Today, I am thanking God for these blessings:
197. One of the guys in our SS class got the missions position at Yellowstone this summer.
196. The fellowship at my church.
195. Finally figuring out where to get all the forms I need for Bethany's readoption.
194. Hand-me-down clothes for my kids from my sister-in-law, such that I rarely need to buy the kids any clothing.
193. Multigrain elbow macaroni with a little bit of olive oil, Dei Fratelli (the best) seasoned tomatoes, a little bit of parmesan, and a bunch of pepper. So stinking good.
192. Explaining to my mom yesterday about how Bethany can't drink out of a sippy cup yet. Then about a half hour after I got off the phone with her, Bethany picks up Lainee's sippy cup and starts chugging away.
191. Empty laundry baskets
190. Answered prayer for Janet regarding some serious and potentially debilitating problems with her neck.
189. Hearing a five-year-old friend of Lainee's answer the question "how did Penn State [football] do this year?" with "well, they have the momentum." This was followed by someone asking his two-year-old sister to say "Go BLUE!" She responded with "Go PENN STATE!"
188. Being happy for people feels so good. Lately I have been really excited for two ladies at church who are pregnant with their first kids. And I got all excited for Heather this past weekend when she got to go to a writers' conference. I just love it!
187. This post by Leslie over at haplythinking
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
Today, blessings abound. Let me tell you about it.
I had to go to the social security office today to figure out what the hold-up is in getting B's Social Security Number. I dropped the kids off at Ami's house and headed out. Bethany made not a single peep when I left (171.) There was nowhere to park in the parking lot at the SS Office. So, I parked on a side street, for free (172) and walked a short distance to the office. The weather was beautiful (173.)
I walked in the office, and lots of people were milling around. But there was an empty seat (174) so I sat in it. I quickly filled out a new application for a card in case the first one had been misplaced. Then, I read about 1 1/2 chapters of my book (175.)
When they called my number the lady behind the desk did some investigating. She went back to check with the guy who received the original application and documents. He still has them, he just hasn't gotten to them yet.
She couldn't tell me when they'd be processed. And she didn't know what they'd do if any of the documents I'd provided were deemed unacceptable as proof of Bethany's birth, existence, adoption, etc. So, I told her my predicament: that someone has to notify me if the documents are not acceptable otherwise I will be waiting for a card that is never going to come. I explained that I'd consider calling the office to check back, but the phone is always busy. (I tried for two days and never got through.) She was very polite and apologetic (176.)
Then she just happened to ask the "right" question (177.) "Did you have any new documents that you'd like to submit."
I had already submitted Bethany's stamped passport as evidence of her citizenship. In fact the very purpose of the stamp is to prove citizenship until you get a certificate of citizenship in the mail. Well, since my last trip to the office, the certificate arrived. I didn't offer it earlier, becaust it didn't prove anything they didn't already have proof of. But I offered it when she asked. She seemed to recognize it immediately, and seemed delighted that I had it (178.) Then she looked at the the little picture of Bethany that is affixed to the certificate and said "She is beautifu!" (179) "Yes, she is," I replied. She copied the certificate and put it with the rest of our papers.
Now, we need to "readopt" Bethany so that we can get a US birth certificate, officially change her name, and to put all of her adoption formalities onto the record in the US (just in case anything ever comes into question.) Had we done this already, we wouldn't be having these problems. And, the lady behind the desk tried to tell me this. The problem is that we just can't get all of that done before April... and we need to file our taxes.
So, I told the lady what our adoption agency advised us to do: get a social security number in Bethany's Chinese name, and as a resident alien. Then, after we readopt, we just change her name and status on her social security card.
"OOOhhhh!" she said. "So you don't want her new name on the card?"
"No, we can change it later. We just want a number," I told her.
So, the lady began writing all of this on a post-it note to add to our growing pile of paperwork. She seemed to think that this made a big difference (180) and she wanted to give the information to the man who would process our forms.
So, we will wait and see. At one point it seemed like I was going to walk out of there without getting anything accomplished. But somehow (God!) the conversation turned and I was able to present two new pieces of information that just might make a difference (181.) So, Praise the LORD!
But I'm not done.
Cuz, on my way home there was a Rally's. There was plenty of change in the "ashtray" to get a combo (182.) So, I got a cheeseburger, fries, and a coke (183.) Just so you know, I don't get to eat at Rally's often. I love Rally's.
And the guy at the drive thru window was just plain nice. And as I drove away, I felt so blessed just by having someone be nice! (184.)
When I got back to Ami's house, everyone was playing so nicely. And the first words out of Ami's mouth were (regarding Bethany) "She was SO good!" (185.) Then she told me how much she enjoyed just holding her while Bethany had her bottle (186.) How nice is that?
So, if NOTHING else was accomplished today, I got a two-hour break to be by myself, read, and eat a Rally's combo... while my kids played happily at a friend's house, and my friend enjoyed having them there.
Nice, God. Nice!
I had to go to the social security office today to figure out what the hold-up is in getting B's Social Security Number. I dropped the kids off at Ami's house and headed out. Bethany made not a single peep when I left (171.) There was nowhere to park in the parking lot at the SS Office. So, I parked on a side street, for free (172) and walked a short distance to the office. The weather was beautiful (173.)
