Gratitude in 25 words

Amazing Women

Learning Together

Long Prayer Walk

Good Conversation

Hug from a Friend

Little Helper

Good book

Warm soup

Fruityville Story

Once Upon a Time

Thankful

Today had its moments... not all wonderful, but there was plenty to be grateful for.

1. An AMAZING conversation with an AMAZING friend... God knew this coffee date was happening just when I needed it.
2. Laughter - a friend of my daughter was here playing. She brought me an etch-a-sketch and asked me "How do you turn this IPAD off?"
3. Opportunities - Today I had an initial conversation with a fellow parent about math, computer programs and helping in the school. Very excited about this!
4. Apologies - sometimes this is what is needed to reset a frustrating conversation
5. Family prayer - I think this is the first time this has happened as a family, we began and ended the day in prayer.
6. A little helper with groceries both at the store and at home
7. Mexican soup - yummy!
8. Birthday plans for Daryl
9. A picked-up playroom
10. Fruityville stories!

Living Gratefully is hard when you are tired

Today was a good day. Unfortunately my attitude at the end of the day didn't reflect that. I was tired. Daryl was tired. Elizabeth was overly tired. Grace was tired. Hannah, well, she was reading:-). It is hard to be grateful and kind when you are tired. I'm thankful for do-overs.

1. Elizabeth got to spend time in Aunt Amanda's room. She adores her Aunt Amanda!
2. I got to attend a conference that gave me lots to think about. I'm grateful for the Ockenga Institute and the good work they do.
3. I'm grateful for neighbors who welcome my children with open arms and allow me to attend conferences.
4. Although I'm often grumpy as I am folding, I am grateful for clean clothes.
5. I am grateful for the anticipation about grown-up nights out... painting, game night, a concert!
6. I am grateful for end of the day story time.
7. I am grateful for thoughtful questions from Grace after reading her Bible.
8. I am grateful for quiet and a chance to "do-over."
9. I am grateful for settling down for the evening in my PJs and robe.
10. I am grateful for life.

Thankfulness One Year Later

On this day one year ago, I wrote this post. I know this because facebook now reminds me what happened 1 year, 2 years, and 7 years ago. What a difference a year makes, but wow, I had no idea what it would take. So one year later, this is what I am thankful for.

1. A husband who supports me in ways that allow me to stop working for a season in order to catch my breath.
2. Girls who appreciate a mommy who is less grumpy and more willing to do fun things with them.
3. A church family who not only acknowledges my need to say "no," but lovingly supports my decision to step down from church work.
4. A more open schedule that allows me to figure out what I really like to do.
5. Other people who step up and help out, reminding me that I am not irreplaceable and that is a good thing!
6. Opportunities to open up our home to others and share life together.
7. Having good conversations with my husband about what we want our life to look like going forward.
8. Realizing that the world doesn't fall apart when I stop acting like I can save it. In fact I don't have a lot of control over what happens in the world and I never was a savior, despite my attitude to the contrary. But, when I live out of an abundance of peace and not a crazied pace, I may actually have something to give.
9. Prayer does change things, mostly me.
10. Laughter is an amazing thing.

Deep breath! Inhale peace, exhale peace! It is a glorious thing!

Grateful for my Dad

Today is my dad's birthday and I thought it was appropriate for my 10 items of gratitude to focus on my dad.

1. My dad shows his love through acts of service. From caring for the homes we lived in to washing dishes to fixing my car to, now, caring for his granddaughters, it is obvious that my dad loves us.
2. Showing up at my school events... band concerts, basketball, football games, church choir... my dad was there.
3. Taking us to church: This was always part of the warp and woof of our lives, and it impacted me powerfully.
4. Experimenter: It is so fun for me to hear dad's adventures in the kitchen, creating his own yogurt, bread recipes, baked oatmeal, oat milk, and more! Dad is always learning and that is inspiring.
5. Thinker: My dad thinks deeply about a lot of things and I enjoy hearing his thoughts. Sometimes we agree and sometimes we don't, but I know that he has thought a lot about many different topics.
6. Being Poppi: We don't get to see my parents as much as I would like, but I love seeing my dad interact with my daughters!
7. Surprising me for my 40th: I was SO BLESSED by this. I think it was my best birthday present.
8. His demonstrations of what it means to be a faithful husband: I appreciate how my parents have stayed true to their vows, not because it was always easy or convenient, but because it was right.
9. Phone conversations: I like when my dad reaches out to me to find out what is going on in my life. His interest means a lot.
10. Work ethic: My dad has always been a hard worker, even in retirement. It is inspiring!

