Life is Not a Race...

Many of you know that I'm a mom with three active kids. I'm also a devoted wife who likes to take spontaneous lunch dates with her husband. I am also a substitute teacher that recently has been more full-time than part-time. I'm a community volunteer who just finished a huge campaign to purchase new band uniforms for our school. Finally, I'm supposed to be reading books and writing book reviews to share with my audience.

Well, lately, it has been a bit hard to keep up with all of these items as well as the many other hats I've been wearing lately. I'm exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed over my never-ending list of tasks that don't seem to get done.

This weekend I'm making a 7-hour drive to meet my new great-niece and celebrate her sister's 2nd birthday. Then I'll be traveling again for Thanksgiving. The next week, I will again be traveling to visit my dear friend and another niece in Colorado. Amongst all this, I'll be shopping and preparing our family for the Christmas season. Then we will be taking a quick family trip after Christmas. So, needless to say, I have a lot of my plate.

But, I am so thankful to be able to have a full plate. I'm blessed to have family to visit and the time to do so. I'm blessed to have a husband that picks up the slack when I'm overwhelmed. I'm thrilled to be able to get away and spend time with those I care about.

So, I'll be slowing down my posts from now through the end of 2015. I'll be finishing up my commitments and posting a few extras, but for the most part, my family will be my focus during this precious holiday season.

Thank you for supporting me and hanging around, both when I am active and when I am not.

Dr.Wayne Dyer couldn't have said it better when he said,

Life is not a race; it is a journey, 

something to be enjoyed each day. 

I'm enjoying the journey each and every day and I hope that you relish in the moments this holiday season, absorbing the joy of a child, the laughter of a friend, and the hug of a loved one. 

A post from today 2 years ago - Braces in Our House
A post from today 3 years ago - So Thankful Days 17 and 18
A post from today 5 years ago - Blessing #18
A post from today 6 years ago - A Thought for the Day

My Mom's Dream Memorial

My mom is a Master Gardener.  

She always has been in all of our minds, 

but she actually took the class to become one. 

As part of holding the title of Master Gardener, you have to complete a project to benefit your community. Several years ago, after taking the class, mom created a flower garden at our church as well as at the nursing home where several of our family members

 have resided over the years.

 This is the same nursing home that I volunteered in 

while I was growing up and my mom currently volunteers there 

as well as visits the residents.

Maple Crest Manor -source

The gardens at both locations have flourished 

and been loved by many 

who watch the various flowers bloom over the spring, summer and fall. 

But, that wasn't enough for my mom. 

She wanted to do something bigger. 

Something that she has always imagined.  

This weekend we made it happen.

In front of the Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa is a strip of land 

that sits between Highway 150 and the driveway into the nursing home. 

In that strip of land are several maple trees. 

My mom has always envisioned hundreds of daffodils 

blooming in that Maple Grove every spring. 

But, she knew it would take a lot of bulbs 

and a lot of workers to make it happen.

All summer long, mom has been digging up her flower beds at home 

and gathering up daffodil bulbs.

I should let you know that if I dug up my flower beds,

 I wouldn't know what the difference between a daffodil bulb or a tulip bulb looked like. 

I can keep plants alive, but my mom has an amazing green thumb.

So, all summer, she gathered up these bulbs and kept them safe until Labor Day. 

She got permission from the city of Fayette to plant the bulbs 

and then made sure they weren't going to mow them over 

before they were done blooming. 

Since the area is under a lot of trees, the grass doesn't grow much there anyway.

 Approval was granted and we were on our way to making it happen.

We all met at the nursing home at 9:30 in the morning on Labor Day.

By all, I mean my two sisters, three of my mom's sisters and her brother-in-law, 

two of my nieces and their four children, and my family 

came with shovels, bulb planters, and gloves to get to work.

My mom wouldn't tell us until it was all done how many bulbs

 we were planting that day and that was probably a good idea. 

I don't think you would ever guess how many bulbs we planted.

Check out all these photos of the hard workers:

One tiny little bulb in each hole.

Many hands make light work.

All the way, 

as far as you can see, 

down to the furthest tree, 

we planted bulbs randomly underneath these trees.

My hands are still sore from pushing down on the shovels and bulb planter.

My mom was completely thrilled. 

