30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 27-30

So I am very obviously behind on this endeavor to document things for which I am thankful each day.  It's not that I have not thought of things.  It is just that we have been busy or the computer has been occupied by someone else.  Do those count as good excuses? 

Since it's the last day of this month, I've also posted more pictures on this post.  You're welcome! :)

The past few days I've been thankful for

...a cousin with whom Caroline can play.  Caroline has a boy cousin on both sides who is within a month or two of her age.  This is really the first time I've seen her and her cousin interact, and it was so cute to see!  She and Landon enjoyed "playing" the piano, and I just think this picture is so funny!  Right after this Landon closed the cover, and they both drew their hands back quickly and examined their fingers to ensure they were unharmed.

...turkey craft/snack time with Aunt Karla.  My sister-in-law is super creative and does all these cute things.  She came with supplies for the kids to make turkeys out of peanut butter Rice Krispie balls, candy corn, and melted chocolate.  The boys did a great job, but Caroline needed a bit of help.  I think she just kept dipping her candy corn in the melted chocolate and licking it off.  My kind of girl!

...putting up our first Christmas decoration.  I decided on Monday after we got home from the Y to get out our train in the Christmas tree that enthralled Grant last year.  I love seeing that he is as fascinated this year by it as he was last year. 

...my three "Bobos."  The boys have decided to include Caroline in the Bobo "fun," so now she gets to run around in her diaper with the big brothers.  I just keep thinking, at least she wears a cute BumGenius cloth diaper while she's doing it!  She is currently climbing up the bunk bed ladder with Grant encouraging her every step.  It is a bit heart-pounding to watch her climb, and I just anticipate the fall.

...my mother.  My mom has been in Chicago with my sister, waiting with her as they anticipate the birth of her second (stubborn) baby.  This little one is currently 12 days late--poor Megan!  My mom also came and stayed with us for 11 days while we waited for Caroline to make her appearance.  It is pretty amazing how sacrificially (time, sleep, etc.) mothers love. 

...my husband.  Have I mentioned him in this list before?  I cannot remember.  He is pretty great, and I'm thankful that we can enjoy hanging out with each other even after 9 years of marriage. 

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 25 & 26

Today I am thankful for

...cousins for my kids.  They have been playing non-stop for the past 2 days with their cousins, and it is so fun for all of us.  It also means they fall asleep a bit easier at night, which is always a reason to be thankful! :)

...Vicks VapoRub.  So after Ryan couldn't get Benadryl the other night, we found some (VERY old!) Vicks and put it on Jack's feet.  He stopped coughing and went to sleep pretty soon after that.  Last night (at 4 am) he woke up coughing, and I put more on his feet.  (This is apparently effective.  From personal experience, I can say that it works better than putting it on his chest.  Jack freaked out when we did that.  Yikes!)  I put it on Grant tonight because he's been hacking with a scary cough today, so we shall see what happens.

...the promise of tons of yummy food tomorrow.  Instead of celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday, we are doing it tomorrow.  My mother- and sister-in-law have been cooking like crazy today, and I know we're going to feast on delicious things! 

...great big hugs from my kids.  All of my kids give awesome hugs, and I love them!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 23 & 24

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Again, I missed a day.  Oops.  Between working, working out, packing, laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc. I just let it slip.  I'm sure you understand, for which I am thankful. :)

So, here is my list for yesterday and today.

I am thankful for

...Benadryl.  This makes me sound like a bad mom (just add it to the list of reasons!), but on nights when Jack (or rarely Grant) is sick and cannot stop coughing and cannot fall asleep, it serves two purposes: a decongestant and a sleep-aid.  (I do this with my pediatrician's permission, mind you.)  Yesterday and tonight were those types of nights.  In fact, Ryan is currently on a trip to the drugstore (which is hopefully open) to buy some as I forgot to bring ours.  Fingers crossed he gets it!  (Okay, right after I wrote this he came home empty-handed, saying the store was closed.  Jack is currently coughing away and playing foosball.  It may be a long night!)