Random Gratitude

So, I have not been consistent with posting 10 things I am grateful for each day. I am missing a day here and there, or dayS, but I feel as though overall my attitude is improving and that, my friends, is the point.

Today, my gratitude jumps all over the place.

1. A DELICIOUS new recipe!

It was with a bit of fear and trepidation that I made a new recipe last night. The strikes against it were 1. it was vegetarian... dangerous territory for Daryl, 2. it had pomatoes (tomatoes)... Elizabeth is not a fan 3. it had lentils... which is a little too "beanlike" for Gracie.  What was I thinking?!?! I am so glad that I risked the displeasure of my family, because it was YUMMY. Grace and Elizabeth tolerated it more than some things. Daryl and Hannah went back for more. When I first saw how much it made, I thought I might be choking it down for days/weeks even. All we had left was enough for a serving for my friend and one for lunch for me today. Yippee!

Lentil Bolgnese

2. Binge Reading

I have found when I am burnt out and running on fumes what I want to do is binge read. Not on anything that will make me think too hard or challenge me out of my status quo, but on the safe predictability of Christian Fiction. Where the girl always gets her man; where no mountain is too high for love to overcome; where no matter how bad it looks in the middle; good wins, love wins, and the faith of the characters is strengthened.

During the past 2 months, I have devoured several, maybe dozens (I know, when I say binge, I mean binge) of these books. I am very grateful for inter library loan. I have discovered a couple "new to me" authors that I hadn't read before. With the added bonus that many of them have written series of books and I didn't need to wait a year for the next one to come out. While the plots are often predictable, I enjoy finding authors who have found a way to put their own style/twist on the story.

3. Interlibrary loan (see above)

4. Thought-provoking books

Now that I am feeling a little more fueled up, I have found the energy to dive into different books. The latest book I just finished is Family on Mission. It was written by Mike and Sally Breen, and it has spoken to a cry of my heart. I have asked Daryl to read it and I am looking forward to how the ideas in the book may play out in our family.

5. Friends who ask for help

I have trouble asking other people for help, but it is especially hard when I feel like I am always the one doing the asking. I am so grateful when I get to do something for someone else BECAUSE THEY ASKED!

6. Opportunities to volunteer in the girls' school

For the last three years, I have gotten the chance to help out in Hannah's classroom and school. This fall I have really pulled back from everything, because I felt like I needed to gain a little perspective again. I am so grateful that when I was ready to step back in, all I received was positive encouragement!

7. Solo Piano Music

Because I can thanks to P*andora.

8. Two little girls dressing up and playing baby

Because they play so well together.

9. Spanish afterschool

Both Hannah and Grace have been able to take advantage of the Spanish program they offer afterschool. It is fun to hear them teaching what they learn to their sister. The other day as we were driving around they were counting in Spanish over and over and over again.

10. Day at home

This has been a good morning to get some things done around the house. Since Elizabeth has a playmate, it was been easy to do.

Living God's Kingdom Now

Today I am thankful that I get to participate in God's Kingdom right now. It isn't a far off time after death. It is now.

I am thankful that

• when forgiveness happens, God's Kingdom is happening now.
• when beauty is appreciated, God's Kingdom is happening now.
• when friendship is forged, God's Kingdom is happening now.
• when kindness is chosen instead of cruelty, God's Kingdom is happening now.
• when justice wins over injustice, God's Kingdom is happening now.
• when light shines in the darkness, God's Kingdom is happening now.
• when prayers are directed towards those we hate, God's Kingdom is happening now.
• when anger turns to compassion, God's Kingdom is happening now.
• when grief and burdens are shared, God's Kingdom is happening now.
• God's Kingdom is not far off, it is happening now.