Can't you see how happy she is?

Ok, so now I should tell you how many bulbs 

we planted in less than two hours.

Are you ready?

800 Daffodil Bulbs

I am not kidding you. 

We dug 800 holes and planted 800 bulbs in each one of those holes.

Pretty amazing, huh?

Now we just wait and see, hope and pray, that they will bloom.

Some of the smaller bulbs may not bloom this first spring, 

but hopefully each year, more and more will bloom 

eventually filling the strip of land with gorgeous yellow flowers 

and as the breeze blows through, 

maybe the residents will get a hint of daffodil fragrance 

flowing through the door each time someone walks in.

Thanks to my Aunt Kathy for taking the photo 

(and insisting it needed to be taken) 

and my Aunt Cynthia for posting it so I could grab it. 

My Uncle Floyd had already went to the car before we took the photo. 

After the day was done and we had filled up with food 

(of course, also prepared by my mom) 

and headed to our homes, this is what my mom said:

Sept 1, 2014 was an AWESOME day!! Thanks to my AWESOME family!!
 We planted 800 daffodil bulbs in memory of all our dear family members and dear friends who have spent their last years in the excellent care at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette. Thank you seems inadequate! Can't wait till Spring!!!

I think that sums it up exactly.
What a beautiful memory the flowers will be each and every spring. 

Thank you mom for teaching me the value of giving back
and for your amazing gift of gardening
that you have so willingly shared with others. 

A Little Monday Inspiration

A flower does not think of competing 

with the flower next to it, it just blooms.

Sensei Ogui, Japanese Buddhist Priest

• We live in a world full of competition. 
• We want our kids to be the superstar in sports. 
• We want our kids to get the best grades.
• We want to have the best house on the street.
• We want to be skinnier.
• We want to be prettier.
• We wish we had long blonde hair.
• We wish we had gotten the promotion at work.
• We are jealous of this couple's marriage.
• We are envious of the car our neighbor drives.

I could go on and on with how we try to compare ourselves to others. I am guilty of it on a regular basis. Our society of wants and gotta-have-its only encourage us to constantly compare ourselves to others.

Today, I want you to stop shooting yourself in the foot. I want to you look at the good things happening in your life. I want you to be grateful for everything you have. We all have difficulties, struggles, hopes and dreams. What your friend has or doesn't have shouldn't make any difference in how you feel.

Only you can create your own happiness. 

Your happiness shouldn't be based on other people.

Stop comparing yourself, your life, your dreams with someone else 

and start loving YOUR life.

Reflecting on Forty

A year ago I turned 40.  I struggled with the number.  I wasn't ready to be 4-0. Almost suddenly it seemed like I had a lot of changes related to turning 40.  My hormones went berserk! The grey hairs seemed to appear overnight. Additional rolls around my middle appeared and were harder to remove.  My sleep patterns turned wacky.  I got glasses that need to be worn daily. My joints are achy. I still haven't accomplished all the things I wanted to on my 40 Before 40 List (See HERE),

But, I also experienced many wonderful things in this my 40th year -

• A trip to California wine country with some of my favorite gals
• Treated to a Surprise party by my husband
• Watching our vibrant, healthy children participate and excel in their numerous activities
• Spending time with many loved ones near and far
• Nearly daily chats with my cousin
• Lazy weekends mixed in with hectic weekends experiencing life
• Many hours spent reading and enjoying friends on our porch
• Volunteering for groups that I care deeply about
• Drinking lots of good wine
• Reading lots of wonderful books
• Deepening my relationship with Jesus
• Spending a wonderful vacation with my toes in the sand
• Having a job that is flexible and allows me freedom to do the things I love
• Having a husband whose job is flexible, close by, and allows me to be flexible
• The joys of eating delicious food
• Laughter upon laughter with friends
• Conversations with our children

As you can imagine, I could go on and on with all the joys from my 40th year.  I'm sure I've even forgotten something significant.  Reading through this list brings tears to my eyes over the memories from this year. My point is, all that stuff in the first paragraph that frustrated me about turning 40 doesn't even compare to the joys I've been blessed with.  No, I don't have the most in-shape body. No, my house isn't immaculate or professionally decorated.  Yes, my counter has dirty dishes and my floors have dirty laundry.  But, I do have an amazing husband who loves me dearly and three gorgeous kids that make me proud every single day. For that I am extremely grateful.  What more could I ask for?

