Tuesday's Teachings

Today our Ladies Bible Study started back up again at Bethany. The study is called Enjoy - A Thirst-Quenching Look at Philippians by Tianne Moon. The study focuses on joy - where does it come from? And how can we get more of it? It's a study that just seems to be SO applicable to my life right now. I'm looking forward to all that I can and will learn through this study. I'm looking forward to forming friendships with the ladies who will be in my discussion group.
So I thought that since bible study is on Tuesdays, I would try and dedicate a post each Tuesday to what I learned or what stood out the most to me that day. Since today was more about getting started and the introduction, it was very easy to pinpoint what stood out as significant to me.
"Joy does not come from a change in our circumstances. It comes from a change in our perspective on those circumstances."
This is just a wonderful reminder to me that it is ALL about my attitude. If I choose to look for the good in a bad situation or focus on what the Lord is trying to teach me, I am instantly more joyful. This is the example I want to be for my children, husband, family and friends. When people look at me, I want them to see someone whose life is centered on Christ and who radiates - JOY!

If it's not one crazy thing, it's another!

After waking up a week ago to temperatures in the mid 30's and finally turning up our heat (it's set at 65*F), we are supposed to be getting back up into the 80's in a few days. Now I'm not complaining about the sunshiny days and the beautiful weather. It's actually a huge blessing to have a couple of warm days in a row because Keith is staining our back porch as I write this. But you have to admit - this weather is crazy!

I scream, you scream, ice cream!

WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT?!?!?! You have to check out this article featured on the MSN home page regarding PETA and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. PETA is proposing that instead of continuing the practice of using cow's milk to make ice cream that Ben & Jerry should use mother's milk. As in HUMANS!!! How disgusting is that???? Speaking of ice cream, that makes me want to scream! Anyway it was too odd of a story not to share so check it out!

Thanks Tank #22

It's been a little while since I've posted a Thursday Thanks Tank. I have so many things to be thankful for, not only this week but throughout my life in general. Thanks for taking the time to come check out my blog and listen to the things that I write from my head and heart. Blessings to you this week! Please take the time to think on the things that are filling your tank with thanks!

1. I'm thankful for my Mom and all that she means to me and does for me. Two weeks ago she was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer. Six years ago was when we first found out that she had breast cancer. It's really hard learning that the cancer is back (or that it wasn't all removed the first time around). And it's hard to be thankful for this situation but even in its ugliness there are some things to be thankful for. The fact that her doctor demanded that she have a biopsy even though two other doctors told her it was nothing. The fact that at this point it appears to be contained only in this lump. The fact that she already has a working relationship with the doctors at Cancer Care Alliance in Seattle, which just makes it a little bit easier on her in getting appointments and meetings with the different doctors that she needs.
2. I'm thankful for my faith in Christ. With all the things going on in the world (and in my little world), I don't know how I would be able to handle it without the knowledge that I am sheltered in the palm of His hand and nothing happens that He does not know about. He has a plan for me and for those I love, who love Him. I HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR!
3. I'm thankful for the ladies bible study that is starting up next week. With the busyness of life, I have a tendency to let my relationship with the Lord slide. I'm excited and eager to be getting back into His word and to be fellowshipping with other ladies who share my beliefs.
4. I'm thankful for the power of prayer and the people who have been praying for me, my mom and my family.
5. I'm thankful for the babies I get to rock and hold while helping out at MOPs and for the little kids who let me comfort them in place of their mom for a little while. It makes me feel really special.
6. I'm thankful for wonderful friends who worry about me when I'm sick and check up on me. I've truly been blessed with amazing friends.
7. I'm thankful for the chance my husband and I have had to go out on a couple of dates. It's wonderful to feel pampered and loved!
8. I'm thankful for my new tennis shoes that fit and don't leave my toenail beds bruised!
9. I'm thankful for the changing of seasons from the warm days of summer to the crisp days of fall.
10. I'm thankful that Sammy is now old enough to play volleyball at her school. She started practices last week and this Saturday she has her first game. Volleyball is my all-time favorite sport. The one sport that I actually did fairly well (besides for cheerleading ;}) at. I'm excited to be cheering her on from the sidelines!
11. I'm thankful for my girls and how mature and responsible they are becoming.
12. I'm thankful for laughter and silliness and my odd friends on Facebook. I laugh so much at them and that really helps lift my mood when I'm down.
13. I'm thankful for a common bond shared with others that know Christ as their personal Savior.
    

