Thursday Thanks Tank

It has been another emotionally brutal week at the Viking Hus...no bones about it.

At one time or another this week, one or more of us has collapsed under the combined pressure of all the stress we've been under the last couple years...living apart, then new jobs, schools, homes, states, friends, churches, etc.

And, it's been hard.

Really hard.

But, we will praise Him in the storm. So...

Thankful for my home. Not just this house but the HOME we've created. DaHubby and I, even in our pre-Vikings life, have always wanted our home to be a safe place for all of us to take refuge from the world. Even with all the upheaval and even with some unexpected things that have slipped passed our "radar" that have tipped us off balance, where the four of us gather is still HOME.

Thankful for honesty. Even when it hurts. WAY better than the alternative.

Thankful for those who God sends to reach out with help even when you don't know or don't think you need it.

Thankful for friends who hear "something" in a voice and say "hey, are you all right?"

Thankful for the gorgeous summer-turning-to-fall scenery that is NW Illinois farmland.

Thankful that Pojke's intestinal problems yesterday turned out to be nothing.

Thankful for quiet time doing simple things with DaHubby before he heads back to work after several scheduled days off...as well as thank you, LORD, (again) for the new job!

Pam is my thankfulness "coach" of sorts so stop by her bloggy home and see what's she's thankful for today!

Thursday Thanks Tank

It has been a simple week here at the Viking Hus. Simple in that we are FINALLY in our new home. That we have made a conscious decision to move towards less clutter and only things we love coming into the house while all the mess of moving boxes and such stay out of sight in the garage.

Simplify, simplify, simplify has been a type of glue holding everything together through the last 4 weeks of chaos of starting school, being the "new kid" myself, and DaHubby being on rotating shifts (days, nights, weekdays, weekends).

So, in the spirit of simplicity, here's what I am thankful for this week:

...my new neighbor and "momma friend", Erin. She lives four houses down and our boys are in the same kindergarten class. She's also a growing Christian who is interested in possibly starting a Moms In Touch International (MITI) prayer group for the kids PLUS she hooked us up with a new possible church. AND, knowing we have no family around and haven't found any babysitters yet, she's offered to corral the Vikings for one evening so DaHubby and I can have a date night before a major project begins at DaHub's new job which will require him to work six 12 hr midnight shifts/week for 3-4 weeks. (An aside: I didn't want to freak her out but the day before I met her I had prayed [along with several of my friends back in Michigan] that I would find just one other mom to start a MITI prayer group. Twelve hours later, I met Erin at the bus stop. :) Yea, God!)

...the Vikings' new teachers. While Flicka is adjusting with relative ease, I'm still thrilled to have found out that her teacher is a Christian who used to teach in a Lutheran school. Meanwhile, Pojke has been simply miserable with the whole school experience to-date but his teacher (a "rookie" of three years) has been helpful and accommodating in assisting him acclimatize to yet another change in his little life this year.

...rest. We have been running at high-flyin', survival-only speed since about 2009. While the move has been more upsetting and discombobulating than expected, there have been times recently of sweet, sweet rest and silence lately in the new house. I'm home alone more during the day with both kids in school. PLUS, DaHub's schedule is such that he not only rotates shifts but what days he works as well so he has been home some weekdays and it has just been the two of us for the first time in a VERY long time.

...reading. Directly relates to the resting thing. Being out of "survival mode" means more time for pleasure reading, time to put feet up and lose myself in a good story for an hour or so. My local librarians are probably already tired of me, paperbackswap.com probably thinks my account's been hacked, and I've found a new addiction on a Facebook page with daily listings of free books for my Android Kindle app.

That's what I'm thankful for this week. What about you? Pam hosts Thursday Thanks Tank. Stop by her bloggy home today and see what see has to say.

Thursday Thanks Tank

Well, it looks like Pam and I are both jumping back in today with the thankfulness habit...

Things filling my tank today:

Like an "unspoken prayer" at church and to save everyone from a little TMI, I'm thankful for a resolution in a female health area.

I'm thankful for a hubby who recognized I was completely out of energy and completely inundated with boogers and took over dinner clean-up and bedtime duty this week.

As someone who is allergic to most decongestants and fighting off a quick-moving cold that went to my lungs, can I get an AMEN for MUCINEX! 'Nuff said.

I'm thankful for the sweet, new neighbors we've found here. Three sets of neighbors have kept us laughing and our kids busy not missing Michigan for the last two weeks.

