Halloween Goodness..Day 72

Despite the yucky rainy weather, the kids had a great time dressing up and getting some candy. I am thankful that I have 2 awesome kids to do this with.  I am thankful for my son's random funny comments.  He would run up to the person handing out candy and yell, "CANDY!!"  He then would stand there waiting for me.  I am thankful for how beautiful the leaves on the trees are.  Isn't God amazing at how he created the trees to change each season?  He is good!

Ninja Hadley

He DID NOT want to wear this until we arrived to trick or treat!

Trick or treating fun!

Remembering and Cherishing...Day 71

October 30, 2009 was my due date for Honor J.  I remember being so excited to have a "Fall" baby and secretly hoping Honor wouldn't be born on Halloween.  Honor would have been 4 today, it really doesn't seem like that long ago.  I guess when you lose someone, it always feels like it happened yesterday.  There really are no words to describe when losing a child, the pain still remains, there is still a lot of sadness, and a lot of "what if's" and "what would have beens".  In the midst of thinking about Honor throughout my day today, I was also filled with joy because of my little man Landry.  He turns 3 next Saturday on the 9th.  He was clingy when I picked him up today and during our Bible study, but that is okay, infact I cherished it.  He just couldn't get enough of me.  I have had lots of people tell me, well if you hadn't lost Honor, you wouldn't have Landry. I know they mean well, but that is not at all the way I look at it or how one should view it.  My child is my child and I would never choose one over the other or ever think or look at it in that way.  What I do know is that God created both Honor and Landry and had His reasons for us not being able to know my precious Honor here on earth.   After we lost Honor, a few months later, I had a necklace made that said, Expected on Earth, but received in Heaven, 3-31-09.  That saying speaks the truth and while I will never know why God chose this, I have that hope to meet Honor in heaven.  While today was sad in remembering Honor, it was also joyous while I cherished my son Landry and hearing him tell me when he hugged me today," Love you momma."  God is so very good.

Keep on Keepin' On..Day 70

I.HATE.FINDING.CHILDCARE.  I know not really what my blog should start out since it is about me being thankful.  I am still thankful, I am, but I do hate finding childcare.  This was the week our newly hired persons were to start but both have now pretty much fell through, so back to the drawing board.  It is so hard, but I know God has this, and all will be okay. I am thankful that my boy does well at adapting to this craziness the past few weeks, he hasn't seemed to mind being with different people.  I am thankful for intuitions and those "gut" parent feelings.  I am especially thankful that both Josh and I had those "gut" feelings today.  I am thankful for God letting us know some information before they began watching our son, what a huge blessing.  We are going to keep at this and I know God has a special person/place for Landry boy. I am thankful for last years sitter who is graciously watching him tomorrow. :)  God is good!

Day 69...Seeking Wisdom from Great People

There is a peace when you know there are just those certain people that you can call day or night and they are there.  I am so thankful that I am able to pick up my phone and call a friend despite the distance and share concerns, ask for prayer, and seek advice.  I am thankful for "family" who I can ask last minute if I can stop over and seek Godly wisdom for particular things going on in my life.  I am also thankful of how awesome God is and how He ties things together, such as the current sermon series at church "Hearing God" and how I have seen this at work these past few weeks.  I am thankful for a God that never leaves.  I am thankful that He uses special people in my life to remind me that He has got this and I just need to Let Go and Let Him do His thing.  God is good!

Day 68....When You Want to Throw Your Hands Up...You Meet A Special Friend for Food