...sleep.  I really do enjoy it and wish I could get more of it.  I've told some people the cruel reality is that you don't realize how much you like it until you cannot get enough of it anymore. 

...a morning at home before coming up to Ryan's parents' to celebrate with his family.  It was nice to just have some lazy time to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade (and seeing the marching band from the high school where Ryan teaches!), enjoy pumpkin bread, and hang out.

...a computer and the Internet.  It's so nice to be able to communicate with family and friends via this blog and to share experiences and read about others' experiences.  Reading other blogs really makes you realize that you are not alone in your joys and frustrations.

I know I have so many more things for which I am thankful, but I am really tired.  Jack is still awake (at 10:20) so I think that is my project for the next little bit.  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you were able to enjoy time reflecting on the blessings in your life. 

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 21-22

So, I didn't quite make it to blogging last night.  I don't remember what I did, but apparently it was not blog.  I'm sure everyone missed me! :)

Today I am thankful for

...Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe Joe's.  They are a most delicious treat that I discovered a few years ago when I was dairy- and corn-free.  Can we just say, yummo??  I hate to even mention these because they disappear so quickly from the store shelves and are only available this time of year, and I don't want anyone to steal my potential boxes.  I'm selfish like that.  However, I must say that eating two of these (I have to save them, after all!) has made my day lovely. 

...the boys playing quietly for awhile as I got some things done around the house.  It's always wonderful when I do not need to mediate any quarrels or send any boys to time-out...or worse.  Lately, they have liked to play "Bobos," who are the monkeys in "Diego."  This mostly involves them stripping down to their underwear and jumping around on the furniture--what could be better as five- and three-year-old boys?  Today their game was "hibernating."  How perfect is that on a rainy day?  I didn't even come up with it!  They put their blankets on the propped-up couch cushions to make homes and sat quietly inside.  (They were inside their homes when I took this picture.)

...an inspirational youtube video that I watched last night.  As I ran on the treadmill today I thought of this man's weight loss/running journey.  It is always good to see people who inspire you to be better.

...my kids' love of swimming.  They've been doing great in swimming lessons, and I am so thankful for their awesome teachers!  Grant and Jack are both jumping off the block and smiling the entire half-hour.  Yay!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 20

Today I am thankful for

...my sister, Melanie.  Did you know November is Diabetes Awareness Month?  She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 3 1/2 years ago, and I am so thankful for all the advances that have happened in terms of this disease.  I am thankful that she is able to have a pump and live a more relatively normal lifestyle thanks to it and her glucose monitor.  Having diabetes in our family has also made me more aware of just how amazing our bodies are and how perfectly God made them because you don't really realize it until something is not working.  The pancreas does so much!  Who knew? 

...on a lighter note, a working kitchen sink!  Yay that Ryan was able to fix it (or so it appears at this point).  There were a few questionable moments today when we weren't sure if he'd done it or not, but I think it's not leaking anymore.  We shall see...

...our children's ministry at church.  The children's pastor announced he is changing positions and will no longer be over the children's ministry.  My children have learned so much and been so grounded in Truth, and I am thankful for the foundation that our church has given my kiddos.

...the promise of a short week--definitely looking forward to some good time off and some good family time!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 19

Today I am thankful for

...a wonderful time with our sort-of small group.  (We were put together for a month-long sermon series, and since we have not decided if we are officially a small group, I added the phrase "sort-of.")  Tonight we got together for a meal and game time, and the kiddos played and hung out.  Caroline enjoyed going up and down the stairs--a novelty since we do not have stairs at our house!  This group is filled with fun, Christ-loving individuals that I may never have met or connected with if we'd not been placed in this group, and it's been a great experience getting to know all of them. 

...a kitchen sink and water.  Ryan has been working all day to figure out what is going on with our leaking sink, and since it has been out of commission all day, I can say that I am thankful for it since I would really like to have it back!  Hopefully it's fixed tomorrow!