I'm thankful for the wonderful health care people we came in contact with this week getting the Vikings up to Illinois standard of immunizations and getting their teeth cleaned and checked. They treated the Vikings sweetly and patiently. Let's hope the new pediatrician follows this trend. LOL

I'm thankful for the wonderful welcome we received at a little church we visited last Sunday. Including the four of us, there were about 20 people in the whole place. LOL DaHubby played around on the piano after service and, as a result, has quite a following already with the little old ladies there. :)

That's what's filling MY tank this week. What about you? Feel free to stop by Pam's place today to read up on previous Thursday Thanks Tanks as well!

Thursday Thanks Tank

It's a hard week to remember to be thankful. Life keeps coming at us with both barrels.

Boogers and sore throats have plagued the house this week.

When I went to pay 1/4 of this month's bills this week, I had a whopping $49 dollars to work with.

Then, we woke up this morning to the minivan having a flat. Not something that could be patched or plugged but in the sidewall so the only choice is to replace it.

But, there were things holding my hope afloat and filling my tank...

We received a card this week for our upcoming anniversary with some money to go out to dinner.

I received another card from an old friend with a thank-you, a sweet message, and gift.

A friend of ours paid for a used tire to replace the minivan's flat one.

We were thrilled to celebrate with DaHubby late last week at honors convocation. He is graduating summa cum laude which means all A's!!

And, this Sunday is commencement!

What about you? What filled YOUR thanks tank this week?

Pam is on hiatus right now but you can see her previous Thanks Tanks here.

Thursday Thanks Tank

"Turn that frown upside down!"

In an effort to stay on the thankful side of things, I'm taking the list of gripes I've had in my head today and choosing to put a positive spin on them.

I've got a sore throat and I think I'm getting sick:
Well, having a cold is WAY better than being hospitalized, having cancer, having something broken, or a chronic illness. There are many in the world that wish they could have "just a cold".

I'm on-call for jury duty next week:
I live in an awesome country with democratic ideals and it is a honor and privilege to participate in the process. I may not get called but, if I do, God may be placing me there for a reason. And, I want to be in God's will.

Our money situation:
Hey, food in the fridge, roof over your head, relatively reliable transportation, and even at the level of unemployment income, I'm still living better than probably 70% of world.

I have so much housework and laundry to do:
See above - at least you HAVE a home to clean, clothes to wash, and a way to wash them!

I have so much homework to catch up on with my Bible study.
Yea right - at least you HAVE a Bible, having homework means being able to read, and the privilege to gather and talk about God.

I'm PMS-ing.
Well, I guess it's too bad your body is functioning as it should and that your body is still (technically LOL) capable of one of the greatest miracles God's ever designed.

And, so ends my momentary schizophrenia. LOL It's all in how you look at it.

Pam is on hiatus right now but you can see her previous Thanks Tanks here.

Thursday Thanks Tank

I don't even know where to begin this week. So, in no particular order, this is what's filling my tank this week:

Our new church. Its "upper room experience" on Maundy Thursday and its Good Friday services were A-MA-ZING!! And, the spring programming starts Monday - a new women's Bible study, the kids' midweek programming. We can't wait!

The beautiful weather that started Spring Break last week.

The wonderful all-day play date with a family from Flicka's school. A nice break from housework and to-do lists and a great time just visiting and watching the kids play.

Our local cinema's family film festival. It happens twice a year. The Vikings are free and I'm only $3.50. We've be able to see "Planet 51," "AstroBoy," and "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" recently in the theater - something we couldn't afford otherwise.

Continuing provision from several sources. Since DaHubby was laid off the first week of February, things have been particularly hard around here financially. Living on $350/week unemployment even with the food help has pushed my thrifty skills to the limit. Our family, church family, and friends have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep us afloat. The assistance and their help have been heaven-sent! And, it's only 25 days 'til graduation! LOL

For DaHubby - I have been reminded often lately how lucky I am to have him. My single friends, divorced friends, and even married-but-struggling friends and all their stories make me want to come home and spoil him rotten. LOL Being married to my best friend who is one of the smartest and most hard-working men I've ever met was WELL worth being single until I was 32! LOL

What about you?

Pam is on hiatus right now but you can see her previous Thanks Tanks here.

Thursday Thanks Tank

Filling my tank this week...

...my boss at Lake Michigan College. She just cracks me up.

