Day 13

Today was the Prickett family reunion in Dill City, OK.  Probably most of you have no clue where that is.  It is a tiny town in Western Oklahoma.  Just Southwest of Clinton.  There isn't much left of it.  Even the school system merged with Burns Flat schools years ago.  But it is where my mom's family grew up and where they call home.  If you are ever driving down Hwy 152 and see a big red barn on the side of the road, that is the Prickett family homestead.  That is where the old farm house used to be where 10 children were born and raised working the land.  My great-uncle, Jimmie, lives in that red barn.  It is actually a house...he doesn't live in a barn!  :)  My great-uncle, Frank lived in the house next door with his wife, Daisy and a collection of clocks including several cuckoo clocks.  My Prickett family is amazing.  They continue to leave behind a Godly heritage and I am so proud to be a part of it!

My 28 thanks:

1. My mom's family has a strong Godly family legacy.

2. The Prickett family reunion today was refreshing.

3. The kids had a great time too.  As the only kids there, they were a huge hit with all the family!

4. In my life, I was able to meet all but 2 of the 10 Prickett "children".  My Nana was the 9th born.  Two of her brothers passed away before I was born, but the other 8 I knew and loved dearly.

5. My Papa is an amazing man.  He is kind, dependable, hard-working, determined and strong.  I love him very much.

6. My aunt Louan has lived in El Paso, Tx for most of my life and unfortunately, I didn't get to see her often growing up, but now she lives with my Papa, helping him out.  I get to see her so much more now and I am so blessed to have her as a part of my life!

7. My cousin Cricket was at the reunion today with her husband, David, and her son, Madison.  She is a joy to be around.  She makes me smile and she is so loving and generous.

8. My cousin, Kay is a dear woman.  She has always been so kind to me and it was great to see her and catch up today.

9. My great-uncle, Jimmie, is a hoot!  he is outgoing and loves to talk.  He never misses any opportunity to tell others about Jesus or encourage them in the faith.

10. My great-aunt Anna is such a loving person.  The love within her shows all the time.  She watched her husband, Jimmie, as he encouraged us to continue on the Godly heritage of the Prickett family.  Her pride and love for him was evident.  She is a special woman. 

11. My great-aunt Mary Lou is a precious woman.  She is always joyful and she always has a smile on  her face.  Her bright blue eyes and her expressions remind me of my Nana. 

12. My mom grew up as an Army brat, so when she settled in Oklahoma she made sure we were at every reunion, get together, wedding, funeral and holiday dinner that was held.  She loved to be with her family and she instilled that importance and love of family in me.  For that I am very thankful!

13. My cousin Ray is a fun guy.  He and my mom share a birthday, just one year apart!  We had a nice long conversation at the reunion.  I enjoyed talking to him because I know my mom loved him a lot.

14. My cousin Jane is such a sweet lady.  She moved to Cordell to take care of her parents, but has stayed around after they both passed because she feels home with her extended family.  She is a good friend to my Aunt Louan.  They both miss Texas so much, but know that they are where they are meant to be for now. 

15. My cousin Lynn is an interesting man.  I always enjoy talking to him.  His wife Marjorie is such a sweet woman. 

16. Even though Lynn's wife, Patsy, passed away 19 years ago I have a couple of memories of her.  She was a kind woman.  I still have the piggy bank she hand made for me when I was born.  I treasure it.

17. My cousin John and his wife were at the reunion.  He looks just like a Prickett, a whole lot like his namesake, my great grandfather, John Simpson Prickett.  I never met John much, his parents, Elmer and Naomi, lived on the East coast and I was never able to go there for a visit, although my parents did once and the pictures were beautiful!  I am so glad I have gotten to meet John a few times as I have gotten older.

18. My cousin Christa, John's sister was also there.  My interactions with her have been limited by distance, but I am glad to have met her on a few occasions now.

19. My great-aunt Helen still comes to reunions.  She married Joe in 1981 when they were both in their 50s and missionaries.  She has the sweetest, most loving and giving spirit I have ever met.  She was a missionary to Kenya and later she and Joe spent years in Trinidad and Tobego.  Her life has made an impact in the eternal realms.  I am blessed to call her family.

20. I love hearing stories of the past about my family.  It keeps the ones who have gone on alive in my heart.

21. God placed me into an amazing family.  I am truly blessed to be a part of this Godly heritage.

22. I got to laugh out loud when they told a story about throwing corn cobs at each other for fun.  Apparently, you have to make your own fun when you grow up on a farm. 

23. I was just saying the other day that my house is getting too small for us.  I am so blessed that I didn't raise 10 children in a two room farm house!

