messy hair and dirty chins
floors with inspired messes
catnaps
and so much more.
Showing posts with label give thanks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label give thanks. Show all posts
Thursday, March 31, 2011
and lots more
I am thankful for
messy hair and dirty chins
floors with inspired messes
catnaps
and so much more.
messy hair and dirty chins
floors with inspired messes
catnaps
and so much more.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
on the job
I wrote about Adam's new job back in July. God has continued to bless abundantly above all we could have ever asked or imagined in the last year. In each and every way, this job has been great; it has been great for our family, a great use of Adam's talents and skills, great opportunities for Adam and his office manager to tell others of Christ, and ultimately a great display of God's love and grace.
Adam has been working hard, but he has had a little help.
Adam has been working hard, but he has had a little help.
The little known secret of Adam's success has been having the right tools to do the job: two laptops, an iPhone, a blackberry, and a baby.
Monday, July 6, 2009
change
So I said I would let you know about the big change in our family, and a week later I am finally getting around to it.
The big change is......................................we are getting a new health insurance provider!
(Ok, not such a big change, but there's more)
And.......................Adam ordered new business cards! And...........Adam's work hours have changed from all sorts of long nights to now 9 to 5, Monday through Friday. And Adam's commute only takes five minutes now instead of twenty-five. And I am sure by now you have guessed that Adam got a new job!!!!!!!!
That might not seem like such a big change, but for our family it is. But more than a big change, it is a big answer to prayer, and a big display of God's grace and blessing on our family.
Adam had worked at his previous job for seven years, and for seven years it provided for our family's needs, provided health care, put us in a place to build our current home, and for most of that time, was where we believed God wanted Adam to be. Adam used his position as much as possible to be a witness and testimony for Christ. The hours, however, were long. Every Monday and Wednesday Adam wasn't home until nine o'clock, and most Fridays he was also home between eight and nine. Saturday he was scheduled until six, but would often have to stay later. It was a schedule we were accustomed to and had made work for our family, but as the kids got bigger, it was more difficult to be satisfied with three days a week of very little time for the kids to see their daddy, and little time for Adam to be with his kids.
We were always happy to have our family day on Thursday, Adam's day off, but after he became manager, we started to not have that on the last week of every month. In addition to the work environment becoming more crazy and stressful, and the opportunity for advancement coming to an end, the time away from family prompted Adam to begin to look for other opportunities that would provide a position with room for advancement, more hours at home in the long run, as well as a job that would allow him to still be a witness and have a sphere of influence.
To make a long story short, Adam had his first interview in February, and through much prayer, help and guidance from some wise friends and family, lots of hard work and study, and most certainly with the grace and mercy of God, Adam started his new job last week! We both give all the praise and glory to the Lord.
Last week he was home just a few minutes after five every night! That might not seem like it deserves an exclamation point, but in my life it does :) And he had off on Friday because Saturday was a holiday, something that would have never happened at his old job. It has been so wonderful! Our time in the evening as a family is relaxed and unrushed. Adam has been able to help me out with some tasks he had never had time for before. The kids love having their daddy around more, especially Joey, who loves his dad more than anything.
I have just read over this post and it really doesn't do a great job of conveying how thankful I am for this blessing of God, and what an exciting time this is for us. It is wonderful, it really, really is, and if I were a better writer, you would have a better grasp of how I am feeling, but I am not a better writer, so I hope my mediocre explanation gives you just enough to know that this is a change, it is big (to us), and we are happy.
The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Psalm 126:3
The big change is......................................we are getting a new health insurance provider!
(Ok, not such a big change, but there's more)
And.......................Adam ordered new business cards! And...........Adam's work hours have changed from all sorts of long nights to now 9 to 5, Monday through Friday. And Adam's commute only takes five minutes now instead of twenty-five. And I am sure by now you have guessed that Adam got a new job!!!!!!!!
That might not seem like such a big change, but for our family it is. But more than a big change, it is a big answer to prayer, and a big display of God's grace and blessing on our family.
