Our oops baby. And I can't imagine our life without her. She's a sweet baby. An easy going baby. A baby who will clearly communicate to you when something is wrong (when she's wet, dirty, hungry, etc), but other than that will just laugh and smile at you. She has a great laugh. She has a wonderful smile. My heart melts when she looks at me and smiles that big ole smile of hers and coos to me. She loves her brother and sister, and loves snuggling with all of us. I love her precious baby smell...the smell that makes me want to just inhale her hair and skin because it smells so wonderful. I would be content to sit and hold her for hours - and she would let me. She has baby soft hands and a strong grip, and I'm reminded that she's been entrusted to me to raise when she grabs hold of my finger and doesn't let go. She's not quite as adventurous and her brother and sister, not liking it too terribly much when Daddy plays with her in his rough-and-tumble daddy way. In that respect she is very different than her siblings. She's made me throw some of my 'I'll never....' out the window, and that's ok. She still doesn't sleep through the night, VERY different from her brother and sister, who were doing so consistently at 6 and 7 weeks old, and that's ok, too. She's brought out a protective nature in Kellen and Tatum that I don't think existed in this magnitude before, and I love to watch them both interact with her. I'm so glad that God knows what I need way more than I do, and I'm glad that He decided we needed another kiddo!
3rd - I'm thankful for Tatum. She's a wonderful mixture of girly girl, complete with all things pink and beautiful long hair, and tomboy. She'll be the first to try something out, slide down a huge slide, zip line right there with the 'big kids' and shake it off when she has a bump or bruise. She's stubborn and strong willed, which will serve her well later in life when she has to stand up for what she believes in. She loves making Mommy and Daddy proud, which she did yesterday when she got a wonderfully awesome Happy Note from school. She adores her brother, and wants to do everything he does. She dotes on her sister, wanting to help with her, hold her, give her lots of hugs and kisses and even share her toys. She loves to play dress up. She loves her stuffed animals and her lovey, and she loves, loves, loves to read. She likes coloring, crafts, and playing with Play-doh. She likes cats (which is odd because we don't have one and she's rarely been around then) and acts like a kitty cat quite often. She loves tea parties and playing in her kitchen. She reminds us to say night-night prayers with her and gets upset if we forget and is the first to say our 'good morning' prayers on the way to school. Despite the current discipline issues Matt and I seem to be having with her, she is a great little girl and I'm so blessed to have her!
2nd - I'm thankful for my son. He's all boy. He likes to play sports and try different things. He has an amazing and compassionate heart. (His Sunday school class is collecting toys, so he decided to go through them and prep some to donate to kids in the hospital because 'they need toys to play with in the hospital, and I have other toys'. He tried to convince his sister to do the same, telling her, "Giving things to other kids will make your heart happy!") He loves the Lord and was saved last week, and will soon be speaking with our pastor about getting baptized. He got upset at a kid at school for drawing a picture of Jesus in the clouds getting shot and falling to the earth, because "...you shouldn't draw things like that about Jesus and it really made me upset". He's smart - super smart. He likes to invent and build things (like robots out of cardboard). He loves to read. He likes superheroes. Did I mention he loves to read? His book of choice at night is his Sparks book or his Bible. He gives hugs and kisses for no reason. He plays with his sister(s) and puts up with Tatum's antics. He makes lunches for Tatum (and sometimes me) every day...he helps her with breakfast and helps with Jacey as much as he possibly can. I am so blessed and thankful to have the son I do!
1st - I'm thankful that I've been saved by a God who knows me and loves me anyway. One who loved me so much that He sent His perfect Son to die for all the yucky things I have done, ever will do, or even think about doing. One whose love won't change no matter what I do - or don't do.
Save your cereal boxes!!
I've stumbled upon the blog of a local family who is currently serving in Haiti. Her writing is fabulous as she's detailing the woes of this country. Check it out.
At any rate, your cereal boxes...the ones you throw away in the trash (or even recycle) can be turned into treasures.
So collect them. Flatten them. And send them!
And if you're in the BCS area, you can get them to me before December 7th and I'll be sure that they get over to the collection point in town on that day so that they can be sent to Haiti.
Or you can send them there yourselves. Here are the directions:
For folks in the BCS or Houston area
For folks outside of this area
Kind of makes me want to have cereal for dinner a few nights until then!
At any rate, your cereal boxes...the ones you throw away in the trash (or even recycle) can be turned into treasures.
So collect them. Flatten them. And send them!
And if you're in the BCS area, you can get them to me before December 7th and I'll be sure that they get over to the collection point in town on that day so that they can be sent to Haiti.
Or you can send them there yourselves. Here are the directions:
For folks in the BCS or Houston area
For folks outside of this area
Kind of makes me want to have cereal for dinner a few nights until then!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thankful
As I reflect on this Thankfulness project (not that it's done yet) I am realizing that doing this has had a wonderful side effect. I've been less stressed this month. Not that I've been stress-free...oh no...you don't have three kids, a full-time outside the home job, a hubby, AND be stress-free, (or if you do, please fill me in on your stress-free secret), but less stressed.
Want to know why?
I've been counting my blessings.
I've allowed my BLESSINGS to fill my mind and my heart, rather than other yucky things that the voice inside my head wants to dwell on throughout the day.
Blessings.
Count your blessings...name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done.
Can I get an 'Amen'?
19th - I'm thankful for music. I attending the Skillet/TobyMac concert last night and it was such a wonderful event! My vision of heaven is one where I can praise God while jamming out and dancing....much in the same manner as we did last night, only on a much grander scale.
