Thankful Thursday

Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16

Wow, I need this today. It has not started off to be a good day. I'm just crabby, tired, and irritable. My eyes burn, and I just want some space. One of those days... So it's a GREAT time to just STOP and think about God's blessings in my life...

1. My mom's visit over the weekend. It was action-packed with trips to fabric stores, fall activities, and family time! It was a great visit!

2. Yesterday's trip to the pumpkin patch. See my photos here. While we were there I was caught up just trying to get "the perfect picture" and in my frustrations I didn't allow myself to just enjoy the moment. Do you ever have that? Where you get so caught up behind the camera that you aren't even in the moment? But after the fact, I still had fun and the pictures did turn out okay. Two scenic favorites...

3. My new goals list. I feel like I have good motivation and focus right now and am ready to get tackling this list!

4. Eli. As much as I'm having frustrations with him this morning, he is such a JOY. This week he was outside having a blast kicking through the leaves. It was one of those great moments where we could just step back and watch him having fun as he discovered something new!

5. Hubby. We really do get a lot of time together--occasional lunches, most afternoons, evenings, and weekends and I'm so grateful for that!

It's short and simple this week, but that's all I've got for now. For more Thankful Thursday posts, head over to Crystal's who is so graciously guest-hosting for us!

101 Goals: Complete list!

I saw this at Java Mama's blog a couple months ago and was inspired to start a goals list, and then today I saw it again at Amy's blog, so I decided to get back to it. What's "IT", you say? Read on...

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:

1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.
2. Stay Focused. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.
3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.
4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.
5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

A lot will be happening in the next couple years...new baby (due February 2008), Kevin's new job and relocation fall 2008. And who knows what's in store for the year following! So, with all that being said, here are my goals for the next 1001 days!

101 Goals in 1001 Days

Health
1. Keep pregnancy weight gain to 35 lbs or less. completed 2/14/08
2. Return to pre-pregnancy weight by end of July (baby due in Feb, wedding in Sept.) completed 7/30/08
3. Walk 5x a week
4. Join fall walking group.
5. Figure out walking plan for winter months. Walking group is going to meet at the mall during winter months.
6. Run 1 mile without stopping.
7. Drink 8 glasses of water/day for 2 consecutive weeks.
8. Take prenatal vitamin daily for remainder of pregnancy. completed 2/14/08
9. Fruit and veggie included in every dinner.
10. Learn how to prepare an over-easy egg. completed 4/09
11. Learn how to make homemade bread. completed 3/20/08

Spiritual
12. Get up at 6:15am 3 days a week for 2 weeks. completed 1/28/08
13. Prayer journal every day for 2 months.
14. Daily personal Bible reading for 1 month.
15. Read book together with friend.
16. Memorize 50 scripture verses.
17. Review memory verses twice a week.
18. Read through entire Bible.
19. Find a devotional book.

Personal
20. Finish all pre-baby scrapbooks:
21. Finish honeymoon section of wedding scrapbook.
22. Finish college scrapbook.
23. Start and finish Europe scrapbook.
24. Start and finish Denver scrapbook.
25. Finish first year of baby scrapbook. completed 7/8/08
26. Complete and print ONE digital scrapbook page so I can decide if I like that method or not.
27. Finish Eli’s curtains and room décor.
28. Update photo album before second baby. completed 1/21/08
29. Find way to limit/control amount of time on computer.
30. Figure out RSS feed for blogs. completed 3/24/08 thanks, Paul!
31. Take a dessert to our neighbor. completed 10/22/09
32. Read through entire course of online photography lessons.
33. Watch Photoshop tutorial.
34. Read a book just for fun. completed 4/26/09
35. Plant a garden. completed 5/09

Family
36. Finish reading A Mom After God's Own Heart. completed 11/1/07
37. Finish reading Shepherding a Child’s Heart. completed 2/3/08
38. Read/print all of “Raising Godly Tomatoes”. completed 11/27/07
39. Read Babywise. completed 2/10/08
40. Read Bringing Up Boys.
41. Finish watching parenting video and take notes.
42. Read a book to children every day. completed 5/4/09
43. Plan one fun family activity every week for 1 month. completed 8/20/08
44. Take vacation to Colorado. completed 7/4/09
45. Get new family photo.
46. Go to Vermont. completed /21/08
47. Go to Long Island.
48. Go camping. completed 6/15/08
49. Find play group for Eli.
50. Go an entire month without any TV. completed 7/30/08
51. Establish special time with each child daily. completed 5/4/09
52. Create list of specific rules for Eli.
53. Go 24 hrs without computer.

