Yes, I realize my summer is almost over and I didn't post ONE time. How is that possible?
I do have some things to share. Soon.
But today is my "big" day.
Yes.
Another birthday.
And
that means I have to continue my birthday tradition of sharing some of
the blessings in my life I am so very thankful for. Since this year I am
44 (I had to subtract years to figure that out), here are 44
gratitudes. In no particular order. And please don't count to see how
many items are food-related... :)
44. Reading the paper as I eat breakfast.
43. New workout wear/attire. It is an addiction.
42. Slow dancing with my husband. A VERY rare treat.
41. Sweet words from my students (both present and past).
40. Walking along the beach with the waves splashing my bare feet.
39. The majestic colors of the sunset.
38. Shopping with Child 2. She makes me laugh.
37. An ice cold Coke. Preferably from McDonald's.
36. Afternoon naps with the little pup curled up next to me.
35. My praise and worship songs on my ipod.
34.
My Fitbit. (I am on number 4...HIGHLY recommend the 2 year warranty)
Especially when it vibrates, meaning I have reached 10, 000 steps.
33. Bacon and cheese bunsters on a Saturday morning.
32. Sundays. A day of worship, then a day of rest.
31. Reading a good book or doing a jigsaw puzzle. They both make me happy.
30. A rainbow across the gray sky.
29. An empty sink. Another rare treat.
28. The imagination of my 8 year old.
27. Weekly date nights with my husband.
26. The "volcano" roll. (A sushi roll).
25. Magnolia blossoms on my little magnolia tree (a gift from my sweetie last year on my birthday).
24. Watching cousins swim together while my sister, Mom, and I chat.
23. My reading glasses. I don't like needing them but I am glad I have them.
22. A successful surgery for my husband.
21. Encouraging texts and e-mails from friends on hard days.
20. The heated seats in my van. Especially in the winter.
19. The beautiful colors of fall.
18. A hike in the woods (even better if a waterfall is involved).
17. The dependability of child 1.
16. Cheese pizza. From Chicago is even better.
15. My Macbook. Even if the Internet is a bit slow sometimes.
14. Springtime when the world comes back to life.
13. The Psalms. I have been "living" in them this challenging summer!
12. Not having to set my alarm clock in the summer and on the weekends.
11. Dancing around my bedroom as I blast music from my i-pod.
10. Seafood. Cooked just about any way.
9. A fun night of badminton.
8. Memories of special times with my grandparents.
7. A new box of markers for school.
6. Warm vanilla sugar soap/bath gel from Bath and Bodyworks.
5. Deep discussions with child 3.
4. Organizing and decluttering. I love to do it. I just don't get to very often.
3.
Our Bible Fellowship class. A place where we can openly share our
struggles and our praises, pray together, learn together.
2. Pedicured toes. Especially with a little artwork on my big toe.
1. And last but not least, you. Only those who truly love me would read this far down. Or read this at all. :)
More later,
Reba
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Finishing the Race
As I have mentioned before, our oldest child runs cross country.
He did NOT get that running gene from me.
At all.
I have been pushing myself to run around the school twice without dying. And I am not there yet.
This kid actually likes running.
The other day I asked him how his afternoon was. He was happy. They had run 7 miles.
I will admit, it sounds like crazy talk.
At the same time, I am so glad he has found something he likes to do.
And I admire him for it.
The one thing he has always said though is that he will ONLY run cross country. He has never liked track.
Ever.
Sometimes in cross country, they practice on the track.
And those are his least favorite days.
So imagine my surprise when he announced one night that he had track practice the next morning.
Say what???
Then a few days later, he announced he was NOT running track. Ever.
Then a few days later, we again heard, "I have track practice in the morning."
Confused?
Yes, we were too.
Apparently the cross country coach is also one of the track coaches.
And he has encouraged the cross country kids to run track to stay in shape.
And apparently, my runner child looks up to his coach.
So he agreed.
Reluctantly.
So fast forward to yesterday afternoon.
The first track meet.
Thankfully it was local and even better..inside.
Hubby and I had to tag team this weekend. Our oldest daughter had a volleyball tournament in Tulsa. Our younger volleyball player had two games here. And then we had this track meet. So he took the youngest child to the volleyball tournament in Tulsa, while I stayed here with the other two for their activities.
Before he left, Hubby said, "Just to warn you, track meets can be boring. There is a LOT of waiting around for events."
Well, our day was full yesterday. I made my weekly grocery store trip, put my refrigerated/frozen items away, then quickly headed to the youth center so child 3 could have her volleyball pictures. Then we waited around for a little bit until it was time for her to play two matches. After that, we returned home just in time to grab a little snack, pick up child 1, and get the pup in her crate. Then we raced down the road to the University's indoor track. (While the weather was quite nice for mid-January, a track meet outdoors would have been rather chilly)
Just getting to the track center was a huge feat for me. I did not go to the University, so I am not at all familiar with their campus. I had an idea where the track center was but would NOT have found it without my oldest child. And parking at big events makes me break out in a sweat. Yes. Seriously. But somehow I managed. We parked (quite a ways away because there were 1600 participants present) and entered the facility. Thankfully we spotted the coach almost immediately. He estimated that Child 1's first event would start in about 45 minutes. We left our runner to get his bib number and warm up, then we found a place to sit.
This is where the fun begins.
No, not the actual track meet, though I enjoyed a lot of it too.
The fun "God happenings". Little moments I looked back at later and thought, "Wow, that was such a God thing."
We just chose a place to sit where I felt like we would have a fairly good view. I saw nobody I knew.
