223. Safety on the roads to Holland today.
224. Sam was making his food sing and fly around today at supper. Claudia leans across the table toward me and whispers, "personification."
225. Reconnecting with an old friend.
226. Plus, she brought us lunch. So sweet, so yummy.
227. Plus, plus, she offered to watch the kids this weekend so Ed and I could spend some time together.
228. I made it to the kids' Thursday School JUST in time to see Jake present his science project. Definitely God's timing - I would have been so bummed to miss it!
229. Claudia let me braid and put some ribbons in her hair today. And there were no tears!
230. I'm so thankful I get to stay home with my kids.
231. Claudia: TRC (Thursday Resource Center -- Thursday School).
232. Boys went to bed at 7:30. Woo hoo!
233. Got my house put slightly back together in about an hour. Feel much better about life.
234. Magic Hat #9 (beer).
235. Holding hands w my girl, watching some TV.
236.The smell of brownies baking in the oven.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Blessings 207- 222
Blessing 207. Up early with Sam. He is cute enough to make it worthwhile to be up before 7.
Blessing 208. Another week done, another counseling appt this afternoon. I hope that in freely admitting to receiving counseling (both here and in conversations), other people won't be so scared of it. Tell me what could be bad about admitting to having trouble in life and wanting to talk things out with a professional and somewhat objective listener!
Blessing 209. My life is so cushy that when I feel in dire need of going to the grocery store yet really want to delay the trip, I can look in my cupboard, overflow pantry, overflow-overflow basement shelves, refrigerator, and freezer and realize that I actually could survive for weeks without leaving the house if I didn't want to. AND, the kids would be thrilled with it because all I'm really out of is fresh produce.
Blessing 210. A Facebook offer for babysitting. From a friend, not a groupon I plan to utilize...
Blessing 211. I did get to go grocery shopping today, and alone at that.
Blessing 212. I was so proud of Jake at Spanish today.
Blessing 213. I was proud of Claudia, Lily, and Max, too. I pretended they were all my kids at the library today. That was fun.
Blessing 214. Rain turned to snow.
Blessing 215. Sam just came down an hour after I put him to bed and said in his sweet, little voice, "Do you want to change a poopy diaper, Mommy?"
Blessing 216. Sam came down a few more times, but now I'm alone in the basement, belly full of chicken enchiladas and ice cream, watching a movie. Aaahhhh...
Blessing 217. Christian parents.
Blessing 218. Parents who are still married to each other.
Blessing 219. Good health.
Blessing 220. Good sleep.
Blessing 221. Happened across Fireproof on Netflix, so that's what I'm watching. So refreshing to find something edifying to watch on TV.
Blessing 222. Kirk Cameron! Huge crush on him during Growing Pains. Huger fan of him now.
Blessing 208. Another week done, another counseling appt this afternoon. I hope that in freely admitting to receiving counseling (both here and in conversations), other people won't be so scared of it. Tell me what could be bad about admitting to having trouble in life and wanting to talk things out with a professional and somewhat objective listener!
Blessing 209. My life is so cushy that when I feel in dire need of going to the grocery store yet really want to delay the trip, I can look in my cupboard, overflow pantry, overflow-overflow basement shelves, refrigerator, and freezer and realize that I actually could survive for weeks without leaving the house if I didn't want to. AND, the kids would be thrilled with it because all I'm really out of is fresh produce.
Blessing 210. A Facebook offer for babysitting. From a friend, not a groupon I plan to utilize...
Blessing 211. I did get to go grocery shopping today, and alone at that.
Blessing 212. I was so proud of Jake at Spanish today.
Blessing 213. I was proud of Claudia, Lily, and Max, too. I pretended they were all my kids at the library today. That was fun.
Blessing 214. Rain turned to snow.
Blessing 215. Sam just came down an hour after I put him to bed and said in his sweet, little voice, "Do you want to change a poopy diaper, Mommy?"
Blessing 216. Sam came down a few more times, but now I'm alone in the basement, belly full of chicken enchiladas and ice cream, watching a movie. Aaahhhh...
Blessing 217. Christian parents.
Blessing 218. Parents who are still married to each other.
Blessing 219. Good health.
Blessing 220. Good sleep.
Blessing 221. Happened across Fireproof on Netflix, so that's what I'm watching. So refreshing to find something edifying to watch on TV.
Blessing 222. Kirk Cameron! Huge crush on him during Growing Pains. Huger fan of him now.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Blessings 200-206
200. Art class today, almost had to cancel, but it worked out over at our house, and the kids created some adorable projects, thanks to their generous art teacher who sent over the idea and supplies!
201. Kids ate oatmeal without brown sugar, but used white sugar and cinnamon instead. A much better start to the day than I expected when I realized I was out of brown sugar.
202. Lessons, again, on God's trustworthiness in my BSF lesson.
203. Lunch company.
204. Whoonu with the art class kids. So fun to see the kids trying to guess likes and dislikes for each other. They are all so sweet, and have formed a good bond with each other. They don't realize the blessing they are to each other yet, but I do.
205. The sound of rain. (even though I miss our snow!)
206. Relaxation time for me after the kids all went nicely to bed.
201. Kids ate oatmeal without brown sugar, but used white sugar and cinnamon instead. A much better start to the day than I expected when I realized I was out of brown sugar.
202. Lessons, again, on God's trustworthiness in my BSF lesson.
203. Lunch company.
204. Whoonu with the art class kids. So fun to see the kids trying to guess likes and dislikes for each other. They are all so sweet, and have formed a good bond with each other. They don't realize the blessing they are to each other yet, but I do.