...sleeping in!  I must have been exhausted as I slept until 9 this morning.  I haven't done that since this summer.  I love when Ryan lets me sleep in!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 18

Today I am thankful for

...more energy.  For some reason, I just feel more energetic today.  I hate to think that it's because I didn't work out, but perhaps there's a correlation. 

...good conversations with my sisters.  It's always nice to catch up with them--and yay that my youngest sister passed the California Bar Exam!  Apparently it's really hard with only a 50% passing rate, but I had full faith in her! :)  My middle sister is eagerly awaiting the birth of her second little one, so it was fun to share our stories of waiting--because almost all of our babies have all been late. (Grant was actually born on his due date.)

...a good mini-series to watch on a Friday night.  We finished watching season 1 of "Downton Abbey" on Netflix, and it was great.  It makes me want to speak with a British accent and have a manor with servants.  I would love a maid! :)  Of course, we didn't know it was a "to be continued" thing, so I was slightly disappointed when there were all these hanging storylines.  At least it will be on PBS and not some cable station!  I'm thankful for that, too.

...a weekend to enjoy some family time.  I feel like this week has been so busy, and I'm looking forward to having fun with the kiddos and with Ryan.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 17

Today I am thankful for

...the abilty to laugh instead of cry when my boys (it's rarely Caroline) misbehave/fight/wrestle in public. (Wrestling is their new pasttime. *insert eye roll*)  Today as we were leaving MOPS my boys were pulling on each other, my arms were filled with my baby and casserole dishes, and I was just sort of ignoring their behavior, watching to make sure they were following me.  No, not the most admirable mom moment but very real.  This other mom with a baby in a stroller and a little boy who was very nicely holding her hand looked back at my boys, and I could tell she was thinking, Oh dear...or something along those lines.  And I just sort of wanted to say, because it had been that kind of morning, "I used to be you." 

...a yummy breakfast

...hearing Jack spell and sound out words.  The boy is so strong-willed and has refused to work with me on any reading skills.  It's so fun to hear him actually try to sound out words and to know that it is starting to "click." 

...creamy chicken and wild rice soup on a cold night--that everyone ate!  Yum and yay!

...Ryan not having any meetings tonight.  It's nice that the kids got baths and were able to have a more normal routine.  I'm thankful that his schedule allows him to be home nightly (except on rare occasions) to be with our family.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 16

Today I am thankful for

...driveway/garage moments.  I have to make brunch for MOPS tomorrow and realized, at 10 pm, that I'd forgotten to buy cottage cheese for my casserole.  Ugh!  On my way home, this song came on the radio, and I found myself having my own personal praise and worship time in the car.  Isn't it awesome when God uses people to write songs that bring others to worship, even in the car?  Thank you, God, for the blessing of an empty car and a beautiful song that I can blast!

...the opportunity to serve in a capacity that is challenging me more than I expected.  I feel that I am generally pretty sure what I'm getting myself into when I sign up for things, but serving in Cubbies in Awana has been much harder than I thought it would be.  I think it's the combination of the age of the kids (too much time with preschool kids!), the time of day (hello, 6-8 pm?  I am exhausted!), and the expectations that I had (hanging out with and teaching kids?  Sure, I can do that.).  I'm sure God is going to teach me about myself and Him through this, but each week I find myself dreading this time.  Grant seems to like that I am in his room, but it's taking every blessed fiber of my being sometimes to not "lose it."

And, sadly, those are the only things I can think of right now.  Perhaps tomorrow will be better in the "thankfulness" department. 

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 15

It is halfway through the month, halfway through these 30 days of thankfulness.  It has been fun to blog each day, but it's also been more challenging than I expected.  How sad is it that I so easily focus on the negative that some days it's really difficutl to think of things for which I am thankful?  So, with that being said, here are the things I am thankful for today.

