Eklove Adventures

Day 405-date

2012-02-12T23:06:00.002-05:00

Tonight I was able to plan a date with two of my favs. Looking forward to March 19th ladies!

Dear God, thanks for things to look ahead towards and smile. Amen.

Day 404-impromptu

2012-02-11T22:07:00.000-05:00

Addy loves having sleepovers at Nama and Pa's....and tonight she had an impromptu one. Lucky girl.

Dear God, thank you for aligning everything tonight to make a sleepover happen. Amen.

Day 403- cutie

2012-02-10T22:46:00.000-05:00

My baby is cute. I know, every mom thinks that about her baby and you are probably not supposed to say it, but today I am thankful she's so cute. It makes it a little easier to be her mommy in some moments. Like, when she throws a royal temper tantrum which lasts 15 minutes, when she tries to Houdini her way out of her crib, when she stands on my coffee table.

Dear God, thank you for just as moments with this kid today that melted my heart as made me want to pull my hair out. Also, thank you for the fact that her natural sleep cycle involves her going to bed by 7pm. Amen.

Day 402-the good and the bad

2012-02-09T22:02:00.001-05:00

Sometimes good things happen, and sometimes bad things happen. And sometimes something happens that helps you see that there are people supporting you and that no matter what happens, things will be fine.

Dear God, thank you for open communication with Jeff. And honestly, thank you for everything about him. Amen.

Day 401-reciprocity

2012-02-08T20:40:00.001-05:00

That's a word my friend Jessi and I use to antagonize each other. Regularly. But tonight, it is what I am thankful for. She was willing to go running with me, at night. As we were approaching someone I realized that there is probably no one else I would rather run in the dark with. Our many years working residential created a trust that no matter what the situation you just know when someone is there to back you. So, tonight I am thankful for reciprocity.

Dear God, thank you for the opportunity to be outside this evening, with a great friend. Amen.

Day 400-treadmill dreadmill...

2012-02-07T21:07:00.002-05:00

We have a faulty treadmill. It sometimes decides to stop completely when you are running at a high speed. Or even if you are just doing your warm up. So, I was all geared up to run tonight, in fact, I wasn't even dreading it, but I couldn't get the dumb thing to go for more than a minute before it would stop. So I got irritated and called the customer service line...and voila, the treadmill that we bought on Craigslist for $200 is getting a new drive motor that was still under warranty and should be here in 4-5 days!

Dear Lord, thank you for a customer service representative who took care of the situation and for a good reason to run outside tomorrow. Amen.

Day 399- sound table

2012-02-06T20:31:00.000-05:00

This weeks letter at sound table in Addy's class is 'T'. Sound table usually covers some family time as we talk about what starts with the letter and what she will bring for her contribution to the table. This evening the conversation took quite a bit if time. Not bc Addy couldn't come up with anything, but we couldn't get her to slow down and stop. It was an enjoyable part of our evening.

Dear God, I am so thankful for this time that we have, thankful for how well Addy understands her letters and the people who teach her. Amen.

Day 398-money matters

2012-02-05T23:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for a conversation with my hubby. We always have the floating question of where did all out money go!? Answers are actually pretty easy, Starbucks, target, a meal out. So we have decided to give ourselves a discretionary budget, using the envelope system. We are each going to be responsible for our own allotted amount and then we are going to have joint decision making power for the eating out budget.

Dear God, thank you for helping us find a new approach to and old question. Please
Give us patience as we encounter obstacles and work out the kinks. Amen.

Day 397- carrying my own weight

2012-02-04T22:42:00.001-05:00

I have probably mentioned (maybe once or twice) how much I dislike driving. It doesn't reallyatyer what the conditions are, if it's more than a 30 minute drive, I hate it. So tonight, I got over it and drove my mom and I all the way home from the west side of Chicago, without any stops.

Dear God, thank you for safe travels and good conversation. Amen.

Day 396- 30's club

2012-02-04T00:12:00.000-05:00

I am one of the older of my friends. In high school this meant I got to drive first. Now, it means I turned 30 first. But tonight we were able to welcome our friend Mr. Higgs to the club. And not only does this mean I am not there alone but it also means I got to witness my husband kareokying to the Black Eyed Peas while John engaged in a dance off with a 10 year old.

Dear God, thank you for a fun evening and a warm welcome
to the 30's club for John. Amen.

Day 395-pooped

2012-02-02T22:36:00.000-05:00

Tonight I post from Great Wolf Lodge and we are all exhausted. Both kids played hard and that means all three of us adults did too. Perfect mid winter break.

Dear God, we thank you for this day and all that it brought. Amen.

Day394-tolerance

2012-02-01T22:22:00.001-05:00

Ugh. Tonight I was in a pissy mood. It was bad. I was moody, snappy and all around unpleasant. I am thankful this evening that my children and husband tolerated me and my crankiness.

Dear God, thank you for grace. Amen.

Day 393- empty lane

2012-01-31T20:54:00.002-05:00

Tonight on my way home from work a car in the opposing lane lost a tire/wheel. I am glad I saw this happen so I was able to follow the trajectory of the bouncing flying object and make sure I wasn't in its path. I am thankful my lane was empty around me so that when I saw it coming my way.

Dear God, thank you for keeping me safe tonight. Amen.

Day392-unexpected

2012-01-30T22:33:00.002-05:00

This morning I had a plan, but it didn't work and I suddenly had an hour and forty five minute space that was kid free. So I took a big chunk of the practice test for my licensing exam. Ugh. Not pretty, so I spent a large part of my day studying and coming up with a game plan for studying. I want this test off my plate before the pool
opens! So, I am thankful for unexpected opportunities that force action from me.

Dear God, thank you for this day, for the faith that I will get this test squared away and helping me as I continuously seek balance. Amen.

Day 391-short week

2012-01-29T22:57:00.000-05:00

As I lay in bed and think about what we have to get done this week....and I feel kind of overwhelmed by the time I get to Wednesday- soccer, kindergarten enrollment meeting, haircut, 8am clients two days in a row, swim lessons....BUT then I remember it is a short week! Great Wolf Lodge, here we come!

