Thankful......

Life is full of the big stuff and the daily stuff. This year we have a good dose of both. I always describe myself as more of a daily girl but celebrating the milestones have been fun and we have a few more coming our way! Today I find myself pondering the little things, the things that make up the daily and wanted to share a few things I am grateful for.

1. I am so grateful for a child that sleep in. The baby will sleep til about 7:30 or so. Honestly, he isn't my best sleeper but I am grateful that he isn't a early bird! Those of you without kids might think that sounds early but just ask a parent with a 6AM riser.

2. Hand me downs! We have been blessed with being given hand me downs from a friend or two and what a blessing it is. Between those blessings, yard sales, resale stores and some good sales we don't have to spend much on growing boys! There is even a great resale store for teens in our area and Jacob loves it. He doesn't mind paying full price retail and that gives him a chance to use gift cards he has received. :)

3. Texting and email has become such a great thing for staying connected with my oldest. No, it doesn't take the place of a visit for dinner, quality conversation face to face but this is about being thankful for the little things and I am grateful for the option to connect.

4. Great blogs, message boards and online options! As a sahm for 19 years I have found those things to be a great outlet for staying connected. They don't replace real connections but they do bless my day and I have grown and learned much by seeing a glimpse into the lives of others.

5. The desire to create is a huge thing as a homemaker and I love the endless possibilities. I am determined this year to learn to make my own thin crust pizza from scratch and also make very yummy cupcakes!

6. That God tends to details in my life. That isn't a small thing at all but I love that God cares about the minor details and works them out and for my good. Life is busy and full and somethings just pass me by. He shows me what to let go off and handles things that might not even hit my radar.

7. Spring time! It just always brings a sense of new and I love that. The older I get the more I find myself ready for the warmer weather too. Wishing I had planted some bulbs last fall so we could watch them bloom.

8. Favorites.....I love that we have our favorite mexican spot, favorite place to stop for dessert, favorite place to get great produce, date night comfy chairs at Barnes and Noble (we joke that we would pay to sit in them and read but we seriously would if we had to) and things that fill our days with favorites.

9. Getting to plan a vacation! This year we aren't taking any vacations outside of family camp but I am having a huge hankering to plan something for next year. I love the research of it all and knowing we will get that special time away.

10. A husband that will take our kids outside and to the park so I can take a nap in silence. He likes to sleep in (I really can't sleep in) and I love a good nap!