Hello! Welcome to Thankful Tuesday.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Time to catch up.
Nearly the entire church staff was elsewhere today, so I actually had several quiet hours alone in my office. I got so much work done, I was able to get a jump on my work for next week.
2. Compliments when you need them.
Last week was difficult for many reasons. Claire started back to school, and Paul only had me to play with. The entire family was exhausted, and I somehow pulled together a church newsletter. Right after sending it out, I received a compliment on a job well done. Considering I felt like I was barely concious and stressed out, those kind words meant a great deal to me.
3. Shopping tips
Recently my friend Mary Annelle shared yet another great way to save money on groceries. She reads all the sales papers and simply types up the bargains she wants. Then she goes to Wal-Mart and requests price matches on those items on sale at other stores. She only has to go to one store, and she gets all the bargains. Considering we are on a strict budget around here, that news is worth rejoicing over.
4. Time to sit and think.
Yesterday morning was cloudy and cool, so I took Paul to the park. Even though I kept running through my to-do list in my head, I made myself sit there and watch him play and join in where appropriate. We got to focus on feeding the ducks with one piece of bread at a time, and we made several discoveries. We never noticed the giant, nearly three-feet long fish in the pond, or the way they steal the bread from the big turtles. We also got to pet a duck which we have tentatively identified as Claire's duck from Lent.
5. Grace
Several times in the last week I needed grace and received it abundantly. No one was upset that my work was a day late, and Adam forgave a brief temper explosion. Also, I had to step down from a volunteer position that I hadn't started yet. I had offered to coordinate communications for the Benbrook Early Childhood PTA, and the closer we got to kickoff, the more I realized I was in over my head. I stepped down with fear that I would have to leave the group. Every member met me with understanding and grace. No one was upset that I had overcommitted and I am grateful.
6. Long hugs
Last week was the last week of our summer season of helping homeless ladies. One of the ladies has been working hard by taking classes at the community college. She told me she's not likely to see me again because she will transfer to a four year college in the spring. She gave me one of the best hugs I've received. When I kept thinking it was over, she kept on hugging. It was humbling.
7. Creative kids
Claire has figured out how to make penguins with construction paper and glue. She has made an entire flock, but I love it. I am always proud of items that she creates successfully, and of her own volition. Right this second, Paul is tearing xerox paper and setting it on my shoulders so I can have wings.
8. Sermons that make you think later on
We have a new senior pastor at church, and she preached an excellent sermon on Sunday. I won't do it justice by summarizing it, but what I took from it is that every day you should be concious of where you saw God that day. I sat in the pew and made a list right there, and I'm still thinking.
9. Kids that take pride in their work.
I have been noticing that Claire's schoolwork has a lot of pencil checkmarks on it. Yesterday I asked her who did that, and she said, "I put check marks on there so you know I did a fantastic job." Why yes, she did.
10. Creative pet names
You might already know our two dogs are named "Wesley Eugene Boyette" and "Capt. Midnight Sugar Dot Express Boyette." What you don't know is that Paul's favorite stuffed dog animal is named "Wind The Bobbin Ding Dong" and Claire's pig is named "Piggie-Pig Pig." I named Wesley, but everything else around here is named by the kids. I even get new names, and often am forced to answer to the name "Mommy Dog."
Here's a place where Sarah writes what's on her heart and mind for whomever will read it. Sometimes it's hilarious, sometimes it's little pieces of life that I'm grateful for. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Thankful Tuesday Aug. 23, 2011
Hello! It's time for Thankful Tuesday, when I record my gratitude for the small and the big.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Sardine Sandwiches
Today at the Hemminger home, Clyde fed Paul a sardine sandwich. He enjoyed it and washed it down with a Coca-Cola. I have never given Paul either one of those, but am happy for him to experience new tastes. I'm not going to buy him sodas or sardines, so I'm glad he enjoyed them while he had them.