Dear God, thank you for a mini vacation. Amen.

Day 390- low key

2012-01-28T22:43:00.000-05:00

Today was perfect. We lounged, read, played in the snow, watched movies and had breakfast for dinner.

Dear God, thank you for the kind of day we needed. Amen

Day 389- A spot of sunshine

2012-01-27T22:14:00.001-05:00

Today, I was able to breath fresh air and enjoy a spot of sunshine in the late afternoon. And for this, I am thankful. Amen.

Dear God, thank you for the promise of the spring, and for the glimpse we saw today. Amen.

Day 388 - Free Beer and Hot Wings

2012-01-26T21:15:00.000-05:00

Not literally, but the Free Beer and Hot Wings radio show. I used to get so aggravated when Jeff would put this radio show on in the morning on our drives to Wedgwood. I hated it, thought that it was crass and trashy. But when the radio show I liked was pulled off the air I decided to give Free Beer and Hot Wings another chance. I really enjoy it now, but it took some time. This morning, they played a clip of Ray Lewis talking to his team (the Ravens....be impressed everyone who knows how much I hate football) and it struck me. He talked about moving past the what ifs because God doesn't make mistakes. This is something I often forget. I ruminate, and overanalyze and worry about things I have no control over. It was something I needed to hear. I am not sure why, but it hit a chord. And for this, I am thankful.

Dear God, Thank you for this poignant message in an unexpcted place.

Day 387-alone

2012-01-25T22:24:00.000-05:00

Today I had the opprtunity to spend an hour, by myself. That NEVER happens. So I completely took advantage of it and found a quiet place to read. It was pretty phenomenal.

Dear God, thank you for the people my kids were with, so I could completely relax and let go. Thank you for the opprtunity and some quiet time. Amen.

Day 386- last day

2012-01-24T21:34:00.000-05:00

Today we celebrated Addison's last day of being four. We went to the children's museum and had a great time. I can't believe how grown she has gotten.

Dear God, thank you for time together. Amen.

Day 385 - Rain

2012-01-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

So....last night we had a thunderstorm....and thus, we had rain. In January. Which is completely fine with me. I am sure we will get more snow before the end of the winter, or even this week. But it does my not-MI-winter-loving heart good to see some green grass.

Lord, Thank you for giving me even a short repreive in the middle of this very mild winter. I know it's short lived, but I am thankful for it in this moment. Amen.

Day 384- success

2012-01-22T18:57:00.000-05:00

Today was Addy's 5 year birthday party. This kid basically gets a birthday week. She had fifteen of her nearest and dearest join her at a local gymnastics center. It was pretty awesome, since as the parents our job was to provide drinks and cake. She had a blast and is busy telling her Dad how to do Wii dance, which was one of her gifts. I am getting my own AB work out just watching this.

Dear God, thank you for an awesome day of celebration. And the fact that we have had an awesome five years to celebrate. Amen.

Day 383-down one

2012-01-21T22:33:00.002-05:00

Today Jeff and I were down one kid. Addy went with Nama for the day. If was weird, but super enjoyable. We got lots done, but also had some down time with Livy which doesn't happen. All that often.
Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunity to devote some one on one time to Olive today. Thank you for a refreshing perspective. Amen.

Day 382 - No Agenda

2012-01-20T10:02:00.001-05:00

Today, I don't really have an agenda. There's only one thing on the calendar, the girls pictures at 3:00. It's a lazy morning. We are all still in our pajamas. We laid in bed until 8:00 this morning. I have had a (large) cup of coffee. The girls have trashed the living room and there are toys everywhere. It's all good.

Dear God, thank you for a day that we can take slow, that we can enjoy and not feel so rushed. Amen.

Day 381-day off

2012-01-19T23:00:00.001-05:00

Today was a day off. Of running. I totally needed it. As my runs have increased in length, distance and intensity my old body has begun to feel it. This morning when I crawled out of bed (slight exaggeration) I had to hobble to the shower (not an exaggeration at all). I do believe I have the beginning signs of shin splints, something I have not had since 2003.

Dear God, thank you for a day off, a day of rest and for the privilege of using my body to the point that it requires rest. Amen.

Day 380 - Snuggles Part Deux

2012-01-18T21:35:00.000-05:00

My baby doesn't always snuggle. She is a mover and a shaker. But this evening, she snuggled. She sat still for her entire moo-moo (Eklovese for bottle). We whispered and gave each other nosies. Such a special girl.

Lord, thank you for this little baby who has her own funky personality. Thank you for the nuances that maker her who she is. Amen.

Day379-snuggles

2012-01-17T21:01:00.000-05:00

Tonight I am laying in bed, snuggling with addy. I am thankful for this special time, for a girl willing to snuggle, for a husband and daddy who will carry her to her own bed in a couple of hours, and for getting to bed at a decent time.

Dear God, thank you for this snuggly sack of wiggles. Amen.9

Day 378 - A moment of pride

2012-01-16T22:12:00.004-05:00

We have told Addison that five year olds eat salad. She believes this. So when we were at the grocery store today I asked her if she was going to wait until her birthday and have to have her first salad then, or if she was going to try it ahead of time. She decided today was the day. It went pretty well. We bought croutons and baked snap peas to give it a little oomph and I even offered to buy her her own salad dressing, but she told me she kind of likes ranch. She ate the first half of it without an issue. And she was pretty darn proud of herself. She even asked me this evening to facebook her teacher and tell her what she did. (Yes, my not even five year old knows facebook). There may or may not have been some gagging in the last three bites we made her take before she could be done. But, it was nothing like the brussel sprouts, and for this I am thankful.

Dear God, Thank you for a little girl who is willing to try new things. Thank you for a little girl who is also pretty gullible. Let us enjoy these moments while we can. Amen.