18th - I'm once again thankful that I am an Aggie. Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Bonfire collapse where 12 Aggies lost their lives. I can't believe it's been 11 years, because I can remember so much about that day like it was only yesterday. Running downstairs in our fourplex to wake up Jules to tell her, phone calls, trips to the hospital, floods of emails from students....the memories. I'm saddened by how much it seems that campus has changed since then...there's a part of the Aggie culture that's gone forever now. But I'm thankful to be part of a university where, regardless of what side of the Bonfire issue you land, there's no question about the support we have for each other....in good times and in bad. Always remember.
17th - Today I'm thankful for a daughter who is growing and thriving! Jacey had her 4-month check up today (there will be a separate post solely for this check-up) and she's doing wonderfully!
16th - Today I'm thankful that there are individuals out there doing exactly what God wants of them. For example, Kellen had the meet the coach night tonight and I was reminded of the incredible time commitment some folks invest to work with my kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
15th - Today I'm thankful for a job where people care enough about me and my health to buy light covers for the lights in my office that are supposed to reduce migraines. They were installed today and my office is lit, but much dimmer than it has been for the last 6+ years.
Read the first two weeks here
Want to know why?
I've been counting my blessings.
I've allowed my BLESSINGS to fill my mind and my heart, rather than other yucky things that the voice inside my head wants to dwell on throughout the day.
Blessings.
Count your blessings...name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done.
Can I get an 'Amen'?
19th - I'm thankful for music. I attending the Skillet/TobyMac concert last night and it was such a wonderful event! My vision of heaven is one where I can praise God while jamming out and dancing....much in the same manner as we did last night, only on a much grander scale.
18th - I'm once again thankful that I am an Aggie. Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Bonfire collapse where 12 Aggies lost their lives. I can't believe it's been 11 years, because I can remember so much about that day like it was only yesterday. Running downstairs in our fourplex to wake up Jules to tell her, phone calls, trips to the hospital, floods of emails from students....the memories. I'm saddened by how much it seems that campus has changed since then...there's a part of the Aggie culture that's gone forever now. But I'm thankful to be part of a university where, regardless of what side of the Bonfire issue you land, there's no question about the support we have for each other....in good times and in bad. Always remember.
17th - Today I'm thankful for a daughter who is growing and thriving! Jacey had her 4-month check up today (there will be a separate post solely for this check-up) and she's doing wonderfully!
16th - Today I'm thankful that there are individuals out there doing exactly what God wants of them. For example, Kellen had the meet the coach night tonight and I was reminded of the incredible time commitment some folks invest to work with my kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
15th - Today I'm thankful for a job where people care enough about me and my health to buy light covers for the lights in my office that are supposed to reduce migraines. They were installed today and my office is lit, but much dimmer than it has been for the last 6+ years.
Read the first two weeks here
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thankful
Today I'm playing catch-up...
18th - I'm once again thankful that I am an Aggie. Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Bonfire collapse where 12 Aggies lost their lives. I can't believe it's been 11 years, because I can remember so much about that day like it was only yesterday. Running downstairs in our fourplex to wake up Jules to tell her, phone calls, trips to the hospital, floods of emails from students....the memories. I'm saddened by how much it seems that campus has changed since then...there's a part of the Aggie culture that's gone forever now. But I'm thankful to be part of a university where, regardless of what side of the Bonfire issue you land, there's no question about the support we have for each other....in good times and in bad. Always remember.
17th - Today I'm thankful for a daughter who is growing and thriving! Jacey had her 4-month check up today (there will be a separate post solely for this check-up) and she's doing wonderfully!
16th - Today I'm thankful that there are individuals out there doing exactly what God wants of them. For example, Kellen had the meet the coach night tonight and I was reminded of the incredible time commitment some folks invest to work with my kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
15th - Today I'm thankful for a job where people care enough about me and my health to buy light covers for the lights in my office that are supposed to reduce migraines. They were installed today and my office is lit, but much dimmer than it has been for the last 6+ years.
Read the first two weeks here
18th - I'm once again thankful that I am an Aggie. Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Bonfire collapse where 12 Aggies lost their lives. I can't believe it's been 11 years, because I can remember so much about that day like it was only yesterday. Running downstairs in our fourplex to wake up Jules to tell her, phone calls, trips to the hospital, floods of emails from students....the memories. I'm saddened by how much it seems that campus has changed since then...there's a part of the Aggie culture that's gone forever now. But I'm thankful to be part of a university where, regardless of what side of the Bonfire issue you land, there's no question about the support we have for each other....in good times and in bad. Always remember.
17th - Today I'm thankful for a daughter who is growing and thriving! Jacey had her 4-month check up today (there will be a separate post solely for this check-up) and she's doing wonderfully!
16th - Today I'm thankful that there are individuals out there doing exactly what God wants of them. For example, Kellen had the meet the coach night tonight and I was reminded of the incredible time commitment some folks invest to work with my kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
15th - Today I'm thankful for a job where people care enough about me and my health to buy light covers for the lights in my office that are supposed to reduce migraines. They were installed today and my office is lit, but much dimmer than it has been for the last 6+ years.
Read the first two weeks here
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
It's chili weather!
This weekend was certainly chili weather...cool and brisk. We had our windows open virtually all weekend long and it felt fabulous in the house (at least as far as we were concerned...we apparently froze Maw Maw out some during the day on Saturday).