...the ability to be a mostly stay-at-home mom.  I love that when my kids ask for green eggs (an idea presented by Jack's teacher) for breakfast I can make those for them.  Honestly, I think they looked kind of nasty, but all of the kiddos ate them and enjoyed them! 

...Jack's teacher.  Can I eat my words from an earlier post?  I think the thing about her is that she may not be what I envisioned as the perfect teacher for Jack, but I think/know(!) God knew what was best for my son.  When I prayed that he would get someone who would encourage him, I was thinking of a warm, fuzzy kindergarten teacher.  Jack's teacher encourages my son who needs structure and routine by creating a classroom environment that is full of structure and routine.  He seems to enjoy school and has been learning a ton.  She has definitely lit a fire in him, which is what he also needs, as this smart kiddo has a tendency to be a little on the lazy side.

...new hairstyles for my little girl!  I decided to try pigtails today and distracted her so she would not really realize what I was doing and pull them out.  Might I say, she looked ADORABLE!  I think she definitely looks older, which, if she wasn't so cute with them, might deter me from ever putting them in again.  However, I may try this again tomorrow.  Her hair in the front is still too short to pull back and still needs the barrette, so I guess we'll still be dealing with the lost-bow syndrome.

(disregard the pantless pictures--at least she is wearing a cute pink cloth diaper)

...my "preacher" son.  I love that he loves playing "church" and that he quotes his Awana book as his sermons.  He turned over the grocery cart so it could be the podium for his Bible.  He tried to get Grant to "preach," too, but Grant was pretty content to sit on the couch, suck his thumb, and watch.

...other great things today: my Christmas cookie candle that is lit and filling the room with delicious smells, "The Biggest Loser," swimming lessons, a tough run that Ryan and I struggled through and finished, yummy leftover salsa chicken soup with tortilla chips (that everyone ate!), a successful Costco trip (any trip where I do not feel my blood pressure go up is counted as a success!), an easy solo bedtime routine (Ryan had to tutor so I was left to do it myself--thank goodness for tired kids.)....All in all, it was a great day!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 14

Today I am thankful for

...safety during rain, wind, hot/cold weather, etc.  Although I may at times complain about my house and whine about how I desperately want a bigger one, it is a comfortable, safe place for our family.

...the big hugs my baby girl gives.  They are the tightest, sweetest things ever--so much so that her brothers chase her around just to get one!  I'm also thankful for the personality I see coming out of her.  She is really developing into a little person, and I love seeing her do things solely to make us laugh!  Here are a couple of her new scrunchy faces.  (She seems to do them a lot when she's eating--or at least sitting in the high chair.)

...Ryan.  If I can brag on him (which I can because it is my blog after all!), he was recognized tonight at a school board meeting along with some other teachers for outstanding AP scores.  He often sells himself short, but I know he is a great teacher.  His students are definitely lucky to have him!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 13

Today I am thankful for a fun weekend!

We went up to Ryan's parents' house to celebrate his dad's 65th birthday.  Jack always looks forward to going there because he gets to see his cousins.  (There are 4 cousins who are less than two years apart and love playing together.)  Grant likes going up because he can play with all of Ryan's old toys: hot wheels, tractors, etc.  His favorite toy *may* be his aunts' old Barbie car, which he completely disassembles by taking off the wheels, taking out the seats, steering wheel, and any other accessories.  He then stuffs his bear into it and pushes it around the basement.  It's pretty funny.

On Saturday night the older kids had a sleepover and had a great time.  Of course, Jack ended up leaving the party before they fell asleep.  (I think he was the reason the others were not falling asleep!)  He's such a creature of habit and the idea of changing anything (even where he sleeps at Nana and Grandpa's) sort of throws him off.  As soon as he came downstairs and was in the Wiggles tent with Grant, he felt right asleep.

the sleepover cousins enjoying waffles together

Caroline's crazy wind-blown, static-electricity filled hair.  I love how the bow is still in but not doing a thing to tame the hair!