So, today, as I turn 41, I am truly so thankful for my many blessings: my husband, children, and my parents, my extended family and friends, our home, our community, and our livelihoods that make these blessings possible.

Join me as I continue to work on letting go of the worry, getting my body in shape, reading all I have time for, and enjoying the moments! Here's to 4-1!

My 800th Post

I can't believe this is my 800th post.  I have been blogging for over 4 years and have been amazed by the support I have received from it.

I wanted to share my most popular posts with you tonight.  They are the most visited posts of all time and ones that even I needed to read again.

Be A Boomerang of Joy This post is about being a "Life Lifter" or "Life Sinker" and which one are you going to be.  I hope it inspires you to change your attitude and think about the people you surround yourself with.

Plate and Heart are Full  I realized I wrote this almost exactly 2 years ago, at a time when life was busy and stressful.  This must be a busy time of year, because I have again been feeling that way.  I am overwhelmed at times by our schedule and at other times what to do with the quiet time I do have.  Trying to decide which item is more important, which to do first can also be overwhelming. This post was a good reminder for me as well and it may just be one for you too.

Thank you to every one of my readers, supporters, friends, and fellow bloggers.  I am thrilled that you take time out of your busy days to read my thoughts.  As always, I hope you leave here with a smile, a thought, a tip, or some inspiration.

Sincerely,

Your Friend Stacie

Some Things I Accomplished Today

I had an entire day at home today.  After sitting on the sofa, sipping my coffee, IMing with my cousin and watching Kelly Ripa, I thought it was high time I get busy and accomplish something.  I just want to make sure that those of you that think SAHMs eat bon bons all day, realize that our life is MUCH more than that! 

• Nine loads of laundry - All the organizing and cleaning experts say to do one load of laundry per day, but I personally like to do it all in one day....Then I am set for a few days.

• Baked some chocolate chip/m&m bars for the school pre-concert dinner tomorrow night.....and licked the beater clean! Nothing better than cookie batter and no one here to see you lick it clean!

• Watched 3 episodes of GLEE so now I am all caught up for the new episodes....it only took me 6 months to watch 2 1/2 seasons!  Can't wait to watch it in real time!

• Vacuumed the living room, swept the kitchen, and emptied the dishwasher....yeah, I decided to really go overboard today!

• Played some online scrabble. Don't judge me, it is a must. Every. Single. Day.

• Entertained a friend with a gourmet plate of cheese, sausage and crackers.....ok, maybe not gourmet, unless Market Pantry monterrey jack cheese and Toasted Buttercrisp crackers are gourmet.

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• Drank some HAPPY CAMPER wine...It makes you HaPpY! :)

For real, I have had some crazy busy days, and today was an actual day at home with not much on my "To Do" list and I took advantage of it.  Was there other stuff I could have done?  YES! But, don't we all just need a day?  I did enough to not feel like I wasted the day, but still enjoyed myself! That makes for a good Monday!  I am gonna close it out by watching the new FOOTLOOSE movie.  Yep,a good day!

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.




November 29 - Thankful for My Part-Time Job
Today, I am thankful that I have a job that I can do once in a while.  I am a Substitute Teacher at the Middle School/High School in our town.  I can work when I want to work.  I am on the exact same schedule as our children.  I work with awesome teachers whom I learn something from everytime I am there.  I still get to use my brain once in a while.  I am reminded what it is like to be a teenager and what it will be like to be a parent of a teenager(s).  And, most of the time, I get paid to have fun with some awesome students!  It is the perfect situation for me and my family right now and I am thankful to be a part of such a great school district!

November 30 - Just Thankful
Thanks for sharing in all my blessings this month.  Today, I am thankful for my parents who raised me in a loving home and gave me the values I cherish today, including giving back to others.  I am thankful that I met my husband, Pat, 13 years and 7 months ago.  I don't know where I would be without him.  I am thankful for the 3 beautiful, insightful, happy kids we have been raising together.  Patrick, Bennett and Reagan each have their own unique personalities and each of them complete the puzzle of our family.  I am beyond blessed.  My life is truly a blessing each and every day and my cup overflows with love. 