After waking up to the gorgeous day that was Saturday (despite the rain and Kellen's final Upwards football game being scheduled), I decided it was definitely chili weather.
Now let me just say that my chili is NOT Texas chili. My Yankee roots come out when making chili and I make it like my daddy makes it. And you know what, we're from up north, and that includes beans! Two different kinds, to be exact.
And before you give me any grief, it's award-winning chili! I won a chili cook-off with the chili a few years back at the UESO Chili Cook-off....WITH beans and WITHOUT lots of spices, so there.
If you want to make this delicious goodness, here's how:
After waking up to the gorgeous day that was Saturday (despite the rain and Kellen's final Upwards football game being scheduled), I decided it was definitely chili weather.
Now let me just say that my chili is NOT Texas chili. My Yankee roots come out when making chili and I make it like my daddy makes it. And you know what, we're from up north, and that includes beans! Two different kinds, to be exact.
And before you give me any grief, it's award-winning chili! I won a chili cook-off with the chili a few years back at the UESO Chili Cook-off....WITH beans and WITHOUT lots of spices, so there.
If you want to make this delicious goodness, here's how:
Brown the meat (I try to buy lean meat and drain the grease). I think I used a little over a pound on this batch and should have probably used two pounds.
Gather your ingredients...tomato sauce, beans, chili mix, and your good ole' trusty crock pot.
Pour the beans into a crock pot (For this batch, I used 2 cans each of pinto and kidney beans).
Mix tomato sauce (2 cans for this batch) and your chili mix (I use McCormick mild) in a pan, along with the browned meat, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Dump the meat/sauce mixture into the crock pot with the beans and stir well. I normally 'doctor' up the batch with additional seasons, but I didn't do that this time. Cook on Low Heat for a few hours or until you're ready to eat.
Serve over Fritos or with crackers, generously sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese on top, and ENJOY!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Downtime
I received this in an email today and I thought it was too good not to re-post. As someone who struggles with her supermom complex from time to time, and as a mom who doesn't want her kids to miss out on any experience that I feel might be beneficial for them, this is certainly an area in which I desperately need work.
Build a Buffer Around Your Schedule
-Rick Warren
Why do we wait until our health plummets before we decide to create margin in our lives? The Bible teaches that your body needs downtime in order to heal and re-energize.
Listen to why this is so important: when you’re overloaded by activity, you can only think of yourself. You’re in survival mode, just trying to make it through another day. And that limits your usefulness in ministry!
When you have no downtime or margin in your life and God taps you on the shoulder, saying, “I’d like you to do this for me,” your first response isn’t joy. Your first response is, “Oh, no! Another thing to do! Sorry, God -- I’d like to do that, but I'm just too busy.”
We end up resenting the great opportunities God brings into our lives. But when we deliberately and specifically add downtime into our lives, we become available for God to use us as we head into this decade of destiny.
You don’t have to live on overload. You don’t have to live in survival mode. Begin today to build a buffer around your schedule. Then enjoy the benefits of margin -- and see what God does next!
Build a Buffer Around Your Schedule
-Rick Warren
Reverence for God adds hours to each day. Proverbs 10:27 (LB)
In preparation for a decade of destiny, we’ve been talking about the need to be physically healthy – that God wants us to take care of our bodies. And I want to stress one more time that unrelenting stress harms our bodies.
Why do we wait until our health plummets before we decide to create margin in our lives? The Bible teaches that your body needs downtime in order to heal and re-energize.
Listen to why this is so important: when you’re overloaded by activity, you can only think of yourself. You’re in survival mode, just trying to make it through another day. And that limits your usefulness in ministry!
When you have no downtime or margin in your life and God taps you on the shoulder, saying, “I’d like you to do this for me,” your first response isn’t joy. Your first response is, “Oh, no! Another thing to do! Sorry, God -- I’d like to do that, but I'm just too busy.”
We end up resenting the great opportunities God brings into our lives. But when we deliberately and specifically add downtime into our lives, we become available for God to use us as we head into this decade of destiny.
You don’t have to live on overload. You don’t have to live in survival mode. Begin today to build a buffer around your schedule. Then enjoy the benefits of margin -- and see what God does next!
Thankful
15th - Today I'm thankful for a job where people care enough about me and my health to buy light covers for the lights in my office that are supposed to reduce migraines. They were installed today and my office is lit, but much dimmer than it has been for the last 6+ years.
Check out the first two weeks!
Check out the first two weeks!
Thankful
Apparently my day of rest has consistently involved no computer time for the month of November. Once again, I'm a day late on Sunday's thankfulness item.
14th - I'm thankful for quiet and restful Sunday afternoons. The kind of days where, after church, one kid naps, the other works on Sparks and practices his scripture, and you sit in a chair holding your infant, doing your Bible study, while the TV plays (or doesn't...whatever) in the background and you just ENJOY EACH OTHER AND THE MOMENT. There is a reason God designed a day of rest...and I would be well-served to remember that more often!
13th - I'm thankful today for my in-laws. I am so fortunate not to have any of the somewhat 'normal' (but oh-so-unfortunate) in-law issues that many folks seem to face nowadays. They love me as if I was one of their own kids, and adore my children...doing for our family so often and spoiling not only the kids, but me! Today, thank you for the sunglasses, shoes, top and pretty toes!!
--As a bonus thankful...I'm thankful that the Aggies pulled off a win over the Baylor Bears!
--I'm also thankful for the brownies, ice cream and chocolate syrup that helped me through watching the bizarreness that was that football game!
