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.

Thanksday, again.

By the time 2012 comes to an end, I hope to have listed 1000 things I'm thankful for. Some things will be big, others will be small. All will be precious gifts I want to remember. So here's my start:

1. God's artistry.

2. Good blogs that challenge me to be better.

3. Being wanted by my husband.

4. A long-anticipated hair cut.

5. Doors that don't remain closed forever.

6. Watching my boy with his daddy. And watching his daddy with him.

7. Snacks like Nutrigrain bars that make my baby stop long enough to eat without putting up a fight.

8. Fresh starts and new beginnings.

9. Clean floors to walk on.

10. I'm thankful for thank yous.

11.Oswald Chambers in my inbox.

12. Easy dinners that satisfy my family.

13. Sunshine and mild weather in January.

14. Playing with fun Christmas presents.

15. Realizing that my baby is actually understanding what I'm saying to him.
16. A new job and new hope. I love watching God take care of my family.

17. Grace and mercy. It's sweetest when you don't deserve it.

18. I love yous.

19. The gift of family heirlooms.

20. What I see through my camera's viewfinder.

21. The generosity of my church. These coats and blankets will really be a blessing to the homeless.

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.

Thankful. Just thankful.

Here's what I'm thankful for today:

1. Today is a pretty special day over here. It's dada's last day at his current job. It's the close of another chaper of our lives. I'm very excited to see what's in store for us in this new chapter because I'm telling you, I can feel God all over it!

2. This is the last Thursday of 2011, and I am glad. The last half of the year has been absolutely wonderful, but I still sometimes dwell on the first half (which was anything but wonderful). I'm thankful that every New Year brings a fresh start.

3. We are having fun with all of Cohen's new Christmas presents. My favorite gift he received is this bubble blower for the bathtub. He's not so sure of it yet, but it's making bathtime really fun for me!

3. Speaking of bathtime, look at this little sweetheart getting all clean. We changed bubble bath soaps, and the result has been a dramatic increase in the number of bubbles in the tub. Cohen loves it. He things bubbles are just the funniest thing ever. Especially when they make bubblefros on your head. But not when they get in your eyes.

4. Let me just tell you how much I love my Mommy friends. They were an answer to prayer, that's for sure. And the way we met makes me smile and shake my head and say, "God, how could I ever doubt your work in my life?" They make me laugh, they let me be real, and there's none of that jealousy/competition stuff that just seems to destroy so many female relationships. I am blessed.

5. The little guy is talking up a storm. Most of it is just baby jabber, but he does have a good grasp on a few words. Here's a video I took yesterday of him saying juice, woof woof, and cookie.

You have to listen carefully to hear him over the background noise, but it's there. It's so cool to hear him say words. I mean, I taught him that. It makes me feel pretty amazing.

6. Last week our dryer broke. I know, praise the Lord, right? That's exactly what you want to happen a few days before Christmas. But our washer and dryer set was ages old and not really doing their job well anyway. So we went out and bought a new set. A really nice set. And I love these things so much that I'm searching the house for things to wash. And my sweet husband is working hard to turn the laundry room into a real and pretty laundry room. And the best part about the whole thing? My husband is such a smart saver that even though we're pretty poor right now, we could totally afford it.

7. We're going to see my dad and grandmother tomorrow. They haven't seen Cohen since April, so I know they are going to be shocked at how much he's grown and changed in the past 8 months.

8. This weather is gorgeous. And while I do want a little snow this winter (you know, for a day of snow-playing fun and, of course, the pictures), I'm not wishing this sunshine mild temperatures away.

9. I got some new jeans last weekend. There's something about good-fitting jeans that just makes me feel pretty.

10. I'm thankful for the sense of peace and fulfillment I have right now. My mind is quiet, and it is wonderful.

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 for Thankful Thursday.

A "Bang Your Head Against the Wall" Kind of Day

Today is just one of those days.

My patience is running on fumes, and it feels like the boy is doing everything he can to get me to just explode.