2. Useful advice
When we registered Claire for school in June, the school secretary told me to go to the store immediately and buy all the uniforms I could find. I did, and when the crowds started hitting the shops, we were done. I was grateful that we knew to shop early, thanks to that advice.
3. Family walks
So far we've all four walked Claire to school both mornings of kindergarten. I hope to have everyone out of bed and ready to go so we can do this every morning. Nothing is cuter than Claire walking in her uniform with her backpack on, right next to Adam in his business attire, and Paul and I bringing up the rear in whatever fashion we please.
4. Early bedtimes
Getting up early means getting to bed earlier. I am savoring nights when both kids are in bed by 7:15 p.m. I feel like I have an entire evening ahead of me, even though I am hitting the pillow earlier as well.
5. Family field trips
Adam took off half a day on Friday and we went to the Museum of Science and History. We were able to talk the kids into watching the 3D video about gas drilling that they had been too scared to do before. Saturday, we rode the TRE to the Nasher Sculpture Museum and had a fantastic time spending 30 minutes walking through the balloon room. It was so nice going out as a family all weekend.
6. Drinking water
Because we rode the TRE on Saturday, we did a lot of trekking around downtown Dallas. We walked to the West End for lunch and then the downtown library to see the Declaration of Independence. We were hot, but thankful that I had packed four bottles of water that were disappearing as fast as we could drink them. Twice that day, I saw men going through the trash, looking for a drop to drink. One man was pouring empty soda cans into his bottle, trying to get the last drop. Another was sucking on straws of discarded cups, trying to get a drink from used McDonald's cups. We were able to give one of them a bottle of water, but it broke my heart to see how some suffer in the heat. I am grateful that not only do we have bottles of water to refill or discard, we also have a tap that is solely for our use.
7. Experienced teachers
Claire had a lot of anxiety about school starting, and we were able to fineagle a tour from the secretary. I kept saying that she was anxious and everyone was so nice and caring. When we left, Adam told me that Claire wasn't the one with anxiety. Obviously, it was me. I am glad, though, that her teacher has been teaching 29 years and I'm sure I'm not the first mom who's off her rocker. Claire is now adjusting well and has a blog to prove it. Read it at http://clairegoestoschool.blogspot.com/2011/08/kindergarten-day-2.html.
8. Church choices
Last week, I took the kids to visit my grandmother. I was talking about church and our new senior pastor, who happens to be female. My grandmother let me know that she felt that was only a man's job, and I replied, "Well, thankfully, you don't go to my church." Her Southern Baptist church suits her just as well as my Methodist church suits me. I'm glad that we do have options and in the United States, you can go to whatever church suits your fancy.
9. Love notes
At least four times a week I get a craft that says something about "I love Mommy." I am blessed, even by the ones that are illegible.
10. Wildflowers
Today when I was driving to church, I noticed a patch of wildflowers growing in the median of a busy street. In these 100 + degree days, it's nearly impossible to keep anything alive. It was refreshing to see that somethings apparently survive on their own.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Sardine Sandwiches
Today at the Hemminger home, Clyde fed Paul a sardine sandwich. He enjoyed it and washed it down with a Coca-Cola. I have never given Paul either one of those, but am happy for him to experience new tastes. I'm not going to buy him sodas or sardines, so I'm glad he enjoyed them while he had them.
2. Useful advice
When we registered Claire for school in June, the school secretary told me to go to the store immediately and buy all the uniforms I could find. I did, and when the crowds started hitting the shops, we were done. I was grateful that we knew to shop early, thanks to that advice.
3. Family walks
So far we've all four walked Claire to school both mornings of kindergarten. I hope to have everyone out of bed and ready to go so we can do this every morning. Nothing is cuter than Claire walking in her uniform with her backpack on, right next to Adam in his business attire, and Paul and I bringing up the rear in whatever fashion we please.
4. Early bedtimes
Getting up early means getting to bed earlier. I am savoring nights when both kids are in bed by 7:15 p.m. I feel like I have an entire evening ahead of me, even though I am hitting the pillow earlier as well.
