Thankful Thursday: 3 things in the kitchen

3 things in the kitchen…

My kitchen and I are getting “acquainted” again now that I no longer work full-time.

I am enjoying the process of cooking and baking a whole lot more than I ever have in my life! I’m experimenting with new foods and techniques, making dishes I’ve never tried before, and thoroughly enjoying my accomplishments.

I have found that it’s so much more enjoyable to cook, when I am not cooking for two little kids. They weren’t always real fond of what was for dinner, or if they were, it’s because it was macaroni and cheese or spaghetti, and neither one of these are real culinary achievements as far as I’m concerned.

But…my kids are on their own now, and for the most part, I have a fairly adventurous husband.  He’s willing to try just about anything I concoct in my kitchen (especially my baking endeavors), and I’m finding great joy in this new journey!

1: I’m thankful for clever tools that make the kitchen tasks just a little bit easier. I can’t wait to try the one on the left! I’ve never had one like it before!

kitchen gadgets

2. I’m thankful when a batch of cookies turns out great…the first time that I make them!

cookies

3. It’s not very big or fancy, but I’m pretty happy when I’m in my little blue and white kitchen, and for that, I am very thankful!

white kitchen

There are so many things and people who I am thankful for in my life.  I have found it to be so important and helpful to stop and think about these things in life, and make a concerted effort to focus on the good!

I hope you will take a few moments today to do the same.

Truly, we have much to thank God for, but if we would be thankful, we must set our hearts to do it with a will. We grumble and complain without thought, but we must think to give thanks.” —Samuel Logan Brengl

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Achievement

This was my first attempt at an enclosed garden in my backyard…and it turned out to be an achievement that I am quite proud of!

The garden is at rest right now, but I learned a lot from this adventure, and I’m really looking forward to next season.

 

Take a look at what the rest of the world has been up to.  More amazing achievements can be found here!

Wordless Wednesday: My New Toy

Apple peeler

Wordless Wednesday: I did it…all by myself!

ready for the dump

This is what it’s all about this week-end!

I’m looking forward to relaxing on the couch with my best friend this week-end and watching a little golf.  Okay, maybe it will end up being a lot of golf…but it will be a lot of really beautiful golf.

Really, it is!

It’s “The Masters 2014“!

Even if you don’t enjoy watching the game, you can’t help but admire the beauty of this amazing golf course!

P.S. – All photos were borrowed from: Hooked on Golf Blog…I have never had the opportunity to go to this golf course…some day, I hope to see it in person.

Wordless Wednesday – Flowers & Fun

flowers

Wordless Wednesday: Sunshine in a jar

dafodils

Happy Birthday to my sweet girl!

Today is my daughter’s birthday. Happy Birthday Baby! It seems like it was only a few years a go when I was holding her in my arms and welcoming her to this crazy mixed-up world of ours.

Oh, how quickly the time has gone by…but the memories, they really are very precious.

(I realize this would have been better if I had pictures from her childhood mixed in here, but I’m thousands of miles from home today, so the memories will have to do.)

I remember the days when we would cuddle and read books for hours.reading books
Now…it’s her turn to snuggle with her little guy, and share her love for reading.

I remember when I would squeeze her tight, and absolutely delight in the feel of that little body in my arms.

hugs

Today…she’s experiencing this joy and wonder of holding her precious child, and the feeling of pure delight that comes with it!

I remember those moments when something as simple as a balloon would bring joy to her heart…and mine.

red balloon

And now it’s her turn to experience the little things in life and just how amazingly special those little things and moments can be!

And I remember those times when she would run into my arms, squeeze my neck, and want nothing more than just to be held in my arms.

at the beach

This moment…I know is one that she thoroughly enjoys. I’m so thankful that she is getting to experience this joy and wonder of being a mom.

I am so proud of her and the beautiful young lady she has become!  Her gentle spirit, kind heart, and loving soul, touches my heart in ways that are quite difficult to express.

She is a wonderful person, a loyal friend, a fantastic little momma, and a loving daughter.

I am so very thankful God blessed my life by giving her to me on this day….30 years a go!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Unexpected

Strawberries in my garden.

Not really that unusual, right? In fact, one would expect to find strawberries in their garden if they did in fact plant them there.

But to find them growing in my garden in the month of November! Now that, was certainly an unexpected treat!

Perfect and declicious…just enough to put on my cereal for breakfast!
strawberries

To see more of the “unexpected” things in life, check out this link!

Thankful Thursday: 3 Gifts Said

3 gifts Said:

1. I am so very thankful for the day he said…I love you…will you marry me? I can’t imagine my life without him!

2. Oh, and then there was that special day when they said…you’re going to be a mom! Yep…that was a good day too!

3. And…I’ll never forget the day my kids said…you’re going to be a grandma! I am thankful every day for these 3 wonderful blessings in my life.

Think Happy Thoughts

These are just a few of the many things that I am thankful for.

What are you thankful for?

Will you join me in looking for these gifts and sharing them with others?