• Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    Last week went by in a whirlwind.  We wrapped up the girls Science Fair projects, Jake had a lot going on at work, I had several appointments, and everything else that we managed to squeeze into the week.  Thankful for some time together over the weekend both at home and in Georgia.  There was so much to be thankful for last week.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for a day to re-group after a busy weekend.

    Tuesday – Thankful for a being able to get my appointments back-to-back so I could get most of them completed in one day (and that none of them ran too late so I was able to make it on time to every one).

    Wednesday – Thankful for Jake and his encouragement.  He is always willing to listen and loves me despite all the crazy things I do.

    Thursday – Thankful to have an opportunity to meet a friend for lunch today and catch up.

    Friday – Thankful that the girls got their Science Fair projects completed and turned in today.  Grateful for an evening with my family and excited about the fun adventures planned together for the weekend.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    Last week was crazy busy with everything going on with school.  Extra projects, Science Fair, teachers trying to get the kids ready for all the state testing we have this year (which seems like it’s a lot).  Not to mention Jake was traveling and a mirad of appointments that I had to go to throughout the week.  I am thankful for some time we got to spend together over the weekend even if it was still pretty packed full.  There was so much to be thankful for last week.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for a library that waives late fees periodically.  I needed this grace extended on my account.  One of the kids books got misplaced and I hadn’t checked my account for awhile so a small amount accumulated on my account during that week.

    Tuesday – Thankful for a husband who works hard to provide for our family.

    Wednesday – Thankful for an orthodontist who is helping with kids teeth.

    Thursday – Thankful to have Jake back home again.  When he travels we all miss him very much.

    Friday – Thankful for an opportunity to make some progress on the girls Science Fair Projects and especially thankful that Jake is willing to pitch in and help too.  With two kids doing completely different projects it can get quite crazy at times with everything spread out!

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    Last week was a whirlwind of activities as we got back into the regular school and work routine!  It was a busy week, but I am thankful for time together with the family too.  There was so much to be thankful for last week.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for my Mom and the opportunity to celebrate her birthday!  Wish I could be there to celebrate with her.  Also, grateful for the nurses and Doctors looking after my Grandma in the hospital.  We had a scare today, but thankfully everything is okay.

    Tuesday – Thankful for two kids who work hard at school even when it isn’t always easy.  We received their report cards today and I am very proud of them.

    Wednesday – Thankful for those people who help keep me accountable.

    Thursday – Thankful for Jake and he’s willingness to pitch in and help anywhere I need it from homework to meals and around the house.  He is very thoughtful and considerate, I am blessed.

    Friday – Thankful for an opportunity to go to the Zoo with the family and for a Date Night with my sweet Brina Bee.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    Last week was a great week with the kids home on Spring Break!  I have so many reasons to be thankful every day.  It was a blessing spending extra time with the kids.  We packed in a lot of fun adventures, quality time, and more during their Spring Break!

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for a chance to spend time with the kids at the Greenville Zoo, Cleveland Park, and Library today.  We even spent a few minutes with my brothers family and ran into some friends I have known since a little girl from KS at the park (they use to go to my grandparents church in Smith Center) which was an unexpected surprise blessing.

    Tuesday – Thankful that my two nephews could come over to play with the kids for a few hours.  The kids had a blast playing inside and outside on this beautiful day.

    Wednesday – Thankful for finding some good deals to stock up our pantry at a local store that was having a big sale.

    Thursday – Thankful for a chance to talk with Grandma Willa today since she will be having surgery tomorrow.  Grateful for my family and Grandparents who have been part of my life and the positive impact they have made.  Treasuring all the good times and memories.

    Friday – Thankful for a great Holiday weekend – Good Friday and what it means in my life.  Easter is a wonderful Holiday to celebrate my Savior who gave his life so that I might live.  Grateful that Jake was able to take off Good Friday so we could spend the day as a family exploring Atlanta’s Museums, Zoo, and so much more.  Love spending time with my family. Thankful that Grandma’s surgery went well.   

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    Last week past in a whirlwind of activity.  I have to admit I did not get all 10 blessings listed each day last week with all that was going on and the later nights with after school events, however, I was thinking about it a lot.  I am thankful for my family.  The girls have been doing well and I am proud of their hard work at school and with STEM Club.  I am looking forward to having fun with them over Spring Break!

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for a husband who pitches in and helps with the kids and around the house!