5. Family field trips
Adam took off half a day on Friday and we went to the Museum of Science and History. We were able to talk the kids into watching the 3D video about gas drilling that they had been too scared to do before. Saturday, we rode the TRE to the Nasher Sculpture Museum and had a fantastic time spending 30 minutes walking through the balloon room. It was so nice going out as a family all weekend.
6. Drinking water
Because we rode the TRE on Saturday, we did a lot of trekking around downtown Dallas. We walked to the West End for lunch and then the downtown library to see the Declaration of Independence. We were hot, but thankful that I had packed four bottles of water that were disappearing as fast as we could drink them. Twice that day, I saw men going through the trash, looking for a drop to drink. One man was pouring empty soda cans into his bottle, trying to get the last drop. Another was sucking on straws of discarded cups, trying to get a drink from used McDonald's cups. We were able to give one of them a bottle of water, but it broke my heart to see how some suffer in the heat. I am grateful that not only do we have bottles of water to refill or discard, we also have a tap that is solely for our use.
7. Experienced teachers
Claire had a lot of anxiety about school starting, and we were able to fineagle a tour from the secretary. I kept saying that she was anxious and everyone was so nice and caring. When we left, Adam told me that Claire wasn't the one with anxiety. Obviously, it was me. I am glad, though, that her teacher has been teaching 29 years and I'm sure I'm not the first mom who's off her rocker. Claire is now adjusting well and has a blog to prove it. Read it at http://clairegoestoschool.blogspot.com/2011/08/kindergarten-day-2.html.
8. Church choices
Last week, I took the kids to visit my grandmother. I was talking about church and our new senior pastor, who happens to be female. My grandmother let me know that she felt that was only a man's job, and I replied, "Well, thankfully, you don't go to my church." Her Southern Baptist church suits her just as well as my Methodist church suits me. I'm glad that we do have options and in the United States, you can go to whatever church suits your fancy.
9. Love notes
At least four times a week I get a craft that says something about "I love Mommy." I am blessed, even by the ones that are illegible.
10. Wildflowers
Today when I was driving to church, I noticed a patch of wildflowers growing in the median of a busy street. In these 100 + degree days, it's nearly impossible to keep anything alive. It was refreshing to see that somethings apparently survive on their own.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Thankful Tuesday...under the wire!
Today's been quite a busy day. I started early; right at 5 a.m., followed by getting the troops up in time for our "back to school drill." We get ready as if it's a school day and walk to the school to see the playground and then back home. I also worked today, took the kids to the Kimbell Art Museum, went to Wal-Mart, and made a home-cooked meal. I'm worn out, but couldn't go to bed without letting my readers know what I'm thankful for this week.
1. Rain
Last Friday the sky darkened and everyone rejoiced. I had told the kids that since it's been so long since we've seen rain, we would go dance in it the first chance we got. The kids grabbed their umbrellas and we waited, ready to dance. And we waited some more. A few drops came down, but not enough to be conducive to a rain celebration dance. The next morning the rain was coming steadier, so I took the kids with their galoshes and umbrellas on a walk. We're all thankful for the brief respite from the heat, which also allowed for a glorious day at the zoo.
2. Rainy days at the zoo
If you ask me, a zoo regular, when the best time to go, I will tell you to never go on a Wednesday. (Yes, it's half price day, but there's double the crowd.) I'll also tell you to head to the zoo whenever precipitation is falling from the sky. Not only does rain clear the crowds out, the animals are more active and mischeivious. It makes for a better experience all around.
3. Two vehicles with working air-conditioners
It has been so hot; today my car said it was 109. I am so grateful that not just one, but both of our cars have great air conditioners. Daily, I am also grateful that Adam and I bought a new air conditioner for our home last summer.