I walked in the office, and lots of people were milling around. But there was an empty seat (174) so I sat in it. I quickly filled out a new application for a card in case the first one had been misplaced. Then, I read about 1 1/2 chapters of my book (175.)
When they called my number the lady behind the desk did some investigating. She went back to check with the guy who received the original application and documents. He still has them, he just hasn't gotten to them yet.
She couldn't tell me when they'd be processed. And she didn't know what they'd do if any of the documents I'd provided were deemed unacceptable as proof of Bethany's birth, existence, adoption, etc. So, I told her my predicament: that someone has to notify me if the documents are not acceptable otherwise I will be waiting for a card that is never going to come. I explained that I'd consider calling the office to check back, but the phone is always busy. (I tried for two days and never got through.) She was very polite and apologetic (176.)
Then she just happened to ask the "right" question (177.) "Did you have any new documents that you'd like to submit."
I had already submitted Bethany's stamped passport as evidence of her citizenship. In fact the very purpose of the stamp is to prove citizenship until you get a certificate of citizenship in the mail. Well, since my last trip to the office, the certificate arrived. I didn't offer it earlier, becaust it didn't prove anything they didn't already have proof of. But I offered it when she asked. She seemed to recognize it immediately, and seemed delighted that I had it (178.) Then she looked at the the little picture of Bethany that is affixed to the certificate and said "She is beautifu!" (179) "Yes, she is," I replied. She copied the certificate and put it with the rest of our papers.
Now, we need to "readopt" Bethany so that we can get a US birth certificate, officially change her name, and to put all of her adoption formalities onto the record in the US (just in case anything ever comes into question.) Had we done this already, we wouldn't be having these problems. And, the lady behind the desk tried to tell me this. The problem is that we just can't get all of that done before April... and we need to file our taxes.
So, I told the lady what our adoption agency advised us to do: get a social security number in Bethany's Chinese name, and as a resident alien. Then, after we readopt, we just change her name and status on her social security card.
"OOOhhhh!" she said. "So you don't want her new name on the card?"
"No, we can change it later. We just want a number," I told her.
So, the lady began writing all of this on a post-it note to add to our growing pile of paperwork. She seemed to think that this made a big difference (180) and she wanted to give the information to the man who would process our forms.
So, we will wait and see. At one point it seemed like I was going to walk out of there without getting anything accomplished. But somehow (God!) the conversation turned and I was able to present two new pieces of information that just might make a difference (181.) So, Praise the LORD!
But I'm not done.
Cuz, on my way home there was a Rally's. There was plenty of change in the "ashtray" to get a combo (182.) So, I got a cheeseburger, fries, and a coke (183.) Just so you know, I don't get to eat at Rally's often. I love Rally's.
And the guy at the drive thru window was just plain nice. And as I drove away, I felt so blessed just by having someone be nice! (184.)
When I got back to Ami's house, everyone was playing so nicely. And the first words out of Ami's mouth were (regarding Bethany) "She was SO good!" (185.) Then she told me how much she enjoyed just holding her while Bethany had her bottle (186.) How nice is that?
So, if NOTHING else was accomplished today, I got a two-hour break to be by myself, read, and eat a Rally's combo... while my kids played happily at a friend's house, and my friend enjoyed having them there.
Nice, God. Nice!
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Today's blessings from God:
170. Lainee discovered some of our perennials coming up out of the ground. They were so tiny, but she found them peeking up through the leaves that I never managed to clear out of the flower beds. She was so excited that she came to get me and showed me each one. The funny thing is, I did the same thing when I was a kid.
169. Having a mom who taught me about gardening and shared her love for watching things grow... so that I could enjoy it for myself and pass it on to my kids.
168. Soup and sandwich fellowship.
167. A pastor who volunteers in the nursery when he isn't preaching.
166. Taking Bethany to Sunday School this morning and seeing her reach for her teacher. For the first time she acted totally unconcerned that we were going to leave her in there. What a blessing to have PK be in there every week. Each week she endured the crying, and her patience has paid off - Bethany feels comfortable there. PK has been the SS teacher for all of my kids when they were in the "bed babies" class. What a blessing she has been to our family.
165. MLS. This woman is a dear, dear friend to our family, and especially to our children. Even Bethany loves her.
164. Paul's safety when he drives (sleepily) to and from work.
163. A really good sale. And getting my groceries done this weekend instead of doing them tomorrow. Then remembering, after the fact, that I NEEDED to get them done b/c of a commitment we have for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings this week. It's a blessing when things "just work out."
162. Being under budget.
161. When Bethany's schedule gets messed up and she isn't tired at bed time, we can still put her in her bed at bed time. She plays around and talks to herself until she is tired enough to go to bed. I love it.
160. A nap. A long nap. And my husband didn't even wake me up for his "turn" to nap (like I always do when he is the first to fall asleep on Sunday afternoon.)
159. Studying Nehemiah.
170. Lainee discovered some of our perennials coming up out of the ground. They were so tiny, but she found them peeking up through the leaves that I never managed to clear out of the flower beds. She was so excited that she came to get me and showed me each one. The funny thing is, I did the same thing when I was a kid.
169. Having a mom who taught me about gardening and shared her love for watching things grow... so that I could enjoy it for myself and pass it on to my kids.