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.




November 28 - Thankful for Our Piano
I took piano lessons my whole childhood and have continued to play off and on as an adult.  Due to some stiffness and pain in my fingers I took some time away from it.  But, I am currently practicing again to play for our choir at our Christmas Eve service.  I forgot how much I enjoy it and how much it can relax me.  It is a talent I have been given and I definately need to play more.  Both the boys are taking lessons and are quite talented as well.  It brings such joy to hear them playing and knowing I am carrying on this tradition with them.  I know how anxious Reagan is to start playing as well.  She loves to sit at the piano and plunk out some songs. 

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to ignore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.



 
November 26 - Thankful for Safe Travels
After traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday and staying in a hotel, eating out, and shopping at all hours we never had one bit of trouble.  Our hotel was pleasant, driving was smooth (Thanks Julie for being our shopping chauffeur), food was great (Except for the one hair in Bill's food) and everyone had fun. 
 
November 27 - Thankful for Pat putting up the Christmas Lights
Pat spent last Wednesday and today putting up the Christmas lights on our house.  We really debated putting them up and making the move to LED lights.  They are expensive, but knew we would have them for a long time if we got them.  Then it was the debate of what color.  Last year we got these blue and white trees that go along the south side of our house, so we wanted to match those.  Pat took great care to make sure every light had its own clip and they just look wonderful.  He set it off by putting blue bulbs in all our outside light fixtures too.  Our house has a Griswald kind of glow and it is beautiful. Thanks, Pat!
 

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.




November 24 - Thankful for A Wonderful Stress-Free Meal
For the last few years, we have decided to travel for Thanksgiving.  We found out Cracker Barrel restaurants offer a wonderful meal on Thanksgiving so we travel to places that have a Cracker Barrel.  Their meal includes drink, turkey, ham, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green beans, cranberry relish, biscuit/corn bread, and pie all for $8.99.  No stressful cooking and no clean up!  We spent our meal with Pat's sister's family.  We scored a nice big round table so we could all sit together and visit easily!  It was a wonderful meal and another great time with family!

November 25 - Thankful I Survived Black Friday
Since we are in Des Moines, my Sister-in-law, her teeage children, and I decided to brave Jordan Creek Mall at midnight.  Oh my! I wasn't prepared for the mob of people waiting to attack the stores and shop!  It really was quite the site to see and experience.  The Victoria's Secret store was so crowded you couldn't move and I decided I needed to get out of there immediately.  The lines were long and stores we crowded, but everyone that I interacted with was pleasant and kind.  I took special care to thank each of the employees I had an interaction with and let them know I appreciated them working these crazy hours.  I was able to get some really good deals and I made it until 3:30 AM.  We went back out in the afternoon and the shopping was much more manageable.  During our midnight shopping, the mall had hired some carolers who were amazing.  It was such a nice surprise to hear their Chrismas hymns and songs carrying over the din of the crowd.  It was a way for them to remind us of the REAL reason for Christmas while the greed in the mall seemed to overshadow it.  As I focus on my lists and shopping over the next few weeks, I am going to try to find ways to keep the CHRIST in CHRISTmas.  Stay tuned.........

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.


I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.



November 22 - Thankful for A Date, A Deal, and A Hug
On Tuesday, I was able to spend some time alone with my husband over a delicious lunch at Ruby Tuesdays.  We don't get that one on one time very often and it was a treat to be able to meet for lunch.  While I was in town, I was getting some shopping done and pricing heated blankets and mattress pads. We had decided we wanted to get these for the kids for Christmas.  So far, in my shopping, I had found these to be anywhere from $60-$80+.  Ugh!  But then I went to Target and to my surprise, they were running a 4-Day sale on them for $25!!!  I couldn't believe it!  I snagged 3 of them and spent nearly the same for 3 that would have for 1....Thanks Target!  I had also decided, since I would be getting groceries, I would get all the ingredients necessary for Taco Night for supper.  Bennett LOVES tacos and had been asking for them a lot, but I never had the ingredients or the time to make them up.  When Bennett found out I was making tacos for supper, I got THE. BEST. HUG!  

