Multitudes on Mondays...#331-340

Thankful for:

331.  A fantastic date with my favorite guy in the universe.  (Although if you're looking for a date night movie, may I recommend *against* "The Vow"?  Channing Tatum may be the worst thing Hollywood has spit out in a long time, and I think that's saying something.)

Happy-drunk to be having a night alone!

332.  A fun day-trip to Asheville with my parents.  We had a lovely brunch at the Corner Kitchen and then a wonderful time walking around in the warm spring weather, taking in the little shops and the fresh air.
333.  The special relationships my kids have with their Nana and PaPa.

Lucy and Nana, playing peek-a-boo post-waffles.

Will and PaPa, taking in the toy train at the Christmas store.

334.  The way my kids just glow with happiness while playing at the park. 

335.  The Jumping Beans brand of clothes at Kohl's, on sale for $5.99 each piece.  I just couldn't rationalize spending even $2 more per piece at Gymboree, at least for true play clothes, which is what we needed most of.  I love the clothes we got -- see above!  (I will be darkening the door of a Gymboree next month when the budget allows, though; I adore their spring lines for both genders.)
336.  These beauties for only $6.99 (are you sensing that I love to get a lot for just a little?).

Thank you, Fresh Market!

337.  Ghirardelli Ultimate Chocolate brownies.  Diet-schmiet. 
338.  Several nights in a row of uninterrupted sleep. 
339.  That Peyton has landed on his feet in Denver (just like my gut told me).  I know he is going to do great things for the city and for the Broncos...and my husband has promised me a #18 jersey in blue and orange!
340.  The way lemonade tastes after a long hiatus.

Multitudes on Mondays...#321-330

(I'm going to make this short and sweet...I'm working on a couple of big posts right now!)

Thankful for:

321.  Short hair. 
322.  Sweet potatoes.  (And recipes calling for smashing them up with organic maple syrup and chopped pecans...yum!)
323.  Success in weight loss efforts for my love.  (As of this morning, Marty has dropped 33 pounds from his heaviest weight, and 24 pounds from his doctor appointment on January 17th, which was not quite 2 months ago.  Holy smokes, I'm so proud of him.)
324.  Lucy eating nearly all table food now.  (Did you hear that?  That was the sound of our checking account *gaining* a little weight...)
325.  My parents arriving day after tomorrow!  Woot!!!
326.  The date to Carrabba's that Marty and I already have planned for Friday.  I'm going to wear a dress, and lipstick, and perfume, and heels, and I'll have a glass of wine, and I won't have to cook, and I won't have to constantly monitor two small human beings and OH MY STARS, I can't wait for DATE NIGHT!
327.  The shopping trip I'm already planning with my parents (Mom, are you feeling Asheville???).
328.  Having the windows open today, hearing the birds singing, and having Will enjoy it as much as me ("He tweet-tweet, Mama!  He tweet-tweet!").
329.  Making a new friend (of a friend, and on Facebook of all places) who sent me a recipe for peanut-butter banana muffins that are vegan and totally healthy.  I can't wait for my bananas to brown and spot a little!
330.  Instantly available BBC productions on Netflix.  When you need a little England, there she is, right at your fingertips.

Multitudes on Mondays (again on a Tuesday)...#311-320

Thankful for:

311.  A clean, organized playroom for the babes.  We moved Lucy's crib into Will's room; we also moved the guest bed to the loft area (deemed unsafe for baby play after Lucy almost got through the banister rails...still can hardly talk about the scare she gave me that day) and cleaned out the closet for extra toy storage, too.  We hope it is now Play Heaven.  (I'm thinking of getting some yellow curtains and doing some DIY art for the walls...should be very Pinteresting, ha!)

From the doorway.  It only looks like this during naptime and overnight.  :)

Lucy's corner.  Yes, my daughter has THREE tea sets for her tea table (no more tea sets, Nana!), a cupcake kitchen (thank you, Aunt Sarah!), and a buggy/grocery cart.  I want to get her more baby doll accessories like a crib and a highchair but there's time for that.  And no room at the moment!

Will's corner.  The train table was the best purchase we ever made...it gets hours upon hours of love.

312.  A husband who takes care of me (and the kids) when I don't feel well. 
313.  Spontaneous IM conversations with friends, and friends who still believe in very long emails with multiple paragraphs, with lots of telling stories and asking questions.  I love sitting down to an email with a cup of coffee.
314.  Being already a week into March.  C'mon, spring.
315.  I think I must say this every week, but it deserves a weekly mention:  Will's excellent progress with his speech.  Every day now I hear, "What dat, Mama?"  He wants to know about *everything*. 
316.  The chance to write an article (place comment if you'd like a link) for an online mom's magazine.  Writing is just good for my soul.
317.  Lavender soap.
318.  Coupons for Gymboree.
319.  An upcoming visit from my parents, which means lots of lovin' for my kids, good food and conversations, and of course, DATE NIGHT. 
320.  The sometimes-tough but invaluable and ongoing lesson of how to stretch a dollar.  We've learned how to get 4-5 meals out of a package of chicken!