Just when you think you have at least one thing figured out, something happens.  I should already know this by now that just because you have planned things to go as you planned doesn't mean it will always go that way.  There are simply just things out of your control.  After weeks of figuring out Landry's childcare situation, we thought we finally settled on who and where and again, the day before starting something new, those plans are thrown out the window.  We are again, scrambling, praying, and figuring out what we will do for two days of no childcare for Landry.  I have come to realize that I absolutely hate finding child care.  It has been one of the most stressful things to deal with. I mean, it is a child, the most important person in a parents life, you have to choose carefully, be picky, and trust someone with their life.  I don't feel I have taken this lightly,so when we finally did come to a decision of who would watch him, it was a relief.  However, we are back at the drawing board, but I am thankful we found out some information before tomorrow and  I am thankful we are just scrambling for two days/week.
This weekend has been trying to say the least and when things get stressful and crazy, I just want to throw my hands up and run away. :) Instead, I texted my sweet friend Brittany tonight and we met up for some food.  It is amazing what an hour of sharing your frustrations and sorrows with a good friend can do.  Having someone give you a hug, listening to you, and giving advice, really is seriously good for the soul.  I am so thankful that I have Brittany, she dropped everything and hung out with me, thankful for her friendship.
I am thankful for my husband who is always so gentle, and knows when I need some girl time.
I am also thankful for all that read this and put up with my not so great blogs such as tonight, it feels jumbled; but I guess that is how I am feeling tonight, jumbled and stressed.  God is still good!

Day 67...A Day In Sweats and a Hoodie and a Sweet Note and New Scarf From My Dear Friend

Today was relaxing, chaotic, busy, fun, trying, and awesome all at the same time.  It is the first Saturday that we didn't have any plans, especially since little man is still fighting his infection, so we had to stay in.  All of us slept in until almost 8 (which is totally sleeping in for me now since I get up at 5am), and we stayed in our sweats and hoodies all day. That may sound strange that I am thankful for that, but I am.  There is something to wearing comfy clothes that help you relax.  The day was relaxing in a sense we had nowhere to be, no schedule; but chaotic in the sense that having two children cooped up in the house all day made for hyper children this evening along with a spunky puppy as well.  It was busy in the sense that I had many loads of laundry to catch up on, changing out summer to winter clothes for the kids, and reorganizing our mudroom.  It was an awesome day because Josh's grandparents ended up coming over to see us just to hang out, which I am always thankful to just hang with people we love.  Today was very trying as a parent as both children are very much testing their boundaries and it felt like all we were doing was disciplining and correcting their bad behavior.
A huge surprise that brought me so much joy was a gift in the mail from my sweet and dearest friend Katie.  I have mentioned her often as she has been a huge encouragement during this process of writing my days of thankfulness, and because she is such a dear friend to me.  I opened my big yellow envelope to find an amazingly beautiful scarf that she purchased in Arkansas and a super sweet note from her.  It wasnt just that she had boughten me something, but she bought me something because she had seen something that reminded her of me and she knew I loved scarves.  I think true friends take that time to look for our likes rather than just randomly buying something or asking what our likes are.  It takes a true friend to also write a sweet encouragement note as well.  I am so thankful for Katie and her loving and thoughtful heart.  I am thankful for days like today.  God is good!

Fun Family Movie, Pizza, and Tickling Night..Day 66

Tonight was simply relaxed and sweet.  We didn't have any plans so we did an impromptu Halloween movie/pizza night.  We got dressed in our jammies and snuggled on the couch with times of pausing to be tickled and the kids getting chased by their "monster" daddy!  It was a pure joy to hear them laugh, hard laughs, find a super hard place to hide from ther dad, have their look of terror but then burst out in that deep belly laugh when he would grab them and tickle them.  I am so thankful for laughter, it truly is good for the soul.  I am thankful that my husband is such an amazing and fun dad who will drop everything to spend time with our kids.  I am thankful for our sweet prayer moments when all of us get on our knees and bow are heads to pray by one of our kids beds each night.  Our prayers were different tonight in that while Josh was praying, Landry began praying his sweet little prayer he always says out loud, it was such a precious and sweet sound hearing both of their voices praying to God at the same time.  I think often times we feel we have to be so still and quiet with only one person saying a prayer, but in reality, God hears all of our prayers, millions of us, at the same time and I bet it is such a sweet sound in His ear as tonight was in mine.  I pray that both our children will develop this habit of talking to God daily as we as parents try to do and instill in them.  I am thankful for my family, for this night of rest, and play.  God is good!

