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.

1/31/06

Our visit to California was great. We spent time with family and friends, ate good food, and shared fun times together. Although traveling is difficult, it is worth it! Friends and family are so important, and being in California reminded me, once again, how much I miss having family close by. Perhaps it will be God's will to relocate us close to family again, but until then, we'll have to depend on the friendly skies.

I am thankful for...

1. all of the family and friends who went out of their way to see us during our trip to CA. It was so nice to see you all again.

2. finding out that my cousin Karrie is expecting a baby GIRL...the first in the family! We are so excited for both Karrie and Steve and little William too! Please keep them in your prayers as baby girl Orchard continues to develop in Karrie's womb.

3. the great time we had with the Prince family at Mark and Sarah's as we celebrated Ben's first birthday! Wow! Great party Sarah!

4. people leaving me little comments after my blogs....thank you for your inspiring words Vanessa.

5. Mike and Melanie covering my shifts at church while I was in CA.

6. Todd coming home from work early yesterday, going straight to bed, and sleeping a really long time so that he could get better. Poor guy had a fever :(

7. listening to my mom comment on the "politics" involved in the State of the Union Address. She just said, "this is almost funny," after watching half of Congress stand up to applaud and the other half remaining in their chairs.

8. my mom re-watching 5 episodes of 24 with me so that I could catch up with her. Then we watched the 6th episode together.

9. the boys napping at the same time again!

10. God meeting my each and every need all of the time. I am the most blessed person I know. I hope you feel the same way about your life.

1/26/06

I am thankful for...

1. my friend Melanie, feeling comfortable telling me she couldn't do something for me and then changing her mind, calling me back, and telling me should could do something for me. She is such a sweet friend and serves as a beautiful example of a Christ-filled woman.

2. getting to see and spend time Cousin Karrie, William, and my auntie Cathy. I can't wait to hear if Karrie is expecting a girl or a boy. We get to find out on Tuesday...YEAH!

3. my mom buying me a pair of pants and two tops at Ann Taylor Loft. Cute Cute Cute!

4. my Aunt Vanessa serving as such an inspiration in my quest to become a runner...she doesn't even know it!

5. my mom watching and taking care of the boys while I took a really long, hot shower today...and for my dad giving me a really strong backrub! I have the best parents.

6. Todd's charming personality...especially when he interacts with Nonie and Howie. I love that he is my best friend in the whole wide world!

7. my dad inviting me and the boys to come down to his work and show us off to all of his co-workers. It means a lot to me that he thinks so highly of us. I am also thankful that the boys were pretty well-behaved.

8. my mom treating me and the boys to lunch at Qdoba...one of my favorite eating joints.

9. the good night sleep I got last night and the difficult run/jog this morning.

10. learning (and continuing to practice) not to be anxious for anything, but in everything, by praise and petition, and with thanksgiving, presenting my requests to God :)

1/25/06

I am thankful for...

1. my friend, Cassie, giving her daughter, Reece, the name Christine for a middle name. It was my suggestion and I am so excited. Christine is such a strong and beautiful name. It has Christ as its foundation and it is my middle name! Thank you Cassie...you and Nate made a great choice.

2. having a great time at Mark and Sarah's house on Monday and Tuesday! Even though I'm the older sibling, I learn so much for the two of them. They are wise beyond their years.

3. The cool run/jogs that I have been doing during my stay in CA. Amy P. you'd be so proud of me!

4. Ben, Michael and Daniel getting to spend some cousin time.

5. getting to see and spend some time with Sarah's sister-in-law, Carrie, and her son, Gavin. I have a lot of respect for Carrie and I enjoyed spending time with her.

6. Todd helping out my mom, dad, Nonie, and Howie with around-the-house stuff. He is so patient and understanding. I love how he loves them.

7. being able to sleep through Daniel's hysterics last night. He has formed some bad habits over the past couple nights and I had to put it to a stop! :)

8. the wonderful advice my brother gave me about finances and such...

9. my mom making a very yummy dinner tonight. She is very sweet and talented.

10. getting to read everyone else's blogs everyday!

1/23/06

Michael, Daniel and I are spending the night in Huntington Beach at Uncle Mark, Auntie Sarah, and Ben's house. We are having so much fun! The weather is beautiful here, and we spent a lot of time outside playing in the backyard. Yesterday, we celebrated Christmas with G-ma, Papa, Nonie, Howie, and Didi. All of the cousins opened up some really cool gifts. We are all very blessed and have a lot for which to be thankful!

I am thankful for...

1. the lack of traffic while driving down to Huntington Beach!

2. Todd's sister, Carey, having a wonderful 30th birthday...and that she was very understanding when I told her that our card and present were going to be late.

3. Michael, Daniel, and Ben getting to spend lots of good time together. I enjoy watching them play. It reminds me of the good times I had playing with my cousins when I was a wee one.