Adam had worked at his previous job for seven years, and for seven years it provided for our family's needs, provided health care, put us in a place to build our current home, and for most of that time, was where we believed God wanted Adam to be. Adam used his position as much as possible to be a witness and testimony for Christ. The hours, however, were long. Every Monday and Wednesday Adam wasn't home until nine o'clock, and most Fridays he was also home between eight and nine. Saturday he was scheduled until six, but would often have to stay later. It was a schedule we were accustomed to and had made work for our family, but as the kids got bigger, it was more difficult to be satisfied with three days a week of very little time for the kids to see their daddy, and little time for Adam to be with his kids.
We were always happy to have our family day on Thursday, Adam's day off, but after he became manager, we started to not have that on the last week of every month. In addition to the work environment becoming more crazy and stressful, and the opportunity for advancement coming to an end, the time away from family prompted Adam to begin to look for other opportunities that would provide a position with room for advancement, more hours at home in the long run, as well as a job that would allow him to still be a witness and have a sphere of influence.
To make a long story short, Adam had his first interview in February, and through much prayer, help and guidance from some wise friends and family, lots of hard work and study, and most certainly with the grace and mercy of God, Adam started his new job last week! We both give all the praise and glory to the Lord.
Last week he was home just a few minutes after five every night! That might not seem like it deserves an exclamation point, but in my life it does :) And he had off on Friday because Saturday was a holiday, something that would have never happened at his old job. It has been so wonderful! Our time in the evening as a family is relaxed and unrushed. Adam has been able to help me out with some tasks he had never had time for before. The kids love having their daddy around more, especially Joey, who loves his dad more than anything.
I have just read over this post and it really doesn't do a great job of conveying how thankful I am for this blessing of God, and what an exciting time this is for us. It is wonderful, it really, really is, and if I were a better writer, you would have a better grasp of how I am feeling, but I am not a better writer, so I hope my mediocre explanation gives you just enough to know that this is a change, it is big (to us), and we are happy.
The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Psalm 126:3
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
a day off and other stuff from inside my brain
My mom is taking care of Joey and Katie today, so I have the day off. I had a doctor appointment this morning which presented the opportunity to see the new baby again. Yay! There was one view where I could see all five of the little fingers on the right hand. I love seeing the fingers and toes. I think they are the best part of an ultrasound. The baby is so tiny, it is amazing how tiny those little toes and fingers are!
It was my first appointment with my new doctor, and I liked him, so that was a blessing. He was very friendly and able to joke with me (especially when I told him he can't yell at me when I get big and fat because I always lose the weight after I have the babies).
After that, I took myself shopping, in search of a brown shirt to go with a skirt I got at Ross a couple weeks ago. I found the perfect shirt at Ann Taylor Loft, but it was $39, and well, I just don't pay $39 for a shirt, so I will have to keep searching. I would like a shirt with buttons, in a cute, feminine style, with short sleeves of any sort, so if anybody sees anything like that let me know. (You see, I really don't like the hunt, so I will take any assistance I can get.)
Then I took myself out to lunch at the Pita Pit. I enjoyed a club pita stuffed with all sorts of yummy goodness, a raspberry iced tea, and some Sun Chips. I finished up my shopping trip by purchasing Katie a swimsuit on sale at The Children's Place, and two pairs of flip flops at Old Navy, which is how most of my shopping trips go - I think I will buy myself something, but instead come home with something for the kids or the house. But if I must come home with something for the kids, you can't really get higher on the cute scale than little girls' swim suits and flip flops.
I had to go to Weis for a few things I needed, and somehow a box of Drake's coffee cakes wound up in my cart, and some how when I was having my afternoon coffee, a pack opened up and I had to eat them. And it may be possible that a second pack opened up and was eaten, but I am not ready to confirm that information at this time. I did manage to check the ingredients, and they contain no partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, so that allows the guilt level to remain pretty low.
While I was drinking my coffee, I was reading the Psalms and was blessed by the message of Psalm 40:5. Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
There is never any excuse to not have something to praise or thank the LORD for. Ever. There are so many wonderful works that my mouth should be filled with them. Just last night, Adam took us out to eat and while our waitress was waiting on another table, he pointed out that her shirt was stenciled on the back in very big letters "PROUD ARMY WIFE". Later during our meal I asked her if her husband was on active duty, and she told me he was stationed in Iraq. She has a calendar at home counting down the eighty-five days until he comes home to her. Her face was bright with pride as she spoke of him.
