happy halloween

1. I praise God that my husband and I were able to have a lunch date today. It wasn't anything special, but it was really nice to have it be just the two of us. Especially in the middle of the day, what a wonderful break from the normal pace of things. I sure do love him and I am so thankful God has kept us together.
2. I praise God that my son's costume came out so well. I had a couple of scary moments with it, but in the end, it was more than I expected it to be.
3. I praise God that my son had such a wonderful time tonight. It was his first time trick-or-treating and we went with some of his cousins. Every one was adorable and had a blast. What a great time.

praiseworthy

1. I praise God for the movie night my husband and I had last night. It's been a long time since we've sat and watched 3 movies together. We cuddled on the couch and fell asleep during the last one. What a good memory to have.
2. I praise God for that I had the opportunity to create my son's Halloween costume this year. We decided to dress him up as Michael Young, but couldn't find a jersey in his size, so I bought some items at WalMart and am almost done creating a Texas Rangers uniform. I am so excited to see him in it. I love doing craft-y things and this was the first time I created a costume for him. What a joy.
3. I praise God for my life. Just exactly the way it is, right now. With all the good and all the bad, for every single detail of my life, I praise Him. He is sovereign and I can trust Him wholly, so I praise Him. He is all I need--in Him, I have everything. He is my Provider, Protector, Redeemer, Savior. Praise be to Him, for without Him, nothing is praiseworthy.

with thanksgiving in my heart

1. I praise God that I can make my husband laugh, even when he's having a bad day. I love that I can make him laugh regardless of his mood.
2. I praise God that I am finding more joy in my life. My life is a chaotic mess of clutter, animals, diapers, dirty dishes, laundry and exhaustion, but those things are bothering me less and less as I am finding more and more joy in my daily life. (Yes, even when I am scooping poop out of the litter box, I am doing it joyfully.)
3. I praise God for the journey He is taking me down in this life. I am learning to trust Him for the future and spend more time in the present; it is making it so much more exciting.

10.28.2011

1. I praise God that I was able to watch Game 7 of the World Series with my husband tonight. My team may have lost, but I wasn't watching the game alone. For that, I am thankful.
2. I praise God that tomorrow is Saturday. With having been sick all week and the events of the evening, I am really looking forward to sleeping late tomorrow.
3. I praise God that my family is getting over the sickness that has plagued us all week. I am ready for us all to be feeling better and back to our normal selves.

90 days

90 days. 3 months I have been doing this, now. That's pretty amazing to me.

1. I praise God for answered prayers. More prayers that have been on my list for awhile have been answered. I love being able to take things off my list because God answered them.
2. I praise God for my job. I have been able to work from home while I have been sick, allowing me to save my PTO for the holidays and keep my paychecks regular.
3. I praise God for this crazy World Series game tonight. It has been absolutely nuts and just makes me love the game of baseball even more. I am so thankful to God for baseball.

sickness and answered prayers.

There is a cold or something raging through my home. My son, my husband and myself have all been plagued with it since last night. We have all been miserable, but there is still so much good in our lives.

1. I praise God for sleepless nights with a sick child. I would rather have a hundred sleepless nights with my child than a lifetime without a child. I am so thankful to be a mother.
2. I praise God for my husband's helpfulness with our sick child. It is so much easier to deal with sickness as a team.
3. I praise God for answered prayers. He answered a prayer in our lives today and I am very thankful. His answer came in a way that was unexpected, but perfect. (As always.)

the stuff

1. I praise God for my son. He is such a blessing and I am so thankful to have him. When I look at him, I see God's love for me.
2. I praise God for conviction. I like being shaped by Him.
3. I praise God that I am starting to see His gifts every where I look. I am seeing His love more and more each day.
4. I praise God for days where things seem to go against me. Even the seemingly bad days are a gift from Him.

"This Is The Stuff" Francesca Battistelli 

I lost my keys in the great unknown
And call me please 'cause I can't find my phone

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
Might not be what I would choose
But this the stuff You use

45 in a 35 sirens and fines
While I'm running behind
Whoa ho ho

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess,
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
Might not be what I would choose
But this the stuff You use

So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world
Whoa ho ho ho

Oooooh This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
Might not be what I would choose
But this the stuff You use

Whoa whoa ho ho
This is the stuff You use.

