Thanks 120/365

Thank You, Jesus, for living in the country we do with good medical care. Thank you for Chris' job that allows us to easily pay for medical care (and thank you for the hard times when that was not the case, so that we know to be grateful now). Thank you for kids doctors and x-ray technicians who make my little girl feel comfortable and okay with treatment. Thank you that You have given Abigail so much strength that she can have two broken bones in her arm and still walk to the park without complaining. Continue to give her that strength into her adulthood so she would me equipped to take on the bigger trails that lay ahead. Give her so much strength that she is able to be a rock for others when they are hurting. Thank you for making her so compassionate and strong.

Thank You, also, for Isaac who will step up and be a man when he needs to be. Thank You that he really does love his sister and try to take care of her when it really matters. Thank You, Lord, that he will wait in the room at urgent care for hours, try to make his sister laugh, give her a hug when she is hurting, and help hold up her arm when they were casting it today.

Please help me to remember these things when they bicker. Help me to see past surface fights to the deep core...that you are shaping them into kind, devoted, strong, loving individuals that truly care for each other. Thank You, God, for them!

Thanks 119/365

I am happy to connect with a friend who I can be real with. I realize that when I am struggling with things in my heart, my tendancy if to pull away from all people and just lean in to the Lord and kind of huddle in a bubble with just God. I go though the motions with all the busy things I need to get done, but (because I wear my heart on my sleeve) I want to isolate myself from people so I don't have to talk about anything. Anyway, I am thankful for a walk with Beth and all our kids and talk about life. I am also grateful that Abigail was such a tank after falling from her scooter. It was a bonus to have Johnny over in the evening to make a really cool Stikbot movie with Isaac.

Thanks 118/365

It's really cool to go into our yearly physical and have our doctor comment about how much she enjoys seeing our marriage. She said that we are always happy and sees a genuine connection. When she asked what our secret was, without hesitation we answered, "The Lord and His grace." It the times that it is hard, we turned to Him and trusted He would give us the strength to make things great.  In the worst times, we go "all in" with the help of the Holy Spirit.

I am also thankful that Isaac is feeling better. I am happy that I got to go see Case for Christ while Daddy took Abigail to the carnival. Chris was super excited that he won his silent auction bid (that scored him dry cleaning, hair cuts from Sports Clips, a phone case and a restaurant gift card). He got to visit with a lot of parents and Abigail ran around with her friends.

...Chris is happy that his test results from his physical came back "stellar." It's hard to stay healthy, so he is happy to see his hard work, discipline, and self control pays off.

Thanks 117/365

I am thankful to have taught my very last Art Literacy lesson for the 5th grade. It seems like forever ago that I brought in touch and feel books to Isaac's kindergarten class to help them understand the difference between actual and implied texture. Now I am preparing the kids for what they will expect for Art Lit in middle school. I love teaching! It was really affirming for Mrs. Krueger to approach me and enthusiastically express the fact that I am a gifted teacher that should really be teaching full time. I thanked her and told her that I love it.

Thanks 116/365

I am thankful for the money to have pictures taken of all my moles at OHSU.

I am thankful for a pretty view of the city.

I am thankful for a good laugh in the bathroom...right when I needed it.

I am thankful they found my wedding ring at OHSU and I was able to to back and get it.

I am thankful to be able to pray for the really sad and hurting people there at OHSU.

