Showing posts with label Thankful Thursday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thankful Thursday. Show all posts
Loving

The winter really wears on the creative soul in the Pacific Northwest. So I thought I would share with you in pictures what I am loving right now. What is LIFTING my soul during these grey days!

1.A thoughtful gift from some sweet friends to make our popcorn nights even sweeter. 
2. A hardworking man taking a moment to enjoy the pleasures of a piece of fiction (via our new kindle)
 3 & 4. Lovely glass pieces for my collection from an incredibly thoughtful Aunt who knows my love of all things tiny, glass and entertaining centered pieces.
Labels: 0 comments | edit post
Family To Friend


This Thankful Thursday I am so grateful for a few wonderful people in my life that were

{{ inherited. }}
They say that you can't pick your family, but you get to pick your friends. I have been fortunate enough to have family that have become friends. When I married Kevin I never knew that these lovely ladies would eventually so sweeten the deal that I would hit a point in my life where I can't imagine it without them. In

 love
 and in
 life
 they have welcomed me to their family and opened their hearts in such a way that I know I am a better person because of their influence. The lessons learned in a large family (Mother-In-Love is one of 15) have been passed on with care and I have learned so much about family from them.
 So thank you ladies for loving me as I am and welcoming me as family and friend.




Play along with us! Every Thursday we will post something we are thankful for, and I would love it if you did so as well on your blogs.The Button is on the right hand side of the page, just click, copy and paste. Oh! And let people know where you found it! It is medicine for the soul to give thanks and when done regularly contentment comes into reach. And it can be anything, silly, personal, or blog related. Just take a moment to give thanks!
Labels: , 0 comments | edit post
Thankful
"The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies;
but let the thankful heart
sweep through the day and,
as the magnet finds the iron,
so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!"
~Henry Ward Beecher

"Thanks is what multiples the joy and makes any life larger"

"Life changing gratitude does not fasten to a life unless nailed through ht one very specific nail at a time."
~ Ann Voskamp "One Thousand Gifts"

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

Labels: 0 comments | edit post
Thankful In All Things
Thankful
Ann Voskamp said in her beautiful book  One Thousand Gifts that "Thanksgiving always precedes the miracle." This is a beautiful image when put into context of the season we are in, for Thanksgiving really will precede the season celebrating the miraculous. We have so much to be grateful for and regardless of your views on the origins of this holiday, it is a gift to be able to take a whole day out of the year just to give thanks. Our hope for you is that you are able to do that this year. Give thanks for anything and anyone. Once you get started you might have a hard time stopping!

We are thankful for:
Feet to pitter patter early in the morning
Lungs to squeal in delight and cry out for comfort
Doors that make our small space cozy and private
Family that love like friends
Friends that say "I love you" and love like family
Quiet evening moments after it is finished and before it starts all over again
Books becoming traditions
A couch that is beginning to feel small
Shared passions
Peers becoming friends
Co-workers flexibility for family
Job contracts signed
Teachers that calm our children on Sundays
Hand holding
Graciousness of neighbors
Community in the city
In-Loves that drop everything to watch our boys
New friendships that feel old, trusted and secure
The sparkle of discovery and excitement in play
Long walks
Brothers learning to share and love
Walking in faith
Problem solving with like-minded kindred spirits
Laughing so hard, all night long with those that get you
Recipes made up on the spot and executed flawlessly


Labels: , , , 1 comments | edit post
MyPublisher Free Pages COUPON CODE

If you haven't heard about MyPublisher, then let us introduce you to a company that has made our gift giving, scrapbook inclined, photo documenting hearts happy. We have used them for the last 5 years and couldn't be more pleased with the results. Today we are exceedingly grateful because we just found out that our favorite promotion of theirs just started! 
For $35 +shipping and handling you can get what normally retails for around $120+shipping and handling. Just use the coupon code:
EXTRAPAGES
Amazing right? On average we manage to make books that have close to 400 pictures and the max amount of pages, 100. No, we aren't getting compensated in any form for sharing this with you. We just love to share fabulous finds like these with anyone who will listen! So hurry on over and start your own book. They make great gifts for the parental units, grandparents, siblings that live far away. At this price you can finally get some of those Christmas gifts purchased in advance! The offer ends 
July 26th. 
And don't worry, we won't tell anyone how much you saved. <wink> What are you thankful for today?