...being a (very small) part of the wonderful things going on at the new First Church - Benton Heights campus!

...listening to Pojke singing "Fa-der A-bra-ham had many sons..." while playing in his room LOL

...and listening to "God bwess A-meer-i-ca...land dat I love..."

...I've said it before but Flicka's teacher. Our family is so blessed by the school Flicka is at. Everyone on the staff is becoming like family but Mrs. S in particular is an answer to prayer.

...apparently Flicka has had a major "light bulb" moment at school and is suddenly writing and reading at increasing speed. As an English teacher by training, that warms my heart beyond description.

...my ASL teacher, Heather. She really kicks my butt during class but is also a very wise woman of God who gives really good "momma advice" when I asked her about a request Flicka had made recently.

...my dear hubby who continues to be a very good sport about picking up on the chores I've let drop due to my recent work shifts. It's been a long time since I've worked outside the home but even longer since he had to tackle the laundry, motorpooling the Vikings, and more than the occasional load of dishes and he's doing a great job! LOL

...as odd as it sounds, hearing how much DaHubby's classmates and teachers like him and are impressed with him. "You get a student like him once every 20 years" said one of his instructors. I'm so proud of him anyway and to hear that makes me want to yell "TOLD YA SO" and then grin like an idiot! LOL

...and my Bible study ladies. They never fail to make me laugh 'til I cry; then share something that squeezes my heart 'til I cry; and then we pray 'til we cry! LOL Lots of crying going on.

What about you?

Pam is on hiatus right now but you can see her previous Thanks Tanks here.

Thursday Thanks Tank

In no particular order..the following are filling my tank this week:

Living near Lake Michigan and in a city which has to "plow" the streets and sidewalks occasionally for SAND! :) Woo-hoo! Beach season is coming!

Blue skies and nearly-spring sun!! Happy vernal equinox in two days! LOL

As much grief as the time change causes, one HUGE benefit around here is having time after dinner to go back outside and play.

Acquiring a fresh tank of propane and beginning grilling season!

Mrs. S - Flicka's teacher. We are so blessed. Mrs. S goes WAY above and beyond the call of duty which has recently included going directly from a 100 day party, into 2 birthdays, then into what was probably a long week of tackling the tough-twisters of Dr Seuss, and then a St Pat's Day that left the kids grinning from ear to ear.

A hubby who takes care of all things mechanical and maintenance-y with superior skill plus does dishes and laundry when asked. I'M SO LUCKY!!

What about you?

Pam is on hiatus right now but you can see her previous Thanks Tanks here.

Thursday Thanks Tanks

Without further ado...

1. So thankful for the sunshine

2. I'm blessed beyond words by the comments left here and on my Facebook page about on my previous post. You all sure know how to dump compliments when I least expect it.

3. I'm thankful that FINALLY we received DaHub's first unemployment check Tuesday. Too bad it was TWENTY-SIX days after he was laid off. LOL But, our Jehovah Jireh has completely provided for us through those around us.

4. Did I mention the sunshine? LOL

5. Thankful that I remembered to start downing vitamin C and garlic as soon as I noticed a sinus thing coming on because I think I missed the bullet on this one. LOL

6. For a hubby that realized that my monthly you-know-what had hit with a vengence requiring the fetal position with a heating pad so he took inititiative and took the kids outside for the afternoon which allowed me a 3 hour nap.

7. That big shiny yellow thing in the sky - seriously, it's making my WEEK! LOL

8. For my Svenska Flicka who is getting so big and starting to take on responsibilities (even if inconsistently) that I never expected her to be doing at this point.

9. For my Svenska Pojke who has got to be the best share-er around.

10. For all the angels-in-our-midst who continue to watch out for us - especially a sweet lady from church who bought my book for the next Bible study session starting in April so I can continue to grow and mature. *big smile*

Pam is on hiatus right now but you can see her previous Thanks Tanks here.

An out-of-the-ordinary Thanks Tank

Normally, Thursdays around here has meant a list of things I am thankful for this week, things that are filling my "thanks tank." And, we have more and more to be thankful for these last three weeks.

Following DaHubby's layoff at the beginning of the month, we have been showered with care, groceries, gift cards, cash, and prayers. We've had no income for two weeks yet all our minimum bills have been met.

As odd as this may sound, having DaHubby home full-time has actually been a huge blessing and a reprieve from the craziness that has been our lives the last two years while DaHub's juggled full-time school and (mostly) full-time work.

