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