24. My "too little" house has electricity, unlike that farm house my Nana grew up in.

25. I have, and grew up with indoor plumbing.  Can I get an Amen?!?

26. Growing up in a two room farm house with 9 siblings builds character and relationships with others.  We need more of that today.

27. After the reunion, we visited the family members who have already passed away at Page cemetary.  It was windy, but peaceful.

28. I know my Prickett family members will greet me in Heaven one day.  I will see them again!

Bonus thanks:  I got to visit in person with Kendra for a few minutes as I delivered her pillow.  Even just those few minutes made my day!  She is truly my best friend.

Day 12

I started my day in the Word.  I don't do this as often as I should.  I like to sleep, so by the time I get up and moving the kids have woken up and my day has already begun.  I try to squeeze it in during the course of the day which obviously doesn't work, since I am behind...again.  Just when I think I am back on track and get even the tiniest bit comfortable, something happens.  Whether it be a natural disaster, vacation or just the consequences of my own decisions, I get off course.  It's something I definitely need to work on.

My 28 thanks:

1. The Lord loves it when I spend time with Him.  I love it too.

2. Even when I get behind, He still loves me and welcomes me back with open arms when I get back on track.

3.  I have realized that getting behind isn't failure; quitting is failure.  In the past I would have given up, but this year, I am going to finish strong.

4. I got some really great athletic shorts from Wal-Mart.  They are super comfortable.

5. I decided they will be the perfect shorts for Silver Dollar City...so I get to go back and buy some more!

6. I cooked breakfast for everyone this morning and then cleaned the kitchen.  It feels good to be productive.  Lucy would be proud.

7. Dad and Lucy bought Madelyn new colorful ponytail holders.  She loves them and so do I because now she won't use and lose mine.

8. Zachary skied again today.  He even stood up this time!

9. Sarah got out her phone and video taped him skiing.

10. Sarah and I get along best when we are tubing I think... :)

11. Apparently we bond during perilous situations.

12. We push each others buttons, most sisters do, but we love each other and I am blessed to have her in my life.     

13. I got new shampoo and conditioner today.  It smells really good.

14. Sarah and I had ourselves a little therapy session tonight.

15. My friend Angela Rodriguez.  She is a good friend.  She calls me out of the blue and she always listens to me without judgement.  I need her in my life. 

16. My friend Kendra.  We are like soul mates.  When we get together, it is like no time has passed.  We understand each other perfectly and we get angry when someone hurts the other.  We are fiercely loyal to one another.

17. My friend Rachael.  We don't get to see each other often, but when we do, we have a great time laughing with each other.  Also, she made me soap.  She is a cool friend.

18. My friend Angela Lewis.  She always answers the phone when I call.  That is a big deal to me because it makes me feel important.  She makes me laugh and she has a great, contagious laugh.  She is a good friend to me.

19. My friend Nicole.  She is younger than me and growing up we knew each other, but the age difference was so much that we hung in different circles.  She is a loyal friend, always offering to watch my kids even though she has 3 of her own.  She is kind.  She and her husband, Dan are so generous.  Matt and I are blessed to have Dan and Nicole in our lives.

20. I had myself a pity party tonight I am so glad my sister was here to attend it...and talk me through it.  To be honest, it has been extremely hard to come up with even 20 reasons to bless the Lord tonight. 

21. I am reading about David in 2 Samuel.  Although he was anointed king, he still had troubles.  He should have been happy, right?  But people he loved stabbed him in the back, despised him, and rejected him...even his own son!  When this happens to me I need to remember I am in good company.

22. Jesus was betrayed by one of his best friends.  He probably wasn't invited to weddings he wanted to attend also.  I am in good company.

23. My Sanuk sandals are the perfect shoes for wearing at the lake.

24. We made it home safe and sound from the lake.

25. The kids and I got in late, but still got to spend time with Matt.

26. I get to sleep in my own bed tonight.

27. Zack and Rachael were at my house when I got home.

28. Rachael is sweet to Madelyn.  She watched the entire recital DVD with Madelyn and enjoyed it.

Day 11

I totally wrote this entire blog, saved the update and then found out none of it saved!  Good grief!  Good thing I had it all "blogged" in my pink glitter notebook.  Here it goes again...

Today was a great day, I woke up at the lake house!  We slept in, ate a late breakfast and headed out for the lake late in the afternoon.  It was a fun day!

My 28 thanks:

1. I started catching up on my One a Day Bible again last night.  I didn't mean to get behind, but I will get caught up soon.