Precious kiddos enjoying pizza and our Spooky Buddies movie

Beautiful Hadley singing us her song she wrote today

Landry last night proud of himself for putting the cupcake papers in for me and carrying the pan to me 

Pushing Through the Hard Days...Thankful for Knowing They Happen and Can Push Through Them..Day 65

One of the vast differences in my dealing with the hard days 66 days ago and now is that I can accept and know they'll happen, and know I can push through them.  Sixty-six days ago when I had hard days, I often felt like I was in quick sand; unable to get out and would just keep sinking and sinking.  One of my struggles is letting others steal my joy.  Which in turn is my own fault for letting that happen.  I am slowly but surely starting to develop thick skin, I am talking slowly as I went from having no layer to maybe an 1/8 of a centimeter...lol, but hey it's progress.  I have come to realize that being a teacher,a mother, and really, anything you do in life,  you face a lot of judgement, a lot of scrutiny, and will never making everyone happy.  I am one of those people who hates conflict, wants everyone to like me, wants to please everyone, and like everyone else; desires to be accepted by everyone.  At the age of 33, I am still learning that conflict will always happen and doesn't always mean it has to be a completley negative thing, that there will ALWAYS be people that do not like me and I need to be okay with that, I will NEVER please everyone, this includes my friends, my students, their parents, co-workers, people you serve with in the church, and even people in my family, and I will never be accepted by everyone.
Today was a day of testing of just how I can accept alll those things I mentioned and not let it get me down, and I failed, well, somewhat.  I succeeded however, at realizing it isn't the end of the world, I can push through and God's got me.  I am so thankful for knowing His peace, His comfort, and His unconditional love and acceptance.  I know that on the days I struggle with feeling alone and missing my mom, missing the "mom" figures that God placed in my life, wrestling and trying to understand why my mom is no longer here, wrestling with the desire to have that "mother-daughter" relationship with someone and not finding it or feeling like I don't have that; God is still there.  I am learning to sit in His lap and rest in Him.  I am learning to be still and listen, to hear God speak.  It is hard, but I am trying.  God is good.
"Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10

Day 64...Thankful It's Not Pneumonia...

And so it begins..our third Fall of my precious son Landry being sick often.  It is only October and we are on round number four of antibiotics due to this crappy infection that doesnt want to go away.  I absolutely hate giving him medicine, but he feels so awful, I have no choice.  He has been sick off and on for the past month, that cough is back, the rattle in is chest, and I was so worried that when Josh took him today that he would have pneumoina.  Praise God he doesnt!! I am thankful that he doesnt have another ear infection.  I am thankful my husband was able to take a break and take him to the doctor.  I am thankful that he had Cara to hang out at home today since I couldn't.  I am thankful we have  a God that I can turn too when I start to worry about my sweet Landry boy.  I am thankful I can pray to Him to keep my son well this season, and no matter the toucome, He is always there.  I am thankful my boy wanted his momma tonight.  I am thankful for my cuddle time with my daughter and listening to her read.   God is good!

Thankful for Feeling Productive..Day 63

I would say this is the first time since I began teaching that I actually feel like I am "somewhat" caught up.  I stayed a few hours after school today so that I could catch up on grading, tweek my lesson plans this week, AND write my lesson plans for next week! Can I get an AMEN!!! I am so excited that I am a week ahead! :)  I am thankful for that time in my room, door closed, classical music on, and no interruptions!  I am thankful for my drive home, windows cracked, and seeing the beautiful Fall trees and sunshine.  Thank you God for giving me time to be productive.  Thank you God for my family.  You are so good!

Leftovers, Smiley Children, Clean House and My Warm Bed...Day 62

Some nights are just, well, sweet; especially on a Monday night.   When I woke up this morning at o'dark thirty, I was not looking forward to this day.  I was very tired, cold, and my bed was warm and everyone else in my house was still snoozing.  However, the day went well and especially so when I came home.  We have an awesome gal watching Landry this week until his new caregiver starts. It has been awesome to be able to leave and know my guy is happy since he's been with his favorite girl and two I am having her do some housecleaning for me, which is FANTABULOUS!!! It is nice to walk in and have the house in better shape then when you left in the morning.  Thanks Cara! You rock!  I am so thankful for great people like her who has been such an important part of our family since our little man was born and has been a great role model for my daughter!
I am also thankful that I didn't have to think about what I was going to fix for dinner tonight since we had awesome left overs which included homemade noodles, mashed potatoes from Nanny's party and leftovers from Olive Garden from Hadley and I's shopping excursion yesterday.  It is little things like leftovers that make me joyful.  It is hearing my children laugh as they run outside after dinner that leaves me thankful.  Now I am thankful that it is just a little past 9pm and I am in my nice warm bed.  Thankful. God is good!

