"There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than . . .

. . . trying to explain them to an inquisitive child." -Frank A. Clark
I'm thankful for:

1. Thomas eczema looking a little better after his bath today
   
2. visiting Fellowship of Grace for the first time in a long time
   
3. catching up with our "old" church family
   
4. these little "pep talks" I've been giving to myself lately to help me not get angry at the kids
   
5. taking time to read for a few minutes after getting home from church
   
6. Thomas eating real food and loving it more!
   
7. sparkling clean and polished counters
   
8. Christian counting to 100 at dinner
   
9. hearing the kids make each other laugh
   
10. our college ministry - they are such a blessing to us!
    

". . . someone in a relationship needs to consider the family as . . .

. . . a career, a project, serious enough to be willing to be the one to 'scramble up over jagged rocks to feed the birds, so that they won't become extinct'". -Edith Schaeffer in What is a Family
I'm thankful for:

1. perspective of my job being to champion our family
   
2. finally making the move and buying paint for the kid's bathroom
   
3. managing taping off and painting part of the kid's bathroom between naps and snack time until Jeff came home when I could finish it
   
4. Christian being able to see his friend Tyler today
   
5. my friend D' and she celebrates her birthday today
   
6. the paint in the bathroom looks good! (albeit a little brighter than I was looking for)
7. keeping my cool for a few days in a row
8. Thomas trying so hard to keep up with the kids
9. Thomas desiring to eat real food
10. Christian and Clara treating each other with more love and respect (likely reflective of Mom's better behavior this week)
    

Be kind and compassionate to one another . . .

. . . forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I'm thankful for:

1. the book of Ephesians helping me to refocus
   
2. not being grumpy in spite of little sleep
3. little pep talks helping me to keep my cool
   
4. another good day without losing my temper
5. Clara taking a good nap since she did not sleep much last night
   
6. Clara's croupy cough gone this morning
   
7. a good talk with Josh giving perspective and encouragement
   
8. Thomas pulling up now on everything and taking it like a champ when he falls down
   
9. Christian working so hard at learning how to read and wanting me to read books to him all day
   
10. Christian's prayer tonight for me to play with him. A wake-up call to double check my priorities.
    

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

-Ephesians 4:7
I'm thankful for:

1. Jeff helping with Clara in the middle of the night last night
   
2. being so productively clean this week
   
3. the kids behaving nicely
   
4. me behaving nicely and not getting upset so easily
   
5. being more patient with Christian during his reading time
   
6. a miraculous day without any mommy meltdowns and the kids behavior reflecting how nice mommy was
   
7. getting new books at the library
   
8. taking the kids to McDonald's, which I almost never do. They, of course, had a blast!
   
9. Thomas enjoying bath with the older kids now so much
   
10. feeling some nice harmony in my life today and the hope it gives me that one day it could stay this way
    

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:31-32
I'm thankful for:

1. God's word to help guide me along the path of righteousness
   
2. recommendation from a friend on the book What is a Family by Edith Schaeffer. I'm only 1 chapter in, but it's got my attention.
   
3. Thomas looked right at me and said "Mama"! (and not just once, either!)
   
4. Christian's incessant questions. It can be a little overwhelming the constant barrage of questions, but I love how his mind works!
   
5. Thomas wanting to join in on the fun of wrestling with Daddy and kids
   
6. Jeff's ability to help me see what I'm missing sometimes
   
7. getting some things put up around the house. 6 months after the move and we're finally starting to move in
   
8. great friends - that is an area I am truly blessed!
   
9. Thomas falling asleep without me holding him tonight. It wasn't easy, but he did it this time!
   
10. my new daytimer because I AM getting more accomplished!
    

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2
I'm thankful for:

1. another productive day
   
2. better mental stability this week
   
3. handling melt-downs and disobedience with better love and kindness
   
4. Jeff being home this week - maybe that's why I'm handling life better
   
5. having the Hahne kids over - what fun for the kids!
   
6. being able to be a confidant to a friend
   
7. a nice dinner with Taun
   
8. enjoying time out with adult conversation and a break away from screaming kids
   
9. a great start to the week
10. Thomas eating and sleeping well for Jeff tonight

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

. . . so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. -Ephesians 3:16-17a
I'm thankful for:

1. a good trip to the store with the kids
   
2. getting the kids a treat (donut) just because and being able to relate that to God's grace
3. the opportunity to share my faith and answer tough questions with a friend
4. being able to encourage my dear friend
   
5. a very productive morning
6. getting Thomas to sleep. Unfortunately his skin and sleep are returning back to the way things were, but I'm blessed to have had 10 days of a miraculous change. It gives me hope.
   
7. a sparkling clean bathroom - now how can I find the balance between having a clean house and spending time with my kids?
   
8. hot chocolate and marshmallows for the kids in the middle of the summer
9. being able to see how a friend worked hard towards running a half marathon, training in 3 months, and the joy she had in her accomplishment!
10. our new couch came! Sounds materialistic, I know, but our house is slowly becoming our home.