February 28, 2013

I've said it before and I'll say it again. This is my addiction. My $1.09 sweet tea slice of heaven.   It must have extra ice, must be in a styrofoam cup.  Without that combination, I could take it or leave it. Seriously, I think about getting one daily.  I want to get one daily, sometimes multiple.  I try to keep it to 1-2 a week....and it this is my worst vice, then I think I'm doing better than a lot of people.

February 27, 2013

Me: Jack, did you have a good day at school?
Jack:  I am not Jack, I am Batman.  Yes I had a good day, mommy.

Later....
Me: Jack, what would you like for dinner?
Jack: My mask is off, so you can call me Bruce Wayne.

Lordy.....this kid is killing me.

February 26, 2013

this is one of those photos that I pray will stay etched in my memory forever..... along with the gratitude and overwhelming goodness and grace bestowed to me--an undeserving me for two gifts that were neither earned, deserved nor created my me.

February 24, 2013

Old Friends
Today we had a surprise visit from the Tidmores.... I am so grateful for such wonderful friends,and hope that these 4 have as much fun together in the future as their mommies did.

February 23, 2013

Exhausted. Jack in the picture, me right now. Grateful still, for all the activities that fill my days.  Happy that Jack has such sweet friends that he can play with and celebrate birthdays with....He didn't last long after we left the party...long enough though, to stamp himself, his face, Elizabeth's carseat and the window.

February 22, 2013

Tonight I am happy to have introduced my sister (and soon to be mommy) to the best consignment sale around. I got 25 spring/summer outfits 2 bathing suits for E and 5 outfits for JF (boy sections are slim to none), a bike for his bday and an iron man mask for 110$. They are open tomorrow morning at 8am for half off!
http://www.bamom.org/garage.asp

February 21, 2013

                                                                       Imagination

It is so fun to see life through the eyes of a 3 year old. His innocent little world revolves around superheros and snacks. "to the rescue!" is something I will never tire of hearing from his room.  I am soaking it all in with gratitude, because I know they are fleeting moments that will all be gone too soon.

February 20, 2013

Wonderful Wednesday

The kids and I try to do something fun on Wednesdays because daddy has class and Mommy doesn't want to cook dinner!  What better way to celebrate than waffles and chocolate milk at the counter at WH and a trip to the library!  I am so thankful that my kids love the library, (well books in general) as much as I do. 

February 19, 2013

1st day of soccer practice for both kiddos.  Grateful to have such healthy babies and the freedom to play and participate in such wonderful programs. Even if Jack wore my sunglasses for half the practice then decided it was time to be done and refused to go back in.

February 18, 2013

Today I am grateful for the pure bliss that a swing brings to my little guy.  He has been a rocking chair baby from day 1 (and still is) and would rock himself to sleep sitting up as soon as he could sit up.  To this day, if there is a swing nearby, nothing else matters. He would swing as long as I would let him and it is still a battle to get him to come inside many afternoons.  These pics are from a few minutes ago....

he loves to watch the trees in the wind

February 17, 2013

I am grateful that there are moments that I can savor the love shared between Jack and Elizabeth.  There are so many times that I catch them having a sweet moment that I wish I had my camera or wish that I could remember the moment forever. Because the moments are usually fleeting...and tonight when I tried to capture the moment....well, you can see what happened.  

February 16, 2013

so todays post....not as profound, not as thought provoked...but I am thankful nonetheless.

                                                             Sonic's Happy Hour!

                                                            Cherry LimeAid for E

and the best drink on the planet for me: Fresh Fruit Lime Slush and add cherries

both for $1.98! 

February 15, 2013

The photo taken tonight shows one of Jack's favorite things to do...play in the sink with soapy water. I rarely let him because a) he makes a huge mess on the counters and floor and b) he usually wets his pants while playing.  Tonight when he begged to get the step stool out and "cook dinner" in the sink, I was reminded of a quote I read not too long ago that says:

If you don’t fight for joy, it’s your children who lose.

What do I want my children to remember--my joy in clean floors, in laundry that is finally finished, in toys that are put away--or my joy that comes from something bigger? 

You will be most remembered -- by what brought you most joy.

The joy of the Lord is your strength and this is my unassailable joy- and the battle for joy is nothing less than fighting the good fight of faith. 

February 14

Valentines Day....I would almost rank it as exciting as the day before Christmas vacation, and the last day of school for my kids at school. I get it...we so rarely get to focus our day around just being happy being together, being friends. It is nostalgic for me to watch the kids drop valentines in everyone's box, and to see the equal excitement for those giving as those receiving. My picture today shows the sweet valentine I received from one of my precious students....and for those that know him, my pride for what he wrote as well as how well he wrote it is overwhelming. I love my job, I love my kiddos. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to learn from them every day.

New Habits

While reflecting last night on the Lenten season, and reading more and more about why we give things "up" for lent, and what it all really means, I decided to kind of go in another direction and search for finding a better attitude and direction through the everyday joy already in my life. 

Don't get me wrong...I love the life He has given me, but sometimes I forget to see the glory and the wonder of each moment . . . it gets left behind in the sink full of dishes or beneath that ninth pile of laundry or in the demanding needs of a 3 year old.

I am working really hard on creating new habits. I want the thankfulness to become one my habits. Not the complaining. To praise and not whine. To take note of the beauty instead of getting bogged down in the gritty.  

Wednesday, Feb 13.....

I am thankful for the new habit I have been diligently trying to create. My quiet  time of prayer and reflection. I am trying to force myself out of bed a half hour earlier than normal to have at least 15-20 minutes of uninterrupted time with my coffee, devotional and Bible. Now, at least 2 mornings per week, a sleepy 3 year old wonders in way before he should be waking up...but for that I am grateful too :-)