Thankful Thursday

Here is my list for this week:

1. I am thankful for life itself.
2. I am thankful that the kids just have a half day of school left after today.
3. I am thankful that we have a fun, full summer planned.
4. I am thankful for $1 night at the Diamond Jaxx game tonight. Admission is $1, hot dogs $1, drinks $1, and popcorn $1!!!!!
5. I am thankful for $1 large drinks at McDonalds (do you see a theme here?) Even though our coke dates are going to have to be put on hold once the kids are home for the summer, it's nice to know they are there if I need them!
6. I am thankful for nice weather for our upcoming camping trip this weekend. I like the outdoors, but this chick ain't campin' in the rain!!!
7. I am thankful for bills being done for the month! (always a relief to get those done....)
8. I am thankful for a great time we had in Knoxville this past week.
9. I am thankful for getting our carpets cleaned tomorrow.
10. I am thankful that I made it through the orientation for my online class I have to take this summer and it doesn't seem SO bad!

Can't wait to read yours.....

Thankful Thursday

A little late in the day for this one, but at least it's still Thursday.....

1. I am thankful for life itself.
2. I am thankful that after going to the dentist the other day for the first time in SEVEN YEARS (I am so embarassed), nothing major was wrong with my teeth! I was scared to death to go - scared of what they would find. Since it was good news, I am going every 6 months from now on - my mother will be so proud!!!
3. I am thankful that I have another "school day" to clean since it didn't exactly get done today. There's always tomorrow, right???
4. I am thankful that school is almost out for the kids. Summer is always an adjustment for all of us, but we have so many fun things going on - I can't wait!!
5. I am thankful for past experiences that allow us to help friends in need.
6. I am thankful for a lower gas and electric bill the past couple of months - I love this "in-between" weather.
7. I am thankful that Kinlee and I are headed out to a Girl Scout weekend together this coming weekend.
8. I am thankful that Parker's DI team is headed to Knoxville - all the money was raised, and then some!! We leave next Wednesday - please pray for a safe trip!
9. I am thankful for some "old" family friends in Knoxville to stay with - it's saving us a BUNDLE on hotel room costs!
10. Finally, I am thankful that Mark and I just celebrated 15 years of marriage yesterday!!!! I sure do love that guy!!!

Thankful Thursday

Here goes the list:

1. I am thankful for life itself.
2. I am thankful for the rain we have had recently. Although it has put a "kink" into some of our plans this past week, it makes everything look so pretty and green!
3. I am thankful for "Teapot" week in town. There are lots of fun things that we've gotten to (and will continue to) enjoy as a family this week.
4. I am thankful for good, clean Christian friends that we can have good, clean Christian fun with.
5. I am thankful for my kiddos. They each have their own special qualities that make me love them so much.
6. I am thankful for Mark. He is such a good husband and dad, and is great at what he does!
7. I am thankful for a house to clean - okay, maybe this one is just me trying to talk myself into the fact that I have to clean today....
8. I am thankful that I will be able to help with Field Day at the kids' school tomorrow. It is on days like that that I am reminded how blessed I am to be able to be at home.
9. I am thankful for the Tea Party that Kinlee and I will be attending this weekend. It is a good chance to spend time together and reconnect with old friends.
10. I am thankful for the fact that we are well on our way to raising the money for Parker's DI team. It hasn't been as hard as we thought, and people have been very generous. SO, if you have an extra dollar or two or $2,800 (not that that's how much we have left to raise or anything.....) feel free to let me know - LOL!!!
    

Can't wait to read your list.....

Thankful Thursday

I have a morning full of house cleaning to do today, so I thought I'd get this done early before time gets away. Here is my list:

1. I am thankful for life itself.
2. I am thankful that I have a house TO clean today. I think sometimes I get bogged down with the day to day chores and cleaning that I forget to stop and be thankful for it!
3. I am thankful that we all traveled to and from Nashville for Lads to Leaders last weekend without incident.
4. I am thankful that we had an awesome weekend at Lads to Leaders!
5. I am thankful that my sister and her family are safe after the recent tornado that hit their hometown.
6. I am thankful that none of us have come down with the flu after Parker's latest bout with it. (*insert knocking on wood here!*)
7. I am thankful for my couch after we put the kids to bed. I love just flopping down on it and chillin' out with Mark when it's just us!
8. I am thankful moments when our kids show "generosity" and "unselfishness".
9. I am thankful our new Friends and Family plan on our cell phones. It allowed us to add 10 numbers to our plan that we can call without using minutes!!!
10. I am thankful for our "McDonalds Coke Dates". I know I have mentioned these before, but I look forward to it almost every morning, and really miss it when we don't get to go!