205. The sound of rain. (even though I miss our snow!)
206. Relaxation time for me after the kids all went nicely to bed.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Blessings 181-198
181. Oh, TobyMac, what would we do without your music filling our home through the CD player in Jake and Sam's room so often during the day... Today a new phrase was loud and clear:
No matter how lost you are, you're not that far, you're not too far
No matter how hurt you are, you're not that far, you're not too far
No matter how wrong you are, you're not that far, you're not too far
No matter who you are, you're not that far, you're not too far
From forgiveness
Ask for forgiveness.
182. A great day with my kids yesterday - so fun, just the 4 of us. We found the movie, Holes, at Family Video in North Muskegon, and went home after church, curled up on the couch and watched it. Then, we played in the yard - me pulling the kids on sleds behind our 4-wheeler. I'm thankful for days with joy.
183. Jake chose to go to Awana last night! I've already included my sweet girl and her sweet and solid faith. She encourages me to be strong in my faith -- faith like a child. Seeing Jake choose to go and learn his Bible verse and coming home happy and glad he went was a real blessing yesterday.
184. Plus, I didn't have to leave the house; my sweet friend, who is also Jake's Awana teacher, was ALSO our transportation last night.
185. A lazy but still productive morning. 10:36, and Claudia has practiced piano, done 5 Awana lessons (she gets going and doesn't want to stop), and is working on math. Jake has done math and has been playing Legos with Sam for about 45 minutes - in my opinion, more important than any lesson I might try to cram down his throat (and anyway, it's still early - time for cramming later).
186. Accomplished all I wanted to by 12:15. Time to head to my bro and sis-in-law's house for the day. Yay! Even left with my bathroom clean.
187. Ticket to Ride w my sis.
188. Claudia, Jake, Sam, and Trey played, strangely, very nicely all afternoon... No screaming!
189. The delicious smell of my niece, Marley.
190. Marley's perfect little cheeks, so kissable.
191. Trey's busy hands. So stinkin' cute.
192. Trey's prayer for our dinner, and thanking God for me (granted I was kneeling right next to him so he saw me first as he looked around the room mid-prayer).
193. An encouraging text from Ed.
194. Heard some great lyrics from Tenth Avenue North on my way to GR today:
Oh Father, give me grace to forgive them
Cuz I feel like the one who's losing.
195. Jake, who just came down to my bedroom, all smiles, looking for one more goodnight kiss and hug.
196. Claudia, such a sweet girl, who passes up a game of TTR w her mom and aunt bc her mom instructs her to go play w the kids and keep them happy in the basement.
197. Sam, who wore his Batman sweatshirt (which includes a cape), underwear on backwards (he insisted on putting them on himself), and Trey's tool belt full of tools for much of the afternoon.
198. Claudia: that Jesus died on the cross for us.
Me: uh, YES.
Claudia: what?
Me: did you just ask if Jesus died on the cross for us?
Claudia: no, I mean I saw you were on the blog and I wanted you to include that.
Me: OH! I thought you were asking me out of the blue if Jesus died on the cross for us! I wondered, did I not teach you anything?!
Claudia, laughing: that would be funny! You taught me a lot, mom. Now put that conversation on the blog!
No matter how lost you are, you're not that far, you're not too far
No matter how hurt you are, you're not that far, you're not too far
No matter how wrong you are, you're not that far, you're not too far
No matter who you are, you're not that far, you're not too far
From forgiveness
Ask for forgiveness.
182. A great day with my kids yesterday - so fun, just the 4 of us. We found the movie, Holes, at Family Video in North Muskegon, and went home after church, curled up on the couch and watched it. Then, we played in the yard - me pulling the kids on sleds behind our 4-wheeler. I'm thankful for days with joy.
183. Jake chose to go to Awana last night! I've already included my sweet girl and her sweet and solid faith. She encourages me to be strong in my faith -- faith like a child. Seeing Jake choose to go and learn his Bible verse and coming home happy and glad he went was a real blessing yesterday.
184. Plus, I didn't have to leave the house; my sweet friend, who is also Jake's Awana teacher, was ALSO our transportation last night.
185. A lazy but still productive morning. 10:36, and Claudia has practiced piano, done 5 Awana lessons (she gets going and doesn't want to stop), and is working on math. Jake has done math and has been playing Legos with Sam for about 45 minutes - in my opinion, more important than any lesson I might try to cram down his throat (and anyway, it's still early - time for cramming later).
186. Accomplished all I wanted to by 12:15. Time to head to my bro and sis-in-law's house for the day. Yay! Even left with my bathroom clean.
187. Ticket to Ride w my sis.
188. Claudia, Jake, Sam, and Trey played, strangely, very nicely all afternoon... No screaming!
189. The delicious smell of my niece, Marley.
190. Marley's perfect little cheeks, so kissable.
191. Trey's busy hands. So stinkin' cute.
192. Trey's prayer for our dinner, and thanking God for me (granted I was kneeling right next to him so he saw me first as he looked around the room mid-prayer).
193. An encouraging text from Ed.
194. Heard some great lyrics from Tenth Avenue North on my way to GR today:
Oh Father, give me grace to forgive them
Cuz I feel like the one who's losing.
195. Jake, who just came down to my bedroom, all smiles, looking for one more goodnight kiss and hug.
196. Claudia, such a sweet girl, who passes up a game of TTR w her mom and aunt bc her mom instructs her to go play w the kids and keep them happy in the basement.
197. Sam, who wore his Batman sweatshirt (which includes a cape), underwear on backwards (he insisted on putting them on himself), and Trey's tool belt full of tools for much of the afternoon.
198. Claudia: that Jesus died on the cross for us.
Me: uh, YES.
