Multitude Monday

Over the last few months Mondays with Ann have passed me by and by.  For awhile I did keep track in my own personal journal, just didn't add them here.  I heard whispers to come back, count again, I just couldn't quite decide where I thought it best to resume counting.

I never did decide on the number to resume at, just that I need to listen to those whispers. 

Spiritual Direction

School Cancelled ~ Another day at home

Wonderful weekend with my family

Husband who grills all year

God never leaving my side

My beautiful church ~ the peace I feel there

Christmas 2012

Creative play children

Children who play well together

Community that comes together for a little girl & her family

Grace to get past dog hair so we can all enjoy Piper

Change in spirit

Change in Rule

Kids learning new games

Ability to feed our family good food

Kids who eat good food

Having the same dreams as my husband

Karley being so good about going gluten & dairy free

Snow finally ~ kids love to play

Four wheel drive {snow}

Kids who ask for more Jesus books

Pajama Days

My New Thanksgiving & Prayer Journal

God Bless,

Tina

Giving Thanks

I give thanks to God for all, most especially these beautiful people entrusted to me.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Heart Treasured Letter

On days when we don't go anywhere, we like to stretch our legs {Gizmo too} by taking a walk to the post office.  It seems like such a treat to have mail delivered right to your door, but the real treat for us is our postmaster, Ms. Mary. 

Ms. Mary mailed our wedding invitations, but she took an interest in seeing them before they were sealed.  She hand stamped them all {there weren't that many since we had a small small wedding} for me.  She has gazed at our babies, their announcements, and as soon as they have been able, she gives them suckers.  She always asks me first if they can have suckers, which I really appreciate.  I also make it a point that we don't always get suckers so as they only think of visiting her to get treats, after all, it's a treat just to see her.

Today when we walked up the hill we met Ms. Mary on the street.  She likes to walk on her lunch break.  We chatted for a minute and the dog barked {grrrr!}, I asked her if I had a package today.  She smiled and gave me the nod, something was in the locker for me.  Something I've been, sort of, patiently waiting for.  Oh sweetness!

The kids got the key for the locker out of the box and sailed off to find locker 343.  I checked the regular bills and was so overtaken to find this envelope.

....news from my sponsored friend, Ryan James.  I had chills all over, I was teary just thinking about what my letter would look like.  A picture, maybe his name, but not knowing what a five year old boy from the Philippines could send me.

This was special so I asked the kids if they wanted to go to the church.  I thought we could sit outside the House of Jesus, on His lawn, while we saw the fruits of the Holy Spirit unfold before our eyes.  It was a struggle to find a spot we could all agree on, sun, shade, wet grass, concrete sidewalk, and keep the dog quiet. 

We finally managed to find sunny sidewalk by wet shaded grass and opened our letter.  At first glance I see the letter is written by an adult.  My thoughts were an interpreter, but I was wrong.  The letter came from our sponsored child's mother, Ms. Wenifreda.
 

I read aloud to the kids as much as I could manage as my eyes welled with water.  She has said for now, she will write on behalf of her son as he does not know how to write.  She thanks me for choosing her son as our sponsored child, for my kind generosity, may we have a great friendship, and may God Bless me.

I think of how God has blessed me...so abundantly.  I wonder what if we didn't see or hear this call?  Or, if we didn't answer it?  We would be the ones suffering.  We wouldn't feel this full.  We, as parents, would miss the opportunity to teach our children.  It certainly is more than money.  

I have been so touched by a mother's heart across the world, my new friend, a mother of six, raising kids on her own. 

May the Lord bless her and keep her,

May the Lord shine his face upon her and be gracious to her.

May the Lord look upon her kindly and give her peace.  ~ Nm 6: 24-26

We are so abundantly grateful for the opportunity to have a sponsored child.  Thank you CFCA, thank you Ms. Wenifreda, and most important, thank you Holy Spirit for having touched our lives.

Joining Ann for 1000 Gifts.

The Counting Resumes:

I start, I love it, and then for some reason or another, it ends, or fades.  I want to pick back up, even though I am not sure where to start.  This becomes half the battle.  I've been counting here and there but mostly I haven't.  I know this because the pages are not inked and the post editor tells me the last entry was in March.

