802. Looking to the future.

801. Being in a group where it is okay to criticize, and everyone does it constructively.

800. Party theme packages from Oriental Trading...

799. And free shipping.

798. Lainee's excitement over her first "kid" birthday party tomorrow.

797. An hour by myself tonight that I did not expect, during which I was able to complete my Bible study lesson...

796. And get a little more cleaning up done.

795. Paul was home today and I was lazy because I had a headache. He cleaned the living room and the family room in preparation for tomorrow's party.

794. Not feeling like I have to be crazy about cleaning EVERYTHING for this party.

793. Cake, ice cream, and chocolate covered strawberries. No cooking a meal for a large group.

792. From Isaiah 61:
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.

791. The light show God put on this evening when the storm came through.

790. A great meal tonight at my pastor's house.

789. Getting to know some church members better.

788. All of my clean clothes are put away.

787. Getting rid of some stuff this morning... declutter, DECLUTTER!

786. Watching Bethany get all excited when the wind blows in her face.

785. Watching Bethany crawl, and get better at it every day.

784. The strawberry pie for dessert tonight was great, but the coffee with it just made it perfect.

783. My MIL's Bells Palsy is slowly going away.

782. Scripture is speaking to me.

781. I have a taste of what God can do with my life, and I really REALLY like it.

780. I am getting excited about reading God's word again.

779. I got to hear Jim Wallis speak on Tuesday night at OSU. It was great.

778. I got to go to Jim Wallis with Helen.

777. Helen.

776. The other night I was helping Jonathan fall asleep. I pulled a trick out of my bag that I hadn't tried on him yet. I lightly ran my finger over his eyebrows and down his nose. Worked like a charm.

775. Remembering when my dad did that trick with me. I loved that.

774. And I loved when he would "tickle" my back to help me fall asleep too.

773. Getting someone last minute to watch the kids so I could go to a visitation this evening. (Paul was at a track meet.)

772. Bethany lost one of her snugglers a while back. I want to replace it and I found the exact material to match the old one.

771. Blue skies.

770. Warm weather.

769. Open windows.

768. Paul is staying home tomorrow.

767. Mrs. Q from down the street called up twice this week to ask if she could take the kids for a walk. Very sweet.

766. Now that she is almost over a pretty yucky cold, Bethany has been eating a lot better lately.

765. The AMVETS pickup.

764. Giggling with the kids tonight.

763. Schlotzky's.

762. Twice this week when I was under the teaching of two different people, this passage was quoted from Isaiah 58
6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness [a] will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.

11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.

12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

13 "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the LORD's holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,

14 then you will find your joy in the LORD,
and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land
and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob."
The mouth of the LORD has spoken.

That's good stuff.

761. Ezekiel 18:31 - Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel?

760. My sink is still clean.

759. I walked with Bethany around the block last night right before her bedtime. She eventually snuggled into my shoulder and fell asleep.

758. This morning she woke up kinda early and she went back to sleep snuggled close to me in my bed.

757. The kids played outside today.

756. The laundry hanger mounted on the wall over my dryer.

755. The breakfast cereal that I really like, but rarely buy because it is so expensive, was on sale this week.

754. A Curious George themed gift for Jonathan's birthday (belatedly) from my sister.

753. Two cute summer outfits for Bethany from my sister. Same scenario.

752. I was watching Bethany and Jonathan play with each other a few nights ago. They kept making each other laugh. I don't think they were doing anything other than making really demonstrative movements in front of each other.

751. Lainee needs to give Bethany a hug and a kiss every night before bed.

750. Clearning out the flower beds today.

749. Lainee cheerfully helping with the flower beds.

748. Lainee sweeping the back porch.

747. Being inspired by the life of a person I met only once and never got to know before she passed away.

746. A very kind e-mail.

745. Kind words from lots of people on my last post on my other blog.

744. Being an encouragement to someone.

743. God takes junk and makes it beautiful.

742. I got to a pretty intense part of my Bible study lesson today, but the kids kept interrupting. So, I prayed that they wouldn't interrupt until I got done, and they didn't.