Smokin' Fine that Hubby of Mine

So my amazing, wonderful husband planned a date night with my brother-in-law about a month ago. Last weekend my Mom had our girls overnight so Keith and I got to have a little mini-date last weekend as well. We went up to Kohl's in Covington and did some clothes shopping for our date to The Phantom of the Opera. Keith wasn't planning on wearing a tie but was planning on getting a blue dress shirt and black slacks but then we happened upon this gorgeous blue and chocolate striped tie. I made him get it and he graciously changed his game plan some and went with chocolate colored slacks. Plus he wore a tie and suit jacket out on our date. He is always gorgeous to me but last night - that man was SMOKIN' HOT!!!

Keith and I outside Ruth's Chris Steak House.
What did I tell you? SMOKIN' HOT!
At dinner at Buca de Beppo's.
I LOVE THIS MAN!!!

A Treasure

Today wasn't the greatest of days. It wasn't bad necessarily but it wasn't all that great either. I wasn't feeling very well and I didn't end up getting many of the things done today that I was hoping to. But as I was folding and hanging up some laundry a thought occurred to me that made me stop and pause.
How blessed I am to have two beautiful, wonderful children.
Laundry is one of those household chores that I dread. But tonight I just kept looking at their little shirts and pants and shorts and thinking they are growing so fast. It seems like yesterday when I was folding those pajama's and putting them in Samantha's pile. Now they are going in Savanah's. Tonight those clean clothes coming out of the dryer were so precious to me. They were a reminder of a treasure that I have. Two little girls that are growing so quickly. But who are still small enough to pick up and hold and to rock in my arms when somethings not right in their little world. And yet their worlds are getting bigger and bigger by the day. They impress me daily with how intelligent and responsible they are becoming. I look at them and am constantly amazed. And oh how they make us laugh! We are blessed!
I am blessed with two treasures and I'm so thankful for that reminder this evening in the little shirts hanging in the laundry room!

Believe it or not . . . .

So, slightly funny story! I was contacted the other day by a gal I've casually known through MOPs the last couple of years. She was wanting to know if I was still willing to work as a babysitter during their steering meetings and other meeting (don't really know what it's called as I've never actually been a part of the MOPs program besides for watching kiddo's). She was explaining to me who she was and reminding me of conversations we'd had about bum ankles and her adorable son Tate. She then proceeded to tell me a hilarious story about her not "knowing" Kim McCoy. Apparently she had heard some stories or things about this Kim McCoy person but did not know who she was. Then Melissa told her to give Kim McCoy a call about helping out at MOPs. She told Melissa she didn't know who Kim McCoy was. Melissa assured her that she did but she was certain she didn't. She did not remember someone named Kim who was married with any children. The only gal she remembered was a young girl who at her oldest was in her early 20's!!!
I can't begin to tell you how hard I laughed at this. WOW! Believe it or not . . . someone thought I was too young to be married and have any children! That is WAY TOO FUNNY!

BTW - I posted this story solely for Jane Anne because she was getting tired of singing En Vogue in her head!

Back to Life . . . Back to Reality . . . Back to School

Well, the girls started back to school today. It was a bit of a rough morning but we made it through and got to school on time even after taking pictures. When the girls got home (their bus didn't arrive until 20 minutes after it was supposed to), they both said they had a GREAT day. I'm looking forward to this school year and I think the girls are too. Savanah has Sammy's teacher from last year, Mrs. Milke. Sammy's new teacher is Mrs. Scott. So far, we've been very happy with the teachers the girls have had while here at Graham Elementary. (On a side note - At church on Sunday we ran into one of Sammy's teachers from 2nd grade. She no longer works at Graham Elementary so Savanah didn't get a chance to have her. But it was really great seeing her and finding out that she and her family are now attending Bethany!) Savanah will be getting a new teacher in November though as her teacher is pregnant and due around that time. We are praying that the new teacher will be a great fit for not only Savanah but for the whole class and that it will be a smooth transition for the kids and new teacher once she starts.