Thanks 115/365

I am so grateful to be able to be available to take care of my son when he is sick. I am also incredibly grateful that we can have deep, meaningful conversations. We talked so much about guarding ourselves in a world that wants to push ideas that say sin is okay and mock you for obtaining from things. We talked about how we will do our best to protect him (and his sister) as much as we can, but they will still have to put themselves out of harms way when they are beyond our guard. If that means running from a friend who is trying to show you something bad on his phone, not listening to certain songs, or getting teased for not kissing someone, it is worth it. We discussed this age (especially with the hormones that will be shaking these kids up too), is very emotional and impressionable. Though it is harder, we are never a slave to our emotions. God is our strength and the Spirit our Helper to make the right choices even when we "feel" something else. That will help them to say no to a cigaret or too much unhealthy food, obtain from things they may be tempted to do or view, choose to be kind when they want so much to say something mean in their anger, or even be willing to forgo something that will fill their mind negatively. I reminded him that, even as adults, Daddy and I flee things that are tempting and set our boundaries to protect us in accordance with what God desires. From turning off certain movies and skipping dessert to not entertaining close relationships with others (yes, even admitting that I still find other men attractive visually or in personality, but I stay away from them on purpose) so as to protect my heart and guard our marriage. We even talked about the emotions that may, in moments, make you feel like you just don't want to live anymore. Big talks! In all this, remembering that we are not a slave to our feelings and that we are to take every thought captive to Christ. It was a rich, rich discussion.

Thanks 114/365

I am so grateful to serve a God who is God and remember that I am not. I hold dear the truth that nothing can happen to me without His sovereign control. I rest in the fact that He will never leave me or forsake me. I remember that I am to consider trials a joy because God uses them to grow and refine me. I am humbled and encouraged when I dwell on the fact that this life is a breath, a vapor, here and gone in a instant. It drives me to refocus on what matters and be mindful that I am not here for myself but to serve and glorify the One who made me and sent His Son to die on the cross for me. I muster up courage and hope, knowing that I am not alone because the Holy Spirit of God is in me, strengthening me and making me more like Jesus. I am so thankful that there is more to this life than living and dying and just trying it to make it through the day. I am so grateful for each day I have on this earth, but I know that eternity with the Lord will be so much better than I can begin to fathom.

I live in these truths. I battle fear. I am comforted by God and try to surrender all my anxieties to Him. I want to live each day with joy as if it were my last day on earth, but fight the battle to preserve my days as far as it depends on me. I know, without a doubt, that God has numbered my days. I can do nothing to add or subtract from them. That is where I sit. On the fulcrum of that truth wondering which direction to lean. Do I lean one way and diligently take advantage of all the knowledge and heath care offered to me by investing my time and money in that? Do I lean the other way and throw caution to the wind, doing all the things I long desperately to do before He takes me home to Heaven? I don't know. I sit here and teeter. I want His will for me and long for His direction, so I sit, rocking back and forth in anticipation of an answer.

I had stage 1 melanoma in the fall of 2015. I continue to get regular skin checks and do all that the doctors suggest. Skin checks won't save me. I know that. In fact, the mole that could have taken my life looked "totally normal," according to the doctor (and he only biopsied it because it had been a bit flakey a week or so before my appointment. He would never have considered removing it had I not mentioned that fact). Now, the specialist wants me to get full body pictures to "map" my moles to monitor any changes. Humility at its finest! The last thing a 37 year old mother of two wants is full body images that will expose her to the very last detail. Do I do it to be safe or throw caution to the wind, knowing my days are numbered? The dermatologist told me that my chances are heightened to have melanoma in my eyes because she sees some speckles and wants further testing at an eye doctor. God has my days numbered; do I spend the money and the time? Do I hear the potential bad news or live in ignorant bliss? (As a side note, Chris spoke to an ophthalmologist at work yesterday who said he has only seen two cases of melanoma in the eyes and one of them died...not sure what happened to the other one).

Honestly, I want to run. Run away from all the doctors. I want to flee to see my sponsored children in Haiti and the Dominican Republic and hug them, just in case. I want to see them, face to face, and tell them that God loves them no matter what. I want to be reminded that I have already experienced so much in my lifetime that they may never experience if they live to 100...and be grateful. I want to see the world and shout from the mountain tops, "I love Jesus!" and "He loves you too, so come to Him all who are weary and heavy laden." I want to hold my kids and never let go. I want to forgo all the activities we are involved in and just be together as a family. I want my days to count.

In the midst of all this, I cry. I ask God to direct me. I want to run, but I sit and wait on Him. I move forward as I wait. I take care of my family. I serve the church. I study God's Word. I take care of my home. I serve at the school. I feel paralyzed sometimes, but I am still moving.