A Day With My Girl

I always look forward to the times I get to hang out with my daughter.  She was in need of some warmer clothes/shoes so we decided to go shopping.  She isn't really a big fan of shopping for clothes (is she really my daughter? lol) but throw in Olive Garden and she was happy to go.  It was definitely a much needed day to just be with my girl.  I am so thankful that I have a daughter, thankful she loves to hang out with me, thankful we enjoyed just being together.  I would have to say my most favorite moment was on our way home.  She had brought a book to read but it had gotten too dark outside for her to see so we ended up practicing math.  She is really into learning her multiplication facts and so she wanted me to keep asking her to give her problems.  After we exhausted that, we decided to find some fun songs and sing and dance in the car.  Our playlist: Party in the U.S.A. (don't judge, it's a fun song to rock out to), Taylor Swift, and we ended with Rolling in the Deep and Rumor Has It by Adele.  We pulled into our garage as Rumor Has It came on and we just stayed in the car, turned the music up and sang and danced in our seats.  It.Was.So.Fun!!! Love that Hadley loves to sing and dance, and just have fun! Thankful she is a great reminder for me to let loose and have fun!  Thank you God for my girl!

Celebrating a Wonderful Lady on My Last Day of Reaching My Goal of 60 Days of Thankfulness

I have reached my goal today - 60 Days of Thankfulness! It has been one of the most life changing 60 days full of ups and downs, but all the while experiencing what it truly means to have joy in my life.  I want to thank all of you who have joined me on this journey, who have prayed and encouraged me!  I have decided to keep writing and sharing what I am thankful for everyday.  I do not know how long I will keep writing everyday, but as of now, I can't imagine not writing down what I am thankful for each day.
Today we celebrated Nanny's birthday. Anyone that knows her even if they aren't related, knows her as Nanny.  She is truly a remarkable woman, who is always thinking of others before herself.  She always makes sure everyone has their plate of food and cup of coffee before sitting down to eat.  She always puts a lot of thought over what gifts to buy for people and never asks for anything for herself.  Nanny is a rare and true gem who has truly impacted our family and especially our children.  I can remember the first day I met her when Josh brought me home on a weekend in college.  When I walked into her house she greeted me with a huge hug and kiss on the cheek, and from then on, no matter if I had just seen her hours before, she still greets me this same way.  I have never felt like a "granddaughter in-law" from her, she has always treated me as part of the family.  I have learned a lot from her and I love her immensely.  Thank you God for creating this beautiful lady!  God, you are good!

Day 59...Thankful for a Praying Husband

On our way home from a football game we encountered a very bad accident which shut down all 4 lanes and life flight had to come.  As we were sitting there I couldn't help but think, "Wow, that could have been us!  How sad for whomever is being life flighted, I hope they will live."  After a few minutes of Josh and I saying how awful this wreck is and how sad, he then said, "Hey, let's pray for these people."  We stopped talking and Josh prayed.  I am so thankful my husband is a pray-er, he believes in prayer, and that he is so incredibly thoughtful.  I am happy to call him my husband and so thankful that God placed him in my life many years ago.  I continue to pray for all who was involved in that accident tonight.  God is still good.

Thankful for Answers....Day 58

What.A.Week.  I must say this week has been up and down, sideways, upside down, every way but the smooth, upright way.  Despite the extremely rough days, I could still hear God whispering, " I am here, trust Me."  It is very easy to trust when things are going the way you want them and a bit more harder to hang in there when things get tough.
One of Ann Voskamp's post today really encouraged me and reminded me to stop and really listen and hear what God has to say.  Thankful for God's voice. Thankful that He is always holding my hand.