168. Soup and sandwich fellowship.
167. A pastor who volunteers in the nursery when he isn't preaching.
166. Taking Bethany to Sunday School this morning and seeing her reach for her teacher. For the first time she acted totally unconcerned that we were going to leave her in there. What a blessing to have PK be in there every week. Each week she endured the crying, and her patience has paid off - Bethany feels comfortable there. PK has been the SS teacher for all of my kids when they were in the "bed babies" class. What a blessing she has been to our family.
165. MLS. This woman is a dear, dear friend to our family, and especially to our children. Even Bethany loves her.
164. Paul's safety when he drives (sleepily) to and from work.
163. A really good sale. And getting my groceries done this weekend instead of doing them tomorrow. Then remembering, after the fact, that I NEEDED to get them done b/c of a commitment we have for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings this week. It's a blessing when things "just work out."
162. Being under budget.
161. When Bethany's schedule gets messed up and she isn't tired at bed time, we can still put her in her bed at bed time. She plays around and talks to herself until she is tired enough to go to bed. I love it.
160. A nap. A long nap. And my husband didn't even wake me up for his "turn" to nap (like I always do when he is the first to fall asleep on Sunday afternoon.)
159. Studying Nehemiah.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
This will be easy...
Thank you, God, for:
158. I was driving to the store today and was almost hit by a girl coming through on the cross street. It took some evasive driving on my part to avoid her. So evasive, in fact, that I ended up taking a left turn when it was my intention to go straight. So, thank you, Lord, that there was no wreck.
157. Thank you that there was no oncoming car.
156. For reminding me that I do stupid things in the car sometimes too. And THANKFULLY, none of them have ever caused an accident.
155. Being in the Civic and not the van. I'd lay odds that the van would have rolled over in that situation.
154. Going to a great party with the whole family and everyone having a good time.
153. Orange ginger hand lotion from Bath & Body.
152. My friend Maureen. I like Maureen a lot.
151. Child tax credits.
150. Adoption tax credits.
149. A fun game of "Cootie" with Lainee today.
Thank you, God, for:
158. I was driving to the store today and was almost hit by a girl coming through on the cross street. It took some evasive driving on my part to avoid her. So evasive, in fact, that I ended up taking a left turn when it was my intention to go straight. So, thank you, Lord, that there was no wreck.
157. Thank you that there was no oncoming car.
156. For reminding me that I do stupid things in the car sometimes too. And THANKFULLY, none of them have ever caused an accident.
155. Being in the Civic and not the van. I'd lay odds that the van would have rolled over in that situation.
154. Going to a great party with the whole family and everyone having a good time.
153. Orange ginger hand lotion from Bath & Body.
152. My friend Maureen. I like Maureen a lot.
151. Child tax credits.
150. Adoption tax credits.
149. A fun game of "Cootie" with Lainee today.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Today I am thanking God for:
148. Word games.
147. A garage door opener.
146. Clean water. Hot or cold. At the ready, whenever I want it.
145. Lainee wore mismatched shoes today when we went out. Not too long ago this would have annoyed me. Now I just think it is funny. I like that I am (slowly) learning not to concern myself with the stuff that doesn't matter.
144. We have started to keep track of our spending again. We got away from that for a while. I feel much more at peace when I have PROOF that we aren't spending more than we're earning.
143. Someone from church "cleaned up" our old computer for free. Now we can set it up for the kids to use.
142. Someone agreed to watch the kids while I go to the social security office on Monday and try to straighten out whatever the problem is with getting B's SS card.
141. Bethany whines when I'm not holding her. I can let that bother me. But right now, it really is a good sign of attachment.
140. Another beautiful day. Warm enough to go to the park and let the kids swing, climb etc. They were so excited to do that.
139. Seeing Bethany's face as I pushed her on the swing. It was this kind of look like I have no idea what this thing is, but I REALLY like it!
138. The V. Family. It is so great to hang out with them. Husbands get along. Wives get along. Kids (same age) all get along. What a real blessing that is.
137. Chocolate pudding cake made in the slow-cooker.
148. Word games.
147. A garage door opener.
146. Clean water. Hot or cold. At the ready, whenever I want it.
145. Lainee wore mismatched shoes today when we went out. Not too long ago this would have annoyed me. Now I just think it is funny. I like that I am (slowly) learning not to concern myself with the stuff that doesn't matter.
144. We have started to keep track of our spending again. We got away from that for a while. I feel much more at peace when I have PROOF that we aren't spending more than we're earning.
143. Someone from church "cleaned up" our old computer for free. Now we can set it up for the kids to use.
142. Someone agreed to watch the kids while I go to the social security office on Monday and try to straighten out whatever the problem is with getting B's SS card.
141. Bethany whines when I'm not holding her. I can let that bother me. But right now, it really is a good sign of attachment.
140. Another beautiful day. Warm enough to go to the park and let the kids swing, climb etc. They were so excited to do that.
139. Seeing Bethany's face as I pushed her on the swing. It was this kind of look like I have no idea what this thing is, but I REALLY like it!
138. The V. Family. It is so great to hang out with them. Husbands get along. Wives get along. Kids (same age) all get along. What a real blessing that is.
137. Chocolate pudding cake made in the slow-cooker.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Okay. Rethinking.
What I have noticed:
My original goal was to get 1050 things on this list by the end of 2006. Taking into consideration that I didn't start this blog until the third week of January, that amounts to identifying less than three blessings each day. And I have found that I can identify three blessings each day without any difficulty. In fact, at the rate I am going right now, I will reach my goal before half the year is even over.