While the stress level is still on the high side of normal, if I had to be honest, this is the happiest we have all been in months.

This may not make sense to someone in the world, but I'm convinced it's a "God's economy" thing. It is just like less is more; being a humble servant in a me-oriented , fame-seeking culture; and it's ALL God's but he's only asking for 10% back. LOL

Put more succinctly, Dan Dumas said at a 2003 conference, "...the principle is simple ─ The way up is the way down in God's economy."

This may sound crazy but we've been happier with less these last 3 weeks than we've been in a long time.

So, this Thursday, I praise Jehovah Jireh for His provision and His work through the believers around us but I will also praise Him for this storm, this challenge, this season of our lives because we're drawing closer to Him and closer to each other than ever before.

While Pam is on hiatus right now, read her old Thanks Tanks here.

Thursday Thanks Tank

Better late than never...

So much going on this week. It's the first full week back to school for Flicka - last week had a snow day. DaHubby started his college courses this semester: physics, chem, pre-cals, and one last nuke class. And, Pojke and I started back to Bible study and his weekly sports class at the YMCA.

But, in the "clutter" of life, there has been some shining moments to be thankful for...

I'm thrilled with my new "Just For Joy" study group. I hope this group develops into as wonderful a group as my "Esther" study group did!

There aren't enough "thank yous" for the children's ministry workers at the church we attend. Saturday night, Sunday morning, Wednesday morning, Wednesday night - it seems every time their doors are open, they've consider the moms of little ones and provided child care with wonderful curriculum.

I'm thankful for the insight and enjoyment I'm getting out of a chronological Bible reading plan I started with the New Year. The jumping from Genesis to Job and back to Genesis so far appeals to my ADD (LOL) and lets how much I'm actually reading kinda sneak up on me as opposed to constantly seeing how much more of the Book I have to get through! LOL

Knowing how it makes him happy (as well as thrills me to see it), I'm thankful for a worship pastor who jumped at the chance of an impromptu jam session with DaHubby this past week and who has asked him to play a Sunday morning in February. I couldn't be more thrilled.

I'm thankful that after 3-4 days of awful congestion and sleeping alone since I was keeping DaHubby awake with my cold that I'm finally feeling better.

Thankful for the wonderful time and wonderful friends who circled our dining room table last weekend to celebrate Pojke's fourth birthday. After a trip down to our area's new carousel and kids' museum annex, we had a wonderful time just chillin and talking and laughing while the kids played.

I'm thankful for an emergency fund (while now dangerously small) that was able to cover a new alternator for "Goldilocks" (aka our 2001 Ford Focus) and another emergency root canal for DaHubby.

And, finally, I'm just splitting at the seams thrilled and geeked beyond words to have completed my second week of my American Sign Language class. Four more weeks at level one then two more 7-week sessions and I *just* might be able to actually communicate with someone who is hearing impaired! LOL

Those are the things that are blessin' me this week. How 'bout you? Stop by Pam's bloggy home to see her TTT posts too!

Thursday Thanks Tank

We're home on a snow day today, snuggled up with many blankets and favorite warm clothes. So, in no particular order...

• a roof over our heads
• new well-insulated windows keep out the drafts
• food in fridge despite being grocery day
• vehicles which are fairly reliable LOL
• DaHubby - where do I start? He blesses me and inspires me so much daily reminding me why I choose him and how lucky I am that we are a team!
• health - at least for the time being LOL
• no traveling for Cmas - for the first time in 40-some years, my parents are coming to me! LOL
• for a family prodigal who's in the process of traveling home - hopefully she'll be around through the holidays
• my adopted community - I grew up in Metro Detroit but this little city where I live in feels more like "me" than any other place I've lived!
• girlfriends - this week particularly Melanie, Melissa C., and Elizabeth. You ladies were the smiles in my week
• more old friends found on Facebook
• another "clear of cancer" report for a Viking family member and continued good reports for my SIL Peggy who is the only known survivor at this time of her type of leukemia!
• our new church - who is being kind and gentle to the newbie learning the ropes during the holidays
• our old church - whose Christmas party the kids and I will be joyfully attending Sunday evening, I hope.
  
• Advent devotions - seeing the arrival of Baby Jesus from the different points of view as well as reading "Magi" this week have blessed my sock off!

So, that's what filling my tank this week. How 'bout you? And, stop by Pam's place to see what she's thankful for lately.