Soul, no matter what happens today -- feel it right there -- His Hand is holding yours. No matter what happens -- when He's holding you up, there's no falling down -- *He's got you.*

"Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand."

Psalm 37:24

Day 58...Thankful for Good Friends and Good Food

Tonight is our usual get together with some of our close friends and have Bible Study.  I look forward to these nights to catch up, discuss what particular book of the Bible we are reading, pray for each other, and always share coffee and dessert.  Tonight was especially good because my sweet friend Brittany offered to bring dinner.  I will never turn someone down that offers to bring dinner.  I like to cook, but not as much these days with all the craziness of work and everything, so it was a huge blessing to not have to worry about dinner tonight.  The food was delicious as always, rice and chicken casserole, but more importantly we were able to share it with our sweet friends.  Thankful for dinner made with love and good friends to eat it with.  God, You are good!

Breathing a Little Easier Today...Day 57

Today felt like the air was a bit lighter and the sun a bit brighter.  It is amazing how you hang on by a thin piece of thread and God still doesn't let go.  I am thankful for my co-workers who are encouraging and who pray for me.  I am thankful for an impromptu evening uptown at OU and running around "the college green" with my kids who chased squirrels, rolled in the leaves, and just ran and ran.  I am thankful for eating dinner and getting ice cream with my family, sitting outside.  I am thankful for awesome friends who will be bringing dinner over tomorrow night while we have our small group Bible study.  God is good!

Thankful for a Supporting Husband..Day 56

On days like today I am incredibly thankful for my supporting and sweet husband.  I am so blessed to come home to him every single day.  I am thankful that no matter what,he is there for me, to support me, and that we are as he always says, "in this together."  God is good!

Hearing God-It's About Him and Not About Me...Day 55

When I hear a sermon most times there is at least a part of the sermon that I feel speaks to me; usually.  Today I think  know the whole entire sermon was speaking to me.  Ironically, the title of the new sermon series at church is Hearing God.  It has been a very frustrating weekend for me as I have yet again not passed a certain test.  I have taken it many times, have studied, and studied, and studied for months trying to get this thing passed.  This last time I fervently prayed for God's wisdom, peace, and strength to pass this test.  As I have waited for the results the past few weeks, every time I felt anxious and would worry I would pray and ask for His peace.  I won't lie, I was hoping and almost believing that since I prayed so much and was trusting God more with my anxiousness that I would no doubt pass this test.  That wasn't the case.  I was and am devastated.  It ruined my Friday night and most of my day Saturday as the thoughts of "Why can't I pass this?  I feel like such a failure! God, why didn't you allow me to pass?  What will happen since I didn't pass?" The stress has consumed much of my life, stealing my joy, robbing me of making and enjoying memories with my family.  It went as far as me questioning why we pray so hard sometimes if we don't understand the outcome.  I have shed more tears then I can count over this one stupid test.  My husband and close friends have told me over and over that this test doesn't define who I am, it doesn't mean I am stupid or that I am a failure.  I didn't believe them.  I didn't believe those statements until I heard Paul's sermon today.  I took notes on my phone throughout the sermon and rather then me retyping, I am posting the snapshots of what I typed out.

The second snap shot is what really hit home with me.  Why do I want to hear God?  It is to accomplish HIS purpose.  It is NOT guidance to OUR benefit.  Wow! Yeah, so passing this test was solely to my benefit. I didn't ask or listen to God to hear what He wanted to accomplish for His kingdom.  I still don't understand why I didn't pass, I may never understand.  I am simply to listen to God speak and listen to what He wants, how He wants, and why He wants to bring God's kingdom here, to conform us to His image and purpose, not mine.  At the end of the sermon and you can see I typed it; we are to choose a scripture to recite over and over this week and to hear this week in the midst of our busy life and really, really listen to God and hear Him speak.  The verse I chose is; which happens to be the one of the verses Paul shared this morning.

