Gratitude Thursday

    There are a few things I'm grateful for today but something I really wanted to share was how thankful I am for the followers on my blog and the blogging friends I've made.  I've met some of the most caring and loving friends through my blog and I feel really blessed to know you guys! I love that I get emails from so many of you and I love that our relationships don't just stop at comments. I know I don't always do the best job responding, or commenting back so I appreciate you guys sticking with me and constantly checking in! It means the world to me!

  Another thing I've been thinking about today is the community that we've been surrounded with here in Monterey. I have been given some really great friends who are always more than welcome to help Leif and I out when we need it. Today is no exception. One of my best friends watched my kids for me while I got a CT, and she watches them often for me when I have an appointment, meeting or even a session. I appreciate how my friends are more than happy to help out and pitch in where needed. Its funny because I remember blogging about being so lonely and without a support system. Here we are now and I'm beyond thankful for each and every person who has been in my life here in Monterey and is. I truly believe that every person I've been friends with has changed my life one way or another. Thank you!

  Today I was also reminded why Leif is my husband. And I'm thankful thankful thankful for him!  I had my CT today and while I wasn't nervous I definitely was anxious to have some answers finally. Leif told me he'd be praying and that I should bring a bible and read James.  I didn't get to read all of it but I did read the part I think which was more important for this season in my life, and his.  I haven't blogged too much about what's been going on in our lives but we do feel as if we're in a season where if its not one thing its another. This verse is never one I tire of reading:

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" James 1:2-3

  I could keep going but that's the bulk of what stood out to me today while I was in the waiting room.  I had the biggest sense of relief rush over me and I just wanted Leif to be there at that moment so I could thank him (and hug him!) for being the godly husband I and my parents prayed for and for being such a wonderful source of encouragement during this time.  It blows my mind that I'm married to Leif and that I get to go through not just the good times with him, but also the bad, with him always holding my hand.

 I am SO thankful today.

Gratitude Thursday

   I'm bringing Gratitude Thursdays back! 

I have been grumpy grumpy lately and I remembered that whenever I would 

think of things I was grateful for it'd instantly turn my mood around:) 

Today, I am grateful for the sun that was out for a little this morning. The sun is one

of my biggest motivators!

I'm grateful for the kids napping at the same time so I could spend sometime with Charlie and have some hot chocolate! 

I'm grateful for our new tv because now we can watch movies without subtitles! 

I am grateful for the downtime I've had so I can get back into baking and cooking.

I'm grateful for my creative and wonderful friends that keep inspiring me and encouraging me.

I am grateful for the opportunities I'm getting because of photography. 

I am grateful for warm blankets and seasons of Law & Order on netflix:)!

I am grateful the things that are going to come this year. 

Gratitude Thursday

I'm thankful for these babies.
They remind me that God is good and gracious.

Yesterday started out well but by late morning/early afternoon things were out of control. My control. It stressed me out! I actually sat in a parking lot and cried for a minute or two. I called Leif after and told him about how my morning/afternoon had gone, after telling him though I realized it really wasn't that bad. I drove home thanking God that He was in control and not me:)

When I came home both of the kids were sleeping. At one point Riley wanted out of her crib and ended up sleeping in the living room next to Beck( I posted a picture yesterday). I sat on the couch and watched them sleep. They looked so peaceful. It was so precious and I wanted to remember that moment forever. It was a reminder of how good God is to Leif and I. No matter how bad my day has gone, He is still faithful and He is still in control.

Gratitude Thursday

I am so very thankful for my son.
He isn't here yet, but I'm in love with him and I'm so excited to meet him!
Just the thought of holding him makes me so giddy. Really.
I remember holding Riley for the first time and I can't believe I'm going to be experiencing that again in two weeks! I'm very ready to meet the little boy whos been hanging out in my belly for the last 9 months:)
I'm constantly wondering what his personality will be like.
Who he'll look like.
What his favorite way to sleep will be.
Will he like his big sister.
I'll find out soon enough!
2 weeks!

