AoG17

A little late but here is Wednesday's gratitude list...

1) Aiva got dressed so nicely today. Normally she ha all kinds of comments about what I pick out for her. Wednesday she actually put on and made no comments about her attire!
2) I finally got all of my stuff put together for my little presentation that I did today...you'll hear more later on that! I actually felt like I was doing something big!
3) Nate had dinner cooking and almost ready when I came home yesterday. He's a hard working mama...I mean man!
4) The girls had gymnastics as well. They both love jumping on the trampoline. Hearing them giggle made me laugh.
5) When we got home, Aiva jumped on her bike, Ana got in the wagon, we got the dog and we took a nice long walk. It was very refreshing to be out and about with my lovies!

Stay tuned for what happens today...

AoG16

1) We went to the ENT and found out that Aiva needed tubes. I'm so happy that it's nothing more than that. Praise God!
2) Tree of Life Athletic Dept sent the church staff and edible arrangement and it was amazing. You almost hate to eat it! The strawberries were the best I've ever had!
3) Those two vanilla cream donuts were amazing. I cheated...but it felt so good!
4) Got the girls closets flipped for summer. That was a huge undertaking!
5) The Biggest Loser is on...I need some encouragement. It's been a rough day!

Do you ever have "just got'a have it" days? Today was one of those!

AoG15

1) Curling Aiva's hair for preschool...it was a fun spontaneous thing we did that she hated but I really enjoyed! Makes me realize why my mom loved playing with my hair so much.
2) Tribal relations:)Makes my days so much happier!
3) My great friend Mandy! Thanks for your journal idea...I can't wait to do it! Plus, thanks for being a friend that's real and encouraging. I hope I can be the same for you.
4) Jammin in the car with the girls. They just got this new kids CD and love to dance to it. I love I can dance with them! Seeing Ana do the "robot" is classic!
5) Watching Aiva ride her new bike. We went to the square in Sunbury so she can ride and as I walked behind her I had a flash back to when I first got my bike with training wheels. Makes me feel old but makes me happy that I will be apart of her memories of her first bike.

I've felt this before but I'm really feeling it now - I so appreciate my mom. In being mom to Aiva and Ana I feel so protective and guarded of their every move. Thanks for loving me like that mom and showing me how to love like that.

AoG14

1) I "taught" in Ana's class today. It was so much fun to see the 2's interact with each other. Makes me laugh!
2) I saw a very dear family friend at Bob Evans after church. Their daughter and I were the same age and in the same youth group. It was so much fun to catch up.
3) I got a good work out in after lunch. I felt like I was going to puke but I sweated like a pig!
4) There was an older gentleman at the gym who commented on my "Columbus Jets" shirt. He said that when he was young he went all the time to Jets games and that I made his day by bringing back some memories for him. I love being a "firefly"!
5) We're going to get Aiva a bike today...watch out world...she's gonna have wheels!

AoG13

Yesterday and today I went to Women of Faith in downtown Columbus and it was pretty cool. Not as cool as years past but it was still pretty fun and very encouraging. Here's my attitude of gratitude list...

1) Tribal relations : )
2) Nate, the girls and I went to Hoff Park and had lunch. It was such a great day to be at the park. I wish I could stay there instead of going back to work.
3) I finish typing my benevolence project at work. All I have to do is spell check and it's ready to use!
4) I have an amazing husband who let me go to WOF while he watched the girls.
5) I was able to leave work on time and get a great parking space. That was half my worry right there!
6) I got the new Mandisa CD : )
7) I heard Mandisa sing Shackles...talk about exciting. You couldn't help but move your grove-thang!
8) Heard Steven Curtis Chapman sing in public for the first time. I'm amazed at his faith!
9) Heard my favorite Patsy Clairmont...I've heard her speak 9 times now!
10) Talked and got Patsy Clairmont's autograph! That's a story in itself!

These are the highlights of the past two days. I have much to be thankful for...One of which is laying her head on my arm as I type. Gotta get back to her. It's a GRAND NEW DAY! Be sure you have one tomorrow!