It turns out my son's high school group had their stuff there and they ended up sitting in that same section throughout the afternoon/evening.
So at this point, we were pretty fresh and eager to watch. We really enjoyed the pole vaulting and hurdles. Then the races started.
Did I mention there were 1600 participants?
We watched several races. And time passed.
Finally, finally, finally, it was time for Child 1's first event...the 1 mile run.
Three hours after we got there.
My son's goal for himself was to not come in last.
And he didn't.
He didn't come in first either but that is okay.
Like I said, he isn't crazy about track. Speed is not necessarily his strength. Perseverance is.
At this point, my parents had arrived, then my dad had to leave to go watch a basketball game.
So my mom came to sit with us.
God happening #2.
I have been wanting to spend more time with her, and finally had that opportunity!
By now, I was understanding how the track world is. It truly is a lot of waiting. And I knew my son's second event was almost at the end. We were all hungry, and child 3 was quite restless. Though the bleachers were nice, I was quite sore after a few hours. And I had promised the kids Chick Fil A (a rare treat for us) for dinner.
I quickly looked up the closest CFA's hours. They closed at 10.
I did some quick math in my mind, realizing that we would probably be finishing child 1's last event at 10.
Did I mention how hungry we were? I had eaten breakfast then a quick snack mid-afternoon. No lunch.
While there were concessions, I had resisted them because I really thought we would be done around 8, ready to eat our Chick Fil A.
What to do, what to do.
My son's second event (the 3000 meter run which is basically a 2 miles run) was finally coming up. But I knew he was in the third heat, cutting it really close with the restaurant's closing time.
And that is where the God happening #3 occurred.
I watched as the second heat prepared to run and realized my son was in the group. They had decided to combine the second and third heat.
The gun went off, and the runners started.
I knew from the first lap that my runner was spent. He was exhausted (LONG day) and hungry. He just couldn't get his momentum up at that point.
But you know what?
We all just cheered him on.
It warmed my heart up to hear his teammates cheering for him no matter where he was in line.
And finally he finished.
That is when God happening #4 occurred.
As my son left the track, I saw another kid run over and shake his hand.
I asked him later who it was.
"A random stranger, someone from another school, who congratulated me for finishing."
Warmed my heart. Big time.
At this point, my restless girl and I ran to our car (mostly, I had to stop to catch my breath a few times because as I have mentioned, I am NOT a runner) then pulled up to get my mom and worn out runner.
We hurried to Chick Fil A, arriving fifteen minutes before they closed.
We placed our order, then drove to the window to pick up the food.
God happening #5.
"The people in front of you paid for your order, a kind of Pay It Forward thing..."
I almost started crying.
Our order was 31 dollars.
I so wish whoever it was could know how they warmed my heart. Many times over.
We went on home, worn out but grateful for the day. It was extra special because my mom came home with us to eat, a rare treat. Child 1 was quite entertaining in his exhaustion. Lots of laughing and devouring of food.
This morning in church, I mentioned the track meet in relation to life.
We run this race, exhausted and sometimes in pain. But we keep our eye on the finish line. Heaven. And finishing the race is worth it.
My Sunday School teacher pointed out that Paul never said that winning was the goal.
Our goal is to finish the race.
Which is exactly what my son did.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Thank you, God, for the reminders of the good You have created. For restoring my faith. And for encouraging me in this race of life.
More later,
Reba
He did NOT get that running gene from me.
At all.
I have been pushing myself to run around the school twice without dying. And I am not there yet.
This kid actually likes running.
The other day I asked him how his afternoon was. He was happy. They had run 7 miles.
I will admit, it sounds like crazy talk.
At the same time, I am so glad he has found something he likes to do.
And I admire him for it.
The one thing he has always said though is that he will ONLY run cross country. He has never liked track.
Ever.
Sometimes in cross country, they practice on the track.
And those are his least favorite days.
So imagine my surprise when he announced one night that he had track practice the next morning.
Say what???
Then a few days later, he announced he was NOT running track. Ever.
Then a few days later, we again heard, "I have track practice in the morning."
Confused?
Yes, we were too.
Apparently the cross country coach is also one of the track coaches.
And he has encouraged the cross country kids to run track to stay in shape.
And apparently, my runner child looks up to his coach.
So he agreed.
Reluctantly.
So fast forward to yesterday afternoon.
The first track meet.
Thankfully it was local and even better..inside.
Hubby and I had to tag team this weekend. Our oldest daughter had a volleyball tournament in Tulsa. Our younger volleyball player had two games here. And then we had this track meet. So he took the youngest child to the volleyball tournament in Tulsa, while I stayed here with the other two for their activities.
Before he left, Hubby said, "Just to warn you, track meets can be boring. There is a LOT of waiting around for events."
Well, our day was full yesterday. I made my weekly grocery store trip, put my refrigerated/frozen items away, then quickly headed to the youth center so child 3 could have her volleyball pictures. Then we waited around for a little bit until it was time for her to play two matches. After that, we returned home just in time to grab a little snack, pick up child 1, and get the pup in her crate. Then we raced down the road to the University's indoor track. (While the weather was quite nice for mid-January, a track meet outdoors would have been rather chilly)
Just getting to the track center was a huge feat for me. I did not go to the University, so I am not at all familiar with their campus. I had an idea where the track center was but would NOT have found it without my oldest child. And parking at big events makes me break out in a sweat. Yes. Seriously. But somehow I managed. We parked (quite a ways away because there were 1600 participants present) and entered the facility. Thankfully we spotted the coach almost immediately. He estimated that Child 1's first event would start in about 45 minutes. We left our runner to get his bib number and warm up, then we found a place to sit.