4. Trivial Trivia
The kids eat off of educational placemats. We've got an international map, where yesterday we pointed out Libya and discussed war there. We've also got a map of the United States, where we showed Paul that Rick Perry lives in the same state as us. Today we were working on the presidential placemat. I was doing well teaching Claire and Paul the names of the presidents, but Adam gave us all sorts of entertaining points to help remember them with. Apparently Zachary Taylor died of gastroenteritis, which means he was going to the restroom a lot just before his death. The kids thought that was funny.
5. Flashing school zone lights
There's a new school zone on Hulen Street, and I am thankful every time I drive through it, because I wouldn't notice it if it weren't for the flashing lights. I love that not only do we have school zones, we have lights that flash at you and say, "Hey you! It's a school zone! Slow down!"
6. Trashmen
This morning we walked to Claire's school and were captivated by the trashman. Apparently the teachers have been throwing out shelves as well as acres of paper, and the dumpster was weighed down. It took several minutes for the trashman to configure the prongs on his truck to lift up the heavy dumpster. After he dumped it, he had to get out of his truck and climb up a ladder on his windshield so he could get to the top to make sure it all cleared the opening. We were excited to watch the prongs on the truck lift the 1,000+ pound dumpster as well as the guy climb up his windshield on a ladder. So often I take it for granted that after I push it to the curb, the trash doesn't disappear on its own. I'm thankful for our sanitation engineers.
7. Church Staff Meetings
Once a week I get to participate in a productive, thoughtful meeting full of intelligent and caring people. I'm the communications coordinator at our church, so I go to staff meetings, and I just get so excited about the adult conversation. This is the one time during the week in which one of my conversations has nothing to do with chores or child-rearing and I actually feel like a productive member of society and not just a mom.
8. Roads paved with bricks
Our church, Arlington Heights United Methodist, is located on Camp Bowie Boulevard in Fort Worth. Camp Bowie is one of the few roads in the area that is still paved with bricks. After the Depression, under the direction of President Roosevelt, Camp Bowie Boulevard, and other streets like it across the United States, were paved with bricks, giving local people jobs. I'm thankful that that thread of the past is still something that I drive on regularly.
9. Lydia the Literary Ladybug
On Sunday, Claire caught a ladybug in our pool. It is still alive, living in a Mason jar in the kitchen. The kids take that jar on errands with us. Just today Lydia went to Ann-Marie's house, Wal-Mart, and the Kimbell Art Museum. She's a well-travelled ladybug and I am grateful that she is still alive, for the moment. The kids are so proud of Lydia the Literary Ladybug.
10. Dancing in the kitchen
We have a large, long kitchen. Several times last week when I was cooking dinner, the kids and I cranked up the music and just danced to our hearts' content. During moments like that, I want to freeze time and savor it. Dancing carefree to Madonna is an event to be savored.
11. Free stuff
Today I was given a new Bible and a calendar for free. The Common English Bible is barely in print, it's so new, and I now have a copy. I also have an official Methodist Calendar for 2012. So yes, while I usally stop at 10, I got free stuff today, so I had to add it. I am excited and grateful. Excuse me while I go read my brand new Bible.
1. Rain
Last Friday the sky darkened and everyone rejoiced. I had told the kids that since it's been so long since we've seen rain, we would go dance in it the first chance we got. The kids grabbed their umbrellas and we waited, ready to dance. And we waited some more. A few drops came down, but not enough to be conducive to a rain celebration dance. The next morning the rain was coming steadier, so I took the kids with their galoshes and umbrellas on a walk. We're all thankful for the brief respite from the heat, which also allowed for a glorious day at the zoo.
2. Rainy days at the zoo
If you ask me, a zoo regular, when the best time to go, I will tell you to never go on a Wednesday. (Yes, it's half price day, but there's double the crowd.) I'll also tell you to head to the zoo whenever precipitation is falling from the sky. Not only does rain clear the crowds out, the animals are more active and mischeivious. It makes for a better experience all around.
3. Two vehicles with working air-conditioners
It has been so hot; today my car said it was 109. I am so grateful that not just one, but both of our cars have great air conditioners. Daily, I am also grateful that Adam and I bought a new air conditioner for our home last summer.