Claudia: what?
Me: did you just ask if Jesus died on the cross for us?
Claudia: no, I mean I saw you were on the blog and I wanted you to include that.
Me: OH! I thought you were asking me out of the blue if Jesus died on the cross for us! I wondered, did I not teach you anything?!
Claudia, laughing: that would be funny! You taught me a lot, mom. Now put that conversation on the blog!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Blessings 174-180
174. Woke up on my own and even feeling rested at 6 this morning. Good thing, because I needed some time this morning to get Sunday School curriculum ready for next month...
175. Attended my dear friend's Opa's funeral today. I was not blessed to know him, but I was blessed by the legacy he has left behind: one not afraid to admit one's mistakes, to accept Christ's grace with humility and honest need, and to tell His story of redemption.
176. Again, snow, snow, and more snow! Yes, it's snowing again!
177. AND even more exciting, Ed took the boys to go buy new saucers to pull them behind the 4-wheeler today. He will be gone all next week, so I'm very thankful the kids will get some quality time with him today.
178. The hymn, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Somewhere I should record some ideas for my funeral -- like singing this hymn. The words that struck me from hearing this hymn today:
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.
179. Had all the ingredients for my only supper idea, chili. Actually, I'm thankful for a very full pantry all the time. Yet I still find it difficult to put things together into a meal...
180. One of the best Saturday nights I've had in a long time - kids kept begging me to finish the book, Holes, so we did just that tonight. Sam played nicely in his room, and Jake and Claudia and I cozied up on Jake's bed and read the last third of the book!
175. Attended my dear friend's Opa's funeral today. I was not blessed to know him, but I was blessed by the legacy he has left behind: one not afraid to admit one's mistakes, to accept Christ's grace with humility and honest need, and to tell His story of redemption.
176. Again, snow, snow, and more snow! Yes, it's snowing again!
177. AND even more exciting, Ed took the boys to go buy new saucers to pull them behind the 4-wheeler today. He will be gone all next week, so I'm very thankful the kids will get some quality time with him today.
178. The hymn, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Somewhere I should record some ideas for my funeral -- like singing this hymn. The words that struck me from hearing this hymn today:
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.
179. Had all the ingredients for my only supper idea, chili. Actually, I'm thankful for a very full pantry all the time. Yet I still find it difficult to put things together into a meal...
180. One of the best Saturday nights I've had in a long time - kids kept begging me to finish the book, Holes, so we did just that tonight. Sam played nicely in his room, and Jake and Claudia and I cozied up on Jake's bed and read the last third of the book!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Blessings 165-173
165. Played in the beautiful snow today w three beautiful kids.
166. Feeling so much better today than I have for the last week.
167. Encouraging words from my counselor yesterday.
168. Lots of reading time today w C and J. They are really into the book Holes, so we had a cozy afternoon. Me and the big kids, Sam and the iPad. :(
169. Jake's jokes: where'd you get those oranges? Oh, Meijer? I ad-meijer them!
170. Claudia: I'm thankful that God healed Grandpa Hwang of cancer.
171. Knowing God is directing my path, ultimately, to Him.
172. God has given our friends the most beautiful baby, Ezekiel Teddy Pollock, and God is working in their lives as they wait to be able to bring him home from Ethiopia.
173. Cards in the mail.
166. Feeling so much better today than I have for the last week.
167. Encouraging words from my counselor yesterday.
168. Lots of reading time today w C and J. They are really into the book Holes, so we had a cozy afternoon. Me and the big kids, Sam and the iPad. :(
169. Jake's jokes: where'd you get those oranges? Oh, Meijer? I ad-meijer them!
170. Claudia: I'm thankful that God healed Grandpa Hwang of cancer.
171. Knowing God is directing my path, ultimately, to Him.
172. God has given our friends the most beautiful baby, Ezekiel Teddy Pollock, and God is working in their lives as they wait to be able to bring him home from Ethiopia.
173. Cards in the mail.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Blessings 160-164
160. Sunshine AND snow. My favorite weather.
161. Helping clean a friend's house today while the kids play. Good distraction and talk time, too.
162. Got the best last-minute sitters: Nana and Papa.
163. Sweet time with two very old and dear friends.
164. Falling asleep, the song our kids' choir sang at church:
Who you are and what you're going through,
Don't let it get the best of you,
Cuz God knows everything you need
So you don't have to worry.
You may be knocked down now
But just believe what He said.
He said, "I won't give you more, no more than you can take.
And I might let you bend, but I won't let you break.
And know I'll never, ever let you go."
161. Helping clean a friend's house today while the kids play. Good distraction and talk time, too.
162. Got the best last-minute sitters: Nana and Papa.
163. Sweet time with two very old and dear friends.
164. Falling asleep, the song our kids' choir sang at church:
Who you are and what you're going through,
Don't let it get the best of you,
Cuz God knows everything you need
So you don't have to worry.
You may be knocked down now
But just believe what He said.
He said, "I won't give you more, no more than you can take.
And I might let you bend, but I won't let you break.
And know I'll never, ever let you go."
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Blessings 147-159
147. Snow -- beautiful, white, covering-our-dirt snow.
148. Kids played outside nicely for an hour!
148. A delicious break for me - soup and my book!
149. Another week of counseling, done.
150. Ed came home and plowed the driveway.
151. Jets delivers pizza even in this weather.
152. Netflix.
153. Spur of the moment movie night = cheers and cuddles from the kids.
154. I heard this a lot today: with God, all things are possible.
155. The smell of my kids' hair. It doesn't even all smell good, but I'm thankful for it.
156. This conversation with Jake:
Me: Jake, am I a good mom, an okay mom, or a bad mom?