I am grateful for my loving husband who leads me. I am thankful that he continues to remind me of his love and God's goodness. I really need to hear his words that remind me that all any of us really have is today. That's it. I need to live today. I need to get up in the morning and seek the ways the Lord wants me to love Him with my heart, soul, mind and strength and love my neighbor as myself.  That's all I can do.

Yet, I am beyond grateful for a God who came in the flesh and knows the feelings of pain and fear and anticipation. I am thankful He has a compassion for people because He experienced life as we do (yet without sin). I am thankful I can always turn to Him and freely cry out, "Lord, take this cup from me...but not my will be done, but Yours." I can be real with how I feel; He already knows my heart.

As I sit, teetering, He is there. As I move forward, He is there. When I don't know where to go or what to do, He is there. When I don't even have the words, He is there. When I am fearful, He is there. When I am at a loss...He is there. In everything, He is there.

So, yes, I am thankful.

Thanks 113/365

Thank you, Lord for an email reminder yesterday that helped me not to miss a birthday party for a friend in Abigail's class.

I am thankful that my husband comes home, exhausted, and still steps in to clean the kitchen (after I dropped something on my toe and had to ice/elevate).

I am thankful to be reminded of all the amazing things my kids have done in school as Isaac and I fished though old projects and pictures.

I am thankful for all the places we have been and people we have experienced life with.

I am thankful to be able to cry my heart out to the man who sleeps beside me, faithfully, each night and promises to do so as long as we both shall live.

I am thankful for moments just being together with nothing demanding our time and attention.

Thanks 112/365

Chris is grateful for a calmer day at work, coming home to a clean house, and the cute geese he got to see cross the road.

He says, "I specifically prayed this morning that God would bring us all safely home today, and He did!" Chris doesn't take that for granted and wants to give God the glory.

Thanks 111/365

Oh happy SUNSHINE!!!! Chris and I are so thankful for our health. It's great to be able to work out together then walk home together while soaking up the Vitamin D. After school Isaac went on a bike ride with Daddy up to the shopping center and ate fro-yo with a group of his buddies. It was in impromptu get together that made Friday extra fun.

Thanks 110/365

What a busy day, volunteering in various ways from 8am to 10pm. The morning at school started with training volunteer parents Art Literacy, then finished with teaching science and air pressure to the fifth grade class. I am so thankful to hear my son say, "Thanks! That was the best science lesson so far." Chris and I had the whole class engaged and most of them were left wet after trying to blow up a water balloon inside a water bottle using air pressure. There were lots of laughs and good memories made. I am so grateful to be able to participate with Chris in our son's education while he is still in elementary school. I pray that we are able to continue to do so when he is in Middle School.

This pic is from another science lesson we did on camouflage 

After school, Daddy had the kids to himself as I went off to teach another set of Art Lit volunteers back at the school. I am so thankful for volunteers who come in the evening after a long day of work to invest in our kiddos. Daddy watched Sing with the kids and enjoyed just being together.

Finally, I helped at church until 10. Kara Chupp blesses so many with offering to put on "Treasure Trading," which is like a big garage sale where everything is free. We helped her set up tables and tables of treasures. It was nice to visit with the other helpers. It's great bonding as we serve together.

To top this all off, I am super grateful for a new pair of sunglasses. They were in a bag of old stuff given to Treasure Trading. They were very dusty but looked fine enough. I didn't really care, as long as they weren't scratched. To my surprise, Chris informed me later, they were Ray Bans (a really nice brand, worth $100+). Thank you, God, for such a wonderful gift given to me after a day of giving.

Thanks 109/365

Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful kind "Volunteer Tea" where the kids in each grade performed in appreciation for all the volunteer parents. Isaac even handed out roses as parents entered. 3rd grade performed "Celebrate Volunteers, Come On!" It was cleaver, darling, and quite enthusiastic. The 5th grade did their song they created for Signal to Noice, "You Can Help Us Be a Star."

Thank you Jesus for Abigail finishing AWANA!!!

Thanks 108/365

Chris is thankful when his wife leaves him flirty, encouraging messages on his phone.

Isaac is thankful for a fluffy dog to ride in the car with.

