9:00 Church

Yes, I know I may receive some hate-mail from other members of my congregation for the fact that I am grateful for 9:00 church ;)...  But I'm okay with that.  Because I still get 9:00 church for another 50 weeks!

So, our church building has two congregations meeting in it every Sunday.  One attends at 9:00 in the morning and the other at 1:00 in the afternoon.  Typically, our congregations change back and forth each year and swap times -- just to keep things fair.  But, due to circumstances that just were, our congregation has spent the last 3 years attending at 1:00.  This year we got to change!  True, the reason for the change means we had to say good-bye to an awesome family, and that is a sad part.  But the part of us having church at 9 has been, for me, a much anticipated event!

I just love having morning church; then having the rest of the day to come home, relax, and -- most importantly, get my toddler her afternoon nap!  I don't know why it is, honestly, that I am so in favor of having morning church.  I just know that I am :).  Probably because I'm a creature of habit, and pretty much my whole life until I moved here in 2008, I attended church with start times between 9 and 9:30.  It's just what is normal for me.

And sure, I love my sleep as much as many (and possibly more than most).  I especially love morning sleep, and being in my pajamas for a long time before I get moving.  But something about morning church just resounds with me -- and I think I'll always prefer it, even if it means no sleeping-in (which hasn't been happening with a toddler lately anyhow ;)) and no pancakes in the morning (who has time when you sleep!?!).

So, I apologize to my friends who may not share my enthusiasm that, for the next 50 weeks, our ward will be up early attending church.  But I'm still grateful ;).


What are you grateful for today?

Baby Taps

I can't believe it's been 2 months since I last expressed gratitude here.  My life has certainly been filled with gratitude-worthy moments and things and people.  I've just been busy!  But I do need to make sure I'm taking the time to count my blessings, and so today, I choose to write here again.

I write this with hesitation, because I know many wonderful women who long to feel what I am about to describe.  Women who have never had the opportunity to carry a child.  And women who have lost babies at various times during pregnancy.  And so, my comments are not meant to be cold or callous as I relish the feeling of life growing within me. 

I truly am grateful for being able to feel our unborn baby inside.  For I am a worrier by nature.  And feeling the little tiny bumps -- which require that I lay still and focus with my hands on my abdomen at this point -- reassure the worry-wart in me.  From the days I first start feeling these taps within, I start seeking them every day.  I did the same when I was pregnant with our little girl.

And they never get old.  They always make me smile.  And I sometimes even laugh as I will sometimes feel the baby respond to my putting pressure on a specific spot (the baby usually taps there, then I press again, and the baby taps again). 

I remember the first time I realized I was feeling my baby move within when I was pregnant with Lynnaea.  It was a weird and marvelous experience all rolled into one.  It was not at all what I had anticipated.  Somehow, before I'd experienced it, I thought I would anticipate the movement -- that I'd know it was coming.  Almost as though the baby and I were connected mentally, and not just physically.  Which, of course, isn't the case.  I never know when the baby will move or kick.  And even the feeling of it is different than what I thought.  Amazing and wonderful, but different.  Just proof for myself that sometimes what we expect isn't what happens -- and that isn't necessarily a bad thing at all ;).

I am always awed by the amazing miracle that is pregnancy.  And I know I am imperfect and flawed.  But I am grateful to have the opportunity to carry life within me.  It is an honor I cannot fully describe.  A humbling experience.

What are you grateful for today?

A Lunch Date with My Husband... and Sprouts!

So it was a rare day indeed.  I ate lunch with my husband.  And the munchkin.  But yes, my husband...  Ever since we have known each other, we have never eaten lunch together on a work day.

This is because he only takes a 30 minute lunch break most days.  And is on a military facility.  And he walks to work.  And where he works is not super convenient to leave and enter in a 30 minute time-frame.

But today he had training.  And a longer lunch.  Closer to a convenient base exit.  And so we had lunch.

At Jimmy John's.

And our location finally has the sprouts back (after they were gone due to an e. coli scare somewhere a while back).

So lunch was delicious.  And nice.  Just a change in the routine.  Something special that almost never happens.  A treat.  For all of us :).

What are you grateful for today?

