Thursday Thanksgivings

Feel like I have so much to say

First of all life really is all about how you look at things

I was super excited to save money shopping this morning

Baylen and I had so much fun

Counting prices and looking for deals

Then on the way home

got a ticket for running a stop sign

125 dollars

And of course I think of all I could buy for my family with that

A weeks worth of groceries

lots of gifts

lots of DQ slushies

a whole soccer season for sam

Karate for Bo

four football games 

But instead

(By this way, this is the second time I am writing this next part because when I was fininshing up my pinkie hit the delete and all was lost but from here up....go figure...BREATH)

Anyway...so instead 

I thought that Riley Walker and Grammy must have been protecting me from something

not sure what

but something

It really is how you look at things....

So I was thinking this morning on the way to my dr. appoitment

which I nearly forgot about

because it did not have to do with the children right in front of me...

I was thinking that I do not take the time to enjoy the kicks

and punches

and feeling of being pregnant

I will find myself looking at newborns 

or pregnant women and thinking

wow, that is awesome...I remember when I had a newborn or was pregnant

and then I remember

I am so serious when I say that

I swear I still am in a dream

I am still not beleiveing it

I know this one must be thinking...

What in the heck is going on out there...

I got to meet the girl that I keep hearing...

that girl that shows so much kindness...can be a drama queen, loves to craft, be on the go and boss the other two voices I hear around...

And that Boy, 

that is very loud

has to be reminded often of things, 

jumps around and leaps a lot

makes scary noises 

and loves to hug my mommy

And that little voice

the one that I hear whining really close toFall be late in the day

that loves to sing and jump

and seems so very smart....

and likes to say no mommy

this way...

yeah

I want to meet those peeps

It must be amazing wanting to bust out to see what this is all about

I noticed the leaves falling as I walked into the doctor

and realized that I love love love

fall

I love 60 degree weather

it puts me in a really good mood

the only time hot is good

is when you have a margaretta and a pool

Fall means football

and family

good food and holidays

I am also thankful for productive days

not today, but yesterday

where for two hours I just worked and worked and worked

got a million and one things done

phone calls

emails

bills paid

coupons clipped

potters house trip

check 

check check

I love talking to the orthaontist one minute for Samamthha

the next minute Bo's karate teacher about his tournament

and the next peditriong appoitments for Baylen

I love talking to Bo's teahers about getting him help wiith school and the next minute looking over samanthas very hard homework

then moving straight over to counting numbers and singing abc's with Baylen

I love love love it

I also love storytime

and the joy it brings to Baylen

watching him jump

find little mouse

and always checking backwards to see if I am still there

I love kids that come in to-to's and batman capes

why not?

I love that there was a man in line at the counter that when told by the man working

"sorry, I will be with you in a moment"

he said, take your time, no big deal

wow

you do not hear that much

why can't we all have that kind of attitute

it was very refreshing...
so
lots of thanksgivings over here

It wasn't just one thing that was causing stress and worry, but a toxic mixture of problems. 

Each day it seemed a new swell of problems engulfed me, adding to the accumulation of my concerns and stress.

It was a long season in which I felt sucked under by a raging current, barely able to hold my head above water. I was completely deflated and helpless, just like that little raft.

During that time, I clung to 

Psalm 46:1-3, "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"

These verses offer wisdom about persevering through our difficult times. They serve as a reminder to stay aware of our need for God, and that none of us are equipped to handle life on our own.

You see, no matter how strong we think we are, there will come a time when stress gets overwhelming and we desperately wish we had somewhere to hide.

God understands what we're going through. His Word promises He will help us in times of trouble. 

Psalm 9:9-10, 

"The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble; And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You."