Max and Grant playing air hockey.

Saturday afternoon I attended a jewelry party at the house so Ryan, his brother, and his dad took all the cousins to the park down the street.  The kids loved it!  Grant found this cute turtle to climb, and Jack found the pole.  He seems to love sliding down poles lately, and I guess he brought his bear to the park so he could have fun, too.  Note to self: make sure to wash that bear!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 12

Today I am thankful for

...laughter.  We watched a movie tonight that, while not necessarily the most morally stellar movie, was pretty funny.  I love laughing!

...Elmer's Glue and the Internet.  This afternoon my nephew ran out of the house with no shoes on and, unbeknownst to anyone, stepped on some cacti.  When my brother-in-law was holding him (about 3 hours after the incident), he felt sharp pokey things on his foot.  He took off his pajamas and realized his foot was covered in tiny little spikes from the cactus.  Poor little guy!  Ryan looked on the Internet how to remove these, and it said to apply a thin layer of Elmer's Glue and, after it dries, peel it off, which also takes out the needles.  (Tweezers only break them so they are too short to really remove.)  Needless to say, it was a rough experience, made only slightly better for Landon with ibuprofen and an iPhone.  So, take note: glue is good for taking out cactus spikes.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 11

Today I am thankful for

...the veterans who have served our country.  I am honored to have had more than a few in my family, and I am thankful all the men and women who have sacrificed so that we can have the freedom we enjoy today.

...family.  I have an amazing family and feel so fortunate to have been blessed with great parents and awesome sisters.  In addition to my own family, I am thankful that I married into a great family. We celebrated my father-in-law's birthday tonight, and it is wonderful that both Ryan and I feel so close to our own family as well as our spouse's.  I know that is rare for many couples.

...homemade ice cream.  I had it two times today (my students made it as well as my grandparents-in-law), and it is delicious!  (Tomorrow I will be thankful for a good run!)

...a lovely sunset.  Sometimes I see the sunset or sunrise, and I just think God has painted the sky.  How fortunate I feel to be able to see such beauty!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 10

Today I am thankful for

...the first flurries of the year--not that I am excited about snow but that my kids are, and it was a great excuse to have a "dress rehearsal" for the real deal.  Jack and Grant had to get out all of their gear: snow pants, coat, hat, mittens, boots.  I think we are in good shape for winter--maybe it can just hold off a little bit longer, though!

...my great co-workers.  I had a staff meeting tonight, and I just love the people with whom I work.  I really feel like we're all working together, and it's just such a positive environment.  What a blessing!

...the threat of "quiet rest time."  I still haven't quite figured out how to make my kids have quiet time in the afternoon (if you have the secret, let me know!), but today, just the threat of it made the boys play together nicely.  As much as I love Wednesday night Awana, I always forget how hard it is for the boys the next day!  They are just so tired.

...the longest run I've done yet.  Not that I'm becoming a "runner," but I have to say there is something sort of enjoyable about running.  Plus, I kind of like playing the part of a "runner" and feeling like I can maybe fit in at the Y!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 9

Today I am thankful for

• Awana--I love that my kids learn Scripture and have fun at the same time.  I also love that it sometimes helps them sleep in a bit on Thursday mornings (though the price is not going to bed until 9-9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays!)
• Ryan coming with me to the health dept. to get my TB test checked.  It was so nice to not have to deal with the kids by myself!  Oh, and I'm thankful that it came back negative.  I would have been shocked if the result was different!
• a warm house and indoor plumbing--It's nice to know on blustery nights like tonight that I don't have to leave the cozy confines of my house to trek outside!
• apple cider--yum!
• Grant and Jack's sweetness with Caroline--I love how they tickle her cheeks and make her laugh, like they did tonight.  Grant said to a friend on Tuesday, "This is Caroline, and she's really sweet."  She ran away, and he ran after her, yelling, "Caroline, no!  Come back!"  She lucky to have two big brothers who can be so loving...when they choose to be. (Because let's be honest--it's not always roses and lollipops!)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 7