This is where the fun begins.
No, not the actual track meet, though I enjoyed a lot of it too.
The fun "God happenings". Little moments I looked back at later and thought, "Wow, that was such a God thing."
We just chose a place to sit where I felt like we would have a fairly good view. I saw nobody I knew.
It turns out my son's high school group had their stuff there and they ended up sitting in that same section throughout the afternoon/evening.
So at this point, we were pretty fresh and eager to watch. We really enjoyed the pole vaulting and hurdles. Then the races started.
Did I mention there were 1600 participants?
We watched several races. And time passed.
Finally, finally, finally, it was time for Child 1's first event...the 1 mile run.
Three hours after we got there.
My son's goal for himself was to not come in last.
And he didn't.
He didn't come in first either but that is okay.
Like I said, he isn't crazy about track. Speed is not necessarily his strength. Perseverance is.
At this point, my parents had arrived, then my dad had to leave to go watch a basketball game.
So my mom came to sit with us.
God happening #2.
I have been wanting to spend more time with her, and finally had that opportunity!
By now, I was understanding how the track world is. It truly is a lot of waiting. And I knew my son's second event was almost at the end. We were all hungry, and child 3 was quite restless. Though the bleachers were nice, I was quite sore after a few hours. And I had promised the kids Chick Fil A (a rare treat for us) for dinner.
I quickly looked up the closest CFA's hours. They closed at 10.
I did some quick math in my mind, realizing that we would probably be finishing child 1's last event at 10.
Did I mention how hungry we were? I had eaten breakfast then a quick snack mid-afternoon. No lunch.
While there were concessions, I had resisted them because I really thought we would be done around 8, ready to eat our Chick Fil A.
What to do, what to do.
My son's second event (the 3000 meter run which is basically a 2 miles run) was finally coming up. But I knew he was in the third heat, cutting it really close with the restaurant's closing time.
And that is where the God happening #3 occurred.
I watched as the second heat prepared to run and realized my son was in the group. They had decided to combine the second and third heat.
The gun went off, and the runners started.
I knew from the first lap that my runner was spent. He was exhausted (LONG day) and hungry. He just couldn't get his momentum up at that point.
But you know what?
We all just cheered him on.
It warmed my heart up to hear his teammates cheering for him no matter where he was in line.
And finally he finished.
That is when God happening #4 occurred.
As my son left the track, I saw another kid run over and shake his hand.
I asked him later who it was.
"A random stranger, someone from another school, who congratulated me for finishing."
Warmed my heart. Big time.
At this point, my restless girl and I ran to our car (mostly, I had to stop to catch my breath a few times because as I have mentioned, I am NOT a runner) then pulled up to get my mom and worn out runner.
We hurried to Chick Fil A, arriving fifteen minutes before they closed.
We placed our order, then drove to the window to pick up the food.
God happening #5.
"The people in front of you paid for your order, a kind of Pay It Forward thing..."
I almost started crying.
Our order was 31 dollars.
I so wish whoever it was could know how they warmed my heart. Many times over.
We went on home, worn out but grateful for the day. It was extra special because my mom came home with us to eat, a rare treat. Child 1 was quite entertaining in his exhaustion. Lots of laughing and devouring of food.
This morning in church, I mentioned the track meet in relation to life.
We run this race, exhausted and sometimes in pain. But we keep our eye on the finish line. Heaven. And finishing the race is worth it.
My Sunday School teacher pointed out that Paul never said that winning was the goal.
Our goal is to finish the race.
Which is exactly what my son did.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Thank you, God, for the reminders of the good You have created. For restoring my faith. And for encouraging me in this race of life.
More later,
Reba
Saturday, August 2, 2014
43 and Counting...
It is that time of year.
My birthday.
My 43rd birthday.
I have actually started losing count. To figure out how old I am, I have to subtract my birth year from the current one.
But if my kids ask, I am 29.
Anyway, every year I write a post about my blessings for the year. So this year, I am going to share 43 things I am thankful for...in no particular order.
42. My "blanket"...a certain blanket that stays on our bed. It is just the right weight for me. I often use it at night when I am chilling on the computer or when I need a nap.
41. Speaking of naps, afternoon naps. I LOVE my afternoon naps. Even better when the pup is curled up next to me.
40. Reading glasses. I hate that I need them but glad they are there when I do!
39. Working out with my co-workers...even though I am usually really sore the next day. Will that ever stop?
38. Reconnecting with friends from earlier parts of my life.
37. An ice cold Coke at the end of a long day.
36. Sunsets. The colors across the sky are truly God's handiwork.
35. Finding cash unexpectedly (that I probably stashed away in a "safe" place only to forget about it).
34. Finding "love" notes around our house from child 4. That child can make me cry and has a few times but also brings a lot of joy to our lives.