November 23 - Thankful for a Day to Sleep In
There was no school today and we didn't have anywhere we had to be, so everyone was told to sleep as late as they wanted to.  Pat got up at 5:45 to go to basketball, but for once, I didn't even hear him get up and leave.  I was able to sleep until 8:00.  That was a treat.  I was still behind on sleep from last weekend and I know this weekend I will be short on sleep again due to Black Friday Midnight Shopping!  So, being able to sleep in today was a treat! 

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.


I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.



 November 18, 19, 20 - Thankful for family, memories, and traditions
I spent the entire weekend with over 50 members of my family.  Every year, my mom and her 4 sisters and their children and grandchildren get together to celebrate Christmas.  It truly is a blessing to get everyone together and catch up, laugh, eat, laugh, exchange gifts, laugh, eat more, and laugh more.  I know how rare it is for families to stay connected in this way and I enjoy every moment of it.  We rented this beautiful Christian camp, Beulahland Bible Camp and moved in for the weekend.  I can't express how much I love my family and the memories and traditions we are building for our children.  I look forward to celebrating for years to come.

November 21 - Thankful for no phone call
As a substitute teacher, the phone can ring at any moment for a sub job.  Yes, I have the ability to say no, but I do always feel guilty when I have an appointment and can't agree to a job that day.  But, after the weekend and hardly any sleep, I was praying that I would not get a sub call this morning.  I still have lots of unpacking to do and needed to get caught up here at home.  Thankfully, there was no phone call this morning and I am taking advantage of that by knocking things off my list at a rapid pace. 

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.


I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.




November 16 - Thankful for Customer Service
Today I had several errands to run in a very short amount of time.  One of my stops was to Carlos O'Kelly's for a gift card.  I didn't want to have to drive back to the west side of town after other errands, so I stopped there at 10:30 AM and they were still closed.  The manager was thankfully picking up outside and even though they were still closed, he let me in.  He turned on the cash register and computers early and allowed me to purchase the gift card.  I was very appreciative and grateful for him taking a few moments to make my time flow a little easier.  As someone who used to work in customer service and has found some very disheartening customer service acts lately, this is one that I will remember.  Carlos has always gotten a lot of business from us and they will continue to get more from us in the future!

November 17 - Thankful for Birds
The birds have returned to our feeder.  As a child, my parents always had several feeders all around our yard and I loved watching them.  Some of my favorites were the blue jays, hummingbirds, wrens, chickadees, and gold finches.  Our bird feeder is right outside our living room window and as I am typing this, the birds are so happy, flying around, playing with each other and snacking on the suet cake and bird seed.  It just makes me happy. 

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.


 

November 14 - Thankful for Books
As an avid reader, I am so thankful for books.  They give me an escape from the stress of daily life.  They educate me.  They expose me to a world outside of my own.  They make me laugh. They make me cry.  I LOVE BOOKS.   

November 15 - Thankful for Friends
Doesn't everyone have groups of friends that fill different needs?  I do!  I have my book club friends that I can't wait to get together with every month.  Then I have my church friends who I rely on for so many things.  I have my BFF who unfortunately lives in another state, but our texts, cards and phone calls keep us close.  I have my high school friends and college friends who I don't get to see hardly ever, but thanks to Facebook, I can keep up with their lives.  I have my dear friend, Mary, who keeps me sane and makes me laugh.  I have my Bible Study friends whom I pray for daily.  I have those in my family who I also consider some of my best friends and couldn't get through a day without.  I have friends from home and friends in our community that are such a joy to hang out with.  And finally, I have all my blogger/online friends who impact my life daily, even if they don't know it.  Each one of these friends brings something special and important to my life and without them, I wouldn't be the person that I am.  Thanks for being my friend!

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.

I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.




November 12  and 13 - Thankful for Weekends
I love relaxing weekends and this weekend was one of those.  There were only a few MUST DO things this weekend:  Boys' basketball game, dinner out with friends/family, church, and rollerskating.  The MUST DO things were fun and there was still plenty of time for football watching, shopping, book reading, tv watching, and good family time.  We all need weekends where we can refresh from the week.  Sometimes the weekends are busier than the actual week and it makes it tough to get back into the routine.  So, I cherish these weekends where life moves a bit slower and we can enjoy the moment without rushing on to the next one.

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.


I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.