734 - 741. Over the past week or so, Bethany has done ALL of the following, most of them several times, and almost all of them for the first time:
- cuddling, not just for a second, but long
- holding onto me when I am holding her - literally attaching
- looks at me when I call
- looks at me, in my eyes, for longer and longer periods of time
- lays on the floor completely still while I am rubbing her back
- plays with my hair
- pats my back just like I pat hers
- does not like to be away from me

733. Free coffee at McDonald's

732. Dinner at the Ladies Night Out at church last Friday was very pleasant. A nice time to relax, eat some good food and hear some good teaching.

731. There were several men who did nursery, kitchen, and sound booth duty so the ladies could enjoy the evening.

730. I had to get my article done for the MOPS newsletter on Sunday night, but I was drawing a complete blank. I prayed. God brought to mind a great illustration and I wrote the article in about a half hour. Go God!

729. The last few days of walking with God through the daily "grind" have been very encouraging for me. He has shown himself to be faithful... again.

728. The kids helped get the living room cleaned up this evening without too much fuss. With everyone helping, it went so quickly.

727. Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you. -Hosea 10:12

726. Being reminded to keep my mouth shut. Thank you, Lord.

725. Bethany slept all the way through the night last night. First time in a week or more.

724. Playing with Bethany in the morning before the other two get up.

723. Snuggling my boy in his bed tonight.

722. Lainee gets upset when I don't hold her. Tonight she said, "I never get to sit with you." Not such a blessing for her. But it's a blessing for me to be reminded that she needs attention too. It's too easy to overlook her when she is the "big girl" who can "take care of herself."

721. Does anyone else think sippy cups are a blessing?

720. Ami says I can use her power point program for my talk in May. This is good, because I don't have power point at home.

719. Why I thought to look for the eggs when I was loading groceries in the car today, I have no idea. But I looked for them. That is how I realized that we left them in the store. So, God was just helping me out today, knowing that I would have been put out if I'd figured it out after I got home.

718. My sweet baby crawled today. I love that little gal.

717. Bible study has been such an encouragment to me.

716. Homemade brownies.

715. The gravy I made for the roast actually came out good tonight. Which is to say that I liked it. I guess it usually comes out okay, because Paul says so. But I liked it this time, which is a first. Oddly enough, Paul wasn't home for dinner tonight.

714. Good uses of gift cards on a really great sale.

713. Made a bag for Lainee today that she has been hounding me to do for a few weeks. Nice to do something "constructive" again.

712. Making people laugh.

711. A haircut for Lainee with the other two in tow... and no major incidents due to boredom from the 40 minute wait.

710. Today Bethany was riding her little "bike" around the kitchen while I sat on the floor. She would roll (walk, actually, but she didn't know any better) as far at the dishwasher, bumping into it with a big THUD. Then she'd roll herself backward and bump into me! Then she would reach for me and I would have to hold her a moment and hug on her. Then she'd reach for the bike again, and start the whole thing over. That was a big deal to me, attachment-wise, but also because she was just so cute.

709. Low effort dinner prep tonight.

708. The bill for the car repair was $60 less than the estimate. I am glad for this, because the bill was STINKING big!

707. Isaiah 55. I read it again today and, AGAIN, I was blessed by it. I should commit that chapter to memory.

706. Seeing light at the end of the tunnel of depression.

705. I finished another book. Still on track to read 12 books this year. (I know, try not to hyperventilate.)

704. The families that were in China with us when we adopted.

703. Bethany did a pseudo crawl today. With her arms, it was all crawl. With her legs, it was more like scooting them both forward at the same time. No matter. Progress is progress.

702. I let go of Bethany's hands while she was standing this afternoon... and she stood there for about 4 seconds with that priceless look or terror mixed with excitement, as if to say "uh, look what I'm doing!"

701. It's spring.

700. It snowed yesterday. No, it is not a contradiction to think this and the last one are both blessings.

699. Paul got to stay home from school for a snow day yesterday. We all went out to play in the snow for a while.

698. Pink grapefruit.

697. Cabbage. Raw cabbage. Seriously.

696. Intercessory prayer.

695. Getting a taste for what it is like to be satisfied with God.

694. This morning Bethany played quietly for an extended period and I was able to get some work done.

693. Baby gas relief drops.

692. I found this thing called Choxie at Target last night. Thought I'd try the Dark chocolate espresso truffle bar. Um. It was mighty tasty.