Jake: A GREAT mom!
Me: Why do you think so?
Jake: Because you're nice, you love Jesus, you praise God, and you like chocolate just like me.
157. And this one:
Me: Where'd you get the recipe?
Claudia: My American Girl magazine.
Sam: And it's a American BOY!
158. The delicious treats my kids made for me with a dear friend while I was at our counseling appt.
159. The special treatment and genuine love my kids receive from my dear friend.
160. MANY dear friends.
148. Kids played outside nicely for an hour!
148. A delicious break for me - soup and my book!
149. Another week of counseling, done.
150. Ed came home and plowed the driveway.
151. Jets delivers pizza even in this weather.
152. Netflix.
153. Spur of the moment movie night = cheers and cuddles from the kids.
154. I heard this a lot today: with God, all things are possible.
155. The smell of my kids' hair. It doesn't even all smell good, but I'm thankful for it.
156. This conversation with Jake:
Me: Jake, am I a good mom, an okay mom, or a bad mom?
Jake: A GREAT mom!
Me: Why do you think so?
Jake: Because you're nice, you love Jesus, you praise God, and you like chocolate just like me.
157. And this one:
Me: Where'd you get the recipe?
Claudia: My American Girl magazine.
Sam: And it's a American BOY!
158. The delicious treats my kids made for me with a dear friend while I was at our counseling appt.
159. The special treatment and genuine love my kids receive from my dear friend.
160. MANY dear friends.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Blessings 138-146
138. Continued success in staffing the Sunday School rooms at church.
139. Jake slept in until 7:45!
140. Snow!
141. Phonecall from my mom at 8am.
142. Friends for lunch.
143. Art class - fun for the kids, baby-holding for me.
144. Imaginative play from the kids all afternoon. Translation: time to sit and read my newest murder mystery.
145. Ed put the kids to bed tonight.
146. Looking forward to an early bedtime myself, after I finish this bowl of ice cream...
139. Jake slept in until 7:45!
140. Snow!
141. Phonecall from my mom at 8am.
142. Friends for lunch.
143. Art class - fun for the kids, baby-holding for me.
144. Imaginative play from the kids all afternoon. Translation: time to sit and read my newest murder mystery.
145. Ed put the kids to bed tonight.
146. Looking forward to an early bedtime myself, after I finish this bowl of ice cream...
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Blessings 132-137
132. 25 kids in Sunday School this morning, and they were great. Love them.
133. I had prayed that I needed to feel more of God's love, and one of the songs we sang in church repeated the phrase, "Oh how He loves us so, how He loves us so..."
134. Friends I can text for prayers when I need them.
135. A friend who distracted me and made me forget about my sadness for a while.
136. Claudia - I just love her so much. She loves to go to Awana and takes it so seriously. Her faith is already strong and she encourages me to be strong in the Lord.
137. Jake and Ed picked out a science project together on the computer, and I helped Jake make his own "lava lamp." He's very proud of it and happy to be able to share it at Thursday School next week.
133. I had prayed that I needed to feel more of God's love, and one of the songs we sang in church repeated the phrase, "Oh how He loves us so, how He loves us so..."
134. Friends I can text for prayers when I need them.
135. A friend who distracted me and made me forget about my sadness for a while.
136. Claudia - I just love her so much. She loves to go to Awana and takes it so seriously. Her faith is already strong and she encourages me to be strong in the Lord.
137. Jake and Ed picked out a science project together on the computer, and I helped Jake make his own "lava lamp." He's very proud of it and happy to be able to share it at Thursday School next week.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Blessings 126-131
126. In my BSF lesson this morning, I read about Sarah, who failed to believe in God's promise to her and instead laughed in her disbelief. Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." As I seek Him, He shows me that He is right here with me and speaks to me with words I need to hear. God knows I want to please Him, and I have not been doing so the last few days, so He has encouraged me to not lose faith.
127. Talking with my Mom this morning, she referred me (without knowing anything about what I had been thinking about) to Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." God used her words to further encourage me to believe His plan for me includes the love, joy, peace that Jesus promises us.
128. Just thinking ahead to Valentine's Day for some reason today and was trying to decide what I wanted to do...Five minutes later, Claudia came and gave me a word puzzle to decode. It said, "Will you be my Valentine?"
129. I made it back home with my kids from my parents' and even unpacked our bags with their help.
130. plans for the evening with friends.
131. Falling asleep, I was listening to Christian radio. The verse of the day was Hebrews 11:6, "AND WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD BECAUSE ANYONE WHO COMES TO HIM MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS AND THAT HE REWARDS THOSE WHO EARNESTLY SEEK HIM."
127. Talking with my Mom this morning, she referred me (without knowing anything about what I had been thinking about) to Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." God used her words to further encourage me to believe His plan for me includes the love, joy, peace that Jesus promises us.
128. Just thinking ahead to Valentine's Day for some reason today and was trying to decide what I wanted to do...Five minutes later, Claudia came and gave me a word puzzle to decode. It said, "Will you be my Valentine?"
129. I made it back home with my kids from my parents' and even unpacked our bags with their help.
130. plans for the evening with friends.
131. Falling asleep, I was listening to Christian radio. The verse of the day was Hebrews 11:6, "AND WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD BECAUSE ANYONE WHO COMES TO HIM MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS AND THAT HE REWARDS THOSE WHO EARNESTLY SEEK HIM."