A Reason to Meet My Neighbors

So we've lived here for going on 2 years now.  And of the 6 units here, we are actually among the 3 who have been here longest. 

And I'm really bad at just saying hi to people.  Even in my small apartment complex.  How sad is that?  The people who moved out that lived next door to us -- I totally should have been more talkative and friendly.  I chatted with the mom one day as she was moving out stuff from the house.  And she was really nice.  And I know I need to do better.  It's a good thing to know your neighbors. 

So I'm grateful I had a reason today to go around and introduce myself to all of them (that were home).  Okay, so the reason is totally lame:  our stairs have been under repair for 5 weeks (and I use the phrase "under repair" loosely, as there has not been any progress on it for the last 4 weeks).  We are only able to exit one way now, and the people upstairs have to come down one flight, go all the way around the apartment complex, then up a flight of stairs from the parking area just to check their mail.  Super super super annoying.  And actually unsafe, too.  I have pictures I could show you.  Sad, too. Because until this, we've really had no complaints about where we live. 

But anyway, so I am fed up.  And so I wrote a letter referencing Washington State Code.  And I went around to see if anyone else wanted to sign it.  And yeah, maybe not the best way to get to know the neighbors -- I mean, surely circumstances could be better...  But still an opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and introduce myself.  And I got a chance to meet them too. 

So hopefully this letter will light a fire under some rear ends...  Otherwise, we'll be sending all our documentation plus pictures to some County or City official who maybe can do something...  Fun, fun, fun.  But seriously -- 5 weeks without stairs?  That's ridiculous.

Okay, I need to stop...  This is my grateful blog, not my soapbox :).

What are you grateful for today?

Possible Vacation Plans

:) :) :)

Well, a couple days ago, my sweetheart thought we may be doing a month and a half stint on the other side of the U.S. for his work.

He was none-too-thrilled about it.

He also informed me that he has 3 weeks of vacation time he needs to take before year's end... or he loses it.

Well, as of today, we are not doing a month and a half stint elsewhere.

But I am making some vacation plans...  3 weeks of vacation that needs to be taken?  Yep, I can help him take care of that :).

I don't want to jump the gun or anything, but...  Alabama...  We may be seeing you real soon :).  (But only after you're not hot anymore.  You know my rule.)

And I'm pretty excited about that.

What are you grateful for today?

Getting My Veggies Via Yummy Green Smoothie!

This morning my munchkin and I went over to hang out with a friend and her kiddos.  Somewhere around mid-morning, my friend made everyone green smoothies. 

This was my first ever green smoothie! 

Not because I was opposed to having one.  Frankly, the thought of getting my veggies disguised in a delicious smoothie was very appealing to me.  But I still have an old-school blender, and I simply don't think it would be quite as nice an experience as with one of those super-awesome-high-power-motor blenders...

So today, since my friend Janet has one of those nifty blenders, I had my first green smoothie.  And so did my munchkin.  And she sucked down her share of it out of my glass, so I'm pretty positive I can speak for her and say she loved it too!

So I got zucchini, kale, spinach, beet tops, and crookneck squash disguised by banana, pineapple, 3 berries, and a couple other ingredients that weren't produce (like a milk and protein thing).

It was really good.  And I got a lot of veggies.  By 11:00 this morning.  Which is gangbusters in my book!  And so is Janet.

I need to get one of those blenders...

What are you grateful for today?

Family Time

After the hustle and bustle of yesterday, I decided today would be a pajama day.  So Munchkin and I stayed home and worked on organizing some stuff. 

And I don't know why, but this evening, as we sat around -- our family of 3 -- and spent time together...  It was just the best time.  We all played.  Peek-a-boo.  Scream when we lift mommy's shirt (okay, the toddler plays this game -- and we probably shouldn't have taught it to her.  haha).  Bunny (and Beaver) catapult.  Throw the blanket.  Put Bunny to sleep and snuggle Bunny.  Just a lot of random stuff -- all of which my little girl laughed hilariously about.  She had so much fun.  And so did we.  Because it's such a joy to watch her as she grows and learns and laughs and plays.

I know that these are the moments that matter most.  The times when we make time for each other.  So that we let each other know they are the most important. 