James 1:19

My dear friends, you should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

I've heard and read this many times, but didn't really obey what this actually says.  I very much like to be in control of everything (just ask my sweet hubby), so when I want to be in control that doesn't allow me to sometimes be quick to listen.  I have my own agenda such as this one, and when it didn't go my way, I became very angry.  After hearing today's sermon, I could take a deep breath and allow God's peace to fill my heart and soul again.  I decided I wasn't going to allow this test to steal my joy, rob me of enjoying my time with my family, and most definitely not allow myself to not worship God and still be thankful and joyful for who He is and what His plan and purpose is for me.  This week (and hopefully months and years to come) I am going to listen to Him speak, not to fulfill my purpose or to answer what I have planned, but to listen to what He has planned for me and His purpose.  I am incredibly thankful for Paul and the words he spoke that God laid on his heart to share.  I am thankful that God still loves me and forgives me for when I start to take charge of my life and become angry when things don't go my way.  He is still oh, so good, even when things get tough!

Sweet Notes...Day 54

This made my day after a rough few days..Love my girl
Thankful for sweet notes found on my pillow and a homemade necklace!

Day 53

Thankfulness for today:

My son running to me and giving me a bug hug and kiss, and kept doing this all evening

The joy on my daughters face when I dropped her off at a birthday party and all the girls ran up to her yelling her name when she got out of the car

Day 52..Anxiousness...Taking Deep Breaths and Telling God Out Loud that He Has This

This week has been long and full of a lot of anxiousness and worry, and some peace.  I am awaiting my test results for tomorrow and trying to find child care for my son.  It depends on what time of day as to whether I am handing all of this over to God or I am trying to control the situations.  I haven't been sleeping at all, when I do drift off, I find myself dreaming about this test or dreaming about where Landry will end up.  This morning on my drive to work, I started feeling anxious, the tightening in my chest, and that sick feeling in my stomach.  I turned down the radio and I took 4 deep breaths and I said out loud, "God I have got to hand these things over to you, I can't worry, You have it figured out. I give you my test. I give you my son, Landry."  There is something about saying it out loud rather then just praying in my head.  I had read a recent post from Ann Voscamp, that author of 1,000 Gifts, that said:

Today -- deep breath -- the James 1 Plan:

1. ask God for wisdom
2. believe God without doubt
3. thank God no matter what

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, 
who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt." James 1:5-6

This inspired me to do just that today.  
 I could feel peace fill my soul, but yet again throughout the day, I'd let it creap back in.  I am thankful for God's peace.  I am thankful when I say those prayers out loud, He hears them.  I am still not good at completely giving everything to Him and letting Him keep it.  I trust for a bit, then take it back.  I know the more I do this, the more I will be able to let go more and more.  I am thankful that He is patient with me and loves me no matter what.
Tonight..I say those words out loud again and take deep breaths. God you got this, I give you my test, I give you my son.  I give you my anxiousness and worry.
God is good!

Snuggles...Nothing Like Them From My Children..Day 51

If I could wish one thing, it would be that my children would never be too old to sit on my lap and snuggle. Landry was having a rough evening, very tired but didn't want to actually go to sleep.  We were doing our nightly routine and nothing would satisfy him, which left him in tears.  So I asked him if he wanted me to hold him and he said in the most pitiful but sweet voice, "Yeah please."  So I picked up his 40 lb body and stood and rocked him singing Jesus Loves Me.  It is like his head still after being almost 3 fits perfectly in the crook of my neck.  I am so thankful Landry wanted to snuggle, hug and kiss me, it is priceless.  I literally had been going non-stop since 5am and it was then 8pm, so when I was holding him and moved to the rocking chair, it allowed me to stop, sit, and breathe for the first time all day.  I am so thankful for that time.  I am thankful that I have babies to hold, sing to, and rock.
I am thankful that when Hadley came home from small group at church, that she just wanted to lay next to me and talk about our day, her excitement for an upcoming birthday party and that she just simply missed me and wanted to be next to me.  I am one joyful momma tonight! God is good all the time!