Your turn....

Thankful Thursday

Here is my list for this week:

1. I am thankful for life itself.
2. I am thankful that the consignment sale is over, and we can get our house and our lives back to normal (for another 6 months, that is).
3. I am thankful that Parker's voice seems to be getting a little better (at least not worse), and that it looks like all things are a "go" for Lads to Leaders this weekend.
4. I am thankful for grandparents who like to "pitch in" on the "extras" for their grandkids from time to time.
5. I am thankful for the "snack room". Each year at Lads to Leaders, our congregation gets a suite at the hotel and we call it the "snack room". We pay $15 a person before the convention, and we are entitled to our share (and then some) of meals and snacks all weekend long! It saves us SO much money, and gives us a place to come and hang out with the others from our congregation during the weekend.
6. I am thankful for the recent "No Shipping" code at americangirl.com. Kinlee has really done well saving her money for her Molly stuff - it helps to be able to order it without her having to save up even MORE for the shipping. The code has expired for now, but hopefully we'll come across another one before the next purchase!!
7. I am thankful for nicer weather the past couple of days. Those cold days are really hard to take after we've been spoiled with warmer temps.
8. I am thankful that my kids still want to have Easter egg hunts. We are doing ours tonight since we'll be at Lads to Leaders on Sunday. Hopefully we can get it in before the rain comes.
9. I am thankful for a husband who works hard, but does a great job not bringing his work home with him.
10. I am thankful for weekly Subway dates with Mark - we haven't gotten to have one this week with his work schedule and Parker being home sick, but the week isn't over yet.....

That does it - how about you???

Thankful Thursday

The time has rolled around once again - I missed last week, so am glad to have the chance to post it this time:

1. I am thankful for life itself.
2. I am thankful for my health, the health of my family, and great insurance when we're not feeling so well.
3. I am thankful for the consignment sale this week. It has already started out great, and I am hoping the rest of the weekend is just as good.
4. I am thankful for Mark and our "projects" we tackle together. We both said just last night that we make a great team!
5. I am thankful for our kiddos who are involved in and enjoying preparing for Lads to Leaders this year.
6. I am thankful for opportunities like Lads to Leaders, Lamplighters, teaching class, etc. that give us the chance to stop our busy lives long enough to do what's most important.
7. I am thankful for the nicer weather we've been having. The kids have enjoyed getting outside more, and I've enjoyed not having to throw coats on everyone!!!
8. I am thankful for air fresheners. With all of these clothes in my house, I am thankful for the "fancy" air freshener that we purchased to keep the "smells" in tact. It sprays out a wonderful vanilla smell every 30 minutes or so - it's lovely!!
9. I am thankful for Kinlee's upcoming Girl Scout campout this weekend. She is looking so forward to it, and I'm glad she is getting to go.
10. Finally, I am thankful for all the other blessings that God continues to send our way - they are numberless!!!

Your turn - can't wait to see your list!

Thankful Thursday

Well, I missed this last week because I was out of town and "out of technology", but here I am now, and here it goes:

1. I am thankful for life itself.
2. I am thankful for a safe trip home from West Virginia, and a great time while we were there.
3. I am thankful for 24 hours in a day, because if there was much less than that, I wouldn't get everything done!
4. I am thankful for my kiddos being home the past week and a half on Spring Break.
5. I am thankful for fast internet.
6. I am thankful for 6 loads of laundry being almost finished after our return home from our trip.
7. I am thankful that my sale is coming together nicely and that all of my slots are filling up (and then some!!!)
8. I am thankful for my mom who shared the expense, driving, and company on our trip.
9. I am thankful for my grandmother, again, who we went to visit. It was so good to see her!
10. I am thankful for Mark - we missed him so much!

Can't wait to see your list.....