Day 377-a last hurrah

2012-01-15T22:46:00.001-05:00

Today we celebrated our last family Christmas of the season. It was a good time spent with family, the roads were clear and Addy and Olive got to spend some good quality time with some cousins. When we watched tv tonight we actually plugged the tree in....knowing it needs to come down now.

Dear God, thank you for one last hurrah of your season. Amen.

Day 376- minus five

2012-01-14T23:37:00.002-05:00

I have tracked everyday for the last week. I have run 8.5 miles this week. I have stayed within my points. I have resisted negative self talk. And today, my reward was a loss of five pounds. As of this morning, I weigh less than I have in over five years.

Dear God, thank you for physical, and emotional success and reward. It tastes sweeter than any food. Amen.

Day 375- tomorrow's class

2012-01-13T23:14:00.000-05:00

Today I got my last run in for the week. And so tomorrow I am going to yoga. So excited.

Dear God, thank you for a relaxing way to end the week and an energizing way to start the weekend. Amen.

Day 374 - boring

2012-01-12T21:24:00.000-05:00

Today was just one of of those days that makes me thankful that my life is pretty low-key. Not boring, but not crazy. That no matter how crazy a work day is, I get to come home and hang out with the three people I love.

Dear God, thank you for simplicity after a crazy day. Amen.

Day 373- my mother's wisdom

2012-01-11T22:17:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful and appreciative of my mother's wisdom. I called sam's club to order a cake for Addy's birthday party and the woman there was less than helpful and told me they didn't make the kind I wanted. So I called my mom to ask what I should do. She had a suggestion, I made a phone call and the cake is ordered! She is super helpful!

Dear God, thank you for my mom and her infinite wisdom! Amen.

Day 372-not lost

2012-01-10T20:56:00.000-05:00

Today I almost had a full blown panic attack. I reached down around my neck to feel the new diamond necklace that Jeff had gotten me for my 30th Birthday. (queue panic attack). It wasnt there. I quickly stood up, and it fell through my shirt to the floor. Hallelijuah!

Dear God, thank you the fact that my necklace is not lost. Amen

Day 371-A Nudge

2012-01-09T21:41:00.000-05:00

I should have run this morning. I had time, with no kids, and the weather continues to be unseasonably mild. But instead I did laundry. Lame. So I just pushed that back on my mental to-do list for tonight. But after dinner I began to hedge- thinking, 'ugh, I do not want to do this' but when we got home something pushed me forward and 2.8 miles later I have completed Week 2 Day 1.

Dear God, thank you for the perfectly placed nudge. Amen.

Day 370- overwhelmingly blessed

2012-01-08T22:53:00.000-05:00

Today is going to be generic for two reasons. First, because the last 24 hours of my life have been pretty incredible as I celebrated the first 30 years of my life with the majority of it's key, influential and most prevalent people. And secondly, because I am so exhausted from the celebrating- surprise party/breakfast brunch/Eklove family Christmas that I couldn't pick just one blessing to expand upon this evening.

Dear God, thank you for your abundance. Amen.

Day 369 - Behind the Scenes

2012-01-07T13:23:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I turn thirty. Holy Cow, right? So, tonight we celebrate. I am not usually one who likes to have a big deal about my birthday but, this year is different. I have no idea what we are doing tonight, but I know it will be fabulous because of the people behind the scenes who have planned and been incredibly secretive. I am so exicted, and so thankful for the people who love me enough to take care of me tonight.

Dear Lord, thank you for the most amazing thirty years that you have given me. Thank you for walking me through each day, even on the days I have forgotten that you are right next to me. Thank you for surrounding me with people who hold you near, for people who love me as unconditionally as you do. Thank you for the discernment to know what is healthy for myself, what I need to work on for myself and those around me. Thank you for not giving up on me, providing me with strength, and again, for the many wonderful members of your family that you have placed in my life. AMEN.

Day 368 - Direct

2012-01-06T23:32:00.000-05:00

Direct is a word that some people might use to describe me.
Maybe? So, today I am thankful for a direct conversation with a friend.

Dear God, I am thankful for a direct and productive conversation today. Amen.

Day 367- doable

2012-01-05T22:06:00.000-05:00

Today I found out my student loan payment is pretty much doubling. Awesome. That was not my first reaction. I may or may not have taken this out in these who was on the other end of the line and whose English was slightly above Olive's. However, I am thankful that it did not take me long to figure out this is more than doable (but just as undesirable) within our budget.

Dear God, thank you for helping me come from reactive, to reflective in a quicker span than that which is typical. Thank you for your many blessings. Amen.

Day 366- lessons learned

2012-01-04T22:02:00.000-05:00

My job is to listen. Sometimes the people I listen to amaze me. Today I was amazed. I try not to say too much about what I do at work, for confidentiality sake...so that's all I am going to say today.

Dear God, thank you for the privilege of meeting some pretty amazing people in my travels. Thank you for an unexpected message that was spoken loudly and clearly today. Amen.

Day 365- true story

2012-01-03T22:29:00.000-05:00

I posted to this blog every single day for the last year. That is a true story. A year ago, that seemed like a daunting task. However, 365 days later it seems more than manageable. I think that shift in perspective highlights some of the ways this process has impacted me. My reframing skills have become more polished and in all honesty, I don't think I necessarily go to the worst case scenario like I used to. For example, I don't think the me from a year ago would have bounced back so quickly over the house debacle. However, what I am thankful for today is a couple of things- the first being everyone who has supported me through this process. I could not have done this without you. The second thing I am thankful for is that just because I have met the year mile marker does not mean that I have to be done. In fact, this is going to become an act of balance. I am not sure yet what this will look like, but I am excited.

Dear God, thank you for new experiences, for reframing and for supportive people surrounding us. I am so thankful for the way you weave my life. Amen.

