Surprise Visit from One of My Favorite Chick-A-Dees!
We got a surprise from one of my favorite Chick-A-Dees!!! She told us that there was a “chance” she might be flying to an airport near us for a few minutes within the next 24 hours. It was a totally unexpected blessing! There were some adjustments to the schedule due to plane availability but she made it to GMU – Greenville Downtown Airport. YAY!!!
It had been an incredibly crazy week and this special time with one of our girls made my Momma heart so very happy. We only got to spend a few minutes with our sweet girl but it was worth every second. We got in a few hugs, gave her some water & snacks, and had a quick chat before she was off flying high into the bright blue sky again. Thank you Chick-A-Dee for taking the time to fly in for a quick “hi” and give us some hugs.
It is such a surreal feeling to watch one my Babies fly in and out of the airport. So very proud of our Kiddos for all their hard work in their industries. It is amazing to get a first hand view of that training in action. They are doing and accomplishing skills that I have never learned or even tried before. If I had to help fly a plane or work with certain animals, bees or other tasks they are doing right now I wouldn’t even know where to even start.
It is fascinating and cool to hear what they are doing and learning. Our “littles” are certainly growing up. We look forward to seeing and hearing about the big adventures they will be experiencing next.
Grateful for these types of spontaneous blessings our kids choose share with us. These precious moments are treasured!
Keep up the good work Chick-A-Dees! We love you very much!
Big Apples & Beautiful Plants
The big apple and beautiful plant on my desk!
These past couple of weeks I have been in a bit of a funk…. Some little unexpected things happened that I let pile up and bother me. Instead of letting these incidents roll off of me and turning my focus towards the many blessings in my life I let these little disappointments and inconveniences capitalize too much of my energy.
All I have to do is look around me to how truly see blessed I am and yet at times I struggle with being content. My negative attitude is not benefiting myself nor those who are in close proximity of me (family, friends, co-workers). In reality it is probably pretty toxic to myself and those who have to be in my presence. While my life is not even close to being “perfect” mostly because I manage to mess it up more than I care to admit, it really isn’t bad by any means either. There are a lot of people that are going through far more challenging situations.
As I was thinking about some of these recent events, situations and incidents that got me into this little funk I was reminded of big apples and beautiful plants. I know it sounds random, but sometimes it’s silly little objects that help bring clarity and focus to my messes of life. Often times these objects remind me of the person who thoughtfully and gave or made them for me which in return makes me smile.
My husband will randomly get me something that he knows I will enjoy. An apple is a common fruit found in my work lunch, one day he surprised me with a very large apple as my work snack. It made me laugh because the apple was so big it barely fit in my lunch bag and ended up being part of my snack and lunch. I love all kinds of plants and flowers, however, I have a black thumb which means it is a miracle if I keep a plant alive for a year or more (yes, I have managed to even kill a cactus….). One day he brought home an adorable potted plant for me. I took it to work and had so many files on my desk that day that it ended up finding a home next to my monitor and in front of my main work space. He is thoughtful and knows how to make me smile. The photo above is the day I had the big apple next to my beautiful plant. While these are just two visual examples of ways I am reminded of him and the many blessings in my life there are many more if I take a moment to look around me.
Unfortunately, there are many days when I am busy with tasks that I overlook the big apples, beautiful plants, and the many other little reminders of the multitude of blessings in my life. Some days I get sucked into tackling a variety of “to do” items or choose to focus on disappointments which tend to weigh on me instead of working hard while appreciating the positive blessings all around me. It’s time to break out of this funk and remember who really is in control of my life. When left up to myself I get off track, my focus is not on what truly matters in life, and I am not the easiest person to hang around. I am ready to get back on track, anybody else ready?
A few ways to encourage us to turn our focus towards positive blessings:
- Look – What do you see around you that makes you smile or brings are certain special person to mind? You probably have more blessings than realize you once you take a few minutes to look around and think about it.
- Relax – The to do list is always growing, don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself. You can relax every once in awhile without being considered lazy, it’s actually healthy for us.
- Breathe – Take a few deep breaths, it helps clear your minds and relaxes your body
- Focus – Choose to focus on the good parts of your life. The hard times and inconveniences will come, but they do not have to monopolize all your time and energy.
- Time – Spend quality time with family, friends, and people you love. Life really is short, make a point to invest time in people.
Here’s to a life full of many blessings! May we always remember what’s truly important and if we forget hopefully we’ll get back on track quickly.