33. Getting an area of the house organized and cleaned up/out.
32. A hike in the woods on a beautiful fall day. Especially if it leads to a waterfall.
31. A rainbow in the sky on a cloudy day.
30. My chilled dark chocolate with sea salt caramel squares...I eat one each day. Good for the heart. :)
29. Jeans and a Razorback shirt, my favorite outfit.
28. Reading the comics each day.
27. The servant's heart of child 3...she loves to be a helper around the house (as long as it is her idea :).
26. My pedicured toes in the warm sand, the smell of salt water, sea gulls flying overhead. Oh how I love the beach!
25. Parmesan cheese. I will eat it with almost anything. Or just by itself.
24. A fuzzy dog curled up on my feet as I type this. She is such an example of devotion, complete devotion, to me.
23. Walks around the neighborhood after dark with the Hubs and the pup on a starry night.
22. A new book to read (and the time to read it!).
21. HGTV...pretty much the only TV I watch.
20. My crockpot which certainly makes our lives a little better and helps me with dinner. Often.
19. My quiet times...times alone with His word and prayer.
18. Our second floor. Didn't appreciate it as much in January when we were without heat but SOOOO love it now. It has honestly changed our lives.
17. White lilies and magnolia blossoms...not really together. But they both make my heart happy.
16. A hot shower after a long workout.
15. Shrimp. Cooked any way. Cooked all ways. Even better when I don't have to be the one to clean it. :)
14. Shopping with Child 2, our favorite "together" activity. She makes me laugh.
13. My iPod music...an eclectic mix. Each song has a meaning, a memory.
12. My Fitbit which keeps up with my steps so I don't have to.
11. My job. One of the few places I ever feel like a "rock star". Every day.
10. The dependability of child 1...I can always count on him.
9. Warm Vanilla Sugar bath gel.
8. New Sharpies.
7. A full tank of gas. Especially if I didn't have to pump it.
6. The colors of fall in the Ozarks.
5. Hearing from former students. Always makes my heart smile.
4. Heated seats on a cold day.
3. Supermoons and meteor showers. I love the world our God created!
2. Floating on the Buffalo (even when I tip over).
1. You! Thank you for being my friend. I am blessed.
Reba
My birthday.
My 43rd birthday.
I have actually started losing count. To figure out how old I am, I have to subtract my birth year from the current one.
But if my kids ask, I am 29.
Anyway, every year I write a post about my blessings for the year. So this year, I am going to share 43 things I am thankful for...in no particular order.
43 Blessings
43. Sushi...which I can only eat with chopsticks. Just doesn't feel right using a fork.42. My "blanket"...a certain blanket that stays on our bed. It is just the right weight for me. I often use it at night when I am chilling on the computer or when I need a nap.
41. Speaking of naps, afternoon naps. I LOVE my afternoon naps. Even better when the pup is curled up next to me.
40. Reading glasses. I hate that I need them but glad they are there when I do!
39. Working out with my co-workers...even though I am usually really sore the next day. Will that ever stop?
38. Reconnecting with friends from earlier parts of my life.
37. An ice cold Coke at the end of a long day.
36. Sunsets. The colors across the sky are truly God's handiwork.
35. Finding cash unexpectedly (that I probably stashed away in a "safe" place only to forget about it).
34. Finding "love" notes around our house from child 4. That child can make me cry and has a few times but also brings a lot of joy to our lives.
33. Getting an area of the house organized and cleaned up/out.
32. A hike in the woods on a beautiful fall day. Especially if it leads to a waterfall.
31. A rainbow in the sky on a cloudy day.
30. My chilled dark chocolate with sea salt caramel squares...I eat one each day. Good for the heart. :)
29. Jeans and a Razorback shirt, my favorite outfit.
28. Reading the comics each day.
27. The servant's heart of child 3...she loves to be a helper around the house (as long as it is her idea :).
26. My pedicured toes in the warm sand, the smell of salt water, sea gulls flying overhead. Oh how I love the beach!
25. Parmesan cheese. I will eat it with almost anything. Or just by itself.
24. A fuzzy dog curled up on my feet as I type this. She is such an example of devotion, complete devotion, to me.
23. Walks around the neighborhood after dark with the Hubs and the pup on a starry night.
22. A new book to read (and the time to read it!).
21. HGTV...pretty much the only TV I watch.
20. My crockpot which certainly makes our lives a little better and helps me with dinner. Often.
19. My quiet times...times alone with His word and prayer.
18. Our second floor. Didn't appreciate it as much in January when we were without heat but SOOOO love it now. It has honestly changed our lives.
17. White lilies and magnolia blossoms...not really together. But they both make my heart happy.
16. A hot shower after a long workout.
15. Shrimp. Cooked any way. Cooked all ways. Even better when I don't have to be the one to clean it. :)
14. Shopping with Child 2, our favorite "together" activity. She makes me laugh.
13. My iPod music...an eclectic mix. Each song has a meaning, a memory.
12. My Fitbit which keeps up with my steps so I don't have to.
11. My job. One of the few places I ever feel like a "rock star". Every day.
10. The dependability of child 1...I can always count on him.
9. Warm Vanilla Sugar bath gel.
8. New Sharpies.
7. A full tank of gas. Especially if I didn't have to pump it.
6. The colors of fall in the Ozarks.
5. Hearing from former students. Always makes my heart smile.
4. Heated seats on a cold day.
3. Supermoons and meteor showers. I love the world our God created!
2. Floating on the Buffalo (even when I tip over).
1. You! Thank you for being my friend. I am blessed.
Reba
Friday, August 2, 2013
42...Can It Be?
Didn't I just write my 41st birthday blessing post like yesterday?
How is it possible that a whole year has passed? And now I am going on
birthday 42...
Yet I know it is happening, that whole 42 thing. My eyes are beginning to fail me. I feel aches and pains I have never had aches and pains before. And I can only do gymnastics in my mind these days.
Yet I still have a lot to be thankful for...
In no particular order, here is this year's list of 42 blessings in my life...