Day 364-$5.97 and Day 365

2012-01-02T21:13:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful that this morning when I was shopping something caught my eye. Well, truth be told a few things did. But one of them was a 'heat generating' running shirt for $5.97. Don't mind if I do....and in my run this afternoon I was able to determine that it definitely does generate heat. And I am thankful that I didn't get ripped off, but also that it cushioned the surprise and disbelief that i could have possible gotten rid of/lost or misplaced my running tights.

The second thing I am thankful for is that tomorrow is Day 365. I don't think that means I am done posting. I am pretty sure I will keep going in some format (feedback and suggestions are welcome!)....however, a very old friend sent me a package that is clearly marked, "do not open until day 365" and I am excited!

Dear God, thank you for a steal of a deal, for legs that carried me through my run, and for things to look forward to! Amen.

Day 363 - mild

2012-01-01T22:40:00.000-05:00

Our winter, thus far has been exceptionally mild. If you don't know my dad I probably need to explain the importance of this. My dad's initials "THS" stand for "Tom hates snow". Well, this apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I don't hate snow exactly, but I hate winter approximately five seconds after it starts. I am more of a summer, by the pool kind of girl. So, as I looked out the window in my way up to bed tonight I sort of wanted to cry. However, I instead, choose to be thankful for the fact that it could have started snowing in the end of October, but it did not.

Dear God, thank you for a mild start to winter and a slight reframe. Amen.

Day 362- Fresh start

2012-01-01T01:10:00.000-05:00

As I lay in bed tonight there are many things I am thankful for. Our friends John and Kelly,who we just rang in the new year with, our healthy kids and our great families. However, there are a few things I am thankful to have fresh starts on when I wake up. I will have a fresh start with weight watchers. I will begin training for a 10k. I will be turning thirty. We will move out of the condo this year. I will study for and take my dumb licensing exam, I will be done Christmas shopping by October this year. We will pay off all remaining credit card debt by the end of the first quarter. Fresh starts are good.

Dear God, thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for inspiring me to be better. Amen.

Day 361-wii family night

2011-12-30T23:14:00.000-05:00

Tonight after Olive went to bed at seven Jeff and I went downstairs with Addy and played on the wii for an hour. She loves wii fit and she was so wound up tonight. We had lots of fun and Jef and I couldn't help but laugh at our funny girl.

Dear God, thank you for intentional time spent with one another. Amen.

Day 360- Misc.

2011-12-29T23:12:00.000-05:00

There are a few things that I am thankful for. The first of these was Christmas tear down. I am leaving the tree up for another week, but other than that all I have is the Christmas dishes to take care of. I am also thankful for a play date with the lovely Brittina DeHaan (and her sweet kids). And lastly, I am thankful for some time with my hubby tonight.

Dear God, thank you for blessing me with a day that gave me many things to be thankful for. Amen.

Day359-passenger

2011-12-28T22:16:00.000-05:00

I really don't like driving. Especially in the highway. Last night my mom and I took the girls to visit aunt nicki and uncle drew. My mom drive there. Today on our way back I halfheartedly offered to drive, and she thankfully declined my offer. ;)

Dear God, thank you for a mom who is willing to do all the driving. Amen.

Day 358-good babies

2011-12-27T23:04:00.000-05:00

My kids are good. But they have lots of gusto. This looks different with each of them. Addy is always thinking and Olive is purely reactive and impulsive. However, today they were both troopers while we shopped, they both took naps (at the same time!) and they were both good sports about our cross-state road trip tonight.

Dear God, thank you for a good day with my babies. Thank you for only one small hair pulling incident, but more importantly, thank you for the ensuing exchange that resolved this minor conflict. Amen.

Day 357-besties

2011-12-26T23:55:00.001-05:00

This evening we had a game night. With my two best friends, our husbands and all of our parents. It's so rare that Lindsey, Adrienne and I are all together. The evening was good fun and I am thankful for time together and that Mary had the idea.

Dear God, thank you for each of these people that I got to spend time with tonight. Thank you for the role each of them have had in my life at some point. Amen.

Day 356-the magic

2011-12-25T23:33:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for the magic and innocence that Christmas holds for little kids. Addison was so thrilled to see that Santa had arrived and eaten her cookies and drank her milk. Was ecstatic to find that he had known how much she wanted an American Girl doll and Olive was just plain pleased all day, except when it was time to go to sleep. I am so thankful for the opportunity to just watch them believe.

Dear God, please allow the fascination and faith these girls hold for Santa become fully transferable to a following of You and your son. Please help them to maintain a way to find this season magical. Amen.

Day 355- clear travels

2011-12-24T20:13:00.001-05:00

As I write this we are somewhere in Indiana between Michigan and Illinois. We are on our wy back from the Eklove family Christmas. I am thankful that this is not a year where we make the trip down in great weather and face a white knuckled five hour trip back because of weather conditions. I am also thankful that this is not a year that we have decided to stay home because of the weather.

Dear God, I am thankful for clear skies and clear roads. Amen

Day 354-Bruners

2011-12-24T00:43:00.001-05:00

Today I am thankful for a fun afternoon and evening with Ang and Marc and a great way to head into the holiday weekend. I am thankful for safe travels and family who are also categorized as friends.

Dear Lord, thank you for the many blessings you place before me. I stand in awe. Amen.

Day 353- mr. Jim (and his wife!)

2011-12-22T23:35:00.000-05:00

Pamela is a co-worker and dear friend of mine. Addy calls her Grammie Pammie and she spoils the heck out of her. Tonight Jess, Pam and I did our annual Christmas dinner. We were able to do this sans children thanks to Mr. Jim. I left Olive home with Jeff and Jim watched Addy and Austin. The kids had a great time, and ate all the treats that Pamela sent with Jim. And tonight I am thankful for Jim and his willingness to watch the Destructors, and for a dinner with two lovely women.

Dear God, thank you for a delightful evening. For details working out, and for blue moon ice cream (that my kid devoured thanks to Grammie Pammie). Amen.

Day 352-The Fox and the Hound

2011-12-21T22:23:00.000-05:00

I am the first to admit- I stink at sitting still long enough to watch a movie with my kid. If it is something I have already seen, it's even more unlikely. But this afternoon we sat on the couch, painted our nails and watched The Fox and the Hound. It was perfect.