4. Trivial Trivia
The kids eat off of educational placemats. We've got an international map, where yesterday we pointed out Libya and discussed war there. We've also got a map of the United States, where we showed Paul that Rick Perry lives in the same state as us. Today we were working on the presidential placemat. I was doing well teaching Claire and Paul the names of the presidents, but Adam gave us all sorts of entertaining points to help remember them with. Apparently Zachary Taylor died of gastroenteritis, which means he was going to the restroom a lot just before his death. The kids thought that was funny.
5. Flashing school zone lights
There's a new school zone on Hulen Street, and I am thankful every time I drive through it, because I wouldn't notice it if it weren't for the flashing lights. I love that not only do we have school zones, we have lights that flash at you and say, "Hey you! It's a school zone! Slow down!"
6. Trashmen
This morning we walked to Claire's school and were captivated by the trashman. Apparently the teachers have been throwing out shelves as well as acres of paper, and the dumpster was weighed down. It took several minutes for the trashman to configure the prongs on his truck to lift up the heavy dumpster. After he dumped it, he had to get out of his truck and climb up a ladder on his windshield so he could get to the top to make sure it all cleared the opening. We were excited to watch the prongs on the truck lift the 1,000+ pound dumpster as well as the guy climb up his windshield on a ladder. So often I take it for granted that after I push it to the curb, the trash doesn't disappear on its own. I'm thankful for our sanitation engineers.
7. Church Staff Meetings
Once a week I get to participate in a productive, thoughtful meeting full of intelligent and caring people. I'm the communications coordinator at our church, so I go to staff meetings, and I just get so excited about the adult conversation. This is the one time during the week in which one of my conversations has nothing to do with chores or child-rearing and I actually feel like a productive member of society and not just a mom.
8. Roads paved with bricks
Our church, Arlington Heights United Methodist, is located on Camp Bowie Boulevard in Fort Worth. Camp Bowie is one of the few roads in the area that is still paved with bricks. After the Depression, under the direction of President Roosevelt, Camp Bowie Boulevard, and other streets like it across the United States, were paved with bricks, giving local people jobs. I'm thankful that that thread of the past is still something that I drive on regularly.
9. Lydia the Literary Ladybug
On Sunday, Claire caught a ladybug in our pool. It is still alive, living in a Mason jar in the kitchen. The kids take that jar on errands with us. Just today Lydia went to Ann-Marie's house, Wal-Mart, and the Kimbell Art Museum. She's a well-travelled ladybug and I am grateful that she is still alive, for the moment. The kids are so proud of Lydia the Literary Ladybug.
10. Dancing in the kitchen
We have a large, long kitchen. Several times last week when I was cooking dinner, the kids and I cranked up the music and just danced to our hearts' content. During moments like that, I want to freeze time and savor it. Dancing carefree to Madonna is an event to be savored.
11. Free stuff
Today I was given a new Bible and a calendar for free. The Common English Bible is barely in print, it's so new, and I now have a copy. I also have an official Methodist Calendar for 2012. So yes, while I usally stop at 10, I got free stuff today, so I had to add it. I am excited and grateful. Excuse me while I go read my brand new Bible.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Thankful Tuesday
Hello! Here's another edition of Thankful Tuesday.
Today I am thankful for:
1. The pause button on the remote
I just taught Claire how to use that yesterday. I love fast-forwarding through commercials and pausing action to go run to the kitchen or the bathroom.
2. Balloon animals
Friday was our big grocery day. When we walked into Wal-Mart, we noticed a man crafting balloon animals. Then we noticed our friend Caitlyn, the cashier from Aldi. She generously told the kids to pick out what they wanted and she would pay for it. A few minutes later we were walking away with a dinosaur and turtle. Then we went to get our free cookie stickers (they were out) but a gentleman on a bench gave the kids pocket change so they could put it in the MDA donation bin. We were doubly grateful.