It's days like this that it feels impossible to come up with 10 things to be thankful for. But, it's days like this when I need to meditate on the good things, thank God for the blessings, and smile through the frustration.

So without further ado, here are the things I'm thankful for today:

1. I'm thankful that my job is to stay home and care for the boy. It's what I wanted so badly; what I begged God for. It's the best gift I've ever been given. It comes with its downsides, like all jobs, but it's the best job in the world, and I'm so glad it's mine.

2. I'm thankful that God has equipped me with the ability to care for my son. When things go wrong, I don't have a spirit of fear or anxiety. I have an indescribable confidence in my ability and in His ability.

3. I am thankful that my son is active, healthy, and independent. He is daring and fearless. He's stubborn and courageous.

4. I am thankful for my marriage. This Saturday will mark 6 years for us!

5. I am thankful for such gorgeous weather in the middle of December. We're talking temperatures in the 60's during the day and clear, sunny skies. It makes it difficult to get into the holiday spirit when you're sweating, but I'm thankful that I can still take my boy outside instead of being cooped up in the house.

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 for Thankful Thursday.

A Big Ole List of Thankfuls

Today I am thankful for...

1. After weeks, literally weeks, I finally finished my pinterest-inspired tree skirt this weekend. And it's so pretty. But it just goes to show you that, one day when people look back over my life, "Oh, that doesn't look too hard" will be my famous last words. I mean, I guess I did bring it upon myself, this difficulty. I'm the one who decided to sew a No Sew Tree Skirt. Hindsight, that probably wasn't the greatest idea, but I try to avoid situations where I burn the top layer of my skin off. And I can guarantee that I would, most definitely, have burnt my skin off had I tried to hot glue this sucker into submission.

2. We got our tree up, and it's only a few weeks past Thanksgiving. Back in our "Pre-Cohen" days, the tree was up and the house was decorated immediately upon waking up from our Black Friday afternoon nap. I fear those days are behind me, at least for a while. You know, crazy destructive toddler and all. He kind of puts a dent in my holiday decorating endeavors. Yesterday was the first day the tree was up, and within 30 minutes, the boy had uplugged the tree and was pulling it across the living room floor. Today, he hasn't paid much attention to it, so that's nice.

3. And while I'm on the subject of Christmas trees, I love having it lit up all bright in the living room, especially at night when all the other lights are turned off. If it were up to me, we'd have Christmas lights in the living room all year long.

I know, right? Enough with the Christmas tree pictures. Ok, I'll stop. For now.

4. It's been cold around here lately. Like, take your breath away cold. It's lovely. Of course, I'm not spending much time out in it; I'd much rather enjoy the cold winter weather from the comfort of my couch, under a blanket. But I love this weather. I love this time of the year. Remind me I said that in February when I'm cursing the cold and wishing for Spring.

5. Have I mentioned lately how much we love peanut butter over here? The boy is obsessed with it. He literally giggles when he sees me pull the jar out of the pantry. And now that it seems that he's gone on a meat strike, and I'm so worried about him not getting enough protein, peanut butter is the stuff. The boy loves himself a peanut butter and mashed banana sandwich.

6. I'm so thankful for God's grace. And that He extends His salvation to everyone, even the people who do absolutely horrific things we can't forgive. Around here, we're hearing the news stories of a 7 year old girl who was abducted last Friday. Soon after, she was raped, beaten, and stabbed. They found her body on Monday. Yesterday, they arrested the man they're confident did this. My heart is so heavy for what happend to this little girl. I am so sad. Naturally, I think things like, what would I do if he had gotten to Cohen instead? I'm seeing people around here say things like they hope this guy "rots in hell" and how there's a "special place in hell" for guys like this. And that hurts my heart even more. I don't think if people truly understood the eternal torment of hell and what that means, they would wish that on anyone. Don't get me wrong, I hope this guys gets a very fair punishment for the horrors he put that little girl through, but I also pray for his soul. I pray that he gets at least one more opportunity to hear the Gospel.

