Thankful Day 25

Today I am thankful for 5 1/2 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
May not seem like much, but it is the most I'd had in longer than I can remember.

Liam and Lexy both currently have double ear infections. This on the coattails of the single ear infections (and prescribed antibiotics) they had last week.

Needless to say, I've spent a lot of the nighttime hours awake, playing the role of comforter and nurse.

Last night, Bill took over with Liam and let me sleep.
It was glorious.

And I feel like a new woman.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Thankful Day 24

Today I am thankful for three children all napping at the same time.

It is a rarity.... something to be celebrated when it happens.

So, today I celebrate.

I am savoring the silence, knowing that in a very short time, the house will be full of laughter and chatter once again. And I will still be thankful.

Thankful Day 23

Today I am thankful for heaters.

Yet another modern convenience that makes me realize I am so not cut out for life in a prior century.

What a blessing it is to be in a WARM house.

Thankful Day 22

Today I am thankful for my husband.
I am thankful for him EVERY day, but today I will tell you why. :)

He is absolutely passionate for the Lord, and his passion is contagious.

He has a fantastic sense of humor and makes me laugh. (most of the time. :))

He loves our children and yearns for them to know God.

He has such a servant's heart and is always looking for ways to help others.

He is a faithful and loyal friend, both to me and to countless others.

He is dedicated and disciplined, waking up before the sun most days to train both physically and spiritually.

He consistently provides for our family, even on days when he'd rather stay home with us.

He has a "can do" attitude in his approach to just about everything life throws his way.

He doesn't take himself too seriously, and can humbly defuse conflicts with his wisdom and wit.

He cooks; he cleans; he empties the dishwasher.

He stretches me to see things from a different perspective and encourages me to search my heart.

He knows how to fix things. And if he doesn't know how to do it, he'll figure it out.

He loves sports-- watching them and playing them.

He is enthusiastic about life and loves an adventure.

He is just the man God made for me, and I am so honored to share life with him.
(Love you, Bill!)

Thankful Day 21

Today I am thankful for hope.

We found out yesterday that our former pastor and friend Tom Givens -- the man who married Bill and I-- was recently diagnosed with ALS.

Absolute Blow To The Gut.

It makes no sense. This, for a man who has devoted his life to proclaiming the gospel.

And yet, we have HOPE.
Because God is good. And He is Sovereign.

⁷ But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me.

⁸ Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness,
the LORD will be my light.

Micah 7: 7-8

Join me in lifting the whole Givens family up in prayer as they process all of this.

Thankful Day 20

Today I am thankful for my pastor and my church, who faithfully teach the Word of God every week.

⁸ Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
⁹ Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
¹⁰ Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
¹¹ Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.

¹² Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
¹³ you his servants, the descendants of Israel,
his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
¹⁴ He is the LORD our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.

¹⁵ He remembers his covenant forever,
the promise he made, for a thousand generations,
¹⁶ the covenant he made with Abraham,
the oath he swore to Isaac.
¹⁷ He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant:
¹⁸ “To you I will give the land of Canaan
as the portion you will inherit.”

¹⁹ When they were but few in number,
few indeed, and strangers in it,
²⁰ they wandered from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another.
²¹ He allowed no one to oppress them;
for their sake he rebuked kings:
²² “Do not touch my anointed ones;
do my prophets no harm.”

²³ Sing to the LORD, all the earth;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
²⁴ Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

²⁵ For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
²⁶ For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
²⁷ Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his dwelling place.

²⁸ Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
²⁹ Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come before him.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
³⁰ Tremble before him, all the earth!
The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.

³¹ Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
³² Let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!
³³ Let the trees of the forest sing,
let them sing for joy before the LORD,
for he comes to judge the earth.

³⁴ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
³⁵ Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior;
gather us and deliver us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name,
and glory in your praise.”

1 Chronicles 16:8-35

Thankful Day 19

Today I am thankful for hot showers.

As I was standing under the steamy, cascading water in my shower today, I started thinking.