I thought how every night, my husband comes home. He might come home late, he might come home weary from a day of work, but he comes home. He is safe and he is here and I do not have to worry that he might be killed, and I do not have to cross off the days on a calendar until I see him again, because he comes home.
Today I praise the Lord for my husband and the gift from God that he is to me and that he is to our children. I thank the Lord for a husband who is my best friend, and loves me like crazy, and is patient when the kitchen gets really, really dirty when I am feeling icky-pregnant. I thank the Lord that I do not fear for my husband's safety, and that when I kiss him good-bye in the morning, I know he can't wait to get back to me that evening. I thank you, God, for Adam.
Well, you might not be in the middle of a day off, and maybe you are even having a bad day, but I hope you have many wonderful works of the Lord to think about today. Share one with me if you want to. I would love to hear it.
It was my first appointment with my new doctor, and I liked him, so that was a blessing. He was very friendly and able to joke with me (especially when I told him he can't yell at me when I get big and fat because I always lose the weight after I have the babies).
After that, I took myself shopping, in search of a brown shirt to go with a skirt I got at Ross a couple weeks ago. I found the perfect shirt at Ann Taylor Loft, but it was $39, and well, I just don't pay $39 for a shirt, so I will have to keep searching. I would like a shirt with buttons, in a cute, feminine style, with short sleeves of any sort, so if anybody sees anything like that let me know. (You see, I really don't like the hunt, so I will take any assistance I can get.)
Then I took myself out to lunch at the Pita Pit. I enjoyed a club pita stuffed with all sorts of yummy goodness, a raspberry iced tea, and some Sun Chips. I finished up my shopping trip by purchasing Katie a swimsuit on sale at The Children's Place, and two pairs of flip flops at Old Navy, which is how most of my shopping trips go - I think I will buy myself something, but instead come home with something for the kids or the house. But if I must come home with something for the kids, you can't really get higher on the cute scale than little girls' swim suits and flip flops.
I had to go to Weis for a few things I needed, and somehow a box of Drake's coffee cakes wound up in my cart, and some how when I was having my afternoon coffee, a pack opened up and I had to eat them. And it may be possible that a second pack opened up and was eaten, but I am not ready to confirm that information at this time. I did manage to check the ingredients, and they contain no partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, so that allows the guilt level to remain pretty low.
While I was drinking my coffee, I was reading the Psalms and was blessed by the message of Psalm 40:5. Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
There is never any excuse to not have something to praise or thank the LORD for. Ever. There are so many wonderful works that my mouth should be filled with them. Just last night, Adam took us out to eat and while our waitress was waiting on another table, he pointed out that her shirt was stenciled on the back in very big letters "PROUD ARMY WIFE". Later during our meal I asked her if her husband was on active duty, and she told me he was stationed in Iraq. She has a calendar at home counting down the eighty-five days until he comes home to her. Her face was bright with pride as she spoke of him.
I thought how every night, my husband comes home. He might come home late, he might come home weary from a day of work, but he comes home. He is safe and he is here and I do not have to worry that he might be killed, and I do not have to cross off the days on a calendar until I see him again, because he comes home.
Today I praise the Lord for my husband and the gift from God that he is to me and that he is to our children. I thank the Lord for a husband who is my best friend, and loves me like crazy, and is patient when the kitchen gets really, really dirty when I am feeling icky-pregnant. I thank the Lord that I do not fear for my husband's safety, and that when I kiss him good-bye in the morning, I know he can't wait to get back to me that evening. I thank you, God, for Adam.
Well, you might not be in the middle of a day off, and maybe you are even having a bad day, but I hope you have many wonderful works of the Lord to think about today. Share one with me if you want to. I would love to hear it.
Friday, March 27, 2009
grateful
My mother-in-law came over today to spend time with her darling grandchildren. Among all the goodies that came with her was this stack of books from a woman she works for.
There are tons of simple crafts in these just waiting to be cut and pasted by my craft-loving son, as well as worksheets and activities to do. Maybe Katie will also join in the fun, since there are some books for two-year-olds.
I am so thankful. God is good.
And a load of free books makes for a fabulous Friday.
There are tons of simple crafts in these just waiting to be cut and pasted by my craft-loving son, as well as worksheets and activities to do. Maybe Katie will also join in the fun, since there are some books for two-year-olds.
I am so thankful. God is good.
