A Cornucopia of Thanks

Today I have a cornucopia of thankfulness.  (Honestly, I love the word cornucopia and want to use it as often as possible.) The last two weeks have been grueling, and it's times like this when I treasure each and every piece of happiness.

Here's what I'm thankful for today:

picture from dailypositivequotes.com

1. Friends when you are in need.
I am so thankful for the people that put me right side up when I'm so stressed out that I'm upside down and feeling like Chicken Little. The sky hasn't fallen yet and I'm still standing, thankfully.

2. Weddings
We went to a sweet wedding last week and I was able to hug so many people.

3. Coffee for Jesus
On Wednesday morning, I was feeling down, so I brewed several pots of coffee, stood on the curb and passed out free coffee to TCU students. It was good for my soul to share a smile with strangers and to offer words of encouragement for frazzled college students on their way to take tests. Several people asked me what I was promoting and I reminded them that I was promoting Jesus.

4. Completed homework
I've been struggling with writing and re-writing and re-thinking and re-writing some theological papers, but I finished them, am satisfied I did my best effort, and turned them in. I love that feeling of relief that comes when the paper is sent off via email to your professor and you don't have to worry about it any more.

5. Kumbaya
In one of my classes yesterday, a woman confessed she was trying to feel better by singing. I convinced her to sing to the whole class. Later, when class was halfway over, our entire class, including our professor, sang Kumbaya. It was hilarious and holy and it reminded me that sometimes it doesn't matter that I can't sing on key.

6. Date Night
Last Saturday we left the kids to the capable hands of our fearless babysitter and escaped. I am so thankful that in the midst of our crazy busy lives that occasionally we can stop time and focus on each other. Also, we ended up at the bookstore (predictably) and I'm thankful for my new book.

7. Bedtime rituals
Claire and Paul each have their own special bedtime routine. Claire asks me to growl in her ear every night because it tickles. We have a few quiet moments of talking right before bed. For Paul, we have an elaborate routine. First, I hide under his covers and pretend to be him. He hides behind his door. Then Paul calls Adam and says he's ready to be tucked in. Adam strolls in, pretends not to see me, jumps on the bed, followed by Paul jumping out from behind the closet to scare us all. It is so funny every night.

8. New car battery when I had time to get one
Sunday morning, Adam left to help his parents and the kids and I realized my battery in my car was dead. Luckily it was a weekend day. A kind neighbor jumped the car for us. I went to Auto Zone, and a kind employee replaced my battery for me while we waited. I was so thankful that it was the weekend and that we had time to do that.

9. Sick days
Monday afternoon, Paul came home from school not feeling well. He came home and asked to take a nap. That never happens to this energetic boy. Tuesday morning he woke up with a fever. All plans were cancelled and I stayed home from work and he stayed home from school. He was completely recovered in a few hours. I was so thankful for his quick recovery and for my ability to cancel everything for the day and spend a low-key day at home with him.

10. My communities
I am a part of several communities and I am thankful for them all. I am thankful for my theological friends who can talk Augustine's intersection with real life. I am thankful for several churches where I feel at home. I am thankful for my family both under one roof and extended. I am thankful for my friends that email me back when I send them long essays. I am thankful for my FB messenger friends who send me links, check-ins, and laments. I am thankful for the parents at school that I get to converse with every day from 2:50-3:00. I am thankful for both my jobs and coworkers and friends. I am thankful for my professors who have patience with my ignorance and make me laugh. I am so thankful to be surrounded by good people.

Whew! Gratitude to finish a Grueling Week

This week was one of the hardest of the semester. I'm so thankful that I was able to meet the challenges, mostly.

Here's what I'm grateful for today:

1. A new journal
I wanted to put this journal on my Christmas list, but it runs $55 and I wasn't sure I could justify that much money for a book that wasn't a textbook. I am excited to say that it went on sale and I got a copy for $20! Woot! It's called Sacred Ordinary Days, and it's a liturgical journal. Click here to get the same deal I did. This particular version runs with the academic calendar, which is good for me.

2. Hamster rescues
Last week Paul's hamster escaped his cage and met me for coffee. Luckily the dog wasn't up and I was able to safely return him. This week when I was up at 4:15 writing, I heard a loud crash. Claire's hamster had somehow toppled his hamster wheel and was on her bedroom floor, in his wheel. I am so grateful the hamster stayed in the wheel, because Sugar Dot went with me to investigate that noise.

The reason our hamsters live in cages. Sugar Dot was looking for a snack this week in the hamster ball. Don't worry. No hamsters or dogs were harmed.

3. Dinner out
I try to make dinner most nights, but twice this week we've had to outsource. I am so grateful that our family budget allows wiggle room on nights when I just can't make it all come together.

