Thankful Thursday

It's that time again! Actually, I have been making mental notes during the past week - taking time to stop and thank the Lord for even the smallest things in my life. I find that it changes my perspective on things. Some days can be tough, but looking for reasons to be thankful can turn your heart around - in other words - cause me to chill out a little bit.

1. I'm thankful for little girls' bedrooms to clean and endless toys to pick up each day. I have felt more and more thankful for this over the past week. I know there will be a day when I won't have toys to step over, tiny clothes to fold, play-dough to scrub off the kitchen floor, pancake syrup to clean off the kitchen table legs, sippy cups to assemble out of the dishwasher, small plastic Polly Pockets to pry out of my toes because they were left in the middle of the floor, dress-up clothes to hang and Barbies to dress. Days can seem very long, but I am so thankful God has given me these two precious girls to spend my time with. They are my light.

2. I'm thankful for dirty dishes all during the day. My kids enjoy 3 meals a day, with snacks in between. It seems I'm always in the kitchen. Again, I know there will be a day when that won't be the case.

3. I'm thankful for my husband. Not only did he paint the girls bathroom for the third time and give E. the dark pink paint she wanted (it really is cute), but he stayed up until midnight Tuesday night working on my wireless router to my computer. I'm finally out of the floor, y'all. Hallelujah!

4. I'm thankful for my daddy. He hasn't been feeling well over the past few weeks and that makes me sad. Nothing major, just in some pain, so I pray he'll feel better soon.

5. I'm thankful for Big Mama's monkey bread recipe. I made this Saturday morning and it is delicious. I have always wanted this recipe so I was beside myself when she posted it a couple of weeks ago. It's so good and addictive. This Saturday, I'm making Paula Deen's Granite Steps Blueberry Coffee Cake that Barb and BooMama keep raving about. Can't wait.

6. I'm thankful for a child who is 'teachable'. Eric and I have had many discussions this week with E. on being 'thankful' (truly a story for another post). It's difficult for a 5 year old to understand sometimes, but E. listens, she analyzes, she comes to me later and assesses what she thinks we are trying to teach her. She doesn't think like a 5 year old.

7. I'm thankful for my friends. I sometimes pray, "Even if no one else loves me, you do, God and that's enough". But, I'm thankful He shows me that isn't the case at all. He has given me friends who encourage me in Him and lift me up. My friends are gifts from Him.

8. I'm thankful for O.'s humor. She keeps us laughing around here with her new sayings. Her latest yesterday .... "Mommy, E. is in big twubble!!!" (all while laughing). She was just pleased she could say it. :)

9. I'm thankful for impromptu "I Love You's" from my girls. When they scream out, "Mommy, I love you", without me saying it first, I melt. I love it.

For more Thankful Thursdays, visit Laurel Wreath who is guest hosting this week.