Day 29

   Back in April, I uncharacteristically left my garage door open for one hour between returning to my house from running errands and taking Zachary to pm pre-k.  In that one hour, (in broad daylight with my car in the garage) thieves stole $1000 worth of tools, bikes and lawn equipment.  I was scared and Matt was mad, but from that mistake and its consequences, we became very conscious of our coming and going as well as the status of our garage door...even to the point of driving back by the house to make sure it was shut. 
   Monday, I left the house to take the kids to school.  I planned to go to the Y to workout but I forgot a water bottle.  I pulled out of the driveway, and my mind was apparently focused on coming back to the house for water.  As I drove around the curve leading to my house after dropping off the kids, I could see immediately that my garage door was OPEN...and had I had my heart rate monitor on it would have been maxed out.  I did it AGAIN!  I opened the door to my house and took a quick look around the kitchen.  Once I determined that it appeared no one had entered my home, I left the door open...just in case, and checked the garage for missing items.  Nothing was missing in the garage so I shut the garage door (and made sure it shut all the way before walking away) and checked the entire house for any intruder that might have been hiding in a closet. 

                   Note to self:  Next time grab something that can be used as a weapon before opening closet doors searching for a possible intruder... 

    Once I discovered no one had entered my home, I relaxed.  I did NOT go to the Y.  I figured my heart rate had been elevated enough already... I know people who would say that was just luck.  I wasn't gone long enough for anyone to enter my garage and take things; I was just fortunate that I forgot my water and immediately came back home.  I know better than that.  God orders my steps.  Sometimes I make mistakes and don't close the garage, but God is always going before me and looking out for me.  I am thankful for His protection...I'm going to make mistakes, but God's got my back. 

My 28 thanks:

1. God cares about me.

2. He goes before me, He knows what lies ahead and what mistakes I will make, but He has a solution.

3. There was a hedge of protection around my home Monday morning.

4. I have been reminded how important it is for me to watch the garage door close...to not get sidetracked or in too big of a hurry that I forget to protect my possessions.

5. Although I drove away from my home with the garage door open, nothing was missing.

6. I called the eye doctor to discuss some issues I am having with my contacts and prescription.  He was able to fit me right in.  Within 45 minutes of my phone call I was in the office.

7. He tweaked my prescription a little...I think I might not be so lopsided.  It's kind of a test, I hope we can figure this out.

8.  My friend Amber aced her interview and was able to start a much needed a prayed for job immediately.

9. Just as I was starting to get irritated, I found pre-printed bridal shower invitations at the 6th store I went to!

10. 5 of the 6 stores I looked in for invitations were located in the same general area.

11. The kids were really excited that they got to wear hats to school for spirit week.

12. Madelyn put together a whole Minnie Mouse outfit to go with her mouse ears hat.

13. I am a Mama to a little girl who loves to dance!

14. I am a Mama to a little boy who loves Star Wars just like his Daddy!  Now if only we could get him to watch one of the movies (the original trilogy...duh...) instead of the ridiculously cheesy Droids cartoon.

15. Zachary loves to play video games with his Daddy. 

16. Madelyn is reading on a high enough level that I can start introducing her to some of my very favorite books.  Within reason...no Jane Austen quite yet... :)

17. After only two AR tests, she is over halfway to her 6 week goal!

18. Matt and Zachary spent a whole hour together outside blowing bubbles.

19. Madelyn had a really great night in ballet.  She was excited to tell me all about it.

20. Matt has a job that stretches him and makes him better.

21. He prepared for a presentation he gets to make in front of several people in his company. 

22. Matt has favor at his job.

23. His company is paying for him to take a few software classes at a local vo-tech.  He loves learning things that make him more efficient at his job.

24. Matt's job is community service oriented. 

25. Another friend of mine has started a 10,000 reasons blog.  I love reading what my friends are thankful for. 

26. The grass is starting to turn yellow.  This means fall is on the way and we won't have to mow as much!

27. Cooler temperatures are on the horizon.

28. I recently discovered that a ring I got for Christmas from my in-laws 4 years ago, but was too snug on my ring finger, fits perfectly now!  It will be the perfect wedding ring alternative when I start putting my hands in people's mouths on a daily basis.  :)