And it is an opportunity for me to see the personality traits of my little girl emerge.  I can see her zest for life.  Her nurturing side as she hugs the bunny.  Her playful side as she throws the beaver back onto the blanket catapult so Daddy will catapult it again. 

These are moments that are precious.  And moments for me to treasure.  The kind I need to try to make more of, quite frankly. 

What are you grateful for today?

A Day Full of Awesome Friends and Delicious Food!

For me, there are few things finer in life than great friends and great food.  Today was packed full with both.

Munchkin and I started out the day by meeting up with Lea and Chuck for some breakfast at Denny's and a whole lot of fun conversation.  My munchkin loves hanging with (Auntie) Lea and (Uncle) Chuck, because she knows they think she's so stinkin' cute (but, hey, who doesn't ;)?).  And what can't be great about some blueberry pancakes, bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns with orange juice?  Absolutely nothing.

Then we met up with the awesome Megan and her cutie Jack.  We started out our play date by going to a Reading Up program where someone read our two cuties The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and then they each got to pick a book to take home -- for free!  We got Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?  Because we needed to rectify the fact that we didn't previously have any Dr. Seuss books in our library...  After that, we went to their house and enjoyed lunch and play-time!  Let's just say that someone else's toys are always cooler than your own.  And let's just say that Megan is amazing.  Her house is always gorgeous, she is always beautiful, and she is super sweet and inviting -- always.  And she makes really great food.  Today it was ham and cheese pockets and Asian Chicken Salad.  Play dates are awesome.  Both for kiddos and for mommies.

Then this evening, I enjoyed a Girls' Night Out, thanks to the wonderful Mariah.  Mariah is always so generous with opening her lovely home to a bunch of crazy ladies to come hang out.  And she always provides yummy (and in tonight's case, healthy) food!  Tonight we had a red lentil chili and a really yummy salad (because she takes the time to slice up a ton of yummy veggies to put on it) along with some grapes and a creamy (which I love) pasta dish.  And pineapple upside down cake (sort of -- my cake didn't turn out quite like I'd hoped due to baker error) for dessert.  It's nice to sit and chat with other ladies.  Share stories of whatever...  Maybe climb up on a soapbox...  And never get around to actually playing the games that were brought, because -- hey -- visiting is just more fun!

And my sweetheart took care of getting Munchkin to bed so I could go enjoy some grown-up mommy time solo :). 

So today was just an awesome day.  The best kind, if you're a Nilla ;).

What are you grateful for today?

Library Summer Reading Program

As most people are well aware, I am a lover of libraries.  They are awesome.  And today I added another reason to the list of why:  the summer reading program.

True, before this year, I was always on the other end of the library SRP.  And sometimes it wasn't as awesome from that side of things ;).  But this year, I got to be the parent of a child signing up.  Yes, even my toddler participated!!!  Because my reading to her counted. 

And sure, it took us, literally, all summer long to read her 10 hours (she's a toddler, after all...  I'm lucky to get 15 minutes of her attention each day for reading -- and that's rarely all in one sitting).  She loves books and "stories" and will drag her library bag over to me whenever I ask if she wants to read stories...  But she doesn't sit still for long, and I wanted to count her attentive time.  So, yeah...  All summer.

But it was awesome.  And we made it!  We colored in a flask for every 15 minutes we read.  And then today, we got to get a free book! 

There were a lot of other cool programs over the summer for the kids, too.  But most of it is "too old" for my munchkin.  So we just did the reading.  But next year...  It's full-on SRP! 

What are you grateful for today?

Pillow Talk

Because our schedules are often wonky enough that we often do not go to bed at the same time, my sweetie and I don't always get a chance to lay in bed and discuss the future -- or other silliness that comes to mind ;).  Unless, of course, we make the time. 

Tonight we did.  And we discussed our goals -- where we want to live, what steps we are taking to move forward...  How annoyed we are with our apartment complex, because the front steps have been unusable for 3+ weeks now...

You know, the good stuff...

It's a small thing, but I think small things are really the big things.

What are you grateful for today?

Blessings For Those I Love

Do you ever hear that someone you love has good news -- that they have been blessed in a circumstance which makes their life a lot better.  Takes stress off of them.  Allows them to breathe more easily...


