Bedtime

Tonight I am thankful for bedtime....for my kids. Not because it was a bad day or a long day. Not because I needed a break from them or they were misbehaving. Today was an awesome day and I enjoyed every minute of it with them. :)
I'm thankful that I have time in the evening to just spend alone. I have always enjoyed my alone time, even growing up. When I was married I enjoyed it less often but it was good because I had someone to spend time with. I am sure I will have that again, someday. But for now, I really love my evenings alone or, on rare occasions, in the company of my parents.
After the kids went to bed tonight I did some catch up in my read-the-Bible -in-a-year reading plan. I neglected it too long and am playing catch up now. But, the way I see it is, at least I started it up again. :)
I also watched a movie, which I don't do often. Most nights I would prefer to read than to watch tv or a movie. But I felt like some action tonight, so I put The Dark Knight in. I love that movie. Well, I love (almost) all the Batman movies. He is my fav. Especially played by Christian Bale. :)

Ice Cream

Today I took Zane out of school a little early and surprised him with an ice cream date! He and I haven't had any one on one time in awhile and it was so nice. We enjoyed chocolate dipped cones and fries at DQ. I taught him how good fries taste if you dip them in your soft serve. He loved it!
I'm so thankful for time spent with just my little man. I treasure our conversations and fun we have together. <3

A/C

We had a crazy few days of HOT temperatures. The kids got into their little pool, we had the sprinklers going, we had BBQ's, and we used our air conditioning. I'm so thankful we have the A/C, it's a nice reprieve from the heat and sun. I'm not complaining about the sun...I just want spring weather before jumping right into summer!
So, our hot days have ended and now we are enjoying temps in the mid 70's and it's lovely. I'm thankful for a nice steady breeze and having the windows and doors opened up tonight. There is something peaceful about relaxing with a breeze blowing and the sun setting.
I would like to share a picture- my Grandma turned 91 today. We took her flowers and a cake and had a mini party for her in her home with her fellow residents. 91. Wow!

100

It was 100 degrees at our house today. It's not even summer yet! The kids enjoyed playing in/by their little pool this afternoon. We even bought and enjoyed some Popsicles! So, today I am thankful for air conditioning!! :D
Oh, and I'm thankful for sunscreen and hats. Both of which I rocked at work today while out on the playground.

Mom

Today is Mother's Day and it has been a lovely day so far. Not only do I feel extremely blessed to be a mom to my kids but I am so blessed to have my mother be such a key part in my life. She and I have always been close and I treasure her friendship. I hope that one day my own children can look at me and see the same love, respect, support and care that my mom has always shown me. <3

Go-Go-Go

This past week was go-go-go for me. It was such a fun week though! I volunteered in Zane's class, got recognized at his school assembly for my volunteering, did Claire's field day at her school with her, went to lunch with my friend (without kids!), read a good book, shopped, and enjoyed some quality time with my kiddos outside and in. Whew!
I'm thankful that even though I'm busy a lot of the time, I have been able to spend time with the kids. No distractions, just time spent together or one on one. That has been on my heart for a couple weeks now and I prayed for ways to change what I do. I realized I was getting so caught up with email, texts, facebook and such, and it was taking away from time and full attention being spent with my kids. I don't want them to feel that there is something on my phone or computer that is more important to them. I want them to know and always remember how much I love them, how much I enjoy their company and how important they are to me. I'm happy that some of the changes I have made in the past week have produced positive outcomes and also really made up my mind about various things I was being indecisive about. I'm so thankful for perspective and the ability to put priorities back in their rightful places.
I mentioned that I had lunch with my friend, sans kids. That was actually today and it was so great! We went to a cute little place in town- a very grown up place- and ate very grown up food. The food was good but the conversation was the best. (I'm not gonna lie though...the tiramisu was pretty good.) I am continually thankful for God's guidance to grow into this community which, in turn, enabled me to meet people and make new friends. Jen, my friend I went to lunch with, is a blessing and I am thankful for her friendship. I value the connection we have through our faith, the fact that we are both moms trying to navigate life with stubborn girls (and one boy), and also our almost identical likes and dislikes in books, music and movies. God is so faithful to answer prayers. I prayed for a friend here who I could connect with and that is exactly what I got!
This last bit might sound odd but it's how I feel. I am completely and so entirely thankful that I got divorced and moved back to WA. I cannot list all the reasons right now but it is incredible to think of all the things I have in my life now that would have never existed had I stayed married in TN. I get subtle and not so subtle reminders from time to time of how great my life is when speaking with my ex-husband, or reminiscing about my life in TN and also looking forward and "day dreaming" about what God has in store for me and my kids. Life is truly better when you let Him lead you and trust His timing.

Community

Tonight I'm thankful for my community. I love where we live and I love everything this town has to offer. I love how my kids and I are finally connecting with people and making friends, putting down roots, and being involved. It's given me such a feeling of accomplishment to be "networking" and creating friendships and working relationships. It's just wonderful to feel like we are part of something again, not just sitting on the outside, looking in.