691. Isaiah 57:15 - " 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.' "

690. Baptisms at church this weekend.

689. God's provision. We have so much more than we need.

688. A shopping trip with my two youngest kids that went just fine. Even a little fun. Wow!

687. It just worked out that I had stuff ready to make for dinner tonight, even though it is Monday and we hardly ever have much left on Mondays.

686. Chocolate ice cream in a frozen glass with milk on top.

685. Watching Jonathan last night as I read him a brand new story. You could just see his emotions on his face as we read through it.

684. My boy's sensitive heart.

683. Today around lunch time, Lainee said, "I've had a good attitude today, haven't I mom?"

682. The authority of Jesus coupled with his unwillingness to shame us; that he finds me even when I don't want to be found.

681. We're supposed to get a big snow storm tonight, and I have a warm house to live in.

680. Half price toiletries at the store just when we were collecting toiletries for the homeless at church.

679. Playing with the soccer ball this morning with Bethany.

678. The clean garage, and being able to let the kids play in it even when it is too cold to play outside.

677. Today I wore my favorite pants, my favorite shirt, one of my favorite pairs of socks, and a new pair of underwear. Is that too much information? All I can say is that I was comfortable.

676. Warm blankets

675. Cafe Istanbul with my husband. Sigara borek, lentil soup, ezme, and (for me) chicken adana kebab. All very yummy. This was all followed by a FREE serving of baklava, placed on our table by our server with an apology that we had to wait so long for our dinners. We'd hardly noticed. We were talking without interruption. Who would have complained about that?

674. John and Mary Lou, who watched our rambunctious children while we went out. John is too funny, the way he plays with them and gets them all riled up... and he is so patient to take their blood pressure with that wrist cuff they have - over, and over, and over again - as if every time they do it, it is just as interesting to him as the last.

673. After eating out, Paul took me to Barnes and Noble to buy me a CD... with HIS birthday money!

672. The kitchen floor. And how much it reminds me that things like kitchen floors really don't matter.

671. A long nap this afternoon.

670. NCAA basketball tournament. I don't know why I enjoy watching the games, but I always do. Anybody remember when people said "Gonzaga, what in the world is Gonzaga?" Just a matter of time before they win the whole thing, don't you think?(UCONN was the "Cinderella" team back when I was in high school, and look where they are now.)

669. Paul and Lainee cleaned up the garage today. Maybe now we can start putting the van in there again!

668. Dreaming about the future.

667. Flowers are popping out of the ground in front of the house. Spring is coming!

666. After I wrote out all of the invitations for Lainee's birthday party, I thought, I probably should have made the party an hour earlier. Why didn't I do that? Then I got word that I have a church committee meeting on that same morning, and I wouldn't have been able to do both if I'd scheduled the party any earlier. God worked that out, didn't he?

665. This house and the people in it. Everyone (but me) sleeping peacefully, comfortably.

664. Library book fines are only $0.05 per day.

663. Oxi Brite, which is the generic equivalent of Oxi Clean.

662. Catching a little nap on the couch this morning with Bethany sleeping on my chest. (We were both recovering from her early awakening this morning.)

661. I did not completely lose it today when I found the remains of Lainee and Jonathan's cooking class in the kitchen... all over a chair and the floor.

660. A free video rental.

659. The playdate at A's mom's house. The kids and I really had a good time. And her mom made some really good chicken and noodles for lunch.

658. Lainee stayed behind at A's mom's house and I took Bethany and Jonathan home for their naps. I was able to nap too before Lainee was dropped off.

657. And I got to snuggle with my boy for his nap.

656. Black bean salad and tortilla chips.

654. Bethany is so cute when she plays in the bath. She has started to put her open mouth under the running water. Then she pulls her head away really fast and she smiles.

653. Oh my gosh, I have been home for two hours and I just noticed that my husband picked up all the kids' junk off the kitchen floor and swept it. And this would've been AFTER the childish thing I did, but before I apologized for it (see #641.)

652. I have been SO needing to mop the floor, and thinking how convenient it would be to do it before bed. But I never do it because I can't manage to ever get all the kids' stuff off the floor! I am mopping, baby!

651. Uh, yikes. Being excited about mopping is DEFINITELY a blessing!

650. Little Bethy-boo, as I like to call her, is making like she just might figure out the crawling thing. I'll keep you posted. Which is to say, I'll post it here, even though "you" don't really read this.