3. Politeness at Chuck E. Cheese
We took Claire and Paul to Chuck E. Cheese the other night where we met the most polite kids I have ever seen. The daughter was running around like a crazy loon, enjoying all the place has to offer. Her dad stopped her and said, "Are you having fun?" "Yes, sir!" she replied with glee. I was amazed. When I asked him about it, he said, "Ain't no other way." I had been a little lax on enforcing it at our house, but I was convinced. We're yes sir and yes ma'am 100 percent of the time now.
4. Laughter
Today I am thankful for having the opportunity to make my children laugh so hard they can't breathe. That is true joy, and whether it comes from tickling or acting silly, I am grateful.
5. My parents
Yes, I said it. I disagree with them on 99.999999999% of things in this world, but my mom gave birth to me and with my father, raised me with love. I am grateful.
6. Conversation with homeless ladies
Weekly, we are grateful to have the opportunity to visit with the homeless ladies that come to spend Thursday nights at our church. Talking to them puts my problems in perspective. It always makes me chuckle, too, to learn how much we have in common. Last week I was telling one how great the Wal-Mart optometrist is and that he actually was the best eye doctor Adam had ever seen. We were comparing prices on eye exams and hair conditioner. There's no pretension with these ladies. The kids and I both look forward to seeing them.
7. The love of reading
I LOVE to read. Yes, I know that all caps means I'm yelling, but it's true. I read voraciously from a wide range of subjects. Right now I am reading simultaneously Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and Death of a Celebrity. I read my Bible every morning. In the last two years, Adam has caught the reading bug and I'm happy to say that both kids love reading. Claire is beginning to read on her own and I'm so proud of her.
8. Generous kids
Nearly every store is collecting money at the register now for their selected charity. We're on a budget, so I don't even think about it and just say no thanks. On Monday we were at Tom Thumb and Claire saw a poster of kids with Muscular Dystrophy. She asked about it and I explained that the kids had a muscle disease and the grocery store was collecting money for their doctor's bills. "Oh," she said. "I wish I had some money and I'd give it to them. Even if it was a dollar." Of course you know I looked in my wallet and pulled out a dollar bill.
9. A sense of wonder
The kids and I often take detours to explore new construction or other exciting sites on our way to a destination. I am grateful that they do have strong sense of wonder and that they mostly absorb what I teach them. I'm pouring information in them non-stop and I'm so grateful that most of it sticks.
10. My locket
Before she died, my grandmother gave me a locket that my grandfather had given her on Valentine's Day in 1947. In this gold heart, they are forever preserved in their youth. I wear it often and treasure it.
Today I am thankful for:
1. The pause button on the remote
I just taught Claire how to use that yesterday. I love fast-forwarding through commercials and pausing action to go run to the kitchen or the bathroom.
2. Balloon animals
Friday was our big grocery day. When we walked into Wal-Mart, we noticed a man crafting balloon animals. Then we noticed our friend Caitlyn, the cashier from Aldi. She generously told the kids to pick out what they wanted and she would pay for it. A few minutes later we were walking away with a dinosaur and turtle. Then we went to get our free cookie stickers (they were out) but a gentleman on a bench gave the kids pocket change so they could put it in the MDA donation bin. We were doubly grateful.
3. Politeness at Chuck E. Cheese
We took Claire and Paul to Chuck E. Cheese the other night where we met the most polite kids I have ever seen. The daughter was running around like a crazy loon, enjoying all the place has to offer. Her dad stopped her and said, "Are you having fun?" "Yes, sir!" she replied with glee. I was amazed. When I asked him about it, he said, "Ain't no other way." I had been a little lax on enforcing it at our house, but I was convinced. We're yes sir and yes ma'am 100 percent of the time now.
4. Laughter
Today I am thankful for having the opportunity to make my children laugh so hard they can't breathe. That is true joy, and whether it comes from tickling or acting silly, I am grateful.
5. My parents
Yes, I said it. I disagree with them on 99.999999999% of things in this world, but my mom gave birth to me and with my father, raised me with love. I am grateful.