AoG12

1) I got to drive the good car today!
2) I got a lot done with my benevolence project at work.
3) The sun shining was amazing...puts a spring in your step and a smile on your face!
4) Frozen yogurt :o)
5) Dave Ramsey's Town Hall Meeting

Happiness

Today a kid (man) came in to church that Nate and I had in youth group and I jumped up and had to give him a big hug. I found out on facebook the other day that he's engaged. I was so happy for him that I was bursting at the seams! He's in the military and went away to Iraq last year and is just a super kid. Nate and I had such a great experience helping out in the youth group and we're so proud of the kids that were in school at the time. One of them we had in our wedding and he is now married and happy and now here's another one that is successful and doing great. I'm just so happy that we had a hand in their success not only in life but also spiritually. I am so proud of these student that they have grown to be great men and women of God. I pray that God blesses their marriage and that they're truly happy! Congrats BJ & Emily!

AoG11

What has happened to this week? It has gone by so fast. Not that I'm complaining but I can hardly believe that it's May. Here's the top 5 for yesterday:

1) First thing's first...Nate was a huge help to me yesterday. I had errands that I had yet to run so I sent him on a mission. He had to get a leotard for Aiva's gymnastics and invitations for a baby shower I'm doing. He passed with flying colors!
2) Not only number one but he got dinner started for me while I was coming home. We only had so long to eat until we had to be at gymnastics so we didn't have a moment to spare!
3) I got in a good work out at the gym at lunch. I really hate working out during the day but I have to fit it in somewhere. I'm just glad I can fit it in!
4) Ana started gymnastics too for the first time. She was a champ...it was like she's done it before.
5) Nate and I had a relaxing evening - we got a movie and a couple treats and just relaxed. I love movies...and Nate!

What's your top 5?

AoG10

So I'm a little behind with my Attitude of Gratitude list. Things have been crazy and even though I have much to be thankful for I just haven't had a chance to blog. Yikes! Here's a list...I promise there won't be 20...well, it depends on how many roll off my tongue. Here goes!

1) Angel Food Ministries! Click here for more info. This is our second time getting food with them and we've been really impressed. Plus, we're saving a ton of money!
2) Swimming :) I took the girls to the pool on Saturday and we had so much fun. I've always let the girls swim by themselves and this time I decided to join in on the fun. I'm glad I did.
3) How I felt after swimming - I love that feeling of being totally exhausted after swimming. It's like you get a special OK from the swim gods to go to bed early or to take an extra long nap. Even the girls got some action - or lack thereof!
4) The sight of Ana's chubby legs in a bathing suit. I could just eat that girl up!
5) When we got to church, there was an opportunity to name the church hamsters. Aiva told me that she wanted to name them, Dora & Deigo. Cracked me up!
6) Eating Aunt Annie's Pretzels at Easton with my two girls. It was a surreal moment - One that I can see recalling once they're older.
7) Nate let me go work out on Sunday night. I had a very good workout - I'm glad I have a good husband that let's me take breaks for me.
8) On Monday, Aiva got to take her Tinkerbell umbrella to school. She LOVES carrying that umbrella.
9) I talked to a dad of a boy that's in Aiva's class and he said that his son asked if Aiva lived at the top of the steps at school. He said that every time they leave, all the kids go out the door but Aiva goes up the steps. He doesn't know that I work up there!
10) Nate and I worked out on Monday night and he worked me out HARD! He had me lifting some weights which felt good at the time but today not so much!
11) Aunt Kay gave the girls a TON of clothes from a client of hers. I'm not kidding...more than 30 bathing suits! NO JOKE!
12) Aiva had a hearing test today and she was so good. She acted very grown up. We have to see another doctor but she was a really champ!
13) Jennifer - my co-worker. I'm glad that I met her. She's very genuine!
14) Nate - I'm glad that he's on disability and he's able and WILLING to watch the kids. Not many guys would do what he does. Thank you God for blessing our family!
15) A nap when I got home from work. The girls had a late nap so I got to take a little one too. No zumba tonight...I need a day of rest after yesterday!
16) Biggest Loser. I love this show - keeps me motivated and encouraged! Speaking of...I gotta go. It's almost time!!