As I have been listing my blessings for each day, I could easily be proud of myself for listing more than three things. But, what I really end up thinking is, hmmm, for all that God is doing in my life, you would think I could identify MORE! See, I know He's up to so much more. The problem is that I haven't trained myself to see beyond the obvious. So, three a day is easy, but TEN a day? That might be really hard... yet even ten wouldn't come close to numbering all the blessings God has bestowed in that day.
So, I need to revamp the plan. I need a goal that forces me to really look for blessings. You know, to keep me looking beyond what is obvious.
In light of this, I have a new goal.
3,200 blessings by the end of 2006.
How awesome will it be too look back in December at a list of 3,200 blessings God has given me this year?
What I have noticed:
My original goal was to get 1050 things on this list by the end of 2006. Taking into consideration that I didn't start this blog until the third week of January, that amounts to identifying less than three blessings each day. And I have found that I can identify three blessings each day without any difficulty. In fact, at the rate I am going right now, I will reach my goal before half the year is even over.
As I have been listing my blessings for each day, I could easily be proud of myself for listing more than three things. But, what I really end up thinking is, hmmm, for all that God is doing in my life, you would think I could identify MORE! See, I know He's up to so much more. The problem is that I haven't trained myself to see beyond the obvious. So, three a day is easy, but TEN a day? That might be really hard... yet even ten wouldn't come close to numbering all the blessings God has bestowed in that day.
So, I need to revamp the plan. I need a goal that forces me to really look for blessings. You know, to keep me looking beyond what is obvious.
In light of this, I have a new goal.
3,200 blessings by the end of 2006.
How awesome will it be too look back in December at a list of 3,200 blessings God has given me this year?
Thank you Lord for:
136. Starting Bethany's scrapbook. I am so glad she is here with us.
136. Having a scrapbook for her that has gaps in the pictures. There are only three from her first nine months of her life. It's a little sad. But it's a reminder of so many things - that God was caring for her even when we weren't; that a vital part of her history has nothing to do with us; that there is a mom and dad out there who have the huge gap of losing a child and my lack of pictures is no comparison to their loss... I could go on. But I will stop there.
135. The health of my family.
134. Jonathan's willingness to share - and how that willingness has staved off many a conflict in our home.
133. Lainee's made-up songs of praise.
132. Nothing was stolen from the van when we left the door open (almost) all night.
131. Going to the library.
130. How giving the kids a bath can turn chaos into controlled fun.
129. A dishwasher.
128. Being able to eat when I am hungry.
127. Reenacting our wedding - only this time being walked down the aisle by my son, and having my older daughter as the wedding coordinator/flower girl/bridesmaid/chauffeur.
126. Jonathan wearing that silly bee hat.
136. Starting Bethany's scrapbook. I am so glad she is here with us.
136. Having a scrapbook for her that has gaps in the pictures. There are only three from her first nine months of her life. It's a little sad. But it's a reminder of so many things - that God was caring for her even when we weren't; that a vital part of her history has nothing to do with us; that there is a mom and dad out there who have the huge gap of losing a child and my lack of pictures is no comparison to their loss... I could go on. But I will stop there.
135. The health of my family.
134. Jonathan's willingness to share - and how that willingness has staved off many a conflict in our home.
133. Lainee's made-up songs of praise.
132. Nothing was stolen from the van when we left the door open (almost) all night.
131. Going to the library.
130. How giving the kids a bath can turn chaos into controlled fun.
129. A dishwasher.
128. Being able to eat when I am hungry.
127. Reenacting our wedding - only this time being walked down the aisle by my son, and having my older daughter as the wedding coordinator/flower girl/bridesmaid/chauffeur.
126. Jonathan wearing that silly bee hat.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Today God gave me:
125. Decorations in the kitchen. Supplied by my favorite four-year-old.
124. Ice cream at the local joint where one dip is like three anywhere else.
123. Story time at the library.
122. A chance to minister to someone. Go, God.
121. Bethany is comfortable in the nursery at church. Yay!
120. Hang out time with Bethany, during which we both smiled a lot.
119. Words that lifted my spirits from an online friend and a real life friend too.
118. Dinner cooked by my husband and a table set by my daughter while I napped.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Thanks to God for:
117. Strawberries.
116. Grapes on sale in the middle of the winter.
115. Finding Jonathan's lost snuggler.
114. A play date today with another mom I want to get to know, and her two kids who are L and J's ages.
113. My children all ate their dinners tonight. No major fits about not liking anything. Just eating. Especially Bethany.
112. Being alone in my own home, quilting, and listening to the CD player as it randomly played through my collections of 80's CDs. Nice.
117. Strawberries.
116. Grapes on sale in the middle of the winter.
115. Finding Jonathan's lost snuggler.
114. A play date today with another mom I want to get to know, and her two kids who are L and J's ages.
113. My children all ate their dinners tonight. No major fits about not liking anything. Just eating. Especially Bethany.
112. Being alone in my own home, quilting, and listening to the CD player as it randomly played through my collections of 80's CDs. Nice.
Monday, January 23, 2006
God has blessed me today with:
111. Good books.
110. Baby orajel.
109. Today Lainee helped with: folding clothes, sweeping, mopping, vaccuuming, dusting, and washing windows. She REALLY helped - not like just getting in the way while I did those things. She wanted to help and she did. I was impressed. And blessed.