I never do these and thought I would today:

How far along?: 36 weeks. Almost 37!

Total weight gain: 14 pounds.

How big is the baby?: I think huge. I can feel him on my bladder and up in my ribs.

Maternity clothes?: Sometimes. Depends on the day. I can still pull of my pants with a bella band but I prefer my pants with an elastic band that I got from Forever 21.

Stretch marks?: Yes, left over from Riley:) They're nice reminders that
I carried a baby. Two.

Sleep?: I'm sleeping pretty well actually. With Riley I never slept, always getting up to use the bathroom. With Beck, I get up maybe once?

Best moment this week?: Having Riley move daddys hand from my stomach so she could kiss it.

Movement?: Lots and lots of it. I never get tired of it.

Food cravings?: Subway last week and this week eggs with lots of cheese!

Belly button?: Very far out.

What I miss?: A flat stomach haha! And not visiting the bathroom constantly!

Milestone: The doctor told me that if I went into labor between now and my scheduled c-section, they wouldn't stop the labor. Ah!

Gratitude Thursday: Surprise!

I'm grateful for the girls here in Monterey.

Last night was girls night out, and what I thought was simply dinner at a Japanese restaurant, really turned out to be a baby shower for me! So fun:) I have wonderful friends here in Monterey. I love them dearly. I really wasn't expecting a baby shower this time around so it was a nice surprise. Like really, what a wonderful way to show a friend you care. Plus we didn't have to play any ridiculous games, just sit around and enjoy each others company. Very refreshing.

I'm so blessed to have met the women that I did when I moved here. They have helped make my transition to Monterey so much more enjoyable. I hate thinking about the fact that most of them will be leaving in the next few months though. Why must the military take away my best friends?! Despite impending departures, I am happy with the time we've shared and the times we'll share in the future.

I am constantly thanking God for their friendship.

Gratitude Thursday: Happy Christmas Eve.

How cute is Riley?
I can't believe she's turning 13 months tomorrow and in 8 short weeks
she's going to be a big sister:)!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!

I am thankful that we'll be spending most of our Christmas Eve in the car together:)
I'm looking forward to taking photos, playing with Riley, eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, listening to lots of music and having wonderful discussions with my husband. I really do enjoy long car rides with my family.

Gratitude Thursday

Today I am grateful for:

A child who sleeps 12 hours every night. I can't believe that once she woke up every two hours to be fed. I also can't believe that I'll be doing that again in about 9 weeks. Its amazing that just within a year her sleeping patterns have changed so drastically. I remember when we were waking up with Riley constantly to feed her, I kept reminding myself that it was only for a few weeks... It helped me get through those late night feedings and actually enjoy them:)
::
A husband who makes sure I take time for myself. Its easy to lose yourself amongst cleaning the house, laundry, cooking meals, tending to a baby and running errands. Leif is always trying to find ways to help me get a break. Even if it means he has to watch Riley after work while I go to the gym or lay down. Never does he complain about working all day, instead he thanks me for keeping the house clean and taking care of our daughter, then offers to help me out. How did I get so lucky?
::
Riley and me time. I love spending my days with Riley. I'll be honest, in the beginning I didn't enjoy it as much because she slept most of the time and I just felt bored. Now, I never get bored. There's always something for us to do. We run errands in the morning, then we play and have an early lunch, naptime=cleaning time for mommy, and then we head out to the park with snacks. Nothing is better than having your child play with you and every once in awhile look up at you and smile. I love those moments. Or when we're shopping and she just reaches up to hug me. Part of me wishes it would only be the two of us for a little bit longer, but then the other part of me is so excited to spend my days with two children. I'm thankful that I'm able to stay at home with Riley... I wish that Leif was able to experience what I get to everyday.
::
My own washer and dryer. When we lived in an apartment, doing laundry was always difficult. It took me weeks to get around to doing it because it required I go back and forth between our apartment, and the laundry room a few times through out the day. Maybe I'm just lazy? It became even more difficult when Riley became mobile because I couldn't just leave her by herself, and taking her with me wouldn't really work. Now laundry gets done almost every other day, plus I don't have to use $5 to do it:) I'm so grateful that we have a washer and dryer in our house. It makes getting things done a lot easier.
::
The 15th of every month. I look forward to this day every month because it means I'm going to get sunflowers from my husband. He's never forgotten. Sometimes he hasn't been able to make it to the store in time so I get my flowers the next day, but he always remembers. Its important to him that I know how much I mean to him, and this is one of the ways he shows me. Its nice to be loved.