4. Todd working so hard this morning. His focus and dedication continue to make me so proud.

5. Mark and Sarah loving each other so much.

6. getting to eat at Las Fuentes for lunch with my mom and dad today. I really miss having this restaurant. Mexican food just isn't that good in Charlotte.

7. the beautiful weather we've had since we've been here.

8. Michael's new found love for Blue's Clues.

9. Sarah's dad, Dan, responding to my blog. He wrote a really nice and encouraging email and I really appreciated it.

10. God blessing me with such wonderful family.

1/21/06

I am thankful for...

1. our plane finally landing after five long hours. Unfortunately, Michael got very sick on the flight (and that includes puking). I am very thankful that the flight attendants helped me with Michael...and the barf bag.

2. being in California with our family.

3. knowing that in five minutes I am going to be sound asleep.

4. cold bottled water.

5. Todd doing such a good job on the plane with me and the boys, especially with Daniel while I was busy with Michael.

6. getting to spend time with Sarah and Benny today.

7. Nonny and Howie coming over to see us.

8. my mom and dad making me, Todd, and the kids feeling so comfortable and at home!

9. three sleeping cousins.

10. not being anxious today, even though I was very tempted. I kept rehearsing my verse over and over again. Thank you for your strong Word Lord!

Psalm 130:5

"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope" Psalm 130:5.

As I was studying Sarah, from the Old Testament, during my quiet time today, I was referred to Psalm 130:5. As we know, Sarah did not wait for God to fulfill His promise to her and Abraham. Instead she took matters into her own hands and ended up making a mess of things. There are so many times when I feel myself stuck waiting. At least now that I am older, time seems to fly by, which really helps. Perhaps that also is one of God's many blessings. Anyway, playing the waiting game came be very difficult for me. I intend on committing this verse to memory because I know it will help by everyday life. When I read it I got inspired and hopeful. I was reminded, once again, that God knows all of my needs and He has an amazing plan for my life. If I can just stop and wait and put my hope in His word, then I will recognize His voice and see His plan. I know this sounds corny, but after reading this verse I got excited to start waiting! We'll see how long that lasts :).



I am thankful for...

1. the way Michael gets so excited when he goes to look at the fish.

2. getting to go downtown with some friends to visit Cassie in the hospital. We even got to see her new baby girl, Reece. I tried to convince her to give Reece the name Christine as a middle name. But I am not sure she fell for it.

3. getting to my cycle class almost on time :)

4. Todd being soooooo helpful this morning. He got both of the boys up and dressed. Then he put away all of the clean dishes and washed the breakfast dishes. He knew I was in a hurry this morning and he pitched in. Thanks so much babe!

5. my mom leaving a cool message on my blog. I also enjoyed our phone conversation today. I like it when she calls and asks to see the boys on the video camera. We had lots of fun prancing around for her.

6. God giving me so many imperfect people as examples in my life. The collection of mistake makers found in the bible encourages me to recognize that God uses warped and tainted people to do great things.

7. Todd walking in the door right this very moment!

8. the fun play time the boys and I had today.

9. sweet, loving emails.

10. the yummy dinner we had tonight!

1/18/06

I am thankful for...

1. Michael being a good eater most of the time. Tonight he had pork tenderloin, apples, beans and rice, and broccoli. He washed it down with a glass of milk. His tummy was very large afterwards.

2. my friend, Cassie, delivering a healthy baby girl today!

3. the recipe Sarah gave me because not only did I make it for tomorrow night's dinner, but I also made it for a friend of mine who had surgery a little while ago. I hope it's good.

4. Daniel going to bed at 6 and Michael going to bed at 7. Thank you God for blessing me with good sleepers.

5. all of the great deals I got at the market today. There was a ton of buy one get one free sales. YEAH!

6. Todd making a new friend today. He had to meet with this guy for his graduate program and it turns out the guy is really cool and Todd enjoyed meeting with him.

7. Amy picking Philippians 4:6 to memorize this week. It says, " Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." I remembered this verse when I opened my iphoto and realized that my photos were gone. Instead of being anxious about this, I will calmly wait to see if Todd can fix it when he gets home.

8. the yummy chocolate chip cookies I made today!

9. the time I had to sit down and enjoy watching my boys play together. They already seem to enjoy each other.

10. the gentle whisper of God's love that I can hear throughout my day. That is the best part of every day.

1/17/06

I am thankful for...

1. the absolute beautiful weather we are having today. Michael, Daniel and I played outside for a long time today. YEAH!

2. my friend, Melanie's, new blog. Check it out at melsheart.blogspot.com

3. Michael's doctor's appointment going well today. He handled the whole "taking blood" thing rather well. And his doctor is great. He managed to pull a bog out of Michael's bellybutton and then sent if flying off into the air. Funny guy!

4. Todd taking such good care of me yesterday when I wasn't feeling good. He held down the fort for three hours while I took a nap. He is so wonderful!

5. our internet working again.

6. all of the wood being removed from our backyard...even though it cost a very pretty penny. Richard, the tree guy, is a really good guy and I am thankful for that!