Thursday Thanks Tank

There have been so many things going on and issues flying around here that I *really* need to consciously do my thanks tank today. It's my "mind focuser" for the week...

So, in no particular order:

I'm thankful (and THRILLED) that the kids appear to mostly healthy again...FINALLY!

I'm thankful that my "offline" time has provided a chance to step back from & re-assess my online life on Facebook and Twitter.

I'm thankful for an "early" Thanksgiving. My mom and step-dad will be here Sunday and she's bringing the food with her! LOL All I have to make is desserts which will be a surprise - (one) because one of them is a favorite of the Vikings and DaHubby and (two) the other is a first-time recipe I'm attempting. LOL

I'm thankful for a brilliant, patient, and understanding hubby who doesn't blow his top when I locked us outta the house when we walked down to our neighborhood park this past week. He just shrugged and started popping off the screen of one of the new windows he's installed. Flicka was at first very upset...until she realized that Daddy was gonna be putting HER through the window to unlock the front door. I'm also thankful for neighbors with a sense of humor who came out to watch "the show" LOL

I'm thankful my first-ever trip to our local Panera which turned into a wonderful unexpected morning of visiting with 3 ladies I really like but I don't get to spend nearly enough time with. Mel, Melissa, and Shelly - you made my day!

I'm thankful for a locally-run bank who was able to work with us (again) when our current financial situation found us short (again) for the minivan payment. Praise God for these folks who listen first and don't assume folks coming to them for help are just bad with their money. Within 48 hours, we're breathing easier with a new arrangement. I'm also thankful that this new arrangement allowed us to better participate in our new church's food drive as well as keep the few dollars we've saved up for the Vikings' Christmas presents in the bank!

I'm thankful for our YMCA scholarship. Those of you who donate to your local Y for situations just like this...THANK YOU!! It's because of people like you that my babies are still in swimming lessons, still going to family gym nights, and family swims with Daddy...not to mention the child care so Momma can spend some time getting some much-needed exercise and stress relief as well.

I'm thankful for choir...I guess I'm just a big ol' music/band/singing geek but there are few things I have more fun doing than singing - particularly for church. By Wednesday, my bee-hind is starting to drag but choir practice ALWAYS makes me glad that I persisted through my day and went. We have an anthem on Sunday to open service...praying that it goes well.

I'm thankful for the 4 hours I spent in prayer and fasting with some local Moms In Touch International folks. Thinking about leading a group at Flicka's school.

I'm thankful for being able to go on the second of Flicka's school field trips last Friday. This one to the local nature center.

For more TTT, stop by Pam's place and see what she's got filling her thanks tank.

Thursday Thanks Tank

Without further ado...

...thankful that DaHubby's still working - even if his hours have been cut and we don't know week-to-week how many hours he'll be able to work

...thankful for DaHubby's scholarship which covers his textbooks - especially when I hear him say he's taking chemistry (*ching*), physics (*ching, ching*), mechanical operations (*cha-ching*), and pre-calc (*KA-CHING*) winter semester.

...thankful that DaHubby's emergency root canal Monday morning relieved his pain and that our dentist was able to get the tooth into such a state (albeit temporary) that the remaining procedures can wait a few weeks 'til (hopefully) we're more financially able to deal with it.

...thankful for all our healthiness...so far.

...thankful for the roof over my head, my utilities, a working furnace, and "warmer" (i.e. better insulated) windows.

...thankful for a fridge full of food including 2 drawers of produce and a freezer with several containers of chicken stock and gallons of milk.

...thankful (OH so thankful) that we went through Financial Peace University in the fall of 2007 because, as a result, we've been able to keep up on our payments in spite of DaHubby's hours fluctuating between 24-45 hrs/week for the last 9 months.

...thankful for my almost four-year-old "littlest man of the house" who has begun to open and hold doors for me.

...thankful for my big girl who can make me cry when she can already recite her Pledge of Allegiance perfectly thanks to her AWESOME kindergarten teacher

...thankful for the small moments - like when Pojke receives a treat and says "I'm gonna save some of this for (Flicka)" or when he starts spontaneously singing "oh no, You never let go...through the calm and through the storm..." or spouts out "I can do all things through Christ...flip-ee-ans four dot, dot thirteen"

...thankful for kids who are "getting it" and are thrilled with simply spending time together with a $1 DVD and some ice cream.

...thankful for the shower of comments this week about how cute, how well behaved, etc. the Vikings are. I *really* needed to hear that lately. A little validation goes a long way in my momma world.