    Tuesday – Thankful for kids who enjoy learning and have the courage to speak in front of a large crowd.  We attended the school’s Family STEM Night.  We participated in a lot of the special activities, enjoyed a hot dog supper at school, and the girls shared with everyone some of their feedback regarding their STEM Club experience and what they did at State Competition the week before.  Proud of all their hard work and that they earned a trophy!

    Wednesday – Thankful for a thoughtful daughter who was looking out for her sister and others.  Also, grateful for extra one-on-one time with one daughter even if that meant spending time at the Orthodontists together.

    Thursday – Thankful for an opportunity to go see my daughters artwork pieces that were on display at the Art Gallery at the Pickens County Museum.  They were up the entire month of March and we finally had a chance to go see them.  Grateful too that the kids are now out of school for Spring Break and for the extra time we get to spend together starting tonight!

    Friday – Thankful for kids who help around the house, a husband who willing picks up a couple groceries at the store on his way home, and a chance to spend an evening relaxing and catching up with extended family members.  So many reasons to be thankful every day!

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    We were closer to our normal schedule last week even though it was busy and Jake had a quick work trip.  It was nice for the most part to be back home again.  I was able to get most of the laundry and unpacking completed in time to pack our suitcase for our STEM Robotics Competition trip this past weekend.  Thankful for the opportunity to spend time with the family and be able to coordinate my schedule so I can do packing throughout the days or in the evenings once the kids are in bed.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for good news from a family member today.  I love being able to rejoice and celebrate with those around me! 🙂

    Tuesday – Thankful for a dentist who cleans and takes care of my kids teeth.  Also, grateful that neither one of the kids have cavities again!  YAY!

    Wednesday – Thankful to have Jake back home again and to have an opportunity to talk for awhile about our days.

    Thursday – Thankful for a thoughtful husband.  It was a crazy, rainy morning and everyone was hurrying to get ready to start the day. I was running behind schedule.  He made me toast for breakfast that way I would have something to grab and eat before heading out the door to drop the kids off at school and go to my appointment.

    Friday – Thankful for an opportunity to go down to Columbia the night before the State STEM competition with the family.  We had a chance to hang out together and relax as a family before the busy activities of competition began.  Proud of our kids for all their hard work and for their team getting this far in the competition!

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    Last week was super busy, but truly amazing at the same time.  The girls and I were able to join Jake at his work conference in Orlando, Florida.  While he was in his conference the girls and I bounced around town, explored, swam, went to the Disney Parks, and so much more.  We had a blast and met people literally from around the world.

    The kids were up at the break of dawn every day and were going strong until about midnight every evening.  After Jake’s conference ended we had a couple days together as a family to spend time exploring.  Thankful for our time together, the fun, memories, and the opportunity to go on the trip.  With the altered schedule and long days I was not as consistent in writing down my blessings, but as I reflect back there are many things for which I am grateful for last week.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful that we woke up on time (3:00 am) and made it safely to Orlando, Florida.  Grateful for an opportunity to stretch our legs at Downtown Disney before heading to our hotel to check in and Jake start his first conference meetings.

    Tuesday – Thankful that the girls and I were able to spend the entire day at Animal Kingdom.  They did fantastic and we had a blast seeing all the animals, going on rides, safaris, watching the shows, and so much more.

    Wednesday – Thankful for a chance to play miniature golf with the kids, even though we lost 3 balls and had crazy high scores, we had grand time.  Grateful that the resort had several pools so we spent a good part of the day bouncing around from pool to pool, swimming, and splashing around with other kids at the resort.

    Thursday – Thankful that I was able to spend the day at Magic Kingdom with the girls.  Even more thankful that Jake was able to join us after lunch once his conference ended.  It was great spending time together as a family and having fun!

    Friday – Thankful for a day with the entire family at Epcot.  The girls loved the rides, shows, and learning about the different countries around the world.  Thankful for my brother’s family who watched the house and pets while we were awhile on our trip.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    I have so much to be thankful for in my life.  This week as I as counting my blessings I realized that coming up with 10 things to be grateful for each day was relatively easy if I really think about it for a few minutes.  I don’t ever want to take these blessings for granted as they are a gift from my heavenly Father who truly cares about me in the good as well as the struggles I face every day.

    I want to be accountable to you too so the following are snipits of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for Brina writing me a reminder note to adjust her meal schedule because she liked one of the meals I made her so much!  My family knows me well! 🙂

    Tuesday – Thankful that Skipper is always jumping up and down excited to see me when I get home!  Such a great way to be greeted upon arriving home!

