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Where is Trinity???
There she is!!!!
Yep, Trinity and I played this game for a good twenty minutes today. Her laughter and smiles were contagious for sure! I'm in love with my job and head-over-heels for these kiddos.
(Don't get any ideas though... we won't be making any additions to our family for a while, I hope.)
So there it is. My icebreaker to begin blogging again. Let's just say, I'm ready to see the month of March. It's my birthday month, the beginning of Spring blooms, the reopening of my Etsy shop, a girls trip to the beach, a relocation for our church, one more snow shoeing hike (hopefully), and one month closer to my mom's visit. :)
More updates and pics to come in the next few days. Miss you all.
So this week has been pretty hard. Terrible, in fact. And I've found myself wishing that this week had never happened so things could just be normal. But that can't happen, and in retrospect, I'm glad about this.
You see, even through the most difficult of times, God still blesses us with lots of positives. I'm really happy I'm beginning to see those.
1. I've been blessed to see several beautiful sunrises this week, which seems a bit abnormal for this time of year.... I guess they always happen, but there's usually thick layers of fog blocking my view.
2. I treated myself to two carmel frappuccinos from Starbucks this week. Mmmm, such a treat. (I knew all that change in my change-purse would be put to good use.)
3. After doing 4 loads of the kids laundry at work yesterday, I dreaded coming home to do ours. When I arrived, I found all my clothes neatly folded on the bed, and the laundry hamper empty. Thank you, Heath. You have no idea how much I appreciate your help. (oh, and he did the dishes. :)
4. This week has brought an overwhelming presence of love from my past and present friends and family. It's so nice to receive these texts, emails, and phone calls. What a blessing to know how much we are loved and cared for.
5. Mt. Hood has been hiding for a while, but I've seen her 3 times this week from the barge. What a beautiful sight.
6. The kids decided not to take naps yesterday. (Why, oh Why?!? No, that is definitely not the positive.) I think Shirley (their mom) noticed my stress levels were high, so yesterday afternoon we did something abnormal. We danced around the kitchen and made chocolate iced cupcakes. It was magic. And, we each got our own spatula to lick at the end. Tristan got the whole bowl and paddle... I'm glad I wasn't there to put him to bed :)
7. Last Thursday, I used my JoAnn's coupons and bought supplies for watercolor painting. I was debating on whether or not to keep the set... I'm glad I did. It's provided a good outlet for me this week. You should try it...
8. I'm finally starting to feel comfortable in my job. I didn't think nannying was beneath me, I just never expected to be doing something like this. My full-time job is being a mom to these two kiddos, and you know what? I'm pretty darn good at it. I love taking care of them and receiving their sweet hugs and kisses each day. I am so thankful for this family.
I'm sure there are other positives, but I just started to allow myself to see them. Give me a few more days, and I'm sure I'll come up with some more.
I love you all. Thank you for reading.
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
Heath and I were lucky enough to spend a full week at my parent's house for Thanksgiving. A trip down south was greatly appreciated, and I was blessed to land my nanny job the day we left for Franklin. What are the odds? It was a wonderful trip, filled with good eats, time with family and friends, and memorable sight-seeing as always.
Much to my dismay, Heath and I decided not to purchase a christmas tree this year, or put up Christmas decorations for that matter. Being gone the week of Thanksgiving, then spending three weeks in Texas, our tree would be dead and sorry looking by the time we got back. I was sad about this, but there's always next year. My parents had quite a pretty tree to admire though....
While we were in town, we celebrated Christmas with my family as well. It was a treat to have Christmas 1 month early! :) Thanks mom and dad!
We were also lavishly treated in the food department. Oh my goodness, I don't think we've eaten that good in a while. It was mildly depressing when we came home to vegetable plates and pasta dishes. If you live in Franklin, please go eat at Wild Ginger for me!!! I'm begging you.... get the Skittle salad and the Firecracker sushi. Then call me and tell me how good it was. I want someone to enjoy it if I can't. SO GOOD.
We spent Thanksgiving with grandmom and granddad Daniels, along with mom's side. We took lots of pictures, and cherished our time with granddaddy.
Heather and Matt with their puppies.
Neal with his new puppy, Chevy.
Family picture....
So, if you've never been to downtown Franklin, you should stop what you're doing and just go now. Walking down Main St. continues to be one of my favorite things to do while I'm home. The stores have changed overtime, but the buildings have so much character and it reminds me so much of my childhood. I liked this store window... it reminded me of Anthro.
While visiting downtown Franklin, you can treat yourself to a some Sweet CeCe's. It's soooooo yummy!
We were lucky enough to see gmom and gdad twice while we were in town. We spent a day with them alone right before we left. Granddad was much more talkative this day with out so many people around. We shared lots of laughs and special moments together. And took this wonderful picture...
On one of the non-rainy days (yes, the rain followed us from Oregon), mom took Heath and I to Radner Lake in Brentwood. I loved taking pictures and enjoyed the sunny sky. It was a good day.
Though I was not able to see everyone I wanted (there's always next year :), it was a great trip, filled with nice memories and lots of love. We love our Tennessee family. Thank you for treating us so well.
I have a lot to be thankful for these days.
-My God who knows me so well and shows unconditional love. I have learned so much about patience and trust this year (and I am still learning).
-A loving husband who has been full of encouragement and understanding these past few months. I'm so glad to share this adventure with him.
-A cozy home that has already been blessed by our family and friends.
-Precious families to share the holidays with... We were spoiled by my parents this Thanksgiving (I'll post more on that later), and are excited to visit our Texas family in just a few short weeks! Heath and I were able to share some much needed time with Granddad Daniels. I am very thankful for him and the time we were able to share last week.
-A church community that has blessed us already! May we continue to grow in relationships and Agape love.
-Our Portland friends! Thank you for embracing us and making us feel a part of your community. :)
-On a less important, but still thankful, note.... I can still wear my wedding dress! I slipped it on for a while last Sunday and enjoyed its beauty.
-Though there are many more things, I will end my list with this: I am thankful that I have a job! As of last Monday, I will be a full-time nanny for two little ones that live on a barge. Yes, that's right, a barge... really it's a large houseboat, but it's fascinating for sure. Yesterday was my first day! Pray that I transition smoothly into this full-time gig, and that the kids warm up to me quickly. I'm really excited and blessed to be working for such a lovely family!
Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving friend. I have missed you!
Heath and I went to the Japanese Garden last week. One day a year, they have free admission to the gardens! I normally costs $9.50 per person, so we jumped at the chance to go. Though crowded, rainy, and cold, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly!
The Japanese Garden is located next to the International Rose Test Garden that I have mentioned before. I've been told it's a great place to go for the whole day, to meditate and appreciate natural beauty. Going on a free day, we experienced the beauty... not so much the peace and quiet though. :)
Enjoy my colorful leaf pictures! I'm pretty sure this might be my last post of them... they are dropping fast. Hope Tennessee still has some left for us!
Just so you know, it's supposed to rain the whole time we are in Nashville. We cannot the escape rainy, gloomy days! It hasn't been too bad, though I would appreciate one occasional sunny day! I've had a hard time taking pictures for my etsy shop because I've had no natural light. Oh well.
Texans, we'll be saying hello in less than one month. Tennesseans, we'll be there Monday! Have a lovely weekend, dear friend.