Dear Father, thank you for some quality time, time to relax and just enjoy one another. Amen.

Day 351-out of office assistant

2011-12-20T21:32:00.000-05:00

Mine is on. And according to her, I will be unavailable until Tuesday January 3rd. BAM!

Dear God, thank you for time over the holidays with family, reflecting on the reason for the season. Amen!

Day 350- a better ending

2011-12-19T21:50:00.000-05:00

This morning by about 8:40 I think I had already cursed Christmas break at least three times. I had also sent Addy back to bed to start her day over. Between a trip to the doctor and Target I considered listing Addy in eBay. Not really, but it was pretty bad. We talked on the way home and decided we should postpone out baking date until we were getting along better. So, I finished a sewing project and she watched a movie. Then we had lunch and decided to bake together. She ended up being an excellent helper. Overall, the day ended much better than it began.

Dear God, thank you for turn abounds. Amen.

Day 350-five females five and under

2011-12-18T22:13:00.000-05:00

That is what our family Christmas looked like this year. My cousin Michelle has three girls, so you add in our two and voila! You have five little girls who filled the house with laughter, giggles and life.
The older three played well with one another and the youngest two, who are just two days apart played alongside one another. It was just a reminder that there is LOTS to be thankful for!

Dear God, thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for the spirit in each of these girls. Amen.

Day 348-10.

2011-12-17T23:02:00.000-05:00

I would give today a '10'. We went to the Gardens for the Christmas trees from around the world display. Addy was much more into it this year, and Olive loved the live reindeer. We got some baking done, cleaned a little, knocked a few things off the to-do list, got the little tikes slide out for Livy for the first time and played an actual game with Addison. Not a preschool game, but a board game...with minimal modifications we had a good time.

Dear God, thank you for a simple and wonderful day. Thank you for nothing extravagant, for a modestly spectacular day. Amen.

Day 347-skinny minny

2011-12-16T22:46:00.000-05:00

Tonight my dog loOks like a skinny minny. She hasn't lost weight really. But today she lost her long hair and her grinch toes. So tonight I am mainly thankful for a puppy who is not leaving a trail of hair everywhere in my house.

Dear God, thank you for giving us this dog. Amen.

Day 346- just hives and mark free walls

2011-12-15T21:48:00.001-05:00

This evening we noticed Olive had a couple of welts in her face. And then I checked her arms and belly and notices they were everywhere. So we called the pediatrician, I think I have mentioned before I love our pediatrician. He called us back in less than five minutes. Apparently, it's just hives and she can have benadryl. Thankful it's just that and not anything more that required an after hours trip.

I also have incredibly clean walls in my breakfast nook and hallway. This morning Addison laid on the bathroom floor for a good half hour instead of getting ready for school. So, when Jeff had to wait an extra 10 minutes for her this morning she earned herself some chore time this evening. Handed this kid the Magic Eraser and she did a fantastic job!

Dear God, thank you for helping me find two things to be thankful for today, on a day where I feel like I should have never gotten out of bed and the sky was excessively gray. Amen.

Day 345-carols

2011-12-14T22:52:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful that I had the opportunity to watch my almost-five year old sing Christmas Carols at a retirement home. It was fun to watch her sing her little heart out and bring some people some joy.

Dear God, thank you for this bright spot in my day. Amen.

Day 344-toothpaste free sink

2011-12-13T21:26:00.000-05:00

Toothpaste in the sink bothers me. Probably way more than it should. However, tonight as I was brushing my teeth, I noticed something. I had a toothpaste free sink. Which means a certain little girl is learning to clean up after herself. And for this, I am truly thankful.

Dear God, thank you for everything about this little girl who is so quickly maturing into a young woman. Amen.

Day 343-the man of the house

2011-12-12T22:20:00.001-05:00

I can handle dead mice. Dump them in a bag, and reset the trap. No biggie. Unfortunately, it was not that easy this evening. Trap set, mouse caught....and mouse not dead. So when it was dumped into the plastic bag, it pretty much jumped into the kitchen sink. With Addy and I screaming like little girls (hey, we are!) Jeff totally took charge...the rodent was removed from my sink, and my house. I love my husband.

Dear God, I am so thankful for one less mouse, but also a man who is not afraid to put a glove on and grab a mouse in the kitchen sink. Amen.

Day 342-A+

2011-12-11T22:17:00.000-05:00

Today was an A+ Day. Many blessings and positive events...we caught the first of what I fear may be a few mice that have settled in Eklove Village. We were able to secure a babysitter for my birthday gala. I wrapped every present in the house, our kids never got out of their pajamas today. I finished two craft projects, and only have one more left! What an awesome day!

Dear God, thank you for bending my brain in the ways that you have over the last year so that I view these things as blessings. Thank you for a simplistic and productive Sunday. Amen.

Day 341- family time

2011-12-10T23:50:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for my family. We spent time with one another as we went to the critter barn, had dinner, and a game night.

Dear God, thank you for blessing me with such w/ such a great family. Amen.

Day 340- Grace

2011-12-10T07:30:00.002-05:00

I have been delinquent. I have no problems taking the year timeframe from someone's wedding to give them their gift. Now obviously if I am purchasing something I will present it at the wedding. But in the case of my two best friends I have made the gifts, and taken much longer than my allotted 12 months. So, today I can say, with ease when I see Lindsey and Jaffer at Christmas I will be able to give them their wedding gift, only 16 months into their marriage.

Dear God, thank you for these wonderful people in my life. Amen

Day 339-Early

2011-12-08T21:54:00.001-05:00

I have been planning on beginning training for a 10k in January. However, after getting annoyed with the shipping for an outfit for my birthday last night I decided there's really no point in waiting until January so I set my alarm early and I got up early and ran 1.5 miles this morning. Not an extraordinarily long run, but a good one.