12th - I'm thankful for hot chocolate on a cool day. Shallow perhaps, but it's nice to take time to be thankful for the little things, right?
11th - Today I'm thankful for veterans. Those folks who give of themselves so that I, and others around me, can do whatever it is that we do. A I would like to give a special thank you to my countless uncles and counsins who have served and are serving, and a specific thank you to my daddy (Air Force) and my hubby (Marine).
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
7th - I am thankful for friends. Friends that you see a lot, and those that you don't. Friends that no matter how long it has been since you've seen them or talked, when you do it's as if no time has lapsed at all. Friends that you don't have to clean your house for. Friends that know you inside and out, and still love you. Friends that call you to the carpet and hold you accountable.
6th - I am thankful that I went to A&M. I am part of a culture unlike any other. One where a ring and a common experience connects you to others. It's a large network and a small world, and I love running into Ags wherever I go. I'm looking forward to the football game tonight. Gig 'em, Aggies!
5th - I'm thankful for my job. I love, love, love my job. I get to interact with students every day all day, and it keeps me young (not that I'm old or anything, just to clarify). As an advisor, I meet students where they are and help them move to where they need to be. It's a longer journey for some than others, but I love the adventures along the way. God continually confims to me that I'm exactly where He wants me to be, doing what He wants me to be doing. And can it get any better than that?
4th - I am thankful for Jacey. She's the child I never knew I always wanted. Our oops baby. And I can't imagine our life without her. She's a sweet baby. An easy going baby. A baby who will clearly communicate to you when something is wrong (when she's wet, dirty, hungry, etc), but other than that will just laugh and smile at you. She has a great laugh. She has a wonderful smile. My heart melts when she looks at me and smiles that big ole smile of hers and coos to me. She loves her brother and sister, and loves snuggling with all of us. I love her precious baby smell...the smell that makes me want to just inhale her hair and skin because it smells so wonderful. I would be content to sit and hold her for hours - and she would let me. She has baby soft hands and a strong grip, and I'm reminded that she's been entrusted to me to raise when she grabs hold of my finger and doesn't let go. She's not quite as adventurous and her brother and sister, not liking it too terribly much when Daddy plays with her in his rough-and-tumble daddy way. In that respect she is very different than her siblings. She's made me throw some of my 'I'll never....' out the window, and that's ok. She still doesn't sleep through the night, VERY different from her brother and sister, who were doing so consistently at 6 and 7 weeks old, and that's ok, too. She's brought out a protective nature in Kellen and Tatum that I don't think existed in this magnitude before, and I love to watch them both interact with her. I'm so glad that God knows what I need way more than I do, and I'm glad that He decided we needed another kiddo!
3rd - I'm thankful for Tatum. She's a wonderful mixture of girly girl, complete with all things pink and beautiful long hair, and tomboy. She'll be the first to try something out, slide down a huge slide, zip line right there with the 'big kids' and shake it off when she has a bump or bruise. She's stubborn and strong willed, which will serve her well later in life when she has to stand up for what she believes in. She loves making Mommy and Daddy proud, which she did yesterday when she got a wonderfully awesome Happy Note from school. She adores her brother, and wants to do everything he does. She dotes on her sister, wanting to help with her, hold her, give her lots of hugs and kisses and even share her toys. She loves to play dress up. She loves her stuffed animals and her lovey, and she loves, loves, loves to read. She likes coloring, crafts, and playing with Play-doh. She likes cats (which is odd because we don't have one and she's rarely been around then) and acts like a kitty cat quite often. She loves tea parties and playing in her kitchen. She reminds us to say night-night prayers with her and gets upset if we forget and is the first to say our 'good morning' prayers on the way to school. Despite the current discipline issues Matt and I seem to be having with her, she is a great little girl and I'm so blessed to have her!
2nd - I'm thankful for my son. He's all boy. He likes to play sports and try different things. He has an amazing and compassionate heart. (His Sunday school class is collecting toys, so he decided to go through them and prep some to donate to kids in the hospital because 'they need toys to play with in the hospital, and I have other toys'. He tried to convince his sister to do the same, telling her, "Giving things to other kids will make your heart happy!") He loves the Lord and was saved last week, and will soon be speaking with our pastor about getting baptized. He got upset at a kid at school for drawing a picture of Jesus in the clouds getting shot and falling to the earth, because "...you shouldn't draw things like that about Jesus and it really made me upset". He's smart - super smart. He likes to invent and build things (like robots out of cardboard). He loves to read. He likes superheroes. Did I mention he loves to read? His book of choice at night is his Sparks book or his Bible. He gives hugs and kisses for no reason. He plays with his sister(s) and puts up with Tatum's antics. He makes lunches for Tatum (and sometimes me) every day...he helps her with breakfast and helps with Jacey as much as he possibly can. I am so blessed and thankful to have the son I do!
1st - I'm thankful that I've been saved by a God who knows me and loves me anyway. One who loved me so much that He sent His perfect Son to die for all the yucky things I have done, ever will do, or even think about doing. One whose love won't change no matter what I do - or don't do.
14th - I'm thankful for quiet and restful Sunday afternoons. The kind of days where, after church, one kid naps, the other works on Sparks and practices his scripture, and you sit in a chair holding your infant, doing your Bible study, while the TV plays (or doesn't...whatever) in the background and you just ENJOY EACH OTHER AND THE MOMENT. There is a reason God designed a day of rest...and I would be well-served to remember that more often!
