Thankful Thursday

Thankful for this little pumpkin!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter and hugs that never end.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with sweet smells and tasty treats.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with extra naps.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with lots of relaxation and spending time with those close to you.

As I reflect this Thanksgiving, I am once again humbled by how much the Father has blessed me.  Just because He can...not because I deserve it or am worthy of it.  True grace.  Awe-inspiring and so worthy of praise to Him.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  Praise Him all creatures here below.  Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts.  Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost."

Thankful Thursday

We're thankful for smiles, giggles and laughter as we get ready in the morning.  I'm sure you're house is like ours...some days it is easier (and people are more cooperative) than others.

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday

Here at our home, we're thankful for the beautiful fall colors, the crunchy sound of leaves and the brief glimpse of sunlight that peeked through the clouds today, even though they were calling for showers (and dare I even say it--wet snow!).

Thankful Thursday

My Nana is on just about every non-profit's mailing list.  She receives calendars from the V#etnam V#ts, stickers from P#urple H#arts, postcards from the F#deration of the Bl#nd, and on and on and on!  She saves all of her junkmail "gifts" and every so often mails them to the Noodle.  Do you remember the excitment when you were young, of getting something in the mail, addressed to you?  It was pretty awesome!  Whenever the Noodle sees a large manilla envelope, she always says, "Perhaps it is from Nana?". 

Sure enough, we recently got an envelope in the mail and she was thrilled.  The stickers, pads of paper, calendar, etc. kept her busy and happy as a clam.  I'm thankful for the simple things and how junk mail to some, seems like a treasure to others.

So happy together!!

10 years ago, today J and I tied the knot. I CANNOT believe how fast the time has flown by or how great the past 10 years have been. We certainly have had our ups and downs, but thankfully we've only grown stronger from them, without a doubt due, to our faith and wonderful family support. I could have never imagined that a blind date would blossom into marriage (that's a whole 'nother post in and of itself!). I guess that's why I'm not in control--God is!

Thanks for the wonderful memories and for many, many more to come!!

Show us those pearly whites

The Noodle had gone to the dentist last fall, but while she sat in the chair and opened her mouth, it wasn't an official cleaning--they just looked around and gave her the once over to make sure there weren't any cavities that were evident by sight. Since she had done so well with that visit, they told me that when I made my 6 month appointment, to schedule one for her too and they'd do an actual cleaning. Today was the day. I went first and she sat next to me, watching and taking in everything. Then it was her turn. Boy, was she ready! Before they had even started, she had her mouth open and kept it that way until they were all finished. Picking the flavor of toothpaste was fun (bubble gum) and when she was finished, she picked a pack of cards from the treasure box. We're so thankful that this milestone went by without any fanfare or drama!

Clean, healthy teeth all around! Yeah!!

Thankful Thursday

Today, we're thankful for sunny, blue skies in November...even if the wind is cold and biting! I'm also thankful that I passed my Centergy assessment and so now I'm officially certified to teach!! Anyone that lives in the area, feel free to come to the Tues. 5 a.m. class :)

Thankful Thursday

We're thankful today that the Chinese Noodle is feeling better and that the fever has subsided. We're also thankful for the beautiful 60+ degree days we've been having recently. The trees are in full color and everything looks gorgeous. Today we were actually able to go out and run around, examine leaves, play with the ball and feel the warmth of the sun. Hooray for fall!

Thankful Thursday

Snuggling in the morning...nothing better!

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful today that we got two clean bills of health from the dentist today. Last time we went, the Noodle was afraid and less than cooperative with the whole procedure. This time we did more front-end prepping and by the time they were finishing up with me, she was all ready to go.



We also participate, once a month, in a program at our local theater where children can "see and touch" the music. This month's instrument was the guitar. While both the acoustic and electric guitar were featured, I'd say that the C.N. liked the acoustic guitar better...not quite as loud.



Lastly, I'm thankful that the yellow seersucker dress that I started last March is finally finished and that the Noodle could wear it before the snow starts flyin'! This was certainly waaaay more ambitious than I had originally realized. Ruffles, a zipper which wouldn't cooperate, godets (heard that term on Project Runway while on vacation and actually knew what they were talking about!) and sleeves. I think I'll go back to the simpler A-line jumpers which is more my speed. I've also been eyeing some pillowcase dresses...perhaps one for Halloween?

Thankful Thursday

Then....2 days after we returned home (9/30/08)
And now...

We're thankful for friends, fun and lots of laughs.

Thankful Thursday

Don't be fooled...I'm done layin' around!
Sometimes I feel like hangin' by my feet.
Or growling like a bear, or roaring like a lion or dinosaur, or...you get the idea.
But every so often I'll stop and give Mama and Daddy a look that will melt their hearts.
And then I'll remind them that I am soooo over this soft food diet and am ready to get back to eating like normal!

Thankful Thursday

Here's to simple pleasures.

Thankful Thursday

This is what I do when someone says "smile".

I'm thankful that over this past weekend, we seemed to have made a break-through with the Chinese Noodle's speech. I guess with 4 adults pestering her non-stop, she figured she might as well humor us and start making her request in simple sentences, rather than just single words. She also has just started to link 2-3 words together, in order to comment. I'm feeling really optimistic because she had been relying so heavily on us to prompt and guide her and now it seems to have "clicked". Articulation is another story, but I was more concerned about the language, so this is a definite answer to prayer.

We also got the results back from the third round of hearing tests that she had done at the beginning of May. The ENT was pleased that the negative pressure that had been present in March, is now gone. Everything else with the tests were normal, so the ENT is fine with foregoing tubes at this time. Tomorrow we have our pre-op appointment. The June 3 surgery is becoming more and more real!!

Thankful Thursday

"A bird! A bird!" ***Note: Please do NOT look at the dirty windows :(
Those birds are such a hoot!
Wheeeee! I love the slide!
Mama would much rather me climb here, than on the dining room table, which she caught me doing the other day.
Friends!!
Today I'm thankful that we were able to have a nice, slow-movin' morning where we didn't have to go and do. The Chinese Noodle wanted to sit and watch the birds and squirrels out the window and I was happy to sit and watch her. We did this for about 20 minutes and every time she saw any type of animal movement, she'd get so excited, point and laugh. After we got back from the grocery store, we had an impromptu picnic lunch at a local playground with a best friend from high school and her 2 kiddos. Welcome Spring!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that I have a sous chef in the kitchen with me.