7. our neighbors letting us take down their fence so it would make it easier to get the wood out. Good fences do make good neighbors.

8. my daily devotional that is so much fun to read. Every week I study a different woman of the bible. Yesterday, I began reading about Sarah. It doesn't matter how many times I read about her, I am always impressed.

9. Michael being able to tear apart his room during "quiet time" and not get hurt. I would be thankful for quiet time...but it is not really happening today!

10. my sweet and adorable little Daniel who insists on standing up in the bathtub. He has a runny nose, so keep his health in your prayers.

1/13/06

I am thankful for...

1. the new train set Michael got for Christmas. He loves playing trains, especially with Daddy!

2. James Bond marathons!

3. my mom helping me with a recipe that I made for dinner tonight. It turned out really well and we both ate more than our tummies could hold.

4. Kristen canceling out coffee outing which led to me spending the morning chatting with Jennifer. A disappointment turned into a nice surprise.

5. having close friends that pray for me on a regular basis...and close friends that ask me to pray for them.

6. the way Daniel instantly calms down when I bring him into my arms.

7. Michael saying his own name now!!!!!!!!!

8. Todd being the funniest, sexiest, and most handsome man I know.

9. the quiet time I had today during which I was reminded, once again, that even though continually mess up, God forgives and showers me with grace.

10. the new MAC iLife software for the computer. It's awesome.

1/12/06

I am thankful for...

1. Mike and Amy having the perfect backyard for toddlers to play in. Michael and Caroline had such a fun time running around and playing on the swingset. Of course, cleaning the doggy poo off his shoes was gross! As I was watching them, I couldn't help feeling like Michael does"t need me as much anymore. He can go and run about on his own now, kind of :)

2. the great cycle class that I took today. It felt really good to sweat again.

3. Amy encouraging me to train to run...she even loaned me a good running book...and she is going to help me buy a new pair of shoes.

4. Richard the tree-guy being so patient with crazy me.

5. my sweet boys who are so easy going and well-natured. I love it when Michael stops what he is doing, looks around for me, and then runs over to give me a kiss, only to quickly return to his activity. It warms my heart.

6. the look on Daniel's face when I tried to convince him to eat pureed zucchini and millet. That was definitely a no-go!

7. seeing a friend from church at the YMCA today!

8. sweet Todd who is waiting for me upstairs, trying desperately to stay awake.

9. the Martha Stewart show...Todd and I both like watching it.

10. that God gives me all the time I need to get all of the things I need to get done, done!

11. that Amy and I both did so well during our scripture review session. Memorizing and applying scripture in our lives has made a significant change...and I think I speak for the both of us.

1/11/06

I am thankful for...

1. the runners not laughing at me too loud as they repeatedly passed me as I attempted to run my sorry rear around the track at the YMCA. I think the swanky man in the blue running outfit had an especially good time watching me suffer.

2. knowing how to cook a dinner without leaving much of a mess in my wake. I attribute this to Anu. She is a very clean cook...and my cousin Karrie too!

3. both boys taking long naps so that I could make lots of baby food for Daniel.

4. the very sweet teachers at Michael's school. I feel so good about sending him there, and he loves it besides!

5. the workers at the YMCA who complimented me for having such a wonderful baby (Daniel). Apparently, amiss the crying and screaming from the other babies, Daniel seemed to have a fun time.

6. the fantastic quiet time I had this morning during Daniel's naptime. I so enjoyed reading from the bible, studying His word, and applying it to my life. God's word refreshes me and strengthens me.

7. all of my friends. Never before in my life have I had so many nice and sincere friends with whom I connect on a regular basis.

8. Michael and Todd's relationship. I love watching them interact . Todd is so patient with Michael and is always trying to teach him new things.

9. the hot shower I had this afternoon. I can't imagine not having a hot shower close by.

10. the space in between Daniel's two front teeth. I think it is so cute and it gives him so much personality. Todd and I can't help ourselves...we call him snaggletooth!

1/10/06

I am thankful for...

1. God's word continuing to teach me, even when I read the same verses over and over again. His word directs and protects my ever-changing life, and for that I am very thankful.

2. the wonderfully sweet email my brother sent me. My mom was right when she used to say that someday I would love and respect him.

3. spending time at Amy's watching Michael and Caroline play in the backyard. They get along so nicely and it comforts my heart to know Michael has Godly friends with Godly parents.

4. chitchatting with my mom and dad on the phone today. I am so glad they enjoy being together.

5. the super-duper vacuum cleaner.

6. having such a wonderful relationship with my grandparents, Nonie and Howie. I love how they LOVE to hear stories about the boys. They are sooooo interested.

7. the sweet way Michael relates to Daniel. Every morning, Michael runs into Daniel's room and says, "Hi D!".

8. Daniel having such a good attitude, even though he didn't get a good nap today.

9. the yummy hamburgers we had tonight.

10. the extra-yummy ice cream I had after the yummy hamburgers! AHHHH! God is good.