4. Homework completed
Last week I rejoiced at the reading and summarizing conclusion of the most boring/challenging book I've had to read. This week I read the companion to that book. 321 pages summarized in a 25-page paper. Don't ask me what it was about, because when you are asked to read that much in such a little time, the only method of survival is short-term processing and regurgitation. I'm not even positive I kept the name in my brain.

5. Unexpected three-day weekends
Because I have been totally consumed with my homework this week, I didn't have time until yesterday to confirm that the kids don't have school on Monday. Woot! I love that extra space. I'm going to fill it with...... more homework.

6. Life skills
Yesterday I had Paul sort his laundry and wash a load. He's 8 and had never done it before. He was so excited at this new skill he asked if he could do it every week. The answer is "Absolutely." We'll see how long his enthusiasm holds.

7. Eating with interesting people
More than once this week I've found myself eating next to a fascinating person. I loving hearing different people's perspectives. It always makes me think long after the conversation is over.

8. The freedom of a no.
Because I was writing a giant paper this week, I was unable to also summarize my normal 100-pages or so from a textbook in class. I just didn't have time. I asked for a 24 hour extension and was denied. The good part of that is that now I don't have to worry about trying to fit that summary into my schedule. It's over and I can move on.

9. Rain
I am so grateful that I was able to wake up and snooze for a bit to the sound of rain on our window.

10. Early mornings
Lots of students stay up late to finish their homework. My brain doesn't allow that. About 8:00, my ability to think theologically goes out the window. The good part of this is that I know that and don't even try to push it. It gives me some intentional family time. The best part of this is that I have the ability to wake up super early to get my homework done when everyone else is asleep (3:45 yesterday). It's not a pattern that works for everyone, but it allows me to focus and still have time for family.

Thank God it's Friday!

Woohoo!

Here's what I'm thankful for today:

1. The best part of a three day weekend

Last weekend was a three day weekend, so this week was a four day work week. It's Friday! Hallelujah!

2. Friends that make time for me

Some of my favorite people are the busiest. I am grateful that I was able to connect with several of them this week via email or in-person chats. I always feel more grounded after touching base with friends I haven't seen in a while. I also feel energized after talking and listening to people about real joys and real problems. I also had lunch with my favorite friend, my husband. 

3. Keeping caught up with homework

Another school week down, another week I was able to complete all my homework! If you would like to read my UMC Book of Discipline, you can borrow it at the end of the semester. I am fascinated by it! 

4. Surprises

I have another friend who sent me a giant happy book. I checked the mail on Tuesday and there was a huge box for me. My friend Jennifer had sent me volume 1 of the best Bible dictionary available. I was ecstatic! (See picture? Excited!) 

5. Labor Day weekend perfection

Last weekend we had family and other loved ones come over and swim and eat and laugh. Several times I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe. Listening to discussions of certain presidential candidates almost made me spit water across the back room.  Yelling girly words to distract the men from listening to our conversation was hilarious as well.

6. First presentation down

Yesterday in my Methodist History and Doctrine class, I made a presentation about a John Wesley sermon. I was anxious, but it went well. If you would like an explanation of John Wesley's views of "Circumcision of the Heart" let me know and I will share a beautiful handout with you.

7. Grown up conversations with kids

I called the house yesterday from campus and spoke with Claire. We had the best conversation. It's so fun to hear her speak like an adult, advocate for what she wants, and be silly. I am so proud of both of my children and their beautiful hearts and hilarious personalities.

8. Miracles of time and space

Yesterday when I woke up, I realized it was one of those days with a milion puzzle pieces in my schedule and not a clue as to how they would all fit together. But through the miracle of the time and space continuum, I finished my homework and presentation, made it to class, and made it to both meetings I had to attend. I also met Adam and picked up dinner for the kids. By the end of the day I felt like I had lived two days.

9. AC repairmen on call

We love our air conditioner repairman. We love him! If you need a recommendation, please let me know. He'll be featured at Casa Boyette today because something is wrong with our unit. 

10. Connecting the dots

I'm taking two classes that are focused on history right now. It's exciting to me to go back and re-learn some history that I've known for years but through a theological lens. I love stories about the Tudors, but now I'm learning about the role of the church in the Tudors history. And connecting the dots between the first churches and the history of Methodism and history I've known before gives me pause and several "aha!" moments.

Thanks, Again

Today we wrap up our second school week, and I am thankful.

Here's my list for the week:

1. Catching up with friends

By this weekend, I'll almost be done catching up with everyone I lost contact with over the summer. I am grateful for the various rhythms that the changes in seasons bring and I'm grateful for several friends that keep up with me and keep me grounded. I have a good mix of friends I listen to and friends that listen to me. I am thankful.

2. Connecting the dots

In Theology class, we are learning some church history. In Methodist History class, we are obviously doing the same. What is exciting to me is taking history that I've known my whole life and connecting it with what I'm learning today. I understand a more complete picture this way.