10.24.2011

1. I praise God for the times throughout the days when my husband says something sweet. Those sweet moments remind me of my husband's love, but more importantly, they remind me of God's love for me.
2. I praise God for days that start with vomit. My son was sick this morning at the sitter's. Not really the way I enjoy spending a Monday, but those days remind me of what it means to be a mommy.
3. I praise God for the times He humbles me. I like being reminded that He is in the driver's seat, not me.

a good day

1. I praise God for the accomplished day I was able to have today. I went to church, went to the store, cleaned the kitchen, did some laundry, helped my husband work outside and managed to cook an amazing Sunday dinner (baked chicken, brown sugar carrots, mashed potatoes and gravy, and steamed broccoli) and bake a bundt cake!
2. I praise God that I was still able to sit down and enjoy the baseball game tonight, even after all the work I did. It was nice to be able to enjoy that time with my husband and son.
3. I praise God for the balance I felt today. It was a good day.

manual labor

1. I praise God that my mom got married today. I am thankful she has found someone she wants to spend the rest of her life with.
2. I praise God for another productive day of manual labor with my husband. We had to work around my mom's wedding, but we were able to get some stuff accomplished today.
3. I praise God for the good night of sleep I received last night and hope to receive tonight. Manual labor sure does make for a good night's rest.

manual labor

1. I praise God for the time my husband and I spent together working in the back yard this evening. It is the first time in years that we have done manual labor together. I forgot how much I enjoyed it. Also, I was able to be very helpful to him in the projects he has been tackling. I am thankful I was able to be a blessing to him.
2. I praise God for the deepening friendship my husband and I are experiencing. I feel like I am getting my best friend back.
3. I praise God for giving good gifts. He knows my heart's desires even more than I do.

(10.20.2011)

1. I praise God for my life. I am blessed in so many ways.
2. I praise God that He is faithful.
3. I praise God that my grandma and grandpa are in town. I am really looking forward to seeing them and to them seeing my family. I haven't seen my grandpa in almost 6 years.

my sweet husband

1. I praise God for my sweet husband. He surprised me with a bouquet of flowers earlier today. It wasn't anything lavish, but they were my favorite type of flowers: "just because I was thinking of you" flowers. =) I am a blessed woman.
2. I praise God for my very messy family room that I have been procrastinating on cleaning this evening. There are toys everywhere but I don't have the energy to get up. I am thankful that I will have to get up and clean it before I go to bed for multiple reasons: all the toys are indicative of the blessings in my sons life and because I actually possess the ability to get up and clean.
3. I praise God for my husband's growing patience with me. I am not always the easiest person to live with (or love) but he is really making the effort to be patient and it is showing. I am very glad for that. =)

exciting things.

1. I praise God that my husband's grandma came over for dinner tonight. She lives out of state, so it was a special treat to be able to have her over. I love spending time with grandparents.
2. I praise God that the World Series starts tomorrow. I am so excited!
3. I praise God for the new book I received today, One Thousand Gifts. I have heard a lot of great things about it and am very excited to read it.

day 80.

1. I praise God that I know Him. Knowing Him has kept me out of a lot of trouble in my life and I am so thankful I came to a relationship with Him early in my life. 2. I praise God that I was able to be a blessing to my husband today. He was in a foul mood and very stressed when I came home from work, but I gave him a chance to vent and a quick back/shoulder/neck massage, and he was in a much better mood.
3. I praise God for the cold front that is coming in. I love crisp fall mornings and the forecast is calling for a week of them.

(10.16.2011)

1. I praise God for days when I don't feel so well. They help me to appreciate the days I do feel well.
2. I praise God for my Wii Fit. I really enjoy using it for my work out and am looking forward to yoga in the morning.
3. I praise God for my husband and my son. I love them so much and life wouldn't be the same without them.

oh, yeah!