Friday, January 18, 2013
Blessings 119-125
119. Claudia: Holes (the book).
120. Jake: cats.
121. Jake: instruments (he's been enjoying playing my sister's French horn this morning).
122. Kids rapping along with TobyMac made me smile. Gets me every time.
123. Out for dinner, Claudia looks over the menu: "I'm not going to get dessert. Quite yet." Also made me smile.
124. Found $7 toys on clearance at Target, so I let the kids pick one. They were surprised and so sweet and excited.
125. Knowing prayers are being said for me daily.
120. Jake: cats.
121. Jake: instruments (he's been enjoying playing my sister's French horn this morning).
122. Kids rapping along with TobyMac made me smile. Gets me every time.
123. Out for dinner, Claudia looks over the menu: "I'm not going to get dessert. Quite yet." Also made me smile.
124. Found $7 toys on clearance at Target, so I let the kids pick one. They were surprised and so sweet and excited.
125. Knowing prayers are being said for me daily.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Blessings 116-118
116. Jake: Thursday school because it's fun.
117. able to get a last-minute counseling appointment for myself and childcare, too.
118. Made it to my parents' in time for dinner.
117. able to get a last-minute counseling appointment for myself and childcare, too.
118. Made it to my parents' in time for dinner.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Blessings 97-115
97. Hearing these exact words at BSF today: God sees you, He hears you, and He will take care of you and your children. So amazing how God speaks to us individually through His Word. Our lesson this week seemed JUST for me, but I wonder how many of the women felt that in relation to their own experiences...
98. An encouraging email and an invite from my sis!
99. A hug.
100. Snow!!!
101. McDonald's playland. Until I noticed one little girl playing with very wet pants...
102. Sweet Jake offering the socks off his feet to Claudia so she could play at the playland. (Hers were "not comfy" and causing MUCH angst.)
103. Just thankful that another week is done and our counseling appt is this afternoon again.
104. Thankful that Ed and I have begun praying together when he's home.
105. My house - I still love it and I love what God taught me while I waited for that blessing - to be content in a tent (if that's what He wills) until I reach my REAL Forever Home with Him.
106. Headed into Younkers Furniture to buy TWO new couches. That's right. And I even got permission from Ed. Oops - I probably shouldn't put this DIRECTLY following the one about being content in a tent... Oh well.
107. For the last two spots available for Spanish class at the library!
108. I am happy today! That can only come from God...
109. A kid-free afternoon. I grocery shopped..alone!
110. Got to enjoy digging my hands into some dirt today. I bought some $2 plants at Aldi and potted them. I tried to pontificate on the significance of life and the symbolism of those fragile root systems and the organic experience of...forget it. I just liked the dirt - it reminded me of spring.
111. The promise of spring! There!
112. Claudia: food. Yummy food like whipped cream.
Mom: Did you eat whipped cream today?
Claudia: Yes, at Nana's church. The boys had pie; I just ate the whipped cream.
113. Claudia: Pianos, kind piano teachers, and metronomes.
114. American Idol starts tonight. I wasn't going to watch this season on the grounds that I do not like their new judge, Nikki Minaj, but Ed actually asked if I wanted to watch with him. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN, you may ask. Indeed. Welcome to my life.
115. Keith Urban. An American Idol judge that I'm very in favor of.
98. An encouraging email and an invite from my sis!
99. A hug.
100. Snow!!!
101. McDonald's playland. Until I noticed one little girl playing with very wet pants...
102. Sweet Jake offering the socks off his feet to Claudia so she could play at the playland. (Hers were "not comfy" and causing MUCH angst.)
103. Just thankful that another week is done and our counseling appt is this afternoon again.
104. Thankful that Ed and I have begun praying together when he's home.
105. My house - I still love it and I love what God taught me while I waited for that blessing - to be content in a tent (if that's what He wills) until I reach my REAL Forever Home with Him.
106. Headed into Younkers Furniture to buy TWO new couches. That's right. And I even got permission from Ed. Oops - I probably shouldn't put this DIRECTLY following the one about being content in a tent... Oh well.
107. For the last two spots available for Spanish class at the library!
108. I am happy today! That can only come from God...
109. A kid-free afternoon. I grocery shopped..alone!
110. Got to enjoy digging my hands into some dirt today. I bought some $2 plants at Aldi and potted them. I tried to pontificate on the significance of life and the symbolism of those fragile root systems and the organic experience of...forget it. I just liked the dirt - it reminded me of spring.
111. The promise of spring! There!
112. Claudia: food. Yummy food like whipped cream.
Mom: Did you eat whipped cream today?
Claudia: Yes, at Nana's church. The boys had pie; I just ate the whipped cream.
113. Claudia: Pianos, kind piano teachers, and metronomes.
114. American Idol starts tonight. I wasn't going to watch this season on the grounds that I do not like their new judge, Nikki Minaj, but Ed actually asked if I wanted to watch with him. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN, you may ask. Indeed. Welcome to my life.
115. Keith Urban. An American Idol judge that I'm very in favor of.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Blessings 89-96
89. Woke up feeling really well-rested. And I woke up on my own before the kids!
90. A good-as-it-gets morning of school with the kids. Meaning I (for one!) really enjoyed it.
91. A peaceful lunch, too! Kids drank their smoothies down with NO complaining! Definitely some divine intervention there...
92. Thankful, again, for art and the chance to interact with a very special little girl who suffers from brittle bone disease. Her happiness is contagious.
93. A fun afternoon of touring a new house purchased by my friend's parents. It is beautiful, and I am somehow reminded that life goes on, in a good way.
94. Another dance party, this time just Sam and I.
95. Claudia and Jake had a lot of fun creating play-doh food tonight with Ed.
96. Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word,
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, "Thus saith the Lord!"