Dear god, thank you for good health, and the journey it takes to get there. Amen

Day 338-one more month

2011-12-07T22:31:00.000-05:00

A month from tomorrow I turn 30. Ca-razy. I don't mind overly, it is what it is. But I am glad that I have one more month of my twenties left.

Dear God, thank you for blessing me on this incredible journey. Amen.

Day 337-32

2011-12-06T21:15:00.003-05:00

Today is my hubby's 32nd birthday. I am so thankful for him I guess I am not sure where to start. Thankful that he is my kids' daddy, that he laughs, that he does laundry, that he loves me.

Dear God, thank you for an amazing husband and all around great guy. Amen.

Day 336-late night

2011-12-05T21:59:00.001-05:00

It is approximately 10pm and my four year old is still awake. I just might win mom of the year this year. However, I am thankful that she is still up. Addy amazes us each day with what she knows, and does. However, tonight, she was just a little scared to try to fall asleep upstairs by herself. In fact, she pretended that she had fallen asleep and had a bad dream....and calling to us.

Dear God, thank you for the rinder tonight that our peanut, is still exactly that, a peanut.
amen.

Day 335-willing participant

2011-12-04T22:16:00.001-05:00

I think my baby knows when she is tired. This afternoon, after an emotional visit to Santa she and I were hanging around the house. We snuggled but she continued to fuss a little so I suggested a nap, and before the words were hardly out of my mouth and she was grabbing snuggles and heading up to her room.

Dear God, thank you for a babe who knows her limits. Makes life much easier for the mama. Amen.

Day 334-Timesaver

2011-12-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

Today I asked my mom if she wanted to go to a craft show, somewhat on a whim. Probably not my best game plan since I have plenty of projects I should be working on. However, it paid off. I found two perfect gifts, which took two of my projects off my plate. Somewhat brilliant!

Dear God, thank you for whims, and allowing them to sometimes pay off. Amen.

Day 333- Free Fun for Four

2011-12-02T23:25:00.000-05:00

Tonight Jeff brought home a box. An empty one. Addison had asked him to, so he did. And out of it he created 'Addison and Olive's Market'. He cut a door, some windows, and a drive thru window. The girls had so much fun playing. Olive just kept running around it peeking in the windows and screaming. Then she'd fall down and belly laugh. She did this all the way up until bedtime. Then Addy made Jeff and I be her customers until her bedtime. Jeff and I had fun watching the girls. And it was a good lesson for me- with the thousands of dollars we have spent on toys I truly think this has received more attention and enjoyment. And it is a free, empty box. (and for those of you who know me well, yes-my first reaction was to move the big brown box out of my immediate living space as quickly as possible. But as of now, it is sitting in the middle of my living room....with no plans to go elsewhere. Look at me, some might all all that growth, or at least diminishing neuroticism.)

Dear Father, thank you for an unexpected lesson this evening. Thank you for a demonstration of your will in simplicity. Amen.

Day 332-whhhaaaat?

2011-12-01T22:25:00.000-05:00

It is Thursday night. typically by Thuraday night I feel so exhausted I trudge through dinner andd follow the girls lead. However, tonight I made it to the grocery store so I don't have to drag two kids with tomorrow. I also sifted through our messy checkbook and balanced it.

Dear Father, thank you for an unusual amount of clarity and energy on a Thursday. Amen.

Day 331- projects underway

2011-11-30T22:32:00.000-05:00

I currently am in the midst of- 1, 2, 3...7 craft projects. This is the sort of stuff I LOVE to have done. Some people love the process of making things. I pretty much like the end part. The reason I have sonmany things going on right now is mostly because of the holidays....and I totally should have started these projects in August but I suppose I can blame pinterest for all these ideas I have had in the last month. So, what am I thankful for today? The fact that before Christmas I will have felt that natural high of finishing a craft project SEVEN times.

Dear Father, thank you for helping me to look ahead to see blessings. Thank you for time and creativity. Amen.

Day 330-Slow Start

2011-11-29T22:48:00.000-05:00

I took this morning off. Nama had to work and so I figured i would spend a little extra time with the girls. Couldn't have planned a better day to do this. I struggled with styling my own hair, and I had a baby who woke up as a pee-ball and needed a re-bath, and a four year old who was not at all wanting to move this morning.

Dear God, thank you for a perfect morning with a little bit of extra needed time. Much appreciated. Amen.

Day 329-cyber Monday

2011-11-28T21:29:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for a great cyber Monday deal. Aitline tickets to AZ to see Nana and Papa for less than $275/ticket. I will take it!

Dear Father, thank you for the promise of a vacation, warm weather and time with family. Thank you for a bright spot at the end of February! Amen.

Day 328- Ready

2011-11-27T22:29:00.000-05:00

I feel ready tonight.

Our house is Christmas Ready...today we switched our everyday dishes for our Christmas dishes and put up all our decorations.

I am Haircut Ready. I have an 11am hair appointment and I actually have a plan (and a picture!) that NEVER happens.

I am Dinner Ready. Jeff was just kind enough to go downstairs to pull tomorrow's dinner meat out of the freezer. I was already in bed....and he was willing. (love him!)

I am not quite Gift Ready but I am working on it. And I have a list for tomorrow!

Dear Father, thank you for preparedness. Thank you for knowing that is the key to my success. I pray for a productive Monday. And if you could help keep me accountable to a work out....I would really appreciate it. Amen.

Day 327- Federal Bumps

2011-11-27T05:37:00.001-05:00

The Federal government has kind of messed up my student loans. They overhauled their system and and at one point told me they were not withdrawing any auto payments until my next due date which was January 21. Confused about why I wouldn't have to make a payment for November or December I called back to confirm my next due date. And was again told January. Alrighty then. Until today, when I received an email stating that I was past due. WHAAAT?! However, what I am thankful for today is the fact that this story is irrelevant. That at one point in my life stuff like this would flood me with anxiety, but because the money is in the bank and I have learned that anxiety is a terrible coping mechanism...I am over it and this isn't going to get any more attention from me until Monday when I can call these bumblebees and see if they have their poop in a group.