Thankful Thursday

Here are the things I am thankful for today:

1. I am thankful for life itself.


2. I am thankful for my new haircut. Not really much different, just a "fresher" look and feel.


3. I am thankful for clean laundry and milk in the fridge. I know it sounds funny, but I have always said that if these two things are present, I feel like I am "together" and "organized". Do you have little things that make you feel that way, or am I the only weird one?


4. Speaking of clean laundry, I am thankful for my washer and dryer. The other day, I happened to pass a laundry mat, and remembered the days of living in an apartment without a washer and dryer. Think about it - how would your life be complicated if you didn't have a washer and dryer at home?!


5. I am thankful for honesty.


6. I am thankful for our upcoming trip to West Virginia to visit my grandmother and other family. I am sad that Mark isn't getting to go, but thankful that my mom is making the trip with us. She'll help to split the driving and expenses, and we kid around that her AARP card sure does come in handy at the hotel! :o)


7. I am thankful for my grandmother that we are going to see. She is such a wonderful Christian example for everyone around her. I wish that we got to see her more, but am thankful that we will see her soon.


8. I am thankful for empty Girl Scout cookie boxes, because that means they are delivered!!!


9. I am thankful for spring soccer starting up. I am more thankful, I think, that Parker and Kinlee are on the same team this season. That makes things so much easier!!!


10. I am thankful for warmer temperatures coming up. I know it will probably turn cooler before Spring really hits, but I plan to enjoy it while it lasts.

That about wraps it up - how about you???

Thankful Thursday

Another week come and gone - here are the blessings the past week has brought my way:

1. I am thankful for life itself.
2. I am thankful for kids who set their alarms to get up early enough to snuggle in bed with dad before school.
3. I am thankful that almost ALL of our Girl Scout cookies are delivered and money collected.
4. I am thankful that I am continuing this week, and maybe longer, to keep that sweet 2 year old that I mentioned last week. She is so fun, keeps me on my toes, and loves to be "on the run" - my kind of gal!
5. I am thankful that Mark has made it through the month of Feb. at work with flying colors. He has had 3 or 4 pretty major conferences with some pretty major people and they have all turned out wonderfully - good job, Mark!!!
6. I am thankful for Lads to Leaders. I have enjoyed watching and helping Parker and Kinlee prepare for scripture readings and speeches. I am thankful that this program helps us do what we need to be doing anyway - stop long enough in this fast paced world to focus on what's really important.
7. I am thankful for sleepovers tomorrow night. Parker is having a friend over here, and Kinlee is invited to a slumber party - it is a lot of fun for them, and reminds me how thankful I am that they have both made some good friends since the move.
8. I am thankful for my brother, Ted, and how hard he is working at his new job. He has had some major career changes and decisions in the past few months, and I am proud of how he has handled them all.
9. I am thankful for a nice police officer who gave me another chance and didn't write me a ticket today. I was on my way to meet Mark for lunch in a town about 15 minutes from here, didn't see the Reduced Speed Limit sign, and got pulled over. I happened to be on the phone with Mark at the time and told him I needed to go because there were blue lights behind me. The officer was very nice and let me go with a warning. (Okay, it may have had something to do with the fact that Mark showed up on the scene, the officer recognized him from a previous work-related court appearance, saw his State badge, and told me just to slow down). Whatever the reason, I am thankful.
10. I am thankful that my list of consignors for my upcoming sale continues to fill up - here's hoping for another successful sale this time around.

Okay - that does it for this week - your turn.....

Thankful Thursday

Well, since I haven't had much new to blog about this week, I am really glad that Thursday has rolled around. Here it goes:

Here is what I am thankful for today:

1. I am thankful for life itself.
2. I am thankful that (for the moment), we are all healthy (okay, I am sure I just "jinxed" that one!!)
3. I am thankful for Valentines Day past and the wonderful time I had with my hubby on our date!!
4. I am thankful for Ava Grace - a sweet 2 year old that I've been keeping this week. I am really enjoying the "2 year old talk" that you have to ask 20 times to understand. (I'm sure her mom knows EXACTLY what she's saying the first time, though!)
5. I am thankful for 2 kiddos of my own who seem to always strive to be honest, even when honesty might get them into some trouble - I hope that lasts forever!!!
6. I am thankful for my coat - it's cold this morning!!!
7. I am thankful for leftovers - they have fed us during most of this busy week!
8. I am thankful that we all got to spend the day together this past Monday when the kids were out of school and Mark was off of work. We had a great time just "hangin' out" and "runnin' around".
9. I am thankful that Girl Scout cookies are coming today - man, you people are impatient!!! ;o) (Just kidding) Now, I just have to deliver 202 boxes!!!! UGH!!
10. I am thankful that Kinlee did so well at the dentist yesterday. Ava Grace did great, too, which is good because it was right at naptime!!!!