13th - I'm thankful today for my in-laws. I am so fortunate not to have any of the somewhat 'normal' (but oh-so-unfortunate) in-law issues that many folks seem to face nowadays. They love me as if I was one of their own kids, and adore my children...doing for our family so often and spoiling not only the kids, but me! Today, thank you for the sunglasses, shoes, top and pretty toes!!
--As a bonus thankful...I'm thankful that the Aggies pulled off a win over the Baylor Bears!
--I'm also thankful for the brownies, ice cream and chocolate syrup that helped me through watching the bizarreness that was that football game!
12th - I'm thankful for hot chocolate on a cool day. Shallow perhaps, but it's nice to take time to be thankful for the little things, right?
11th - Today I'm thankful for veterans. Those folks who give of themselves so that I, and others around me, can do whatever it is that we do. A I would like to give a special thank you to my countless uncles and counsins who have served and are serving, and a specific thank you to my daddy (Air Force) and my hubby (Marine).
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
7th - I am thankful for friends. Friends that you see a lot, and those that you don't. Friends that no matter how long it has been since you've seen them or talked, when you do it's as if no time has lapsed at all. Friends that you don't have to clean your house for. Friends that know you inside and out, and still love you. Friends that call you to the carpet and hold you accountable.
6th - I am thankful that I went to A&M. I am part of a culture unlike any other. One where a ring and a common experience connects you to others. It's a large network and a small world, and I love running into Ags wherever I go. I'm looking forward to the football game tonight. Gig 'em, Aggies!
5th - I'm thankful for my job. I love, love, love my job. I get to interact with students every day all day, and it keeps me young (not that I'm old or anything, just to clarify). As an advisor, I meet students where they are and help them move to where they need to be. It's a longer journey for some than others, but I love the adventures along the way. God continually confims to me that I'm exactly where He wants me to be, doing what He wants me to be doing. And can it get any better than that?
4th - I am thankful for Jacey. She's the child I never knew I always wanted. Our oops baby. And I can't imagine our life without her. She's a sweet baby. An easy going baby. A baby who will clearly communicate to you when something is wrong (when she's wet, dirty, hungry, etc), but other than that will just laugh and smile at you. She has a great laugh. She has a wonderful smile. My heart melts when she looks at me and smiles that big ole smile of hers and coos to me. She loves her brother and sister, and loves snuggling with all of us. I love her precious baby smell...the smell that makes me want to just inhale her hair and skin because it smells so wonderful. I would be content to sit and hold her for hours - and she would let me. She has baby soft hands and a strong grip, and I'm reminded that she's been entrusted to me to raise when she grabs hold of my finger and doesn't let go. She's not quite as adventurous and her brother and sister, not liking it too terribly much when Daddy plays with her in his rough-and-tumble daddy way. In that respect she is very different than her siblings. She's made me throw some of my 'I'll never....' out the window, and that's ok. She still doesn't sleep through the night, VERY different from her brother and sister, who were doing so consistently at 6 and 7 weeks old, and that's ok, too. She's brought out a protective nature in Kellen and Tatum that I don't think existed in this magnitude before, and I love to watch them both interact with her. I'm so glad that God knows what I need way more than I do, and I'm glad that He decided we needed another kiddo!
3rd - I'm thankful for Tatum. She's a wonderful mixture of girly girl, complete with all things pink and beautiful long hair, and tomboy. She'll be the first to try something out, slide down a huge slide, zip line right there with the 'big kids' and shake it off when she has a bump or bruise. She's stubborn and strong willed, which will serve her well later in life when she has to stand up for what she believes in. She loves making Mommy and Daddy proud, which she did yesterday when she got a wonderfully awesome Happy Note from school. She adores her brother, and wants to do everything he does. She dotes on her sister, wanting to help with her, hold her, give her lots of hugs and kisses and even share her toys. She loves to play dress up. She loves her stuffed animals and her lovey, and she loves, loves, loves to read. She likes coloring, crafts, and playing with Play-doh. She likes cats (which is odd because we don't have one and she's rarely been around then) and acts like a kitty cat quite often. She loves tea parties and playing in her kitchen. She reminds us to say night-night prayers with her and gets upset if we forget and is the first to say our 'good morning' prayers on the way to school. Despite the current discipline issues Matt and I seem to be having with her, she is a great little girl and I'm so blessed to have her!
2nd - I'm thankful for my son. He's all boy. He likes to play sports and try different things. He has an amazing and compassionate heart. (His Sunday school class is collecting toys, so he decided to go through them and prep some to donate to kids in the hospital because 'they need toys to play with in the hospital, and I have other toys'. He tried to convince his sister to do the same, telling her, "Giving things to other kids will make your heart happy!") He loves the Lord and was saved last week, and will soon be speaking with our pastor about getting baptized. He got upset at a kid at school for drawing a picture of Jesus in the clouds getting shot and falling to the earth, because "...you shouldn't draw things like that about Jesus and it really made me upset". He's smart - super smart. He likes to invent and build things (like robots out of cardboard). He loves to read. He likes superheroes. Did I mention he loves to read? His book of choice at night is his Sparks book or his Bible. He gives hugs and kisses for no reason. He plays with his sister(s) and puts up with Tatum's antics. He makes lunches for Tatum (and sometimes me) every day...he helps her with breakfast and helps with Jacey as much as he possibly can. I am so blessed and thankful to have the son I do!