3. Pumpkin spice coffee creamer

Starbucks isn't serving Pumpkin Spice lattes just yet, but I've already bought the flavored creamer and am enjoying the tastes of fall.

4. Swimming

We are so blessed to have our very own swimming pool in the backyard. The kids favorite after school activity is walking home and immediately getting into our swimsuits. We swim for a bit before we come in and do homework. It's just enough to reset our minds and our body temperatures. I love living in Texas, where I can swim and drink Pumpkin Spice lattes in the same day.

5. My blender

For uses that were certainly purely academic, I bought a sturdy blender in college. Nearly every day I still use the same one, now making healthy fruit smoothies for breakfast. It's entertaining to me to think of what I used to put in my blender and what I get excited about now. 

6. My new owl

At the local elementary school where I work, I'm known for my fancy hair ornaments. I buy fake birds at Dollar Tree and wear them in my hair. This week, my friend Teri became aware that I didn't have a fall bird for my hair. I've been wearing spring birds in the fall. Thank God she remedied the situation and now I have a fall owl. 

7. Three day weekend

Woohoo! We made it to the weekend, and now we have time to catch our breath and catch up before our  third week of school starts.

8. Not having to worry

Claire's teacher told me this week how much she enjoys having her in class. I thanked her. Paul's teacher told me this week how lucky I was to have two excellent children. I thanked her as well. I am grateful that our children are loved and appreciated beyond the walls of our home. I am thankful that already, they are loving, productive members of society. 

9. Teamwork at work

At church, I am grateful to work with people as a team. It's exciting to see when one of us starts something or has an idea and then the others pitch in and make it happen. We all have different gifts and I am grateful that they compliment each other. I'm also happy to be part of the team at school and be one of the people that works behind the scenes to help.

10. Being in the right place 

My schedule takes me to a different place nearly every day. I'll work at church, then school, then go to class, and home. I am grateful that in each one of these settings, I feel completely at home and in the right place for me. I have loved ones in each location and each setting fits me perfectly in a unique way. I am humbled and grateful.

Five Minute Friday: View

Our back room/den, which currently has stadium seating (i.e. two couches crammed together.)

The laundry couch is bowing under the weight.

View: What a funny topic to write about today.  My view around my house is drastically different today than it was two days ago.  When you're in the process of home renovation, everything changes.  Adam and I worked hard in preparation for the new floors.  All furniture was taken out of the living room and kitchen and relocated to our back room/den and our garage.  Yesterday the floor installers showed up, took one look at the floors and told us they couldn't do anything yet.  We have asbestos in the glue remaining on the slab.  We had been informed by multiple experts involved in our process that it is no big deal as long as we leave it alone.  We intended for the wood and tile to be installed over it.  However, the work crew said that the wood and tile won't stick to this.  So we'll be living in boxes for a while longer.

I've used all my chore time on moving furniture and packing and haven't had time to hang laundry.  Currently the laundry is shoulder-high on the couch.  That's clean laundry that will be folded, hanged, and put away this weekend.

The kitchen, which Adam and I starting to paint.  No flooring yet.

Our living room floor with the dreaded asbestos.

There is enough work to keep me busy from the time my feet hit the ground to the time my head hits the pillow for several days.  However, I am getting smarter about my limits.  Yes, the laundry pile is taller than both of my children, but I can work and work and work and work and work and work and all my work will never be finished.  Better to work hard for a time and then play hard for a time.  I wonder which super hero I can be today?

The garage.  Everything had to be moved out of the living room and kitchen.

What is Five Minute Friday?  It's an idea on Lisa Jo-Baker's blog.  You can find out more about it here.

Five Minute Friday:Jump

So I have recently stumbled upon Lisa Jo-Baker's blog.  She's a mama and a professional blogger. Every Friday she posts a prompt and readers are supposed to write about it for exactly five minutes.  Since I'm running a little late this morning anyway, I thought I could do that with a focus.  Today's prompt is Jump.



Today I will jump in the day late, oversleeping, but patient with myself because that's okay.  I will make the kids jump out of bed and later, Adam will jump on a plane and fly home.
Claire, Paul, and I will walk to school in this breeze, chilly air, and hopefully jump for joy at a few miracles we see along the way.  Look at the bird on our Little Free Library!  Look at that new rose blooming on that bush; better go back and cut that one.  Who will we give it to?
Look at me as I speed past you on my scooter.  You are an old lady.  Yes, that's right, I am sooo old.
Jump as we look at our watches.  Five minutes to go!  We can get there in time.
Jump as we see Claire's best friend getting out of the car.  Lola!  Wait for me!
Jump as we head home, just Paul and I because we don't have an agenda today, except for waiting for Home Depot to come measure our floors.
Jump because our day will be full of washing dishes, playing baseball, petting dogs, and maybe planting our sprouts.
Jump on the trampoline.