Abigail is thankful she got to go to "fun week" at Isaac's taekwondo class and won the limbo contest.

*Chris is grateful to rest on the knowledge that God is in control of our lives, and worrying about it is sin. He had great discussion time about James 4 with his guys at Bible Study this morning.

Thanks 107/365

I love my son resting his head on my shoulder as he play Prodigy after another stellar piano lesson. I love that Abigail got excited a Harry Potter poster she got free at school today. I love that my husband wants to come home and have me hold him after a super hard day at work that is keeping him on the verge of tears. God has blessed me.

...and I am so thankful for a washing machine and dryer! It is wonderful to be able to strip all the beds and have them fresh and new (and I am purposed not to complain about how much time or how many loads that takes).

I'm also thankful for "fun week" at Isaac's taekwondo because Abigail loves going with him. She was super excited to win the limbo contest and have the teachers praise her on her flexibility.

Thanks 106/365

HE IS RISEN!

What a joy to see a absolutely glorious sunrise as I drove to church to help with the Easter brunch. It is also a great blessing to serve along side such wonderful people. This morning was a gift. After food prep, we sat with the Sringers during service and rejoiced together over the grace offered by our risen Christ. The kids drew some awesome pictures during church. They make my heart happy.

Our Easter egg hunt was fun. The best hiding spot was in Papa's sock as he rested his feet up on the ottoman. Chris was a star in the kitchen. He especially enjoyed Steve appreciating his beer and having bonding conversation with Christina in the kitchen as they cleaned up together.

I love our Oregon family!!

Thanks 105/365

Thank you Lord for a morning to clean and an afternoon of SUNSHINE!!! When there is a blue-patch in the sky, everyone changes plans and heads outside. We did the same. We scootered/walked the dog down to the library and the shopping center. It was a glorious day.

It was a bit of a struggle to be thankful this morning because everything kept going wrong. The picture of the burnt bundt is only the beginning. After the bundt, I tried to put the oven on "self clean" and started an oven fire...a fire! It was the kind of fire you could roast marshmallows on. It truth, I am very thankful that I didn't react wrongly and open the oven. I would have caused a major backdraft, probably burning my arms and face and possibly the entire house. I really am grateful for God's obvious protection today.

I'm also so glad the Springers are close. Tonight we had them over for a family sleepover. The kids really get along like cousins and it is so great to connect. It's wonderful to have those friends who are so much life family that you can be 100% yourself with them (even if that means super tired...which we all were).

Thanks 104/365

I am grateful to God for Chris using his photography skills to take pictures of apartments for his previous employer. We are a good team together. I am also so grateful for a lunch date at a vegan place that was fantastic. I am officially eating to live! I am changing everything I eat to put food in my body that fights cancer instead of fostering it. Today I was super happy to have "live nachos" that are nearly raw with no grains, dairy or meat. It was so tasty and healthy!

We got to celebrate Isaac's hard work as he earned his green belt and broke a really hard board with his side kick. It was cool to see.

Last, but not least, we went to evening service to join our church family at SWBIBLE to celebrate Good Friday.

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Chris is especially thankful for a day to joke around with the kids at school while volunteering. Work has been so stressful, that being able to let off some steam and laugh is refreshing. Volunteering together is  a joy!

It's also such a blessing to take Gramma and Papa out to celebrate their 28th anniversary. It's crazy to think that Abigail is how old I was when I met Tom. It's also crazy to think that my mom was my age when they both got married (mostly because I remember thinking they were "so old").

Thanks 102/365

Hurray! Isaac finished his AWANA book! He has worked so hard. Even more than that, he shared that he has grown in faith through memorizing verses, really taking to heart what he is learning from the Bible, and asking engaging questions because he really wants to know. He is becoming his own little man. He is stepping past what we expect of him and setting his own goals. We are very proud of him.

We are also rejoicing that he is regaining a friendship with a dear friend who he drifted away from last year. He has been praying for and longing for this relationship to be restored, and it is getting there.