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
Happy November!!! Not sure how 2016 has flown by so quickly, but here we are in November already. November is a wonderful month to reflect on the blessings that we encounter each and everyday of our lives. Even if you are going through a tough time and you have to look a little deeper there is always something we can be thankful for throughout the day. May this month be not only a time of reflection of the blessings in your life, but that we actively show our gratitude to people around us in our life. Reach out to someone each day this month and genuinely thank them for something they have done that has blessed you or the positive impact they have made or the encouragement that they have been in your life. Maybe if we make it a habit to do this for a month we’ll develop a habit of naturally looking for the blessings and taking time to say thank you to those in our lives throughout the entire year.
It was a wonderful trip to Kansas to visit my parents and extended family, but it is awesome being back home with Jake and the girls again. They picked me up at the airport with smiles, treats, and big hugs. Always nice being back home with the family again. After getting me at the airport we went to dinner at TGI Friday’s. Dinner was fun and relaxing as we shared stories about our adventures the past few days. The girls did homework in the van that way everyone could shower and get ready for the next day as soon as we got home.
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 driving me to the airport, that my flights all went well, and that I was back with Jake and the girls at home once again.
Tuesday – Thankful for a job that allows me to travel occasionally and for co-workers who pitch in to help out while I am gone.
Wednesday – Thankful Jake and everything he does to help out around the house, and with the kids. Enjoy having some down time and catching up at the end of our day together.
Thursday – Thankful that we got to see Karlie perform in her 1st Orchestra Concert tonight. She did awesome! All that practice is starting to pay off. She just started playing too. At the concert she was in several duets and small group performances as well as the entire orchestra.
Friday – Thankful that the girls were able to attend the Student Council Leadership Pep Rally today. They left before school started and got back right as it ended. They had a fun day meeting other student council members from the area, going to workshops, games, and getting to know their student council team members. They were exhausting by the end of the day, but had a grand time. After a long day of work followed by weekly errands with the girls after school it was wonderful to come home and smell dinner cooking and my Handsome Man in the kitchen. He timed it perfectly by the time we had the groceries carried into the house he was ready with dinner and it was DELICIOUS!!! Thank you Babe!
Saturday – Thankful that the girls had an opportunity to do Community Service work through their Student Council Committee today. They scraped and repainted their school’s bases for their flag pole and light posts. Surprisingly they did not come home completely covered in paint (only a few spots of yellow and purple). Grateful for a chance to celebrate fall with the family, instead of dressing up and going Trick-R-Treating on Halloween the girls have chosen to do a family Halloween celebration at home – carving pumpkins, making different flavored pumpkin seeds, a special dinner, and an evening to relax and spend together as a family.
Sunday – Thankful for my family, none of us are perfect and we live in a broken world, yet we have so much to be thankful for each day and having a family as well as a place to call home isn’t something everyone has the privilege to enjoy. Grateful for a chance to hang out with Jake, Brina, and Karlie today as well as prep as we gear up for another busy week ahead.
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
Thankful for an opportunity to go back to Kansas for a longer weekend to celebrate my Dad and Niece’s Birthdays. I was able to catch up with a lot of family while back in Kansas. It was nice to have that time with family. Grateful for Jake taking care of the girls when I was away visiting family and celebrating. My flights went smoothly and I arrived safely.
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 job that takes the time to celebrate the special events. Today all the staff brought in food to share and celebrate Boss’s Day, we had a lot of delicious food! Grateful for an opportunity to work on a team with great leaders.
Tuesday – Thankful that the girls were able to have fun after school at their Volleyball Tailgating Party. They went to the tailgating party – played games, ate dinner, and socialized with friends before going to cheer for their friends and team at the game that evening.
Wednesday – Thankful for the girls opportunity to participate in the school’s Diggers Club. They have been working hard selling pumpkins, weeding the school gardens and grounds, putting out mulch, working in the greenhouse, and more fun activities with the club. It is a good place to learn more about serving in their school and community as well as how to grow and maintain various grounds, plants, and more!
Thursday – Thankful for being able to fly out to Kansas to spend a long weekend with my parents. Grateful for Jake picking up the extra kid and household duties while I was away. My airplane flights went smoothly without too many delays and thankful for my Mom driving all the way to Wichita to pick me up at the airport. It was nice seeing her and spending some time on the drive back to my parents house to catch up a little bit.
Friday – Thankful for time in Kansas to spend with family. Was able to spend time with my parents, both sets of grandparents, my siblings, 6 month old niece, and more family while getting some items done with my Mom around the house.
