The little things...

The First Snow......

Today was the first snow of the winter in Iowa--January 12!  This made me realize that I don't stop to notice the little things enough, so here goes. 
Some of the "little things" I'm thankful for:

*A day at school when I DON'T have to call security

*Going to the refrigerator and finding that the diet coke I had hidden, hadn't been found

*A new episode of  American Pickers

*Finding a sweater I love on clearance--extra 33% off!

*Going to an auction and getting a whole box of vintage, metal trays for $5.00! and then selling the ones I didn't want on ebay for quite a bit more  :)

*Finding a great recipe for oatmeal raisin cookies

The great thing is, all of these things happened this week!  Thankfulness is a way of living, I'm trying to get better at it.

Random thoughts

Sometimes we hear things and think, "Wow, that's so true!"  and they promptly leave our heads forever.  A few weeks ago I heard one of those things, but it hasn't left my head and it keeps popping up in my life.  I'm thinking I need to pay attention to it and look for ways to show it and share it.

The thing I heard:

It's more important to DO right, than it is to BE right.

So:

*When I want to correct someone or they are correcting me and I'm annoyed--Do right

*When I feel slighted and want to return the favor---Do right

*When I could ignore something, but my ego doesn't want to---Do right

*When I see someone in need and I can help--Do right

*When I can share what I have---Do right

*When I feel like doing nothing, but I have the ability to do something--Do right

*When I can keep my opinion to myself and listen to someone else's--Do right

The list could go on  forever, but this is where I am today.  Where are you?

                                  For:

*Pastors that preach the Word
*Awesome children
*Great people to work with                                 
*Betsy and Meg
*Husband that never balks at home projects      
 *Targets with Starbucks
*Jigsaw puzzles and a puzzle table to do them on     
*Time for baking
*Christmas music                                                       
*Christmas lights
*Friends who understand "happy" tears           
*Seeing former students who are successful
*Lowe's                                                                     
*Bezzerwizzer with the family

Rebels-Fall 2011 Sr. Night

Bittersweet time of Life....

Some pics of Senior Night with Andy

Some of my favorites....

There is nothing more precious than time spent reading with little ones.  I love children's books and count every minute I spent reading them with my kids as the most precious, even as they got older and we read chapter books together.  These are just a few of our favorites....when you have a minute, check them out!

Just Some Projects at Home....

I just remembered that I previously said I'd post pics of some of the projects we've been working on.  This  is our downstairs bathroom.  I've recently fallen back in love with wedgewood blue, so blue it is-for now anyway.  Colors don't last long at our house.  Thankfully, I have a patient husband who's willing to humor me.

Here are a few pics of the living room with new furniture.  When Lilli moved to Iowa City, she needed a couch and chair....so, what's a mom to do, but sacrifice her furniture for her beloved daughter.

We also have been doing a bunch of things in the backyard and Lilli's room---I'll try to be better about posting those soon. 

Are You Ready for some Football?

Rebel Football 2011

Andy with the other Captains and the Honorary Captain

Pete entertaining the crowd on the sidelines

Both of the boys getting personal coaching

After the Grundy Center game talking to the fam

Talking to Papa and Liz

This year we get to watch the boys play together again--we didn't think that would happen past jr. high.  It's great to watch them warming up together and talking on the sidelines.  It's pretty special.