Thankful Thursday

1. Paul's dissertation defense is tomorrow at 11am. Thank goodness. I am soooooo ready for my hubby to not be stressed out any more. He's normally a very laid back guy. The end is truly in sight! I have a "honey do" list that has been on hold for four months, and now Paul can start tackling some of that list (ex. hang the wooden letters that spell Oliver's name on his wall).

2. Paul's parents came up last Saturday. On their way here they stopped at a consignment shop to pick up a gift certificate for me because the store was selling all of them for 50% off. I am planning to use it on Monday. They went out of their way a few minutes, and that saved me $25. While they were here I went to a different consignment shop (the one closest to our home) and got some clothes for Oliver. Since everything was on sale 40% off I spent less than $8 total for two (2 piece) outfits, a sleeper, a sweatshirt, and a pair of pants. Paul's dad also assembled a bookcase for Oliver's bedroom. I greatly appreciated their help, and the kids enjoyed spending time with them as always.

3. I was surprised when I got the mail yesterday to receive two cards in the mail. Before I opened them I admit I was puzzled as I couldn't think of any occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) that would warrant me receiving a card in January. One was from my colleagues at work - basically a "best wishes" type card regarding me staying home with the kids. I was touched that they each took time to sign it and write little messages in the card. Although I definitely want to be a SAHM, I admit I still feel some anxiety about the decision. After having a job for 20 years it feels "unsecure" to not have one, especially as I have been the primary (and at times exclsuive) breadwinner over the 11.5 years we've been married. The other card was from someone at church saying that she is praying for our family. These cards meant so much to me that I have decided to add another goal to my list for 2013. I want to send at least one card a month, and I'm not talking about birthday cards or Christmas cards or Valentine's Day cards. Cards can be such a big encouragement to others.

4. I joined a small group Bible study at someone's house who lives very close to us on Sunday nights at 6pm. The first session was this past Sunday. Since I am teaching Sunday School, it is nice to be in a study where I'm supposed to be learning rather than teaching. We're doing a study by the President of World Vision called "The Hole in our Gospel." I brought Oliver with me to the study so that I could nurse him. One of Nadia's friends was there (she's 2 years older than Nadia) so maybe I'll also bring Nadia next Sunday.

5. I'm really looking forward to our vacation in Florida. I'm thankful it cost less than $100 total for four airline tickets plus renting a car for 9 days.

6. I'm playing my flute at church on Sunday (with the choir). I am so thankful I still get to play my flute from time to time.

7. I'm really enjoying reading chapter books to the kids at lunch. In the past two weeks I finished reading them Socks and then read (in their entirety) The Courage of Sarah Noble, Ramona the Pest, and The Hundred Dresses. Yesterday I started reading Ramona the Brave.

8. I weighed myself this morning for the first time in 16 days, and I have lost 2 pounds so far this month. I have been trying to cut back on how much I eat lately. I attribute the weight loss to that. If I lose one pound a week, I'll achieve my goal before we leave for Florida. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!

9. The kids and I met my friend Cheri at a church this afternoon. They recently built a coffee house that has a playland - a really nice one (even bigger than the one at McD's). The kids loved it. I'm sure we'll be going back! I hadn't seen her for 3 months. Aside from Paul I rarely have a conversation with an adult most days. Whenever we move, I want to make a BIG effort to establishing at least one new friendship. Being a SAHM is lonely in terms of adult interaction. For that reason I was wanting to join the ladies Bible study that is starting in a couple of weeks, but I'm not ready to add a third morning that we need to be out the door by 8:30am. If we don't move between now and then, I'll rejoin the ladies Bible study in the fall.

10. Nadia's progress with reading pleases me! I need to try out my new video camera. I've still been using my point and shoot camera for videos.