I miss it because it really does help slow time, or at the very least, capture the moment.  And the photos, they need to go with the words of thanks.  However it's done, once a week list, once a day list, once a month list, it must be captured.  So we don't forget or that my memory isn't all about the chores, the times I mess up, the things left undone.  It's so I can see God's grace all around me, all the time.

In somewhat randomness, my thanks to God:

*Henry walking to the front during collection {kids bring their own envelopes up to the priest} to give Fr Tony S a faith band to give to Jesus.  Henry said Fr Tony asked him if he wanted to take it home and he said he did not because he has more at home 
*Afternoon dropping off old baby items
*Afternoon with Sophie
*Knowing big kids got to see their first movie at the theater {Cars 2}
*Adam was able to have a fun afternoon with big kids
*Prayer formation decisions
*Talking to my Dad on the phone
*Learning something new about his childhood
*Simplifying
*Kids who play well together
*Mary's Yes
*Morning coffee
*Catching up slowly
*Spiritual Direction
*Trusting friend who watched kids
*Painting project completed in one day
*Husband who will do dishes {he never has a problem with this & will do them whenever I am gone} so I can finish painting project
*Perfect weather for Zoo day
*Splash Pad

*Celebrating Henry's Feast Day
*Singing Happy Feast Day
*Having friends over for dinner
*Special dessert
*Impromptu paint selection
*Kids who do well running errands
*Kids who love CatChat
*Listening to husband's wisdom
*CFCA
*Becoming a sponsor
*Having the message brought to our church
*Parade
*Papa

*Parade

*Friends to join us for the parade
*Ability to squeak a 5K run in without any training in months
*Family at the finish line
*Friends cheering along the way
*Henry running the 1/2 mile kiddie run

*Picking up fresh (feathers on the ground fresh) free range, organic chickens
*Birthday Party
*Kiddie Parade

*Friends over for lunch after kiddie  parade
*Viewing fireworks from our front lawn
*Having friends old & new come to our house for fireworks
*Mosquito nets on the garage doors
*Gram & nieces coming for a visit
*Gram giving me afternoon off
*Solo Costco runs
*Date night with husband
*Free babysitter
*Cousins who love to play together
*Old {8} playing with young {almost 2}
*Mom who folds laundry, makes dinner, plays, & weeds

Someday soon March, I'll circle back with you.

Thanks!?

I'm close to half way, or perhaps a little over half way and I think I've only just begun realizing that He's everywhere.  Jesus isn't just in the books I read but rather in the heart of those who allow Him in. 

It's my desire that my children will always have a place for Jesus in their hearts and so I strive to bring them to Him in every way that I can.  I read books to them, bring them to Mass and teach them about what the Mass really means, pray with them, for them, teach them about the miracles of Jesus.  

Perhaps there is something missing though.  When I write this list, about little girls giggling, the three of them playing together, am I really seeing Jesus present or just getting a warm fuzzy feeling of how great my life is?  I'm not really sure and this is why I won't be finished at 1000.  Am I seeing wonderful things or the wonder of God in all things?  Am I thankful or giving thanks?  Grateful for good or gratitude for everything?  Should I be striving so they see Jesus or live so they see Him?

Numbers 638-679

Little girl giggles

Family Bible Story Time

Littlest pushing trains across kitchen floor

Husband home early from work

Watching all three play together

Securing a babysitter

Encouragement to run

Breakfast with Daphne

Husband home early for dinner (is such a blessing it has to be counted more than once)

Being able to call my Mom

Being able to call my sister

Finishing chapter 1 - Courageous Generosity

Courageous Generosity for Women Bible Study

Fellowship with Mrs. S & Co.

New opportunities for Adam

Spiritual Direction meeting

Movie night with kids

Slumber party in the living room with kids

More Lenten ideas coming together

Bible

Movie night with husband

Collaborative parenting

Living in the day present

Smooth morning getting ready for church (15 minutes to spare!)

Hearing homily

Donuts for all

Special day with Karley...