42. Sunsets and waterfalls and rainbows...they all take my breath away.
41. Burying my toes in the warm sun while I watch the kids play in the waves
40. The beautiful greens of spring as the world comes back to life
39. Sweet comments on my blog
38. A late night walk with my hubby and my main man
37. An afternoon nap curled up with the little pup
36. Listening to Child 4 read books (even chapter books) to me
35. Organized files and photos
34. Zumba with my co-workers...exercise and fun all in one
33. Hugs from former students (both big and small)
32. The smell of homemade bread drifting through the house
31. Love texts from my husband in the middle of the day
30. Watching Psyche with Child 1
29. A hike on a cool fall day
28. Rain falling in the middle of the night
27. White lilies and magnolia blossoms...not necessarily together. They are just both beautiful to me.
26. Watching the kids play in the backyard on a summer evening while fireflies buzz around us
25. Music on my iphone...I have quite an eclectic mix
24. Child 3's servant heart
23. The morning paper (especially the comics)
22. Baby birds in my doorway
21. Housecleaning days (coming home to a clean house...woohoo!)
20. Watching child 2 play volleyball...she loves it!
19. Seeing that "light bulb" go off for my students throughout the year
18. Visits with dear friends
17. A triple word play on Words with Friends
16. Swimming with the kids in my parents' new pool
15. Oh Holy Night, my favorite Christmas hymn
14. Taking pictures (I am not saying I am good at it...I just like doing it)
13. A new book (and time to read it...just for fun)
12. Turning off my alarm clock in the summertime
11. Visits with my sister
10. Grandparents (our folks) who give their time and love to care for the children while we roadtrip
9. A hot shower after a long day
8. Newly painted toenails (which I am in BIG need of :)
7. Dark chocolate Ghirardelli squares with sea salt caramel, chilled (I am guessing this has been on my list for the last several years :)
6. Meteor showers
5. Cheese pizza, hot from the oven
4. New episodes of Lock Up (I know, an odd one...that show just fascinates me :)
3. Butterflies
2. Good days. They don't happen every day. But when they do, I appreciate every moment...
and last but not least...
1. You! I am thankful for my friends and family who support me, love me, pray for me, understand me. I am blessed...
Have a blessed day!
Reba
Yet I know it is happening, that whole 42 thing. My eyes are beginning to fail me. I feel aches and pains I have never had aches and pains before. And I can only do gymnastics in my mind these days.
Yet I still have a lot to be thankful for...
In no particular order, here is this year's list of 42 blessings in my life...
42. Sunsets and waterfalls and rainbows...they all take my breath away.
41. Burying my toes in the warm sun while I watch the kids play in the waves
40. The beautiful greens of spring as the world comes back to life
39. Sweet comments on my blog
38. A late night walk with my hubby and my main man
37. An afternoon nap curled up with the little pup
36. Listening to Child 4 read books (even chapter books) to me
35. Organized files and photos
34. Zumba with my co-workers...exercise and fun all in one
33. Hugs from former students (both big and small)
32. The smell of homemade bread drifting through the house
31. Love texts from my husband in the middle of the day
30. Watching Psyche with Child 1
29. A hike on a cool fall day
28. Rain falling in the middle of the night
27. White lilies and magnolia blossoms...not necessarily together. They are just both beautiful to me.
26. Watching the kids play in the backyard on a summer evening while fireflies buzz around us
25. Music on my iphone...I have quite an eclectic mix
24. Child 3's servant heart
23. The morning paper (especially the comics)
22. Baby birds in my doorway
21. Housecleaning days (coming home to a clean house...woohoo!)
20. Watching child 2 play volleyball...she loves it!
19. Seeing that "light bulb" go off for my students throughout the year
18. Visits with dear friends
17. A triple word play on Words with Friends
16. Swimming with the kids in my parents' new pool
15. Oh Holy Night, my favorite Christmas hymn
14. Taking pictures (I am not saying I am good at it...I just like doing it)
13. A new book (and time to read it...just for fun)
12. Turning off my alarm clock in the summertime
11. Visits with my sister
10. Grandparents (our folks) who give their time and love to care for the children while we roadtrip
9. A hot shower after a long day
8. Newly painted toenails (which I am in BIG need of :)
7. Dark chocolate Ghirardelli squares with sea salt caramel, chilled (I am guessing this has been on my list for the last several years :)
6. Meteor showers
5. Cheese pizza, hot from the oven
4. New episodes of Lock Up (I know, an odd one...that show just fascinates me :)
3. Butterflies
2. Good days. They don't happen every day. But when they do, I appreciate every moment...
and last but not least...
1. You! I am thankful for my friends and family who support me, love me, pray for me, understand me. I am blessed...
Have a blessed day!
Reba
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
This is the Day, This is the Day...
That the Lord Has Made...
That the Lord Has Made...
I will rejoice.
I will rejoice.
And be glad in it.
And be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord hath made.
I will rejoice and be glad i it.
This is the day.
This is the day.
That the Lord has made...
If you attended any kind of youth service at church in the 80's, you know exactly how to sing this song in your head. (It is an echo song :)
So this is what happened.
I woke up this morning. It was snowing. Big beautiful flakes. I am not a snow person at all. But I will admit, it looked really pretty falling. And though I am also not big on snow days, I looked around the house at all of the projects I needed to work on, and I was okay with it. Except we didn't have a snow day. We had snow but we also had dry streets. Or at least just wet streets. So the day was already starting off a little "off"...
On a positive note, we were at school on our "extra day of summer vacation". That is one more day this summer I wouldn't have had if we had stayed home. And I was thankful the streets weren't a mess so I wouldn't have to worry about the safety of anyone out on the road.