Hope you've had a great week! Keep up YOUR Attitude of Gratitude! You'll notice a difference after you do it! I promise!

AoG9

These are for Friday:

1) It's Friday :)
2) It's Grandparents Day at school for Aiva. My mom and dad came to see her and her class perform. She looked so cute. My baby's growing up!
3) We went to Innis Woods for lunch. The girls had a ball!
4) I got my meal plan together for the up coming week. That was a project!
5) We went to "Dairy Queen" in Sunbury. It was a fun little walk for the girls.

Stay tuned for what happens Saturday!

AoG8

1) Not only did I get to take the good car today but the door was also unlocked when I got there. Double bonus!
2) We're finally getting Nate insurance! It's been an ongoing battle because of his accident but we finally found a company to take him!
3) I fit into some jeans & pants that I haven't been into in a while. Yeah!
4) Got paid! Gotta love pay day!
5) Great workout tonight at the gym! I made Nate do the elliptical with me tonight. He now knows what a great workout it is!

Anyone excited for FRIDAY??!!

AoG7

1) My taxes are finally done!
2) Nate and Aiva went to the gym when I got home from work...Ana and I had some peace and quiet!
3) I got Chinese for lunch...happy treat for me!
4) I got to drive the CRV to work today!
5) I stayed the same weight as last week. YEAH! I'm glad that Easter didn't throw things off!

AoG6

1) Nate had a great doctor's appointment - we got a lot of questions answered and we're ready to start another game plan!
2) Tribal relations- yeah God!
3) Zumba!
4) We registered my big girl for Kindergarten!
5) Biggest Loser : )

Shots

Today both of my girls had to get their immunization shots today. This part of my day lacked any kind of attitude of gratitude! I felt truly sorry for what I was going to do to both of them. I had to talk to the doctor about Aiva not being able to hear well so he took care of that and he cleaned out Ana's ears (she LOVED that - yeah right!) and then it was time. Two nurses came in and I knew one was to hold half of them down and the other was to do the dirty work. They asked if Nate or I could take the top half and then the torture began. Poor Aiva was a good sport until she heard the word "SHOT". After that it was down hill. "Jesus...Jesus...why are they doing this to me...JESUS...JJJEEESSSSUUUSSSSS!@!@!!!@!" All I could do was hold Ana and cover her ears and try to hold back my tears (which I was unsuccessful). After it was over I knew we were down one and one to go. I was so ready for a nap at this point! I comforted Aiva and Nate took Ana and she then knew it was her turn. She cried HUGE crocodile tears and called for her mama. She couldn't understand why I was letting them do this to her. At this point I started to cry big crocodile tears (along with Nate!) and torture session part 2 started. This time it came from Ana's mouth, "Jesus help me - PLEASE JESUS HELP ME - JJJJEEESSSUUUUSSSSS.....JJJEEESSSUUUUSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!" Nate had a hard time holding the top half and the nurse leaded around and said that she was very strong for a 2 year old. I didn't know if I should yell for Ana to keep kicking or to settle down. Finally, it all stopped and with red and wet faces we all walked out. Thank God we only have to do this one time a year. My parents thought the whole thing was hilarious and are now calling my kids "Holy Rollers". Thanks guys!

AoG5

Monday's are hard aren't they? Especially after a big holiday! Here are my top 5 for today:

1) I didn't have to shower today b/c I did my hair straight yesterday = I got to sleep in. Thanks God for Bath & Body Spray! : )
2) The door was unlocked at work when I got there. I know this one is so lame but it makes a big difference when you're hands are full with a 5 year old in the morning when coming into work.
3) Aiva's been into Audio A recently and when we got to church she was singing "Big House" along with the CD in my office. Mark Stier just kind of chuckled at her!
4) My new laptop came in today at work! Yeah!
5) Peanut M&M's - need I say more?!?

