thankful thursday blogger's block eddition.

So I was hoping that spinning "The best of James Taylor" on my iTunes would be enough to get the ball rolling on all these words that can't seem to come out. But it's not working. Actually, James Taylor's music makes me want to eat dinner outside, rock a baby to sleep, or go on a drive with the windows down.

All this swine flu stuff is getting to me, they have closed schools here.

I'm thankful that my kids are healthy and safe.
(but they're currently driving me looney)
(but I LOVE them)
(and I'm thankful for them)
(and they're going to bed early tonight)

Start each day in a happy way...

Some mornings are so hectic, today was for sure.

Yesterday I bought a loaf of bread that didn't scan correctly, so I got it for free. I was happy about that and reminded that God gives us "our daily bread." Well, as it turns out, Gunther ate it (my fault for leaving it on the table) but nobody told me until at least 3 minutes into my search this morning, so back to the store for me at 7:10 a.m. then it was back home to pack lunches, make a Carlos an espresso, and grilled cheese for Matt. Then it was a mad dash to the car because of course I forgot to get Alexandria a "special drink" for her field trip, so we went to the store again... but this time actually stopping at the gas station (that was recently bought by extra friendly Jamaicans who's greeting always cheer me up tremendously.) She got a vitamin water. I tried to seem chill for the Jamaicans, you know, because it's-all-good-man.

All of this before 7:50 a.m.

In car line at school I encouraged the kids to take a deep breath, poor little buddies. I don't like hectic mornings.

But what this post is really about is my thrift shop finds from yesterday. (Which apparently if you buy a t.v. dinner tray form the 70's, with your favorite childhood character, that says "start each day in a happy way" your next morning is doomed.)

All of this for less than the cost of a loaf of bread.

Today I'm thankful for this blog. It really inspires me. I love cottage/shabby style. I love old mason jars and glasses. I LOVE historic homes. I love feeling inspired.

abraham david photography.

scenic views.

photos to accompany grievances against your neighbor having rusty sheds.
or counter grievances for barking dogs.

nature.

livestock/pets.

self portraits.

still thankful.

I'm kinda blah this week.
There's a lot on my mind and even more on my "to do list."
But I've decided I'm going to go buy a house plant to add some color and a new broom/dustpan since Gunther found it necessary to make my old one his personal chew toy.
A nice trip to the hardware store ought to cheer me right up.

I remember as a kid learning in Sunday School that the best time to Praise God is when you don't really feel like it, I guess that's why it's called a "sacrifice of praise."
I really feel like having a pity-party but instead I'm having a thankful-Thursday!

I saw a quote on a little notebook that said "life delights in life" and I think that's true.
Pity delights in sitting around all day in your pj's and feeling sorry for yourself, but life delights in life and living free and happy.
Sometimes we just need to push ourselves.
So, I'm going to go enjoy the beautiful spring flowers and plants at lowes a super artsy flower district, and redeem this day for all it's worth.

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

the word of our testimony.

they showed clips of this video at church today.
I found it to be soo powerful.
I don't think that his story is any more important
than anyone else's just because he's a famous rocker,
but there is something about the way that he tells his story that hits home with me.

God is love.

thankful.

Thursdays come really fast now that I have designated a day to count my blessings.
Sure, I'm thankful everyday but taking a moment to jot something down has been refreshing. Sometimes little things sneak up on me and almost go by without notice, and when I add them all together I realize a lot is changing, and life keeps getting better.

1. I'm thankful for the experience Carlos is gaining at his job, and for the extra gigs he's had.

2. I'm thankful that I never get stuck in traffic. A perk to small town life.

3. I'm thankful for this blog. I used to try to keep journals and scrapbooks but I never followed through. I think I'll enjoy having this to look back at, to remember these days.

4. For my back yard. I feel like a good mom when my kids are getting fresh air and climbing trees.

I love this.

Because It's Thursday...

I am thankful:

1. for more hours of daylight in the evening, I feel like a new person.

2. That Carlos and I get to see u2 the day after our 13 anniversary!

3. For crafty ideas that involve hot glue guns and reusing old things.

4. For little surprises just when you least expect them.

5. For baby dreams that never allow me to have closure on whether or not we're done having babies (okay, that was sarcastic.)

6. For nice customers.