Dear God, thank you for financial resources and lessons learned. Amen.

Day 326-deal

2011-11-26T06:01:00.000-05:00

Today I made a purchase. Well, a few actually. Quite a few. However, I made a purchase that was not related to Christmas in any way, except I got a huge discount because of black friday. Today I ordered my bridesmaid dress for Drew and Nicki's wedding. This helped me to realize that it's not that far away.

Dear God, thank you for an opportunity to know and love drew and nicki. Thank you for wedding planning time tomorrow. Thank you for a great deal on a great dress. amen.

Day 325-too many

2011-11-24T22:45:00.001-05:00

Today I have too many blessings to be thankful for individually. I have a phenomenal husband, great kids, awesome family and we got to spend the day together. Does it get better than that?!

Dear God, thank you for each and every blessing you have bestowed upon me. I am in awe and wonder. Amen.

Day 324-speedy

2011-11-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

Tonight I am thankful for my new dryer. Our old dryer would have to run approximately 2.5 hours to get an average sized load dry. Tonight, I threw my rather large load in the dryer and less than 40 minutes later it was toasty and dry!

Dear God, thank you for things that make life easier. Amen,

Day 323- Grandma's Yeast Rolls

2011-11-22T21:10:00.000-05:00

One of my Mom's Thanksgiving obligations is to make my Grandma's rolls. I like the rolls. However, because Mom had to set the rolls tonight we were not able to both go to swim lessons. So Little Livy stayed with Nama and I got to go to swim lessons sans the baby who you have to constantly hawk-eye to avoid her joining her sissy in the big pool. It was perfect.

Dear God, thank you for the opportunity that Grandma's rolls created this evening, giving me an opportunity to marvel in my four year old's fluidity and mermaid like nature. Amen.

Day 321 - Day with my peanut

2011-11-21T20:52:00.000-05:00

Today I spent the day with Olive. We met Daddy for lunch, ran some errands, played with the play kitchen, snuggled and all around, had a great day. She's a goof, she's a stinker and I love this kid.

Dear God, thank you for time with a content little girl. Thank you for special time, doing normal, everyday things. Amen.

Day 320-vacation over

2011-11-21T05:49:00.000-05:00

We have the entire Little People Nativity set. But for about a week we had the entire set Except Mary and Joseph. They were missing and we couldn't find them anywhere. While it was making me somewhat crazy (not sure why, but that sort of thing does) we made a joke out of it and told Addison that Mary and Joseph went on vacation. We were pretty certain that Olive sent them on their vacation. Sure enough, on Friday Olive comes plodding into the kitchen with Joseph in her hand. So, apparently Mary was not feeling rested enough to return. Hey, we take what we can get. However, yesterday Olive decided that it was time for Mary to return, and POOF! There she was! We think she may have hidden them in the lamp?!? Not sure how, but Jeff saw where Mary came from and we literally looked EVERYWHERE else! Needless to say, I am thankful that Mary and Joseph have both returned and Baby Jesus' family is intact.

Dear God, thank you for a little kid who makes us chuckle. Thank you for a slightly older one who goes with the flow and thank you for the safe return of Mary and Joseph. Amen.

Day 319-not lost

2011-11-19T23:31:00.000-05:00

Today my mom, Nicki, Drew and I took both girls shopping. I handed Addy a hat at gap Kids and asked her if she liked it. She said she had to look at it in a mirror. So she went off to find a mirror. After a few minutes when she hadn't returned I headed off in search of her. I went all the way to the back of the store without spotting her. So I went into the fitting rooms and said, "Addy?". The first door was shut, and it flung open to show me a little girl (who was mine) in shorts, the hat I had handed her and no shirt. She had nabbed what I had been looking at and decided it was worth trying on. She was pretty funny about it all, and I am just thankful she wasn't lost.

Dear God, thank you for this funny little girl who often brightens my day. Amen.

Day 318- toasty

2011-11-18T22:05:00.000-05:00

As I type this my back is warm and toasty. I have to admit, this is one of my favorite parts of our house. I am thankful for a warm home, the warmth of the fire and a husband who will build and tend a fire for me.

Dear God, thank you for warmth on this chilly day. Amen.

Day 317- a reprieve?

2011-11-17T20:48:00.000-05:00

I have been swamped at work. Slammed. Swimming. Overwhelmed with work and underwhelmed with time. So when I realized that today that I only have one client scheduled all of next week due to the holiday and some vacation time I think I was able to breathe a bit easier. Granted, I will more than likely do some work from home over the next eleven days, but other than the one client I have scheduled for next Tuesday I plan to spend some quality time with family, clean my house, get the Christmas decorations out and get some shopping done!

Dear God, thank you for the opportunity to get caught up, from the comfort of my own home, get ahead here at home, and spend time with my special people. It really is all about balance. Amen.

Day 316-a return

2011-11-16T21:43:00.001-05:00

I have a receipt and a particular piece of merchandise to take back to Target. It feels pretty symbolic really. You may remember that a little over a week ago I confessed to bribing Addison related to keeping her pull-up dry at night. Well, it worked. She has been dry for the last 13 nights. And we have not worn a pull up at all in the last ten nights. She earned her last bribe, a trip to the nail salon for a manicure. And now she's on her own. I can't believe how excited I am to return a package of pull-ups. I can think of a million different ways to spend that $20/month.

Dear God, thank you for getting the hang of it. Thank you for a kid who is proud of her accomplishments. Amen.

Day 315 - A girl with morals

2011-11-15T21:07:00.000-05:00

So Addy shared a secret with her friend Austin. Who shared it with his mom. Who shared it with me....

Apparently, two boys are in love with Addy. And one of them wants to kiss her. Just great.