...Lunch

...Disney on Ice

...Book Store

Seeing friends

Dinner made by Adam

Brother Bear missing us

Warm greetings upon arrival home

Printed Rule

Sale on four new books

Beautiful weekend

Karley's "God is Love" cross she made

Cookie baking with the littles

POD 3.4.11

Joining Ann for One Thousand Gifts.



Living Where I Was

Upon leaving I realized that I had lived fully right where I was.  I did not intend to, not really.  It's the goal these days, to live intentionally but when I set out for the weekend I didn't say, "I'm going to live intentional all weekend with my family".  

When I didn't pack my book back with all the books I've ever wanted to read, I was in the right direction.  I didn't know it though.  I only knew that I should be realistic and understand from all trips past, I hardly read a thing.  This time I realized, hardly reading was a good thing.  A really good thing.

Instead of longing to sit and read books, I sat with my little friend who adores me.  Who I didn't have to try and hold while cooking dinner.  Instead, I just held her while my sister or Mom cooked dinner.  I sat with my sister and we wasted time on our computers, side by side, enjoying each other's tired company knowing wasting time was all we were up for.  Instead of wishing I was lounging on a couch reading a book, I delighted in the afternoon, with my sister and Melissa at the Women's Expo, shopping and enjoying happy hour, while my Mom was Gram to five.  I didn't even think of books only what a great time I was having in the moment I was in.

I realized these graces as I said my good-byes.  It was a great weekend.  I love my family and am extremely blessed to have the one that I do. 

Eucharist means first of all "thanksgiving"

CCC #1360

Two weeks of blessings ~ numbers 585 - 638

Watching mother & child swing endlessly from my kitchen window at the park across the way

Morning Rosary

Four Mile Moonlight Run

Two Clean (no papers or "things") Counter tops

Day Completed According to My Rule

Bible Study Completed

Calm & Quiet Within

Getting It Done

Rosary with Henry

Mom & Jim Home Safely Through Blizzard

Dinner with Niece, Nephew, Brother-in-Law & Sister-in-Law

Bible Study Wrap Up Discussion

New Bible Study Book Arriving Doorstep

Playdate with Neighbors

Playdate with Country Neighbors

New - Old Ideas of Breadmaking

Inspiration to Start 100 Days Again

Cousins Playing

Sisters Catching Up in Person

Seeing a Fun Smile on Her Face

Good Weather for Driving

Safe Travels

Good Dog Entire Trip

Entryway for Dog in -17 Degree Fahrenheit Temps

Sister, Friend & I Having Lunch

Going to Women's Expo...

...Shopping

...Happy Hour

Dinner at Gram's

Dessert Twice

New Bible Study Invitation

Realizing All the Books I Didn't Read but Relaxed with Family

Blessed Weekend

Cutting Grandpa's Hair

Massaging Lotion in His Arms, Scalp, Hands & Neck

Safe Driving Home

Coming Home to Husband's Fish Fry

Home

Seeing Grandpa

Good Night's Sleep

Joining Ann.

Hope you are having a great week!

Prayer & Thanksgiving

In good company I was.  Early Saturday morning I had the privilege to sit with eight women.  Eight women of God who all shared their many ideas on family prayer.  I might guess some, like me, at the start of their journey, others so seasoned the inspiration was free flowing into my journal  And others maybe somewhere in between , just as inspiring. 

We had coffee with our cream, Carmel rolls, donuts and one beautiful woman sent us all home with prayer cards and valentine treats.  They shared books, rituals, curriculum, faith and love.

"...I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." ~ Jn 13:34-35

It was an awesome feeling leaving the church, having been inspired by women who all want to help each other and one another's families.   Quite providential that I had the opportunity to meet with these women.  I say, a heartfelt thank you, to my dear friend Kristen.

And the counting continues...