108. The easiest dinner in the world.
107. A run-in at a store with a lady at church. She's a lady that I'd like to get to know more and perhaps ask to disciple/mentor me. She is a dear lady who loves the Lord. Just one of those people that you feel good when you are around.
111. Good books.
110. Baby orajel.
109. Today Lainee helped with: folding clothes, sweeping, mopping, vaccuuming, dusting, and washing windows. She REALLY helped - not like just getting in the way while I did those things. She wanted to help and she did. I was impressed. And blessed.
108. The easiest dinner in the world.
107. A run-in at a store with a lady at church. She's a lady that I'd like to get to know more and perhaps ask to disciple/mentor me. She is a dear lady who loves the Lord. Just one of those people that you feel good when you are around.
Thanks to God for:
106. Not being aborted.
105. A brain that can that can actually think for itself. I forget it can do this sometimes. But then I get a reminder and I get all excited about it.
104. A nap.
103. Reading on the couch at church.
102. Keeping the house clean enough that we can spontaneously invite people over for pizza.
106. Not being aborted.
105. A brain that can that can actually think for itself. I forget it can do this sometimes. But then I get a reminder and I get all excited about it.
104. A nap.
103. Reading on the couch at church.
102. Keeping the house clean enough that we can spontaneously invite people over for pizza.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Giving it up for God because of:
101. It's only been a week, and I have 101 things to be thankful for!
100. The sound of Jonathan's voice when he is excited. And he gets excited at the simplest things.
99. Lainee fed Bethany her dinner tonight. The two of them just giggled at each other the whole time. And since I'd already eaten, I relaxed!
98. Using leftovers to make a new dish for dinner, and thinking that it wasn't going to go over very well. It's gone. I actually made a meal from leftovers that was completely eaten. Go figure.
97. Paul taking the kids to the museum.
96. Seeing Lainee and Jonathan run to each other and embrace after a twenty minute separation at the mall. (J and B were with me while Paul took L with him to check out some running shoes.) It was so cute. And I think a bunch of bystanders thought so too.
95. Hearing Jonathan, when he returns from sitting out a tantrum in his room, say "Mommy, I have a new attitude!" And you can just tell by the excitement in his voice and the smile on his face, that he really does have a new attitude.
94. A really long walk with Bethany today. Just me and her. That doesn't happen much.
93. Two whole hours of peace and quiet, alone (and here's the kicker...) IN MY OWN HOUSE. Wow, it's nice not to have to be somewhere else to enjoy some alone time.
92. The smell of fresh air.
101. It's only been a week, and I have 101 things to be thankful for!
100. The sound of Jonathan's voice when he is excited. And he gets excited at the simplest things.
99. Lainee fed Bethany her dinner tonight. The two of them just giggled at each other the whole time. And since I'd already eaten, I relaxed!
98. Using leftovers to make a new dish for dinner, and thinking that it wasn't going to go over very well. It's gone. I actually made a meal from leftovers that was completely eaten. Go figure.
97. Paul taking the kids to the museum.
96. Seeing Lainee and Jonathan run to each other and embrace after a twenty minute separation at the mall. (J and B were with me while Paul took L with him to check out some running shoes.) It was so cute. And I think a bunch of bystanders thought so too.
95. Hearing Jonathan, when he returns from sitting out a tantrum in his room, say "Mommy, I have a new attitude!" And you can just tell by the excitement in his voice and the smile on his face, that he really does have a new attitude.
94. A really long walk with Bethany today. Just me and her. That doesn't happen much.
93. Two whole hours of peace and quiet, alone (and here's the kicker...) IN MY OWN HOUSE. Wow, it's nice not to have to be somewhere else to enjoy some alone time.
92. The smell of fresh air.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Thank you, Lord, for:
91. Bethany is drinking milk. Buh-bye ridiculously overpriced formula!
90. Sometimes I say stuff that doesn't come out like I mean it. People don't always like how it sounds. I am so glad that God forgives me for that stuff and reminds me to THINK before I speak. (Too bad I don't always hear it!)
89. The C family's new baby.
88. M and J getting engaged.
87. My Sunday School class.
86. Lemon scented Lysol.
85. Saturday mornings and This Old House.
84. Toast. Well, two pieces of toast. Both with butter. One with strawberry jam.
83. The long nap that B and J took while I finished the MOPS article.
82. Clean bedrooms. Well, clean bedroom. Well, mostly clean bedroom. But thanks. I like how a mostly clean bedroom feels.
91. Bethany is drinking milk. Buh-bye ridiculously overpriced formula!
90. Sometimes I say stuff that doesn't come out like I mean it. People don't always like how it sounds. I am so glad that God forgives me for that stuff and reminds me to THINK before I speak. (Too bad I don't always hear it!)
89. The C family's new baby.
88. M and J getting engaged.
87. My Sunday School class.
86. Lemon scented Lysol.
85. Saturday mornings and This Old House.
84. Toast. Well, two pieces of toast. Both with butter. One with strawberry jam.
83. The long nap that B and J took while I finished the MOPS article.
82. Clean bedrooms. Well, clean bedroom. Well, mostly clean bedroom. But thanks. I like how a mostly clean bedroom feels.