...but most of all this week I find myself in wonder and utterly thankful for all the wonderful women God has placed in and around my life lately. The ladies from my Bible study group, MOMS Club, choir, my sisters-in-law, and online buds have no idea how they have lighten my load this week. So, a shout out to the Wednesday morning "Esther" ladies, Melanie, Amy, Melissa, the alto section, Susie, Peg, Heather, Shellie, and all my sweet friends/family on Facebook. THANK YOU!!

For more TTT, stop by Pam's place.

Thursday Tanks Tank

Short and sweet...

Thankful for the Vikings - both miracles in their own way. Years of prayer, procedures, and medications preceded Flicka; Pojke proof to the contrary of my OB's advice that I'd likely have no more kids.

Thankful for my husband - who continues to amaze me with all he's juggling. The stress and anxiety must be so great. Money worries, unhappiness with his current job situation, full load of classes, barely any sleep. I don't know how he does it.

I have been waiting all year for this one - I'm thankful for my neighbor's "burning bush" which FINALLY I will now get to enjoy looking at out my window over my sink for the next few weeks. Absolutely beautiful.

Thankful...OH so thankful...for our emergency fund which apparently will be undergoing another test of its solvency since it appears DaHubby's work hours will be cut again soon.

For my Beth Moore Esther study and the ladies in my discussion group. The last 5 weeks have been AMAZING.

For Flicka's school, her teacher, and the rest of the staff. These people LOVE our kids and LOVE teaching. And, we're really enjoying the family feel...which is easier to achieve when there are only 70-some kids kindergarten through eighth grade LOL

And, for the wonderful people who watching over both Vikings at church. They are some of the best children's ministry people I have ever seen!

While we are exhausted juggling everything life is throwing at us, I think I'm more at peace right now than I've been in a long time. God is good. Our life is crazy but all in His hands. Praise Him!

Check our Pam's Thursday Thanks Tank archives here.

Thursday Thanks Tank

In no particular order...

just realized this morning, despite the chaos that's been our lives the last 3 weeks, I've taken no ADD meds for 16 days! Woo-hoo!

it seriously blessed my socks off running into a friend that I don't talk to in person NEARLY enough! Plus, she's an AWESOME momma coach and an encourager like none other I know!

the Beth Moore Esther study on Wednesday morning is testing my patience by going soooooo ssllooww through each verse and chapter but I'm being rewarded WAY beyond the wait.

the Bill Hybels study on "Living Beyond Myself" and a discussion on serving others has opened my mind's doors to some new ministry opportunities.

for singing and praising God in choir

for the church child care workers (angels on earth - I'm tellin' ya) that make the last three new things possible

for Flicka's teacher and principal

for the leaves changing - not much is prettier than a Michigan fall

DaHubby and I ran away from home last weekend and went on a 24 hour excursion which included a 6 hour canoe trip that was (almost) worth a week's vacation.

As hard as it is to say this because we miss him like crazy, I'm thankful for more hours at DaHubby's work. In exchange for seeing him even less, at least some of the financial stress is eased up.

My marriage - as we look around those we know, there have been several separations lately.

So, that's what's fillin' my tank this week.How about you? And, stop by Pam's place to see what's filling her tank.

Thursday Thanks Tank

I'm having a really hard time staying positive lately. My everyday life just seems one struggle after another with one overemotional, anxious kindergartener and one loud and sassy preschooler. No matter what we've tried, nearly every decision, every transition, every event is met with defiance at worst and whining/crying at the most irritating.

To be honest, doing Thanks Tank has become a bit of a chore. I don't FEEL like searching for a few glimmers of hope much less have the time to do so when everything is taking twice as long as planned.

But, I think that's the point.

I know I'm blessed. I feel guilty constantly that I'm not more thankful, that I find it so difficult to write these posts lately. It' feels nearly impossible for me to get out-of-the-chaotic-moment and raises my eyes...much less raise them to the hill from where my Help comes.

But, I have to.

I've had more "momma time" than usual lately with the complete upending of our schedule with Flicka starting kindergarten and DaHubby returning to school for fall semester. I've carved out 3 hours of time each week (coincidentally all on Wednesday) where I am kid-free and able to get join with some of my new church's folks and read/listen/watch in two new classes.

That momma/church time along with DaHubby's unwavering ability to make me laugh - even after only 5 hrs of sleep - are what's keeping me sane.