7. I'm thankful for new beginnings. 2012 will really be a time of new beginnings over here, and I am so thankful. God keeps us all in His hand.

8. Even though the boy's new teeth haven't broken through yet, he's feeling much better. I'm getting my happy boy back. Just look at that face, all happy and covered in mashed banana. I love him.

9. I'm thankful for toddlerhood. I know, remind me I said this next year when I'm pulling my hair out. But I really am thankful for this stage. I love watching my baby learn and process things. I love teaching him how to make animal sounds and point to the color red. I love the independence he is gaining and that he is so determined to do things I don't think he can. It's all such a blessing.

10. Sunday morning, God spoke directly to me. I love that feeling. And the realization that I am still significant enough to Him that He would use an entire church service just to encourage my heart. There truly is nothing better in life than to be a beloved child of God.

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 for Thankful Thursday

Still Finding Things to be Thankful For!

Today I'm thankful for:
1. SANTA! We're going to visit him this morning, and I am so excited. I cannot wait to see what Cohen thinks of him and how he will react. Last year, Cohen was only 4 weeks old when he met Santa, and he was mesmorized. Sweetest thing.

2. Dada has been home for the past 7 days. It was nice to have him home, but it's also nice that he's back at work and we can get back to normal. We've been pretty lazy this week.

3. It is December! That means lots of family time, holiday parties, good food, pretty decorations, and Christmas music. Love it!

4. We have finished our Christmas shopping! It's so nice to be able to sit back and enjoy the holiday season without having to worry about getting in those crowds. We actually had a family date night at the mall on Tuesday night, and it was a ghost town. We got everything accomplished and didn't have to get frustrated by all the crowds.

5. I've been reading up on the dangers in some trusted baby products. The chemicals in baby soaps and wipes and shampoos and diaper creams is scary. On one hand, I know I can't protect my child from everything, but I don't know that I'm going to last long using products that I now know contain such dangerous chemicals. I'm thankful for this new information and that there are all-natural alternatives out there. We will probably start exploring those alternatives soon. You can read more about what I'm talking about here.

6. I'm thankful for the exciting opportunities this blog is creating for me. More about that soon.

7. The boy is getting one of those scary back teeth. We've been dealing with it for almost a week now. it's horrible! He's cranky and refuses to sleep. He screams throughout the night. Just not fun. On top of that, I'm afraid of using pain relievers and orajel for fear that he might overdose (I know of firsthand instances of babies overdosing from both). So we are all suffering through. But you know what? I am so thankful that I have a baby who is getting teeth! I am thankful that this isn't the way things are normally around here, and soon I'll have my happy-go-lucky baby back again. And I am thankful that we don't that many more teeth left to come in!

8. I'm thankful for fires in the fireplace and big blankets to snuggle up in.

9. I'm thankful for overwhelming feelings of hope.

10. I am thankful for ministry and the differnent ways God allows us to serve. I am always humbled when I think about just how blessed I am to be able to serve!

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 Curious Georgi for Thankful Thursday.

Thankful.

It's been a bit of a whirlwind week over here. Very nice, but tiring, too. We are in go go go mode, and sometimes I have to tell myself to just stop and breath and appreciate life.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I've got a lot, like alotalot to be thankful for. I try to express my gratitude every day, but somehow it all still manages to pile up on me. And humble me.

So, in no particular order, here are 10 things I'm thankful for today:

1. I'm thankful for my husband. He works so hard to provide for our family and serve God. I am so proud of him and what he's accomplished. I love that he puts others and their feelings before himself (ok, sometimes I hate that about him, too). I love that he's such an amazing leader for our family.

2. I'm thankful for such a happy baby. I love his smiles when he wakes up in the mornings. I live for his giggles. That boy just exudes joy.