649. Two little helper kids when we left for Bible study this morning. Lainee ASKED if she could carry my Bible and study book for me. Jonathan was happy to carry the diaper bag.

648. New underwear.

647. Those little sausage rolls that Jill made for Bible study this morning were tasty, tasty, tasty.

646. I called the Social Security Office today and spoke to a supervisor. He basically apologized, but said that really the only thing left to do was wait for Bethany's card. I am glad that I don't have to wonder if there is anything else to do, and I don't have to make any more calls or trips either.

645. Today God used my "story" about when Paul lost his job as a means of encouraging some other women whose husbands have been locked out at work.

644. Today while I was in bed trying to squeeze in a little cat nap, Lainee came in whispering "Mom! I brought this in case you needed it." It was the cup of tea that I'd left in the kitchen.

643. A few minutes later, Lainee AND Jonathan came in with half of a peanut butter sandwich and a piece of string cheese on a cookie sheet. "We have a surprise," they announced. They made lunch for me.

642. And a few minutes after that Lainee came back in with a glass of water for me. "In case you want some," she said. So, I didn't get much of a nap, but can I really complain?

(642a. To top it all off, I was on Paul's side of the bed when they came in. So whatever crumbs I left behind from my sandwich won't be sneaking up MY shirt tonight!)

641. I do extremely childish things sometimes. Tonight was one of those occasions. After doing so, my husband helped me make a salad for tomorrow, then gave me a massage. The man is either a lunatic or just extremely kind.

640. Sleep.

639. Sometimes I read a new blog just to see what people are saying... especially if it's a blog that I keep finding on others' blogrolls. But tonight while I was reading, I was impressed with how God offers freedom from slavery to pettiness and self concern. I'm not saying that I always partake of that freedom, but I was just reminded of it tonight and what a blessing it has been when I do.

638. Genesis 11:4 taking on new meaning for me. Beginning to see that some of the things I do are more about "making a name for myself" than about submitting to God.

637. Three loads of laundry done today. I like how easy it has seemed lately, to keep "processing" the laundry. It makes getting the four of us dressed each day so much easier.

636. God is teaching me about the things that keep me from fully knowing him and experiencing what he has for me. In the process, he is helping me to see that He has given me worth. I often don't believe that is true of me.

635. Story time at the hometown library was nice.

634. I really REALLY liked dinner tonight. I was the only one who felt this way. But boy was it tasty.

633. God is with me all the time. Does this blow anyone else's mind?

632. I really needed that nap I took today.

631. The spiritual conversation that always seems to occur on scrapbooking nights amazes me. And blesses me too.

630. "But now, this is what the LORD says - 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.' " (Isaiah 43:1,2)

629. "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

628. Christ "satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" Psalm 103:4 (Come, Lord, renew my youth! Renew! RENEW!)

627. "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." Isaiah 55:2

Lord Jesus,
Your Word is a firm foundation. I don't know why I neglect it so much. But it steadies me every time. I know you were with me today. I didn't always think of you when I needed to, but I know you were there. And even though the day is just about over, I am giving it to you. You know why. Mud. Tantrums. Clinginess. Demands. Thwarted attempts to accomplish something... anything. Hey, at least we got dinner on the table! Thank you for being there. And thank you for being here now. Thank you for sitting with me and not telling me all the things I did wrong today. I already know. I shouldn't have yelled. I should have been more decisive. I should have paid more attention, spent more time. Thanks for not saying those things to me. Thanks for just telling me "I love you, and I will help you tomorrow." And thank you that tomorrow, you'll say the same thing. And thank you for every tomorrow that you'll tell me that. I am relieved to know that you are able to draw my children to you, despite me. You use them to teach me "less of me." And even though I buck you on that, I want to say thanks for that too. And thanks again for the gentleness and the listening ear, and the encouragement (especially tonight) - because sometimes that lesson hurts. Thank you for not being bothered or exhausted by my neediness. It exhausts me to have three people need me, I don't know how you do it. And I cannot fathom why you designed it that way. But thank you. Because I do need you - even when I don't act like it. I'm sorry that I tried to do this day in my own strength. Worked our real well, didn't it? I'm sorry for how that affects my kids. But mostly I am sorry that that keeps me from you. How sweet you are to smile at me instead of point your finger when I come skulking back in defeat. Thank you for being patient with me while I learn (and re-learn.) Thank you for Sunday and the encouragement you gave me during Sunday school. And for reminding me that prayer changes things. Thanks for your Word. And for your Words to me.