Scheduled computer time
Husband who grocery shops...
...and knows what we need if when not on the list
Being okay with letting activities go
Coffee with a new friend
Community of school
Caring for sick husband
Laundry folding helpers
Learning theological virtues
New insights regarding children
Slumber with Karley
Re-Arranging more rooms
Change of attitude
Learning to accept all as gratitude first
Not going through the motions
Like minded women
Birds chirping in -16F temperatures
Books
Letting go of fear...
...trusting it will be okay
Taking time to play
123-Magic working well day one
Job charts
Smile
Fridge Friday
Time for cleaning car
Early AM rising again
Meeting with awesome women of God
Learning new ways to pray as a family
Respect for husband
Loving, embracing how he loves me
Loving him as him
Seeing things in a new light
Lunch date with Kristen following Mom's Group
Husband who takes care of kids while I have a mother's retreat
Husband who takes care of me & kids while I was sick
Outside play in warm weather
Resting
Feeling better
Morning Prayers
Early Start
St Valentine
Kids who put dishes in the sink when finished eating (it's the little things!)

Numbers 542-584

Consider joining Ann and the 1000 Gifts Community?

Multitude Monday Vol 21

I started the morning early, earlier than I said I had to.  I'm thinking He is telling me it will work, somehow.  Maybe He's telling me He needs to talk to me during these quiet hours, to ask for more grace throughout the day to get me through.  Maybe He's also telling me that if I follow my Rule it will work out better.  Listen in the quiet to get you through the swells of the chaotic.

My morning quickly turned blue with husband wondering what was wrong.  Sometimes there's just nothing a person can do but bang out their blessings and be reminded.  And the reminder of the last two weeks helps the blue wash away.

The Bible Book Store...

...great service from Debbie

Husband who loves me

For getting a another wonderful book in the mail

Good deals at the grocery store

Healthy children despite colds

Advice from Ped

Giving books away

Understanding husband

Having husband for my BFF

Donuts with the S family

Holding a new baby

Discussing books with Mrs. S....

....and Bible Study

Good sounding boards

Chili Feeds

All our kids running free in the gym together

Good meeting with spiritual director

Coming home to a full house

Coming to a better decision

More donuts

Scattering for morning appointments

Making large amounts of food

Grilling husband

Grandparents, sister & nieces spending the night

Conversations at the breakfast bar

Additional family gathering for worship

Birthday Guests

Wonderful out pour of love for our Karley Jane at her birthday party

Letting go of making birthday cakes

Photobooks arriving at the door

Husband who is satisfied in the small treasures of his birthday

Children who are excited to pick out gifts for Daddy

The joy on their faces when he opens their presents

Remembering Pineapple Upside Down cake just in time

Laundry piles

Knowing a messing house is sometimes just going to be

First Dentist Appointments

Old pro and new pro at the dentist

Accepting vocation with Joy

Knowing when enough media is enough

Reading books to children

Learning to trust His Will

Hearing my son tell me I forgot to say the morning school prayer

Sneaking a quiet minute to learn more about her ideas of thanksgiving

Spring cleaning

Dinner chairs that couldn't be any closer

Loving text from husband

Karley's birth three years ago

Wonderful daughter that she is

Going out for dinner for her birthday

Eating ice cream in the middle of it all

Great feeling of family and blessings while eating ice cream

Rides

Bible Study, haircuts, lunch & playdate all rolled into one morning

Pinks of the morning sky

My sister on her birthday

Re-Arranging of rooms

Husband home to help with projects

Movie night with husband

Henry & I going to church

Henry wanting me to read him the book on the Mass for kids

Nephew's birthday gathering with family

Kids playing well

New discipline techniques with Daddy starting them

The grace to know blessings when I felt like I didn't have any

Numbers 475 - 541

Considering joining Ann?  You'll be thankful, guaranteed.

Multitude Monday Vol 20

I seem to have lost track how many posts are filed under Multitude Monday.  This is actually volume 20 and I have mis-titled many.  I think you'll forgive?

This is my list I am transferring from my actual book:

Monday's

Laundry

3.2 Miles after a long long break

Husband who fixes treadmill belts

Winning entry in 1/2 Marathon

Dinner plans

100 Days

Grandpa leaving nursing home 

Answered prayers

Birthday cards in the mail

Well rested children

Book ideas

Playdates with Mama Bear

Clean kitchen

Talking to Grandpa...

....hearing his good news from him

Positive attitude

Birthday dinner with sister-in-law...