Multitudes on Monday...#301-310

Thankful for:

301.  Time off mom duty (courtesy of le husband extraordinaire, of course) to just sit by myself and watch the Oscars, even though it was spectacularly boring this year.  Although it was helped by late-night texting with The Shabby Princess...we agreed on the following:  The Academy needs to bring back Hugh Jackman as host (for now and forevermore, amen); Colin Firth should just be nominated for everything and also win everything so we could just look at him all evening (I don't care if that makes it the "Colin Firth Show" -- fine by us!); and finally, we both wanted to elope with Natalie Portman's red dress -- it was delicious vintage perfection.

Dear J.Lo:  Please take a page from this book.  That is all.

302.  Will's ever-expanding imagination.  While I was changing his diaper this morning, he pointed to an owl perched somewhere on the wall in his bedroom.  He hoot-hooted with it, too.  (Does anyone know where I can get a stuffed owl?)  Then later this morning, we all (me, Will, and Lucy) alternately hid from a dragon under the table and then fed him dragon snacks so he would be nice.  (Marty and I honestly have no clue where he picked up dragon knowledge -- we know there are no dragons in his books and we can't recall any from his shows?)
303.  Pinterest.  Yes, I'm thankful for Pinterest, okay???  I know that for some people, Pinterest is materialism overload and I get that (after all, it's mostly pictures of *stuff*).  Yet for me, I am actually energized by it.  I see pretty rooms and think, I know how I can put together that element on the cheap!  And I see fun kid's stuff and think, What a great birthday present!  It's sort of like my relationship with the Pottery Barn catalog.  I know I'll never have all those lovely things, but I can sure use it for inspiration, can't I?
304.  Reading the 19th installment (Body in the Gazebo) of the Faith Fairchild mysteries (Katherine Hall Page).  I've been reading this series for a good decade now, and it always feels like hanging out with an old friend.
305.  Lots of sunshine and fresh breezes.
306.  The never-ending process of self-discovery.
307.  That Lucy is *finally* teething the last of her baby teeth!  (I know those 2-year molars are on their way, but still, it's nice to feel accomplishment with her.)
308.  That Lucy is *finally* talking a bit more.  She might also be a candidate for speech therapy if she doesn't add a whole lot more to her vocabulary by her next well-baby appointment, but we have seen some improvement.  Her favorite thing to say is "Daddy...help!"  (Don't be alarmed; she is rarely in any kind of trouble.  It's just a call for attention from her favorite guy.) 
309.  Planning trips.
310.  (Already) planning my kids' birthday parties.  (Will is pretty much fixated on oceans right now; we watched a documentary this weekend about a dolphin named "Jo-Jo" and he's been walking around with a Fisher Price toy dolphin ever since, helping his own Jo-Jo to swim.  I can just see an oceanic birthday party...it's off to Pinterest I go!)  :)

Multitudes on Mondays...#291-300

Thankful for:

291.  A much-needed trip to the salon, not only to fix a couple of cheap and iffy haircuts and have a professional hide those grays but also to sit and be still for a couple of hours.  Got lots of reading and thinking done and came out with a whole new look to boot!

Yes, kids, that's RED hair.  (Sorry to all my Facebook peeps; this is my profile pic so you've seen it aplenty, I know!)



292.  A clean, stocked, and organized refrigerator.  I confess I've opened the door a few times just to enjoy the sparkle and sanity of it all.

293.  A husband who has as much fun cooking as I do, and the time we spend together in the kitchen partnering up to make meals, dream, and slow-dance to the music on the radio.

294.  Friends made doing just this -- blogging and sharing and rambling about the miscellany of life. 

295.  How truly delightful -- and funny -- my kids are.  The toddler stage is definitely one of high maintenance, but it's also pretty hilarious!

Someone found a clubhouse.

She likes to empty it and sit inside with the door closed.  And then open the door with a shriek, hoping to startle you!  (The more dramatic your response, the harder she laughs, of course!)  (And yes, I know, we need to trim her hair or get her to wear barrettes...)

This one takes a drive at least once a day about the property.

Fueling up.  (Do you see his backseat passengers?  He's in a *huge* animal phase right now.)

I love getting random pictures that really capture personality!

296.  Packets of 80-calorie Nestle cocoa.

297.  Perrier with lime. Diet Coke, who?

298.  Days off for Marty.  Happy birthday, Mr. President(s). 

299.  Sorry for dropping a Marilyn there...we've been watching "Smash" and I am loving, loving, loving it!  Yes, thankful for good entertainment!

300.  Weaning Lucy from the bottle, which was #22 of my 35 New Year's aspirations.  Check!

Multitudes on Monday...er, on Thursday. #281-290

Thankful for:

281.  Getting to that to-do item that has plagued me and my list for MONTHS.  You are ta-done, sir.
282.  The self-disclipline to take a much-needed break from Facebook during the day to get some things done (see #281).  I have all my laundry done with the exception of a basket or two (and that much gets generated in my house during the space of a couple days!).  Bills/mail/filing all done, some desk drawers cleaned out, etc.  It was a productive break from screen time, but I have also very much enjoyed all the "I missed you" notes on Facebook, too! 
283.  Starting new traditions with the kiddos.  We now have a dance break almost every day.  You should see my babies get down with their bad selves.  (If a couple days go by without getting in some boogey time, Will comes to me and says, "Dance, Mama?"  I love it!)
284.  The way both kids greet their Daddy when he walks through the door, with shrieked exultations and arms thrown about his knees and thighs and waist -- just wherever they can cling to him the fastest.  Add to that his own excitement and the gleam in his eyes, to be so enjoyed by his children.  It is beyond precious.
285.  Speaking of...I'm so thankful for my partner in life.  We've had to make a couple of big decisions lately and even though it bites rocks to face some tough realities, the difficulty is absolutely mitigated by having someone with whom to share the burden.  (And I know, Marty probably appears on this list at least once per installment...)
286.  That Lucy is finally drinking from a straw-sippy cup.  We're weaning her from the bottle this week (and I am more sad about it than I care to admit).
287.  A box full of goodies from my parents, and a gift card for a Valentine's Day meal.  We used it, Mom and Dad, and it was delish!
288.  A box of Russell Stovers.  It's bizarre, but I actually prefer them to Godiva!
289.  Reading all the expressions of love on Facebook on Valentine's Day...to see that so many of my friends are happily married, or even happily single, but surrounded by love, regardless.
290.  To feel very hopeful about good changes coming in the future, and the near future at that.

