2/27/06

I am thankful for...

1. Michael and Daniel being such good nappers...most of the time. AND...being good-natured (most of the time) when they don't get naps. Michael has been in a new phase now since the New Year and it is wonderful. He doesn't fight me when it is time for his afternoon nap. YEAH! He just crawls into bed and he is out like a light. I usually have to wake him up 2 hours later.

2. my mother-in-law getting so much enjoyment from all of her grandsons that she is continually flying from one state to another to visit them.

3. the great time I had with my friend Erica at a baby shower Saturday. Erica is in my bible study group. We get to see each other every so often, but yesterday was a blast. I should really get together with her more often.

4. The continued sexiness that my spouse, Todd "The Rock" Abbott continues to show. (Todd wrote that one!!!)

5. Daniel having a good checkup at the doctor's office today. I can't believe he weighs 16.9 pounds already!

6. Todd giving the boys a bath and getting their pjs on so that I could vacuum the house.

7. Todd working so hard in the yard yesterday.

8. Daniel being an easy baby while my friend was babysitting him, especially since Michael gave her a RUN for her money!

9. my brother. He is such a cool guy and I love him so much.

10. being the kind of person who enjoys quiet. I don't need the tv or radio to be on in order to be comfortable. I really enjoy silence.

2/22/06

I love this picture of Daniel. Michael, Daniel and I all took a bath in my big tub the other night. I put lots of soap in the water and turned on the jets. It was so much fun! Our little boys bring us so much joy. They are so easy going and loveable. Todd and I are very blessed.

I am thankful for...

1. Michael going through a major maturity growth spurt. He can communicate so much more with us now and he seems to listen more intently to what we are saying. I love it when he says, "Yes, Ma'am and yes, Sir". So cute!

2. Daniel weening off breastmilk to the bottle with hardly any fight. Now when he sees the bottle he gets very happy. Pretty soon, I'll be able to give him a sippy cup and away he'll go.

3. running FOUR miles today without stopping. I don't know what I am more excited about: that I ran four miles straight or that I ran for 49:31 min/sec without stopping. Two months ago I would not have believed that I would be able to do this.

4. getting together with three of my friends yesterday. We met downtown and had lunch to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Deborah's little baby boy, Owen. I haven't seen one of them for 2 years. That is way too long!

5. my neighbor Jennifer watching both boys while I met my friends!

6. Todd paying attention to me and all I have to say when he gets home from work. After talking to two little ones all day, I get very excited to see him. Sometimes I think I overwhelm him...but he handles it well.

7. Great-Uncle Rick coming to visit us today. We haven't seen him in almost a year!

8. God always being present in everything that happens to me even though sometimes I am too busy to notice. He is the ultimate example of patience and understanding. I need to remember that the next time I get frustrated with Michael.

9. Michael saying so many new words. I cannot express how nice it is to be able to communicate with my child!

10. peanut M&Ms...I have been eating way too many lately!

2/19/06

Good afternoon! It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon and I am sitting here at the kitchen table drinking coffee with Michael and Todd. Daniel is sleeping soundly upstairs. I am fiddling with the computer, Todd is surfing, and Michael is coloring. And to top it off, we are listening to some pretty cool music. Later on today we are going to go out for lunch, buying some groceries, picking up some things at Target, and making spaghetti sauce. My life is wonderful...I am so blessed. Yet, at the same time, I know that this doesn't even compare to what God has in store for me in eternity. If I think it's good now, I am going to be in for a very pleasant surprise when I reach the end of my life.

I am thankful for...

1. the promise of eternal life with my maker and designer, my Lord and Savior.

2. seeing some friends at a baby shower yesterday. There are so many people I would like to spend time with, but it just doesn't happen. I am so blessed to have so many people that I enjoy getting together with.

3. Michael's growing independence. I am just amazed at his development. I can have conversations with him now, and he understands what I am saying. He brings us so much happiness.

4. running 3 miles yesterday! Yippee!

5. hearing Michael say Nonie and Howie yesterday!