Beautiful Fall Day

This fall has been absolutely gorgeous and this week looks to be one of the best yet. It is almost hard to believe that November has arrived. I spent most of this morning bringing some order to the house (it took me almost an hour to get the kitchen under control). Daryl called and encouraged me to get outside. I am so glad he did. I threw Elizabeth's bike in the van and packed an easy lunch. After I picked her up, we drove to a local reservoir to walk/bike. Amazing! So here are my 10 items of gratitude for today.

A Fall Fire Tree

 1. The brilliance of the fall leaves this year. Wherever I drive I cannot help but notice the amazing colors.
2. Warm weather in November. It is so nice to be able to outside with light jackets this late in the fall.
3. A little adventurer today. When I picked Elizabeth up at preschool, she was NOT interested in going for a bike ride. Thankfully I had packed a lunch and with a little food in her, she perked up.
4. 2.4 miles of biking/walking. She made it the whole way!
5. Although there was a bike crash, it happened almost at the end of our walk and the worst that happened was scraped knees and knuckles. (It looked uglier in process!)
6. As soon as the other girls got home, they were right back outside playing with their neighborhood friends.
7. Daryl arrived home early, which allowed me to get grocery shopping done without the girls!
8. Potato-Corn Chowder in the crockpot
9. Fresh bread from the store.
10. Anticipation of a low key morning tomorrow (no school!) and therefore a more relaxed evening.

Take a picture of me, mommy!

Gratitude in 25 words

Generous Neighbors give Candy

Daylight Savings Ends

Kids sleep extra hour!

Worship

Friends back at Church

Laughter

Relaxing afternoon

Neighborhood buddies

AFV with family

Bedtime

Thankfulness for Grace

We named each of daughters to remind ourselves of God's grace. The other two require a knowledge of name "meanings" in order to know that grace is part of their names, but Gracie... it is right there. In many ways, I feel like she has a comprehension of God's grace the surpasses her age. She is (as all my daughters are) my teacher.

1. I am thankful that we waited to send Grace to kindergarten until this year. Not only was the year with the co-op amazing, Grace truly developed in her confidence.
2. I am grateful that she is thriving this year under the direction of her teacher, Ms. Polizzia.

3. I am grateful to see her budding engineer skills. She is very good at building her lego kits.
4. Her brain seems to wired for math concepts. She has been asking for "math" problems all summer. I am grateful that she enjoys school.

5. Grace is thoughtful. She thinks a lot about different things.
6. I am grateful for her serious side. I enjoy conversations with her.

7. Grace has a great smile. It shows her playful side.
8. She is so good with other kids. Whether the kids are much younger than she is or just her age, she is a good "mother" or friend.

9. Grace is willing to try new things. Cross country wasn't easy for her, but she did it and was so excited to receive her finishers medal.
10. Grace speaks her mind and because she has worked so hard with her speech the last several years, what is on her mind is very understandable.

My reminder of God's grace is a blessing to me.

Another day to be thankful

In the middle of last week, I needed to be reminded of why I am thankful for my youngest. Today I will turn my attention to my oldest. I have realized, recently, that I have been particularly critical of my 8-year-old. I am not sure if it is because we are so much alike or because I expect her to be more "grown-up" than she is or for some other reason that I cannot identify.

Whatever it is, I am so grateful for this little girl who made me a mom and who is growing up so fast before our eyes.

1. Curiosity: From the time she could talk, my girl was asking questions about the world. She loves to explore and discover new things.
2. Her eyes: Hannah sees art and beauty in the world, and helps me to see it too.
3. Adventure: She is interested in adventure, but sometimes holds back her excitement about it. Perhaps, like her mom, she fears being disappointed. My prayer is that we will encourage her adventurous spirit.

 4. Creativity: It doesn't take much for Hannah to be able to create. She sees possibility in scraps of fabric and some glue.
5. Trying new things: She is eager to try new crafting ideas and is grateful that Nana is like her in this!

6. Sense of style: Her style is her own. Bold colors and patterns is what she loves best.
7. Her hugs: Hannah is a full body hugger. Even at 8, she still loves to snuggle.

8. Family time: Hannah still loves being with her family. Recently we were able to go apple picking together.
9. Writing: She loves to create stories and has begun doing this with her spelling words. It is really fun to see what she comes up with when it seems she has a random word bank.