Play along with us! Every Thursday we will post something we are thankful for, and I would love it if you did so as well on your blogs.The Button is on the right hand side of the page, just click, copy and paste. Oh! And let people know where you found it! It is medicine for the soul to give thanks and when done regularly contentment comes into reach. And it can be anything, silly, personal, or blog related. Just take a moment to give thanks!
Labels: , , 0 comments | edit post
TakeThemAMeal.Com

It is Thursday and we are incredibly grateful for the meals we have received since being new parents the second time around. One of the things that made the process so wonderful is a website that our church uses for their meal ministry called

 (here) 
It is brilliant and wonderful in so many ways we can't recommend it enough! If you are going to coordinate meals for someone, we highly recommend using this website. It is easy for both those bringing the meal and the family being blessed to use. We loved that there was a section for food allergies or preferences and a space for everyone's phone number in case they got lost or needed to coordinate a drop off. It links with everyone's email, so if you wanted to switch a day with someone else you can contact them easily without needing to contact the new mommy. It truly made the whole process feel like magic. We could easily see any switches to know what day to expect a meal and poof it happened! We could go on and on about it, but you should pop over and see for yourself. 
We have gotten so many wonderful ideas from the wonderful meals we have received and hope to share some of them with you in the coming weeks. It has been such an incredible blessing to have had so many wonderful meals and we are incredibly grateful. Thank you to everyone who took the time to care for us in this way!

Play along with us! Every Thursday we will post something we are thankful for, and I would love it if you did so as well on your blogs.The Button is on the right hand side of the page, just click, copy and paste. Oh! And let people know where you found it! It is medicine for the soul to give thanks and when done regularly contentment comes into reach. And it can be anything, silly, personal, or blog related. Just take a moment to give thanks!
Labels: , , , 0 comments | edit post
Happy Three Weeks!

We were struck with pleasure when we realized that our sweet sons birthday was on a Thursday, a very Thankful Thursday 3 weeks ago. How fitting that he was born on a day of the week that we have devoted all year long to finding something to be truly thankful for and share with you guys. So today we celebrate his last "week" milestone and prepare to transition to the month milestones. In a few short months Baby Love will no longer be in the phase of life where his age is determined in months. It is a sobering realization of how fast time flies when you are on this side of life. We are exceedingly grateful for every moment and memory made and vow to continue to try and capture each one. Happy Thursday, tell someone how thankful you are for them!

Labels: , , 0 comments | edit post
Slipping Through My Fingers
I can feel these precious moments with our Baby Love just slipping through my fingers. Desperately I am trying to hold on tight and get every last memory out of the moment. The milestones are no longer documented on a monthly basis. We aren't tracking development in a hawk like manner that we did for the first 12 months. Yet now more than ever I am reaching for scraps of paper to write down a memory that I can't bear the thought of losing.
The sentimental poems about leaving the dishes for later because hugs won't always be in abundance in a short period of time, blah blah blah, have always rubbed me the wrong way. In my mind keeping a pleasant and clean home provides a safe and relaxing space for creativity to blossom. Today I realized what my sentimental ode to childhood moments would look like and it explains the reason I am so tired. As my son followed me around the house, periodically asking to be held, I held him tightly. When he rested his head on my shoulder, I cuddled and rocked him. Never did I think that there wasn't time for these acts of love. As he nuzzled into my neck and began to play with my hair I began to make lists. Not of what needed to be done, but of ways to extend our closeness. And now that he is down for a nap I turn the speed up a notch and those dishes still got done. The house is picked up, clothes put away, stroller collapsed. Check, check, check. Because for me, the ability to truly dwell in those moments becomes more natural when I power through his down time. But that is just me. I am sure there are many type A personalities that would relate to my sentiments, and tons of you who wish I would just give it a break. But these moments are so precious, and I simply can't let them escape because part of my mind is elsewhere.