Today I am thankful for

• pajama pants--so comfy!  I love being a stay-at-home mom so I can wear comfy clothes!  (And no, I didn't wear these all day, but I love that I could!)
• creative kids who can create tunnels, houses, forts, and markets with couch cushions and junk from around the house
• reading with Jack, both when he reads to me (so thankful that it's starting to "click") and when I read The Boxcar Children before bed to him
• coffee!  Need I say more?
• "The Biggest Loser" on Tuesday nights--It always motivates me to work out harder on these days!
• the right to vote--Even though it's a hassle with 3 kids, I'm glad that I can do it and show my kids the importance of exercising this right.  I always figure, if I don't vote, I can't complain! :)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 7

Oh, what a day!  This is a day when it is good to think of things for which I'm thankful because it was challenging.

1.  I'm thankful for such an awesome class this year.  The parents are supportive, the kids are sweet, and they are so ready to learn.  I've begun beginning reading skills with them and feel like of any of the groups I have had, these children are the most likely to catch on and start sounding out words by the end of the year.  As a teacher this is so rewarding!

2.  Yay for not having to visit the health department very often!  This was where my day took a nosedive, and I feel that it's only fair to write about it, as maybe someday I will laugh about this adventure.  I found out a few weeks ago that I needed to get a TB test for work and, of course, put it off because what mom really wants to drag herself and 3 kids to the health dept.  I finally realized that I could not procrastinate any longer and loaded all the kids into the car when Jack got home from school and assumed it would be a pretty quick trip since the last time I had to do it I seem to remember that it was fast.  Um, not so much today.  The boys did well for about 10 minutes, and I felt so proud of them and myself for having such perfect, angelic children who could sit so quietly while I filled out 3 pages of paperwork.  What's that verse?  Pride comes before the fall?  Well, my boys were literally falling, as in wrestling on the floor.  I pulled them up but tried not to put Caroline on the floor because she had no shoes.  Yuck!  There were around 10 people waiting, and they were just an audience for Jack.  He thrives on attention, and the more he received, the more he wanted.  At one point he hit Grant, and when I tried to correct him, he said, "My hand did it!"  *cue laughter from his audience*  At another point he said (with a big smile on his face), "You're smiling so I know you're going to spank me."  *cue more laughter*  (Just for clarification, that comment stems from the fact that every time I try to spank Jack he seems to shout out some humorous comment.  I try not to laugh, but sometimes he catches me.  Hopefully he's not scarred for life!)  Needless to say, I was looking at the clock and the door every two minutes, wishing that the nurse would call, "Jennifer?"  Finally, after an hour of waiting, a wonderful voice called my name, to which Jack responded, "That's me!" and took off through the door. I think the waiting room was probably sad to see us go.  Maybe they were thankful for us today.

3.  Bedtime is something I am definitely thankful for today--both for my kids and for me.  The two younger ones woke up at 5:40 this morning, and while I liked having a little more time to get ready for work and school, it was early!  So off to bed I go, hoping for a more relaxing day tomorrow!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 6

We had a great day, so it was pretty easy to think of thankful thoughts today! 

1.  enjoying unexpected alone time with Ryan after church--We have decided that after taking Jack to the church service for a month that it is something we'd like to continue, even if it means we attend the 8 am service.  (Yikes!)  We'd planned to work in the nursery this morning during the 9:45 service, but they didn't need us.  So...we took advantage of our free time and drank coffee and talked.  It was very nice. :)

2.  watching my kids running around and chasing each other, laughing--I love when they get along and are so sweet to each other.  The boys wanted Caroline to hug them, and she would run over to them, give them hugs, and run away.  I love my kids' laughter!