6. Conversation with homeless ladies
Weekly, we are grateful to have the opportunity to visit with the homeless ladies that come to spend Thursday nights at our church. Talking to them puts my problems in perspective. It always makes me chuckle, too, to learn how much we have in common. Last week I was telling one how great the Wal-Mart optometrist is and that he actually was the best eye doctor Adam had ever seen. We were comparing prices on eye exams and hair conditioner. There's no pretension with these ladies. The kids and I both look forward to seeing them.
7. The love of reading
I LOVE to read. Yes, I know that all caps means I'm yelling, but it's true. I read voraciously from a wide range of subjects. Right now I am reading simultaneously Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and Death of a Celebrity. I read my Bible every morning. In the last two years, Adam has caught the reading bug and I'm happy to say that both kids love reading. Claire is beginning to read on her own and I'm so proud of her.
8. Generous kids
Nearly every store is collecting money at the register now for their selected charity. We're on a budget, so I don't even think about it and just say no thanks. On Monday we were at Tom Thumb and Claire saw a poster of kids with Muscular Dystrophy. She asked about it and I explained that the kids had a muscle disease and the grocery store was collecting money for their doctor's bills. "Oh," she said. "I wish I had some money and I'd give it to them. Even if it was a dollar." Of course you know I looked in my wallet and pulled out a dollar bill.
9. A sense of wonder
The kids and I often take detours to explore new construction or other exciting sites on our way to a destination. I am grateful that they do have strong sense of wonder and that they mostly absorb what I teach them. I'm pouring information in them non-stop and I'm so grateful that most of it sticks.
10. My locket
Before she died, my grandmother gave me a locket that my grandfather had given her on Valentine's Day in 1947. In this gold heart, they are forever preserved in their youth. I wear it often and treasure it.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Thankful Tuesday number trillion
Aloha! From the sweltering heat in Texas, here is today's Thankful Tuesday list!
Today I am thankful for:
1. Cupcakes
Claire came to me on Sunday and said that she wanted to make cupcakes. I was happy to oblige and proud of her that with supervision, she made them herself. We weren't making cupcakes, we were making memories. (yes, that's cheesy, but true.)
2. My granddad's jokes
Two weeks ago I asked my granddad to start writing down the punch line to all his favorite jokes. Last week I returned with my computer to type them up. He had a list of funnies, some of which were funny and others which were cryptic. For all of them, he was laughing as he told me. He was in better spirits that day than I've seen him in a long time.
3. Okra
My paternal grandparents used to raise a large garden in their backyard. Every year they would pickle and fry okra and do anything else with okra they could think of. I remember several summers when I was a teacher, coming over to their house to help my grandmother, who was ill, to wash, cut, and prepare the okra. She used to crack jokes the whole time. Last week my granddad was waiting for me with his own batch of store-bought okra. We carefully battered and fried it for a long time while we reminisced about my grandmother. It was tasty fun.
4. Golf courses with brown grass
I remember growing up during the hot Texas summers and noticing all the brown, dead grass. I also remember passing golf courses with pristine green grass and thinking how unfair it was that most people couldn't afford the water bill to keep their grass green in the heat. Last week I noticed at least one local golf course has brown grass, and oddly, that made me happy. Suffering through the heat has been a great equalizer.
5. Yellow lights
Wouldn't it be terrible if we didn't have them? If lights went straight from green to red, there would be countless wrecks, and I for one, would be receiving many, many tickets in the mail. I appreciate the warning. "If you don't stop soon, you'll get a ticket in the mail!"
6. Hole in the wall restaurants
Nothing is more exciting to Adam and I than to find a new locally owned restaurant. While the quality of a locally owned restaurant depends on the owner, each one overwhelms you with character.
7. Signs that make me laugh
There's a vaccuum store near our house that's having a "Summer Sucks Sale." I laugh every time I think about it.