6. getting to stay up late and watch the Winter Olympics. I am a sucker for those cute snowboarders! SHHHH! Don't tell Todd! :)

7. Todd having the whole weekend off. I have soooo enjoyed watching him spend time with the boys. He is such a good daddy. I learn so much about parenting by watching him.

8. Todd being so knowledgeable about computers and the internet. Whatever problem I am having is immediately fixed and every need is taken care of. And he's so handsome too! Brains and beauty...what a combination.

9. playing soccer with Michael the past couple of days. Uncle Mark would be so proud of him. He is actually pretty good!

10. all of the cool songs Todd put on my ipod.

2/13/06

So...last night Todd arrived at Michael's pre-school at 6 pm to stand in the registration line that was to open at 8 am then next morning (today). We were the first family to arrive. I showed up to relieve him at 10pm so that he could go home and sleep, seeing that he had to work all day today. So there I was...for 10 hours, staring at the other parents as they arrived to stand in line. In years past, I was standing in line for concert tickets, or staying up all night working or partying (during my oh so wild years!) But alas, here I am at 30 years old, in line all night for nursery school registration. Interestingly enough, that is fine with me. It brings a smile to my face. Todd and I are so blessed that we appreciate our lives. Happiness is a very comfortable and relaxing state of being.

Amy's Running

2-8-06 1.33 miles=16:19
2-9-06 1.33 miles=15:46 2 miles=24:00 beautiful
2-12-06 1.33 miles=15:55 2 miles=24:01 cold, windy and muddy


I am thankful for...

1. God bestowing upon us a love for life, but a recognition that all of the blessings come from Him. He is so good to us.

2. Todd staying in line from 6-10 so that I could go to bible study.

3. the nice carpet cleaners who did a great job today. The carpets look super and we are both very pleased.

4. Michael being registered for pre-school next year. I have quickly come to recognize that the toddler years are not my strong point. I definitely need help and that is where pre-school comes in handy. We are so lucky that we have an awesome pre-school .6 miles away. YEAH!

5. the fantastic 2 mile run I had yesterday. It was cold, windy, muddy, and super hard....but I did it.

6. my neighbor welcoming Michael into her house while the cleaners were here. What a relief!

7. my mom, Nonie, and Howie saying they will come to babysit the boys while Todd and I go to Itlay this summer.

8. Michael and Daniel being so much fun.

9. Stella Artois beer.

10. NAPS!!!!!

2/09/06

Yeah!! I ran for two miles today. I went to Run for Your Life with my friend, Amy, and we bought me some new running shoes (for which I had to take out a loan!). Later on, I took the boys to the YMCA, checked them in and headed for the track. I set my sights on two miles and I did it. I am so excited. I am hoping to run a four-miler on March 18th. Yipee! And I know you are all eagerly awaiting to hear what my time was...well, 24:00 minutes flat. Not tooooooo shabby for little 'ole me. Thanks to Amy and to everyone else who sent little notes of encouragement.

Amy's Running

2-8-06 1.33 miles=16:19
2-9-06 1.33 miles=15:46 2 miles=24:00

I am thankful for...

1. the mini-ipod Todd gave me for my 29th birthday. I am finally putting it to good use.

2. the absolutely gorgeous weather as a ran this afternoon.

3. watching Michael and Caroline playing games and having fun while we were eating lunch. I find it so interesting to watch three year olds socially interact. Especially my (almost) three year old.

4. the rave reviews Todd gave me for the dinner I prepared and served tonight. Unlike myself, he can be very picky, so a good word from the MAN is a big compliment.

5. the cookies that Amy P. made for me for running 1 1/3 miles yesterday.

6. the news that my girl scout cookies are going to be delivered on Saturday.

7. my new (size 9) running shoes...YEAH!

8. Daniel drinking half of a bottle tonight. He's coming around!

9. the really nice pest-control man that serviced our home today. It is nice to hire someone I would definitely recommend to someone else.