Saturday – Thankful that I was able to be back in Kansas to celebrate my Dad’s 60th Birthday and my niece Annaliese’s 1st Birthday. They had a wonderful turnout of family and friends. It was great seeing so many family and friends over the evening during the birthday celebrate. My sister in law and brother did a lot of prep work to get ready for the party and it turned out awesome.
Sunday – Thankful for a chance to attend my parents church. It was Pastor Karg’s and his family’s last day at the church and it was good to see them, wish them well in their new adventure, and enjoy playing games & celebrating at their Goodbye Party. Was able to eat a nice lunch with my grandparents which was good to see them more and catch up a little bit more over the meal.
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
It was a fun week with the girls having Monday off from school, we got to play a little more that evening since we didn’t have a bunch of homework we had to wrap up that evening. There were several evening activities this week which made juggling homework, dinner, baths, and everything else a little more tricky, but everyone did well and it helped a ton to have the dinner menu prepped the night before so everything was ready to go once everyone was home in the evenings. Thankful for a husband who pitches in and helps out around the house.
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 Jake was able to work from home so he could be with the girls, that the girls had a grand time playing outside on their day off (and even got some chores done around the house & yard). We even had a few minutes relaxing – Brina & I played a game (which somehow included jumping jacks, squats, and other activities per Brina’s additions) while Jake and Karlie worked on putting together a model airplane. It was amazing walking into the house after work to the smell of something wonderful cooking in the kitchen, grateful that Jake is willing to cook and makes amazing meals! I am truly blessed!
Tuesday – Thankful for a little bit of extra time at work to tackle some projects since the girls had an after school Student Council volunteer activity today, even finished up some big reports that I had been working on the past several days which felt good!
Wednesday – Thankful for a husband who encourages, it was a tough day and I wasn’t feel well. Grateful for a spouse that loves me even when I am not at my best.
Thursday – Thankful that the girls enjoy their after school activities and are doing well keeping up with their schoolwork. It has been a busy year with a lot of new items for them, but they have handled it very well.
Friday – Thankful for a chance to spend some time away with Jake! 🙂 We got a couple massages and grabbed a bite to eat.
Saturday – Thankful for my f,family, time spent together, and that Jake & I were able to get our annual wellness physicals done with our doctor on Saturday.
Sunday – Thankful for my Dad and that he is celebrating his 60th birthday today. Also, grateful that I have the opportunity to celebrate with him next weekend. I am blessed with a great husband too – I have been fighting a cold the past few days and he went out to run an errand for me (and brought back some snack goodies for my upcoming trip)! Thanks Babe!
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
It was a wild week full of a lot of emotion. Some co-workers and friends live near Charleston. Thankful that Hurricane Matthew did let us a little bit so it wouldn’t do any more damage. A lot of people will be cleaning up for awhile after it’s visit. Our hearts go out to the families that lost loved ones, homes, and businesses as it went through. It was really strange looking at pictures of flooded streets and places we have visited some many times like Battery Park and downtown Charleston. Despite all the weather this past week there was a lot to be thankful for during our week. You don’t have to look very far to find good in the world around you. Blessed and thankful!
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 I get to pick the girls up from school and hear about their days at school as well as their adventures after school.
Tuesday – Thankful that the girls are working hard on their homework projects at school. Some evenings some longer when we are trying to get it all done, but for the most part they have a great attitudes about everything they have to do.
Wednesday – Thankful for a co-worker who willingly pitched in to help on a couple of items at work since my week was very busy.
Thursday – Thankful for Jake taking care of the girls, finishing dinner, homework, and other normal evening activities so I can go to to Ladies Bible Study
Friday – Thankful that the girls had a fun movie night at school and for a chance to go out on a date night with my Man!
Saturday – Thankful for an opportunity to rest for a little bit. Grateful for answered prayers that Hurricane Matthew slowed down more, it was already devastating enough, but grateful that it wasn’t any worse. A lot of people, homes, and businesses were impacted by it.
Sunday – Thankful for a place to worship and learn more. Grateful that the girls have a chance to meet with kids their age and learn too.
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 lot of great blessings this week. Thankful for family, friends, and a community around us. Grateful for the safety and my heart goes out to families within our community that experienced some heartbreak at one of the local elementary schools. Makes me want to hug my kids tighter and treasure the moments we have together because you never know what will happen each day of your life. Blessed and thankful!
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 the girls have the opportunity to go Robotics Club and excited to see what they will learn this year.
Tuesday – Thankful for Jake being willing to split the driving the girls to and from school with me even when he has a busy day at work and traveling as well.
Wednesday – Thankful and proud of Jake for all he continues to accomplish. He was excepted into a Leadership class through his work which started today. He has to drive to Charleston for the classes, but it is a great opportunity for him.