Marriage
54. Start twice-a-month date nights and do for 3 months.
55. Read book together with Kevin.
56. Post Husband Encouragement Blog once a month for 6 months. completed 5/4/09
57. Take a short trip together.
58. Choose a couple hobby (hobby Kevin and I can do together).
59. Make each half-anniversary unique for 3 years. (something besides just dinner)

Friends
60. Call a friend once a week for 1 month.
61. Keep up with all birthdays for 3 months.
62. Plan a summer BBQ for friends.
63. Send baby gifts to "expecting" friends. completed 11/16/07

Financial
64. Savings account up to X amount. completed 4/17/09
65. Lower grocery bill to $75 a week for 2 months.
66. Start Eli and Hannah savings every month (X amount).
67. Start saving for retirement. completed 1/09
68. Follow Christmas budget.
69. Start supplemental income.
70. Make V.I.P. status on Treasure Trooper.
71. Save up for a "new" Jeep.
72. Complete Supermarket Savings 101 course.
73. Learn the Walgreens EasySaver program. completed 11/27/07
74. Go an entire month without any unnecessary spending. (dessert, snacks, clothes, new makeup, etc)
75. Create and follow budget for remodeling new house.
76. Always search consignments before buying new. completed 4/20/09
77. Set up our will. completed 8/08

Church
78. Start inviting people over once a month.
79. Find one new activity/service to attend regularly.
80. Pick at least one thing (way to serve) to do at church. (ex: cooking, nursery duty, etc) completed 7/1/09
81. Train Eli to sit in church with us. completed 11/1/08
82. Do "church time" at home with Eli 4 times a week for 1 month.

Household
83. Create cleaning schedule and follow it for 3 weeks
84. Print revised cleaning schedule and follow it for another 3 weeks. completed 1/10/08
85. Organize recipes. completed 5/4/08
86. Organize magazine articles. completed 5/30/08
87. Find new "system" for stuff that gets put on top of piano.
88. Organize/get rid of box of wall hangings and picture frames that we don't have up.
89. Find bigger bookshelf for children's books.
90. Make nursery decor for Baby Girl's room. (after we move) completed 2/14/09
91. Take old baby items to consignment store (for credit). sold!
92. Buy a fire extinguisher. completed 11/11/07
93. Put a med kit in the van. completed 4/30/08
94. Organize freezer with baskets. completed 11/5/07
95. Get piano tuned.
96. Get caster wheels for piano.
97. Clean up French horn (oil and polish).
98. Sell old books we no longer want.
99. Throw away old T-shirts. Completed 11/5/07
100. Make homemade fridge magnets for Eli out of magazine pictures. Completed 11/10/07
101. Finish touch-up paint on screen doors.

Start date: November 1, 2007
Completion date: July 29, 2010

I just discovered there's an actual website for this 1001 Day Project! So go check out others who are doing this, finish your list, and then add it to the master list!

Photos: Picking Pumpkins

Here was today's trip to the pumpkin patch!

Bloggy Award: One Sweet Treat!

My good bloggy friend Julie at According to HIS Power has so kindly given me another bloggy award: One Sweet Treat to Read! Thank you, Julie! YOU'RE too sweet! So now I have the privilege to pass this along... I don't get around to many blogs, and many of those friends have this award already, BUT today I am passing along the love to...

Angie at The Knightly News

...because she is such a joy to me through her writing! And she just looks like the sweetest, most caring woman in all the photos I've seen of her, and her blog is truly "one sweet treat to read"! So here's to you, Angie! Happy day!

Weekly Memory Verse: Review

Okay, guys, I've been unmotivated lately, and I need another review week. Several of the verses I've really got down pat, so this week I'm just going to focus on the verses that need some attention.

Colossians 2:6-7
Psalm 119:9-11
Romans 15:13
Hebrews 10:24-25
Psalm 86:11-12
Joshua 1:8
Luke 10:27
Colossians 4:6
Romans 12:2
1 John 3:18
Psalm 19:14
Proverbs 3:5
Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 22:6
Matthew 12:34

2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

If you've been following along, just pick a verse of your choice, either of my previous verses or one of your own, for this week! See you next Wednesday!