Multitudes on Monday...#271-280

Things have been quiet here on my blog for a simple reason...I've been going through something of a tough time lately and haven't felt any compulsion or desire to write or share anything here.  This morning, however, I found myself mentally listing things for which I'm thankful (it's become a habit on Mondays) so even if I don't blog anything else for awhile, I'll still try to post my "gifts" on Mondays.

271.  Learning to "roll with it" as a parent.  Will has been fighting naps for several weeks now, and instead of insisting on the same old-same old routine (and *MY* way), I've worked with him on various options and we've come to a workable alternative, which Puppy and I call "couch rest."  After lunch, he gets snuggled on the couch with a pillow, his pacifier, and his blanket (which he calls "Rijey"???), and I play a video from a series called "Sweet Dreams" (available on Netflix; it's nature/wildlife scenes mixed with sand-drawing and simple cartoons, all set to classical music).  He watches for a few minutes and without fail, he's asleep before it ends.  I'm limiting his naps to less than 2 hours (he used to burn through at least THREE hours and would keep going if allowed!) so he's tired at bedtime.  Anyway, all this to say that I'm extraordinarily thankful for "couch rest" and also for the fact that somewhere along the way, I've learned to adapt to a growing, changing kid with growing, changing needs.  Best. Parenting. Lesson. Ever.

Couch rest, Exhibit 1

Couch rest, Exhibit 2

Couch rest, Exhibit 3 (weekend edition, on Daddy)

272.  Eating healthier.  It is not as hard as I thought, nor as expensive as I feared.  And the difference it has already made!  Marty has lost 18 pounds so far.  EIGHTEEN!!!  I, of course, have lost a grand total of FOUR.  Oh well, I do *feel* different, and my body feels different to me even, so hopefully there's more weight loss for me coming 'round the bend, if I keep at it??? 

Eating healthy, SuperBowl style.  Pita bread toasted into chips with sliced peppers and hummus; low-fat Triscuit with low-fat Boursin garlic&herb cheese.  So incredibly yummy.  Marty even said he wouldn't miss potato chips!!!

273.  Speaking of the SuperBowl, how awesome of a show did my hometown put on?!?  Am I right or am I right?!?  Thankful for the fun and distraction that the big game gave me, for sure.  And how about that halftime show?  Madonna absolutely rocked it.  Marty said she singlehandedly made the halftime show cool again!  I totally agree.  We had a blast watching it, even had the babies up on the couch dancing with me to "Like a Prayer."  Good times, good memories.
274.  Speaking of music, I've been feeling so grateful lately for the immediate availability of music.  I've been known to say that Dolly Parton got me through divorce.  Well, Adele is getting me through this particular bad time.  There's just nothing that compares to her sultry tone, and she definitely strikes the perfect mellow chord with me right now.
275.  Something else hitting the right note -- Ken Burns' "Civil War" documentary.  You'd think that if you were going through a hard time, the last thing you'd want to watch would be a documentary about the bloodiest war ever waged on American soil.  Well, you'd think.  But this documentary has been so soulful, so inspiring, so patriotic, that it has been nothing short of *uplifting*.  I can't explain it, really, so please do yourself a favor and watch it (if you haven't already, I think it's at least a decade old?).
276.  Will's continued good progress with speech -- his therapist "couldn't be more pleased" and he voluntarily used a verb this morning to me! -- but better than that has been his complete explosion of imagination lately.  He's been combining all his loves -- cars, trains, balls, animals -- into new "sets" of play.  I haven't the faintest what's going on in his world, but I know there's some serious good stuff going on when I find things like this:

Headed back to the ocean perhaps?  "Ocean" is one of Will's favorite words!

277.  My (almost) daily ritual of afternoon tea with Lucy.  Okay, I'm the only one who has tea, but we both share some Nilla wafers and have a "chat" of sorts -- Lucy says some of her Lucy gibberish and I nod excitedly.

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed from her afternoon nap.

Mmmmmmm...Nillas.

278.  Even though my kids sometimes have spats over toys (the plastic fishing pole is a popular one of late), they clearly love each other and sometimes I will catch them doing this:

279.  Texts, emails, notes from friends who are just checking in, making sure I'm hanging in there.  I am.  And you all help more than you know.
280.  The first signs of spring!  I hope it hasn't come too soon to the Tennessee mountains, where winter could still wreak some havoc, but I have a gut feeling that the mornings of sunshine, the return of birdsong, the first few flowers pushing up through the dirt -- that these lovely harbingers are gonna hang on and shove Old Man Winter out of the way and send him packing.  You know, back to Canada or wherever he goes.

