Thankful Thursday...

I don't know if it's already a meme, but it sounds good, right? Thankful Thursday! Sounds way better than Thoughtless Thursday or Thumbsucker Thursday...how about Thistle Thursday? Yeah, that is exactly what I thought. Thankful sounds best!
My sweet grandmother, who is 84 years old and well, gave me her copy of "Streams in the Desert". Her Aunt Zeda (my great great aunt) wrote a sweet note in the front and it is dated March 13, 1946. That's my grandmother's birthday.
Anyway, I love seeing it on the bookshelves at stores even today. Her copy was made in 1945 and was in it's 24th printing! I guess there's some good stuff in this book!
It's a daily devotional book of encouragement. Filled with great verses, quotes, anecdotes...and it's meant to be read daily and is dated as such.
It has been updated and modernized many times since it's original writing (I think 1925), and you can follow it on line. The stories are no longer in the same order, but it's all good.
Todays verse is:
"Giving thanks always for all things unto God." Ephesians 5:20
Well, isn't that just perfect timing? Right when I was about to get my thankfulness on!! Mrs. Cowman goes on to say that there once was a man that drew some black dots. They looked at his work and could not make sense of it. All they saw was an irregular assemblage of black dots, but then, this same man added a few lines, put in a few rests, then a clef at the beginning, and they saw that those black dots were actually music notes. On sounding them, they were singing,
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below."
There are many black dots and spots in our lives, and we cannot understand why God permitted them to come. But if we let God come in and take lead and adjust the dots in the proper way, and draw the lines and add the rests where they need to be - He will make a glorious harmony. Why would I want to get in the way of that?
"Many men owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties." ~C.H. Spurgeon


I'm thankful for the new property that we'll be renting for our congregation. So much room to grow! Lots of classrooms and lots of parking!

I'm thankful that my kids are active and that they love being outdoors and trying new things.
This is Hannah at Lake Perris during swim camp. Her first experience kayaking.

I am thankful that my children are happy. We may not be rich in material wealth, but we certainly are blessed beyond measure!
This is Taryn at SoupPlantation. She has a beautiful smile, don't you agree?

I am thankful that all of my children love to read. I hope that it will open up their mind, that it will allow them to dream and that they will know our Heavenly Father more because of it.
This is my little Marco. He loves to "read" back to us. He's pretty good with following the pictures. Not bad for someone who's not yet 2 years old. =]

I am thankful for the simple color and beauty that surrounds me.

I am thankful that my children all enjoy being silly. We love to laugh as a family. We laugh hard. Laughter is good for the soul.

Here's Naomi making one of her famous faces. I definitely need to scrapbook all the faces this girl makes. So funny. Of course, if you ask her to do it on command - she clams up. LOL

I am thankful for a husband who is my best friend, an awesome father, a hard working provider and loving pastor. He gives so much and never asks for anything in return.
Here's Marco carrying little Marco on a Sunday afternoon.

I am thankful for so much. I am thankful that I have a blog or place that I can come to put my thoughts. Until next time....

Oh, be sure and appreciate all the black dots and scribbles in your life. Someone is writing your song!!

And the winner is...

Okay...here we are! I used a random number choosing generator ('cause I didn't want to cut up strips of paper like last time. LOL!) We had 22 comments by 6 pm and it chose #12...

#12 Happened to be...

Yea! Woo Hoo! Congratulations...this is what I will be sending you! I wanted to make some Thank You cards (so you can showsome gratitude =] ), but it's been hectic here - so PM me your snail mail addy and I will get this out to you! Great job everybody!

Gratitude Album...

My Gratitude Album is finished! You can check out a few of the pictures at my other blog Altered to Perfection.

End of November Blog Challenge and Announcement for December Challenge!...

Wow! I hope that those of you that participated in the Gratitude Blog Challenge enjoyed it as much as I did! One thing that I heard over and over from many that participated was how great it was to be constantly taking note of all of our many blessings. Even on days that were hard, we were able to find something positive for which to be thankful. Great job to all of you. If you did not get to blog everyday, don't be too hard on yourself. I will be issuing a new challenge for December - so watch for a post later today. This one will be different and I hope it will be lots of fun for you all. =]

Okay...please come and post a comment here on this post. I will close all comments on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6 pm PST. I will announce the winner on December 3rd!



Don't forget to check back later today for our new challenge!!

Today, I am thankful for...