10. A hard worker: This was especially evident today when she competed in her first cross-country meet. It wasn't always easy, but she kept going. Our little girl is growing up.

My 4 year old

Ahh, the joys of a 4 year old. Elizabeth and I are still trying to figure out this thing of having/being an only child at home. I had no idea the challenges that would arise from Elizabeth losing all her playmates as her older two sisters went off to school. It hasn't been easy, but in the spirit of being grateful, my list today focuses on Elizabeth.

1. She is up for an adventure. Last week our adventure was riding bike (her)/ walking (me) out to Eastern Point lighthouse. She made it, despite an early run in with a bush. While out there, she and I collaborated on a drawing. This is one of my favorite times with her so far this year.
2. She speaks her mind. Although wearying, when I truly listen, it is a delight to hear how her mind works.
3. Determined to be with me. Again, this can be wearying, but there is something really special about this girl's hand in mind.

4. Good memory. This one keeps me on my toes for what she remembers... people, places and activities. The above picture is because "remember, mommy, we take the picture of me getting the pumpkin."

5. Busy. This one is on the go. She keeps me moving and I need that, especially on the days when an object at rest wants to stay a rest. I am getting back in shape because this one keeps me going.

6. Exercise buddy. I've been doing exercise videos at home and Elizabeth is right there next to me. Lifting her little dumbbell "just like mommy." 

7. Time with her one on one. I know time will fly, so it is nice to get to know Elizabeth all by herself.
8. Creative words. I love that she is developing new vocabulary so quickly and it is especially fun when she doesn't quite have it right. The other night she had a splinter that came out without extra help. "We didn't need to use the sneezers!" She still talks about the "aminals." "I don't like pomatos."
9. Creative storytelling. When she is able to settle down and play by herself, it is so fun to hear the stories she acts out with her dolls and animals.

10. Goofy grin. She has a beautiful smile, but sometimes you just need a goofy grin.

I am thankful for my little Elizabeth.

Gratefulness from where I sit

I am embarrassed to say (but obviously not too embarrassed since I am posting this on a blog) how easy it is to get knocked off the gratitude journey. I was doing so well and could feel my contentment increasing and then BANG I am grumpy and giving my husband the silent treatment. Sigh. Like Peter taking his eyes of the Lord while walking on the water, as soon as my eyes drifted to my circumstances I was floundering in discontentedness up to my neck.

So in an effort to get back on track, here is my gratefulness from where I sit.

1. Quiet: Even though Elizabeth was up early complaining that "she couldn't smell," she fell back asleep. It is now 9 am and she is still sleeping.
2. Warm winter coats: The temperatures dipped yesterday and I am thankful we have coats to bundle up in.
3. Checkbook: While we are not wealthy by American standards, we have enough, actually we have more than enough, and I am grateful.
4. Field trip permission slip: The girls have gotten to experience field trips already this school year. I am grateful for the "out of school" experiences they get to have.
5. Books: for the books we own and the ones we check out from the library, so grateful to be able to feed my reading habit.
6. Sunshine: The sun is breaking through the early morning clouds. It makes everything seem doable.
7. Red Sox Hat: Gift from my husband. He has always been a thoughtful gift giver.
8. Games: We have a family that loves to play games. It is a great way to connect with one another.
9. Untidy playroom: The girls live here.
10. Meal plans: A fully stocked kitchen ready to prepare meals for the next two weeks.

I am grateful.

Grateful for what I have

“If we do not feel grateful for what we already have, what makes us think we’d be happy with more?” — Unknown

Last weekend I deactivated my facebook account. There is nothing wrong with facebook in and of itself. But, I found that when I was feeling dissatisfied with my life, facebook fed that dissatisfaction whether it was looking at what other people had or did or searching for people in my past and imagining a different life than the one I have now. Dissatisfaction is a ugly housemate and the only thing I have found to combat it is gratitude, hence my 30 days of gratitude.

Today's list is a reminder of what I have, especially in light of what facebook was telling me I needed.