Thanks 101/365

I am thankful that, in the midst of extreme tiredness, God kept me safe on the road. Even though I drove "auto-pilot" to dance and forgot to get Abigail from piano first, then passed her dance class and headed straight for Costco instead, God allowed me to remember her and not cause an accident. He had has hand of protection on us for sure.

I am also thankful to God who guards my husband at work. His job has been hard, and people have been treating him harshly. He is praying to have a heart of compassion and grace with those who do not show him either of those traits.

I want to mention how God used my darling son to encourage my hurting heart. As was laying in his bed before he went to sleep, he stroked my face and told me I was beautiful. He encouraged me by saying that, even if I have a donor eye, I will look pretty (and pretty cool if I end up with one blue eye and one brown eye). His sweet kindness met me in that moment as he looked at me with such love and care. I saw that he believed I was beautiful by the look in his eye. I told Chris that if he treats his wife that way, he will have a happy marriage indeed.

I also wanted to include a picture Abigail made at school. God used it to minister to my heart also.

I love how God works through people to show love in ways that wrap His arms around me.

Thanks 100/365

I am so thankful for medial care. We are very blessed to be able to afford health care and have local access. I am aware that not everyone in America is in the same situation. Not only that, but most of the world will never have access to the care we receive.

Though I long to hear news from my doctor that all my moles look great and I have no further concerns for cancer, I am thankful that she was wise enough to tell me what I need to hear rather than want to hear. So, I move forward, to take more clear photos on my entire body to "map" my moles and go find an eye doctor to check for cancer in my eyes. Who knew that was even a thing?!

Anyway, I rejoice in a God who knows, God who loves me, and is in control. I surrender my fears and my tears to my sovereign Lord who holds me in His hands.

Thanks 99/365

So happy to be home. As busy as it is to get life back to normal, it's great. It's nice sitting un church with my son as we are trying our best to keep one another awake and paying attention after our bodies were trying to pass out after 7 days of too little sleep. I am grateful for my kids who were willing to work with me the entire day to help vacuum, mop, and move our office furniture as a surprise to Daddy. I am excited to see that Isaac is a little man who can be there to help me lift heavy furniture and be there when I need him. I am happy to be home!

Chris' staff is happy he is back. He is grateful that they did a good job while he was gone so there was very little to catch up on upon his return (it also helped that he was able to work when were were in port and at his dad's in Cali). 

Thanks 98/365

We made it back to LA. No one got sick (we were actually praising God that Chris even avoided catching a bad stomach bug that his staff suffered through while he was away). Though all the LA traffic and our plane flight, we made it back to PDX. We were greeted by Gramma DeeDee and our adoring children.

We are so grateful that my mom kept the kids safe and healthy and got them to all they needed to do. She braved a windstorm and power outage that left the school dark and the house pretty cold. The kids have great memories of having sleepovers in Gramma's room and helping her do laundry so we would have less to do when we got home.

She is an amazing lady and we are so happy to have her. She makes the things we do possible, and she enriches our kids' lives with her love.

I am really happy that we got some good family pictures to bring home with us too.

Thanks 97/365

I am so grateful that the trip has gone so well. We have enjoyed really great talks, late nights, jokes about little blue pills they sell in Mexico, planned Rick and Linda's move to Las Vegas, and made many great memories.

In addition to making family memories (that came at a really great time now that Kevin and Christine are moving to TX), Chris and I connected even deeper. In this crazy, busy rush of life, it's so nice to have long walks, good talks, dig deep into issues, plan, discuss life and the children (without them there), dance, sit together without having to get up, connect physically (even long eye contact is a thing we often neglect in day-to-day life).

Thanks 96/365

San Diego! Kevin treated to Stone Brewing. We were happy to make the 4 mile walk there what was along a highway (thanks Google...we took the longer way back along the water). A hightlight from today was talking to our kids on "Ring," the video doorbell. They are stinking cute and enjoyable to talk to.

We saw the harbor and danced to a guy playing the sax. I love that Chris will dance with me on the fly!

Of course, dining together back on the boat with the family was great. It was another formal night, so we had our pictures taken. We love them! Thankfully, the photographer was good and super nice. Linda and I had snails for dinner! Yummy!!!