Gratitude Thursday

I'm happy its Thursday because that means I get to make a list of things I'm thankful for. This week has been hard and stressful for me. I've been complaining a lot, feeling sorry for myself, and just ungrateful. I won't go into detail because really it doesn't matter:) What matters is today is a new day and God is always good.

Today I am grateful for:
::The friends I've made here in Monterey::

I'm grateful for the friends that stop by when I'm sick.
I'm grateful for the friends that watch Riley for me when I need to go to the doctor
or I just need a night out with Leif.
I'm grateful for the friends who drop in unexpectedly.
I'm grateful for friends that I meet at the park weekly and have Breakfast Club with.
I'm grateful for friends that have dinner parties with us.
I'm so grateful for each and every person I've met since living here in Monterey.

Gratitude Thursday

I am thankful for good health! For about a week now we've all been sick and its been miserable around here. Thankfully we're all feeling much better and picking up where we left off last week. There are still some lingering coughs and a runny nose here and there. But overall, things are almost back to normal and we're so grateful:)! I am so happy to be able to clean my house and take care of my husband and baby again. I need to not take good health for granted. Ever.

Gratitude Thursday

I love this picture so much!

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.
Psalm 28:7

Today I'm grateful for God's strength. Yesterday was a trying day. I didn't have the energy to do anything, except sleep. That's not really an option when an almost toddler needs you and there are chores to be done. By dinnertime I was past done and ready to call it a night early. I was irritable and frustrated. I hate being like that towards Leif and Riley. Before bed I prayed that today would be better and that I would have more strength to get through the day. I also prayed that I would have more joy today than I did yesterday.

I'm grateful that God answers prayers. I only got 5 hours of sleep last night. Leif and I stayed up playing Wii:) We were woken up at 5:30am by the phone and by Riley. Normally I would have been grumpy, and ready to fall back asleep but I felt wide awake. We decided that instead of going back to sleep we'd spend time together. I'm so happy we did! It helped me start my day off on a positive note and made me excited about the rest of the day. Its not even 10 and the whole house has been cleaned, and all the laundry done. Hallelujah! And I don't even feel tired yet.

I'm grateful for a renewed spirit and my family. Yesterday really discouraged me. I questioned if motherhood and being a housewife was really something I was capable of doing. I went to bed feeling so defeated, dreading today. Today I am feeling refreshed and excited for what God has in store for me in regards to being a mom and wife. I am so grateful for my wonderful husband who never ceases to amaze me with his faith and his giving heart. I am also grateful for my daughter who reminds me to have a joyful heart always.

I'm grateful for the trials. Whenever I'm in the midst of a trial I never think I'll be able to get through it. I always want to give up, but that's when I realize just how much I need God and His strength. I'm grateful for the trials I go through because they are reminders of how limited I am without God. God is not limited like I am. He is my strength.

Gratitude Thursday... on Friday.

I'm thankful for my baby girls smile

and for her silly giggles and laughs.
I'm thankful for her constant good mood, despite having molars coming in.
I'm thankful for how excited she gets about going out to the store or outside period.
I'm thankful for her hugs and kisses that she gives me out of the blue.
I'm thankful for the way her face lights up whenever she sees daddy.
I'm thankful for her happy squeals in the morning when we let her join us in bed.
I'm so thankful for being blessed with such a happy baby that finds joy in everything.

I want to find joy in everything.

Gratitude Thursday.

I am very thankful for the rain and the sun.