1st - I'm thankful that I've been saved by a God who knows me and loves me anyway. One who loved me so much that He sent His perfect Son to die for all the yucky things I have done, ever will do, or even think about doing. One whose love won't change no matter what I do - or don't do.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thankful
13th - I'm thankful today for my in-laws. I am so fortunate not to have any of the somewhat 'normal' (but oh-so-unfortunate) in-law issues that many folks seem to face nowadays. They love me as if I was one of their own kids, and adore my children...doing for our family so often and spoiling not only the kids, but me! Today, thank you for the sunglasses, shoes, top and pretty toes!!
--As a bonus thankful...I'm thankful that the Aggies pulled off a win over the Baylor Bears!
--I'm also thankful for the brownies, ice cream and chocolate syrup that helped me through watching the bizarreness that was that football game!
12th - I'm thankful for hot chocolate on a cool day. Shallow perhaps, but it's nice to take time to be thankful for the little things, right?
11th - Today I'm thankful for veterans. Those folks who give of themselves so that I, and others around me, can do whatever it is that we do. A I would like to give a special thank you to my countless uncles and counsins who have served and are serving, and a specific thank you to my daddy (Air Force) and my hubby (Marine).
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
Week One
--As a bonus thankful...I'm thankful that the Aggies pulled off a win over the Baylor Bears!
--I'm also thankful for the brownies, ice cream and chocolate syrup that helped me through watching the bizarreness that was that football game!
12th - I'm thankful for hot chocolate on a cool day. Shallow perhaps, but it's nice to take time to be thankful for the little things, right?
11th - Today I'm thankful for veterans. Those folks who give of themselves so that I, and others around me, can do whatever it is that we do. A I would like to give a special thank you to my countless uncles and counsins who have served and are serving, and a specific thank you to my daddy (Air Force) and my hubby (Marine).
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
Week One
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thankful
12th - I'm thankful for hot chocolate on a cool day. Shallow perhaps, but it's nice to take time to be thankful for the little things, right?
11th - Today I'm thankful for veterans. Those folks who give of themselves so that I, and others around me, can do whatever it is that we do. A I would like to give a special thank you to my countless uncles and counsins who have served and are serving, and a specific thank you to my daddy (Air Force) and my hubby (Marine).
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
Week One
11th - Today I'm thankful for veterans. Those folks who give of themselves so that I, and others around me, can do whatever it is that we do. A I would like to give a special thank you to my countless uncles and counsins who have served and are serving, and a specific thank you to my daddy (Air Force) and my hubby (Marine).
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
Week One
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thankful
11th - Today I'm thankful for veterans. Those folks who give of themselves so that I, and others around me, can do whatever it is that we do. A I would like to give a special thank you to my countless uncles and counsins who have served and are serving, and a specific thank you to my daddy (Air Force) and my hubby (Marine).
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
Week One
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
Week One
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Thankful
10th - I'm thankful today that Kellen is meeting with our paster to discuss getting baptized. He's not a perfect kid, but I'm not a perfect mom and we certainly don't live in a perfect world. It's a good thing we both realize that the one good and perfect person in the world died for us!
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
View Week 1 Here
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
View Week 1 Here
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Thankful
9th - I'm thankful that, right now, my kids get along wonderfully. I am under no illusion that this will always be the case, but I'm sure enjoying it now! (Note: this is not to say that they don't fuss with each other, but they genuinely like each other, and I can't ask for more!)
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
View Week 1 Here
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
View Week 1 Here
Monday, November 08, 2010
Dental work
Kellen had his teeth cleaned a little over two months ago. At the time, he had two loose teeth - one on top and another on bottom. The bottom tooth was so loose that they didn't even clean it...and he lost it later that day. The other tooth; however, has not endured the same fate. The permanent tooth was already starting to come in behind the baby tooth, so the dentist said to give it a month or two and if he hadn't gotten it out on his own by then, it needed to be extracted.
Fast forward a little over two months.
To now.
And the tooth still hadn't come out, despite Kellen's diligent attempts to wiggle, prod and pull on the tooth.
In fact, Daddy and Paw Paw attempted to extract the tooth on their own last night. They had a good plan - tie floss around the tooth and pull.
Sounds foolproof, right?
Not so much.
They did so, and the tooth ended up breaking the floss. And causing a lot of pain to Kellen. So we called it quits and decided to let the dentist do it today.
Here is the 'before' picture.
And here's the 'after' picture.
The dentist told me there was NO WAY Kellen would have been able to get the tooth out by himself.
The root was that long. But don't take my word for it. Or the dentists word for it. See for yourself.
Tooth view 1. This is the front view of the tooth.
Tooth view 2. This is the back side of the tooth.
In case you're wondering, he asked for and was given a milkshake as a treat. I also made spaghetti tonight for dinner, because you barely have to chew spaghetti! And we watched How to Train Your Dragon for a special night. He certainly deserved a treat!
This is how the inside of his mouth looked about 4 hours after the procedure, shortly before going to bed. Notice how much of the permanent tooth has already come in on this one. I'm praying that it moves forward, at least a little, on its own. But I also have no illusions about a lack of orthodonics in our future, either.
I'm so proud of him! He was so brave....
Fast forward a little over two months.
To now.
And the tooth still hadn't come out, despite Kellen's diligent attempts to wiggle, prod and pull on the tooth.
In fact, Daddy and Paw Paw attempted to extract the tooth on their own last night. They had a good plan - tie floss around the tooth and pull.
Sounds foolproof, right?
Not so much.
They did so, and the tooth ended up breaking the floss. And causing a lot of pain to Kellen. So we called it quits and decided to let the dentist do it today.
Here is the 'before' picture.
And here's the 'after' picture.