As we walked, no stroller just a genuine stroll, hand in hand to Starbucks. We pointed out the cars and birds, talking about what sounds they make and my breath caught a little in my chest. I heard my heart whispering to capture every element of this moment. I took a long deep breath, memorized the scent of the day. Dwelt on the smallness of his little hand in mine. Took a visual picture of what he was wearing, what I was wearing, what the world around us looked like. In that moment I knew that this scene would never repeat itself again and so I captured it earnestly. It is forever encased in my mind and I know that when I am old and gray I will be able to pull it up and relive every little detail as though it were yesterday. And onward we go, new memories to make and moments begging to be captured. And capture them I will, piece by piece.
Labels: , , 0 comments | edit post
Honored By Hand-Me-Downs


We are incredibly blessed today, and everyday lately, by the generosity of those who have gifted us with their hand-me-downs. Baby Love was clothed most often by some hand-me-down or another. The items we purchased for him were few and far between. 
Tips and Tricks for utilizing Hand-Me-Downs to their fullest potential:
1. Even if it is stained receive it because you can use it as an undershirt, a layering piece for the bottom layer, extra PJ top or even when your own sweet child gets sick themselves.
2. Think layers. So often the seasonal aspect becomes problematic for moms. If it is a summer button down put a thermal underneath and use it in the dead of winter. If it is long-sleeved, have you considered rolling the sleeves? Using it in the place of a lightweight jacket for the evenings in summer that tend to chill a bit? I have even cut some of the bottoms off of button bottom onesies to make them cute shirts.
3. Show genuine gratitude. It is good for your heart and warms the giver's as well. 
Here is a peek into laundry day this last week. The blues went from 2 large loads to 4 loads comfortably! With a few minor exceptions, we are ready for our sweet son to makes his arrival. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has passed something our way. This journey is more enjoyable because of your thoughtfulness. 
Labels: , , 0 comments | edit post
Thankful Thursdays~ Random Acts of Thoughtfulness

It is so true that it is the little things, the tiny moments and gestures that can alter the course of a day. This Thursday we are thankful for such acts as these and the people who go out of their way to create them. 

This past month in keeping with the pregnancy rule of craving for at least a week as mentioned in this post, Abbey has held off from buying a Cadbury egg for the entire month. A tradition she shared with her grandmother while growing up, the treat is more nostalgic than anything else. That said, they are caloric and once you bite into it you are committed to the entire egg. Am I right? Fast forward to the weekend before Easter and lo' and behold they run out of every type of Cadbury Egg! There were a few moments of pregnancy induced craziness on the phone when the news was relayed, but there was truly nothing to be done. The sad pregnant lady resigned herself to an Easter without her little treat.

24 Fresh Cadbury Creme Eggs
Kevin is telling a classmate and friend how badly he felt not being able to find it and she chuckled, reached into her bag and pulled out one perfect classic Cadbury Egg. She thought the whole thing hilarious and he was ecstatic to get home with the highly coveted golden egg. Little did she know that this random act of thoughtfulness would stir gratefulness in us both all week long. Desiring something, being denied and then gifted it from a random source makes it taste that much sweeter.

We encourage you to look around and watch for a chance to commit a random act of thoughtfulness this week. 
Because the little things really do make a difference!

Play along with us! Every Thursday we will post something we are thankful for, and I would love it if you did so as well on your blogs.The Button is on the right hand side of the page, just click, copy and paste. Oh! And let people know where you found it! It is medicine for the soul to give thanks and when done regularly contentment comes into reach. And it can be anything, silly, personal, or blog related. Just take a moment to give thanks!
Labels: , , , , 0 comments | edit post
Thankful Thursdays~ Pinterest


Planning, labeling, organizing and compartmentalizing. These are common words in our home and are the lifeline that keep our tiny home running smoothly. So when we heard about this new phenomenon Pinterest, that allows you to store all of your hearts desires, party plans, images, etc... in one place, inspiration board style, we couldn't run fast enough to create an account. So today it is what we are thankful for. A brilliant idea that is guaranteed to cut down on the clutter (those magazine snippets), and focus the vision of all those parties Abbey so loves to throw. Sometimes it is the littlest things that make life so much easier that cause us to pause with gratefulness. 
Example via


Do you have a Pinterest account? If so how are you planning on using it in your life?


Play along with us! Every Thursday we will post something we are thankful for, and I would love it if you did so as well on your blogs. It is medicine for the soul to give thanks and when done regularly contentment comes into reach. And it can be anything silly, personal, or blog related. Just take a moment to give thanks!
Labels: , 3 comments | edit post
Thankful Thursdays~Art Smocks
If you are playing along with us here is a prompt for today:
What multi-tasking items makes your life easier and more pleasant?