Multitudes on Monday...#251-270

Note:  I've been absent from my blog for a couple of weeks due to a health scare and then an unexpected death in the family.  Though I don't wish to discuss either event in any detail here on my blog, their echoes will certainly appear in my list, which I've doubled in order to catch up...

Thankful (for):

251.  A mom who (still) takes midnight phone calls.
252.  A mom and a sister who dropped everything to come to the rescue.  And a dad and a brother-in-law who spared them for me.
253.  Getting scared straight about good health and proper lifestyle choices.
254.  A mom and a sister who turned around and *drove back* to come to the rescue.  Again.
255.  My husband's strength and wherewithal amidst a jumble of absolutely bewildering circumstances.
256.  Road trips with my husband, and 3:30 a.m. heart-to-heart talks while driving under a starlit Mississippi sky.
257.  Aunt and Uncle in-laws who put you up like a visiting rock star.
258.  Sisters-in-law who are lovely and beyond precious.  And who give me the sincerest and sweetest hugs and kisses.
259.  Ministers who somehow know just what to say and just how to comfort.  The obedience of God's servants is so obvious in times of grief and mourning because they become stunningly perfect messengers of His mercy.
260.  How a kitchen table can become ground zero.  How all who gather around it find strength and sustenance there, and not from any food!
261.  How pictures become not just links to the past, but lifelines of love and family togetherness.
262.  How a childhood home can inspire special insights..."my mother-in-law used to cook Marty's dinner here" and "my beloved used to fall asleep here."
263.  Discovering a mom-and-pop coffee shop in my husband's hometown and tasting an Americano simply unequaled in my experience (and that's saying something).
264.  Being asked about my children by people who genuinely wish to know (and are not just making polite conversation).
265.  The way my very-busy husband sought me out, grabbed my hand, and led me through a crowd of mourners to keep me at his side.  The way his strong hand felt in mine as we stood in silent prayer.
266.  The way a sandwich and Southern sweet tea tasted when all was said and done.
267.  A sister who dropped her whole schedule (which is masterfully juggled to accommodate 4 children!), happily, to play with her visiting nephew and niece while their Nana worked.  (And who sent home a pile of presents that the aforementioned babies absolutely adore!)
268.  Coming home.  The feeling of wanting to hug your furniture!
269.  How my husband has happily embraced a new way of eating and living.  The man is nothing if not amiable.
270.  A stroll with my children on a very mild afternoon, seeing the breeze in their hair, hearing the birds sing, and feeling peaceful in my soul.

Multitudes on Monday...#241-250

Thankful (for):

241.  This.

Why I'm watching the playoffs!

Especially after this nonsense.  Everyone likes to say they loved someone before they were totally famous, but in my case, it's true!  I loved Tebow when he played for Florida.  He's a fantastic quarterback (I don't care if he has good form or not!) but my favorite thing about him is his ability to handle (very unfair) criticism.  He is who he is and he's not ashamed of it.  You go, #15.  I might be your biggest fan.  :)
242.  A wonderful birthday, courtesy of my darling Marty.  My day started with breakfast in bed of French toast with homemade strawberry syrup, bacon, orange juice, and coffee, which Marty thoughtfully refilled/reheated every 15 minutes or so until I was swimming in coffee!  Then he brought the babies in for birthday hugs and kisses and my little family sang to me, then Marty took the babes to go play.  I was then left in perfect peace and quiet, and I lounged my heart out, blogging, watching the old Orson Welles version of "Jane Eyre," and dozing.  It was absolute bliss.
243.  A birthday dinner at Olive Garden that wasn't too stressful, thanks to the neverending supply of breadsticks and two kids who love them!  Fettucine alfredo followed by dessert "shots" = brilliant!
244.  A birthday package in the mail to me and Marty (his birthday is Christmas Day) from my sister and her hubby -- the newest BBC version of "Jane Eyre" (do y'all sense a theme in my life?) for me, and a Saints t-shirt for Marty!
245.  A call from my parents, singing me "Happy Birthday."  Very cute and very appreciated.
246.  A couple dozen birthday wishes for me on Facebook, from very thoughtful friends who took a moment to love on me.  I don't take any token of friendship for granted, and it really made my day!
247.  Finding baby blooms on my orchid, that I had thought was dead and was getting ready to throw out.  Nope, it was just in a regeneration cycle?  I have to read up on proper care of orchids, apparently!
248.  The white hyacinth that Marty included on my birthday breakfast tray.  It smells like heaven.
249.  Helpful parenting advice from girlfriends.  We've encountered some bedtime issues with Will and they are driving us batty, but it's so nice to hear "you're not alone" and "we've been there" when seeking advice on this. 
250.  The fact that Will said the numbers 1-10 *in Spanish* to me this morning, while watching Diego.  Sometimes I think the whole speech therapy thing might be a very brief experiment.  So thankful!!!

