Banking

Today I'm thankful for small town banking. There is a lot to be said for a small town and the people who work in it. I am so glad I changed from a big national chain bank to our smaller area bank.

Bed

Today I'm thankful for a comfy new bed. Not having a loud creak everyone I moved was awesome! I still can't believe I got it for $20. :)

Furniture

Today I am extremely thankful for new furniture!! All of us went to a huge indoor garage sale today and we got incredible deals! I finally got a new mattress and box spring that I badly needed. I also scored an awesome new desk and a very cool car/train table for my kiddos. All for $35. Yes, you read that right. So awesome!!

Experiences

I'm thankful for new experiences for the kids. Yesterday Zane went to his first birthday party with me. He had a blast! And now I know the boys parents and they know me and we can plan more get togethers for the boys. I am so happy Zane has made a close friend here!
I'm thankful for the library. My kids love going there! Claire and I went yesterday while Zane was at the party and she had a great time on her own. I learned that she knows how to work a mouse and computer on her own. Smart girl!
The weekend got off to a fun but also stressful start. Hoping that the kids listen better today and we can have a stress free day. We'll see. It's only 7:30am. Haha

Little things

Today I am thankful for the little things that brighten my day. There are so many little things that I can't list them all. But today, the one little thing I am thankful for is the chance to surprise my kids by buying them breakfast out on a school morning. They loved it! I love doing things for them that make them happy. Surprising them is easy and fun for all of us. I love my kids so much!!

Reality

Today I am thankful that my ex-husband lives 3000 miles away and my kids only see him 2-3 times a year. I don't know that I could handle living close enough for more visits and having to deal with drama. I think the distance helps the kids clearly define our separate lives.
I am also thankful that my kids and I have a good life together. We have created a family life that we all love. This includes my parents and it's so wonderful. I would not trade my life for anything!

Colds

The kids and I have been battling some mild colds. Thankfully no fevers or puking or anything more than sniffles and coughs. I am so thankful for cold medicine!!
I am also super thankful for my mom! She and I periodically go through the kids' toys and clothes and rearrange and organize and toss stuff out. Today was one of those days. It's so good to go to bed knowing we accomplished so much in that room!

Pattern

I go a couple days where I remember to post then I get behind a few days. Such is life. I've been busy and tired!
I am thankful for sleep! I am glad I have been able to go to bed early the past few nights. I'm hoping to nip this cold in the bud before it gets worse.
I am thankful for children sleeping well for the past few nights. Any night I don't have wake ups with Claire is a good one!
I'm thankful that this is a three day weekend. Let's hear it for Presidents Day!
Claire has been liking sleep also :)

Provision

Today I am thankful for unexpected blessings. I am thankful for the provision of my needs always being met. God is so good!

Valentines

Today I am thankful for having two little people to love and who love me. :)

Catching up

The days have gotten away from me this past week. I felt like I was running in circles last week! This week is more laid back so I am looking forward to that.
I have to catch up with four reasons to be thankful so here it goes.
I am thankful for hair dye and being rid of my gray hair for awhile. :)
I'm thankful for texting with friends ad my sister. It keeps me sane to be able to touch base with them everyday.
I am really thankful for my parents help now that I am working. They keep Claire while I am gone and I'm thankful I don't have to find a day care.
And I am super thankful for my handsome, smart and silly boy. He brings so much joy to my life.

My girl

Today I am thankful for my baby girl. She is just the cutest and funniest little girl and I am so lucky to be her mom. I love her so much!!

Little things

I'm thankful for the little things in my day that remind me how blessed I am. Hugs and cuddles from both my kiddos top this list. :)
I'm also thankful for new friends I have made. I'm excited to have friends who are in the same town I am now!
I had my first day of work today and it was great! Two hours passes very quickly when it's go go go in the lunchroom and recess. I think I am going to really enjoy this job. I also helped in Zane's classroom this morning and that was a lot of fun. The kids in his class are super cute and I enjoy getting to work with them when I can. :)

Job!!

Today I am thankful for my new job! I got hired on at Zane's school as a part time playground supervisor today! I will be working two hours each day supervising kids at lunch and recess after lunch. I am so excited!! My goal is to work in the school district full time once Claire starts kindergarten, so this is a great step in the right direction.
God is so faithful to provide for us if we just give our lives to him and trust in his timing. This job has God written all over it! This month is the last month I will receive alimony from my divorce so my finances were about to drop some. This position will not only make up for that but it will provide more than the amount I received each month in alimony. I was prepared for the drop in income thanks to a great budgeting system I worked out in October, but to know I don't have to make extra sacrifices or worry about them is a huge relief. I have put a lot of prayer into this situation and worked with what I have been given. Having my prayers answered isn't new, but it's so humbling and wonderful every single time it happens. We serve a mighty God who just loves on us! What more could we ask for?!

Success!

Our first Sunday at our new church was a success! Claire didn't want to leave which never happens! Zane told me that we need to go back every Sunday. I enjoyed the service even though it was much different than what I am used to. I'm so thankful that today was a smooth transition!
Here is the kids before church...love those two!!

Bed time

Today I am thankful for bed time. Mostly thankful for the kids going to bed tonight after a long day of them arguing and misbehaving. Zane surprised me this evening by apologizing for his behavior. Nobody asked him to apologize, he just did it on his own. He can be such a good kid when he isn't bossing his sister around. ;)
Tomorrow we try a new church. The kids said they are looking forward to it so that is encouraging. I hope they like it. I hope I like it too.

Seriously?

It's been a few days. How does time go so fast? Seriously?! Ok here goes.
I am thankful for new friendships that I can see forming. I am so encouraged!
I am thankful for school when both kids go the same day. It's nice to have some time without them...even if it is just grocery shopping.
I am thankful for my friend Randi. I love that I have a friend who is as close to me as my own sister. I'm always so thankful that we have a solid connection that has lasted us 12 years and is still going strong.
That being said, I'm also thankful for my sister. We talk (a lot) every day and I hate the days we don't get the chance to text or call. God blessed us so much when He brought her into our family.
Did I mention that I am reading through the Bible this year? Well, I am. I am really enjoying it! I thought I would be more interested in the New Testament but I am really into the Old Testament. I am almost through Genesis and have really enjoyed it. Reading the stories I grew up hearing the shortened versions of has been really enlightening. On the other side of it, Acts is totally confusing me. I have to read carefully because I get confused about who is going where and what people they are seeing, etc. I'm learning a lot though and I really like the plan I chose. I am using The Discipleship Journal plan and it looks like you can visit their website to subscribe. I got a printout at church.
Www.discipleshipjournal.com