90. A good-as-it-gets morning of school with the kids. Meaning I (for one!) really enjoyed it.
91. A peaceful lunch, too! Kids drank their smoothies down with NO complaining! Definitely some divine intervention there...
92. Thankful, again, for art and the chance to interact with a very special little girl who suffers from brittle bone disease. Her happiness is contagious.
93. A fun afternoon of touring a new house purchased by my friend's parents. It is beautiful, and I am somehow reminded that life goes on, in a good way.
94. Another dance party, this time just Sam and I.
95. Claudia and Jake had a lot of fun creating play-doh food tonight with Ed.
96. Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word,
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, "Thus saith the Lord!"
Monday, January 14, 2013
Blessings 77-88
77. Watching the Today Show this morning for the first time since last July, when we moved. This is due to the new little flat screen I got for Christmas. Plus, it's just in time for the news I'm actually interested in: fashions on the Golden Globes red carpet...
78. Grace at the dentist's office -- we totally forgot our appointments, so went in 20 minutes late. Oops.
79. Friends and family who are filling our social life. God knows my battle with loneliness right now, and it's much easier to win that battle when I'm surrounded by so many loved ones.
80. On that note, lunch plans at our friends' and the most delicious wild rice soup ever...
81. Reading on the couch with my boys.
82. Baking with my boys.
83. Sending my boys outside to play and having them do so nicely for a half hour by themselves.
84. Knowing God hears my every prayer.
85. The fantastic dance party I walked into upon entering Jake and Sam's room after bath time tonight: TobyMac playing, lights off, glow-in-the-dark stars shining from the ceiling, Sam naked, both boys dancing and laughing. How could I not join them?
86. Practicing piano with Claudia. I am so proud of her for so many reasons.
87. Just remembered how Claudia helped Sam get ready so quickly for the dentist this morning, complete with bribing him into his shoes by telling him about the treasure chest he'd get to pick a goodie from there. "Mommy, do you think Dr. Ryan will let Sam pick something even though he doesn't have to get his teeth checked? Otherwise, he can have mine." Mmm...love her.
88. A really great night with my beautiful children.
78. Grace at the dentist's office -- we totally forgot our appointments, so went in 20 minutes late. Oops.
79. Friends and family who are filling our social life. God knows my battle with loneliness right now, and it's much easier to win that battle when I'm surrounded by so many loved ones.
80. On that note, lunch plans at our friends' and the most delicious wild rice soup ever...
81. Reading on the couch with my boys.
82. Baking with my boys.
83. Sending my boys outside to play and having them do so nicely for a half hour by themselves.
84. Knowing God hears my every prayer.
85. The fantastic dance party I walked into upon entering Jake and Sam's room after bath time tonight: TobyMac playing, lights off, glow-in-the-dark stars shining from the ceiling, Sam naked, both boys dancing and laughing. How could I not join them?
86. Practicing piano with Claudia. I am so proud of her for so many reasons.
87. Just remembered how Claudia helped Sam get ready so quickly for the dentist this morning, complete with bribing him into his shoes by telling him about the treasure chest he'd get to pick a goodie from there. "Mommy, do you think Dr. Ryan will let Sam pick something even though he doesn't have to get his teeth checked? Otherwise, he can have mine." Mmm...love her.
88. A really great night with my beautiful children.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Blessing 76
76. Looking through old phone pictures and got a smile thinking of this day when the kids apparently asked me if they could draw on their faces with markers just as I was falling asleep one afternoon after reading aloud...then we discovered the markers weren't washable!
Blessings 66-75
66. My bed.
67. Being scrunched during the night bc a 2yr old comes to "cuddle wiv you, mama."
68. My 6yr old alarm clock who always gets me up by 7. I dont always appreciate this character trait of his, but I did this morning when my phone alarm was too quiet and I needed to get up to prepare for Sunday School!
69. Great kids in Sunday School today. So blessed by them singing Amazing Grace and I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.
70. Lunch plans and a delightful and relaxing afternoon. Great friends and sweet kids and babies.
71. Given the opportunity by Younkers Furniture to exchange the couch I was unhappy with. I've received great service there. Complaints with my couch, but they've made up for it!
72. Time to talk with Ed. Good conversation? Oh, no, but at least time to talk while the boys played and Claudia was at Awana.
73. Perfect lyrics that we sang in church this morning... "I will see this season through; I will fix my eyes on You."
74. AND we sang , "Blessed be your name on the road marked with suffering, though there's pain in the offering, blessed be your name." I went to a Steven Curtis Chapman concert a few years ago when he admitted that after the death of his daughter, he didn't know if he'd ever be able to sing this song again. But he did sing it at that concert, and if he can sing this song still, I can too.
75. Ed put the kids to bed for me. I drank a beer and watched Downton Abbey.
67. Being scrunched during the night bc a 2yr old comes to "cuddle wiv you, mama."
68. My 6yr old alarm clock who always gets me up by 7. I dont always appreciate this character trait of his, but I did this morning when my phone alarm was too quiet and I needed to get up to prepare for Sunday School!
69. Great kids in Sunday School today. So blessed by them singing Amazing Grace and I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.
70. Lunch plans and a delightful and relaxing afternoon. Great friends and sweet kids and babies.
71. Given the opportunity by Younkers Furniture to exchange the couch I was unhappy with. I've received great service there. Complaints with my couch, but they've made up for it!
72. Time to talk with Ed. Good conversation? Oh, no, but at least time to talk while the boys played and Claudia was at Awana.
73. Perfect lyrics that we sang in church this morning... "I will see this season through; I will fix my eyes on You."
74. AND we sang , "Blessed be your name on the road marked with suffering, though there's pain in the offering, blessed be your name." I went to a Steven Curtis Chapman concert a few years ago when he admitted that after the death of his daughter, he didn't know if he'd ever be able to sing this song again. But he did sing it at that concert, and if he can sing this song still, I can too.
75. Ed put the kids to bed for me. I drank a beer and watched Downton Abbey.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Blessings 50-65
50. I got to stay in my bed until 8:09 this morning. Claudia and Jake are taking care of themselves, and Sam is STILL SLEEPING.
51."The sun comes up; it's a new day dawning. It's time to sing His mercies again!" Woke up with Matt Redman's song in my head again!
52. Sweet texts from 2 sweet cousins.
53. More invites from my Mom. Seriously, so blessed to LOVE my Mom SO much. (Dad, too.)
54. Kids played nicely outside today, and I got to lay on the couch and read for a little while!
55. Phonecalls at just the right times...
56. Clearance at Target and some money to spend.
57. Dinner and movie invite for me and the kids. So needed today! The movie (Nanny McPhee) was cute and I enjoyed cuddling with my boys and hearing Claudia cackle!
58. Claudia: trees.
59. Jake: Plants because they give us air to breathe. But you can't just blow on them or you'll make then unhealthy.
60. Jake: Jesus dying on the cross for us.
61. Caramel caribou ice cream with chocolate syrup on top and 3 kids upstairs in bed!
62. Sam did not take a nap today, so he was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow!
63. Claudia let me know she overheard Sam saying goodnight to his new Spider-Man toy. I love to hear him playing make believe.
64. However, yesterday when a friend tried to greet our cat, Indy, Sam yelled, "He can't talk!" Comic relief.
65. An encouraging phonecall and plans for the kids and I for tomorrow. Phew. God has blessed me with plans all weekend long..
51."The sun comes up; it's a new day dawning. It's time to sing His mercies again!" Woke up with Matt Redman's song in my head again!
52. Sweet texts from 2 sweet cousins.
53. More invites from my Mom. Seriously, so blessed to LOVE my Mom SO much. (Dad, too.)
54. Kids played nicely outside today, and I got to lay on the couch and read for a little while!
55. Phonecalls at just the right times...
56. Clearance at Target and some money to spend.
57. Dinner and movie invite for me and the kids. So needed today! The movie (Nanny McPhee) was cute and I enjoyed cuddling with my boys and hearing Claudia cackle!
58. Claudia: trees.
59. Jake: Plants because they give us air to breathe. But you can't just blow on them or you'll make then unhealthy.
60. Jake: Jesus dying on the cross for us.
61. Caramel caribou ice cream with chocolate syrup on top and 3 kids upstairs in bed!
62. Sam did not take a nap today, so he was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow!
63. Claudia let me know she overheard Sam saying goodnight to his new Spider-Man toy. I love to hear him playing make believe.
64. However, yesterday when a friend tried to greet our cat, Indy, Sam yelled, "He can't talk!" Comic relief.
65. An encouraging phonecall and plans for the kids and I for tomorrow. Phew. God has blessed me with plans all weekend long..
Friday, January 11, 2013
Blessings 44-49
44. Claudia and Jake stayed in Holland all day today, too, so if was just Sam and I for the day. It was as nice as it could be, considering the awful funk Sam has been in lately. :(
45. ANOTHER counseling appointment - this one, I left feeling very encouraged and with some ideas to put into practice right now for changing mySELF.
46. Answered prayer - God has helped me in these counseling sessions to be really honest and articulate what is going on. It is a long story, one I am tired of telling, and I know He is helping me tell it so these counselors can "get" it quickly.
47. Claudia and Jake got to go swimming in Hope College's pool and Claudia even jumped off the HIGH DIVE!!!
48. A Lee Child mystery to entertain me in the evening.
49. I really dislike my hair, but I have enjoyed wearing new clothes and earrings since Christmas!
45. ANOTHER counseling appointment - this one, I left feeling very encouraged and with some ideas to put into practice right now for changing mySELF.
46. Answered prayer - God has helped me in these counseling sessions to be really honest and articulate what is going on. It is a long story, one I am tired of telling, and I know He is helping me tell it so these counselors can "get" it quickly.
47. Claudia and Jake got to go swimming in Hope College's pool and Claudia even jumped off the HIGH DIVE!!!
48. A Lee Child mystery to entertain me in the evening.
49. I really dislike my hair, but I have enjoyed wearing new clothes and earrings since Christmas!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Blessings 39-43
39. Isaiah 43:
But now, this is what the Lord says -- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, 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. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you..."
40. encouragement I received at BSF yesterday to let people know about this blog idea - I'm hesitant to share it because it's a big commitment, but I heard God's encouragement yesterday about what I'm doing while I'm WAITing on God's promises. God has us wait because He is patient and merciful and desires more people to come to Him. I'm hopeful that our reasons for blessing God will be a witness to others during this time.
41. Claudia and Jake went back to Thursday school today in Holland. They left excited for the day and VERY excited about their offer to spend the night at their friends' house on Hope College's campus! Go Hope!
42. I got a counseling appt for myself for this morning! It went well and just helped to cover some more of our story.
43. Time to watch Downton Abbey and LAY LOW with a great friend!
But now, this is what the Lord says -- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, 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. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you..."
40. encouragement I received at BSF yesterday to let people know about this blog idea - I'm hesitant to share it because it's a big commitment, but I heard God's encouragement yesterday about what I'm doing while I'm WAITing on God's promises. God has us wait because He is patient and merciful and desires more people to come to Him. I'm hopeful that our reasons for blessing God will be a witness to others during this time.
