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Monica

Posted on

January 23, 2014

Posted under

Giving thanks

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Thanksday #93

Please don’t turn me in, but we sorta kinda played hooky yesterday.

We got a sudden influx of snow on Tuesday night, which caught everyone off-guard. They delayed the school day a couple of hours but the back roads by our house were still icy and slick, so we made an executive decision to keep everyone home. And then church was cancelled for the night.

So we sledded and threw snowballs (me and the kids) and took naps (Paxton) and drank coffee (not the kids) and played video games (not me). And for the first time in a long while, not a single one of us had to leave the house at all (not a single one of us).

Except to sled.

It was as glorious as it sounds.

Here’s the thing about me — if finances and time permitted, I’d be jettisoning off to Paris or Europe or Africa on adventures and mission trips all the time. But if you make me leave the house multiple times a day to do school and grocery and church and doctor appointment runs, I’m going to complain pretty much non-stop about how I just don’t want to have to go anywhere for one stinking day, please! and can I just have all my people under one roof for that day, too?? That’d be awesome.

Thankfuls this week:

1. Glee. Do you know what pure, unadulterated glee sounds like? It sounds like a four year-old boy who sleds down the same hill time after time after time laughing his adorable little head off, then jumping up and shouting “again!” and running with a bad case of the giggles up the hill just one…more…time.

2. Dirty Dishes. The dishes need to be emptied from the dishwasher — it’s been hours and hours since they were washed — and the sink is full of a whole new batch and the floors need to be vacuumed. But I haven’t done a lick of it yet, and feel no stress or anxiety about making sure it gets done right this minute! Instead I’m going with the flow of today, and it doesn’t include dirty dishes. Yet. (I’m calling that maturity, not laziness, FYI.)

3. Super Bowls. And I’m not talking soups for bowls. My hometown team — the team I grew up watching, the team that had the greatest duo ever, Zorn and Largent…IS GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL! It’s so stinking exciting. I feel like I’m 10 years old cheering them on again and stalking Jim Zorn around my church when he was a guest speaker. Or something like that. #goseahawks #12thman #hashtagsinblogpostsdontmakesense

4. Be Still by Bethel Music. This song here is my mantra right now.

Be still my heart and know
You are God alone
Stop thinking so much
and just let go…

5. A Listening Ear. Do you know what’s absolutely priceless? A doctor who listens — really listens — to what’s going on with you and doesn’t brush you off or make you feel like you’re crazy. A doctor who actually verifies some things you thought were going on. For the first time in years, I felt completely heard. This new doctor took me seriously and offered real solutions. It meant so much to me I cried right there on the paper-covered exam table.

6. No Distractions. Our pastor challenged the church to a week-long distraction-free fast this week…to put down any social media or technology that is a distraction to us and instead focus on praying for those in need in our lives. After assessing the things most distracting to me, I decided to fast Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. And I have to admit — the first day was hard. I’m so used to mindlessly scrolling through each of these apps throughout the day — in carline, when I’m procrastinating, when I’m watching TV even. But after day two, it got a lot easier. And by day three, I haven’t really missed it at all. I know I’ll be back on each of these after the fast, but I’m hoping my involvement is more intentional and active, not just a passive way to pass time. (And it forced me to personally connect with people — specifically, two friends who are literally about to have babies any minute! And personal connection wins every time.) (I just tend to forget that.)

7. One Hour. After sick days and snow days and doctor appointment days, it was heavenly to have just one hour alone at the coffee shop this week. (I adore all my people together under one roof, but all the togetherness has to be balanced with some solo time for Mama. You know?) It was just me, my roasted red pepper soup and drip coffee with two shots. Just what the doctor ordered.

8. From the Mouths of Babes. This month at church is called “Famuary” where we have our kids with us during the worship part of our service and some of our kids even help lead worship. And I am here to tell you — being a part of a service led by kids ranging from 5-12 years old is about the most holy thing you’ll ever experience. If your heart isn’t moved as they proclaim scripture and sing their hearts out to Jesus, you’re just a mean one, Mrs. Grinch.

9. Hilarity. Laughter is the best medicine, and I love, love, love, love, LOVE that it can be found almost daily at my house. “You have filled me with joy, and happiness has risen in my heart, great delight and unrivaled joy, even more than when bread abounds and wine flows freely.” (Psalm 4:7, The Voice)

10. Freezers. This is so ridiculous. But due to our snow day yesterday we didn’t get to church last night. And since there was no church, there was no dinner planned at my house, since we usually eat at church on Wednesdays. Fortunately, I had a hodge-podge of french fries, fried pickles and boneless wings in the freezer, and therefore, we feasted like kings.

