Thankful Thursday

My friend Cara Jane started doing these posts a few months ago and I've really enjoyed them!  I decided that I'm going to jump in the thankful game for 2013.  A little over a year ago I read the book 1000 gifts by Ann Voskamp.  My heart and attitude towards thankfulness was completely transformed after reading this book.  I began my journey of counting 1000 gifts and am continuing on the journey this year.  So each week I'll share a few things from the past week that I've counted as gifts. 

1. My mom coming to help us for 5 days this week!  Seriously I don't think we could've made it back into the routine of Matt working this past week without her.  She played with the boys, ran errands, cooked, cleaned, did our laundry and let us go out on a date.  Not to mention that it was so fun to have her here with me all day to keep me company and encourage me in these young Mommy days. 

2.  Our Missional Community!  We have an awesome group that we love and who have loved and served us so well during the past month.  They've brought us food, played with our kids, folded our laundry and taken down our Christmas decorations.  Aren't they the best?!

3.  Date Night.  Matt, Cambrie Mae and I all snuck out for a little date Saturday.  It was so good to get out of the house and have a whole conversation without interruption.  Cambrie Mae was even generous enough to let us get dessert and coffee before she melted down.  We felt so very refreshed after our time together.  Thanks again mom!

4. Sleepless nights.  I know weird one, but this is one of those areas where I have to choose to be thankful.  It doesnt' come easy and sometimes I have a bad attitude, but then I remember the reason I'm up a lot at night.  I've been given the gift of a baby, a daughter who needs me around the clock.  It does wear on me some nights but I'm so thankful for that sweet time of cuddles and feedings that will be over soon enough.  This is only a short season. 

5.  One on one time with my boys.  I've been trying to block out short periods of time throughout my day where I spend time with each child.  Most of the time its just 10 minutes or so of reading with one or building a block tower, but it's so special.  They crave it as much as I do.  I've seen behavior change drastically when intentional time has been spent with each boy.  Love those 2 little guys like crazy!

6. Boys in Batman raincoats.  Enough said...

What are you thankful for this week?