3. I'm thankful that God delivers His plan even when I doubt or become discouraged or try my best to change it.

4. I'm thankful for little gifts that remind me just how much people care.

5. I'm thankful for people who tell it to me like it is instead of smiling and pretending everything's OK.

6. I'm thankful for ministry.

7. I'm thankful for my mess of a living room. I love that I have to watch  where I step so that I don't step on toys.

8. I'm thankful that my son is learning and growing and is beginning to really interact with me.

9. I'm thankful that we have hope.

10. I'm thankful that God gives my family what we need to provide for ourselves and also to give to others.

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!

Squeaks and Cheaps and Christmas Trees

It's November! I love that this month on Facebook, so many people are participating in sharing one thing they're thankful for each day. I very much enjoy meditating on all the good in my life.

Here's what I'm thankful for today:

1. My mom and grandma bought the boy these shoes last weekend. They're Squeaky Shoes and they are uber precious. When the boy finally realized that it was he who was making them squeak, he got a little case of the giggles. That will melt anyone's heart. As a bonus, I now know where he is at all times. Kind of like a cat with a bell collar.

2. This time a year ago, I had just left my doctor's office in a little bit of a panic. I was 38 weeks pregnant and showing signs of preeclampsia. I was over being pregnant and scared that something was going wrong. Fast forward a year, and I now have a happy, snuggly, adorable little boy.

3. I started giving out Cohen's birthday invitations this week. I cannot believe his party is so close. Where did the year go? I am so thankful this year has been a healthy and happy one. The boy was such an easy baby.

4. I discovered Aldi today. It's a little depressing to walk in there, but the savings are worth the chocolate bar I have to eat to get myself out of the funk. The $.69 Reeses candy, to be exact. For the price I would pay for 2 gallons of milk at Kroger, I got 2 gallons of milk, a box of graham crackers, and a package of dinner rolls. the boy approves of the graham crackers.

5. I am starting to see Christmas trees. Enough said.

6. This morning in Bible study, the speaker said something that really spoke to my heart. She was speaking about a fallout she had with some people who were close to her. The result was the other party saying some pretty nasty things about her. She said she wanted to retaliate, but she felt the Lord telling her to keep her mouth shut; that He was in control of the situation. I'm still not certain she wasn't talking about me. I love it when God speaks to me through others.

7.  The hubby and I are currently munching on Halloween candy. I have rediscovered my love for Baby Ruth.

8. The boy takes a 3 hour nap each afternoon. I am especially appreciative of that lately as I've been taking naps at the same time. Something about this weather that makes a nice, warm bed oh-so appealing.

9. Speaking of the weather, I love it. It's the perfect sweatshirt and cuddles kind of weather. And plus, look how cute the boy looks in his cold-weather clothes. I'd venture to say that babies look cuter in the winter than they do in the summer.

10. Last night I made this chicken casserole. Oh my goodness, it can't get better. Well, I take that back, there was enough for leftovers tonight. So my $5 casserole lasted 2 nights. Score.

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 for Thankful Thursday.

Sometimes You Just Gotta Smile.

Today I'm thankful for
1. The wonderful love of God.

2. Peek-a-boo with my sweet boy. I love the squeals and giant grins that follow.

3. Bible board books from the dollar store.

4. This precious time that I can stay home and love on my son. It's been 5 months, and it has flown by. I cherish each moment.

5. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner! This is my favorite time of the year.

6. The spark of hope I see in my husband's eyes. God is working in our family. I'm trying to be patient and sit back and enjoy the ride. It's hard.

7. I've finally gotten some stuff done in anticipation for Cohen's first birthday party. I really only have 2 more weeks. Eek. I'll be relieved when that's over.

8. I made these bacon pinwheels to take to this morning's Bible study. They were gobbled up quickly. Because they're that good. I love super easy recipes that make me look like a rock star.

 Recipe:
1 can of crescent rolls
1 package cream cheese
1 bag of bacon pieces (in the salad dressing aisle).