This Thursday we are thankful for a solution to a very common problem, messy mealtimes. As we have said before we live in a small apartment building and laundry is a process. Since it takes a bit to get it done we try to find ways to not have to do it as often. Buying Baby Love tons of clothes isn't really an option, so trying not to go through multiple costume changes in a day has become more of a reality. The biggest opponent of this would be the inevitable mealtime, lunch in particular. Lunch is a problem because there is still half of the day left and we usually have someplace to be before bedtime. Added to that is his love of all things "dip, dip, dip", which is at it's core the messiest of words in the toddler language. So without further ado I give you our newest love and reason to be thankful......
Via
...for less than $4 you get a two-pack of these delightful little lifesavers. They were with the art supplies in the children's section (in case you want to rush out and pick some up for yourself). We have been searching for some for this supreme purpose and were elated and the affordability. After having them home for a day or two, and the request of spaghetti looming on the horizon, we thought:"why not?". Viola an object that can serve two purposes. Little loves, you will have a place in our home for a long time to come.

Play along with us! Every Thursday we will post something we are thankful for, and I would love it if you did so as well on your blogs. It is medicine for the soul to give thanks and when done regularly contentment comes into reach. And it can be anything silly, personal, or blog related. Just take a moment to give thanks!
Labels: , , 1 comments | edit post
Thankful Thursdays~ Dear Loved Little Books


This is what we are thankful for...



...a son who loves to read as much as we do. For little books that have been repaired time and time again not because of abuse, but because of being so dearly loved. These signs of wear on the spine and cover, show the little person he is becoming. We couldn't be more thrilled when we see these little glimpses into his personhood. He takes books to bed, always has them under his arm, is easily amused for long periods of time in the car by them and intently focuses on their content page after page. I know that someday I will look back on these tattered little books and have a hard time getting rid of them. They will always remind me of his intent focus and fascinating little mind as he developed into the little person he is to become.
*** Don't forget the giveaway ends tomorrow! Get your entry in and let us know what YOU want if you were to win!
Labels: , 2 comments | edit post
Thankful Thursdays~ Making Life A Little Easier...

...one soup at a time. Which is what my little emulsifier does for my life, simplifies it in so many ways. This lovely little tool was a gift from my sweet Aunt Geri a few Christmas' back.
Aunt Geri, Baby Boy, Kevin, Mom (popping in), Me, Uncle Alan
 I have used it over the years for many things, but mainly for soups. It is so easy to clean and store that I have a hard time remembering the process of pulling out my blender (because we don't have counter space for it to be out), transferring my soup, blending quickly then trying not to splash as I transfered it back to the pan. Always keeping the blender out in case I needed to add something and re-blend. 
Ugh, really? Did I really do that for so many years? What was I thinking?!?
Maxi-Matic EHB-1000X Elite Cuisine 200W Hand Blender and One Touch Button, White
Elite One Touch Hand Blender, the one I own.
 I am incredibly thankful for this little gift and have thought of adding it to my list of giveaway items as I can't imagine having a kitchen that isn't equipped with one. Simply torn on the varied reviews online for the different brands. It makes me think I got lucky with mine as it has served me well for years and was not expensive. 
Do you own one? What is the brand? 
What is your favorite use for this sweet little tool?

Play along with us! Every Thursday we will post something we are thankful for, and I would love it if you did so as well on your blogs.The Button is on the right hand side of the page, just click, copy and paste. Oh! And let people know where you found it! It is medicine for the soul to give thanks and when done regularly contentment comes into reach. And it can be anything, silly, personal, or blog related. Just take a moment to give thanks!
Labels: , , 3 comments | edit post
Thankful Thursdays~ Little Bowls
If you are playing along with us here is a prompt for today: 
What are you thankful for in your kitchen?


Today we are thankful for these adorable new additions that we found at Target for $1!!! Perusing the dollar section you never know what you will find and this past week we struck gold when we found these little bowls. They are actually in the gardening section and would make adorable planters, but even more adorable popcorn or snack bowls. They have already been initiated with Monday nights Bachelor Popcorn ritual and have the green light!
Perfect for parties too! Scattered around a food table with little snacks and treats. Oh! And did we mention the flattering shade of yellow and green we purchased them in? Perfect for all of our Football gatherings as well. Oh yes, these little loves make us very grateful!