The Lord is good to me. I knew when I started this that he would test me to see if I could still say that despite yucky situations. He is teaching me so much. I love Jesus.
81. This scripture:
Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world, and delighting in mankind. -Proverbs 8:30,31
So cool how being in his presence makes all the difference. I delight in things with him that I would never delight in alone.
80. This clip of Strongbad. I have no idea what this is, but I laughed out loud. The Poopsmith is also quite funny. Thanks for sharing it, Addie!
79. Sweet friends.
78. God tests me in the areas where I need it. And it is always for my good.
77. Finally seeing that it is for my good, and maybe passing some of those tests.
81. This scripture:
Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world, and delighting in mankind. -Proverbs 8:30,31
So cool how being in his presence makes all the difference. I delight in things with him that I would never delight in alone.
80. This clip of Strongbad. I have no idea what this is, but I laughed out loud. The Poopsmith is also quite funny. Thanks for sharing it, Addie!
79. Sweet friends.
78. God tests me in the areas where I need it. And it is always for my good.
77. Finally seeing that it is for my good, and maybe passing some of those tests.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Praise goes to God for:
76. Rollin' with my homies. I love that saying. I never have opportunity to use it, but I think it would be fun if I could.
75. Jonathan's dance moves. He named one the "wiggly diggly." It's hilarious...
74. Points on credit cards. Free stuff - yay!
73. Green tea. (Do I put too much food on this list? What does this say about me?)
72. Personalities. Each of my kids has their own. I was watching my kids walk ahead of me this evening as we left the mall. I was about to get frustrated with something. But then I looked over and saw my son, who was apparently trying to see how many parts of his body he could wiggle at the same time. He was oblivious to everything else going on around him, just wiggling away. Cute.
71. Elevators, and escalators. I love it that we can still take our kids to the mall, pay $1.50 to ride the carousel, then ride elevators and escalators the rest of the time... and they still act like they are at some great amusement park or something.
70. Our kids' pediatrician. They guy rocks like cooling magma. I swear, I never leave that place without thinking how blessed we are to have such a great doctor for our kids.... and for me too. (You know how the pediatrician has the power to get you totally freaked out, or to make you feel calm and reassured. He does calm and reassured EVERY TIME!)
69. The nurses at the ped's office. One, in particular, who remembered out Christmas card and commented about that today. Once, after not seeing me for several months, she told me she liked my haircut. How do they remember so many people like that?
68. Hanging out with the family today. Game night is fun, but then anything where you get to act like a kid is usually fun.
76. Rollin' with my homies. I love that saying. I never have opportunity to use it, but I think it would be fun if I could.
75. Jonathan's dance moves. He named one the "wiggly diggly." It's hilarious...
74. Points on credit cards. Free stuff - yay!
73. Green tea. (Do I put too much food on this list? What does this say about me?)
72. Personalities. Each of my kids has their own. I was watching my kids walk ahead of me this evening as we left the mall. I was about to get frustrated with something. But then I looked over and saw my son, who was apparently trying to see how many parts of his body he could wiggle at the same time. He was oblivious to everything else going on around him, just wiggling away. Cute.
71. Elevators, and escalators. I love it that we can still take our kids to the mall, pay $1.50 to ride the carousel, then ride elevators and escalators the rest of the time... and they still act like they are at some great amusement park or something.
70. Our kids' pediatrician. They guy rocks like cooling magma. I swear, I never leave that place without thinking how blessed we are to have such a great doctor for our kids.... and for me too. (You know how the pediatrician has the power to get you totally freaked out, or to make you feel calm and reassured. He does calm and reassured EVERY TIME!)
69. The nurses at the ped's office. One, in particular, who remembered out Christmas card and commented about that today. Once, after not seeing me for several months, she told me she liked my haircut. How do they remember so many people like that?
68. Hanging out with the family today. Game night is fun, but then anything where you get to act like a kid is usually fun.
Thanking God for:
67. God wants to be with me. That amazes me. And it makes me smile.
65. Bethany is on a schedule. She can put herself to sleep at nap time and bed time. She eats great. She sleeps through the night. Life is so much more manageable when the baby is on a schedule.
64. Our van. And not having to buy our van.
63. Swiffer cleaning cloths.
62. Online friends. Sometimes wish I could meet them in person.
61. A gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure, and massage. I get to go with my MIL and SILs. I can't wait.
60. Getting along with my MIL and SILs!
59. How comforting it is to run my toes between the wrinkles in the sheets. So, so relaxing. Mmmmm.
58. Child care during the winter Bible study.
57. God teaches me about myself and it just makes me more and more okay with being me.
56. God's got my back. Being in his will means I don't have to defend myself, seek retribution... none of that. So cool.
55. quilting.
67. God wants to be with me. That amazes me. And it makes me smile.
65. Bethany is on a schedule. She can put herself to sleep at nap time and bed time. She eats great. She sleeps through the night. Life is so much more manageable when the baby is on a schedule.
64. Our van. And not having to buy our van.
63. Swiffer cleaning cloths.
62. Online friends. Sometimes wish I could meet them in person.
61. A gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure, and massage. I get to go with my MIL and SILs. I can't wait.