Okay, that about wraps it up for today - your turn....

Thankful Thursday

Okay, another week come and gone. Here are the "thankfuls" I have found in this past week:

1. I am thankful for life itself.
2. I am thankful for living in a small town. Even though we don't have a Wal-Mart (*gasp*) or lots of "good" eating places, I love the convenience of a small town. Everything is "just right down the road", and a lot of it is within walking distance. I love when I have errands downtown - I like to put on my walkin' shoes and head out. I don't do it as often as I should, of course, but as the weather is getting nicer, I see it happening more and more!
3. Speaking of small towns, I am thankful for our garbage men. This is the first town I have ever lived in where the garbage man actually comes up your driveway, locates your trash cans, takes the trash to the street, and returns it for you!! How awesome is that?! (He may not think so, but I think it is so cool!)
4. I am thankful for the much nicer weather we've been having lately. I know that we are supposed to be getting some cooler temps. here pretty soon, and we had some nasty wind and rain yesterday, but the fact that I got to open my windows even one day was a treat!!
5. I am thankful for "miscellaneous" money-making opportunities. I am gearing up for my Spring/Summer Consignment Sale, and that is always a fun, exciting time. The past two days, I have been asked to keep the baby of the kids' music teacher at school. His name is Jacob and he is almost 4 mo. old. (His regular babysitter's kids are sick). It has been a lot of fun, and I appreciate the extra money it brings.
6. I am thankful for Valentine's Day. I love Valentine's day stuff - hearts, chocolate, love.....Mark and I are going out on a date (a real - grown-up date) tomorrow night. I am really looking forward to it!!
7. I am thankful for people in our congregation who are always ready and willing to keep our kiddos. One of the hardest things we've encountered moving to a new place is finding people who we trust to keep our kids. A super sweet couple (the Fly's) are keeping the kids tomorrow night for us. I am thankful that they have positive Christian role models in their life.
8. I am thankful for free bowling coupons. That's right, we used another (and our final) round the other night. It was just one game, but we had a great time!!
9. I am thankful for today being Thursday - I get my Sonic diet coke today!!
10. I am thankful for the weekend being just right around the corner. We are headed to MS on Saturday to my parents' - my sister and her 2 kiddos will be there, too. I am thankful that "the cousins" will get to spend a few hours together!!!
11. Finally, I am thankful for band-aids. While fixing breakfast this morning, I sliced more than an English muffin. My thumb got in the way!!! I am thankful for bandaids and that we actually had some in the house (not always the case). I ended up with 2 regulars and a Spiderman, and I had a Hello Kitty waiting in the helm if I needed it!!!

Okay, your turn!!!

Thankful Thursday

Well, I finally have a chance to sit down and type my list for this week. Looking back on the past few days, here is what I'm thankful for:

1. I am thankful for life itself.


2. I am thankful for no cavities! The kids both had dentist appointments this week, and we had no reported cavities!!


3. I am thankful for "lunch dates" with Mark. I enjoy visiting with him in the middle of his day - a great time to slow down, chat, and catch up.


4. I am thankful for a 9 year old boy who is still not too "cool" to holler for me in the middle of the night when he has a bad dream.


5. I am thankful for my nice warm bed that I can return to after consoling that 9 year old boy!


6. I am thankful for "old" friends who can pick up right where we left off. Becky, I enjoyed getting to see you today (wish it could have been longer). Sandy, I can't wait to see you guys on Saturday!!


7. I am thankful for tax returns.


8. I am thankful for "Friends Day". My kiddos look forward to it every week, and I love watching and hearing them play with friends. (plus, I get my Sonic diet coke on Friends Day!!!)


9. I am thankful for the comforts of home. I have always been one that likes to be "on the go", but when that gets old and it's time to relax - home is where I want to be.


