Thanks Tank #24

So today has been a rather crazy, busy day but I really wanted to make sure that I posted a thanks tank because it's been a little while and because I have SO MUCH to be thankful for. I hope that as the holidays are starting to ramp up for everyone and the next two months fly by that everyone will make sure that they are consciously making an effort to think about the things that are filling your heart with thanks and the One who gives us joy!

1. I'm so thankful for a chance to go on vacation with my family. We had so much fun doing all the touristy Southern Cali things but we also managed to squeeze in time to see family. I'm thankful for my extended family and how much they mean to me and how much I love them even though I don't get a chance to see them very often.
2. I'm thankful for Facebook. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again but I just love keeping in touch with not only local friends and family but also my friends and family that are far away. In the past week I've reconnected with my two best friends from high school here in Eatonville and also found some "other" family members on FB that I didn't know were on there. It's too fun getting caught up on their lives and family!!!
3. I'm thankful when my husband sees that the garbage needs to be dumped and takes it out without me having to ask. It might sound silly but it means a lot to me to have him do that w/o me asking him to.
4. I'm thankful for modern medicine and all the things they can do these days to treat people who have serious medical issues. It really wasn't too long ago that some of the things that are so easily diagnosed and treated now were undetectable and led to death or severe illness.
5. I'm thankful for the power of prayer to not only heal but to calm. I'm thankful for all those that are praying for the medical issues that are going on with in my extended family right now.
6. I'm thankful that when we got home from Cali and over the last couple of days that even though it's been cold it has been nice and sunny and not stormy.
7. I'm thankful for beautiful autumn days and for the fall colors appearing on the trees and bushes.
8. I'm thankful for our good friends the Thompson's who agreed to watch our pets while we were gone.
   
9. I'm thankful that the girls' parent-teacher conferences went so well and the girls are doing so well in school.
10. I'm thankful that Wednesday was the last day of volleyball practice and this Saturday is Sammy's last game. I LOVE the sport but am happy to be having a few less things to do every week!
    

Wednesday Why's

Why does the peel on a banana get thinner the riper the banana gets?

Why does it seem that the shows I like to watch on TV are always on when I'm busy but then not on when I have nothing going on?

Why do some people love rainy, gloomy weather and others prefer sunshine and heat? Does it have something to do with personality, genetics, environment?

Why did my floor fail?

Why do I sometimes prefer a latte over a regular cup of coffee and then other times only a cup of coffee will satisfy?

Why do we give out candy at Halloween time? When did this ritual start and why?

And lastly - this isn't a why question but it's something I'm hoping someone might be able to answer for me - has there ever been a child/person abducted from Disneyland?

Litterbug?

would it be considered littering and could I get a ticket for the massive amount of pine needles and leaves that collected on my car while I was gone for a week and then proceeded to fly off as I drove down the street yesterday?

It's getting cold in here - so put on ALL your clothes!!!

36*F ~ 36*F ~ 36*F

Seriously? Seriously!?!?! It's 10:30 in the morning and still only 36*F!!!! We just got back from 90*F weather!!!! I'm not sure my blood can take it!!!!!

Wednesday Why's

Why does some people's hair naturally change color as they get older?

Why does the thought of going back to work (even part-time) terrify me and yet thrill me at the same time?

Why does it warm my heart to the core when a baby lays their head on my shoulder and then just stays there for a snuggle?

Why doesn't Stephanie have 24 oz iced cups at Austin Chase?

Why do I like Almond Roca syrup in hot drinks and not cold? And Coconut syrup in cold but not hot?

Why do I love homemade banana bread but despise eating a banana?

Tuesday Teachings

This past week was really, really busy and I didn't take the time like I should have to do my bible lesson each day. So I ended up doing it all on Monday. While I'm really glad that I got it all finished I definitely didn't get the full benefits of being in God's word each day and taking more time to dwell on the key points of each days lesson. I'm praying that this next week I will do a better job of that.

As I assumed when I started this bible study and when I started these Tuesday postings, the longer I'm in the study the more great bits of insight I'm learning. So I'm going to share a couple of points and thoughts that just really stood out to me. Starting with a statement that Tianne Moon said today during our DVD session - "Bible study is not just about gaining knowledge of the bible but about applying those principals to our lives."

While there were many things that stood out in this weeks bible study, I feel the main topics we touched on that hit home the closest were about humility and obedience. Here are some of the phrases I underlined in my book.

Living in unity means that we stop pushing our own agendas and actively value the ideas and opinions of others. We become willing to set aside unimportant personal differences so that we can accomplish important godly goals.