....four hours of great conversation

Happy husband despite more truck issues

Relaxing

Kids playing well inside

Furnace working in -25F weather

Husband enjoying weekend to himself

Summer camping plans

Day at home with kids

Working on Karley's photobook

Husband home safe & sound

Completing a project...Karley's photobook

Ordering Photobook

Excitement of three books coming this week

    Photobook

    Truth & Life Dramatized Audio Bible - New Testament

    One Thousand Gifts:  A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are

Numbers 444 - 474

Consider joining Ann in counting your 1000 Gifts?

I Will Give Thanks To You, O Lord

After having completed a Bible Study on the Psalms this has been an excellent book to write down my daily thanks and praise to our Lord! I was very excited to start on January 1, with I Will Give Thanks To You, O Lord but you can certainly jump in at anytime.

You will enjoy a letter guiding you on how you might choose to use the book, a page listing the abbreviations of the books of the Bible, as well as a two page layout of 2011 and 2012 for future planning.  Each month has a beautiful picture followed with a selection from a great Christian writer, church documnet, or Scripture verse.
  

On the following pages you'll move right into your space to ink all of your thanksgiving. Each of these pages may contain verses from the Old Testament and New Testaments, saints, Christian writers, historic and contemporary figures.  You will also find Mass readings for each day of the year.

I've enjoyed writing each day in this book every day.  I keep it with me at all times as it's small enough to fit in my purse.  When I have a moment while waiting picking up my son from school I can jot down a few things from the day before or things I am looking forward to later in the day. For the most part I keep it on the kitchen counter top, open to remind me, at a quick glance all that I am thankful for. 

I plan on keeping this to be able to look back on, see where I was and where I am hope to go. 

Also, this is where I keep track of the 1000 Gifts with Ann Voskamp.

Here is a sample quote from the page of January 13 & 14.

The chief service I owe you, O God, is that every thought and word of mine should speak of you.  ~ St Hilary

And here's an actual page....

What better way to reflect upon your day!  It's not too late, you'll love using this to keep track of your 1000 Gifts!

You can purchase this book here.

I wrote this review of I Will Give Thanks to You, O Lord! for the Tiber River Blogger Review program, created by Aquinas and More Catholic Goods, your source for Baptism Gifts and First Communion Gifts. For more information and to purchase, please visit Aquinas and More Catholic Goods.

Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases.

I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

Multitude Monday Vol. 15

I've been filling my book with gratitude daily.  When you make it a point to sit down each evening and give thanks to Him, you'd be amazed at how quickly the list accumulates.  It's been since January 3 since I've posted my gifts in this blog but I've been keeping track.  I plan on showing you my wonderful book where I keep it all in ink.  For today, here are the numbers 366-443 with a few pictures in the mix.

I hope you are enjoying your day!

Blessing to you as I count mine with Ann!

Adam home at dinner time

Husband calling to see how I am doing

Kids who are overjoyed to see Dad walk in the door

Husband to help me through a rough week

Good conferences for Henry

Talking to Grandpa on the phone

Online & real life friends

Being able to stay at home with my kids

Sisters holding hands....

...brother joining in

My Dad having strength & time to care for his Dad

Adam doing baths for kids

Back to school routine

Meat market with good meat

To Do Lists

Plans coming together

Follow through

Treadmill belt

Sleeping In*

Pizza night

Class of '89

Husband who fixes everything...Zsu Zsu pet insides pictured below

Good late night conversations

Teamwork in cleaning our basement

Money saving shopping trips

Church with my family

Beautifully decorated church

Kind words regarding our children

Teamwork to get house picked up

Dinner guests

Kids playing with dinner guests

Princesses

Rhythm of Mondays

Leftovers

Early Birthday presents...thanks hubby!

Kids playing with such imagination

Early morning hours

Hum of dishwasher

Birthday invitations for soon to be three year old....

Playing with new gadgets (early birthday present)

Kids cleaning up unassisted

Kids getting jammies on all by themselves

Technology

Play dates

Local grocery store

Text messages from hubby

Good advice from a lifelong friend

Getting errands done

Pre-school outings

Catholic church

Seeing Grandpa look so much better

Seeing Aunt & cousins (CA & SD)

Adam driving to GR

40 Years!

Family!