Picture day. It is picture day. Ugh. It is picture day. What do I wear? What did I wear last year? What is clean? What will look good in pictures? What will make me look okay in pictures?
Yet I am thankful. Thankful I have a closet full of clothes waiting for me.
One of my children started bucking me from the moment he/she was awake. Not happy about my clothing or hair choices for the pictures. I let that child choose 364 days of the year...do you think letting me decide one day is too much to ask?
Again, I am grateful. I am grateful for children who have opinions and aren't afraid to share them, though we are still working on the "delivery".
I drive to school. We are behind schedule. I don't know why. Arguing children. Mom is extra busy. It is still snowing. I am ALWAYS on time. ALWAYS. (For school) And technically I was on time today. But I cut it too close for comfort.
Yet I am thankful again. I have a job I love with people I enjoy working with. Every day I get to watch children blossom before my eyes. We all have rough days when we are a step behind. Tomorrow will hopefully be better.
Lunch time. I drive home to let the pup out for a bit and to pop some dinner in the crockpot. And hopefully eat but often I end up with about 10 minutes to eat after taking care of everything else around the house. Sigh.
Though I felt rushed, I did take time to notice the trees on my drive home. With the snow (that melted shortly afterwards), the trees were absolutely breath taking.
I was looking so forward to Zumba; even more, the boys had dentist appointments and haircuts with their dad so I didn't have to do my usual "running around" after school. I would get to stay the full amount of time. I enjoy my time with my co-workers, and I get my exercise out of the way for the day. Except I found out this afternoon that our fearless Zumba leader was ill. No Zumba for us. :(
Which actually worked out because Child 2's normal ride for the afternoon could not pick her up. So I ended up having to leave school pretty quickly after dismissal to pick her and a friend up. And though it wasn't part of my plans, I was thankful to be the picker upper when so often others help me by picking up...
I get a phone call just as I am about home. My dear hubby says, "Is this crockpot supposed to be off?" Groan...
Since the chicken sat out for 4 hours, I couldn't justify cooking it. But thankfully I had more chicken in the freezer. And though I didn't have the nice bottled teriyaki I had used the first time, I found a great recipe through Google to make my own teriyaki sauce. It was obviously disappointing to have lost all of that food, but we survived and ended up eating a pretty good meal.
My favorite yeast spilled out of the container in the freezer. All over my newly cleaned kitchen floor. Bummer!
Thankfully it wasn't a lot of yeast. I whipped out the vacuum and cleaned up the floor. And then I attacked the freezer. I spent quite a while throwing out food we are not going to eat (I won't tell you how old some of it was) and organizing what was left. It should be MUCH easier to see what we have and don't have. When it is a tad bit warmer, I will tackle the ones in the garage. A little work but worth it!
There were other odds and ends, like a student moving and sassy children at home. Messes and near misses. Things that made me groan. Times I wondered why. And a few times I felt like just throwing in the towel (for the day).
But I have to say, even in those not as fun times, I am grateful. I know these things are all minor (especially compared to what so many of my friends are dealing with). And I know that no matter what the day brings, this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it...
Reba
That the Lord Has Made...
I will rejoice.
I will rejoice.
And be glad in it.
And be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord hath made.
I will rejoice and be glad i it.
This is the day.
This is the day.
That the Lord has made...
If you attended any kind of youth service at church in the 80's, you know exactly how to sing this song in your head. (It is an echo song :)
So this is what happened.
I woke up this morning. It was snowing. Big beautiful flakes. I am not a snow person at all. But I will admit, it looked really pretty falling. And though I am also not big on snow days, I looked around the house at all of the projects I needed to work on, and I was okay with it. Except we didn't have a snow day. We had snow but we also had dry streets. Or at least just wet streets. So the day was already starting off a little "off"...
On a positive note, we were at school on our "extra day of summer vacation". That is one more day this summer I wouldn't have had if we had stayed home. And I was thankful the streets weren't a mess so I wouldn't have to worry about the safety of anyone out on the road.
Picture day. It is picture day. Ugh. It is picture day. What do I wear? What did I wear last year? What is clean? What will look good in pictures? What will make me look okay in pictures?
Yet I am thankful. Thankful I have a closet full of clothes waiting for me.
One of my children started bucking me from the moment he/she was awake. Not happy about my clothing or hair choices for the pictures. I let that child choose 364 days of the year...do you think letting me decide one day is too much to ask?
Again, I am grateful. I am grateful for children who have opinions and aren't afraid to share them, though we are still working on the "delivery".
I drive to school. We are behind schedule. I don't know why. Arguing children. Mom is extra busy. It is still snowing. I am ALWAYS on time. ALWAYS. (For school) And technically I was on time today. But I cut it too close for comfort.
Yet I am thankful again. I have a job I love with people I enjoy working with. Every day I get to watch children blossom before my eyes. We all have rough days when we are a step behind. Tomorrow will hopefully be better.
Lunch time. I drive home to let the pup out for a bit and to pop some dinner in the crockpot. And hopefully eat but often I end up with about 10 minutes to eat after taking care of everything else around the house. Sigh.
Though I felt rushed, I did take time to notice the trees on my drive home. With the snow (that melted shortly afterwards), the trees were absolutely breath taking.