...my big guy...which actually translates to my little guy...Marco Joseph! =] Oh, my word. He is my joy. I could just eat him up. He sure has made a difference in our house. He is all boy. He already knows how to box, but he gives the absolute best kisses. Oh! His kisses are sweet, but I almost forgot to mention that he loves butterfly kisses from his mama. When I flutter my eyelashes on his cheek, everything stops and he closes his eyes and then moves his lips over toward my eyelashes so he can feel 'em on his lips. So sweet. We can't get enough of him. I can not wait to see what the Lord has for our big guy. He is definitely a special little boy!

Blog Challenge Participants....

How about a sneek peak at the Giftaway? =]
Winner of this blog challenge will be receiving this really cool pack of paper from Me and My Big Ideas: Noel Collection and one other surprise!I hope this paper pack will inspire you to do a really cool Christmas (or winter =]) project. I got a pack for myself and will be using some of it for my Days of December album. Here are some pics that I took of my pack.

Don't forget to come and comment on my December 1 blog post to let me know that you participated. Great job everybody!

Today, I'm thankful for...

...DATES with my husband. We don't get to go out as often as we'd like to, but we always find a way to make time for each other. I have been dating my husband since January 1990. Our very first date was a trip to Sears Tower, the next one was a Valentine's Banquet. We've had many dates since then, and we're still going strong. These days we like to catch a movie, go to dinner or our favorite thing to do is browse a bookstore together with a yummy coffee or latte in hand! It doesn't matter what we do, I just know that I wouldn't want to be with anyone else!

Today, I am thankful for...

...my Hannah, my oldest child, my helper...my friend. Anyone who reads here is already familiar with her. She's an awesome cook, big sister, scrapbooker, student...I could go on!

On Thanksgiving day we found out that her puppy, Chowder, was very sick. We didn't know what it was - but we kept an eye on him all day - and got ready for a house full of people that would be arriving for Thanksgiving dinner.

It was really bad. He was getting sick all over the place. I thought maybe he ate something bad or that maybe he ate Oso's adult formula food and it was making him sick.

Through all of it, Hannah kept cleaning up after him. She did not complain at all. I felt so bad for her because I knew it was hurting her.

I finally told my husband that we needed to take him to a vet. He had to drive quite a ways away to get to the only emergency vet that was open on Thanksgiving.

The news wasn't good. Chowder would have to be put down. He had Parvo and it was bad. He talked to Hannah about it. They let her say good-bye and gave Hannah his collar and that was it.

They headed back to the house. When she got home she just fell into my arms and cried. I cried with her. What an awful feeling to have your baby feeling so sad and not being able to "fix" it. I just let her cry and I hugged her. Later, I gave her a Pug Webkinz that I had bought and was saving for Christmas. She cried more, but then hasn't let go of it.

I am so thankful to have such a mature young lady. She is beautiful, smart, loving, creative and kind. She's Hannah.

This is a picture of the Webkinz I gave her and the collar from Chowder.

Today, I am thankful for...

...my little Naomi. She is just so special. Every morning when she wakes up, she comes over to where I am and will lay her head on my lap and say, "Good morning, Mom". It is always in her sweetest sleepyhead voice and I just love it! We cuddle for a while and I just sit and hold her and we enjoy our quiet time together.

Naomi loves to sing. She loves to sing the praise and worship songs at church, the songs on the Disney channel, even the songs from my favorites. One of her recent favorites to sing is "Popular" from the Broadway Musical "Wicked". I love the way she does the faces and voices when she sings.

She can be stubborn. She doesn't like her hands to be sticky. She doesn't like wearing clothes or shoes that don't match....she's just special. =]

Recently she started "scrapbooking" on construction paper with some stickers. Now, I have a helper to sit by my side. She loves helping out and I love having her near me.

Today, I am thankful for...

...rain. We don't get much here. I am from Washington state and I don't think the amount we got would even count as rain to a Northwesterner...but hey, we take what we can get! They say it will rain off and on for the next couple of days, so we will see. I had to laugh at my two oldest girls because they got so excited that it was raining. They squeeled with delight and went to the window. You would've thought it was snowing! Anyway, it was done about as fast as it started, but it was cool while it lasted. Love the smell. The first rain on the pavement...mmmm....

Today, I am thankful for...

...27 cents!


