blank boxes on the calendar

Today is a blank box on the calendar. I am soooo thankful for blank box days! As you can see, there aren't many of them! Hopefully we'll get school finished for the week, some laundry, and some housework completed, too. If we're really lucky, I'll actually cook dinner and we'll enjoy a family movie night. Too bad Hubby can't take the day off and enjoy it with us!

fly-ing through my thankful list

Okay, so this one might seem a little... strange. But it's the truth. I'm thankful for this little "tool." Lately we've had what seems like a plague of flies around our house. I'm not exactly sure why or where they are coming from, but we've been killing them left and right.

Imagine me standing in the kitchen, armed with my pink fly swatter, waiting for one to light on the counter... or table... or a kid. I can be very stealth and my swat to kill ratio is pretty good. I'm ready for the little boogers to move on, though. Enough is enough!

veterans

Today is Veterans Day. And I am thankful for the men and women who selflessly serve and fight for our country's freedoms and the freedoms of other countries, too. Thank you to those who put their lives on the line for America. Thank you to their families for they sacrifice much as well. We've attended the 4th of July celebrations at Ft. Hood many times over the years and it always strikes a chord when the families of those serving stand in honor of their husbands, wives, sons, and daughters who are in places like Iraq or Afghanistan. After the horror that occurred on that base this week, I am again moved by the sacrifice that these men, women, and families are making on my behalf. So thank you veterans. Thank you to those currently serving. I am thankful for you today!

mobile blogging

Right now I am sitting in a parking lot, waiting for SuperGirl to finish gymnastics, and hiding from the general public. I have spent the whole day in my comfy clothes, teaching school and doing housework.

I should be reading Treasure Island for my book discussion class next week but decided to see if I could figure out how to blog from my iPhone. I am a master of procrastination and finding things to do other than what I should be doing. I can see clearly why my little "apples" haven't fallen far from the tree...

I digress...

So here I sit, being thankful for my iPhone. Just think of the things I can blog about... If only I can figure out how to put pictures on, too.

{this blog post was blogged on the run from my iPhone!}

coffee with special edition creamer

Seems silly to be thankful for something like this, but when paired with a quiet house and a little time to myself, I am giving thanks for a cup of coffee with my favorite creamer. Perhaps it is because it is available for a limited time. I gave up coffee a few weeks ago and started drinking tea... until these little guys started popping up in the refrigerated section of Kroger. I just couldn't help myself.

Lately I've been trying to get up a little earlier. I didn't "fall back" on my bedside table clock to help fool myself into thinking I wasn't getting up as early. Rising a little earlier around here does have its advantages. It's just me, my coffee, and blessed quiet. I've been reading my Bible more and getting a little work done so I'm not as stressed during the day.

So there you have it. Creamer. Yesterday it was my family, today it's creamer. Who knows what I'll be thankful for tomorrow?

counting my blessings

November is the month of Thanksgiving. We used to keep a running list out at this time of year for the family to list the things they are thankful for. I'm starting a little late, but I hope to list a few of the things I'm thankful for between now and Thanksgiving.

At the top of my list are these people.

My husband is a godly man, wonderful father, honest businessman, and faithful friend. He works hard to provide for his family and never complains. He is forgiving and merciful and I am so thankful God brought us together.

Misty is a fun, sweet girl. She is smart and a joy to be with. I realize she is growing up entirely too fast and that our time is limited. It is such a bittersweet feeling... it's wonderful seeing her grow into a godly young woman, but my heart aches when I think of her moving on. It has gone by way too fast.

Mackensie is the most tenderhearted, kind little person. Gone are her chubby little cheeks and in their place is a beautiful young lady. She is quiet and yet very strong. She's growing up, too, and it's been incredible to see the person God is making her into.

Gracie is my baby. She likes being the baby. She can try me like no one's business but she can also make me laugh until I cry. I wonder often what God has in store for her... and I ask her often if she'll just live with me forever. She says yes, but only until she gets married and then maybe she'll live next door.

These are my greatest blessings. Each one brings such joy into my life and blesses me in a different way and I am so, so thankful for them.

I love you!

thursday 13

Did you know that in the teen brain there is a process that occurs, called "pruning"? It occurs mainly in the areas of the brain which control, among other things, organization, multi-tasking, goal-seeking behaviors, and self-control. This "pruning" is a cleaning out of nerve fibers and the unused connections between these fibers are ELIMINATED.

This explains so much.

This post is for me. To remind myself, with 13 sweet little reminders, of how much I love my 13 year old gift. This girl is fabulous. But she's 13. And we're experiencing some "pruning" in her brain right now... but at least I know that her brain REALLY IS FRAGMENTED. And it's not just my imagination. It's a scientific fact. And it's because she is growing up.

This phase will be gone all too soon, won't it?