I was looking so forward to Zumba; even more, the boys had dentist appointments and haircuts with their dad so I didn't have to do my usual "running around" after school. I would get to stay the full amount of time. I enjoy my time with my co-workers, and I get my exercise out of the way for the day. Except I found out this afternoon that our fearless Zumba leader was ill. No Zumba for us. :(
Which actually worked out because Child 2's normal ride for the afternoon could not pick her up. So I ended up having to leave school pretty quickly after dismissal to pick her and a friend up. And though it wasn't part of my plans, I was thankful to be the picker upper when so often others help me by picking up...
I get a phone call just as I am about home. My dear hubby says, "Is this crockpot supposed to be off?" Groan...
Since the chicken sat out for 4 hours, I couldn't justify cooking it. But thankfully I had more chicken in the freezer. And though I didn't have the nice bottled teriyaki I had used the first time, I found a great recipe through Google to make my own teriyaki sauce. It was obviously disappointing to have lost all of that food, but we survived and ended up eating a pretty good meal.
My favorite yeast spilled out of the container in the freezer. All over my newly cleaned kitchen floor. Bummer!
Thankfully it wasn't a lot of yeast. I whipped out the vacuum and cleaned up the floor. And then I attacked the freezer. I spent quite a while throwing out food we are not going to eat (I won't tell you how old some of it was) and organizing what was left. It should be MUCH easier to see what we have and don't have. When it is a tad bit warmer, I will tackle the ones in the garage. A little work but worth it!
There were other odds and ends, like a student moving and sassy children at home. Messes and near misses. Things that made me groan. Times I wondered why. And a few times I felt like just throwing in the towel (for the day).
But I have to say, even in those not as fun times, I am grateful. I know these things are all minor (especially compared to what so many of my friends are dealing with). And I know that no matter what the day brings, this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it...
Reba
Thursday, August 2, 2012
41 Birthday Blessings...And Counting
This time last year, I was on the beach. Both dreading and enjoying the big 4-0.
And here I am a year later.
Not on the beach.
But, I am...
A few pounds lighter. A few muscles heavier. A little eyesight weaker.
It has been a year of growth. And loss. Joy. And sorrow. Changes. Conflicts. Disappointments. Adventures.
But overall, it wasn't so bad.
Yet I am more and more aware each day (as I squint at a screen that is too close) that I am not getting any younger.
And more and more, I understand the longing for heaven. When I was younger, I didn't. I mean, why leave the pleasure on earth? Except these pleasures are temporary. And the pain can be intense.
Many days I long to see my Savior.
But my time here isn't done yet.
So, while I continue on this journey of life, I must take time (as I do each year) to celebrate the blessings in my life. The things that make my heart happy. The joys that are gifts from my Heavenly father to me...
Here they are, in no particular order...
41. My big "deer" blanket that is actually my husband's. I just kind of took it over. Even in the summer, I love to curl up on the bed with it.
40. Our little fuzzy furball. I can't believe she has been here a year already. My little Marley is a HUGE blessing in a little body. She is my calm at the end of the day.
39. White lilies or magnolia flowers. Both are specimens of beauty to me.
38. Chicago pizza. I mean, it is inches and inches of gooey cheese. What is there not to love?
37. A good afternoon nap. A rarity but still treasured.
36. A hike in the woods on a fall day.
35. Watching my students discover and learn...some days I can literally see those light bulbs go off!
34. My Mac. It has been a good friend to me. And it turns on WAY faster than my HP ever did.
33. A chilled Ghirardelli dark chocolate with sea salt caramel square. I eat one a day. Dark chocolate is good for you. :)
32. Buying clothes in a smaller size.
31. The deep belly laugh of Child 4
30. Walking along the beach, barefoot, as I listen to the waves crash against the sand
29. Sunsets. They just amaze me.
28. Fresh herbs, especially basil, cilantro, and thyme. How did I go my whole life not knowing about those?
27. My iphone, particularly the music on it. It is an eclectic mix but each song is on there for a reason. The songs cover many phases of my life and are full of memories.
26. The unwavering faith and strong convictions of Child 1.
25. The newspaper. You know, the one in black and white print. I still love to sit down to breakfast while reading my morning paper.
24. A God who surprises me over and over again with unexpected blessings
23. Paid off vehicles.
22. Dates with my husband, whether it is for a dinner out, a weekend away, or a quick shaved ice run. I love any and all time I get with that man.
21. Organized shelves and closets. I have a lot to do and a long way to go. But it sure makes me happy when I get some of that accomplished...
20. Pinterest. I am such a visual person. Seeing pictures and saving them just appeals to me. I have found some WONDERFUL recipes and teaching ideas through Pinterest. It can be a time killer BUT it also saves me time by showing me the best of the best. :)
19. The smell of a fresh rain (I vaguely remember...)
18. Time with my parents and sister/family. It is never enough, but it is such a treasured time when it does.
17. Child 3's willingness AND eagerness to help with cooking, shopping, and cleaning. As long as it is her idea. :)
16. Friendships. I have learned a lot about friendships this year, some happy lessons...others not. But I am thankful for friends who encourage, who check up on me, who pray for me, who actually seek time to spend with me. I pray I will be that friend too.
15. My blogs. I am "behind" on a couple but I am thankful for them. They are my "scrapbook" whether it is family or food. I know that blogging is "out" while Twitter is "in". But my blogs are still my outlet, a little bit of therapy after a hard day.
14. Pedicures. They are a special treat, but they always make me smile. Especially when I get a picture painted on my big toes.