I am thankful for the friends that I've made here in Monterey.
I am thankful for the safe deliveries of two babies this past weekend.
I am thankful for phone calls from close friends.
I am thankful for friends that make bad days better.
I am thankful for my husband never forgetting the 15th of every month.
I am thankful for more than 8 hours of sleep every night.
I am thankful for discussions that make me think.
I am thankful for the flowers my husband brought me.

Gratitude Thursday.

Today...

I'm thankful for cold mornings that require blankets.

I'm thankful for Trader Joes Mac and Cheese.
I'm thankful for quiet time with God.
I'm thankful for lazy days spend in pajamas.
I'm thankful for a clean home.
I'm thankful for prayers that have been and will be answered.
I'm thankful for Hulu.
I'm thankful for lunch times with Riley.
I'm thankful for seeing another day.

And thanks for the book suggestions! I'm going to let you know when I read them!

Gratitude Thursday.

I am grateful for my husbands job.

I am grateful for the ocean and the reminder of God's beauty whenever I see it.
I am grateful for phone calls from friends telling me that they wish I was there with them.
I am grateful for emails from my mother.
I am grateful for conversations with my mother in law.
I am grateful for the hugs and kisses I get from my baby.
I am grateful for the strength God has been giving me everyday.
I am grateful for tomorrow, and the next day, and so forth...
I am grateful for time alone with my husband.
I am grateful for the patience I've been learning.
I am grateful for tall trees.

Gratitude Thursday

I am grateful for warm weather and swimming pools.
I am grateful for a dishwasher.
I am grateful for Ben Gibbard and his clever lyrics.
I am grateful for my husbands job that makes it possible for him to eat lunch with me
and spend every weekend with me.
I am grateful for the ocean and its breeze.
I am grateful for the new friends I've made here in Monterey.
I am grateful for the photo opportunities I've been given.
I am grateful for hashbrowns and orange juice.

Good News/Bad News

So we have some good and exciting news: Leif got the job in Monterey! We're very excited, nervous but excited:) This is going to be a new adventure for us and we're ready! We can't wait to experience something so different than we've ever experienced before. While its nerve-racking to move away from family and close friends, its thrilling because you don't know what to expect. We're being thrown into something very new, where we will definitely have to leave our comfort zone. We know that God has big plans for us and knows whats He's doing. Its such a comfort and joy to know that our God is leading us somewhere to better serve Him.

We found a community about a mile and a half from Leif's job, that was formally military housing. Its for government employees and I believe ex-military. They have some houses open and we're praying that we're able to get one. It would be a nice change to live in a house, instead of an apartment. And I would love a yard! Also, who doesn't want a free gym membership? We're going to start packing this coming week, just a little by little... And we're enjoying our last few weeks here in Southern California. It's going to be hard to leave but, and its weird that I say this, it feels like its time.
Our bad, well sad, news is that most likely I've miscarried. Most people don't like to tell people they're pregnant until about 12 weeks, when your risk of miscarriage has gone way down. But I wanted to make sure I shared that I was pregnant with as many people as possible. Because it is so important to me to have all the support and prayers possible. And if I did has a miscarriage, I would still have the support and prayers .

Thursday I started spotting, but then it stopped and I made an appointment for the following day. Instead of sitting around that night I went and spent time with close friends. I needed to be around people that loved and cared for me. It helped. I slept well that night, comforted by prayers. The following day we went to the doctor and saw the sac. It was too early for a heartbeat and too early to tell if the baby was growing normally or abnormally. That was hard to hear, I was praying we would hear a heartbeat. Instead I was sent to the lab to test my hormone levels. I have to go back on Tuesday to retest and then have the levels compared. If they have gone up then that's wonderful, if not... Well no so good. The bleeding started again last night and when we went to bed it was hard. I was in so much pain, I just cried because it hurt so bad. When I woke up this morning I had peace. While we're still praying and hoping, both Leif and I are at peace with what has happened. There is a chance I'm still pregnant but its a small chance.