8. Planned goodbyes
I have a dear friend who will die soon. I value her friendship for countless reasons, one of which is that she's been preparing me for her death for years. When Claire was a baby, she started liquidating her possessions and passing on items that others can use. Even though I am sad about it, we know that each time we talk might be the last and therefore we appreciate each other all the more. I am confident that she knows that I love her and I know she loves me. It's a lot easier to let her go when I'm prepared.
9. Listening friends
Yes, I made a list today, of issues I had. (Nerd Alert!) Fortunately I found an empathetic pair of listening ears. (Thank you, Nancy.) People are so busy today that it's hard to find people that will just let you read off a list of your personal problems. I am blessed to have a couple in my life.
10. Storytime
Every Wednesday, for the last three years, with few exceptions, we have been found at the Wedgwood Branch of the Fort Worth Public Library at 10:30 a.m. We started when Paul was firstborn and I took him in the Baby Bjorn. Now Claire is about to head off to kindergarten and we're still going. The librarians are just like family and I thank them for all the cute crafts, songs, and stories they have taught my children.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Cupcakes
Claire came to me on Sunday and said that she wanted to make cupcakes. I was happy to oblige and proud of her that with supervision, she made them herself. We weren't making cupcakes, we were making memories. (yes, that's cheesy, but true.)
2. My granddad's jokes
Two weeks ago I asked my granddad to start writing down the punch line to all his favorite jokes. Last week I returned with my computer to type them up. He had a list of funnies, some of which were funny and others which were cryptic. For all of them, he was laughing as he told me. He was in better spirits that day than I've seen him in a long time.
3. Okra
My paternal grandparents used to raise a large garden in their backyard. Every year they would pickle and fry okra and do anything else with okra they could think of. I remember several summers when I was a teacher, coming over to their house to help my grandmother, who was ill, to wash, cut, and prepare the okra. She used to crack jokes the whole time. Last week my granddad was waiting for me with his own batch of store-bought okra. We carefully battered and fried it for a long time while we reminisced about my grandmother. It was tasty fun.
4. Golf courses with brown grass
I remember growing up during the hot Texas summers and noticing all the brown, dead grass. I also remember passing golf courses with pristine green grass and thinking how unfair it was that most people couldn't afford the water bill to keep their grass green in the heat. Last week I noticed at least one local golf course has brown grass, and oddly, that made me happy. Suffering through the heat has been a great equalizer.
5. Yellow lights
Wouldn't it be terrible if we didn't have them? If lights went straight from green to red, there would be countless wrecks, and I for one, would be receiving many, many tickets in the mail. I appreciate the warning. "If you don't stop soon, you'll get a ticket in the mail!"
6. Hole in the wall restaurants
Nothing is more exciting to Adam and I than to find a new locally owned restaurant. While the quality of a locally owned restaurant depends on the owner, each one overwhelms you with character.
7. Signs that make me laugh
There's a vaccuum store near our house that's having a "Summer Sucks Sale." I laugh every time I think about it.
8. Planned goodbyes
I have a dear friend who will die soon. I value her friendship for countless reasons, one of which is that she's been preparing me for her death for years. When Claire was a baby, she started liquidating her possessions and passing on items that others can use. Even though I am sad about it, we know that each time we talk might be the last and therefore we appreciate each other all the more. I am confident that she knows that I love her and I know she loves me. It's a lot easier to let her go when I'm prepared.
9. Listening friends
Yes, I made a list today, of issues I had. (Nerd Alert!) Fortunately I found an empathetic pair of listening ears. (Thank you, Nancy.) People are so busy today that it's hard to find people that will just let you read off a list of your personal problems. I am blessed to have a couple in my life.
10. Storytime
Every Wednesday, for the last three years, with few exceptions, we have been found at the Wedgwood Branch of the Fort Worth Public Library at 10:30 a.m. We started when Paul was firstborn and I took him in the Baby Bjorn. Now Claire is about to head off to kindergarten and we're still going. The librarians are just like family and I thank them for all the cute crafts, songs, and stories they have taught my children.
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