Thankfulness

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I have come to the conclusion that I am a bit of a perfectionist... at least when it comes to blogging. Every time I sit down to write a post I think to myself, "it just doesn't look right" or "nobody wants to read about how many blowout diapers your kid had today, much less see a picture of it" or "you're probably doing it wrong" or even something as simple as choosing a font... which honestly, isn't simple at all. My hat comes off to you bloggers out there, this is hard stuff.

Anyway, I have allowed myself to make excuses to put off something I've been wanting to do for a long time. 

I know, it's a little ridiculous. It is also very intimidating to me, as I am new to this whole blogging thing. I've kept a journal throughout the years, but nobody actually reads that... and quite frankly, if they did, they would probably get what was coming to them :P I usually write when my cortisol levels are blazing or my adrenaline is racing, sometimes both. Either way, the handwriting is terrifying. 

But, that's besides the point. I write from my heart. 

So tonight, as I delete the other drafts I started and didn't finish because I was worried about how they looked or what other people would think about them, I write to you honestly & completely from my heart. Setting aside all fear of judgement. Which is what I should have been doing in the first place; throwing it out there, being vulnerable, living and writing about life. 

For the season I am in right now, life IS the blowout diapers, the dirty hand prints on the walls, the science projects in the refrigerator, the pitter-patter of little feet running around, the wooden blocks, trains, books and toys everywhere, the tears, the snuggles, the over due bath times (for mommy & baby), the CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome), and the many unfinished projects... the list can go on and on.

However, at the end of days like these, I am overwhelmed with a sense of thankfulness. 

And not just for my pillow.

I am so thankful for the life that has been given to me. I am thankful for a merciful and forgiving Father who loves us, despite our unworthiness, wretchedness & failures. I am thankful for Gods Grace, which covers a multitude of sin. I am thankful that He hears my prayers. I am thankful for His protection.

 I am thankful for my loving husband & best friend who trusts in the Lord with all his heart and who is devoted to his family. I don't know where I'd be without him.

I am thankful for the gift of children & the massive responsibility of what being a steward entails.

I am thankful to be a Mother.

I am thankful for my siblings & the relationships that we share. I am thankful for my parents. I never understood just how much they have & continue to sacrifice for me. I am thankful for the blessing of friendship and the many people who take me for who I am, and not someone or something that I try to be. 

I am truly thankful for the time & purpose we have on this earth, however long it may be. I am thankful for Gods perfect timing in everything. I am thankful that Heaven is near.

I am thankful for the little things, too. Like apple sauce. I'm thankful for a mother-in-law who lets me use her washer machine when mine dies a gruesome death. I am thankful for her willingness to help, regardless the hour. 

I have so much to be thankful for, every single day. It would be impossible to list everything. 

We are truly, richly blessed beyond all measure.

My heart is humbled ♥

"But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

 ~ Colossians 3:14-16

 

May the Lord bless and keep you ♥

Tricia

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Banana Bread & A Special Friend

One of my favorite desserts/snacks/breakfasts/lunch AND dinners (yes, I've had it for dinner before) is banana bread. Not just any banana bread, but my great-grandmother "Momow" Alice Blaisdells recipe. Seriously guys, this stuff is amazing. Best homemade banana bread, EVER.

Cody has never really cared for bananas, but he raves about this bread & it disappears very quickly in our home when it's made. It has been a favorite to many bellies for many years in my family, and I am privileged to carry on that tradition into my little family :-)

I have also yet to mess it up.... which is really saying something :-) It's truly amazing what happens when you simply follow a recipe. I'll be sharing it soon, so be sure to come back and check it out!

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Hmmm. Just out of the oven. I couldn't wait to cut into it!

Nothing like the smell of warm, fresh bread...

Nothing like the taste of it, either! So yummy :)

♥
It was a delicious treat after a long day.

But, the treat didn't end there...

My dear friend, JeanMarie, called asking if we would be near Pier1 Imports in the near future. She said there was something special waiting for me there, and that all I needed to do was pick it up! Ever shopped or just walked into at Pier1? Well, if you haven't, you're missing out. Just go do it, you won't be sorry.

Needless to say, I was really excited & intrigued to find out what she had been up to. Sneaky friend :)

 So, after writing down the confirmation number (which I later forgot at home & had to call her to get it again... pregnancy brain -.-), we headed out the door for a family adventure.

Jean is such a sweet, loving, honest, giving person and we love her dearly <3 She has blessed our family in more ways than one. It's the little things, like taking the time to listen to a broken heart, or making you laugh until you cry, or driving an hour just to bring you Nutella and help organize your pantry. You know, the things real friends do. She will always put a smile on your face :-) And she put a huge smile on mine last night!

When the sales lady handed me this plate and wonderfully huge mug, I just about died...

LOOK HOW CUTE IT IS!!!

I am blessed beyond measure. 

Thank you, Jean!!! I love you. And I loved getting this surprise! You are too sweet <3

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My Sweet Family

We can't wait to welcome our second son in December <3

{June 2013}

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