Okay, it's not so much the 27 cents itself that I am thankful for, but for what it represents. Yesterday, my church family surprised me with a birthday celebration. Since my birthday was last Tuesday, this really caught me off guard. I received some very lovely gifts from my dear friends. The children in the nursery (toddler age) each came out and gave me a balloon. The Sunday School children brought me notes and flowers...it was overwhelming really.
It wasn't until everyone was gone and we were packing up to go home that I decided to sit down and look at my cards and read the notes the children gave me. Well, one of the notes kind of jingled when I picked it up. Hmmm... I wondered what it could be. It was a business size envelope and inside there was a note that was folded in every which way and then I saw what made the noise. A quarter and two pennies.
I was immediately moved to tears. This young man is about 6 or maybe 7 years old. He is one of the sweetest young men you will ever meet. In his note he had drawn a picture of my family and he wrote all kinds of sweet things on it. I knew that this boy had given me his all with all of his heart. As I thought about it some more today, I was immediately humbled to know this kind of love. He really had a look of joy on his face when he gave me this gift. My thoughts flew to the gifts that I've given in the past. Was I giving out of pure love or was I hoping for something in return? Did I give my all when I was able to, or did I selfishly hold back? I need to realize that I am truly blessed in many ways. I don't have to be afraid to give. God always takes care of me and my family.
With the holidays just around the corner - what will your attitude be? Will you give it all? Will you trust and not be afraid to let go? This is not just about money and material things. Will you trust yourself to open your heart to your friends and loved ones? Will you give them another chance that maybe, they don't deserve? Will you step out of your comfort zone and witness to someone if the opportunity arises? Give freely. Material things, time, your friendship... don't hold back. You won't regret it.

Philippians 4: 19 ~ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Today, I am thankful for...

...my blog readers! Yes, that's YOU! I started this blog so that I would have an outlet when I wanted to just "write" or share pictures or share my feelings...I didn't care whether anyone commented or read...I just needed this place to "be".
Now that I have had it for a while, I can honestly say that I do love the comments and I am interested in my readers feedback.
It is my hope that you come here to know me more. =] So, please - leave a comment and make sure that you have your name with it! I often have an anonymous commenter that lets us know that they love us or miss us...but I don't know who you are. =[
Have a great evening...be grateful...we all have so much. God bless you!

Today, I am thankful for...

...rest! I really can not believe that I am writing a gratitude post for this, but here I am. Exhausted. Feeling worn out and ready for bed! I know that sleep will be sweet. Yes, the Midnite Scrapper does have some times when she just can't make it past 9 p.m. LOL Tonight is one of those nights.

I am thankful that I have a place to lay my head at night where I feel safe and loved. Good night!

Today, I am thankful for...

...my friend Vicki!

Vicki is one of those people that I just love to be around. We have gotten to the point in our friendship that we can just be ourselves. There is no pressure to try to be something we're not. There's no reason not to be honest and open with each other.

People are always amazed when they hear that this tiny, beautiful woman is the mother of 7 wonderful children...and she's a grandmother!

Vicki was Hannah and Taryn's kindergarten teacher and for that, I will always be grateful. She taught them more than how to read and write. She helped to instill character traits in them that I probably could not have done alone.

At a time when many of my other friends doubted me and the decisions that my husband and I made for our family, Vicki did not. She stuck with me through it all.

We have laughed, cried and prayed together....I just love that lady!

Not only is Vicki one of my dearest friends, but she also does my hair. She has been doing my hair for at least 6 years or more. I never know what I am going to walk away with because I always leave it up to her. Yes, I trust her that much!

This is my most recent cut and color...Thanks, Vicki!

Today, I am thankful for...

...my siblings! I am the oldest of 5 and I have 3 sisters and 1 brother. I am here in Cali, 2 sisters are in Washington (different cities), 1 sister is in New Mexico and my brother is in Michigan.
I feel like we have gotten closer in our relationship, but we are farther apart in distance. Not only do I love my siblings, but I also love their families. My SIL Kim is like one of the sisters, as far as I'm concerned. My BIL Miguel is someone who is a wonderful father and husband. I haven't had a chance to really get to know P.J. or Clint, but I know they are great guys. Don't even get me started on my nieces and nephews. They are all adorable and very smart. =]
Recently, my siblings and I have started a photo blog. None of us are professional photographers, we don't even have a fancy camera in the whole lot of us, but we thought it'd be cool to share a picture a week with each other and the blogging world. We post a new set every Friday. Check us out by clicking here. QUINTESSENTIAL
Love you guys!!


My sister-in-law and friend...Kim

Pink: Esther Yellow: Deborah White: Tabitha
Red Tie: Ondray Printed Shirt: Me =]

Allexia (Ondray and Kim's) Logan (Ondray and Kim's)
Abby (Esther's) Lucas(Ondray and Kim's) Naomi (mine)

Today, I am thankful for...