1. I praise God that my kitchen window overlooks the western horizon. Every night, I have a wonderful view of the sunset. It is so amazing to watch God's amazing art work every evening (especially when I am washing dishes.)
2. I praise God that the Texas Rangers are such a classy team. They clench the ALCS and start celebrating with Ginger Ale because of Josh Hamilton's past with alcoholism. That is just classy and makes me proud to cheer for a team with character like that.
3. I praise God that I have been witness to such amazing baseball this week. Even if my team hadn't have won, it has truly been some incredible baseball and I am so thankful I was able to witness it.
4. I praise God that He never gives up on me. Some days, I need a lot more help than others, and He is always there, ready to pull me through.

the days keep passing, I keep praising...

1. I praise God that my husband and son have such a great relationship. It is so much fun to watch them play and it warms my heart when they are sweet to each other. I love to just watch them interact.
2. I praise God that tomorrow is Saturday. My son has been sleeping a little later in the mornings, so I am looking forward to all of us sleeping in tomorrow. When we wake, I believe I'll be making pancakes.
3. I praise God that I am able to learn more and more about Him daily. He is so amazing and I am even more convicted of that with the more I learn.
4. I praise God for the little opportunities to minister. They are all around and I am so thankful when I notice and act on them.

love

1. I praise God that my son "helped" me in the kitchen tonight. We washed dishes and made Shrimp Alfredo together. He really wasn't able to do much, but he had so much fun with the little bit he could do and I had so much fun teaching him. What a great way to get quality time.
2. I praise God for my job. It allows me the opportunity to educate and help people. The better I do my job, the more people I am able to help. It's often a difficult job, but when I am able to help someone, it makes it worth it.
3. I praise God for His unconditional love. It is such a hard concept to wrap my mind around some days, but it is so wonderful to know that nothing can separate me from His love.

stuff to cheer about...

1. I praise God for baseball. I really do love that sport, especially when it is played well. I am so thankful that my life allows me to enjoy it.
2. I praise God for my little family. I love my husband and my son very much and I know I am such a blessed woman to have what I have with them.
3. I praise God for His guidance. His path is always much more successful than mine.
4. I praise God for His forgiveness. The more I understand it, the more thankful I am for it.

brain lapse

1. I praise God for quickly answered prayers. Sometimes, when I need an answer to a prayer *right then* God obliges. I had one of those moments today and I am so thankful He answered so quickly.
2. I praise God for courage.
3. I praise God for the woman who watches my son. I packed his diaper bag and lunch box, but left them sitting next to the door. Thankfully, she had diapers and wipes and food! Even more of a praise, we were able to laugh about our brain lapses together this morning.
4. I praise God that my son's diaper bag and lunch box are ready to go for tomorrow, thanks to my brain lapse.

wow

1. I praise God that I was able to witness Nelly Cruz's walk-off, grand slam tonight. I have to say that was one of the most exciting moments in baseball history for me! I was literally jumping up and down in my living room celebrating!
2. I praise God that He is continuing to mold me. It's not easy, and often uncomfortable, but it makes me such a better person.
3. I praise God for His wisdom. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5 AMEN!

muddy paw prints

1. I praise God for muddy paw prints on my kitchen floor. Not that I love the paw prints all over my floor, but that they are evidence of all the rain we have received over the last day and a half. I am so incredibly thankful for this wet weather.
2. I praise God for my mini, impromptu "stay-cation." When I decided to take this past Friday off, I was just intending to have a day off for a break. It turned into a 3-day "stay-cation" at my house, relaxing and spending quality time with my boys. I could use another 30 days of that, but I am so thankful this weekend worked out the way it did. It was much needed.
3. I praise God that no one can go too far from being able to turn back to God. I know not everyone who wanders from Him returns, but He is always one step back and I am so thankful for that. I just pray someone very near and dear to me realizes that truth sooner rather than later.

rain.

