Monday, November 29, 2010

Our Bodies...

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body."

A friend sent me an email today for accoutability in working out and staying healthy this month.  I'm on board!  I need to be more responsible in taking care of my body in the nutrition aspect!  I'm a big snacker, and that has got to stop so that the pounds stop creeping up.  I am thankful for the ability to work out, eat healthy, and get rest.  Thankfully our children are older now and sleeping through the night...that is a huge praise!  So today's top ten relate to our bodies and things I give thanks for in relation...

The fact that we are surrounded by good food to eat....now we just have to choose wisely
A trip to FL with beautiful outdoor temps...we can exercise and play outdoors
A gym membership back in KS so we can exercise any time together as a family or with friends
Friends for accountability at the gym
Health
Wealth to afford good food and exercise gear
Running partners
Sleep for refreshment
Clean water to drink
Clean air to breath

815-825

Thank you God for these things and so much more!  We love you!  I promise to take better care of my body each day with your help and strength.  Amen.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Black Friday...

It's Black Friday, and I'm wearing a black t-shirt dress...so comfy and chic.  I might just have to go shopping today!  I all ready purchased a new pair of running shoes from Dick's Sporting Goods online with a $15 off coupon...nice...all in my nightgown without battling crowds! :)

For lunch today we are having our Thanksgiving feast.  That will be a crowd pleaser for sure!  Addison chopped our pecans in the nut chopper ( a job Jackie and I used to do for mom ).  My mom is buzzing around the kitchen, Bryan is napping, and Addison is enjoying cartoon time.  The weather remains gorgeous...warm and sunny.  I think it's rather chilly back in KC so we're thankful to be here in the sunshine state.  Today's top ten things of gratitude:

Waking up early with Bryan for some mommy and little boy time
Croissant for breakfast and eggs...mmm
Buying new running shoes...one of my favorite things to do...new shoes...yahoo!
Showering in peace and quiet
Wearing a new comfy dress
Watching my mom prepare the feast
Making Native American hats with Addison
Sword fighting with Addison and Bryan with wooden spoons
Preparing for shopping later this afternoon...browsing the ads
Sharing another quiet day with family
806-815

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thanksgiving...

This week we're in Florida for Thanksgiving and to spend some time with my parents.  It has been wonderful so far.  We are very thankful for...

Vacation days for Daniel
Safe travels...smooth flight with two children
Stomach virus passing onward finally!
Quietness of not having things to do
Playing outside with old toys of my childhood found in the garage
Snowcones at the Snowball Factory
Running and playing in Baldwin Park
Walking and enjoying the beautiful weather at Park Ave.
Playing on the church playground of the preschool I went to with other preschoolers
Talking with my mom and dad

796-805

Saturday, November 20, 2010

A thought for parents...

“But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this.
I did not live in the moment enough.
This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night.
I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed.

I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.”

~Anna Quindlen

Sickness...

Sickness has struck.  Bryan had a stomach virus from Monday evening until yesterday pretty much.  Now, Addison has it.  I've prayed this morning with Daniel, and we are thankful our kids are usually healthy.  Prayers now for healing for little Addison, and that we all stay well for our trip to FL tomorrow.  See you soon Mom and Dad!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Photos 11/14-11/17/10

He just looks so dang cute in his high chair every day!

Fruit Loop Mess...He loves his cereal!

Bryan also loves goldfish crackers...poured himself a large bowl!

Peanut Butter Cracker Time

Asleep early (Daniel photographed this...thank you!  I love it!)

Bryan loving on Twinkletoes

Addison chasing Twinkletoes

Morning Picnic with Addison

More Kitty Love

Darn clear allergy snot...always there!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Grandpa Bill C...

Grandpa Bill is visiting with us from Texas for a few days.  It is nice to have him with us...we are enjoying his company, and Twinkletoes has taken a liking to him.  They have been sleeping together in the basement. :)

Today's ten items of thanks are related to our day with Bill yesterday...

Surprise gifts for Addison and Bryan...a lighted light saber and a musical lights push car
Watching Twinkletoes snuggle on Bill and play with Addison and Bryan
Watching Twinkletoes try to sneak bites of Addison's cheese stick...she really wanted it!
Bryan lifting up Twinkletoes awkwardly; she's totally tolerant
A surprise visit from a church member...I forgot I had set up...Bill was totally flexible with that
A trip to Sam's...Addison slept, Bill waited, and Bryan shopped with me...that was great!
An adult companion through Addison's afternoon tantrum after his nap
Going out to dinner at the Salty Iguana
Going to bed early knowing we were all tired from the dreary and tiring day
Waking up early to a quiet house knowing Bill has the kitten in loving arms!

786-795

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Money...

I'm reading James right now for Bible study, and today's scriptures were on money, prayer, and patience.  All good words to ponder.  Today I will focus on the money...the good of money...

Ability to give to those in ministry
Generously give to the poor
Tithing to your church
Giving money to your children
Buying presents for others
Buying postage to mail packages or cards to others
Buying gas to fuel your car to drive to places of worship
Saving money for future needs of your family/others
Having a paycheck that shows you're healthy in mind and body to work
Paying for monthly mortgage, bills, etc. to provide for your family (Thank you Daniel!)
 
776-785

Monday, November 8, 2010

Twinkletoes






Above are highlights of the day...
Bryan is "Mr. Grumpy-pants" whenever he doesn't get his way...
Our new kitten "Twinkletoes" (given name)...we may change it.
Bryan is fascinated with the magnetic train cars
And finally, there are my boys amidst a messy snack of goldfish
This is a magnificent Monday!  Really!  It is. :)

New...

Both boys are sporting "new" sweaters and Addison has a new hair cut...



Saturday, November 6, 2010

Slow Saturday...

It's been a slow and glorious Saturday...

Woke up at 7 a.m...this is sleeping in for the Cook Family
Sat by the fire
Ate cinnamon, sugar, and butter broiled bagels...mmm
Hot Tea
Snuggles with little ones and blankies
Video call with Granny M
Trip to Walmart for baby girl supplies for a supply drive for new moms at church
Bryan's napping
Daniel and Addison went to buy crickets for Frogger and get haircuts together
Peaceful water falling from our foyer fountain

# 766-775 (I think?!)

Friday, November 5, 2010

A Kitten...

We are getting a new kitten next week!  We went out to the Flower Farm in Gardner to meet some free kittens from the freecylcle community.  They are precious calicos.  The boys loved playing with the kittens and meeting the farm dog!  Addison picked out his favorite one, and we will be picking her up to take home next week after she's been to their vet for a checkup.  It will be nice to have a "baby" at home again, and hopefully Callie will like a new kitten to care for as will we.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Callie...

 Callie is our 15 year old calico cat.  She is sitting with me now.  Her presence reminds me of how a cat is similar to us and our need for a Master...

Dependence for food, water, and shelter

Desire for love

Needs to be stroked/touched

Sinful nature...she's trying to sneak a bite of my breakfast cereal...and we try to sneak/covet many things that our not ours/good for us

Desire for peace

Sharp claws...we put ours out too in defense at times

Named...we all are children of God known by him

Need for family

Whines at times

Purrs/Praises at times

# 756-765

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Brotherly Love...




Addison took this picture last night...he came to say good night to his brother.  I love rocking my baby!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

More Parade Pics...

Looking up to my BIG brother...

So serious...

I love my bee keeper/mom :)

Monday, November 1, 2010

Halloween parade...



Bryan eating a chocolate peanut butter eyeball.  He loves chocolate!


Bryan played some morning basketball before church yesterday too!