ThankLESSgiving

In this season of thankfulness, I was very much the opposite today.   Five loads of pre-planned laundry (I say pre-planned because my children added two more loads during the day with their antics.); a washing machine that insisted on a fight about going off-balance with every load; a vacuum cleaner that sucked up a sock somewhere along the way and was making funky noises; three-year-olds with allergy issues in November (and some fierce 'tudes to go with it); all added to Daddy working 12 hours today... it was a LLLLLOOOOONNNNNGGGGG day for the Stabler Krew.  WOW!!!!  We're earning this 4-day weekend so far.

Then perusing Facebook posts made me turn my grouchiness around.  Too many people being thankful and happy no matter what their circumstances.  I need to be more mindful of all that I have been given.  I have the resources to have seven loads of laundry to do.  I appreciate that I even have a washing machine and vacuum cleaner to act up.  (As much as I would have liked to kick them today, I also realize I would have probably hurt my toe more than hurt them.)  I'm always thankful for these two dudes in any mood and disposition.  And in today's economy, let's face it, it's spectacular that my husband has such a well-paid position that allows me all these worldly luxuries. 

It's amazing what a little passage of time... and two sleeping toddlers can do.   It helps put this long day into perspective.  (Even though in the moment, I was telling myself that I would "miss this stage" and "this, too, shall pass."  I have to admit that I am thankful that today is over and His mercies are new each morning.) 

Here's hoping I need fewer "mercies" tomorrow. 

Lego, My Lego

Ah, Halloween... the time of year where I am most thankful for DVR and the fact that I can fast=forward those scary commercials (aka political ads).   And the scary movies and creepy show ads, too. 

I'm not into the ghost and goblins scene.  I never dreamed of dressing my kids up like a zombie or Dracula.  We decided as parents to toe a fine line between the innocent fun of dressing-up and visiting neighbors and friends and creepy/crawly/scary.

Thankfully, we live in a small Christian college town (Same college that Ken and I attended, in fact.).  Our local college and churches do alternative trick-or-treating options and activities.  Lots of wholesome fun so that kids can dress up and receive candy.

So without further ado, here are my sweet boys in their costumes!  :)  A Pinterest idea that took more time to throw together than they actually wore them for.  They were a little awkward for them to move in.  They both fell a few times and were like turtles on their backs.  Pure entertainment!