60. Getting along with my MIL and SILs!
59. How comforting it is to run my toes between the wrinkles in the sheets. So, so relaxing. Mmmmm.
58. Child care during the winter Bible study.
57. God teaches me about myself and it just makes me more and more okay with being me.
56. God's got my back. Being in his will means I don't have to defend myself, seek retribution... none of that. So cool.
55. quilting.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
More thanks for:
54. Bethany's birthparents.
53. My laundry sorter is almost empty. WhAAAAAT?
52. Tim Horton's chocolate Danish.
51. Seeing another episode of American Idol. Hilarious. Abso-stinking-lutely hilarious.
50. Snow.
49. A husband who says, "you never talk to me. I want to know what is going on with you." How's that for your not-so-typical male?
54. Bethany's birthparents.
53. My laundry sorter is almost empty. WhAAAAAT?
52. Tim Horton's chocolate Danish.
51. Seeing another episode of American Idol. Hilarious. Abso-stinking-lutely hilarious.
50. Snow.
49. A husband who says, "you never talk to me. I want to know what is going on with you." How's that for your not-so-typical male?
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Smiling at God for:
48. A two hour nap. It was an accident. But it sure felt good.
47. Three new moms to have a play date with next week... two of them that I've been wanting to get to know better. God is good!
46. A genuine offer of help with "whatever" from a lady at church... She might not know what she's in for, but I'm psyched.
45. Helen. I need to call her... I love Helen.
44. Writing.
43. Two kids who can dress themselves. Wow, that's a nice thing.
42. Bethany rolled over. BETHANY ROLLED OVER. BETHANY ROLLED OVER!!!
41. MOPS.
48. A two hour nap. It was an accident. But it sure felt good.
47. Three new moms to have a play date with next week... two of them that I've been wanting to get to know better. God is good!
46. A genuine offer of help with "whatever" from a lady at church... She might not know what she's in for, but I'm psyched.
45. Helen. I need to call her... I love Helen.
44. Writing.
43. Two kids who can dress themselves. Wow, that's a nice thing.
42. Bethany rolled over. BETHANY ROLLED OVER. BETHANY ROLLED OVER!!!
41. MOPS.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Thank you God, for:
40. The digital timer I just bought. The kids will do just about anything, if that timer is involved. LOL!
39. Giggling with Lainee this morning.
38. Dishwashers.
37. No one eating the soup I made for last night's church fellowship - made tonight's dinner mighty easy to prepare.
36. Paul gets the day off.
35. A digital camera.
34. 80's music.
33. 4 loads of clean, dry, folded, and put away laundry... all in ONE DAY!
32. The Bible.
31. Health insurance.
30. Salad.
29. More beautiful weather. Windows open into the evening. NICE!
40. The digital timer I just bought. The kids will do just about anything, if that timer is involved. LOL!
39. Giggling with Lainee this morning.
38. Dishwashers.
37. No one eating the soup I made for last night's church fellowship - made tonight's dinner mighty easy to prepare.
36. Paul gets the day off.
35. A digital camera.
34. 80's music.
33. 4 loads of clean, dry, folded, and put away laundry... all in ONE DAY!
32. The Bible.
31. Health insurance.
30. Salad.
29. More beautiful weather. Windows open into the evening. NICE!
Thank you, God, for:
28. Hershey's peanut butter cup ice cream: chocolate ice cream with loads of peanut butter. (And people doubt that there is a God?)
27. Lainee has decided she wants to live in the empty house across the street when she grows up/gets married. She actually go upset a few days ago when she thought someone was moving in! (Just to clarify, I am not thankful she was upset, just that she loves us like a kid should love her parents.)
26. Snuggling with my boy while we played with a fake bug. MmmMMMMMM!
25. Game night with the kids. Passing a balloon around is fun for a kid. But doing it with your entire family is truly exciting for them. I love family time. I love my family!
24. Making things! Oh, how I love to make things!
23. I'm not who I was ten years ago. Wait, I'm not who I was 2 years ago. Go, God!
22. When stinky situations in my life turn into ministry whereby I can offer encouragement to someone else. That happened last week, and I love it that God makes yuck turn into good.
21. Hot (I mean HOT) showers.
20. Seeing Lainee at the beginning of reading. What in the world? Who taught her that?
19. Seeing Bethany's five-tooth grin. She flashes it on purpose and it is so much fun to see her do it!
18. Watching Bethany scoot herself around the house.
17. Snuggling with Bethany on the couch in the middle of the night when she woke up.
16. Bethany falling asleep on my shoulder. It's taken us a long time to get to that point... but she does it now and I LOVE it.
15. I had salmon yesterday for the first time in a long time. So good.
14. I was introduced to mashed cauliflower. See how he provides! He knows I am trying to get my whole family to eat better.
13. My pastor has been at our church for a year! Makes that year and a half we were without one seem so distant...
12. Paul
11. The Flylady! Ahh, I feel much more peaceful in my home, and it hasn't even been two weeks. I love it!
10. Feeling peaceful in my home.
9. Jonathan concocted this cute hat today. Seeing him in it made me smile.
8. Last week, when I tried to get Bethany's portrait done (4 separate times) only to have her scream and cry the minute I sat her in front of the camera. The extra long trip to the mall (without proper provisions) meant I had to give her tiny pieces of chicken nuggets for lunch. Who knew a kid without molars could eat chicken nuggets? Since then, dinner has been so much easier when it comes to preparing her food. Yahooooooo!