Psalm 62
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down - this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.

Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: That you, O God, are strong,

and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.

Amen.

(I think that counts as twenty.)

606. Listening to Jonathan talk. He said something I didn't understand this evening. When I asked him to repeat it, he was already busy chugging on his sippy cup. He took a few more swallows, held up his finger, took a deep breath and said, "wait, I'm drinking." When he was finished drinking, he repeated his request.

605. The other night, the boy came up to me and said, "I want to watch the Weewimpics. (Olympics.)" Pointing to me, he said, "You wike the weewimpics, and daddy wikes the weewimpics (Pointing in the direction of his dad,) so I wike the weewimpics too! (pointing to himself.)

604. And my favorite is when he tries to use the word "myself," but does it wrong. Like "Mommy you need to give that to myself."

603. My headache is gone.

602. Reading "The Baby Bee Bee Bird" with my kids.

601. After waking up and screaming for about 20 minutes, I managed to get Bethany calmed down, asleep, and back in her bed.

600. The cotton balls that "someone" flushed down the toilet did not cause a clog.

599. Jonathan "softed" my back today... which means he gave me a "massage."

598. Lainee brushed my hair today.

597. My two older kids walked on my back today. Felt really good, and they enjoyed climbing on me. (They did all this pretending to take care of me. I did it because I was exhausted, and I couldn't lay down because neither of our nappers would take their naps.)

596. When nappers don't take naps, they are so easy to put to bed at night.

595. Bethany was not hurt when she fell over in the tub tonight. Thankfully, I was right there to catch her.

594. That sea otter at the museum was really cute.

593. The Boy Scouts left the plastic bags on doors today so people can leave them out with food in them next week. I love to do that, because it is so easy, and it reminds me how blessed we are to have cabinets FULL of food... now if I can only remember to set it out on Saturday and not forget (for the third year in a row!)

592. Getting rid of stuff I don't use.

591. The stain came out of my sweater.

590. Everything God does for me is for my good. I think I forget that sometimes. But even being disciplined is for my good.

589. I have much to learn about patience and pride, and God is allowing situations so that I will do that learning.

588. I did a puzzle all by myself, without anyone around to interrupt me. Aaaahh, relaxing.

587. All my kids are clean.

586. A very short wait at the Social Security office on Friday.

585. Bethany's Social Security application is being translated.

584. Antivirus software.

583. Learning to get over stuff.

582. Pancakes for breakfast.

581. Waffles - night time snack.

580. A long trip to the museum that everyone seemed to enjoy... including me (even though I wasn't looking forward to it when we left.)

579. Everyone happily eating lunch together at the museum.

578. Ice cream on the way home.

577. God answering prayers - reminding me about being gentle with my kids and speaking to them the way I'd want to be spoken to. I'm still learning here, but He's reminding me.

576. The patience God gives me.

575. The baby child is happy. She is starting to initiate play with me. Good sign. Very good sign.

574. The ladies that volunteer to watch the kids during Bible study are a definite blessing. It means so much to me that I can leave my kids in trustworthy hands and be able to focus on the discussion time. These ladies are wonderful. They don't get paid, either. Such a blessing.

573. Warm weather. Rainy and warm. I like rain, particularly when it is warm. Among other pleasantness that comes with rain, it always makes me think of Isaiah 55.

572. Ami agreed to take the kids again tomorrow while I go to the Social Security office to try to get to the bottom of "The Case of the Unprocessed Application."

571. Bethany purposely repeated an action today after I praised her for doing it the first time. It was obvious she liked the praise and wanted to get the same reaction from me. This is a sign of attachment. It was also cute how she tried to say "yay" like I did.

570. The boy asked me to hold him tonight, then put his head on my shoulder and cuddled.

569. A new recipe for pork loin in the crock pot. It was so tender, I couldn't believe it.

568. Sitting on the floor with my whole family in the family room after dinner. Well, Bethany and I were sitting, the others were wrestling.

567. I laughed out loud tonight at the look on Jonathan's face when he was trying to say "Deal or No Deal," but couldn't get it out and just looked at me and said, "what is it called?"

