Day 23

I'll be short today since I took up a lot of your time yesterday! 

My 28 thanks:

1. My house was full of kids yesterday.

2. They all played well together, there were no fights, injuries or mishaps.

3. We bought a new kind of (fake) chicken at Sam's for Zachary to try.  (he is very picky about his fake chicken) He tried it and liked it!  It might have been because Alexander and Ana liked it too...but I will take what I can get.

4. All my fall decor is out of the closet.  I haven't decorated with it yet, but the first step is done.

5. I found owls in my fall decor that I forgot I had!  It was a fun surprise!

6. Even though I still haven't watched two SYTYCD episodes, I watched the final dances last night and for the first time all season, I got to vote!

7. Madelyn was excited to go to dance last night!  She loves Miss Tiffany's tap and jazz class!

8. Matt got home a little early from work.  It made the evening seem longer.

9. I got Madelyn's flower girl dress ordered!  I was almost too late, but it will get here in plenty of time and it wasn't as expensive as I thought it would be.

10.  My new mattress gets more comfortable every single night.

11. Penny print deals at Snapfish. 

12. Courage, I'm gaining some.

13. People who motivate me.

14. Love.  I have friends and family who love me.

15. Madelyn was so excited to watch my wedding video.  I had to leave the room because, let's face it, it is hard to watch yourself on video, but she loved it.  I am glad she is interested in our love story.

16. Madelyn is already talking about going to college.  She is driven.

17. Zachary believes he can do anything.  I pray I never quench that spirit in him. 

18. He is not daunted by the high standards expected of him by the end of kindergarten. 

19. A friend from my old CW days reminded me how fun it is to be zany.  Sometimes that word describes me quite well. 

20. Although I am working towards my goal of dental hygiene school, I am thankful for my time spent in the field of social work...hopefully I planted some good seeds and helped some people.  It also taught me what I DON'T want to do for the rest of my life... :)

21. God can use every detour we take for His glory.

22. God uses every experience we have to mold us into who He created us to be.

23. Even though I walked away from my dream 13 years ago, it is being restored!

24. Restoration...of my dreams, my security...everything.  God is good.

25. My mom's old recipes.  My family likes most of them and I can feel a small connection to her.

26. Loose fitting clothes...especially clothes that weren't loose only a few weeks ago. :)

27. I have gotten to be a stay at home mom for the past 5 years.  I have gotten to see and take pictures of every school assembly, awards presentation and party.  All that will change when I get into dental hygiene school so I know how important it is to cherish every single one of those moments.

28. My steps are ordered by the Lord.  He has great things in store for me!