I’m so grateful for you — you make this post the most fun one of my week! Please share your thankfuls so we can all celebrate together. Happy almost-weekend, everyone.

What are you thankful for this week?

Posted by

Monica

Posted on

June 8, 2012

Posted under

Giving thanks

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2 Comments

Thanksday #66

Number One on the Thanksday list this week:

SCHOOL’S OUT….FOR…SUMMMA!!

Oh my word, I thought this day would never come. Ever. We’re the only school in the Western hemisphere that had school after Memorial Day, I think. But finally, as of noon today, we are done. I’ve been ready for weeks to have Jaana home every day. And so has Paxton. Our summer plans consist of me not having to be in meetings all the time, me not having to work inside while the sun shines outside, and spontaneous fun.

I’m. So. Ready!

(Confession: I kept trying to convince my daughter to skip school today. After all, it’s the last day AND a half day. Let’s just get a jump-start on summer, you know what I’m saying? But even at eight years old, she’s too much of a rule-follower and goody-goody and said no. I know that’s a good thing. And I know I probably need lessons on how to not corrupt my children.)

The obligatory first day / last day of second grade pic:

Gosh I miss that short hair. Can y’all help me convince her to cut it again?

Before the summer fun can begin, there are a few things on the agenda: First is a dress rehearsal for her dance recital this afternoon. Then tomorrow is her dance recital. And last but not least, Monday is the Girls End-of-School Party that she likes to host each year. After that, we’ll be funning in the sun, getting water-logged, and otherwise enjoying ourselves together.

I’m. So. Ready!

Other big news…I haven’t had coffee or any caffeine since Monday. (Gasp! Shock! Awe!)

(Pause for dramatic effect here.)

It’s true, I’m cutting it out for awhile. I have what some might call an addiction to coffee, and my caffeine consumption has increased to levels that could caffeinate entire populations, I’m afraid. And from what I’ve read, that’s not entirely good for you. Supposedly, it can possibly contribute to such things as mood swings and hunger pains. And the last thing I need is help being moody or hungry. So I’m letting it go for awhile and sticking to only water. But you know what they say about things you love – if you set it free and it comes back to you, it’s yours forever.

Come back to me, my french roast love. I miss you so.

Other thankfuls this week:

2. Sunshine. Last weekend was seriously about the most beautiful weekend ever. It was crisp and clear and the perfect temperature for June in my book (approx 72-77 degrees). I was able to enjoy taking the kids to the playground, sitting outside reading a book, and the local music party at the town center. It was perfect.

3. Girls Rule and Boys Drool. Jaana and I had a date on Saturday. We went to Wal-Mart, ate at Sonic with the windows down, and then watched one of her friends in her dance performance. Love my girl time.

4. Rest Days. Jaana was sick on Sunday so we stayed home from church. She snuggled up on the couch and watched three movies and about three TV shows. She did absolutely nothing but lay on the couch. Nothing. The girl hasn’t had that much rest in months. And it was good for Mama, too.

5. Exercise. Supposedly, this helps with moodiness and hunger issues too. So I’m back on the workout train consistently — no more haphazard exercising. Got a plan, got an accountability buddy, and I’m channeling my inner runner and signing up for another race. Let’s do this thing!

6. Bonding over Twitter. Big Mama tweeted last night that Waiting for Guffman was on TV. So I tweeted back with a quote from the movie. Then Boo Mama jumped in with another quote and a video clip. And thus we exchanged tweets and bonded over Waiting for Guffman on Twitter. And it made my week. (So yes, I was late posting this because I was too busy watching Guffman and tweeting with people I’ve never met.) (Don’t judge me!)

7. Praise Report. A dear friend of mine recently moved to another state, and found a church that she loves. Nothing better than getting that email.

8. Prayer. And people that you know will pray when you ask for it.

9. New Doctor. I finally (finally) got a doctor up here. And he’s great. He listened to me without making me feel like I’m crazy. And didn’t rush me out. Feels good to have trust established from the get-go.

10. Big Sisters & Little Brothers. Look what I found the other morning. Be still my heart. She’s the best big sister ever, and he idolizes her.

Your turn! Let me know what you’re thankful for this week and share the love. Leave a comment below or link up with Candra. It’ll improve your mood and satisfy your hunger pains. Or make you want coffee. Whichev.