Thankful Thursday, on Friday

Today I'm thankful for:

151. beautiful weather and  warm sunshine
152. sweet, unexpected Cohen kisses
153. Waffle House on nights I can't bring myself to cook dinner
154. uninterrupted nights of sleep
155. midnight snuggles when my night is interrupted
156. a husband who makes me feel loved
157. a sweet little boy who's joined us during the day
158. Cohen is not jealous when my attention is elsewhere
159. strangers who open doors for mamas who are clearly struggling
160. fun weekend plans
161. that feeling in my heart when husband comes home
162. long, productive days
163. new house projects
164. saying goodbye to cold weather
165. exploring the world with a curious boy
166. kindness and generosity
167. watching God work in others' lives
168. big bear hugs around my legs
169. feeling accomplished
170. having things to look forward to
171. a new microwave (that actually pops popcorn!)
172. red toe nails and flip flops
173. my big boy who does big boy things
174. knowing nap time is over when I hear singing
175. fun trips to the grocery stores

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What are you thankful for this week? You can post in the comment section below if you don't have a blog to post to!

1000 Gifts, Week VII

These are some things I'm thankful for:

125. absolutely gorgeous weather that makes the park fun again
126. being able to to be sick in peace -- without having to worry about my baby
127. a spirit of peace when something doesn't go my way
128. free groceries
129. celebrating a friend's brithday
130. being given "time off"
131. seeing the positive in a negative situation
132. a new baby days from being born
133. a morning to reconnect with God
134. Valentines candy that's finally been eaten
135. putting the boy in flip flops
136. midnight snuggles with my boy
137. grocery store kisses
138. seeing things in perspective
139. selling most of my stuff at the consignment sale
140. hearty laughter
141. freshly shaved legs (doesn't happen often in February)
142. a good couponing week
143. making fun plans
144. a little head that rests on my chest
145. really good garlic rolls
146. lots and lots of jibber jabber
147. extra money left over from the grocery budget = date night
148. fresh laundry
149. the raspy little voice that repeats, "See?"
150. long nap times

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What are you thankful for this week? You can post in the comment section below if you don't have a blog to post to!

1000 Gifts, Week VI

This one's going to be a quickie as I am waiting on the boy to finish his breakfast so I can take him to the pediatrician. Boyfriend was up and screaming all night long. The logical part of my mind says it's due to those 4 molars that are bursting through his jaw. The scared mommy part is totally convinced we've got an ear infection on our hands.

Week 6 of the Joy Dare! By the end of the year I should have listed 1000 little gifts from God that I am thankful for.

This week, I'm thankful for:

104. watching the baby play in the shower

105. a little finger that points at everything

106. drinking from a straw

107. a husband who helps out

108. midnight medicine runs

109. a beautiful moon

110. sweet gifts just because 

111. healthy friendships

112. fun things in the mail

113. surprise expenses that can can immediately pay off

114. Chik-Fil-A (and their playground)

115. hearing others talk about how awesome God is

116. seeing a sweet family take in a baby and make him their own

117. daddy/son bonding time

118. yummy cakes

119. being in a much better place than I was a year ago

120. opportunities to save my money

121. appreciation for hard work

122. the little things that make life easier

123. knowing how to comfort my son

124. making it official

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What are you thankful for this week? You can post in the comment section below if you don't have a blog to post to!

Linking up with Candra and Grace Alone for Thankful Thursday.

1000 Gifts, Week V

Still working on the Joy Dare. I am determined to be thankful for 1000 things by the end of 2012!

Today I'm picking up where I left off last week.

I'm thankful for:

85. announcements of new babies everywhere I turn
86. my son's obsession with reading books in my lap

87. acknowledgement from a former student for being a teacher who made a difference
88. finding graham crackers in the sock drawer
89. reassurance that the four teeth that are making my baby miserable will come in soon
90. rocks that don't taste good and therefore discourage the boy from eating them

91. renewed energy and hope to face what's before me
92. driving with the sunroof open -- in January
93. beautiful truths found in childrens books

94. a happy husband
95. the baby gate at the top of the stairs that gives me peace of mind
96. words of encouragement sent from God at the most perfect time
97. discovering new tickle spots
98. joy that only comes from loving Jesus
99. inpromptu story time in the linen closet

100. God allowing me to see a little bit of the why in His plan

101. to ability to learn from my mistakes

102. a supportive husband who loves even when he doesn't understand

103. a little bit of "me" time

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What are you thankful for this week? You can post in the comment section below if you don't have a blog to post to!