AoG4

Today is Easter so there's much to be thankful for...here are a few for the day:
1) The first thing Aiva asked when she got in the car from church was "Dad, were we the prettiest at church today?" Of course the answer was YES! They had matching pink dresses with jewelry, purses and headbands/hats! Pretty princesses!
2) We had dinner at mom and dad's today. My cousin was there who I've recently seen more of en. He continues to grow closer to Christ every day. He said the book that really changed his life was "Purpose Driven Life". I'm just so amazed and in awe of his change and thank God for it.
3) Nate and I danced in mom's kitchen after dinner. It was a sweet little moment but the feel of him in my arms at that moment made me love him so much.
4) My mom got me a hyacinth for Easter and the smell that it gives off makes me drift off to another place. It's amazing!
5) When we got home from my parents, both girls were asleep. Nate told Aiva to be quiet while getting her out of the car and when she got up to her room, she asked, "Why do I need to be quiet?" and I whispered in her ear, "Because it's time to drift off to sleep." and she answered, "Oh...OK". It was a really precious moment!

God, thank you so much for such a great day. You knew it was going to be a good one and I thank you for blessing my family.

I pray that you were blessed on this beautiful Easter day!

AoG3

Today I have to play catch up from yesterday so I'm going to throw out 10 things that I'm thankful for in the past two days. It's been a busy day so here it goes:

1) Tribal Relations :) Things are better - gotta rely on God
2) I was able to walk three miles during lunch! I really wanted to work out but I didn't want to go back all sweaty!
3) I had to do slides for Lorien for this coming Easter Sunday and I think they look pretty good :)
4) We had Subway for dinner - gotta love Subway - so much better for you than pizza!
5) Nate and I picked up two movies from the red box and they were actually good picks. The first was "Yes Man" and the second was "Mad Money".
6) We went to church this morning for the "retelling" of the last days of Jesus.
7) During the church activity, Aiva pulled on my shirt and said "Mom, this is the best!" - It warmed my heart!
8) Painting at Color your World today with the girls. They had so much fun and for an hour I didn't think about how much I was spending. Just seeing their faces and loving what they were doing just made me smile.
9) While we were at Easton, all Aiva and Ana wanted to do was go up and down the escalator. I'm sure people were looking at us strangely b/c we went up and down several times. The things you do for kids!
10) Singing for bed time "This Little Light of Mine" as the girls waived their glow sticks in the air.

AoG2

Today is day two for my attitude of gratitude. Here's my five for today:

1) The weather was AWESOME today - made me want to take the day off and enjoy!
2) I got my hair cut - I love my hair stylist. She's the best!
3) Tribal relations - I know this makes no sense to others but makes total sense to me.
4) Going to Hoff Park with the family - I love to see my kids play with each other!
5) Gotta love CiCi's pizza...we couldn't stay to play games but we still had a good time!

AoG1

I was cleaning out Aiva's backpack the other day when I came across a journal that I used to keep a few years back. It was a gratitude journal that I used to write down each day things that I was thankful for. I remember at the time that it was helpful for me to reflect each day and see what good things happened even though we as humans look so much to the negative. Call it inspiration or whatever you'd like but I think I'm going to pick it back up starting now! No better time like the present. Here it goes...my top 5 things I'm thankful for today:

1) The beautiful sunshine today - even though it was still a bit chilly the sun warmed my soul as I went out to get the mail at church.
2) Seeing Aiva in the hat my mom got her - it's black and pick stripped. She looks so dag on cute!
3) Going out to lunch with my family. Ana acted so cute. I love it when people watch and enjoy my kids.
4) When Aiva said "Momma, I really like your dinner. You did a fine job."
5) Aiva & I walking to Kroger as Nate and Ana raced us in the car. They beat us but I loved the feel of her hand in mine.

Think about what you're thankful for and reflect on it - focus on the good and not the bad.