2. I have been reading about the life of King David.  Last night I read about David and Bathsheba.  I am so amazed with the love and forgiveness of our God!  His love covers a multitude of sins.

3. There were very few boats on the water today.

4. We were able to find smooth water for skiing.

5. Zachary was so brave and tried to ski today.

6. The first try, he followed my instruction to NOT let go of the rope.  Unfortunately, he left his skis behind and was drug underwater behind the boat. Don't worry, my dad is a pro at pulling young skiers and he was perfectly fine...and begging to go again.

7. The second try, he was on top of the water in a squatting position for a full 4 seconds!  I was a proud mama!

8. After skiing, Zachary was all smiles.  He was so proud of himself!

9. I was able to ski a really great run today.  I love skiing and wish I got to do it more often.

10. Madelyn gave skiing another good try today.  She will get it soon.

11. We had some great tube rides today!

12. While riding the tube, Zachary and I hit some big waves..  He looked at me with a huge smile on his face and shouted, "That's what I call fun!"

13. My kids are a lot of fun!

14. I am sore after dancing with the troupe girls last night.  I love it!

15. I made the girls do crunches last night and today my abs are sore.  I love when my abs are sore because even though I am not skinnier, it makes me feel that way.  :)

16. Being sore didn't hold me back from skiing or tubing today!

17. Sarah and I had a crazy fun ride on the tube that ended when she wiped out.  We had a good laugh about her fall.

18. Hot showers after a long day in the lake.

19. None of us got sunburned today.

20. I got to talk to Matt tonight.  I am sad that he isn't here, but he is having a good time as a bachelor while we are gone.

21. My MIL gave me her favorite lotion that they don't sell anymore.  It is Moroccan Argan Oil by Organix.  It smells so good!

22. Not only does the lotion smell good, it is keeping my skin from peeling.

23. We are all sitting together watching the Hobbit as I write this.  I love watching movies with my family.

24.  Today I had to drive the boat up on the trailer for the first time in over a year.  I didn't do a terrible job.

25. It was so overcast today that at times we were cold out in the boat.

26. I knew I would get behind on my blog while out at the lake house where there is little to no internet access.  I took a pen and notebook with me and "blogged" the old fashioned way.

27. I finished the sequel to the book I devoured last week.  I can't wait to get home and start on the third book.

28. I got to sit on the screened in patio tonight.  The weather was great!  There was a cool breeze, it was quiet for just a little bit until the kids found me...and there were no bugs!

Day 10

A year ago today, we were up early and on an airplane to Los Angeles, Ca.  We were so blessed to be able to take our kids to Disneyland!  I can't believe it has been a year already and at the same time, it feels like forever since we were there. 

My 28 thanks:

1. The financial means to go to Disneyland.

2. Memories from Disneyland.

3. Walt Disney.  What a visionary man!

4. The kids still talk about our Disney vacation.

5. I got to run a ton of errands today without kids.

6. Target had the exact size shorts I needed to exchange for.

7. The Target I went to is very close to the meat market.  Two birds/one stone.

8. I was right on budget at the grocery store.

9. Day 2 of my summer dance classes went great!

10. The Jr. Troupe girls told me several times they enjoyed the dance I taught them.

11. I spent two full days with no cell phone.  It was totally relaxing.

12. I was able to make it to the lake house at a decent time even though I left home later than I expected.

13. The kids got to stay up until I got the the lake house.

14. Both of the kids were excited to see me.  They both hugged and kissed me when I came in the door.

15. My kids weren't sunburned after 4 days at the lake.  Dad, Lucy and Sarah took great care of them while I was gone.

16. Pinterest.  I have found many great new recipes on that website.

17. Some pins I have found are recipes from the Pioneer Woman.

18. The Pioneer Woman is awesome.  She has never failed me!

19. I tried one of her recipes out on Matt tonight and it was a hit.

20. Memory foam pillows.

21. Memory foam mattress toppers.

22. Lucy bought memory foam mattress toppers for the two queen beds at the lakehouse!

23. I listened to Heart all the way to the lake house tonight.  It was awesome!

24. I don't mean to brag...but, well, yeah, I kind of do... I can still pull through a center split.  :)

25. I can also still do a mean grand jete.

26. A dancer complimented me on my new Ariel tank top tonight.

27. Matt's last birthday present, NBA 2K12 for PS3, came in the mail today. 

28. The delivery was great timing. Now he has something fun to keep him entertained while the rest of us are at the lake for the week.