1. Roll out the cresent dough so you have a large rectangle (just pinch the edges together).
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and bacon pieces. Spread mixture onto dough.
3. Roll up the dough so you have a long tube. Put it in the freezer about 10 minutes. Then cut about 1/2 inch pinwheels.
4. Place pinwheels on a greased cookie sheet. Bake in 450 degree oven for 7-10 minutes. I really just eyeball it. When I see the tops getting browned, I take them out.

Voila! So good and super easy. The recipe also works with sausage (although the bacon ones are way better!)

9. Cohen LOVES these Buddy Fruits.

They are basically just apple sauce (in different flavor varieties) in a little pouch. I get them at Publix when they go on sale (less than .60 each, y'all!) and you can get a coupon on their Facebook page. We are entering the busy, squirmy, wiggly toddler stage when all the boy wants to do is go. So my awesome eater now has no patience for sitting down and eating. But he loves these things. And want to know a trick? I wash the pouches and save them. Then I use a medicine squirter to fill them up again with baby food. So at meals when my boy won't even consider the food in front of him, I give him the pouch, and he sucks up the fruits and veggies I put in there. Clever devil, I am. (I swear, Buddy Fruits are not paying me to say this. I just love them so much.)

10. I am just in a really great place right now. At the beginning of the year, I think I dealt with some postpartum depression, and that lasted until about June. Slowly, I have been feeling better and better. Today, I am filled with hope and joy and thanksgiving. Praise the Lord for seeing me through that tough 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!

God's Provision and Hairy Spiders

Today I'm thankful for

1. Since I stopped working in June to stay home with Cohen, our resources have been tight. I know it's still early on in this one-income-household thing, but we haven't gone without yet. We are able to eat three meals a day (and usually a dessert -- gotta keep your priorities), clothe and diaper our child, and survive. I really treasure this time in our lives because it's teaching us how to trust. I have no doubt in my mind that God will provide everything we need.

2. One of the pictures I took a few weeks ago at the Right to Life Life Chain made it in our local paper. I won't lie, it is fun to see one of my pictures published.

3. The weather around here has been chilly and wet. It's forcing us to stay home, wear our sweats, and snuggle. I don't know if there could be anything better.

4. We've got less than a month to go until Cohen's 1st birthday. And when there's a birthday, there's got to be a party. I haven't really started preparing for the party yet, so that's really stressing me out, but I am looking forward to getting the family together to celebrate my little boy.

5. At the end of the school year, I joined a website called Teachers Pay Teachers. It's like Etsy, but for lesson plans. I put 5 of my lesson plans for sale in May, and since then, I've completely forgotten about it. When I checked my Paypal account this week, I noticed that I had a $47 credit from Teachers Pay Teachers. It seems I'd sold some lessons! Score.

6. I don't know how to explain it, and I don't want to get into specifics, but lately, I've had this feeling that something really great is right around the corner. I'm excited and can't wait to see what God's got in store for us.

7. My mother-in-law dropped off a Cohen care package last night with lots of toddler goodies. What a blessing that was for us! Cohen will be a happy camper for a while.

8. After nearly 2 years of no use (9 months due to pregnancy and 10 months due to baby weight), I am currently wearing that last pair of pre-pregnancy pants. You know the pants I'm talking about -- the ones that get shoved to the back of the closet because, even though all the other pants fit, they just don't. Well, they're fitting, all right. And they're a little too loose. Like looser than they were 2 years ago. Hallelujah.

9. Cohen has started waving and saying "Night night" as dada carries him off to bed. I don't know why that thrills us, but we just think it's the greatest thing ever.

10. My mom gave Cohen a spider glove. It's just a glove with a spider body attached to the top so that when you wear the glove, you fingers look like spider legs. Cohen loves this thing. He carries it all around the house with him, puts it in his dumptruck and gives it rides, and throws it at the dogs. He thinks it's absolutely hilarious to throw it at the dogs and watch the dogs scurry away. I love that he's got such a great sense of humor. And that such a cheap toy can keep his attention so long.

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 Undeserving Grace and Curious Georgi for Thankful Thursday.