My disobedience to God is more than committing sins or making bad choices. My disobedience takes God off the throne in my life and seats me in His place. By disobeying His commands, I choose to be in charge - ignoring God's rightful place in my life.

True joy does not come from being in charge, it comes from humbly acknowledging that God is in control. Joy is a product of worshipping the only One worthy of our praise and humbly serving Him in every aspect of our lives.

Unity and humility are essential qualities of strong friendships.

Before and After

So on Friday I had my hair done. At the beginning of the summer I went back to blond after having dark hair for a long time. I was intending to go back to the dark chocolate color come fall. But after having been gone from blond for some time, I started feeling like maybe I wanted to stay in this "land of denial" a tad bit longer. But either way, something had to be done about those roots. So I decided to ask Keith what he thought and he decided I should go back to the chocolate. Here's some before and after (though not the same day) photo's for ya all to look at and then tell me what you think - blond or brunette?

Thanks Tank #23

Gonna make this short and quick cause I've only got a few hours of sleep time before we are up and at them and starting on a very busy day! My thankful thoughts for this week are as follows:

• i'm thankful that my hubby was able to get away for a couple of days and relax, chill and hang out with his really close friends.
• i'm thankful for my daughters help in cleaning the house this evening. they did an awesome job and with minimal amount of complaining.
• i'm thankful for the fun next couple of days we (the girls and I) have planned.
• i'm thankful for the extra helpers we had in MOPs today. and the reminder of when I was younger and only wanted to be around babies!
• i'm thankful that the girls are older and i can do things like take them to scrapbooking with me.
• i'm thankful that i'm going to be an aunt again!
• i'm thankful that i was able to fall asleep and sleep well w/o having keith here.
• i'm thankful that when my husband is gone - I miss him terribly.
  

Wednesday Why's

A couple of things I've been pondering today -

Why do I miss my husband more today than any other given day when it's been the same amount of hours since I've seen him? Is it because I know that I won't actually be seeing him til Saturday? Or is it because I won't have his help with the girls for the next couple of days?

Why do your taste buds change as you get older?

Why is it that when you are prepared for the rain it doesn't make an appearance but when you aren't - man does it dump?

Why is it so important to me to receive comments on my blog posts?

Why do my two closest friends have to both live in Oregon - hours and hours from me but only 1 1/2 from each other? It hardly seems fair!

And I'm still wondering why not only the smell but even the thought of coffee, makes me smile?

Tuesday's Teachings

I'm so incredibly wiped out right now. I should be in bed and yet I really wanted to post something today for Tuesday's Teachings. I have now been into my study on Joy for a week now and I've got to tell you - I've been learning some pretty profound things. But I don't have the energy tonight to put it all down on "paper" (or should I say screen) for you. So I will just leave you with this one thing that I learned this evening.
I had a very good friend call me to let me know that her grandmother was in the hospital and not doing well at all. The doctors have said they need to call all the family to come. As I stood on the other end of the line while my friend was trying to tell me this through her tears, I thought - What do I say? I feel as though I've been through my fair share of tragedies. I've grieved over lost loved ones and felt the sheer fear of not knowing what a doctor's prognosis might hold. I've been the person on the other end of the line reaching out for any speck of hope and longing for words that will comfort and heal and yet knowing - nothing that anyone says can really make it any better. This evening it was abundantly clear that TRUE PEACE, TRUE COMFORT, TRUE JOY comes ONLY from our Creator - the One who knows the plans He has for us - all of us.
The only thing that was left for me to do for my friend and her family was to pray diligently for His peace and His comfort to be with her during this time and that His perfect will be done in this situation.

All the Leaves are Brown . . .

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
and the sky is grey (and the sky is grey)
I went for a walk . . . . . .

I'd be safe and warm (I'd be safe and warm)
if I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)
California Dreamin' on such a winter's day

We leave for Callie in 2 weeks. I'm SO looking forward to the vacation with the whole family; being down in the sunny, warmer weather; taking the kids back to Disneyland; being able to do the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld; and taking Anah on her first plane ride! I'm also excited to spend a little bit of time with my grandparents. I wish we could stay longer than 8 days to be able to spend even more time with them. I'm realizing more and more that they are getting older and won't be around for much longer. I want the girls to be able to remember them clearly when they are older and their great grandparents have passed on.

So today on this blustery, rainy, typical Pacific NW day - I'm California Dreamin'!!!

Wednesday Why's

A couple of things I wonder about -

Why isn't the soap as sudsy when it gets to the bottom of the bottle or the end of the bar?
Why do I feel as though my husband is attacking my parenting skills when he comments on others peoples well-behaved children?
Why can I be so sleepy throughout the day and then once it is late at night - I'm wide awake?
Why does the smell of coffee make me smile?

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.