• Mother’s Day Celebration

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    Huge Mother’s Day chalk message on the driveway from Karlie!

    I am blessed.  Yesterday I was reminded again of how much God has given me.  A family that loves me despite all my imperfections.  Jake and the girls showered me with love on Mother’s Day.  Even though Jake was on call this Mother’s Day weekend and was a little busier than normal, he made time to celebrate.  It was a great day with the family.

    They made me breakfast in bed.  We went to church.  Jake and the girls made an amazing lunch.  That afternoon we relaxed, read books together, opened gifts, played games, and had fun.  Thankful for my family and a chance to spend the day together.   Their thoughtfulness made me feel loved and appreciated.

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    Breakfast in bed – cheesy scrambled eggs, ham, and sauteed mushrooms! Delicious!

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    Fresh flowers from the girls (they got them from Children’s Church)

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    Putting together the pinwheel steaks!

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    They choose what ingredients to stuff the steak with for lunch

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     Pinwheel steaks ready to go into the oven!

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    Stuffed with tomatoes, swiss cheese, goat cheese, bacon, ham, spinach, mushrooms, sunflowers, cranberries, and more goodies!

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    My steak was AMAZING!

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     Huge stuffed portobello mushroom!  Stuffed with spinach, hummus, and topped with toasted granola – so tasty!

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    Mother’s Day cards from Jake and the girls.  Karlie’s was the kitten and Brina’s the puppy.

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    Brina picked out a beautiful pink rose bush for me!

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    Karlie picked out a gorgeous red rose bush for me!

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    Adorable handmade flowers from my girls!  Brina made the bright yellow one and Karlie made the blue and red one!

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    A place to sit and talk with Jake or read with the kids.  Very comfy!

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     Sweet note from Brina.  The top says “I am thankful to have a Mom like you because you are nice to me and play with me.”   The bottom has a cute little poem!

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    Colorful Mother’s Day Butterfly from Brina

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    Cute card from Brina

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    Mother’s Day note from Brina wanting to know if I can play or cook with her!  Love my girls!

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    Vibrant Mother’s Day drawing from Karlie

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     Sweet poem and note from Karlie on the back of her drawing.

    Roses are red,

    Violets are blue,

    But no one a flower,

    Just like you!

    Happy Mother’s Day! Hope you are having a nice and relaxing day.  Do you like the card and rose?  The rose is a rare blue rose that only grows on Neptune!  May you please read to me on the deck? 

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    Thankful for my family!  I treasure these times we have together.  I am blessed.

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    Last week was a busy, fun, and crazy kind of week, but all went well.  We managed to get some items done and have a little fun as well.  It was the first full weekend in a long time that we stayed home which was really nice for all of us.   Thankful for some time together over the weekend and that we were able to work in the yard since it wasn’t raining.  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 to get all the laundry washed and put away.  Grateful that we have clothes to wear and that we are taken care of.

    Tuesday – Thankful for the girls help in getting the pool items cleaned up and out of the front yard.  They worked hard and were a huge help (and we had fun doing it together).  Thankfully it was a hot day, but was got soaked cleaning off the mats.

    Wednesday – Thankful for my man and everything he does for our family.  Always love it when he comes home, get my hug, and a chance to catch up with him.  He is always appreciative of my cooking even though the recipes don’t “turn out” as good as I hope.

    Thursday – Thankful that we are able to get our HVAC unit replaced.  Grateful for a husband who insists we have an Emergency Fun for these types of events because we were able to transfer the money over to pay for it.  It will take a little bit to resupply the Emergency Fund, but at least we were able to get it.  Also, thankful for the people who are installing it.  It is a lot of hard work getting all the old stuff removed and the new items put into place.

    Friday – Thankful for a date night with my Handsome Man!  Love getting to spend some extra time one-on-one with him.  I am very blessed to have Jake as my husband, words could not accurately express how much I love him. 

    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 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!

  • I Love You Too!

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    “I Love U” spelled out with their Magformers Set

    It is always a pleasant surprise when you walk into a room and find a nice saying or artwork waiting for you.   The other day I walked into the dining room and this is what was on the kitchen table.  An “I Love You” message and smiley face.

    Thankful for my kids.  Their creativeness and their little ways of reminding us that they truly do appreciate and love us as well.  They requested that I take a picture of their artwork so they could send a message to some people and let them know that they were thinking of them on this particular day.

    It’s the little things like this that make me smile.  Parenting can be tough some days, but it is also very rewarding too.  Grateful for these special moments when they demonstrate love, happiness, and the desire to brighten the days of others.

    P1360483cA Magformer smile waiting to be discovered on the table!

  • 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!