Day 9

I didn't purposefully schedule my two days of summer dance classes for the week my family was going to the lake house.  I hate that it happened that way because I would love to be at the lake house right now chillin' with everyone, but I have a job to do...and it's a fun job.  On the bright side, my kids get a break from me for two days and really get to feel like they are on vacation.  When I get back to the lake house tonight, at least one of them will hug me and yell, "Mama!" and it will be awesome.  Awesome that they missed me, but more awesome that they know how to have fun, behave and be obedient without me being around.

My 28 thanks

1. My dad, Lucy and Sarah love my kids.

2. Although it is possible that they weren't ecstatic about the idea of keeping my kids at the lake house without me or Matt for two whole days they did it and mostly didn't complain. 

3. It's not easy to take care of two young children at the lake house when you are fixing boat trailer tires and skiing and tubing and putting sunscreen on them and making sure they are sitting down while the boat is moving..see, it's a lot of work.  My family is awesome!

4. My kids are having a great time at the lake house without me and Matt!  

5. I got to sleep in this morning.  Till 9!  It was amazing!

6. I was on call today for disaster relief, but smarty pants here left her phone charger at the lake house.  It's impossible to make phone calls from a phone with a dead battery.  Thankfully I only received one phone call and Danielle was gracious enough to make the call back for me.

7. I don't really know Danielle.  I know who she is and I could pick her out of a police lineup if need be, but she has no clue who I am.  She seems to be extremely sweet and I hope we get to know each other personally very soon.

8. Traffic on I-35 seems to have finally started moving again.  There were way too many people backing up I-35 taking pictures of tornado damage.

9. It is clear to me that many people have dedicated hours of their lives getting the damage and debris cleaned up.  In just one month so much has already been accomplished.

10. Matt and I had another good laugh over something crazy he said.  "Things that aren't as funny as they used to be are funnier now."  We've been laughing about that one for days now.

11. Miss Connie LOVES getting me out of my comfort zone to teach the troupe girls.  I am glad she does!  Her confidence in my abilities has allowed me to have confidence in myself and to identify my talents.

12. Everyone needs someone in their life who instills confidence.  I am thankful I have Miss Connie and the other teachers to speak that into my life.

13. I was able to go into the dance studio for a couple of hours this afternoon.  My goal was to find music for my first hour which was just progressions and to run through the dance I had choreographed.  However, I found some music and choreographed a whole second dance to teach to the Jr. Troupe girls.  I surprised myself!

14.  Last year I freaked out about teaching choreography to the troupe girls, but this year I was prepared.  I had a full 2 minute dance choreographed for them and it took almost the whole hour to teach it.  I was proud of the work I put in and the results it produced.

15. The troupe girls are fun to teach.

16. In a pinch, Kidz Bop music can work really well for progressions. 

17. I'm getting all kinds of e-mails from Pastor Kara regarding Camp WOW.  It is almost here and I am so excited!

18. The storm that came through overnight did no damage to any of my property or possessions.

19. The Lord has been so faithful in keeping us safe and sound this storm season.

20. My sunburn from Saturday and Sunday has already turned into a tan.

21. The Santa Fe gets better gas mileage than I thought it would.  I went 320 miles on a tank.  Actually, my low fuel light wasn't on yet...so I could have squeezed a few more out of it.

22. Matt loves his new job.

23. He will have been there a month on the 20th and he has had no work related stress!

24. Matt came home from work no later than 6:00 this whole month!

25. He would have never wanted to leave his last job, but the relocation news made it necessary.  I can tell he is much happier without the stress staying at work until 9:00 to finish financial close.

26. 79 cent big gulps at 7-11.  Hey, if I want to be unhealthy, at least I can do it for cheap.

27. Dancing is good exercise.  I am sore today after doing my own choreography with the Sr. Toupe girls.

28. If I drink a big gulp and dance in the same day...it's kind of like I didn't have the big gulp. Right?  I say yes. 

Day 8

We all woke up sore this morning.  I guess that is the price you pay for taking a beating while tubing.  It's worth it.  Today is Father's day.  I have a fantastic father in my life.  A man of character and integrity.  I love him so much.  Matt is such a great daddy to his kids!  Happy Father's Day!

My 28 thanks:

1. My dad is awesome!

2. My dad is a man of character.

3. My dad is a man of integrity. He is true to his word.

4. My dad works hard all the time.  He is always working on something.

5. My dad raised 2 teenage girls on his own.  I believe he needs a standing ovation for that one!

6. My dad has been through a lot in this life, but you won't hear him complain about it.

7. My dad is an awesome grandfather.  He became an instant grandpa when he married Lucy and he loves ALL his grandchildren the same. 

8. My dad puts the needs of others before his own.  Always.

9. My dad fixes things for me.  He doesn't know it yet, but this week he will be helping me replace my windshield wipers.