November 11 - Thankful for those who have fought for our freedoms and rights.
Today, on Veteran's Day, I am thankful for so many family members and friends who have served for the armed forces and have fought to protect our freedoms.  Our school gives on OUTSTANDING Veteran's Day program with students K-12 involved.  All of the community is invited and is quite something to experience.  My folks were able to come this year and I was so proud as my dad stood while all those who served in the Army were recognized during their Army Song.  My dad served during the Korean War.  He gets frustrated sometimes when so much focus is given to vets from WWII and Vietnam.  The Korean War tends to be the forgotten war, but my dad's and other vets' service was just as important to our country as any other war.  My dad doesn't like to talk about that time in his life much, but when he does I make sure I drop everything and listen. 

Thanks to our FCCLA chapter, to the Choir, and to the Band for putting on another wonderful program today.  If you have never attended a Veteran's Day program/event, I ask you to put it on your list for next year.  I guarantee there will be one held in your community or very close by.  You will leave moved and with a deeper appreciation for our country.



Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.


I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.



November 10 - Blessed with Great Kids and a Great School
Tonight were our Parent/Teacher Conferences and I came home a very proud Mom!  (Pat wasn't able to attend since he and the boys had basketball practice) I was pleased to hear that all three of the kids are doing well academically, but most importantly they are kind and considerate in the classroom as well.  We are so lucky to live in a district with so many wonderful teachers, staff and administrators.  Twice a year it is nice to hear that we must be doing something right as parents!  Thanks teachers for all your hard work, extra hours, extra dollars spent, and extra love given to our kids!  You are truly appreciated!

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.
 I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.



November 9 - Thankful for Reminders
Today after school I helped out at our church's After School JAMS program.  We have kids from Kindergarten through 6th Grade come and have a snack, sing, and learn all about Jesus' love for each one of them.  Today I had the Kindergarten - 2nd grade group during our activity time and I was blessed by one of the kids.  We were watching a movie (VeggieTales The Little Drummer Boy) and often thoughout the movie, this child would respond to something she heard in the movie.  But, one of them stood out to me the most.....The child said to me, "Do you know that Jesus died on the cross to save us?"  I said, "Yes, I do.  You are so right.  Aren't we lucky He did that for us?"

One of my 40 Before 40 goals is to share the GOOD NEWS with someone who didn't know it.  I am comfortable telling kids about Jesus, but not as comfortable telling grown-ups.  This child reminded me how simple it can really be.

DO YOU KNOW THAT JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS TO SAVE ME AND TO SAVE YOU?

Who do you need to share this message with?  Am I sharing this message right now with someone who didn't already know it? 

Thanks to my little friend for that simple reminder today!

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.


I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.


November 7 - Thankful for Flexibility
Today was the kind of day where I felt like I was going to accomplish a lot.  Then I had a few things happen that threw a wrench into my day and guess what, not all the things I needed to get done today got done.  Sometimes I get so focused on my "plan" that I lose sight of life.  As I look at my list of things for today and realize I only knocked off a couple things, it would be easy for me to get frustrated.  But, today, I told myself to let it go.  This isn't my only day home this week (I hope) and I live a life that is FLEXIBLE.  I know how lucky I am to have that.  I don't work full-time.  I will likely have plenty of time this week to get all my stuff done and for that I am grateful.  So, tonight, I threw that To Do list out the window ( not really, because I might hyperventilate) and decided to make some cookies with my sweet girl. 

Counting My Blessings In November

November is the time to count our many blessings - name them one by one.


I want to look at each day and name at least one blessing from that day. Something that happened or affected me on that day and not just in general. It can be so easy to igore those little blessings in our day, but sometimes it is the little blessings that can make the biggest impact.



November 6 - Thankful for Family
Today we celebrated my great-nephew's 6th birthday.  It was so wonderful to spend the day with family and watching all my great-niece and great-nephews play together with my kids.  They all range in age from 3 months to 11 years and have so much fun together.  I even got some baby-lovin time in.  It was also great to catch up with my nieces and nephew who are adults with busy lives and have lots of things going on.  Both of my sisters and my parents were part of the party action as well.  It was just a great family day!  We had some delicious food, lots of laughs and a wonderful day.  Thanks to my niece, Laura for hosting such a fun day! Pictures posted tomorrow!