1. A loving husband: The longer I am married, the more I realize that "tried and true" love is much better than young love, despite what the world might tell you. The feelings may not be as high and low, but faithfulness is a beautiful thing.
2. 3 daughters: Yes, I still have moments of "the ache," times when I think "just one more" or "what would a son be like," but each day I get to know these wonderful little creatures God has given me. Hannah's full body hugs, ability to be distracted with books in an instant, and her sometimes "out of left field" questions that make us say "mmm." Grace's well ordered, mathematical brain, and ability to see "that's not fair" wherever she looks. Elizabeth's high energy, deep into the "why" phase, and ability to exhaust me in her unique way.
3. A home that is enough: I need to remind myself of this, especially when I spend too much time on zillow looking at all the beautiful homes out there. Enough really is enough and I am content.
4. Loving family: My parents, in-laws, brother and his family, brother-in-law and his family, and my extended family... this past summer we were blessed by many encounters with our family and I was reminded again how blessed I am.
5. Friendships: I think I have said this before, but it needs to be repeated and often. God has blessed me again and again with people who he brings into my life, some for a lifetime and some for a season.
6. Drinking water
7. Inside bathrooms: as much as I love pioneer and frontier stories, I am very grateful for this modern convenience
8. Reliable transportation: Often I do not think about this until we do not have it, but for today, I am grateful that our vehicles are reliable.
9. Growing contentment: This isn't always a part of my life, but for today I am grateful.
10. Ability to read: the last month and a half have been filled with times to read. I know this is a luxury to have all this time to devote to reading and I am grateful.

Today's gratitude in 25 words

Rain to Sun

Zoo with Friends

Beautiful Colors

Majestic Lions

Playful Gorillas

Lunch Outside

Playground

Kangaroos

Nap Coming Home

Bed repaired by Daddy

Friday's gratefulness

The day started before the sun rose. The sky was grey, hinting at the rain to come. I was 31) warm in my bed, waking up from a dream I cannot quite remember, except for the fact that it was 32) not stressful or scary. I relief from the dreams of late.

While the rest of the family slept, snug in their beds, I was up making lunches for Grace and Hannah, 33) grateful for the food available to keep them alert and ready to learn at school. 34) Elizabeth skipped into her classroom without a backwards glance, eager to engage her teacher and discover what was set out for her to explore. Gordon-Conwell Nursery School is such a blessing to our family. I was able to come home for some 35) quiet time with Daryl before heading off on a 36) birthday breakfast with my church colleagues. During that breakfast of much laughter and catching up, 37) God provided a wonderful display of his creativity in a rainbow that pointed to a treasure at the edge of the marsh.

The afternoon was spent preparing for trunk or treat at the girls' school. 38) Daryl's creativity was evident in the garden scene he created in the back of our van. 39) The girls, dressed as a ladybug, a butterfly and a dragonfly, enjoyed collecting treats and interacting with friends. 40) The weather was perfect as the rain had stopped much earlier in the afternoon and the evening was a hit!

I am so grateful for today!

Prayer leading to Thankfulness

Several friends have been praying for me this week. Just knowing that has a way of pointing my spirits towards gratitude.

21. Early morning discussions about the prodigal son. What do you think the son was feeling after receiving the response of his father?
22. A text from a sweet friend
23. Silly time with Elizabeth
24. Finding pieces of the girls' costumes at Second Glance
25. An excited, brave girl wanting to go into her dentist appointment "just like her sisters," meaning she wanted mommy to stay in the waiting room. This was after asking all day (and week) if it was time to go to the appointment.
26. A good report from the dentist
27. Hannah enjoying time playing a pick-up game of soccer with her friends after afterschool Spanish
28. Connecting with the other moms and sharing some laughs
29. Sharing thankful stories at supper
30. Hearing about a positive email concerning Daryl and his team's hard work over the long weekend

Gratitude is contagious!

Being thankful when you don't wanna!!!

The kids were up way too late last night and had trouble falling asleep. I was up way too late last night. None of us really wanted to get up this morning, but there were lunches to make, breakfast to eat, and school to go to. Elizabeth was particularly grumpy to get up, but I figured a field trip to Russell Orchards with her class would snap her out of it. Nope.

She was whiny and clingy. She didn't want to play with her classmates or talk to her teachers. She especially didn't want me talking to other parents. She generally LOVES school, but not today. Instead of a pleasant morning, I got whine.

But, these are the days when you need to look for things to be thankful about.