10. My dad knows about computers and is always upgrading my stuff.  I don't know how to do any of that, so I love it!

11. My dad taught me how to love the Lord.

12. My dad loves the Lord with his whole heart.

13. My dad supports me all the time...usually after giving me a hard time about what I have decided to do...he's ornery like that.

14. Because of my dad's godly example of what a husband is, I was able to identify a man with all the right qualities to become my husband.  I thank God for that.

15. Matt is a godly man that I and my children can look up to.

16. Matt is a kind and patient daddy to our children.

17. Matt sacrifices things he wants for our needs.  Ya'll we just this year upgraded to a flat panel TV because we were previously too busy getting out of debt and taking care of real, tangible needs. 

18. Matt is good with money.

19. Matt likes math, so I don't have to do it very often.

20. Matt can play piano and I love it when he plays.

21. Matt is a great son.  He is always talking to his mom and helping her buy stuff on ebay!  He loves his family.

22. Matt is trustworthy.  He says what he does and he does what he says.

23. He gets that from his dad.  Weyman is a man of his word.  He is a great father in law.

24. Weyman is a fantastic grandfather.  My kids love him.

25. Weyman gets in the floor with his grandkids.  He builds elaborate train tracks and plays Banjo Kazooie for hours on end just to make Zachary happy.

26. Weyman is the hardest working man I have ever met in my entire life.  He works outside all day and then comes home and works at home.

27. God gave me great men in my life.

28. In a world that has minimized the role of fathers in the lives of their children, I am so blessed to have three men in my family who love the Lord and are invested in the lives of their children and grand-children. 

Day 7

When I was a kid, we spent an entire week at the lake.  We slept in tents and we went out on the boat every single day for hours.  We cooked every meal on a little Coleman propane camping stove and we had a blast!  I miss those days.  Now my parents have a little double wide in Sulphur near the Lake of the Arbuckles.  Don't get me wrong, I love having A/C and no bugs crawling in my ears, (Yes, that actually happened...My cousin Ross might still have nightmares of me screaming bloody murder in the middle of the night from inside the little pup tent we were sharing...but I digress).  It just isn't the same.  Some of my best summer memories are from our weeks spent every 3rd week in July with all the Shoffstalls.  Now we are making our own memories.

1. I was able to wake up before anyone else and pack up everything we needed for our little weekend getaway.

2. I didn't forget anything but 2 pounds of hamburger meat.

3. I can fit so much in the back of my Santa Fe!

4. I fall in love a little more with that little SUV every day.

5. My dad is so handy.  He still keeps the boat he has had since I was 6 in working order.

6. Someday, I will buy my dad a new boat.  How awesome would that be?!?

7. My kids love to be at the lake. 

8. My kids love to swim and they don't mind the dirty lake water!

9. My kids really enjoy riding the tube behind the boat. (but who doesn't?)

10. Matt is adventurous.  He can take any beating my dad throws our way when we are on the tube.

11. Matt and I survived our tube ride.  There was one wave...well, we thought it might be our last, but we fought for it and stayed on!

12. I rode on the tube with my sister's fiance Chad.  I thought my dad was gonna kill us! I have a battle wound from that ride.

13. I rode on the tube with Zachary.  His laughter make me so happy!

14. I didn't have to cook supper!

15. My sister and Chad made fajitas and they were fantastic!

16. I got a pair of hot pink running shorts for only $7 at the Sulphur Wal-Mart.

17. I am not a Wal-Mart fan. (Target did not pay me to say that...) The Wal-Mart in Sulphur is small and quiet and being in that store does not make me want to get an elective lobotomy.  (Wal-Mart in Sulphur did not pay me to say that...)

18. I only got slightly pink after being outside in overcast weather today.

19. Memories of years and years of lake vacations.  Believe me...we can all tell you some stories.

20. New memories of lake vacations at my parent's lake house.

21. A lake house to stay and play...with A/C.

22. Sunscreen.

23. Zachary fell asleep on the boat.  He was standing up with his head on the seat next to my arm.  It was a pretty funny sight.

24. Overcast days on the lake.  A break from the beating sun feels nice.

25. My family.  They really know how to have a good time.

26. I don't have to fix my hair or wear makeup when I am at the lakehouse.

27. I backed the boat trailer into the water to pick up the boat and it only took me 4 tries to get it straight!  I had help.  Chad was telling me which way to turn the wheel...  Backing in a trailer is hard work!

28. We watched Oz (the new one) with my parents and the kids last night.  We enjoy watching movies together.