566. Bible study. Learning. Slowly, but learning.

565. Today at Bible study, Shannon handed me a brand new straightener for my hair. She had is "around the house" and never used it. So, after a conversation in which I told her that I can't do my hair the way I want without a straightener, but refuse to buy one (since I only do my hair once a week,) she decided to give me the one she had.

564. Staying up after everyone goes to bed and reading in a quiet house.

563. Warm, comfortable bed.

562. Okay, I am having a hard time thinking of 10 blessings today. Is it a blessing that I am looking forward to a date with my husband in a week and a half? (I started my list at the bottom, which means the ones at the top are the ones I really, really had to think about.)

561. Diapers were on sale this week.

560. Great story time at the library today. Three books, interrupted by a "movement" activity. A SHORT puppet show, and a SHORT movie (I get impatient if the puppet show or the movie is too long.) An easy craft. When it was all over, three happy kids and one satisfied mom.

559. The scrunchie that "someone" flushed down the toilet today didn't cause enough of a clog to have to call the plumber. I just used the plunger, and that seemed to do the trick.

558. Every night for the last three nights, this dog in the neighborhood has been barking. It is a high pitched barking, that, when I'm not paying close attention, sounds like Bethany whining in her bed. The last two nights, I did the sit-up-straight-and-strain-to-hear move when I heard that dog. Bethany, it turned out, was sleeping peacefully. I wised up tonight.

557. While Bethany and Jonathan napped today, I made Lainee take a shower. She just hung out and played in there for a LONG time. I was able to make a bunch of phone calls while she showered. (Our bathroom has two doors. The rear door was open. When I got off the phone, I realized that the windows in the family room were fogging up.... uh, time to get her out, I guess?)

556. Another McFlurry. Really, I need to stop this. But is was good.

555. Bethany in pigtails. Cute, cute, cute.

554. Got to take the kids to the library today. Makes me feel like a half decent mom, and I know they really enjoy it.

553. I got some reading done last night.... about to go do some more.

552. Crocheting with Lainee.

551. A great massage from my husband that actually made that sore spot in my back go away for a little while.

550. Gold fish crackers are wildly exciting to kids whose mom buys them only about once every two or three years.

549. My sink is clean again and my laundry baskets are empty.

548. The Breaking Free study has been very good so far. Only four days in, but good.

547. Bethany had a pretty good day today. She has been getting less whiney and more affectionate. I'll take it!

546. What a beautiful day it was today. Spring is just around the corner!

545. Quiche. Yum, yum, yum.

544. Could my boy child be any more free with the hugs and kisses he lavishes on me? I love every moment of it?

543. I was just thinking last night how Bethany has never really done any sleeping in bed with me or Paul. On the couch, yes, but not in our bed. It isn't so much that I want a kid in my bed, but Lainee and Jonathan both went through their stages when they would get to come spend part (or sometimes all) of the night in bed with me. She was just "too old" for that when we brought her home. But this morning she woke up early, so I brought her in bed with me. She snuggled me for a while and eventually fell asleep right next to me. Oh, so sweet. Maybe I am imagining it, but I could swear she is more content today because of it!

542. We found all of the library books that the kids swiped off the shelf while I wasn't looking on our last trip to the library. QUICK! Return them before they all get lost again!!!

541. I think someone bought the house across the street that has been vacant for about two years. I am praying that we can be a blessing to whoever our new neighbors are.

540. Leftovers for dinner on a Monday night!

539. McDonald's french fries.

538. Being able to say "no."

537. Doing the grocery shopping and keeping the spending reasonable. I haven't been paying attention lately, and it was getting out of control.

536. The time that I get by myself when I go grocery shopping.

535. Another book to read. Not that I am excited about that per se, but it is getting me motivated to read the other books I have so I don't get too far behind in my goals.

534. Being part of the long-range planning for our church.

533. Fish sticks.

532. Having M and J over tonight to hang with the fam.

531. A long nap this afternoon.

530. Getting some time to crochet.

529. Black bean salad (after it "ages" for a day) with tortilla chips.

528. Freshly whipped whipped cream.

527. The seeds we planted are sprouting. Yahoo, Yahoo! I love to watch things grow!

526. Lainee sat in the "adult" service tonight with a friend of hers. What did I like about this? That she is okay with sitting in "big" church? That she behaved well? That she has a friend she's willing to sit with? All of that, I guess.