41. Claudia and Jake went back to Thursday school today in Holland. They left excited for the day and VERY excited about their offer to spend the night at their friends' house on Hope College's campus! Go Hope!
42. I got a counseling appt for myself for this morning! It went well and just helped to cover some more of our story.
43. Time to watch Downton Abbey and LAY LOW with a great friend!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Blessings 30-38
30. Our counselor thought she had to cancel our appointment today, but then her commitment was cancelled and she WAS able to see us as planned. Lots of prayers went toward this. Thank you, Lord, for answered prayer.
31. More answered prayer: I have been asking God to reveal His promises to me, and at BSF today, our teaching leader began her lecture by letting us know that one of her aims was to give us some of God's promises to us.
32. We CAN claim God's promise as he promised Abram, to be "his shield and his reward." God promises throughout scripture to protect us and to give us a divine inheritance like no other!
33. At our counseling appointment today, Ed and I committed to praying together daily during this time.
34. Ed went out for the night with a godly friend!
35. Kids ate their broccoli and strawberries at dinner without too much complaining.
36. Lots of offers to help watch my kids when needed.
37. Snuggles with Sam at bedtime.
38. Claudia thanking God for Jesus today during prayers.
31. More answered prayer: I have been asking God to reveal His promises to me, and at BSF today, our teaching leader began her lecture by letting us know that one of her aims was to give us some of God's promises to us.
32. We CAN claim God's promise as he promised Abram, to be "his shield and his reward." God promises throughout scripture to protect us and to give us a divine inheritance like no other!
33. At our counseling appointment today, Ed and I committed to praying together daily during this time.
34. Ed went out for the night with a godly friend!
35. Kids ate their broccoli and strawberries at dinner without too much complaining.
36. Lots of offers to help watch my kids when needed.
37. Snuggles with Sam at bedtime.
38. Claudia thanking God for Jesus today during prayers.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Blessings 17-29
17. Kids are staying upstairs til 7 this morning. I can hear Jake and Claudia whispering about it in her room...
18. Coffee
19. Unexpected lunch company
20. Answered prayer: asked God to lead me to scriptures of His promises, and this morning I opened a card from a girlfriend to find 11 (my favorite number) promises God gives us in the Bible, each written out to me.
21. Kids get to go to art today.
22. I went, too, and got to rock a baby to sleep there.
23. Overnights at my parents' house.
24. Jamocha shakes.
25. Beef roast for dinner that I didn't make. Dishes I didn't have to wash.
26. Time to race cars with Sam and Jake.
27. A nana who will play Go Fish with Claudia for 90 minutes.
28. My Dad, who wrote a letter out of tough love.
29. Jake: food
18. Coffee
19. Unexpected lunch company
20. Answered prayer: asked God to lead me to scriptures of His promises, and this morning I opened a card from a girlfriend to find 11 (my favorite number) promises God gives us in the Bible, each written out to me.
21. Kids get to go to art today.
22. I went, too, and got to rock a baby to sleep there.
23. Overnights at my parents' house.
24. Jamocha shakes.
25. Beef roast for dinner that I didn't make. Dishes I didn't have to wash.
26. Time to race cars with Sam and Jake.
27. A nana who will play Go Fish with Claudia for 90 minutes.
28. My Dad, who wrote a letter out of tough love.
29. Jake: food
Monday, January 7, 2013
Blessings 1-16
1. Jesus is the light of the world and the darkness cannot put it out. A reminder from my mom to shine.
2. Falling asleep with Sam's little body curled up next to me.
3. The song "Ten Thousand Reasons" by Matt Redman
4. While I'm at it, Christian radio in general.
5. Texts and calls from friends to tell me they care.
6. Claudia: FOOD!
7. Jake: JAKE!
Mom: Jake, I'm asking what you're thankful to God for. You ARE Jake.
Jake: I know. And I'm thankful for him.
8. Sam: GOD!
9. Claudia: Shelter.
10. 3 little sweet potatoes I had for waffles. My produce is running low again.
11. I see sunshine and blue sky this morning!
12. Able to change counseling appt to afternoon to fit our schedule.
13. Potty training continued success, for the most part.
Sam: I went pee-pee! Some raindrops got in my undies. Is that OK?
14. Swinging at the neighbors' playset.
15. Kids running down a sand dune today. Still amazes me that we can jump in the car, run down a sand dune, and return home in less than a half hour. (Probably a lot less without a temper tantrum from Sam because he didn't bring his mo-mos to play with then bc he didn't want to leave.)
16. I can do dishes while looking out to see Mona Lake.
2. Falling asleep with Sam's little body curled up next to me.
3. The song "Ten Thousand Reasons" by Matt Redman
4. While I'm at it, Christian radio in general.
5. Texts and calls from friends to tell me they care.
6. Claudia: FOOD!
7. Jake: JAKE!
Mom: Jake, I'm asking what you're thankful to God for. You ARE Jake.
Jake: I know. And I'm thankful for him.
8. Sam: GOD!
9. Claudia: Shelter.
10. 3 little sweet potatoes I had for waffles. My produce is running low again.
11. I see sunshine and blue sky this morning!
12. Able to change counseling appt to afternoon to fit our schedule.
13. Potty training continued success, for the most part.
Sam: I went pee-pee! Some raindrops got in my undies. Is that OK?
14. Swinging at the neighbors' playset.
15. Kids running down a sand dune today. Still amazes me that we can jump in the car, run down a sand dune, and return home in less than a half hour. (Probably a lot less without a temper tantrum from Sam because he didn't bring his mo-mos to play with then bc he didn't want to leave.)
16. I can do dishes while looking out to see Mona Lake.
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