10. I am thankful for a 7 year old who has a kind heart and is willing to share some quarters with a friend, "if she can find them". :o)
    Okay, I think that about wraps it up for this week. Can't wait to see your list......

Thankful Thursday

Well, it's that time again. Time to reflect on the past week and list the things I am thankful for. So, here it goes:

1. I am thankful for life itself.
2. I am thankful for a fun snow day yesterday - we had a great day!
3. I am thankful for enough "flexibility" in employment that Mark could spend the day with us.
4. I am thankful that my "snow day crash" was not any worse than it was - I am very sore this morning, but I can live with that!
5. I am thankful that Mark only fell down TWO of the attic steps yesterday instead of FIVE - he, too, is very sore today, but it could have been a lot worse!
6. I am thankful for kids who are growing and maturing as they should. Although each "phase" comes with its own challenges, I am thankful that they are healthy and happy.
7. I am thankful for sweet voices on the other end of the phone - I don't know about you, but I LOVE hearing my kids talk to me on the phone. Kinlee called from school just a few minutes ago to let me know she had no idea where her lunch money was. After I explained to her that I wrote a check last week for "a lot of days", she sweetly answered, "Okey-dokey - we have a substitute - bye!" :)
8. I am thankful for Mark's job. In the nation's present state of "uncertainty" for so many, I am grateful that his job is safe for now. He works hard at what he does and makes a big difference in a lot of people's lives.
9. I am thankful for mid-week church services. It is just the "pick-me-up" that I seem to need right about then. It was an added bonus that last night was Singing Night!!
10. I am thankful for MY health and happiness.

Okay, your turn - what are you thankful for today???

Thanksgiving Thursday

I noticed this special logo on Becky's blog last week, and now she has challenged the rest of us to join in on sharing our blessings, as well. So, here are a few of mine....

1. I am thankful for life itself.

2. I am thankful for a wonderful husband who works so hard at what he does. I don't just mean at his job, but also at his life as a Christian, a father, and a husband. He strives to do his best, please others, and most of all, please God.

3. I am thankful for 2 healthy kiddos who love life. I am amazed at their enthusiasm (okay, tired at it sometimes, too), their energy, and their sponge-like selves. I almost feel "guilty" sometimes for their health - of course, we have our share of colds, ear infections, snotty noses, etc... - but I try to constantly remind myself of how lucky we are that neither of them has a serious illness. I admire parents of kiddos that do, and thank God daily that mine are healthy.

4. I am thankful that I was born into and raised in a Christian home. I am thankful for loving parents who taught me right from wrong, and now I am able to pass that along to my kids, as well.

5. I am thankful for in-laws who love me as their own. It doesn't hurt that Mark's mom never had the daughter 'she always wanted' - (her words exactly)!!!!

6. I am thankful that I am able to stay at home. I know that both kiddos are in school now, and I don't have any "little bodies" around here with me during the day on a regular basis (unless you count Noodle, but that's another story in and of itself). However, I am reminded of how blessed I am when I am able to stay home with one that is sick, able to attend school functions with no trouble, and able to help others during the day that I otherwise wouldn't be able to do if I worked a full-time job outside of my home. I am aware that the economy stinks right now, and only God knows the future. I pray that he will guide us in our decisions if "worse comes to worse". But, for now, I am thankful...

7. I am thankful for a church home full of people who have the same goal! After moving last year, it was only a matter of time before I began to form bonds with some special people in our congregation. I know that if it weren't for my contacts at church, meeting people - the right kind of people - would have been much harder!

8. Back to the kiddos, I am thankful for kids who have the ability to learn without trouble. (Although Kinlee came to me very disgusted this morning proclaiming that she "will not be able to go to the second grade!" if she didn't get better at counting money!!!) I think we can deal with that! I love watching them do homework, listening to them read, and watching them learn new things. I am not naive enough to think that we will never encounter bumps in learning, but for now, we're good.....

9. I am thankful for a nice house, nice things, and the pleasure of being "comfortable". Especially on the cold nights we've been having recently, I am reminded of those who are less fortunate than I am. I hope to never take for granted what God has given us, and hope to always use it to his glory!

10. I am thankful for this blog. How else can I keep in touch with family and friends, while creating memories that will last for our family!

Thank you for sticking with it if you actually made it to the end. That was very therapeutic - you oughta try it!!!