The dentist told me there was NO WAY Kellen would have been able to get the tooth out by himself.
The root was that long. But don't take my word for it. Or the dentists word for it. See for yourself.
Tooth view 1. This is the front view of the tooth.
Tooth view 2. This is the back side of the tooth.
In case you're wondering, he asked for and was given a milkshake as a treat. I also made spaghetti tonight for dinner, because you barely have to chew spaghetti! And we watched How to Train Your Dragon for a special night. He certainly deserved a treat!
This is how the inside of his mouth looked about 4 hours after the procedure, shortly before going to bed. Notice how much of the permanent tooth has already come in on this one. I'm praying that it moves forward, at least a little, on its own. But I also have no illusions about a lack of orthodonics in our future, either.
I'm so proud of him! He was so brave....
Thankful
So I'm starting week 2 of the Thankfulness Project. I'm actually having a hard time narrowing down what I want to list each day! Praise God for all of the blessings He's given me!
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
Week 1 Thankful List
When was the last time you were thankful for your vehicle?
8th - I'm thankful that on a cool day, with iced and foggy windshields, that I have a vehicle. One that fits all my kids, their car seats/booster seats and their gear. One that fits a few more people, even with my family loaded. One that starts regularly. One that has working brakes (odd thankful, you might think...except in high school my boat didn't always have reliable brakes and I'm always thankful when brakes work consistently). One that is, in general, in good working order. One that gets me from point A to point Z (not B, because I have 3 kids and there is no such thing as a simple trip any more).
Week 1 Thankful List
When was the last time you were thankful for your vehicle?
Thankful
My thankfulness post for yesterday is a day late. We had too many things going on yesterday for me to carve out some time on the computer.
7th - I am thankful for friends. Friends that you see a lot, and those that you don't. Friends that no matter how long it has been since you've seen them or talked, when you do it's as if no time has lapsed at all. Friends that you don't have to clean your house for. Friends that know you inside and out, and still love you. Friends that call you to the carpet and hold you accountable.
6th - I am thankful that I went to A&M. I am part of a culture unlike any other. One where a ring and a common experience connects you to others. It's a large network and a small world, and I love running into Ags wherever I go. I'm looking forward to the football game tonight. Gig 'em, Aggies!
5th - I'm thankful for my job. I love, love, love my job. I get to interact with students every day all day, and it keeps me young (not that I'm old or anything, just to clarify). As an advisor, I meet students where they are and help them move to where they need to be. It's a longer journey for some than others, but I love the adventures along the way. God continually confims to me that I'm exactly where He wants me to be, doing what He wants me to be doing. And can it get any better than that?
4th - I am thankful for Jacey. She's the child I never knew I always wanted. Our oops baby. And I can't imagine our life without her. She's a sweet baby. An easy going baby. A baby who will clearly communicate to you when something is wrong (when she's wet, dirty, hungry, etc), but other than that will just laugh and smile at you. She has a great laugh. She has a wonderful smile. My heart melts when she looks at me and smiles that big ole smile of hers and coos to me. She loves her brother and sister, and loves snuggling with all of us. I love her precious baby smell...the smell that makes me want to just inhale her hair and skin because it smells so wonderful. I would be content to sit and hold her for hours - and she would let me. She has baby soft hands and a strong grip, and I'm reminded that she's been entrusted to me to raise when she grabs hold of my finger and doesn't let go. She's not quite as adventurous and her brother and sister, not liking it too terribly much when Daddy plays with her in his rough-and-tumble daddy way. In that respect she is very different than her siblings. She's made me throw some of my 'I'll never....' out the window, and that's ok. She still doesn't sleep through the night, VERY different from her brother and sister, who were doing so consistently at 6 and 7 weeks old, and that's ok, too. She's brought out a protective nature in Kellen and Tatum that I don't think existed in this magnitude before, and I love to watch them both interact with her. I'm so glad that God knows what I need way more than I do, and I'm glad that He decided we needed another kiddo!
3rd - I'm thankful for Tatum. She's a wonderful mixture of girly girl, complete with all things pink and beautiful long hair, and tomboy. She'll be the first to try something out, slide down a huge slide, zip line right there with the 'big kids' and shake it off when she has a bump or bruise. She's stubborn and strong willed, which will serve her well later in life when she has to stand up for what she believes in. She loves making Mommy and Daddy proud, which she did yesterday when she got a wonderfully awesome Happy Note from school. She adores her brother, and wants to do everything he does. She dotes on her sister, wanting to help with her, hold her, give her lots of hugs and kisses and even share her toys. She loves to play dress up. She loves her stuffed animals and her lovey, and she loves, loves, loves to read. She likes coloring, crafts, and playing with Play-doh. She likes cats (which is odd because we don't have one and she's rarely been around then) and acts like a kitty cat quite often. She loves tea parties and playing in her kitchen. She reminds us to say night-night prayers with her and gets upset if we forget and is the first to say our 'good morning' prayers on the way to school. Despite the current discipline issues Matt and I seem to be having with her, she is a great little girl and I'm so blessed to have her!