Menu Plan Moday - Oct. 29

Monday - chicken parmesan, corn, rolls (carry-over meal from last week)

Tuesday - chicken teryaki (using remaining chicken from previous day)
Wednesday - chili, apples (leftover chili beans from last week's Mexican lasagna)
Thursday - appetizer nite- enchilada dip with remaining gr. beef (if I can find my recipe!!), oranges
Friday - baked ziti (from freezer), garlic bread, salad
Saturday - French dip sandwiches, carrots, apples
Sunday - Bible study - day off from cooking

Dessert of the week: Pumpkin Pie (recipe below)

*********************

RECIPE: Pumpkin Pie

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. allspice
3/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 c. evaporated milk

Line 9" pie tin with pastry. Mix together pumpkin, sugar, salt, and beaten eggs. Add milk. Pour mixture into pastry shell. Bake 375 for 60-75 minutes.

For more yummy menu ideas head over to Laura's. Have a great week!

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 118

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Let Israel say:
"His love endures forever."
Let the house of Aaron say:
"His love endures forever."
Let those who fear the Lord say:
"His love endures forever."

In my anguish I cried to the Lord,
and he answered by setting me free.
The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.

All the nations surrounded me,
but in th ename of the Lord I cut them off.
They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the Lord I cut them off.
They swarmed around me like bees,
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off.

I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the Lord is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.

Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The Lord's right hand has done mighty things!
The Lord's right had is lifted high;
the Lord's right hand has mighty things!"

I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
The Lord has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord
through which the righteous may enter.
I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.

The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

O Lord, save us;
O lord, grant us success.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
From the house of the Lord we bless you.
The Lord is God,
and he has made his light upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Family Focus Friday: Fall Activities

Oh my goodness, with my mom being here, I totally forgot about posting my Family Focus for this week! I got it started and mostly ready last week, but forgot to come back to it today. Anyway, This week I thought I'd just list some fun fall activities for the family. Eli's still pretty young (15 months) so we're limited with a lot of activities. But I thought I'd share anyway....

1. Take a trip to a cider mill.
2. Visit an orchard and pick apples and pumpkins.
3. Go on a hay ride.
4. Have fun in a corn maze.
5. Get homemade ice cream from a farm.
6. Go on a picture adventure and capture the beautiful fall colors.
7. Rake leaves together and jump in the pile.
8. Carve pumpkins.
9. Bake pumpkin seeds.
10. Make an apple pie.
11. Make homemade apple sauce.
12. Start a campfire and sit around drinking hot cocoa.
13. Bake cookies and take them to your neighbor.

What are your favorite things to do during fall? I'd love to hear your ideas! Link up or just share a comment!

Thankful Thursday

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.
Hebrews 12:28

This week's blessings...

1. God's creation. I thought we still had a couple weeks until the prime of the season but over the weekend we went for a drive and the trees were all just beautiful! We even stopped to take a few pictures.

2. Today's medicine. Eli had his 15-month vaccinations this past week, and I'm thankful for these medical advancements so that we don't have to worry about dying of these diseases and viruses.

3. Healthy pregnancy. Everything is going smoothly and I'm feeling really great, and for that I am so thankful.

4. Visits. My mom is flying in later today and staying until Monday, and we are just sooo excited!

5. Hobbies. Over the weekend I finally found fabric to make a small blanket for my baby girl! And just last night I finished it already!

6. Hubby. I had some troubles with the corners on my baby blanket. There was just a tiny bit of raw edge exposed and I was worried about it fraying. I couldn't figure out what to do but Hubby came to the rescue with his great idea that the satin edge might be plasticy enough that putting a flame to it might melt it just enough to keep it from fraying. So we tried it on a test piece and it worked! And my blanket it now complete! Thanks, honey! I love your creative fixes!

What are you thankful for this week! Come join us over at Crystal's as she is guest-hosting Thankful Thursday for us!

Weekly Memory Verse

New Verse

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Previous Verses

Colossians 2:6-7
Psalm 119:9-11
Romans 15:13
Hebrews 10:24-25
Psalm 86:11-12
Joshua 1:8
Luke 10:27
2 Corinthians 3:5
Colossians 4:6
Colossians 3:16
Romans 12:2
1 Thessalonians 5:16
1 John 3:18
Psalm 19:14
Proverbs 3:5
Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 22:6
Philippians 4:8
Matthew 12:34
Psalm 27:14
Romans 8:28

If you'd like to join us in memorizing Colossians 3:23-24 this week, sign your name below. May it be a blessing to your life!