3.  daylight savings!  Last year Ryan or I (can't remember who the brilliant one was who thought of it) decided to NOT change our clocks the night before.  The problem with kids is that they wake up at their normal time, which is an hour earlier if you change your clocks.  Looking at the clock and seeing 5:15 or 5:30 made us so frustrated!  The nice thing with daylight savings in the fall now is that I really just feel like it gave us an extra hour to get ready for church (even though we were still late) versus losing an hour of sleep.  And the kids went to bed so easily.  I highly recommend this method for frustrated parents!

4.  nice weather so the boys could play outside while I cleaned--It just makes me mad when I have to clean while the boys are busy playing/making messes.  Now our house is cleaner than it was, which makes us all happy.

And one more for yesterday that I forgot to mention: Caroline went #2 in the potty chair--not quite sure how it happened, but I will take what we can get, especially since we're not really potty training yet!

I hope everyone else had an awesome weekend, too.  It seemed to go by so quickly!

Thirty Days of Thankfulness: Day 5

I have several things I am thankful for today:

1.  chocolate chip cookies!  I bought some cookie dough from Jack's school fundraiser, and while we have enjoyed eating it one spoonful at a time, it's good to make real cookies as well.  This is also good for this kids because they get to eat the cookies. (I don't share my cookie dough with them but am willing to share cookies.)  I love this picture of Caroline's messy face.  Doesn't she just look so happy?

2.  sleeping in!  Ryan woke up early with the kids this morning, and I woke up to happy children and cheerful voices.  They were creating stories, and both the boys were excited.  I am thankful that he is so creative to come up with these ideas!

3.  running with Ryan!  Ryan and I went out running outside this morning and left the kiddos in Child Watch at the Y.  I loved it, but we just as we were about to walk, we looked at the time and noticed that Child Watch was about to close.  That sped us up, and we booked it back to the Y and made it just in time.  Whew!  That run definitely earned a cookie (or two) for me!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 4

Today is a beautiful, sunny day, though a bit on the chilly side.  Reason #522 that I will not win Mother of the Year: I didn't realize just how cold it was this morning and neglected to put a jacket on any of my children and dressed Grant in just his swim trunks (it was his swim day at school today) and a long sleeve shirt, figuring it was warm enough that we'd all be able to walk quickly into the Y without freezing.  Um, no.  So there you go--not anywhere near Mother of the Year.

With that said, here is my list of things for which I am thankful today:

1.  The sun!  Hooray for sunny days,  I know that in a month the warm sun may be a rarity, so I want to soak it up as much as possible. 

2.  A good workout!  There is just something so exhilirating about finishing a run, drenched in sweat, knowing that you burned off maybe three pieces of Halloween candy from the previous night.  Actually, I just really do enjoy pushing myself and knowing that I can brag later to Ryan about how far I ran.  (In fairness to Ryan, I know in a few months he will be training for the mini-marathon and will be able to kick my butt in his distance running!)

3.  Girls' Night Out tonight with some co-workers!  Even though I will be out WAY past my Friday night p.j. time, I know it will be fun to spend some time with friends, laughing and enjoying some great conversation and drinks!

4.  The kids waking up a bit later today, which I would have enjoyed more if I could have slept in as well.  I think tomorrow I will be thankful that Ryan let me sleep on Sat. morning. :)  (Hint, hint, Ryan!)
 

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 1-3

My friend, Amanda, is blogging each day for the next 30 days, listing things for which she is thankful each day.  I think this is such a great idea!  What an awesome way to focus on the positive things in life instead of the frustrations.  Since I missed the first two days of the month, I figured I would catch up by listing three things (okay, not "things" but "days") today.  Who knows?  I may love this so much I just keep this going in the future!

Day 1: I'm thankful for a job that I enjoy with great co-workers.  I'm thankful that I get a free Y membership with my job and that my boys are able to take swimming lessons with caring teachers.  I'm thankful that Caroline's fever finally went away and that I am able to go back to work!  I love my children so much, but its very good for all of us to have some time away from each other.

