Gratitude for Today- I am grateful for my morning drive to school with Gabe.  It seems that this is his most talkative, and with Graedon still half asleep in the back, it feels like I have Gabe all to myself.  He says some of the cutest things, and I love to hear how his mind thinks.  Today, he was going to build a house on the island in the middle of a pond we drive by.  Oh, and he is so excited to buy the "Titanic" bundle at the Book Fair. 

I love this boy!  He's growing up so fast, so these small moments are what I want to remember most about him!  He's 8, with his gappy big boy teeth smile, his creative ways, with the most caring and sensitive heart I know!  What an amazing person he is! 

Apologies

grate·ful

1. warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful:

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APOLOGIES

An apology can come in all sorts of shapes and styles, but the importance of one is monumental.

It is so evident when viewed from the innocence of my 5-year old.

He was purposefully kicked, and kicked hard on purpose according to witnesses at our Halloween party over the weekend.  He was upset because he was hurt, but he was more upset for the lack of an apology. All he could say through his tears was that she didn't even apologize.

Aww, break my heart that I wasn't outside to have righted that wrong.

"I'm sorry" means so much!

I am grateful that my boys know the importance of apologies, and I am lucky that my husband helps in showing the boys how important it is as well.

I am thankful for them as well as trying harder to be better at them myself!

Some Things to Be Grateful For

grate·ful

adjective

1. warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful

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I have been seeing all sorts of "thankful" posts popping up on blogs and my Facebook Newsfeed, and I really like the idea to take them to express specifically what you are grateful for. 

I am going to try to keep up and post something daily here. 

I would love it if you would join me.

It doesn't have to be grand gestures or huge accomplishments, it can be the small and simple things that bring a smile to your face and make you appreciate what you have.

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Dirty Dishes

Ugh, is one of the first words that comes to my mind when I see my sink full of dirty dishes.  Yes, we have a dishwasher, but I am not a fan.  I end up having to rewash so much of what comes out of that appliance, that handwashing is just easier. 

Does anyone like washing dishes?

Well, my first reaction would be, "NO!"

At second glance, I become humbled.

I have hot, running water to wash my dishes.

 They are dirty because we were able to eat off of them.  We are able to

have food and ways to prepare warm meals. 

We make it a priority to sit and have family meals together.

Wow....dirty dishes!  

Yes, I am grateful to have dirty dishes. 

Happy Halloween

I hope everyone has had a safe and fun Halloween!

I am loving my Sorcerer Mickey and Headless Horseman! 

(completely handmade this year!)

Easing back into it...

Life has been busy.
I've let it lead me, and blogging just wasn't a part of it.
I've missed it...
How are you? 
Hope you're still here!

VBS Week!

A new week has started, and it is going to be a busy one!

It is Vacation Bible School week at our church, and it is in the evening, so that means there needs to be a little bit more organization on our weekly menu. 

I am also in charge of crafts for the week at VBS, so I need to have my game face on!

Here is what I am thinking for the week!

Monday-Tacos

Tuesday-Brats on the grill, oven friend potatoes, brocolli

Wednesday-Hot ham-n-cheese sammies, veggies with dip, fruit salsa

Thursday-Grilled chicken, pasta salad, baked beans

Friday-Camping trip after VBS

Saturday-Camping trip

Sunday-Dinner at my mom's

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Nothing too exciting on the menu, but things that I can make quickly, and things that can be eaten easily.

Here's to a great week!

Last day of May

I really didn't expect to take a leave from blogging the entire month of May, but that is just how life has been this entire month!!  Filled with unexpected happenings!!  One of the major ones was the weather-Oh my!  We had some bad storms come through and knock out our power for 2 days, uprooted so many trees around our house, and take off part of our chimney.  I am just thankful that we are all okay, and that no injuries were reported here!

One of the main things happening is our countdown to Cocoa Beach!!  We leave this Friday-after Gabe is out of school.  We cannot wait, and it is a much needed break that we are all looking forward to!

So, I just wanted to update that I am still here, and still planning on blogging, but life has just taken a front seat at the moment! 

Monday already!!

Can you believe that Osama bin Laden has been found, killed and buried all within 24 hours??

I stayed up last night to watch the President's speech-loved that he ended with portions of the Pledge of Allegiance.

I am just very proud of our American soldiers and the diligence and risks they take everyday for our freedom!

History in the making is amazing!

(no matter your political point of view)

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What's on your menu this week?

Monday-Ghoulash, bread and butter, peas
Tuesday-Chili soup, cheese cubes and crackers, peanut butter and celery (It's cold here-I thought it was May!)
Wednesday-BBQ Chicken and Pineapple skewers, satueed green beans, rice
Thursday-Brother's College Graduation-Quick dinner night-Roast, potatoes and carrots in crock pot, crusty bread, salad
Friday-Gabe has a baseball game-I bet this will be a pizza night!
Saturday-Grilling out!!-haven't picked up what I want us to have, but we are grilling out, because I said so! :)
Sunday-Happy Mother's Day-not for sure of our breakfast, lunch and/or dinner plans yet!

Menu Monday

I hope everyone had open hearts yesterday, letting our Jesus enter them, while celebrating the Easter holiday!

One of my favorite days of the year!

We had an amazing day, and now we are trying to recoup from it!  :)

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Now onto my menu plan for this week!!

Monday-Is there any question that tonight will be leftovers?!?  :)

Tuesday-Going to try out this new recipe for Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu with a side of roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli.

Wednesday-Herb marinated pork chops, green beans, butter noodles, crescent rolls

Thursday-Taco salad, corn on the cob, chips and salsa and all of the fixings.

Friday-Dinner at the in-laws.

Saturday-Out to eat-either with my boys or just on my own..Chad is having a guy's night. 

Sunday-Dinner at my mom's

The last 2 weeks...

So, I know I have been MIA, and I apologize for that.

We have been so busy as a family of 4, that I have put my blogging on the back burner.

Want to see a peek in my life over the last couple of weeks?

Spring Break in the Windy City!

 The boys looking out on the "Ledge" at Sears/Willis Tower.

What an amazing experience!

The four of us at Fogo de Chao in Chicago.

Cheers!

Would a trip to Chicago be complete without a photo at the "Bean?"

I love this man of mine!

He's a keeper!

Returning home, we celebrated Morgan turning ONE!

I could love on her all day!

 Now, I am really old...my younger brother turned the big 3-0!

Some cropping fun at Crop for the Cure!

I have 2 of the best friends a girl could ask for!

 Baseball season has started, and Gabe is pretty excited!

 We were finally able to color some eggs this week!  Graedon loved it!

So, that is what my last couple of weeks have looked like....oh, and lots of this: