Thankful Thursday

After school treat!

Why, hello there, female version of Blake.

Yesterday, I met Blake's cousin, Mindy, at the mall to walk. This is her little baby Leo. He is so sweet! This was the first time I have met him, and I sent this picture to Blake. He responded, "Try to contain yourself." Ha! He knows how much I LOVE babies! I am very excited that I am going to have TWO babies (that are not mine) to love on this fall. My brother's wife, Jill, is also pregnant, and due in September.

Every day when I pick up Jackson at school, the school smells like freshly baked bread. Every morning, the director bakes a loaf of bread, and one student gets to take home the loaf of bread from the day. It is really sweet to do this, but I think the reason behind it is really interesting. According to research, young children remember experiences with their senses, their sense of smell being the strongest. So, the school smells amazing every day while the bread is baking, and their hope is the students will associate this wonderful smell with all of their great experiences at school. We enjoyed eating our bread last night with our leftover roast, couscous, and pinto beans last night!

Thankful Thursday

Today, I am thankful for long walks and long talks with friends. I am thankful for spring like weather on the first day of March. I am thankful for all of the parks we have in our city. I am thankful for Jackson's preschool and his teachers. I am thankful for my husband who works very, very hard for our family. I am thankful for my new tennis shoes that are the most comfortable shoes I have ever put on my feet!

19: Thankful Thursday

Today, I am thankful for my niece or nephew that we are welcoming into our family in August. Lydia sent me an ultrasound picture of baby this morning, and I just can't wait to meet him or her.

Today, I am thankful for little James Turner Thomas. My friend from high school, Ashley, (and my favorite CVS pharmacist), had her first baby on Tuesday night, and he is so cute! I am thankful Ashley and baby are doing just fine.

12:Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for little girls who love spaghetti. I am thankful for a noodle mustache on my daughter.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that God answers prayers, and has a plan for our family. Blake was blessed with a new job this week. He starts on Monday. I am thankful that God placed Blake right where he is meant to be for this season of his life. Thank you, Lord, for ordering his steps!

I am thankful that Blake gets a month off every summer to hang out with his family. I love having him home every day, and although the summer went by WAY to fast, I enjoyed having my best friend with me every day, and I know Jack and Claire did, too.

I am thankful for friends and family that rejoice with us when prayers are answered, and thankful for friends and family that pray for us always.

I am thankful for a coffee date with a special friend on Monday night. Love and treasure those times!

And, thanks to healthier eating habits, I have lost 12 pounds. Hip, hip, hooray!!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that 4 years ago today, I found out this little person was going to be joining our family.
I am thankful that Baby Girl's two top teeth have almost come through. She has had a couple of rough days...and nights.



I am thankful for my fancy pants food processor my parents bought me for Christmas last year....love any excuse to use it. Claire loves her freshly pureed blueberries.






I am thankful for fresh summer veggies. Blake's grandmother picked the squash and green beans out of her neighbor's garden for us...YUM!





I am thankful for summer days that start at the swimming pool, and end with ice cream.



I am thankful for our days together, days that really are imperfectly perfect.

105: Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful that I did not have a car accident this morning when the charming person in front of me decided not to use their turn signal when they were making an abrupt turn.

2. I am thankful for Jackson and Claire's pediatrician. He genuinely cares about my children, and takes time to address any of my questions or concerns...at every single visit. He is so knowledgeable and practical, and addresses my children by name. He makes them feel like seeing them is the best part of his day, even though he sees tons of patients every day. That really is a big deal.

3. I am thankful that Claire got a perfect report of health today at her six month check up. Except for the double ear infection she has. I had no idea. She is still the happiest, most pleasant baby to take care of...after two vaccines, and all.

4. I am thankful that the skin on my hand is still intact. I was getting Easy Mac out of the microwave for Ben and Jackson to eat for lunch today...it was not done and, boiling water splashed all over my hand. Ouch. I think I am going to be okay.

5. I am thankful that my little family went out to eat dinner tonight. I am thankful that a few years ago we decided to make going out to eat a treat, for budgetary reasons. And now, it really is a special time. And, I get the night off. No cooking. No clean up.

55: Thankful Thursday

Jackson and I made homemade granola bars tonight. This is his recipe. He wrote it himself.

I am thankful for my almost 3 year old, and all of the zest and enjoyment he has for life. He finds happiness in the smallest things, and has interest in everything around him.

We signed up for preschool today. That is a big deal around here.

I am thankful for these milestones, although, they are bitter sweet.

I am thankful for my son.