Friends!

Lunch with Mom & sister

Shopping with Mom & sister

Latte with husband

Cake & ice cream with family

Mom making the cake for Dad's family

Family Pictures

Birthday dinner with a lot of family

Kids playing poolside

Kids playing with cousins

Kids being able to stay up late

Great conversations with sister

Naps in the car

Ability to make it through the day on little sleep....

...strength from God

Being home

Good conversations with Mom

Text messages with Tonya

Seeing family before they travel home

Husband driving all the way home

Husband cooking dinner...

....helping with dishes..

....giving kids a bath

I hope you have a blessed day!

Daily Bread

While I was away I had a chance to look around the web a bit.  By chance (?) and within minutes I found two people who had this verse posted on their blog/website.   Jeff Cavins recites it to his children on their way out the door for school and Julie posted it on her blog.  I guess you could say that somebody was telling me this was exactly what I was looking for my own children.

The Lord bless you and keep you!
The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace! ~ Numbers 6:22-26

My 1000 gifts numbers 338 -  366:

Having a babysitter available within minutes
Driving safely in rain, snow, & ice
Your prayers
Praying with Grandpa
Hard conversation with Grandpa & Him shining in
Spending four days in the hospital
Having dinner with my Dad
Dad who says it's okay to call St Elizabeth's
Sleeping on a cot for three nights
Snoring sounds
Doctors with sensitive hearts
Old stories & memories
New stories
Sounds of my kid's voices
Sound of Adam's voice
Family
My sister
Coming home to a clean house (better than it was left)
My sister & Dad living close to the hospital
Home with my own family
An understanding husband
Love
All who ask & offer to pray
Grandpa having slightly better kidney numbers
Grandpa getting out of bed for a small amount of time
Kids asking for me to read Bible books
Early fragrant birthday presents
Good night of sleep

Consider joining Ann as we count our way to 1000 gifts?

Multitude Monday Vol. 14 - Another Late Edition

I've gone rouge again this week.  More like I am a little tardy in linking to a Monday link with Ann.  I am just thankful to be able to sit a minute and gather, edit & post these three pictures.  A week full of His blessings you can see it all over their faces!  Or, certainly mine as I look at the photos.  We are just about ready for Christmas which is awesome because we have two of them this weekend!  I am only missing one, maybe two packages.  Hopefully the one that needs to come by Friday makes it before we are wheels up.  Here are numbers 321 - 337 of my 1000 gifts.

Warmth of the Home

Husband with a Plow - Just For Us This Year

Christmas Program

Family Coming to Christmas Program
Stranger's Help at Costco

Many Offering Help at Costco

Will

Pink Candles

Purple Candles

Children Who Want More Bible Stories Read

Henry Knowing Which Bible is His

Henry Learning How to Follow Along on with His Own Book

Sophie's Never Ceasing Love for Books

Children Who Were Excellent During Immaculate Conception Mass

Grandpa Moving Back to Assisted Living

Having Adam Home More

Sisters Who Enjoy Hanging Out

1000 Gifts - Late Edition

Even though this is a late post for linking to Ann's blog, I wanted to post anyway.  In a round about way you can see what's been going on in our family life and in a direct way you can see my thankfulness for what God has given me and my family.  There are things that I have forgotten and I hope to do a better job on a daily basis.  I will share with you later one way I have found to remember my daily thanks.  For today, this is what I can remember:

Recovery for all
One who never got sick
Christmas shopping with a great friend
Grandpa's release from hospital
Great meeting with spiritual director
Advent morning meditations
Walking baby
Pre-School and the crafts they make

Inquisitive little minds
Husband not plowing
Online shopping
Parenting by His Graces
Her "YES"
Dressing baby dolls in what was their baby clothes
Ring Around the Rosie

Little clowns while I am so seriously taking what I had hoped to be Christmas pictures



A tree in my living room {really.....there's a tree in my living room?}
Remembering other's grace in suffering

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word."
~Lk 1:38

Numbers 303-320 of my 1000 Gifts

Multitude Monday Vol. 13

The land of blog has been an absent part of my day lately.  My God, my family, my house, my friends and my exhaustion have been keeping me away.  As it should be (with the exception of exhaustion)?  I haven't been as good as I would like to be about marking my 1000 gifts but I do try to to a moment each day to remember where these remarkable gifts come from.