Multitudes on Mondays...#231-240

Thankful (for):

231.  An early birthday present from my hubby:  Enough money to buy "a handful" of new books on Barnes.com, to get started on my reading list for 2012.*  Shopping and choosing -- probably the most blissful hour of my life in recent weeks.  Can't wait to see my UPS man and my big brown box!
232.  The way Lucy runs down the hallway toward where I usually sit at my laptop, with a huge grin on her face of absolute delight to see me.  I know I won't always inspire such enthusiasm in my daughter, so I cherish it.  :)
233.  The way January feels so right after all the holiday hustle and bustle:  we finally had some snow flurries (with a major temperature drop afterwards), we had chicken pot pie for dinner, the babies have spent the day in blanket sleepers.  It's just a time for cozying up and settling in for a long winter's nap.
234.  Plans to rearrange a couple of rooms for (aforementioned) cozier living.  I have a special idea for a "Becky sanity nook" in the master bedroom and I'm extremely stoked to see it come to fruition.  I think every woman, and especially every mom, needs a place -- even just a corner -- to call completely her own.  Where she can stack her books, write her lists, drink her Earl Grey, do her praying and thinking and dreaming.  Where no sippy cups, Matchbox cars, tubes of Desitin, piles of mail, or what-have-you are allowed to trespass.
235.  Enjoying the latest movie version of Jane Eyre on pay-per-view, snuggled up with my hubby.  We saw it in the theatre and I was vastly disappointed with it, but I've since realized most of the disappointment lies in the fact that it just isn't the version I see in my head, and that's not the movie's fault!  So the subsequent viewing was far more enjoyable; indeed, this latest version is particularly good cinematography-wise.  Oh the moors of England...
236.  Excellent, helpful, and *prompt* repairmen for several spontaneous breaks in various things around the house.  And the money to afford them!
237.  Watching Will pour imaginary cups of tea (using Lucy's new playset) for both his mommy and daddy, and the pleasure he clearly takes in being loving and giving.  He has the sweetest heart.
238.  Having found a true kindred spirit in Agatha Christie (duh, but still...):

"I did not tell my mother about these terrible fits of anxiety, and I don't think she ever guessed at them...I was, I suppose, always over-burdened with imagination.  That has served me well in my profession -- it must, indeed, be the basis of the novelist's craft -- but it can give you some bad sessions in other respects."

239.  A 4-day weekend with Marty at home. 
240.  A brand-new year, filled with all kinds of possibility!

*I shall be sharing my 2012 Reading List here very soon.

Multitudes on Mondays...#221-230

Thankful (for):

221.  A new Christmas Eve tradition started, that of Marty opening his birthday gift from me (nearing or close to midnight) while the babies are asleep and we can be alone.
222.  Eating like royalty on Christmas Day -- though next year I'm definitely backing off the mimosas in the morning, ha!
223.  Church service on Christmas Eve, closing with candlelight and singing of carols, everyone wearing red and green and white and just feeling the communal warmth and love and excitement.
224.  Getting to hear "The Hallelujah Chorus" in aforementioned church service.
225.  Lovely gifts from my husband -- robe, fuzzy socks, perfume, sweater (my first from Anthropologie, woot!!!), and Agatha Christie's autobiography.
226.  Reading today from aforementioned book this line of remembrance AC had about her mother (my hope is to be a mom like this!):

Something else came to me then, besides the joy of [my bird's] return, the strength of my mother's love and understanding when there was trouble.  In the black abyss of misery, holding tight to her hand had been the one comfort.  There was something magnetic and healing in her touch.  In illness there was no one like her.  She could give you her own strength and vitality.

227. A Starbucks gift card from my brother-in-law!
228.  The absolute, unmitigated delight my children experienced opening their presents.  Who needs gifts for yourself when there is a child's joy to partake in???
229.  The fact that the most popular present of the day was a $4 flashlight from Will's stocking.  The runner-up was a $14 play cell phone for Lucy.  Isn't this always true with kids?
230.  The quiet calm of the day after Christmas; getting the chance to start looking forward to a new year and new beginnings.

Multitudes on Mondays...#211-220

Thankful (for):

211.  Visits from my parents, even when they're too short. 
212.  Tylenol suppositories for little ones who are burning up with fever and can't keep oral medicine down.
213.  Big Christmas gifts for my kids from their Nana and PaPa -- a pink and white "tea" table for Lucy, an art easel/table for Will.
214.  The relationships that my kids have with their grandparents -- my poor Lucy was miserable most of the weekend but was clearly enjoying snuggle time with her PaPa; Will kept coming into the kitchen ("Nana, [where] are you?") for hugs and kisses from his Nana.
215.  A recipe for "Creamy Scallop Bake" that I copied out of Paula Deen's new Southern Cookbook Bible -- a present for my mom.  I adore sea scallops, so a Happy Christmas to me, to me!
216.  The quietness and calm of getting back into routine on Monday morning.
217.  Not one, but TWO coupons for Shutterfly.com -- thus a chance to get our Christmas cards ordered and shipped here in time to get them out and arrived at their destinations by Christmas Eve.  (I was totally flailing on this and was in serious doubt I'd get it done, but a couple things came together and I'm so glad I can send out cards!)
218.  TONS of new words from Will -- castle, umbrella, town(!) -- and a few *phrases* too -- "stand up," "big boy," "there you are!"
219.  Finding "The Polar Express" on sale at Target for $7.99 -- a beloved favorite in my family.
220.  Watching my children get caught up in the wonder and magic and beauty of Christmastime!