Thursday – Thankful for an opportunity to attend women’s Bible Study through our church.
Friday – Thankful for a relaxing evening with my family.
Saturday – Thankful for a chance to go to Saluda Archery as a family and had a blast!
Sunday – Thankful for time with the family and having some time set aside to plan out our week.
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
It was a busy full week of school, work, activities and appointments, but a productive week as well. Thankful for some many opportunities and the ability to get things done, meet new people, and do activities that help us grow as individuals and as a family. There are so many blessings to pick from each day this week. Grateful for all that the Lord has done through me and continues to work in my heart and life.
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 I had chunk of quality time with Jake early in the morning before he took off on a work trip, the kids went to school, and I went off to work!
Tuesday – Thankful for the opportunity for the girls to go to homework center and participate in a variety of fun clubs at school.
Wednesday – Thankful that Jake arrived back home after school and work today. It was great to have the whole family back together again!
Thursday – Thankful that we were able to get Karlie into the orthodontist, now her “fun” teeth adventure in the upcoming months. Also, grateful for a spontaneous at home Date Night with my Handsome Man. He is thoughtful, fun, and creative. It was great to put our phones away for awhile and just hang out together at home. I LOVE my man so much!!! XOXO
Friday – Thankful that I was able to get off work at a decent time today had lunch with Jake, made homemade cookies before picking the girls up from school, found a box turtle on the road to share with the girls for a couple days, and had a chance to relax with the family.
Saturday – Thankful for a chance to spend some time working outside with the family. We got a good amount of yard work done (even though there is more to do) – leaves blown, weeds pulled, sticks picked up and burned, and more fun as well as a few good blisters
Sunday – Thankful for church, a few moments to rest, eating outside on the deck, playing fetch with Skipper, and fun with the family.
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
It was a busy full week of school, work, activities and appointments, but a productive week as well. Thankful for some many opportunities and the ability to get things done, meet new people, and do activities that help us grow as individuals and as a family. There are so many blessings to pick from each day this week. Grateful for all that the Lord has done through me and continues to work in my heart and life.
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 Karlie was able to get into the pediatric eye Dr. today to get her eyes re-check, her prescription had changed which is why she was having more difficulty seeing the chalkboard at school
Tuesday – Thankful for a job that allows me to come in a little earlier so I can make up time missed while at Karlie’s appointment yesterday and for the people I get the privilege to work alongside. It is nice being part of a time and accomplishing task even though today was an incredibly busy day!
Wednesday – Thankful for a few minutes outside enjoying the fresh air with the kids after getting home, spending a little time with the pets, picking up sticks in the yard, and soaking in some sunshine after being inside most of the day
Thursday – Thankful that Jake was willing to watch the girls, help with homework and dinner so I could go to ladies Bible Study. It was a crazy day at work, running errands, appointments, picking up the kids, and the Bible Study was a nice end to the evening to help me refocus on truly what is important in life and spend time with other ladies who are wanting to grow their faith as well
Friday – Thankful that Jake and I were able to relax for a little bit at the end of a very busy week and have a couples massage. Love any extra time with him and the massage felt amazing too.
Saturday – Thankful for having a day with my family. Although Saturdays are a different kind of busy from the work and school day they are relaxing, enjoyable, yet productive around the home and more opportunities for special activities and fun time with the kids.
Sunday – Thankful for a day of rest and worship with other believers. Grateful that the girls enjoy church and are learning as well as interacting with kids their own age.
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
It was great having Labor Day off of work and school so got an extra day together. Thankful for our time to celebrate, relax, and have fun. We are blessed, look around you and think about the good and positive blessings all around you.
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 we were able to spend the extra day together on Labor Day
Tuesday – Thankful for an extra day off with the girls since they did not have school today due to Professional Teachers Work Day – the girls and I got some stuff done, but had a fun day together
Wednesday – Thankful the girls had another day off from Professional Teachers Work Day again even though I was not able to spend the day with them they had a good day
Thursday – Thankful that Jake is willing to take the girls to school so I can head into work in the mornings and only have to pick them up after school each afternoon
Friday – Thankful that Jake split the errands with me to help out – he went to one store with its list and I did the other store with its list and we got home at almost the same time
Saturday – Thankful for an opportunity to work in the yard – Jake mowed while the girls and I picked up sticks, did a bonfire, refilled Skipper’s bin, filled the goats water, and many other outside activities
Sunday – Thankful for a chance to go to church as well as spend some time Hiking on the Appalachian trail with the family.
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.