Play along with us! Every Thursday we will post something we are thankful for, and I would love it if you did so as well on your blogs. It is medicine for the soul to give thanks and when done regularly contentment comes into reach. And it can be anything silly, personal, or blog related. Just take a moment to give thanks!
Labels: , , 0 comments | edit post
Thankful Thursdays
Wow, we have so much to be thankful for and will update you on some of those things shortly. Playing along with me today is my longtime friend Tanya. Pop on over and hear what she is thankful for! Recently Abbey has been moved to thankfulness by...

...friends who love to craft and create. They inspire me and remind me of the creativity I possess and encourage me to use that part of my mind. Their ability to show love and to truly care for someone through something that they have personalized is wonderful and a blessing. I am grateful to have so many of them in my life and am inspired to pay it forward on a daily basis. 


Play along with us! Every Thursday we will post something we are thankful for, and I would love it if you did so as well on your blogs. It is medicine for the soul to give thanks and when done regularly contentment comes into reach. And it can be anything, silly, personal, or blog related. Just take a moment to give thanks!
Labels: , , 0 comments | edit post
Thankful Thursdays


This is late, but there is a good reason and it is what we are thankful for...we are thankful for fire fighters who respond quickly. For a society that values animals as a part of the family. For neighbors who respond when they think there might be trouble. For helping hands that might not have been heard from for awhile. For faithful friendships that don't look at the clock, their wallet, or the magnitude of the task at hand, but do what needs to be done until the work is finished. For insurance that follows through in a timely and compassionate manner. For tiny miracles that caused pictures to be put in tubs or moved to a separate location mere weeks ago for no good reason at all. For abundant provision and outpouring of love from Him who provides and from those who call themselves His hands and feet. For all of the above and so much more we are incredibly thankful today. Without it this.....


...could have been and could be, so much worse. This is Abbey's parent's home that is no longer habitable. A home that a sweet dog/member of the family, was rescued miraculous from by faithful firefighters. It was the home Abbey grew up in, but thankfully wasn't inhabited at the time of the fire. All are safe, but deeply in need of continuation of that outpouring we mentioned above. We are thankful in advance for all that is to come and know that His provision is so abundant. 
Via
Labels: , 1 comments | edit post
Thankful Thursdays
This Thursday I am so incredibly thankful for a man who followed me across state lines multiple times, who truly pursued me and my heart with a fervor that is unmatched <sorry ladies!>. A man who has applied himself over and over again, learning new skills and conquering obstacles one by one. Our love has weathered the tests of more moves than years married, jobs lost and gained, dreams fading and changing to be replaced with dazzling glimmers of tomorrows that are greater than our greatest plans. Today our love is stronger than ever before and for that we are thankful. For me, I am thankful for this wonderful man.




Forever I Do, just the same today as so many years ago.
Labels: 3 comments | edit post
Thankful Thursdays
This Thursday we are so very thankful for the ability to find out the gender of our baby! It boggles our minds to think that not very long ago this wasn't an option. For those that know us patience is a virtue that Abbey struggles to emulate. So the notion of waiting to discover what our little blessing is, well let's just say she is itching to know! Some of our dear friends are throwing us a small affair to announce the big news (sneak peek here) and we will be sure to share the details with you shortly. We can't wait! What are you thankful for today?
Boy or Girl?







Labels: , 5 comments | edit post
Thankful Thursdays

Play along with us! Every Thursday we will post something we are thankful for, and I would love it if you did so as well on your blogs. It is medicine for the soul to give thanks and when done regularly contentment comes into reach. And it can be anything, silly, personal, or blog related. Just take a moment to give thanks!

This Thursday we are thankful for a tip and trick taught long ago to Abbey by her mother. She taught her to make a double batch of cookies, roll the other one into a cylinder and freeze. That way when you want just one or two cookies, slice them off and pop them in the oven! What a great way to prevent having temptations around the house, yet still indulging every now and then. Currently we have a low-fat chocolate chip oatmeal log in the freezer that was recently sliced up for the enjoyment of two. And it is the little things in life that make us so very thankful. Happy Thursday!

"For Attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. " ~ Audrey Hepburn
Labels: 0 comments | edit post