    Wednesday – Thankful for the girls curiosity and love of learning – we did a spontaneous celery and food coloring experiment before school.

    Thursday – Thankful for a chance to talk with Jake on the phone in the morning as he was getting ready for his busy day in Charleston and even more grateful to have him back home that evening.

    Friday – Thankful for a washer and dryer to help get our clothes and laundry cleaned in an efficient manner.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    A few weeks ago I had a little wake up call…  In a conversation with someone close to me it was mentioned during our discussion that I wasn’t as “positive” or “cheerful” as I used to be.  Unfortunately, I did not react very positively to the comment.  The comment hurt.  It struck a raw chord, something I already knew in my heart, but didn’t realize how much it was effecting the people around me.

    I know the comment wasn’t meant to be mean, but to call out some things that are going on my life that they have noticed recently.   I am truly thankful for people in my life who are honest, even if it hurts a little. This was a sincere concern about me and the things I have been struggling with these last few months.  When someone feels comfortable enough to speak the truth even if it is difficult to say you know they care deeply about you, your spiritual growth, and the struggles your hanging onto.

    My first reaction was that I had a reason to be a little more frustrated recently.  It has been a tough few months.  I herniated a disc in my neck back in October and I am still in pain from it.  It has been a very slow and painful recovery so my first instinct was to excuse my behavior.  This person knows how much I have gone through these past few months so it was seen as the excuse that it was.  The purpose for the comment was to encourage me to take my focus off all the crazy stuff that has been going on and focus on the good things that God is doing in my life as well as the lives around me.

    After a couple weeks of praying, wrestling with it some more, thinking about it, and admitting I have been grumpier lately I decided I needed to do something specific.  In addition to prayer, having someone I had to be accountable to, I also needed a daily activity to refresh my memory of the good in my life.  I wanted something that would redirect my focus back to the many positive blessings everyday that have been overshadowed by some other more stressful items going on in my life.  What I decided to do is to write down at least 10 things I am thankful for each day.  I titled my list “Counting My Blessings”.  I hope that this activity will encourage and help turn my focus more on the positive things in my life.   I want to appreciate and enjoy the amazing blessings I have been given.  To be content with the season I am in at the moment.

    I want to be accountable to you as well.  The following are snipits of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for the car ride into school where I can chat with the girls about life, their days, and more!

    Tuesday – Thankful that Jake reads devotions to the girls and patiently answers their many questions about God, life, the bible, and so much more.

    Wednesday – Thankful for a chance to catch up with someone I have known for years, but haven’t seen in awhile.  Her twin grandkids are now 3 years old. I remember how excited she was waiting for them to be born.  It was great catching up for a few minutes.

    Thursday – Thankful for a fresh snow fall so the girls could have a day off school and we could build a snowman, go sledding, hike in the woods, play games, read, play, and have fun together.

    Friday – Thankful for additional time with my girls since school started two hours late due to black ice today.

  • Birthday Celebration

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     Happy Birthday breakfast

    The girls got two of their birthday wishes on their birthday – one was that they would have snow on their birthday and the second was that they would not have to go to school because of a snow day.  They got both wishes and were very excited.  It’s not every day you get out of school on a Wednesday for snow in South Carolina.  Thankful for these two girls and look forward to many more amazing memories this year with them.  They each got to pick out what they wanted to eat for their birthday breakfast.  For their special birthday dinner they wanted a Seafood Meal at home.

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    Karlie had eggs with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese in them.

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    Brina had a slice of cinnamon swirl breakfast cake.

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     My sister-in-law Becky shared a chocolate cake recipe with me that was both egg and dairy free so I decided to try it for their birthday.  It turned out really well.  They loved it.  You couldn’t even tell that it was egg and dairy free.  The flavor reminded me of my Grandma Doris Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake she used to make from scratch.

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     The girls wrote out a list of inside and outside activities they wanted to do on their birthday since they were home from school due to the snow.  Even though they didn’t get to do all the items on the list I would say they did the majority of them.  We packed a lot of fun activities into the day.

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    For their family birthday dinner they requested a seafood meal and specifically asked for King Crab.  They love seafood and the King Crab was a hit and they are getting better at digging out the meat without assistance.

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    Jake and I picked up Mai-Mahi steak burgers to try as well for their seafood  birthday meal.  The Mai-Mahi steak with the fresh bakery bun, lettuce, and tomatoes were a tasty hit too!  Thankful for our girls and that we can celebrate another birthday with them!