Day 2:  I'm thankful for Jack's great first report card and Grant's wonderful preschool teacher.  I'm thankful for the people who take care of my baby girl while I work and love her even when she misbehaves by knocking other kids down.  I'm thankful for Awana and the Truth that my kids learn each week in the club.

Day 3:  After listening to our MOPS speaker today, I can say I am incredibly thankful for ALL of the blessings I've been given both in my past as well as in my present.  We heard from a woman who works in a ministry that supports women/moms who come from MUCH different backgrounds and experiences.  I'm thankful for a husband who trusts and supports me and is an amazing father to our children.  I am thankful for great parents who loved and encouraged me in every way. I'm thankful for my education, a house, clothing, and a stable job.  Basically, today I learned just how many blessings I have in my life that I so often take for granted!

Finally here!

Halloween has finally come and gone.  I hate to sound so tired when I refer to this holiday, but I think the kids have dressed in their costumes a record number of times this year, and I'm sure by this point all of you have seen our bazillion pictures of our unbelievably adorable space man, elephant, and ladybug.  I suppose I must post official Halloween pictures, though, so here you go.

I knew it was going to be a bit of a rough Halloween for Caroline when she went to bed and woke up with a high fever, which continued to spike throughout the day.  I had to dress her up, of course, and she was a pretty good sport about it. (Thank you, Tylenol and Motrin!)  However, we didn't press our luck by actually taking her out trick-or-treating like we did with her brother last year.  (What is it about holidays that makes my kids sick?)  They all posed for pictures--sort of--before heading off to get their loot.

Here is the jack-o-lantern/bear-o-lantern that Ryan made this year.  He even sacrificed some blood for the cause, and the boys LOVED it!



"Come on, Mom and Dad.  If I plaster on this smile will you stop taking pictures so we can just go??"

Our little ladybug, smiling through the nasty cold and snotty nose

Since she didn't get to go out and get candy of her own, she decided to sit and sort the candy we were passing out to the trick-or-treaters.  (Yes, I know she spread her germs all over the candy--just be glad you weren't trick-or-treating at our house.)  I just think this is hilarious.  It definitely indicates she is ready for an Ivy League school, right?  I mean, obviously the girl is a genius! 

The boys got home around 7:30 or so and maximized their pumpkins.  I think this is the most candy they've ever gotten!  Grant, my little lover of all things sugary, could not wait to dig in to all of the candy.

Jack with some of his candy.  He's different than Grant in SO many ways, and his taste in food is just one of the differences.  Before they went to bed we said they could eat some of their candy.  Grant had lots of candy wrappers all over his area.  Jack chose to eat Chex Mix, cheese and crackers, and pretzels.  I have to say, though, that sort of works out well for Ryan and me!  (But I MUST work out tomorrow and/or get rid of all of this candy!  )

So there you have it--Halloween 2011.  It was a good one, and, maybe, just maybe, the best one yet.

Sunday Funday

On Sunday we finally made it to the Children's Museum haunted house, "Vampire Vacation."  It was a lot of fun, and we didn't make the mistake we made last year by going during the lights-out hours.  That was just too scary.  (In fact, Jack had nightmares Sunday night even with the lights on at the haunted house!)  They always do a great job, and we earned free tickets by doing the summer reading club at the library this summer--even better!

At the end of the haunted house they have this bench, and the boys posed with the fangs they received in the haunted house.  Oooh, scary!

Sunday afternoon we also decided to carve our pumpkin--and by "we," of course, I mean Ryan.  All the rest of us do is watch, offer suggestions, and admire his handiwork.   To see what he ended up carving, you'll have to check back and read the Halloween post. :)

I love how Jack looks freaked out by the first cut.

"What's in there?"

Grant did great digging right in to the pumpkin, pulling out the seeds and guts.

"Eww!"

We even made Caroline get her hands right in there. 

This is her reaction.  Hopefully she won't be scarred for life by this experience!