13. Reading a good book. A fun book. Not necessarily a parenting book.
12. The encouragement of child 2. I get e-cards, notes, little gifts, and even just a hug on a hard day from her.
11. My Sweating to the Oldies DVD's. Yes, I know. Richard Simmons is a bit over the top sometimes. But I can actually keep up, still get a good workout, and get to enjoy fun music...
10. Midnight talks with my husband when neither of us can sleep. Okay, it is rare...we usually are exhausted by the end of the day. But I love pillow talk and just getting to share what is on our minds and hearts.
9. My Bible Fellowship folks.
8. Payday!
7. Evenings outside in early summer (before it is blazing hot), watching the kids play and the dog chase the soccer ball
6. Baked potato soup on a cold day
5. Family movie night (usually a DVD, popcorn, and Shakes)
4. A dedicated husband who get up each day to work and support our family (and then comes home to work and support our family :)
3. My crockpot. It makes my life SOOO much easier.
2. Waterfalls. I am not sure what the fascination is but they bring me peace and joy.
1. You. Thank you for being part of my life!
And here I am a year later.
Not on the beach.
But, I am...
A few pounds lighter. A few muscles heavier. A little eyesight weaker.
It has been a year of growth. And loss. Joy. And sorrow. Changes. Conflicts. Disappointments. Adventures.
But overall, it wasn't so bad.
Yet I am more and more aware each day (as I squint at a screen that is too close) that I am not getting any younger.
And more and more, I understand the longing for heaven. When I was younger, I didn't. I mean, why leave the pleasure on earth? Except these pleasures are temporary. And the pain can be intense.
Many days I long to see my Savior.
But my time here isn't done yet.
So, while I continue on this journey of life, I must take time (as I do each year) to celebrate the blessings in my life. The things that make my heart happy. The joys that are gifts from my Heavenly father to me...
Here they are, in no particular order...
41. My big "deer" blanket that is actually my husband's. I just kind of took it over. Even in the summer, I love to curl up on the bed with it.
40. Our little fuzzy furball. I can't believe she has been here a year already. My little Marley is a HUGE blessing in a little body. She is my calm at the end of the day.
39. White lilies or magnolia flowers. Both are specimens of beauty to me.
38. Chicago pizza. I mean, it is inches and inches of gooey cheese. What is there not to love?
37. A good afternoon nap. A rarity but still treasured.
36. A hike in the woods on a fall day.
35. Watching my students discover and learn...some days I can literally see those light bulbs go off!
34. My Mac. It has been a good friend to me. And it turns on WAY faster than my HP ever did.
33. A chilled Ghirardelli dark chocolate with sea salt caramel square. I eat one a day. Dark chocolate is good for you. :)
32. Buying clothes in a smaller size.
31. The deep belly laugh of Child 4
30. Walking along the beach, barefoot, as I listen to the waves crash against the sand
29. Sunsets. They just amaze me.
28. Fresh herbs, especially basil, cilantro, and thyme. How did I go my whole life not knowing about those?
27. My iphone, particularly the music on it. It is an eclectic mix but each song is on there for a reason. The songs cover many phases of my life and are full of memories.
26. The unwavering faith and strong convictions of Child 1.
25. The newspaper. You know, the one in black and white print. I still love to sit down to breakfast while reading my morning paper.
24. A God who surprises me over and over again with unexpected blessings
23. Paid off vehicles.
22. Dates with my husband, whether it is for a dinner out, a weekend away, or a quick shaved ice run. I love any and all time I get with that man.
21. Organized shelves and closets. I have a lot to do and a long way to go. But it sure makes me happy when I get some of that accomplished...
20. Pinterest. I am such a visual person. Seeing pictures and saving them just appeals to me. I have found some WONDERFUL recipes and teaching ideas through Pinterest. It can be a time killer BUT it also saves me time by showing me the best of the best. :)
19. The smell of a fresh rain (I vaguely remember...)
18. Time with my parents and sister/family. It is never enough, but it is such a treasured time when it does.
17. Child 3's willingness AND eagerness to help with cooking, shopping, and cleaning. As long as it is her idea. :)
16. Friendships. I have learned a lot about friendships this year, some happy lessons...others not. But I am thankful for friends who encourage, who check up on me, who pray for me, who actually seek time to spend with me. I pray I will be that friend too.
15. My blogs. I am "behind" on a couple but I am thankful for them. They are my "scrapbook" whether it is family or food. I know that blogging is "out" while Twitter is "in". But my blogs are still my outlet, a little bit of therapy after a hard day.
14. Pedicures. They are a special treat, but they always make me smile. Especially when I get a picture painted on my big toes.
13. Reading a good book. A fun book. Not necessarily a parenting book.
12. The encouragement of child 2. I get e-cards, notes, little gifts, and even just a hug on a hard day from her.
11. My Sweating to the Oldies DVD's. Yes, I know. Richard Simmons is a bit over the top sometimes. But I can actually keep up, still get a good workout, and get to enjoy fun music...
10. Midnight talks with my husband when neither of us can sleep. Okay, it is rare...we usually are exhausted by the end of the day. But I love pillow talk and just getting to share what is on our minds and hearts.
9. My Bible Fellowship folks.
8. Payday!
7. Evenings outside in early summer (before it is blazing hot), watching the kids play and the dog chase the soccer ball
6. Baked potato soup on a cold day
5. Family movie night (usually a DVD, popcorn, and Shakes)
4. A dedicated husband who get up each day to work and support our family (and then comes home to work and support our family :)
3. My crockpot. It makes my life SOOO much easier.
2. Waterfalls. I am not sure what the fascination is but they bring me peace and joy.
1. You. Thank you for being part of my life!
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