So, last night we had a casual conversation about who loves us, and who we love. At which point she shared her secret with me. Thank heavens the carefully crafted conversation worked, because other than that, I had no tricks up my sleeve. We talked about not keeping secrets from Mommy's and Daddy's. And then she told us he also wanted to marry her. So we asked her what she said. And she informed us that she told him that they couldn't kiss until they got married. And they had to be really old before they could do that. Thank heavens.

Dear Lord, thank you for this little girl and her wit. Thank you for the fact that she might have listened over the past couple of years when we told her she couldn't get married until she was at least old enough to graduate college. Thank you for her Uncle Drew who reinforced this rule with his own actions. Thank you for little girls who don't want to kiss little boys. Amen.

Day 314 - Date Day

2011-11-14T19:04:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful I had a daytime date. With my dear friend Rebecca and her cute little bundle, Graham. Olive and I got to enjoy visiting iwth them, a good lunch and a quick shopping trip. It was nice to catch up and see them both.

Dear Father, thank you for the great friend you have provided me in Rebecca. Thank you for her listening ways, her ability to understand me and the cute connection our kids made today. Amen.

Day 313 - Indpendent Spirit

2011-11-13T19:30:00.000-05:00

Tonight Olive gave us a sneak peek of her independent spirit. After dinner my dad and I took both of the girls for a night time walk while Jeff and Nama cleaned up the kitchen. Addison was a little scaredy cat and a huge chicken. It was dark so she wanted to hold hands and she was a nervous nelly. Olive, however, kept wanting to walk by herself, and screamed if someone tried to hold her hand and/or pick her up to speed along the process. All in all, this kid walked over a quarter of a mile by herself and loved every second of it.

Dear God, Thank you for the very different and distinct personalities you have bestowed upon each of our girls. Thank you for sneak peeks of what is to come, and for nights that are still warm enough for walks. Amen.

Day 312-ideal

2011-11-13T00:17:00.000-05:00

Tonight was ideal. Addison had her friend Austin over to spend the night. We had 'back home ribs' (per Austy). The kids watched a movie and Jess and I settled in and began our Twilight review. Meaning we literally watched all three Twilight movies, getting ready for the new movie next week. It was an ideal kind of evening.

Dear God, thank you for a night of friendship, film and food. Amen.

Day 311-Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T21:47:00.003-05:00

Today i am thankful for veterans day. I am thankful for my grandpa(s), my uncle Bill, my father in law, Matt Kwiatkowski, and everyone else who is currently serving or has done so in the past. I am also thankful for the great deal we got on a washer and dryer today.

Dear God, thank you for reflection and sacrifice. Amen.

Day 310 - the weather

2011-11-10T21:08:00.001-05:00

Anyone who lives in MI probably read the title to this post and just thought, 'whaaaaat?!' we had our first snow today. And now anybody who knows me is like 'whaaaaaat?!'

Winter is totally not my thing. It gets worse every year. The grey skies bring grumpy moods. However, today I am thankful for our first snow because with it came a blue sky! Honestly, I don't care how cold it is or how much it snows. I just really can't handle the gray and dreary skies.

Last year on the first snow, I was rear ended. So I guess I am also glad that didn't happen today!

Dear God, thank you for shining some optimism on me today. Thank you for the beauty of a blue sky. Amen!

Day 309 - Impromptu Dinner

2011-11-09T20:47:00.000-05:00

We remembered to pull meat out of the freezer this morning for dinner. We even had a plan for what we were going to make. However, the grey dreary day put me in a mood that didn't involve wanting to make Cajun Pasta. So, I am thankful that when I called Jeff to see if he had any other ideas he was on board with pizza as well.

Dear God, thank you for a quick and easy dinner solution. Thank you for time around the table as a family....and for a quick and easy clean up! Amen.

Day 308 - Bribery and Bravery

2011-11-08T21:20:00.000-05:00

In terms of parenting....I am not above bribery. I have been bribing Addy to keep her pull up dry. This morning she made it to her next "level" of reward....five nights dry. Woohoo! I also told her if she jumped off the high dive at swim lessons she could have a chocolate bar. This kid will do anything for a Hershey's bar. No almonds. Jumped off the high dive twice. At four years old....and declared she cannot wait for next week.

Dear God, Thank you for two experiences today that were rewarding. Seeing Addison's excitement when she realized that she forgot to put a pull up on last night and was still dry this morning was a great way to start the day....and her excitement about her own bravery and jumping off the diving board was incredible. Amen.

Day 307 - productivity

2011-11-07T21:07:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for an open day off. Time to get some closets and cabinets organized, pulled together and four bags of trash in the dumpster. I am thankful for a little girl who kept herself busy, and napped so I could get this all done.

Dear Father, thank you for the placement of events in our lives over the last few weeks that helped me realize that we need to shed the "stuff" we have accumulated. That simplicity and minimalism are truly your desire for us and our lives. Amen.

Day 306 - Lunch with the Sonksen's

2011-11-06T19:11:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for time spent with friends. For an enjoyable afternoon with a wonderful meal. The Sonksen's have been our friends for years, and it seems that we often go all too long without spending some time with one another, for no reason other than the fact that life is busy. So, today, I am incredibly thankful for the fact that we got to see them.

Dear God, thank you for the friendship you have provided for us in the Sonksen's. Thank you for a great afternoon, thank you for allowing us the opporutunity to set aside time coming up to spend together. Amen.

Day 305 - Saturday silence

2011-11-05T08:24:00.000-05:00

This morning Addy had a request for cold water at 6:10. I thought, and maybe even grumbled, 'c'mon, it's Saturday'. So I went to the bathroom, got her some water and told her to go back to bed. Problem is, neither of us share Jeff's natural ability to go back to bed. But I snuggled in and attempted. I am pleased to say that our Saturday morning was silent until 8:47am. That never happens! Even now, at 9:23- everyone is quiet in their own beds! Such a wonderful way to start a day!

Dear God, thank you for a beautiful way to start Saturday. Thank you for the blessing of the weekend with no immediate demands. Allow us to take it one bit at a time and enjoy it! Amen.