11. Beautiful weather: the day was warm and the sky was clear
12. Bountiful apples: the crop is just amazing this year
13. The feel of a little girl's hand in yours
14. Apple Cider Donuts
15. A husband who comes home early from work
16. Same husband reading stories to the whiny one
17. That same husband getting whiny, tired child to take a nap
18. New "for fun" books from the library
19. A quiet evening to read
20. Anticipation of discipleship group in the morning

I am so grateful!

Being Thankful

Life hasn't been easy these days... not in the ways that make life physically hard, but in the ways that make life mentally and emotionally hard. Until today I haven't been able to put my finger on why, but today the answer came at me loud and clear... DISCONTENTMENT.

The only way I have found to combat this feeling is through gratitude, so for the next 30 days I am going to challenge myself to identify 10 different reason why TODAY I am thankful. 300 reasons sounds like a pretty good start to me!

1. Morning prayer with my husband: over the last 3 months Daryl has been so good about calling us into prayer together. I am so grateful!
2. Friends up the street and all morning playdates: Elizabeth had a friend all morning to play with which allowed me to make some needed phone calls. I am so grateful!
3. Phone call with mom and dad: It has been a while since I talked to them and it was so good to hear their voices and to just share every day stuff. I am so grateful!
4. Phone call with a good friend: It is good to have a friend to share heart stuff with and for her to pray. I am so grateful!
5. "Play a story with me": Elizabeth wants me to play with her and it is good when I stop long enough to join her. I am so grateful!
6. Clothes shopping for me with the girls: This went surprisingly well! They had fun finding clothes for me and even though I mostly bought the stuff I picked out. It was fun to see what they chose. I am so grateful!
7. Several new shirts and a long sweater: I am so grateful!
8. Home group tonight: I am so grateful!
9. A walk home with a friend: I am so grateful!
10. First night of my desire to get fit, exercises I can do at home while watching something! I am so grateful!

Photo taken during one of my morning walks.

Post Thanksgiving Thanksgiving

How can it be that I spent 21 days of November being grateful and the following 2 days being about as grumpy as grumpy can be. Bleh! Wow, it doesn't take long for an attitude adjustment to readjust in the WRONG direction.

So, I think today, I need to think of 22 things to be grateful for. Let's try this again.

1. A lovely Thanksgiving with our church family. I had never had a smoked turkey before. Oh.Wow.YUMMY. I think this may be my new favorite way to eat turkey. One of our hosts said (before dinner) that "Turkey was just an excuse to make the sides." Well, after eating this turkey, turkey has regained its rightful place at center stage. It was the moistest and most flavorful turkey ever... my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

2. I'm thankful for Tiffany, Tamika and Jonathan who play so well with my children. Daryl and I actually got to have some adult conversation because the kids played so nicely.

3. A husband who gently corrects my attitude when necessary.
4. A daughter who forgives so easily. I was a bear towards my Hannah-bear this afternoon. When I was able to humble myself and go to her to apologize, she readily forgave me.
5. A 3-year old who just came to the steps and politely reminded me that I forgot to bring something I promised... yes, politely!
6. A beautiful sunny day.
7. Final preparations for my first 5K are going well. Daryl and I drove the Beverly course this morning. Only 2 potential "trouble" spots:-).
8. Advent preparations are coming along well... I have lots of people stepping in to help!
9. Thanksgiving Leftovers (see #1)
10. Pizza night
11. Some ideas percolating about doing "Random Acts of Kindness" during Advent as a way of teaching giving to my kids... Anyone up for the challenge?
12. My dad's coming retirement... I'm so excited for him!
13. My brother, my sis-in-law, and my niece... we don't get to see them enough, but the last several phone calls, Elsa has been talking and it's adorable!
14. Quiet time... which is NOW!
15. My husband teaching tomorrow which gives me a break this week.
16. Experiencing my bear-like attitude beginning to shift:-).
17. Friends and playdates
18. My college friends... I can't wait for the next girls weekend... Let's get it on the books, ladies!
19. Illinois in summer... Boggs's here we invade come!
20. Christmas in ND
21. Snow... perhaps this week?!?
22. My God and my King

I did it! Being grateful really does push out all those other feelings. Bye Bye mama bear!