And a load of free books makes for a fabulous Friday.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Mighty gusts
The high winds woke both Katie and me in the middle of the night. The window screens were shaking so badly, it was hard to fall back asleep. When I woke up this morning, I truly was expecting to look around and see felled limbs and branches. I looked out Katie's window to check out the front yard, and I saw all the trees stood strong, but the recyclable container blew away along with most of the recyclables, and the kids sandbox cover was in the front yard.
Then I noticed next to the sandbox cover a large, round, shiny disk, with a small hole in the center. It looked like a CD, three feet wide, sitting there in the grass. I was working my brain trying to figure out what it was when I realized it was the glass table top from our patio table on the back deck! Somehow the wind lifted it off the table, dropped it nine feet off the deck, and then rolled it all the way to the front yard without it shattering into a million pieces. How is that possible?
Thanks to the Lord that we don't have to buy a new table, and that I am not spending my day combing the yard to pick up broken glass.
Then I noticed next to the sandbox cover a large, round, shiny disk, with a small hole in the center. It looked like a CD, three feet wide, sitting there in the grass. I was working my brain trying to figure out what it was when I realized it was the glass table top from our patio table on the back deck! Somehow the wind lifted it off the table, dropped it nine feet off the deck, and then rolled it all the way to the front yard without it shattering into a million pieces. How is that possible?
Thanks to the Lord that we don't have to buy a new table, and that I am not spending my day combing the yard to pick up broken glass.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Mom-in-law
This week was my mother-in-law's birthday. Today is her birthday party luncheon, but I am home because of the weather. ( I'm so sorry, Mom.) I was supposed to share a few words at the party, but instead I will share a little bit here.
Mom is a terrific mother-in-law, the best I could have ever hoped for. She has always completely accepted me into the family and treated me as another daughter. Other people always say she has kind things to say about me, when she could just as easily report all my faults.
Every other week she drives forty-five minutes to come spend time with the kids. A huge craft bin comes along, and she puts up with the play-doh, paint, or sticker mess. The kids love her company so much. Katie thinks Mom-mom's purpose in life is to hold her or fly her like an airplane. One of Joey's favorite games to play with her is "car lot", especially since she is such a patient playmate.
Mom is giving and generous as well. Even now, as she is caring for her very ill mother, a task which takes up most every minute of the day, she still thinks of our family. I am in awe of her hard work and determination; she does not grow weary in well doing.
I really am blessed to have her in my life. I love her and thank the Lord for her.
Happy birthday, Mom.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed...Proverbs 31:27, 28
Mom is a terrific mother-in-law, the best I could have ever hoped for. She has always completely accepted me into the family and treated me as another daughter. Other people always say she has kind things to say about me, when she could just as easily report all my faults.
Every other week she drives forty-five minutes to come spend time with the kids. A huge craft bin comes along, and she puts up with the play-doh, paint, or sticker mess. The kids love her company so much. Katie thinks Mom-mom's purpose in life is to hold her or fly her like an airplane. One of Joey's favorite games to play with her is "car lot", especially since she is such a patient playmate.
Mom is giving and generous as well. Even now, as she is caring for her very ill mother, a task which takes up most every minute of the day, she still thinks of our family. I am in awe of her hard work and determination; she does not grow weary in well doing.
I really am blessed to have her in my life. I love her and thank the Lord for her.
Happy birthday, Mom.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed...Proverbs 31:27, 28
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Keeping warm
With the snow and ice we have had this weekend, Joey has asked "Mom, bungle me up so I can go outside and play!" many times. So I "bungled" him up, nice and cozy, many times. As I watched him play in the snow, and slip into the wonderful world a four-year-old's imagination can take him, I thought about everything he had to keep him warm:
And I am thankful that although I wish I could have taken a full snowy day photo shoot, the kids stood still long enough for me to take at least one picture.
And I am thankful that there are no fashion police in my backyard to comment on Katie's lovely outfit.
- Snow pants - $2 from Salvation Army.
- Coat - given to me by my sister (somehow with three boys of her own she had a coat to spare)
- Boots - hand-me-down from my friend Katie.
- Hat - Adam's (Joey has a rather large head)
- Mittens - the ones I bought for Katie at Marshalls for $4 (he does have his own pair that I got for about a dollar at JCP with my $10 coupon, but those make it difficult for him to make snowballs.)
