Thankful Thursdays

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Fathter, this week I am thankful for...

Reconnecting with an old friend.

Retrieving an old purse for Noa to play with when she and Ruthie were fighting over a different one. Inside I found 2 reimbursement checks from November, totaling $425, which would've become invalid next week. So the Lord not only "surprised" us with money, but saved me from having to jump through hoops to get new ones issued.

A friend's miracle baby girl. After a long and difficult labor, she miscarried her first sweet girl, Halle Jane. They found out she was pregnant again, only she had to spend a majority of her pregnancy on bed rest, completely horizontal. You should take a moment to read this post about a special gift given to this baby girl. God writes the best stories. (be sure to click on Susan's account too - that may help explain it a little better). Anyway, Sienna Faith is here!

Shaping the temple with Ricque, Ivana, and others. My early morning walks have become an incredible prayer time with the Lord. I must admit that I totally have shin splints though!

A break from my insulin pump! I definitely feel way less clunky.

Noa's success in potty training. I think something has finally "clicked." Hallelujah!! Come on somebody!!

Living in a beautiful place full of beautiful parks.

Sharing good dates, good walks, good food, good talks, and incredibly special moments with my husband, the one who truly knows me and still loves me.

The fact that my Lydia has become a pro at sleeping through the night.

The plethora of help we have with the girls - even with my family being far away! Russ' parents are always so helpful in taking the girls on Mondays (and other times) and for our date night, we were even able to leave little Lydie with friends at a moment's notice. Even yesterday I was blessed by 3 different women clamoring to take care of the baby when we have a quick get-away at the end of the month.

And on the flip-side, I am thankful for a hard-working husband who gives me the opportunity to stay home with my loves and the many ways the responsibility of it stretches me, changes me, and blesses me.

Leading worship with Russ at church on Wednesday night!

Healing in our house, yet again! Ruthie is not totally out of the woods yet, but her congestion hasn't turned into something worse and she hasn't had a fever in a while. No one else has gotten sick.

1 Chronicles 4:10 - "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request." Friends, we are blessed indeed!