10. XM radio.

2/08/06

So today I decided it was time to run an entire mile without stopping. I know this sounds like nothing much to many of you, but this is really major for me. I pumped myself up all morning, checked Daniel into the childwatch, and headed for the track. I told myself, just keep running, no matter what happens....just keep running. As I was running...or I should say jogging, and listening to my music, I tried to "get into the zone". I have heard my running friends talk about the zone before, but I have never experienced it. I cannot tell you how happy I was when I lapped the walkers. It doesn't sound like much, but I swear the USC marching band was behind me cheering me on. And then it happened! I passed another runner! As I was passing her, my eyes watered, and I got goosebumps. Of course, she became inspired to run faster, thus passing me right away. Nevertheless, I was experiencing a definite HIGH. As I finished my fourth lap, I looked at my watch. It said 16:19. Wow...I ran for 16 minutes and 19 seconds straight, without stopping or dying. But on the other hand, running a mile in that time is terrible. But I tried not to dwell on the negative. As I passed by the info desk in the YMCA, I stopped (I don't know why) and asked the lady how many laps around the track equaled a mile. Every ounce of me expected her to say FOUR. But she didn't. She said THREE! Yes, that's right...I ran 1 1/3 miles in 16:19 min. And the whole time I was running I was thanking God. It felt good and it felt right. He is an awesome God, and I love Him so much.

I am thankful for...

1. Amy P. being so encouraging when I called her right after my run and told her all about it. She could have crawled 1 1/3 miles in 16:19 mins., but she was so excited for me. She is such a wonderful support and I cannot wait to go buy my running shoes with her tomorrow.

2. my neighbor feeling comfortable enough to confide in me when I asked him if everything was okay. I saw the police at their house and was concerned. It did, however, serve as a reminder that I really need to reach out to others more, especially those who live right around me.

3. Michael saying monkey, frog, watering can, butterfly, and many others words today. I am understanding him so much better now.

4. having good health insurance.

5. Daniel being such a loverbug. I have so much fun with him during the day. He is growing us so fast.

6. the good time the boys have in the bathtub every night. They kick and splash and laugh, etc... Bath time is one of my favorite times.

7. Todd being so communicative. It makes me feel good when he tells me how he is feeling and what he is experiencing at work. I am glad that he trusts me.

8. the fun conversation I had with Anu last night and Carey this afternoon. I am so lucky to have them in my life. They both inspire me to be a better person, and I love them so much.

9. having godly friends who are focused on doing God's will in their lives.

10. this quiet time at the end of the day.

2/04/06

Tonight is the last night that my mom will be here in North Carolina. We have been having so much fun, and I am so sad to see her leave. She is just amazing with the boys, and Daniel, in particular, has taken quite a liking to her. Michael will be very confused tomorrow when he searches for G-ma, only to find she is no longer at our house. I keep reminding myself that there is a reason God has placed me in Charlotte and that it is for His glory, but I do think that it would be mighty fine if we lived closer to family. I take comfort in knowing that God knows what is best for me...and for everyone!

I am thankful for...

1. the comic relief Todd provides to me by talking back to the weather man. That just cracks me up! He is still doing it....and it is so funny!

2. sitting in bed with my mom writing my thankfulness list.

3. G-ma making the boys a wonderful breakfast this morning and then taking us all out to lunch. YUMMY!

4. my dad being sooooooooooooo excited that my mom is returning back to him tomorrow.

5. laughing so much this week with my mom that I actually found myself in pain.

6. how predictable Daniel is during the day. He is on such a strict schedule I can almost predict when he is going to toot.

7. Michael making some attempts to use the toilet. I really appreciate mom having so much patience with him.

8. the super good dinner we had last night!!!!!

9. Todd and mom figuring out the whole paypal problem they were having.

10. Todd playing one of my favorite songs....he can always bring a smile to my face.

11. God giving me such a wonderful family.

2/01/06

I am thankful for...

1. our sons bonding so nicely with their grandparents. I love watching the boys spend time with them. I really like the above picture of my mom and Daniel celebrating Ben's birthday.

2. my mom helping me clean out and organize my kitchen today.

3. Michael yelling Hi to everyone everywhere we go.

4. my mom getting all happy and excited when my dad calls her on her phone.

5. Todd wanting to spend time with the boys...and me!

6. the gorgeous weather today.

7. God's gift of good sleep.

8. digital cameras.

9. getting to go to bed REALLY soon.

10. lots of storage room in my house.