And I am thankful that although I wish I could have taken a full snowy day photo shoot, the kids stood still long enough for me to take at least one picture.
And I am thankful that there are no fashion police in my backyard to comment on Katie's lovely outfit.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Three Thanks Thursday
Today I am thankful for:
- My new mini-van radio/CD player. Mine broke a while back, so Adam found one on ebay and installed it today for great savings. A helpful and money saving husband - be still my heart.
- 50 cent laundry detergent at Walgreens.
- My healthy children.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Three Thanks Thursday
Today I am thankful for:
- A friend's sweet little baby finally coming home from the hospital!
- My new phone. Adam got me a great deal (in part because the salesman lied to him - three times! - about having to have the data plan, so the manager gave him a big credit as an apology for the lies) on a new cool one with bells and whistles. I am not a tech toy kind of gal, but I think I am going to like my new friend Blackjack.
- This crazy girl:
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Three Thanks Thursday
Today I am thankful that:
- I mowed the lawn for the last time (hopefully) this year.
- I had a little time at the mall - just me and a cup of Starbucks.
- God answered my prayer for Adam to sell his car this week. Amen!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Oh, yeah!
I just spent the last 10 minutes making myself non-hideous. Because...
I am going on a date! Adam called around 4 and told me a baby-sitter would be here at 7 and we are going out to dinner. Together. No children. How wonderful is that!? I do have to slave through making some french toast for the kids, but then off for some alone time and a yummy dinner with my most favorite person in the whole wide world (which is worth every brush stroke that went into the non-hideous endeavor)
I am so happy! (and so thankful the LORD took my headache away - I was fighting off a doozy I thought might ruin tonight, but I prayed for healing and He did, amen!)
I am going on a date! Adam called around 4 and told me a baby-sitter would be here at 7 and we are going out to dinner. Together. No children. How wonderful is that!? I do have to slave through making some french toast for the kids, but then off for some alone time and a yummy dinner with my most favorite person in the whole wide world (which is worth every brush stroke that went into the non-hideous endeavor)
I am so happy! (and so thankful the LORD took my headache away - I was fighting off a doozy I thought might ruin tonight, but I prayed for healing and He did, amen!)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Three Thanks Thursday
Today I am thankful for:
- Sleeping with Katie in my bed for an hour after she woke up too early this morning. I rarely have my kids in bed with me, and she was warm and cozy and perfect.
- Coffee.
- A long, hot shower. (a lovely morning)
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. Psalm 32:11
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
vote
I had CNN on for one minute this morning before I put on Little Bear for Joey. They showed the lines of people outside, in the rain, waiting to vote. And I welled up with tears. I cry easily, so those tears are no big deal. But the fact that each one of us has a voice, and has the freedom to use that voice, is a big deal.
I will vote today, and you probably will too. In addition to voting, let's be thankful.
For our country, our freedom, and our vote.
I will vote today, and you probably will too. In addition to voting, let's be thankful.
For our country, our freedom, and our vote.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Three Thanks Thursday
Today I am thankful for:
- My slippers (that I bought at JC Penney last spring for less than a dollar with my $10 off a $10 purchase - love that coupon!) because my floors are so cold in the morning.
- The price of gas going down, down, down!
- The Phillies winning the World Series. My husband would have been bummed if they lost, and nobody wants a bummed husband. And the fact that I got to experience a Philadelphia team win a championship was pretty amazing. Woo-hoo!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Three Thanks Thursday
My husband's day off is Thursday, so this is our family day instead of the usual Saturday. Since I don't want to use family time to blog, I will try to post three things for which I am thankful on that day.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Syrup - it is one of the greatest liquid substances I know, and I enjoyed poured all over the Belgian waffles my husband makes most every Thursday.
2. The way Kate licks syrup off her plate like it's a side dish. I love that she is quirky.
3. My hard-working husband who is heart-broken when he has to be at work on his day off.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Syrup - it is one of the greatest liquid substances I know, and I enjoyed poured all over the Belgian waffles my husband makes most every Thursday.
2. The way Kate licks syrup off her plate like it's a side dish. I love that she is quirky.
3. My hard-working husband who is heart-broken when he has to be at work on his day off.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