10 Days Until My Goal is Reached...Day 50 of Thankfulness

Hard to believe I began this journy of being thankful and finding joy just fifty days ago! I am just ten days from my initial goal.  I have decided to keep going, to make this a life long goal.  I have said it before, this has been life changing.
I am thankful for the following today:
1. My sweet Landry boy running to me and sitting on  my lap after dinner just hugging me; he knew just what I needed tonight.
2. My awesome co-workers; Missy and Shelly. I seriously could not have asked for two better teachers to teach with.
3.  My wonderful husband who knew I wasn't up to dealing with dinner took the initiative and made us dinner tonight!
4. I am in my bed before 9pm!
5. My precious daughter coming  to tell me goodnight one more time like last night, melts my heart.
6. My family still loves me even when I'm having a bad day and can be grumpy.
7. That God is still and always will be good!

The Cool Crisp Air and the First Night of Hot Chocolate and Marshmellows...Day 49

Lovin' this awesome cool, crisp, Fall weather tonight! I was outside most of the evening at obedience class for Myrtle and I loved being in a hoodie and still a bit chilly! I am so thankful for the changing of seasons, I honestly do not know if I'd like living somewhere where the seasons didn't change.  They remind me of God's creation and how amazing He is. Here is my list of thankfulness and joy for today:
1. Weather temps in the 60's and sunny
2. Rain last night to water my mums
3. Wearing my boots!
4. Hoodies
5. Tomato Soup and grilled cheese for dinner
6. My first cup of hot chocolate and marshmellows of the season in my bed while I write this (and look up fun compound sentence activities for school).
7. My sweet son wanting me to hold him and carry him to the car when I picked him up today.
8. My sweet Hadley coming down to tell me she couldn't sleep until she gave me another hug goodnight.
9. God's love and peace during times when worry tries to take over

Kiddos enjoying their soup and grilled cheese

Meals with Friends, Beautiful Warm Day...A lot To Be Thankful For on Day 48

It is always great to share a meal with friends.  Today we had the joy of having both lunch and dinner with friends of ours.  I think the best part was that they weren't planned but decided in the moment.  I think when those kind of meals happen it shows there is a real friendship involved, thankful for those friendships!
It was very unseasonably warm today, I am so ready for Fall weather, which may be here tomorrow!  I am thankful that my kids were able to play outside with their friends most of the day, that we were able to do some outside work, and that I put out my Fall decor!  There is something that just allows me to take a deep breath and stop and be joyful when I am able to clean, rearrange, and decorate my house.  It is fun for me and I feel as if I accomplished something.
Depsite still not knowing where my sweet son will be going soon, there are many things to be thankful and joyful for today. I still have that peace that God has it all under control, sometimes it is hard to find when those stressful moments come up, but still thankful. God is good!

Day 47... A Partially Clean House and Fall Decor

Since I began teaching it has been near impossible to keep my house clean.  So today since I had some time before working again, I was able to atleast clean my downstairs and start putting up my Fall decorations! I absolutely love this time of year, now if only the weather would get cooler.  I am thankful for a semi clean house, spending time with my family this morning, attending our farmers market and buying honey, and also able to sleep in a little today. I am thankful for all of my friends who are praying for Landry and us as we find new childcare, thankful for my friends who are helping by referring us names and places. Thankful that God is good and faithful always!