1. I praise God for the rain we are getting. It is delaying the ball game, but I have been praying daily for rain, so I am thankful for the answer to prayer.
2. I praise God for the strength that comes with faith in Him. It is amazing the things He can bring someone through.
3. I praise God for another (mostly) restful day today. It has been much needed.

rest

1. I praise God for the day of rest I had today. After a long night's rest, I had a very relaxing day with my husband and son; we even got to have a family nap! I am on the road to being refreshed.
2. I praise God for His provisions. It is comforting when I know I can trust Him to provide. "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things." Matthew 7:31-32
3. I praise God for the excitement of this year's postseason baseball. I have had so much fun following all the different teams this year and am really looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season holds.

sleeping past the deadline...

Well, last night I fell asleep before I had a chance to do my post for the day. My husband was on the computer and we were listening to the Yankees/Tigers game on the radio and I just fell asleep on the couch waiting for him to get off the computer. I didn't wake up until 2am when I went from the couch to my bed, where I continued to sleep until 8am this morning! I definitely needed the rest! However, now I need to do my post from yesterday this morning.

1. I praise God for the 3 day weekend I get to have. I (obviously) need some rest and decided to take a personal day on Friday. I have no major plans or things to do, so I am hoping I can go back to work Monday refreshed.
2. I praise God that our EXPO finally happened and went well. We had a good turn out of vendors and community members. I talked until my throat was sore and then kept talking to even more people. So happy all the months of planning were worth it.
3. I praise God for the children of the woman who watches my son. Three of them volunteered to help at our EXPO yesterday and they were so wonderful. They were so helpful, respectful and kind; they even thanked me for the opportunity to volunteer! Kids like them are hard to come by these days and it makes me so joyful to know them.

i "heart" baseball

1. I praise God that my son has the same love for baseball that his father and I share. I can see many years of fun revolving around baseball for my family and that makes me happy.
2. I praise God that tomorrow is the big EXPO my colleagues and I have been planning. It seems like it has been so long coming and now it is finally here! I pray that all goes smoothly and that we have a good turnout!
3. I praise God for the courage to step out in faith. It can be scary, but I know I can trust Him.

counting blessings.

1. I praise God that the mortgage payment my husband and I made this month put us at the half-way point of having our house paid off! Our house may not be much, but in 30 more payments, it is ours.
2. I praise God for the amazing chicken my husband grilled tonight. Dinner was so wonderful and it was very much a result of his grilling skills. On that note, I praise God that I don't have to worry about where my family's "next" meal is going to come from.
3. I praise God that we are financially stable. Sometimes pennies can get tight, but we always are able to make ends meet. I know what a huge blessing that is.

pretty good Monday.

1. I praise God that I was finally able to use my gift certificate for a car wash today. I received the gift certificate as a reward for work back in April and haven't had the chance to use it until today. Now my car is all nice and shiny and the inside is clean and smells like baby powder (that was the scent I chose.) It's SO nice and I am SO thankful.
2. I praise God that my son shares my love for pizza. Tonight it was just the two of us for dinner and we had pizza. We were both very happy about it. =)
3. I praise God for His sovereignty. It is so comforting to know that He is in complete control.

good stuff.

1. I praise God for the blessings that have come from that rescue dog. I called and spoke with the family that adopted him today and they are so happy with the dog. The teenage boy actually wanted to get on the phone with me and tell me how much he appreciated the dog and what a blessing the dog has been to him already. This family truly was an answer to prayers for this dog and I have a feeling this dog was an answer to prayers for that boy. God is so neat when He works things out like that.
2. I praise God for relaxed Sunday evenings spent playing in the back yard with my husband and son. What a perfect way to end the weekend.
3. I praise God for conviction. It's not always the easiest thing to accept, but when I allow God to work on the things He is convicting me on, I am able to grow and become a better me.

answered prayer.

1. I praise God that the rescue dog now has a home. The people who were interested decided to adopt him today! YAY!! I am SO happy!
2. I praise God that my son has started asking me to kiss his “owies.” It is so cute when he comes up to me expecting a kiss on his knee or hand because he has slightly injured himself and thinks my kisses make it better. How I treasure this time in his life.
3. I praise God for His continued forgiveness. I find myself in need of it daily, some days even more so than others. I am so thankful that His forgiveness is always there for me.