Thankful Tuesday

Hooray! It's Tuesday!

Today I'm thankful for:

1. Cub Scouts

I don't know who is more enthusiastic about scouting, Adam or Paul, but I am grateful they have found another fun activity they can participate in together. 

2. My new laundry rack

Laundry is very exciting when you can put it on wheels! Plus, I assembled this myself!  (Yes, I know laundry is actually not exciting, but I'm trying, so don't spoil the moment.) Woohoo! The kids can roll their laundry to their rooms!

3. Time to talk
I was able to connect with several loved ones last week. I've been taking advantage of the tiny bit of wiggle room in my schedule to keep up with loved ones. So I'm grateful for those of you who listened to my rambling last week.

4. Roller skating
Last week our friend turned 9 so even Adam and I put on roller skates. I only fell once and other than that, didn't make a complete fool out of myself. Success!

5. My group
As part of the ordination process, I'm assigned a group of people to talk to monthly. It's been fun to meet and to see how we are all at the same place and yet not all at the same place.

6. Required reading that rocks
I loved reading this book about prayer. I highlighted a portion on nearly every page.

One of my favorite quotes:
"So imagine with me the dynamics of relationship between God and the world. Think of it as a dance, whereby in every moment of existence God touches the world with guidance toward its communal good in that time and place and that just as the world receives energy from God it also returns its own energy to God. God gives to the world and receives from the world; the world receives from God and gives to God, ever in interdependent exchange."

7. Mexican jumping beans
I bought the kids some Mexican jumping beans at Dollar Tree the other day. We've all been completely fascinated. Right this minute the silence in the house is punctuated only by the tapping of the beans against their case.  (Spoiler alert: The secret is that there's a worm inside the seed.)

8. Hugs at home
On Sunday we were able to go back to our home church for Sunday school and worship. I lost count on hugs given and received. The number was close to 100 I believe.

9. Sharing kids
We went to the TCU homecoming parade last Friday night. We'd never been, so I didn't know what to expect.  What we received was more candy than the kids could eat or carry. Once they filled all their pockets and hands, they started giving it away to other kids. I was grateful because they were sharing, but also because that meant a little more control over bouncing off the walls.

10. Hootsuite
I learned how to use it yesterday! I also set up a cagillion posts to go out about Trunk or Treat next week. I feel smart and hip now.

11. Laughing
Countless times in the last seven days I've found myself laughing so hard I couldn't breathe. I am blessed.

Thankful Tuesday

I've been doing this off and on for several years now and I like it because it's an activity that holds me accountable to pay attention and appreciate my blessings, but also it makes me create something every week, whether I'm in the "writing" mood or not.

Here's my list today:

1. Squirrel noise

Did you know squirrels make noise? I had heard the noise online while researching answers to children's questions, but never noticed in person.  Today when I was walking home from the children's school, I stopped to look at the bird making noise only to discover it was a squirrel. That animal was extremely talkative, jumping from branch to branch and shouting noises that sounded like "rabble rabble rabble rabble."  If I hadn't taken time to stop or if I had driven my car to school today, I would have missed a squirrel talking to me!

2. An orthodontist that doesn't cause anxiety

Claire got her top braces on yesterday. Though I knew they would hurt a bit, she walked into the office and sat in the patient chair without hesitation or worry. I know we picked the best orthodontist for her, because she certainly doesn't act that way at the regular dentist office! She's still a bit uncomfortable, so I'll have to wait to get a photo of a good smile.

3. Halloween plans

I'm in charge of organizing Trunk or Treat this year, and it's both scary and exciting! I'm getting in the Halloween spirit early!  By the way, if any of you live in Weatherford and want to run a hayride, talk to me!

4. Claritin D

I'm finally getting rid of my allergies/cold/whatever you want to call it.  The clouds are clearing and it's thanks to a combination of Mucinex, Claritin D, and Vitamin C.

5. Homework I enjoy

I haven't had a hard time keeping up with my classwork this year because I actually enjoy it. Reading the book Studying Christian Spirituality is actually fascinating. Reading about the way architecture, history, and God images shape our spirit and theology is something I would enjoy, even if it wasn't part of classwork.

6. Ordination work

Besides working, studying, and parenting, I've also been slowly moving toward ordination. This week will mark another big check on the list. I'm thankful I've been able to keep up with the requirements so I don't get stalled out in the process. I'm also grateful to my friends for consistently explaining a confusing process.

7. Political surveys

So far this week, I've answered two telephone surveys about political issues. Somehow our home number got on the rotation and I've been asked to share my opinion. The surveyors say that they take my comments and share them with policy-makers. That's pretty awesome that I get to vote and to say my piece.

8. Bookstores

Going to the bookstore is a family event around here. We all get lost among the stacks, looking for books that interest us. My earliest memories are of reading books, and I am so proud that Adam and I have shared a love of reading with our children. A fun Friday night for us includes dinner out and then a stop at Half Price Books.

9. Different views

While many of the people that I see in person regularly share many of my political and religious views, I am glad for Facebook and for my friends that don't see the world the same way I do. They challenge me to review my beliefs on different issues, and sometimes, change my mind.

10. Alone time

Adam is taking the kids camping this weekend. That means I'll be on my own for more than 24 hours! I'm making lists of all the trouble I can get into!

No, this picture doesn't have anything to do with this post. I always like to include a picture, though, and how often do you get a picture of a cute boy in a giant bird nest?