Someone I love has had that happen.  And it makes me so happy.  And makes me grateful.

What are you grateful for today?

Teenage Baby-sitter Success

Today was the first time my husband and I paid for a baby-sitter.  We have been quite fortunate that we have so many near us who want to watch our munchkin for us and let us go on dates.  So we rarely schedule a baby-sitter to come here.

But we decided we should try it out -- for all of our growth and learning ;).  And plus, we know some awesome young ladies at church who are looking to make a few bucks.  So we did it.

We haven't left our munchkin here at home without one of us present since she was about 4 or 6 weeks old -- and even then, it was my mother-in-law and father-in-law.  When we've had others watch her, usually we drop them off at their house.  So today we had the opportunity to see how she did with watching Mom and Dad leave the house without her -- and to see how I did with it.

We all survived.  And she was happy as a clam when we got back.  So I say it was a success. 

And the hubby and I went and saw Xanadu Jr., put on by the theatre camp kids.  Cute and funny.  Something different for us to do.  So, yeah...  A good day :).

And now I know my munchkin is growing up even more... ;).  And that I can leave her with a teenager without freaking out.  I now fully realize the trust parents put in me all those years ago when I was the baby-sitter.

What are you grateful for today?

Birthday Traditions

My sweetie got another year older today.  He surprised me last night when he got home by telling me he put in to be off work today.  And, shocker of shockers, they approved it! 

That's not the tradition though ;)...  Raspberry Coffee Cake is :).  My husband loves this cake.  And so, for the last 3 years, I have made it for him on his birthday.  I try to make it a surprise for when he comes home from work (seeing as his last 3 birthdays have been week days...).  But today he kinda knew -- since he was home and all ;). 

But still, I love simple birthday traditions.  And I get excited about making him one of his favorite treats every day to let him know how special he is -- today, and every day ;).

What are you grateful for today?

Being Invited to Learn About Freezer Meals!

So this afternoon, while my little one slept, I got a random text from a number I didn't recognize.  Once I read the text, I knew it was from someone who, at the very least, knew me (and whom I probably knew as well ;)).

I was being invited to attend a Provident Living lesson on freezer meals!!!  I replied asking what time the meeting was, and who was inviting me.  Haha...  Clearly it was someone who knows all about the foodie in me ;).  The ever-awesome Brenda H. 

And, seriously, she is ever-awesome. 

So I went and have been inspired to do some freezer meals!  We had a tasting table and were able to try 5 different freezer meals.  YUM!  So I definitely have several to try -- and they don't look hard to put together!  The very best kind!

Anyway, it was a treat that Brenda thought of me and invited me to attend her class.  She is one of the coolest women I know -- so organized and "with it," for lack of a better term.  She's one of those people I'm just glad I know and can call a friend!  So I'm grateful for her too -- and that makes two gratefuls for today :).

What are you grateful for today?

Scrapbooking Group

Once a month, the funeral home where I used to work holds a little scrapbooking group.  Sometime after my munchkin was born, I started attending it for a couple reasons:  1.  To have a time set aside for me to work on her baby book (I am not a huge scrapbook person, as I'm not very creative).  2.  To have a social outlet.  I noticed how much I was craving groups of other women after I was home all day with an infant.  So...  I decided to start going to the group. 

Over the last year, I've started participating more in making the craft they bring to share...  I like it!  It's nice to sit around the table and make something fun and quick along with the other ladies.  And now that my munchkin is walking, she's pretty content to entertain herself just walking around the room, so that helps me be able to do this easier :). 

Today we made a "summer-y" card.  Isn't it cute?  I don't know when I'll use it, but I'm sure I'll have the opportunity eventually! 

Anyway, I'm just grateful for having opportunities like this one to be a part of a group and visit other ladies -- and make cute things to boot!

What are you grateful for today?

Coming Home to a Clean -- and COLD -- House!

Today leaves me with so many things for which to be grateful!  It was hard to choose just one.  But I did.

I know I've already touted my husband's awesomeness.  But seriously...  He deserves an encore! 

