Thankful

 Thankful for this man, that God gave to me.

His birthday was yesterday

He's 2 years older than I

 Just about my whole world right here

(he loves pie, so I picked up a carmel apple struesel pie from Sam's Club)

Thankful for my beautiful family

 He shares a birthday with Mother Mary

and our goddaughter (you'll see her later)

Isn't that special to share a birthday with 2 very special people?

Thankful Jesus gave us His mother 

John 19:26-27

Thankful  my birthday is today! 

(Tuesday)

(It's late, so by the time you read this, it will be today)

I'm 45 

 Thankful our butterfly emerged 

(a couple weeks ago now)

so beautiful to witness new life

 Thankful for our backyard...so busy and yet so peaceful

 Thankful for funny boys who start a water fight

 and realize that the water is actually pretty cold!

Thankful for awesome helpers that help play with the little kids every single day!

What a blessing they are to each other!

 Thankful for my view from the porch

 even if it is changing right before my eyes

 Yes, those are fall leaves.

I used to like fall.

I don't think I do anymore.

It's too close to winter.

Thankful it's not winter yet!

 Thankful to be able to soak up as much of fall as I can

 Thankful for pretty girls with flowers

 And some school pictures done

(3rd grade)

 (4th grade)

 (9th grade)

I used my flash on this one, and I think maybe I might need to re-do these

He's going to love that.

(the other kids pictures are in THIS post)

 Thankful for a surprise visit from my cousin!

I love her so much!

We grew apart as adults and have grown close again 

in having children.

(and I love it!)

  And my kids love it!

 Thankful for surprise visits from my good friend Sarah!!

(OK, I knew a couple days ahead of time)

We never seem to get enough time together.

Her oldest is 15 now 

and she remembered that she was 15 when we first met.

I was working with her brother at Sam's Club

(who was Lutheran at the time)

(he's a priest now)

Her and her mother would go through my register 

when he wasn't working.

(I am 5 years older than she)

We went our own ways for several years, 

til they became Catholic, as a family.

I started seeing her at church things

We went our own ways again, married and started families.

Then, we ended up living near each other and 

going to the same church!!

We were fast friends.

And have been ever since, even through far away moves.

She is my "soul friend"

There's such a thing, isn't there?

Well, there should be.

And if there were, she would be it for me.

My daughter is her goddaughter

And her daughter is our goddaughter! 

(she's the one that Tom shares his birthday with)

Eva and my daughter are one year and one week apart

 Creamy White Chili

My friend Laura

wanted me to post this recipe!

I got it 

HERE

 Not sure if I'm the only one that does this, but I don't really follow the recipe, 

like I add way more beans and broth than it says....

and maybe sour cream and whipping cream.

 I use Garlic Salt instead of salt or Garlic powder...

but if you follow the recipe exactly, it is also delicious, I promise.

Don't forget to add some cheese to the top!

 Thankful for the beauty of childhood in my life

From the oldest to the youngest.
May we all notice the beauty around us
even in every day life.

 

Have a great week, God's love to you all!