Multitudes on Mondays...#201-210

Thankful (for):

201.  Living a mere block away from an emergency room of a major hospital.  Sometimes I'm not fond of it (the medical helicopters flying super-low over our house, the ambulances whizzing by at high speeds), but when you need help yourself, it feels like living next to heaven.
202.  Being seen in said ER almost immediately and being stitched up by a very sweet girl, who gave me three lidocaine injections so I wouldn't feel a thing, and who chatted with me to keep my mind off of her task.  (Who would ever have thought I'd be thankful for *shots* in this list???)
203.  A husband who fed and bathed the kids after he parked me on the couch with a cup of hot tea when I got home.
204.  Advil.  And a husband who watched the clock and gave it to me faithfully, every 4 hours, until the throbbing subsided some.  (I know Marty appears frequently in my lists but he is truly the greatest blessing of my life and the most present and accounted-for husband I can imagine!)
205.  That my dear friend had a successful surgery and is healing and feeling quite well.
206.  Our pastor and his sometimes brief but always thought-provoking sermons.  He must have had an off day on our first visit (I thought his message was too simple) because since then, he's been knocking them out of the ballpark.  Not a Sunday goes by that Marty and I don't talk about the sermon on the way home, and not out of some kind of spiritual obligation, either!
207.  Meaningful ornaments -- "Our First Christmas, 2008", "Baby Boy, 2009", "Baby Girl, 2010".  It is wonderful to see your blessings celebrated on a Christmas tree -- a unique way to be thankful!
208.  That Will is trying so many new words, even hard ones like "wreath."  He is really gaining some new ground and I hope we'll be having full-on conversations very soon!
209.  Upcoming visits -- my parents in just a couple days, a friend in mid-January.  We heart company in this house!!!
210.  Pandora.  Instead of having to buy the new Michael Buble holiday album, we just created a radio station and get to enjoy his music for free!

Multitudes on Mondays...#191-200 (yeah!)

Thankful for:

191.  "Downton Abbey."  Yes, I'm thankful for a TV show.  If you've seen it, then you know why.  (These characters are like *family* to me!)
192.  Internet-savvy people who showed me where to access Season 2 of the above (before it's released in America)!
193.  The amazing music service at church yesterday, with the choir and orchestra (it felt like we should have been charged admission!).  I bawled like a baby during their rendition of "O Holy Night."  I think it's the most sacred of the Christmas hymns and is very, very special to me. 
194.  When my kids are being extremely quiet, and I suspect naughtiness, but I actually sneak up and find that they're just deeply engrossed in books or puzzles or toys, lost in their own thoughts and imaginings. 
195.  Remembering a box I had in the garage and digging through it to find not only a long-forgotten favorite purse (Ralph Lauren brown-and-green plaid, purchased at an extreme discount) but a pair of Franco Sarto brown leather boots. (How does one forget about such treasures?  It's called back-to-back pregnancies that a) make your memory so much mush and b) make boot-wearing a laughable venture!) Now I just have to pick up a couple of skirts and pairs of tights at TJ Maxx and I can get tons of use out of both without spending a lot of money!  
196.  Marty's homemade pizza.
197.  Six-foot, pre-lit pine garlands on sale at Hobby Lobby for $10.
198.  A husband who is willing to spend time hanging nails at strategically hidden spots so the mantel decoration and stockings could be strung together with twist-ties so that the under-3 set in our house can't pull the whole shebang onto their noggins!
199.  The opportunity to do a small editing job to both exercise my brain and earn a little bit of Christmas money.
200.  The fact that our Redeemer came to us as a tiny baby, to show us that God became man in his most helpless form, to feel the sufferings of humanity and to ultimately sacrifice Himself for our sins.  The Christmas story is so powerful, it can't help but captivate our minds and souls and draw us to His heart, so full of love and grace and compassion for us.  As I sing "Away in a Manger" to Will at night, I am caught up in the beauty of the story, again and again.

Multitudes on Mondays...#181-190

Thankful (for):

181.  The wisdom of this quote, which is now written out in large letters and taped to my fridge:  "You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once."  (~Polish proverb)  Keeping this in mind has changed my attitude so much.  Just today, I was busy doing something when Will came to me with his "Go, Dog, Go!" book, and even though I was tempted to say "Hang on" or "Maybe later", I grabbed his hand and we sat down in an armchair and I read it through with all the fun inflections like I had all day.  Because for my son, I do.  He's growing so fast...
182.  Creative gift-giving.  Marty and I can't afford to do a whole lot for each other this Christmas, but right now he's at Buffalo Wild Wings, settled at the bar with a beer and wings, watching his beloved Saints play Monday Night Football.  Time off from our delightful-but-demanding home life is always a treat, and I'm thrilled that I came up with the idea!
183.  The fact that Marty did a voluntary Starbucks run for me before his game.
184.  For a successful Thanksgiving dinner (my sister and I *rocked* the kitchen, y'all!).
185.  For a lovely visit with Katie and Chris.
186.  For the new kids' winter coats and homemade bread that arrived with my sister from my parents.
187.  That I've finally embarked on a lifelong dream -- to write a book.  I have a whopping 100 words or so written, but I have characters and dialogue and settings and scenes and a PLOT in my head and I'm so excited!
188.  For God's provision.  I just read an article today about the growing use of food stamps among young professionals who are out of work in this terrible economy, and it was a sobering reminder to be so grateful for Marty's job, regardless of its geographical location!
189.  For the upcoming, just-before-Christmas visit from my parents.
190.  For the merriment of planning a fun Christmas Day with my Marty -- we are going to live it up!  Right now, mimosas and French toast are on the breakfast menu, and the dinner menu is featuring a surf-and-turf theme (prime rib and sea scallops, woot!!!).  And we've barely even begun to plan!