2nd - I'm thankful for my son. He's all boy. He likes to play sports and try different things. He has an amazing and compassionate heart. (His Sunday school class is collecting toys, so he decided to go through them and prep some to donate to kids in the hospital because 'they need toys to play with in the hospital, and I have other toys'. He tried to convince his sister to do the same, telling her, "Giving things to other kids will make your heart happy!") He loves the Lord and was saved last week, and will soon be speaking with our pastor about getting baptized. He got upset at a kid at school for drawing a picture of Jesus in the clouds getting shot and falling to the earth, because "...you shouldn't draw things like that about Jesus and it really made me upset". He's smart - super smart. He likes to invent and build things (like robots out of cardboard). He loves to read. He likes superheroes. Did I mention he loves to read? His book of choice at night is his Sparks book or his Bible. He gives hugs and kisses for no reason. He plays with his sister(s) and puts up with Tatum's antics. He makes lunches for Tatum (and sometimes me) every day...he helps her with breakfast and helps with Jacey as much as he possibly can. I am so blessed and thankful to have the son I do!
1st - I'm thankful that I've been saved by a God who knows me and loves me anyway. One who loved me so much that He sent His perfect Son to die for all the yucky things I have done, ever will do, or even think about doing. One whose love won't change no matter what I do - or don't do.
7th - I am thankful for friends. Friends that you see a lot, and those that you don't. Friends that no matter how long it has been since you've seen them or talked, when you do it's as if no time has lapsed at all. Friends that you don't have to clean your house for. Friends that know you inside and out, and still love you. Friends that call you to the carpet and hold you accountable.
6th - I am thankful that I went to A&M. I am part of a culture unlike any other. One where a ring and a common experience connects you to others. It's a large network and a small world, and I love running into Ags wherever I go. I'm looking forward to the football game tonight. Gig 'em, Aggies!
5th - I'm thankful for my job. I love, love, love my job. I get to interact with students every day all day, and it keeps me young (not that I'm old or anything, just to clarify). As an advisor, I meet students where they are and help them move to where they need to be. It's a longer journey for some than others, but I love the adventures along the way. God continually confims to me that I'm exactly where He wants me to be, doing what He wants me to be doing. And can it get any better than that?
4th - I am thankful for Jacey. She's the child I never knew I always wanted. Our oops baby. And I can't imagine our life without her. She's a sweet baby. An easy going baby. A baby who will clearly communicate to you when something is wrong (when she's wet, dirty, hungry, etc), but other than that will just laugh and smile at you. She has a great laugh. She has a wonderful smile. My heart melts when she looks at me and smiles that big ole smile of hers and coos to me. She loves her brother and sister, and loves snuggling with all of us. I love her precious baby smell...the smell that makes me want to just inhale her hair and skin because it smells so wonderful. I would be content to sit and hold her for hours - and she would let me. She has baby soft hands and a strong grip, and I'm reminded that she's been entrusted to me to raise when she grabs hold of my finger and doesn't let go. She's not quite as adventurous and her brother and sister, not liking it too terribly much when Daddy plays with her in his rough-and-tumble daddy way. In that respect she is very different than her siblings. She's made me throw some of my 'I'll never....' out the window, and that's ok. She still doesn't sleep through the night, VERY different from her brother and sister, who were doing so consistently at 6 and 7 weeks old, and that's ok, too. She's brought out a protective nature in Kellen and Tatum that I don't think existed in this magnitude before, and I love to watch them both interact with her. I'm so glad that God knows what I need way more than I do, and I'm glad that He decided we needed another kiddo!
3rd - I'm thankful for Tatum. She's a wonderful mixture of girly girl, complete with all things pink and beautiful long hair, and tomboy. She'll be the first to try something out, slide down a huge slide, zip line right there with the 'big kids' and shake it off when she has a bump or bruise. She's stubborn and strong willed, which will serve her well later in life when she has to stand up for what she believes in. She loves making Mommy and Daddy proud, which she did yesterday when she got a wonderfully awesome Happy Note from school. She adores her brother, and wants to do everything he does. She dotes on her sister, wanting to help with her, hold her, give her lots of hugs and kisses and even share her toys. She loves to play dress up. She loves her stuffed animals and her lovey, and she loves, loves, loves to read. She likes coloring, crafts, and playing with Play-doh. She likes cats (which is odd because we don't have one and she's rarely been around then) and acts like a kitty cat quite often. She loves tea parties and playing in her kitchen. She reminds us to say night-night prayers with her and gets upset if we forget and is the first to say our 'good morning' prayers on the way to school. Despite the current discipline issues Matt and I seem to be having with her, she is a great little girl and I'm so blessed to have her!
2nd - I'm thankful for my son. He's all boy. He likes to play sports and try different things. He has an amazing and compassionate heart. (His Sunday school class is collecting toys, so he decided to go through them and prep some to donate to kids in the hospital because 'they need toys to play with in the hospital, and I have other toys'. He tried to convince his sister to do the same, telling her, "Giving things to other kids will make your heart happy!") He loves the Lord and was saved last week, and will soon be speaking with our pastor about getting baptized. He got upset at a kid at school for drawing a picture of Jesus in the clouds getting shot and falling to the earth, because "...you shouldn't draw things like that about Jesus and it really made me upset". He's smart - super smart. He likes to invent and build things (like robots out of cardboard). He loves to read. He likes superheroes. Did I mention he loves to read? His book of choice at night is his Sparks book or his Bible. He gives hugs and kisses for no reason. He plays with his sister(s) and puts up with Tatum's antics. He makes lunches for Tatum (and sometimes me) every day...he helps her with breakfast and helps with Jacey as much as he possibly can. I am so blessed and thankful to have the son I do!
1st - I'm thankful that I've been saved by a God who knows me and loves me anyway. One who loved me so much that He sent His perfect Son to die for all the yucky things I have done, ever will do, or even think about doing. One whose love won't change no matter what I do - or don't do.
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