Linking up with Candra and Grace Alone for Thankful Thursday.

1000 gifts, week IV

Week 4 of the Joy Dare. Today I will be picking up where I left off last week.

Thankful for:

63. Bible studies meant just for me
64. giant chocolate chip cookies that the boy and I couldn't finish

65. and big messy smiles as a result

66. long naps that ease away aches and pains

67. fun with Turbo Tax

68. "Grace and Mercy" found only in Christ

69. a baby still sleeping at 8:30 AM

70. watching him discover

71. breakfast for dinner ... and then for breakfast the next day

72. the ability to trust in God's plan

73. "Not right now and not that way" as an answer to my prayers

74. a new Bible

75. a smart kid who only eats in the high chair

76. lunch dates with my mom

77. grandparents who spoil the boy

78. a student who teaches me about grace

79. mild days on an empty playground

80. smiles reserved only for me
81. lazy days

82. receiving kisses from the boy when I ask for them

83. re-institution of date nights (oh, how I missed them!)

84. messes that are fun to make and easy to clean up (and dogs that are willing to do the dirty work sometimes)

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What are you thankful for this week? You can post in the comment section below if you don't have a blog to post to!

Linking up with Candra and Women Taking a Stand for Thankful Thursday.

1000 Gifts, Part III

This week I am continuing the Joy Dare.

 Here's where I left off last week.



This week, I am thankful for:

43. relaxing during nap times

44. free kids meals (and not having to share my own)
45. finished projects
46. trials that strengthen character
47. the privilege to minister to others
48. Friday afternoons designed specifically for Daddy/son time



49. little boy giggles
50. the warm coat I wore and the many we gave away
51. James 1:20
52. bubbles in the bathtub
53. smiles delivered in the mail

54. a peaceful heart; a quieted spirit
55. $5 pizza on a busy night
56. beautiful skies that distract me when I'm driving
57. a daredevil baby
58. being needed and being wanted
59. supportive friendships
60. animal entertainers

61. camera accessories that make my life so much easier
62. justice for a young, innocent girl

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What are you thankful for this week? You can post in the comment section below if you don't have a blog to post to!

Linking up with Candra and Women Taking a Stand for Thankful Thursday.

1000 Gifts, Part II

I touched last week on how I have set a goal to be thankful for 1000 things before the end of the year. But it dawned on it that I didn't really explain why in case anyone cared to know.

I'm taking part in something called the Joy Dare. You should read about it. And you can read more about it here.

And if you're in the market to buy me a gift because Valentine's Day is coming up, or my birthday is in 8 months, or because it's Thursday, you can be confident One Thousand Gifts is a book I'd literally swoon over.

OK, now that that's taken care of, I'm going to pick up where I left off last week.

 I'm thankful for:

22. a bank account that always has just enough in it to get us by
23. a week's supply of fresh milk and Diet Coke
24. a refreshed heart
25. being told, "I'm proud of you."
26. knowing people pray for me
27. fresh vegetables for dinner

28. a moon that hid itself behind the clouds
29. Asher Bracelets and the reminder to pray without ceasing
30. sweet women who share Thursday mornings with me
31. listening to the baby sing himself to sleep
32. cheery things on a gloomy day

33. looking back and recognizing God's hand
34. Bible study messages given just for me
35. realizing how poorly the old washer cleaned my clothes now that the new one is doing a fantastic job
36. a sweet sidekick who never leaves my side

37. feeling understood and accepted
38. a smiling face
39. compliments on my appearance
40. peace in the hard times
41. giving hearts
42. peaceful naps

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What are you thankful for this week? You can post in the comment section below if you don't have a blog to post to!

Linking up with Candra and Women Taking a Stand for Thankful Thursday.