Some other "perks" to the week? The last 10 minutes of the drive to Flicka's school is just BEAUTIFUL in all its Michigander wonderfulness! LOL Trees are changing color, the morning fog, the turkeys or deer in the field, the winding road, the rising sun all lift my spirit to face the upcoming drama of trying to pry Flicka out of the van once we reach her school. LOL

And, finally, that while our poor garden didn't do very well this summer, what onions, peppers, and tomatoes we *did* manage to save are making a WONDERFUL freezer salsa that we're eating nearly as fast as I can make it! LOL

Mostly everything else is in a state of upheaval but a routine will come (one can only hope! LOL) in the next few weeks.

So, for more TTT, check out Pam's musings and thankfulness here.

Thursday Thanks Tank

My thanks tank has been filled in a particular fashion this week...

Without much fanfare yet carefully with much consideration, thought, discussion, and prayer, we're currently not attending church where we have been for the last six years. There are a number of reasons which I won't go into here.

Over the summer we made the transition to a church a few blocks away which does not share all the doctrine and beliefs we're used to but is similar in many ways. The messages are wonderful, relevant, and full of the Word. The children's ministry is large, consistent, and well-staffed. The music is similar and well-performed. And, from what we've seen, it's a place we'll be able to be fed for a while while we ride out this last crazy year of DaHubby's schooling and see where God leads from there.

However, having come from a relatively small church, we miss the personal connections. And, we both miss participating in the music. While DaHubby still isn't able to do so, I miss singing so much more than I thought I would. I've spent more amazing time feeling God's presence and power when I'm singing than any other time in my life right now...and I need it badly right now.

So, I stepped out...DEFINITELY in faith. LOL I'm still timid about my singing publicly (after being told in high school I couldn't carry a tune) but this comparatively HUGE church has a choir. And, I showed up for practice last night. The music pastor and many of the members welcomed me warmly and we got down to business.

And, then I had what was is probably the best 45 minutes I've had in weeks! Last night's practice filled up places that were getting dry and cracking in my soul. It filled up my tank deeply. Participating in music, in a team setting (instead of a lead singer like I was before), singing praise and worship music...my version of heaven right now!

Finally, this new church in which we're still finding our way and our place is apparently thinking about gettin' a little more Pentecostal in their worship! LOL Well, that's JUST fine with me because this is the song I'm learning for September 13th services:



For more TTT, stop by Pam's place.

Thursday Thanks Tank

I'm getting ready to go up north for a few days with DaHubby and the kids so my mind is wandering to all the pluses we're anticipating...

I'm so thankful for the 17 years of friendship with a former fellow University of Michigan public safety officer who now dutifully and excellently serves the fine people of Colorado as a state trooper.

I'm thankful that he saw fit to allow me to keep keys to his family's cabin in the Upper Peninsula.

I'm thankful for the cabin's remoteness...the lack of running water is nothing compared to its peacefulness.

I'm thankful for its location which is "coincidentally" about 30 minutes from where DaHubby grew up and 25 miles from the Soo Locks. And, as a result, it provides us with endless entertainment as 600-1000+ foot Great Lakes freighters and "salties" make their way by upbound to various points of refilling.

I'm thankful that the Vikings get so geeked about making that last turn on the southern part of northbound I75 and scream "THERE'S THE MACK-NEE-AW BRIDGE!"

I'm thankful that DaHubby will get a couple days of "guys-only" enjoyment and relaxation before we all head north.

Finally, I'm trying to be thankful for what will turn out to be 8+ hour drive...LOL

For more TTT, stop by Pam's bloggy home.

Thursday Thanks Tank

Better late than never...it has been one of those days. LOL

Today I am thankful that...

...my family member who had major surgery Monday is home, in her own bed, and (as far they can tell during the operation) now cancer-free!!!

...DaHubby is DONE WITH FINALS!!! FINALLY!!

...I live where I do. Lately, I'm just falling in love with my new hometown all over again.

...I ran into a few friends from my high school years at an event in my original hometown last weekend.

...for safe travel to and from the Detroit area last weekend despite some awful weather and some questionable drivers. LOL

and...for the Vikings good health. There have been so many sick kids being prayed for on the blogs, on Twitter, and on Facebook that I am so thankful the Vikings have never been to ER or the hospital (other than their births) and have been to the pediatrician primarily for well checks and ear infections.

For more TTT, go see what Pam's talking about this week.