...my camera. It's not anything fancy, but I just love it. I have always enjoyed taking pictures. My dad was in the army when I was growing up and we moved all.the.time. I hated to leave my friends, but at least I could take pictures with me.
Today, I use my camera to capture moments that I want to remember of my children, my family, and everyday inspiration.
One day, I may even take some classes or learn what all the settings are on my camera. LOL Until then, I will just let my family and friends think that I am the paparazzi! =]

Today, I am thankful for...

...another day of life. I am heading toward 40 and I don't seem to be slowing down. That's a good thing, right?

These pictures were taken tonight as we celebrated my birthday together. These people are my life.

My youngest...my big guy...

My three silly girls...I could cry just thinking of how they've made me a better person.

My heart...the love of my life.

Today, I am thankful for...

...Philippians 4:6-7

6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I will miss you, Sally. I will never understand why you had to leave us all so unexpectedly. You have taught me that life is not to be lived for ourselves, but real joy is in living for others. You taught me that family is first, that my children are my ministry and that serving the Lord can be fun! Today was a day that I will never forget - I will miss you always.

Today, I am thankful for...

...our bountiful blessings. We have so much. We are truly blessed.
With thanksgiving around the corner, some people may want to start or share this tradition or way of remembering how truly blessed we are.
At each table setting, place 5 kernels of corn. Then share this story with your guests once they are seated at the table.

On November 11, 1620, the Mayflower dropped anchor in a natural harbor on the inside of the northern tip of Cape Cod. There it stayed. The location was not the Pilgrims’ first choice; they had planned to settle near the mouth of the Hudson.
The area where the ship made landfall had belonged to the Patuxets, a fierce tribe that took intense delight in murdering anyone who would dare invade their territory. A sickness, however, had wiped them out, leaving their land free for the taking. (Other Indians, fearing “bad spirits,” would have no part of it.) The Pilgrims didn’t even have to clear fields for planting. They were alread there for them.
The nearest neighbors were the Wampanoags, a civilized tribe ruled by Massasoit. The chief and his people accepted the Pilgrims and helped them. Squanto, a lone survivor of the Patuxets, made his home with this new inhabitants and taught them how to survive in this new and challenging land.
Although the bounty of the summer of 1621 brought a time of heartfelt gratitude (the first Thanskgiving), the Pilgrims’ obligation to repay the backers who had financed their voyage left them dangerously close to starvation. Food stores had all but disappeared.
At one point, a daily ration of food for a Pilgrim was 5 kernels of corn. With a simple faith that God would sustain them, no matter what, they pulled through. History records that not a single one of them died from starvation that winter. Not a one.
The harvest of 1623 brought a surplus of corn, so much that the Pilgrims were able to help out the Indians for a change. So joyous were they that they celebrated a second Day of Thanksgiving and again invited Massasoit to be their guest.
He came, bringing with him his wife, several other chiefs and 120 braves. All sat down to a feast of 12 venison, 6 goats, 50 hogs and pigs, numerous turkeys, vegtables, grapes, nuts, plums, puddings and pies. But, lest anyone forget, all were given their first course on an empty plate.
They were each given 5 kernels of corn.

I am thankful that I have so much. I pray that I will always desire to help others the way we have been helped.

Today, I am thankful for...

The Walkers...Naomi, Junko, and Raena

My dear friend Michelle

Super-Awesome friend Desiree

Crazy friends Cindy, Danielle and Michelle

...friends. Old and new. Near and far. It's late and I will come back to this, but I did not want to miss my daily post. I will add to this tomorrow, but for now - know that I am thankful for YOU!

So...I am adding to this post. I was able to spend some time with some friends this Saturday that I had not seen in about 2 years. It was a time of healing and happiness.

I spent time with a friend and we talked about death and life and she spoiled my babies and made me laugh. Thank you, Desiree!

I got news that someone far away, that I've never met, generously gifted something to me...I am awed and humbled. Thank you, Lee!

On Wednesday I was filled with confused feelings, sadness, happiness, conviction and YOU felt it. Thank you, Miriam!

Today, I spent the day at church and was with some of my best friends in this world. We sang, laughed, taught, cried and prayed together. Thank you, Lorany!

We have a new family at our church and I really enjoyed getting to know them a bit more today.

Tomorrow, I will be going to the funeral service of a dear friend of mine. I did not get a chance to say bye to you, Sally. I will miss you and your beautiful spirit.

Friends are definitely a gift. I have learned so much about friendship with each year of life. I know that I can love someone and care about them and it not be returned. I know that I will be real and I may not always be understood. I know that I can put down my guard and trust. I know that sometimes, taking the chance of maybe being rejected means that you also just might be accepted. ...and that is good.