Gratitude Log- Day 7

Five things I'm grateful for today:

Girls's Night Out

The girls from my church do a girl's night out every couple weeks.  They have been great for getting to know new people and it's always nice to get a little break from the crazy kids.  Tonight we shared snacks and stories while we sort of played Catch Phrase.  

Giggles

My two kids giggle all day.  It is so cute to me maybe because it reminds me of Jessica and I (you can't stop us from laughing when we are around each other, it is actually kind of embarrassing sometimes).  I feel like sibling love is at it's best when laughter is involved.

Homemade Bread

I love making homemade whole wheat bread.  In the summer sometimes I avoid doing it because I don't want to turn the oven on, but today was just cool enough.  I love the way the house smells after.

Shopping Carts with Kid Cars

These make shopping trips more pleasant and more crazy at the same time.  Adelaide and Mav have a great time turning their wheels and smiling at other shoppers and I can concentrate on getting the items on my list.

Failing

 I fail pretty much on a daily basis in one way or another but I really do think failures are something to be grateful for.  They are humbling, teach valuable lessons and often open up doors to new opportunities.

Gratitude Log- Day 6

Five things I'm grateful for today:

Cars

I love that all I have to do is hop in my car and within an hour I can be in a number of really awesome places.  Thank you Mr. Ford.

Stars

Recent camping trips have reminded me how much I enjoy gazing at the stars.  I especially love when I see one shooting across the sky.

Honest People

Tonight I was a little bit of a ditz and left my bag in an ice cream shop in Santa Cruz and didn't realize until I was in my car.  I thought that someone might have taken it or at least grabbed my wallet but when I rushed back it was exactly where I left it and untouched.

Emails from Jessica

Every monday morning I wake up to an email from Jessica who is currently a missionary in Portugal.  I miss her so much and love to hear about her new friends and adventures there.

Going on the Big Dipper with Rick

Tonight we went to the boardwalk with family and Rick and I rode the Big Dipper twice.  I've been on that ride lots of times of but hands down it is the most fun sitting next to Rick who squeals and giggles like a school child the whole time.

Gratitude Log- Day 5

Five things I'm grateful for today:

Shady Trees

Particularly the one outside my church building.  Maverick and I spent a big chunk of church sitting on the lawn in the shade of this beautiful tree since church is pretty much pointless when your child is nine months old... he can't sit still and makes really loud noises.

Toffee & chocolate covered almonds

These are a new discovery for me and they are amazing.

Sunday morning brunch

We don't have church until 1 in the afternoon so I love eating a late breakfast with my family.  Today we made whole wheat crepes with plums and peaches and homemade whipped cream.  I love sitting around the table together while eating good food.

The way Maverick looks at me

He is such a momma's boy and looks at me like he is in love.  I know he'll grow out of it so I'm just soaking it in.

Google hangout

Even though it can sometimes be a little spotty it is so nice being able to keep in touch with family that live far away.  Adelaide especially loves to play peek-a-boo and show off her toys through the screen. Right now she is chatting with her grandpa in Arizona.  Technology is really amazing.

Gratitude Log- Day 4

Five things I'm grateful for today:

Sleeping in

It has been an exhausting couple of weeks so sleeping in this morning was needed and appreciated.

Paint

Grateful that you can turn ugly furniture into something cute and fresh.  I repainted a chair and some shelves today.  I'm not quite sure about the chair color, but if I decide against it I can just paint it another color I guess.

Home made ice cream sandwiches

Today I ate at least four.  Even though I feel a little sick now, they were totally delicious and worth it.  I might just go have another one while I watch an episode of Doogie Howser with Rick.  

My dishwasher

Ours was broken recently and now that it is in working condition again I am in heaven.  Doing dishes by hand all the time is no fun.

Rick's mad housekeeping skills

Today while I was painting in our garage Rick loaded the dishwasher, cleaned the kitchen, did three loads of laundry, swept the floor and cleaned up the kids toys.  He puts me to shame.

Gratitude Log- Day 3

Five things I'm grateful for today:

Baths

This may be too much information but when I'm confronted with a nasty diaper I often rely on a bath to help me through.  It's gotten to the point that when Adelaide has a bad diaper she tells me, "Mom, I need a bath." Sometimes wipes alone just don't cut it.

Project Runway

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that a new season has begun.  I have a couple episodes to catch up on and I can't wait.  I love Tim Gunn and wish we were friends or at least that he was my fashion mentor, I could use one.

Rick's Job

I feel so lucky and blessed that Rick has a steady job in this terrible economy.

Our Garage

This is the first place we've lived that has a garage.   It is so nice to not have bikes and camping gear crammed inside our home.

Naomi

We have been friends since 7th grade and I cherish our friendship.  She came to visit us today and we chatted over dinner, made Adelaide dress up for a fashion show, styled Mav's hair in a mohawk, went for a walk and baked peanut butter cup cookies.  Adelaide just loves her 'Nao.'

Gratitude Log- Day 2

Five things that I'm grateful for today:

A Date with Maverick

Today Adelaide went to a movie with her Grandma and I ran some errands with Maverick.  I don't get to spend much time with just him and it was really nice being able to give him my full attention.  He is so smiley and giggles every time you look at him.  I love his open mouth kisses... probably gross to onlookers but they melt my heart.

Pinterest

I don't spend too much time on Pinterest anymore, but I am grateful for all the inspirational ideas I find on there.  From recipes to family activities to decorating ideas, I can always count on something in my boards to make my day a little more productive.  Today I baked these cookies that I spotted on Pinterest, they are quickly becoming a family favorite.

Friendly People

Today our bagger at the grocery store was so friendly and seemed genuinely interested in how my day was going.  He asked questions about Maverick and was just really kind.  Interesting how when you don't get out as much little interactions really can help make your day.   

Neighbors

We love our neighbors.  We haven't lived here long but already feel like they're lifelong friends.  Adelaide loves to drop by and say hello, pick their flowers (I'm trying hard to get her to stop but they just too tempting for her) and give them fresh cookies she helped bake.   They watered my plants while I was of town and helped my stubborn eggplants to grow.  I'm grateful for their friendship.

Ripe

This book is amazing.  Seriously.  Everything I've made from it so far is delicious and I can't wait to try out more.  Tonight I made the quinoa & red pepper chili, the tangerine & avocado salsa and the kumquat arugula salad and they were all phenomenal.  The book and the author Cheryl, who I had the pleasure of meeting, are an inspiration to me.

31 Days of Gratitude

There is a challenge floating around on facebook to post 5 things you are grateful for each day in August and I thought I'd do it here on my blog.   I love the idea of taking a few moments during this busy summer month to remember my daily blessings, big and small.  

Fresh Blackberries

We discovered that they grow wildly near where we live and we have been having such a great time picking and eating them.  

 Family Visits

My mother in law Nicole, her two cute kids Nathan and Lanie, and their sweet dog Gracie are visiting.  Adelaide just loves having them here to play with and we are all enjoying the company.

 Swimming Pools

Today we had such a fun time swimming at the pool.  Maverick loves to splash around and the rest of the kids loved goofing off while Nicole and I had a great chat.  

Ibuprofen

 I have been getting headaches lately (maybe I'm not drinking enough water?) and I seriously am so grateful for this medicine that helps me to get on with my day.  Sometimes it's the smallest things that can make the biggest difference.

 Prayer

I love how prayer brings peace to my soul and helps me remember what is important and who all my blessings come from.