I know that God is good, I also know He has a plan and usually I don't understand this plan. This is one of those times I don't understand but I'm not upset. I always thought I would be but I'm happy. I'm so blessed and thankful. All I can think about is just how wonderful and good my Father is. If my baby wasn't suppose to be born, then it wasn't. God knows more than I, and trust Him. Last year, I wouldn't have said that but thankfully I've learned how to trust and let go of things. God will bless me with more children when the timing is right. I don't doubt that at all!

Its amazing how amidst tragedy you really can see just how great God is.

Thank you all for your prayers and love:)!

Gratitude Thursday

I'm having a really hard day. I wouldn't call it bad, just hard. Difficult to get through... So I thought it would be a good time to start of my gratitude Thursdays again:)

I am grateful for Riley smiles.
I am grateful for ankle rubs from my husband.
I am grateful for encouraging phone calls from my mothers.
I am grateful for the peace and quiet I get at naptime.
I am grateful for tonight! I get to spend with good friends and art.
I am grateful for meatless corndogs and trail mix.
I am grateful for NPR and All Songs Considered.
I am grateful for dancing.
I am grateful for bright colors that make my life so much better.
I am grateful for the lovely people in my life constantly praying.
I am grateful the strength God has given me today. I need it.

Gratitude Thursday, on Friday: Friends.

I've been really bad about posting what I'm grateful for on Thursday. Eek. I decided to go ahead and just do it today because I truly believe, better late than never:)

Best friends look like this.

I'm grateful for my friends. Every single one of them.
I'm grateful for their love and support. Especially this last year.
I'm grateful that they have stuck by my side through thick and thin.
I'm grateful that they continue to bless my life with their friendship and their love.
I'm grateful for long conversations about God and life.
I'm grateful for the prayers they pray for me and my family.
I'm grateful for their honest hearts and truthful spirits.
I'm grateful for their willingness to always come visit, even on school nights:). For being so understanding when I can't be somewhere because of the baby. For the effort they continue to put in to our friendship although times have changed. We've changed.
I'm grateful to God that He has given me the most wonderful friends.

Gratitude Thursdsay.

Riley, I am grateful for you.
...For your smiles that are becoming bigger and more frequent everyday.
...For your little personality that is starting to show.
...For being so healthy and growing well! I love your little rolls.
...For being such a good baby, always letting mommy and daddy get sleep.
...For being calm and happy the majority of the time. Thank you!
...For the joy you bring me constantly, everyday all day.

Gratitude Thursday.

March 17, 2008. The day we found out we were pregnant!

I am grateful for you Leif.
...For your love for God. I prayed that I would marry a man of God. You are that man. The faith you have is one I hope to have one day. You never doubt God and His greatness. Even when things are bad you're the first one to help me remember that God is always in control and has a plan.
...For your friendship. You're so much more than a best friend to me. You're a good friend. A great one. Thank you for always wanting to do ridiculous things with me and never laughing at my ideas.
...For your patience. You are always reminding me of how important it is to be patient and to expect great things from God.
...For your kind heart. You are one of the kindest most loving people I know. You remind me of my dad. You are constantly doing for others.
...For the father you are becoming. I love watching you with Riley. You love her so much and its evident in all you do for her. You've changed a lot more diapers than me, woken up with her more during the night and have given Riley every one of her baths. Thank you.
...For your encouragement everyday. I need a lot of it, and you're more than happy to take the time to build me up. You are constantly keeping me on track and helping me get closer to goals I have.
...For the prayers that you pray for me.
...For loving me just as I am. For loving me as I change. For finding me beautiful. For thinking I'm the most wonderful person you've ever met!

One of the first pictures we ever took together:)
April 2007

[Why I'm starting Gratitude Thursday: Well I don't like Thursdays, they're boring to me. &This past fall I started making lists of things I was grateful for everyday, and post them on my livejournal. I thought by making these lists daily it would help remind of me of God's goodness and help me stay positive when things aren't so good:) Since Thursday is a day I really need to stay positive about, I decided to take my list idea and post it on here every Thursday. What are you grateful for today?]