TGIF - This Day Presented a Whole New Meaning

I have never been so glad for it to be Friday.  It has been a very long, crazy, stressful, and now a sad ending to my week.  The weight of my son and where he will be going during the day weighs very heavily on my heart.  I know without a doubt God has a plan and has known this all along, but for today it doesn't make it any easier.  I know for some that read this may think I am over reacting or I need to get over it and move on, yes, I know and I will, but as a mom and for other parents out there as well as for anyone who cares and loves someone, you still have a time of feeling sad and worried about how this will effect your child or person you care for.  You want the best for them no matter what and try to protect them from unnecessary hurt or sadness.
My son has had a great week at school this week, the past three days, no accidents and has done amazing! I was so sad when I picked him up today because as we were leaving he waved to every single child and said, "See you guys, bye bye!" He named both teachers and told them bye.  I just hate it that he will no longer be seeing his new buddies after next week.  I am thankful for this brief time and all that he has learned and how he has grown in many ways.  I just have to keep my eyes on God and rely on Him.
I am thankful today that there are a few leads on people that may or may not work out, but am thankful God is showing me glimpses that He is going to take care of my sweet boy.  I am thankful that he had the hugest grin and couldn't wait to jump off the truck he was playing on to give me a hug.
I am thankful that my husband is the dad that he is and took our girl on a daddy/daughter date.  They have their special place they eat at every date which is Stephen's.  It is a very nice place, one where she always wheres a dress and she gets Josh in dress pants, shoes (which if you know my man, this is big), button down shirt tucked in, and tonight he wore cologne! The anticipation of my girl since he told her the other day has been so sweet to watch.  She was so excited to come home, take a shower, pick out her dress, have me braid her hair, and she put on her favorite necklace.  I am thankful I married this man and that he is such a remarkable dad!
I am thankful for all the supporting comments and texts today, and the prayers. It really means a lot!
God is still in control and good!

All dressed up for her daddy date!

Day 45... Hardest Day So Far

Since my blogs are about being real and honest, I guess I should admit, I've been dreading writing this blog.  Today's been an all around crappy day and ended with sad news regarding Landry and his current pre-school.  Even though he's made a lot of progress the past few weeks in not having hardly any accidents, his speech has progressed, etc., they decided that he just requires too much one on one and reminders at school.  I completley understand but I am still literally heartbroken that I have to take Landry out and that he has to adjust all over again somewhere else.  I know kids are resilient but right now I'm in tears, anxiety and worry have set in.  I currently have no back up for him, he's on a waiting list at another school, but we have no clue when a spot will open.  Since he was doing so well I pretty much stopped looking for someone or somewhere else.  I know God has it under control, I know He has a plan, but it still sucks.  Yes, again I'm asking for prayer for my sweet Landry. Prayer we find a place where he will be loved and nurtured and will continue to grow in his speech and continue to do great with his potty thing.  

Even though this was a crappy/sad day there are still things to be thankful for.   I am thankful that my kids miss me so much during the day and that I get big hugs and lots of kisses when I see them.  I am thankful for my incredible friend Alicia that I can call at 10 pm and cry on the phone with and share my sadness about Landry even when she has to get up early in the morning for work. Great friends like her are hard to come by.  I am thankful that even though tears of sadness and frustration are being shed now, I know God has a plan and will provide, and will keep Landry wrapped in His loving arms and place him where he should be.  God is still good!

Day 44 of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful that my son had a good day at school and seems to be feeling better after having an ear infection for the past week and switching antibiotics.  I am thankful my daughter was so excited to see me after school and ran and hugged me when she got off the bus.  I am thankful for my husband who took our kids to breakfast this morning just because. I am thankful that I am able to go to bed and hopefully kick this sinus stuff! God is good!

Nothing on the Schedule Tonight...Day 43 of Thankfulness

This has been the first night in a VERY long time that we had nothing planned! It-Was-Glorious!!!  I was able to fix dinner (meatloaf and potatoes - one of my favs), do two loads of laundry which one is folded and put away (huge accomplishment for me folks), and my most favorite part - walking with my family.  It was a lovely fall night.  I loved hearing my sweet kids singing together and actually having conversations. I am so thankful for this night of just being together as a family.  I am thankful my daughter wanted and enjoyed helping me prepare dinner and clean up the kitchen afterwards.  I am thankful that my hubby told me I looked pretty tonight, grabbed my hand and kissed me.  There is something so sweet when your husband stops and says those things.  It is easy to get caught up being parents and forget to tell the one you love sweet things and hold your hand and kiss you.  I am very thankful for Josh, he's truly one of a kind.  I am thankful for my sweet children.
Thank you God for my family, You are so good!

Myrtle girl practicing her obedience training

Hadley and her puppy

Not wanting me to take her picture

Meatloaf, potatoes, ketchup, and applesauce face

Singing Baa Baa Black Sheep