7. The coupons for a free kid's meal that the photographer gave each of my kids when we left, sans portraits.
6. Memorizing the Sermon on the Mount with Heather. Good stuff!
5. No major illnesses in my kids so far this winter. (Yes, I hesitated posting this, but it is something I am thankful for.)
4. It was so warm last Thursday (?) I was able to open the windows in the house. In October, in Ohio? Edit 1/18: That's January, not October. Aye, aye, aye.
3. Approval Addiction by Joyce Meyer. Someone sort of hinted that she is a little kooky. I don't know a thing about her, actually. But the book is a refreshing read for someone like me.
2. Thinking about atoms. I so love this. And I love that I love this.
1. A warm house to come home to.
28. Hershey's peanut butter cup ice cream: chocolate ice cream with loads of peanut butter. (And people doubt that there is a God?)
27. Lainee has decided she wants to live in the empty house across the street when she grows up/gets married. She actually go upset a few days ago when she thought someone was moving in! (Just to clarify, I am not thankful she was upset, just that she loves us like a kid should love her parents.)
26. Snuggling with my boy while we played with a fake bug. MmmMMMMMM!
25. Game night with the kids. Passing a balloon around is fun for a kid. But doing it with your entire family is truly exciting for them. I love family time. I love my family!
24. Making things! Oh, how I love to make things!
23. I'm not who I was ten years ago. Wait, I'm not who I was 2 years ago. Go, God!
22. When stinky situations in my life turn into ministry whereby I can offer encouragement to someone else. That happened last week, and I love it that God makes yuck turn into good.
21. Hot (I mean HOT) showers.
20. Seeing Lainee at the beginning of reading. What in the world? Who taught her that?
19. Seeing Bethany's five-tooth grin. She flashes it on purpose and it is so much fun to see her do it!
18. Watching Bethany scoot herself around the house.
17. Snuggling with Bethany on the couch in the middle of the night when she woke up.
16. Bethany falling asleep on my shoulder. It's taken us a long time to get to that point... but she does it now and I LOVE it.
15. I had salmon yesterday for the first time in a long time. So good.
14. I was introduced to mashed cauliflower. See how he provides! He knows I am trying to get my whole family to eat better.
13. My pastor has been at our church for a year! Makes that year and a half we were without one seem so distant...
12. Paul
11. The Flylady! Ahh, I feel much more peaceful in my home, and it hasn't even been two weeks. I love it!
10. Feeling peaceful in my home.
9. Jonathan concocted this cute hat today. Seeing him in it made me smile.
8. Last week, when I tried to get Bethany's portrait done (4 separate times) only to have her scream and cry the minute I sat her in front of the camera. The extra long trip to the mall (without proper provisions) meant I had to give her tiny pieces of chicken nuggets for lunch. Who knew a kid without molars could eat chicken nuggets? Since then, dinner has been so much easier when it comes to preparing her food. Yahooooooo!
7. The coupons for a free kid's meal that the photographer gave each of my kids when we left, sans portraits.
6. Memorizing the Sermon on the Mount with Heather. Good stuff!
5. No major illnesses in my kids so far this winter. (Yes, I hesitated posting this, but it is something I am thankful for.)
4. It was so warm last Thursday (?) I was able to open the windows in the house. In October, in Ohio? Edit 1/18: That's January, not October. Aye, aye, aye.
3. Approval Addiction by Joyce Meyer. Someone sort of hinted that she is a little kooky. I don't know a thing about her, actually. But the book is a refreshing read for someone like me.
2. Thinking about atoms. I so love this. And I love that I love this.
1. A warm house to come home to.
The Rationale
It's pretty simple. I'm counting my blessings.
Here are a few questions you might be asking:
Why are you counting your blessings?
1. because the Bible tells us to be thankful (Colossians 3:15)
2. because writing down blessings is a great way of reminding myself that God is working in my life. Perspective. It's all about perspective, right?
3. because I want to know what God desires for me, and I don't figure I'll be able to discern that if I don't become proficient at identifying what he is doing in my life.
4. this gives God (a small portion of) the glory he deserves for his work in my life.
What do you consider a blessing?
Anything that I can see is being used by God to pour his grace into my life or the lives of others.
Do you have any specific goals in mind?
Indeed. To glorify God. (See #4 above.) In terms of numbers, I'd like to have 1050 blessings listed by the end of 2006. That's not even three a day. That's not even scratching the surface of what He's up to, so it should be doable. (This goal was redefined. Click here to read about it.)
Thanks for reading.
Here are a few questions you might be asking:
Why are you counting your blessings?
1. because the Bible tells us to be thankful (Colossians 3:15)
2. because writing down blessings is a great way of reminding myself that God is working in my life. Perspective. It's all about perspective, right?
3. because I want to know what God desires for me, and I don't figure I'll be able to discern that if I don't become proficient at identifying what he is doing in my life.
4. this gives God (a small portion of) the glory he deserves for his work in my life.
What do you consider a blessing?
Anything that I can see is being used by God to pour his grace into my life or the lives of others.
Do you have any specific goals in mind?
Indeed. To glorify God. (See #4 above.) In terms of numbers, I'd like to have 1050 blessings listed by the end of 2006. That's not even three a day. That's not even scratching the surface of what He's up to, so it should be doable. (This goal was redefined. Click here to read about it.)
Thanks for reading.
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