Anniversary Weekend
Joy with my husband
Gram & Grandpa babysitting
Not worrying about children when away
Gathering for nieces birthday party
Safe travels
Pumpkin Patch & Carving Pumpkins {in the nick of time}
Wonderful neighbors who love to give to our children
Halloween parties with friends we don't get to see enough
Playdates with my Godson & Sophie's Godmother
Book Club get togethers
First meeting with Spiritual Director
Decisions on new church
Being able to see my Grandpa
Top notch cardio team for Grandpa
Better cholesterol numbers for me
Drop in day care
Children doing well at day care
New Bible Study group - where two gather in His name to learn & love Him
First Friday's
Children behaving well at First Friday
Henry's Birthday Celebration
Husband who helps get ready for birthday party {I couldn't do it without him}
Sister who cake decorates for me {I couldn't have done it otherwise}
All the love for our son
Henry's love
Four wonderful years of Henry
My Dad being able to stay with us
My husband finding ways for me to see hospitalized Grandpa

O Lord, our Lord,
how awesome is your name through all the earth!
Ps 8:10 NAB

Most Grateful,

Tina









Numbers 273-302 of my 1000 Gifts

Multitude Monday Vol. 12

I arrived at school early one day last week.  When I am early I usually enjoy reading one of the many books I keep on the nightstand.   This time I had the joy of watching Henry and his class {seven in all} play outside on what was a beautiful Fall day.  I watched him enjoy sliding down the slide with his teacher, running with the other students, walk across the road, look both ways, put the ball he was carrying away and head inside with all the students.  I sat there and thought that there really aren't very many times in my parenting that I've been able to watch him {or any of my three} play while I haven't had to parent in some capacity.  What I mean to say, is that whenever I am with them I am always teaching them, caring for them, watching for potential dangers, basically thinking of their every need. 

On this beautiful Fall day......I was able to just watch my son.  I was to the brim with delight in just watching.

My list grows from 255 to 272:

Watching Henry Play
School Where God Reigns
Birthday Plans From Henry
Bible Study for Kids
Early AM Grocery Shopping
Ease of Movement with Children
Implentation of Projects
Outside Days, All Day
Great Homilies
Hard Working Husband
New Camper Opportunity
New Book Deliveries at PO
New Book Deliveries via Friend
Great Group for Bible Study
Awesome Instructors
Relevant Radio
Grace

Blessings Friends!

1000 Gifts

We were reminded on Sunday to give praise:

And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.  ~ Luke 17:15-16

My thanks grows, numbers 238-255:

Early Mornings with Karley

Trees Falling Safely

Unseasonable Warm Weather

Start of  a New Project

Dr Gray

Jeff Cavins

Adam Coming Home From Work Early Twice For Me

Thomas the Train Tracks

Spaghetti (saves me a lot)

Sleeping In

Courage

Faith

Husband Home All Weekend

New Projects

Resources

Mass at Henry's School Church

Pumpkin Patches

Have a blessed day friends!

Tina

I Choose

Books Piled
Art Projects Taped to the Wall
Sewing Machine on the Dining Room Table
Dolls
Train Tracks
Zebra
Mini Trampoline
Trucks
Cars
Farm Animals
Stuffed Animals
Plastic Kitchen Food
Plastic Kitchen Utensils
Activity Table
Karley's Baby's Pack 'n Play
Step Stools
Toddler Rocking Chairs
Little People
Puzzles
Crayon Colored on the Floor
Toddler Table & Chairs
Step 2 Kitchen
Coloring Books
Elmo Chair

These are all things that are scattered among our house.  They are the things of my children.  The things that keep their minds creating, playing, imagining, and learning. 

As I long for sleep in the dark hours of morning, I look around and choose to count these as blessings.  Thankful for their footprints as it makes for a Them.  And for Them I thank Him.

Numbers 214-237 of my 1000 Gifts.