So, as I shared, my mom, my munchkin, and I went to Utah for a few days (officially, we were there 2 and driving 4...).  My husband's job sent out an email months back with black-out dates -- dates during which no one would be approved for time off.  And the dates for this trip fell into that category.  Boo.

So my sweetheart was stuck at home while we were gallivanting around Utah (and Washington, Oregon, and Idaho...).  I was already very happy to be getting home to see him today (when he gets home from work, that is).  But imagine my happy surprise when I walked into the house -- and the a/c was already running (so refreshing on this hot Washington day -- holy cow, I just looked at today's high:  98 degrees.  What the heck, Washington!?!).  And then...  I walked around the corner and saw that the living room was spotless!  As was the kitchen!

Yep, my husband is full of wonderfulness, and he totally made my day -- at the end of two very long days of driving.

(And just so you know, in case you were super curious...  My other two gratefuls are that my munchkin is the most amazing traveler.  A total of 38 hours of travel (34 of them in the car) over the space of 6 days and she was a total gem!) and THRIVE Express Creamy Garden Vegetable Chowder.  Click the link to find out why.)

What are you grateful for today?

Panama in Utah

Okay, I totally stole this blog title from my friend's hashtag.  But it was necessary because it was cool :).

So as you may already know, I have been in  Utah the last couple days.  And tonight my mom and I were invited to crash a bridal shower for someone we knew years ago in Panama.  (Maybe it isn't crashing if you'really invited?)

So we drove the 30 minutes...  And it was so awesome.  We saw so many people we knew growing up.  It was such a treat to reminisce about the good ol' days (like about the high school teacher who called me Hilda my entire freshman year...).  Seriously, this was the perfect way to round out our wonderful trip.  I loved it!  And I have to give a special shout out to Julie J for making it happen!

What are you grateful for today?

The Chance to Visit the THRIVE Showroom

Well, one of the bonuses of coming to visit my brother is that we are close to the THRIVE warehouse and showroom!  So naturally we had to swing in...  And save shipping on our orders!  And of course get a few more items...  Oh if only I had a million dollars!  I swear I felt like a kid in a candy store!

I wish I had been able to tour the whole warehouse, but I didn't realize I would be so   close to the warehouse,  so I didn't schedule one.  Nonetheless, it was so fun and exciting AND we got to sample anything we wanted!  I learned I will be ordering the THRIVE Ground Beef soon!

What are you grateful for today? 

My Husband Getting Up With the Munchkin

I don't know why, but lately I've had the worst time falling asleep at night.  I lay awake for forever.  It's frustrating.  My husband is on late shift, so he rarely gets home before 11 (last night it was after 1 this morning... and I was still awake), so I generally get up with the baby in the morning at 7 or 7:30.  Or 8, when she woke up this morning. 

And I usually don't take a nap when she does (that's my "getting stuff done" time :)).  But today I was just totally bushed.  So when she went down for her morning nap... so did I!

And then she only slept for 50 minutes.  But my husband got up with her (though he didn't get to bed until after 4 this morning... playing with the new tablet...) and let me sleep.  I kept telling myself I should get up.  I didn't listen.  I slept another hour!  When I was finally able to force myself out of bed, it was going on noon.  Yikes!  Haha...

Oh but I needed that sleep.  And I'm so grateful my sweetie took on our little one and let me sleep -- he even took her outside and let her explore inside the van while he was doing all the check-ups on it for our upcoming trip.  Which meant I had completely uninterrupted sleep!  Ahhhh, so refreshing :).

What are you grateful for today?

Olive Garden Lunch with Lea

Today was an all-around awesome day.  Productive too.  Although I did learn a lesson about how it's not exactly wise to go shopping on the 1st of the month when it's a Friday.  I think everyone got paid today.  Because they were all out at the grocery stores!

Ah well.  I'm sure I'll forget that lesson the next time the first of the month falls on a Friday. 

As part of the fun, Munchkin and I went to Olive Garden with Lea.  Then we hit Costco.  And it was all 100% awesome good times.  But there's just something about that soup, salad, and breadstick lunch that make that the absolute highlight :). 

It was a good day.  And this pretty much makes me grateful in a lot of categories!  Because it's only fun when it's fun.

What are you grateful for today?