Multitudes on Mondays...#171-180

Even though I have *no* spare time today, I'm still making myself sit down to do this because it's like taking a soul vitamin to stop and just be grateful for a few minutes.

Thankful (for):

171.  That a wedding is not the culmination of a love story (or at least, it shouldn't be).  The better, more interesting, most beautiful stuff happens long after the "I do's" have been said. 
172.  That my husband knows just exactly what to say when I need his encouragement.  Last night I was bemoaning the notion that perhaps when they are older, our kids won't want to spend Thanksgiving with us (or will have obligations elsewhere, to their own families or spouses' families).  Marty just looked at me and said, "If that happens, we'll fly to New York.  I'll take you to a Thanksgiving dinner at The Four Seasons and we'll go see The Nutcracker at The Met.  And Love, that's *worst case scenario*."  (How did I get this man???)
173.  My mom's homemade strawberry jam (and having several jars of it in the freezer). 
174.  Long email discussions with my dearest friends.  I have tears in my eyes thinking of you guys.
175.  Handbell choir performances at church.
176.  Buy one, get one half-off sales at Shoe Carnival.  Now both of my kids have new tennishoes and we saved $20!
177.  That my son simply adores his father.  If Will happens to be awake when Marty leaves for work, I have to console a weeping little boy who says, "Daddy -- car!  Daddy -- car!" over and over again, trying to make me understand that he *needs* to go to work with his Daddy.  It breaks our hearts...but in a good way.  :)
178.  That when I lay Lucy down for the night, I can count on the fact that she will sleep a solid 12 hours and will wake up refreshed and happy.  Her first year wasn't the easiest, and memories of it make me even more thankful for her sleeping habits now!
179.  Toys that hand down well from kid to kid. (Lucy is currently banging on a toy piano that was given to Will.)
180.  For a girl's night out tonight to see "Breaking Dawn" with Jessie!

Multitudes on Mondays...#161-170

(In the interest of brevity, since I'm usually long-winded on these and since I'm already burning through these precious moments of naptime peace and quiet...)

Thankful for:

161.  Bailey's.  Especially when my Marty plays bartender and brings me a Bailey's and cream on the rocks after a super-long day.
162.  Doors and toilet lids.  Laugh if you want, but given Lucy's new penchant for swirling various objects in toilet water, you'd be thankful, too.
163.  Real Simple magazine, especially the December issue (love all those gift ideas!).  (Dear Santa, my subscription is almost up...)
164.  A husband who requests that I write him a Christmas list. 
165.  The indulgent act of perusing various online stores for items to put on aforementioned Christmas list.
166.  My washer and dryer.  They are indisputably older than the hills but are still managing the daily onslaught of (sometimes nasty) baby clothes and other laundry I throw at them, er, in them.
167.  Planned shopping trips to Kohl's, TJ Maxx, and Target tomorrow, not only for needed supplies, but for Christmas presents for our babies.  Buying them surprises makes me rub my hands together in glee, I'm so happy!
168.  Mild 60-plus-degree weather in mid-November.  Dear the South, this Yankee loves you.
169.  My nightly date with Marty to watch 30 Rock.  We've always liked the show but didn't always get the jokes because we hadn't watched from the beginning, so we started watching them episodically a few weeks ago.  We have a blast watching them, and I swear Tina Fey might be the funniest person currently living!
170.  Lots of new words from Will this week, including when he patted his chest with both hands and said "Good boy!" in repitition of my praises.  Makes me feel successful as a mommy, at least in the moment.  :)

Multitudes on Mondays...Catching Up Edition...#141-160

Thankful for:

141.  My Shark steam mop.  After Will was sick over the weekend, using a steam mop to clean (and destroy germs) was not just practical in de-germing my house, it was therapeutic.  There is nothing so clean-cozy as the smell of steam!
142.  A little pill called Zofran, that dissolves on the tongue and is safe for little ones to stop their nausea. 
143.  Extremely good news from the in-depth assessment Will had with the developmental therapist on Monday night.  (Sorry Toddler Mama friends, this is all going to be repeat info for you...) I could not be more pleased with Alicia's assessment, not because it's what I wanted to hear, but because it makes sense and rings true. She told me that language is both cognition and expression...she tested Will's cognition and she says he is at least at the 3 1/2-year-old level (her tests didn't go further), so not only is his cognition normal, but advanced! She says he does have a problem with expression but that she wouldn't call it a speech delay. She closely observed his physical act of speaking and noticed that he has underdeveloped oral motor skills/poor facial muscle tone (aggravated by a pacifier but not caused by it -- he was just born that way). She said that with some speech therapy and muscle exercises, his expression will catch up to his cognition and he will be *absolutely fine* and on track.  We are simply overjoyed at this news!
144.  The sound of my children laughing as they play together.
145.  The excitement of planning a Thanksgiving menu with my sister (she and her hubby are coming to Tennessee to celebrate the day with us and have a good long weekend of catching up).
146.  Growing ever closer to my husband and still experiencing heart palpitations when I see him.  :)
147.  Advice from friends, on matters great and small.  I love when people care enough to weigh in.
148.  Finding old friends on Facebook.  Although my relationship with the social network remains in the love/hate category, sometimes it really does prove its value to me.
149.  A good visit with my parents and having the chance to travel to Virginia together.  Even though it was a bit stressful at times (traveling with two toddlers is never easy), it was still loads of fun.
150.  My new slippers (purchased in Virginia from this lovely shop called London's, a "Bathecary").
151.  "Cottage Style" and "Country French" magazines.  Eye candy!
152.  The fact that my mom gave me one of the above when I really couldn't justify the cost added to my grocery budget ($10 a pop!).
153.  How well Will is responding to the new institution of the time-out chair (it's the bottom step of our staircase).  I hate to discipline him, but he really "gets" the punishment and is (almost) always ready for apology/reconciliation when his time is up.
154.  How much Lucy is developing lately.  Her walking has turned energetic and forceful, punctuated with periods of dancing and swaying and babbling with strong opinion (we've no idea what she's saying but let me tell you, she really means it!).  She is the funniest creature.
155.  That it's still warm/sunshiney enough to open a couple of windows during the day.  I hope this lasts well into December and is possible again early in the new year.  Fresh air does wonders for my soul!
156. Constant Comment tea.  I've tried probably in the hundreds of flavors of teas, but this is still my favorite.  A classic. 
157.  Clorox wipes. 
158.  Febreze with Gain scent.
159.  The Internet.  I found my husband (eHarmony), my nanny (wish I still had her!) (CitySitters), my current home (Craig's List) -- all online.  I even found a few dear friends through their blogs.  I planned our Monticello visit online, now Katie and I are working on our Thanksgiving menu from various recipe websites...what would we do without the Internet???
160.  This exercise in gratitude.  I love how it makes me stop and be thankful once a week. 

I should just call it Multitude Tuesdays...#131-140

Thankful for:

131.  God's hand of protection on my sister Sarah when she was in a pretty bad car accident this past week.  For her *amazing* ability to dial her husband's number on her cell phone while semi-conscious (she couldn't speak coherently to him but a lady who'd run over to help was able to talk to Garrett and tell him what happened and where she was).  (Don't you love what this says about their connection as husband and wife?  Or is the romantic in me reading too much into it?)  Sarah is fine but has a concussion and a contusion on her left eye, so she has some recovery ahead of her...
132.  The fall festival at our church tomorrow night.  Here's the thing:  I kind of hate Halloween.  But I love celebrating the more innocent and fun aspects to it, like dressing up in costumes (just the kids!) and playing games and eating candy and bobbing for apples and noshing on loaded chili with fellow churchgoers.  We're really looking forward to it!
133.  Being Monticello-bound this weekend!  The nerd in me is doing mental cartwheels!!!
134.  I may not always love where I live, but being able to live in the mountains when the leaves turn is just a GIFT.  The vistas are simply breathtaking.  I just drive to the grocery store and I almost can't keep my eyes on the road; the autumn scenery demands to be taken in!
135.  When friends go to England and send their England-homesick friends a book on the monarchy, an advent calendar, and a wool scarf.  Apparently one of my love languages is Scottish cashmere. 
136.  Disco music.  Especially ABBA.
137.  Lifesavers.  Especially the green ones.
138.  Mexican food.  Especially enchiladas.
139.  Trips to the grocery store by myself.  Especially then.
140.  Fountain Cokes.  Especially diet.  :)

Multitude Monday (tardy again)...#121-130

Thankful for:

121.  A reassuring visit to the pediatrician last week.  Although Will showed delays in speech/language and gross motor skills on the test (administered to 27-month-olds), Dr. Estes is not convinced that we're dealing with anything significant, but wants him in therapy because it won't hurt and until he's 3 years old, it's free (courtesy of the state).  I'm thankful for her covering-all-bases caution, but more thankful for her optimism that whatever we're facing shouldn't be predictive of a long-term issue.  Overall conclusion:  Kids develop at their own rates, yet they're held to a common standard.  A bit maddening, really.
122.  That my Will, "delayed" in gross motor skills, did this on Saturday:

My monkey boy!

123.  For a fun and fabulous visit from Aunt Becky and her daughter Gracie, who drove 12 hours from Long Island, NY to be with us for just a couple of days.  They hadn't yet met our babies and were instantly delighted with them.  Aunt Becky says that Lucy is *very much* like her namesake, Lucille (Becky's mom and Marty's grandma).  I think there's even quite the family resemblance going on!

Aunt Becky sharing with Lucy the secrets of authentic Southern cooking.

124.  For gorgeous weather all weekend to enjoy with our family outside:

Daddy swinging his girl.

Taking over the park!

Lovely ladies

Fun with Mama!

Will's shoes kept gripping the slide, so we took turns taking him down.  He had so much fun!

125.  For a couple of long, hot baths with Scottish Fine Soaps, a gift from Aunt Becky.  I'd consider myself a decent expert on all things for the bath, and this is some darn good stuff!
126.  Discovering a Raggedy Ann doll for Lucy, on the clearance rack for $10 (at a bookstore, of all places).
127.  A fully stocked pantry.
128.  A new book, Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner (the fourth book of hers I've bought).
129.  A little device called a Roku which enables you to view streaming movies on your TV from your Netflix account.  I'm currently indulging in "Felicity."  Oh the memories!

 
130.  Orchids.  Graceful, exotic, yet comforting, too.