525. A light rain this evening.

524. The Absolutely Eighties show with Nina Blackwood.

523. My hubby's birthday!

There is a reason I should be doing this every day. I can't remember what I did two days ago, let along what God did. I need to write things down when they happen or it is lost... sad but true.

But, I let the busyness of life get me out of my routine, and now I have missed six days straight. Which means 60 blessings will have to be recalled. I don't know if I can do that, but here's my attempt.

522. Snuggling with my baby when she woke up in the middle of the night.

521. The symptoms my MIL was having that looked like a stroke turned out to be Bell's palsy... much less serious.

520. My husband going out at some crazy hour of the night to get me a McFlurry at McDonald's. (No, I am not pregnant.)

519. Watching Lainee share her Kix with Bethany without being prompted.

518. Twice in the last three days, Lainee decided she wanted to do "homework."

517. Taking the kids out for a walk this week right before nap time.

516. Hearing Jonathan say "Ta-DAAAA!" (Sometimes, for absolutely no reason...)

515. Seeing Jonathan run around the house as fast as his feet will take him.

514. My warm coat. It is so warm. I love it.

513. A short nap today.

512. Orange juice, with pulp.

511. A dozen eggs for 50 cents.

510. Bethany walked the length of a room holding onto a little walker toy on Wednesday. This is a big deal for her. She has always been too afraid to attempt something like that.

509. When laying on the floor, Bethany can now get herself into a sitting position. Yay! YAY! YAY!!!

508. Finding out from a friend that we DON'T have to readopt Bethany, we only have to register the adoption. Which is cheaper and requires less paper work. Yahoo!

507. Lainee decided she wanted to take a shower tonight. Uh, no argument here.

506. Taking the kids to pick out cups and plates to celebrate their dad's birthday. Funny what they came up with.

505. Two working cars.

504. I found that recipe for black bean salad pretty quickly... and I didn't really have any idea where to start looking for it.

503. Health.

502. Hearing Jonathan sing songs that he makes up.

501. Listening to Lainee make up songs and sing them out, unabashedly. (Is that the word I want... meaning, she isn't at all embarassed that her songs don't always make sense or have a great tune.)

500. Teaching.

499. A whole bunch of photos ready to go into scrapbooks.

498. Cherry coke.

497. A husband who doesn't use "lack of finances" as a reason not to have kids.

496. Lainee makes cards for everyone. I delivered one to our pastor on Wednesday night. He seemed flattered that she thought of him.

495. Ladies who faithfully pray for me.

494. Paul has a job.

493. Beth Moore.

492. Starting a new Bible study (Beth Moore's Breaking Free)

491. With Ami

490. And Libby.

489. It's March. To me, winter is over... even if it snows again.

488. And we made it through the winter without a single fever.

487. or vomiting episode.

486. or diarrhea. (I didn't think this was possible.)

485. And Bethany is, so far, the healthiest of any of us.

484. Crochet.

483. Getting the CD that "someone" jammed in the new computer unstuck.

482. Being reminded that even "those" people who SEEM perfect, aren't.

481. Getting a call from Shannon asking if we wanted to do dinner with her while our husbands did Bible study at my house.

480. Hanging out at Mel's afterward

479. With other kids that my kids love to play with.

478. Washing machine.

477. Leftovers.

476. Going out to a young couples' gathering at church tonight. Nice meal, good fellowship.

475. Playing Scrabble.

474. Youth volunteering to do child care at couples' night.

473. And the chocolate sauce Shannon made for the ice cream.

472. Little boys who where dress pants and "wedding" shoes with striped tees.

471. Laying on the floor during story time and having Jonathan recline with his head on my hips like it was the most natural thing in the world for him to do.

470. And an unsolicited kiss.

469. Bethany likes to pat her hands on her head b/c she knows I will start singing the song I made up just for that occasion called "put your hands on your head."

468. Bethany's snuggling seems to getting more frequent and more relaxed.

467. And her eye-contact too.

466. Walking with Bethany on Wednesday night.

465. Getting some snuggles from her on the walk.

464. Our conversation game on the way home.

463. We got our family portrait back. It is sweet. I just love to look at it and look at how beautiful my family is.