I find it AMAZING how a good, hot shower can turn any day around. No matter how tired or emotional you feel, standing under that running water seems to just wash all your cares away.

What a privilege it is to live in a country where we have clean, running HOT water at our fingertips. Especially in light of the cholera outbreaks going on in Haiti due to contaminated water, access to clean water is not something to take for granted.

I am so thankful. (And clean.) :)

Thankful Day 18

Today I am thankful for 'roots'.

The thought hit me today as I was walking home from Lexy's school....
It is such a neat feeling to live in a community where I have 'roots.'

Backing up a bit....
As I was walking her to school at 7:58am, I came across a friend of mine that I have literally known since preschool who was frantically trying to get her kids to the proper places before the bell rang. With a slight pang of panic in her voice she said, "Jenn, can you take Annabelle to her class for me? I forgot her Pilgrim costume at home and I have to go get it!"

This morning was the kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast, and all of the kindergartners were supposed to come to school in their previously-made Pilgrim or Indian costumes.

So... I grabbed Annabelle's hand-- a child whom I have never really talked to before-- and we all walked the rest of the way to the kindergarten classrooms together, without a second thought.


I stayed and enjoyed the Thanksgiving "Feast" (term used very loosely as the meal consisted of goldfish crackers, popcorn, pumpkin bread and apple juice) with Lexy and her classmates and then headed home.

As I walked home through the gorgeous tree-covered paseos, I replayed the morning's events in my head and I was struck with one of those "I'm so thankful" moments. And for lack of a better word, I realized it was the 'roots'. Being part of a community for 34 years allows for some very long-standing, deep roots, and I am grateful for the blessing they are in my life. AND I am very aware that I may not always have the privilege of being 'rooted' in the community in which I live, so I will celebrate the blessing of my current 'roots' all the more.

Thankful Day 17

Today I am thankful that we have a break just around the corner.

Tomorrow is Lexy's last day of school until the Monday after Thanksgiving, and boy, do I need the break. I'm not sure why, but I just feel exhausted. Like I need some time to catch up. So, this upcoming school vacation-- Fall Break, if you will-- is just what the doctor ordered.

Now, if you'll excuse me... I must head to bed because I have to have my afternoon kindergartner at school by 8:00 am tomorrow morning. Busy, busy morning.... but she'll be FREE by 11:40!
Hooray for vacation.

Thankful Day 16

Today I am thankful for my mom. (Hi Mom!)

It is such a blessing to have her so close-- practically around the corner-- and be so involved in the lives of her grandchildren.

Yesterday, Grandma volunteered in Lexy's kindergarten class. (She is also the Art Appreciation teacher for Lexy's class once a month!)

This morning, Lexy and Tori made their weekly trip to her house for "Tuesday Tea."

This evening, she called and offered to bring dinner over to our house-- Homemade Chicken soup. Mmmmmm. One of my favs.

Thanks, Mom. :)
I am so blessed.

Thankful Day 15

Today I am thankful for our ability to give.
God has blessed us abundantly, beyond all we could ever need. We consider it our joy to share His blessings with others.

This morning, the girls and I packed up shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.


I really *love* giving that involves the kids. They really understand that we are wrapping up presents for someone else, and...who doesn't like to be the bearer of gifts?!


I only wish there were similar, kid-friendly programs the other 11 months out of the year!

Thankful Day 14

Today I am thankful for my home. And to BE home.

We had a WONDERFUL weekend up in Yosemite with some great friends. The weather was cool and crisp; the waterfalls were still flowing; the trees were in various stages of yellow, orange, and red. It was breathtaking.





But it is good to be home. :)

Thankful Day 13

Today I am thankful for the beauty of God's creation.

Thankful Day 12

Today I am thankful for the innocence and imagination of childhood.

**sweet anticipation**
waiting for the cookies to be done
"A watched cookie never bakes" ?? :)

**wardrobe queen**
All set for a "Cinderella" play with all our friends and neighbors as part of the cast.

**Look out Meg Whitman/Sarah Palin**

playing "President of California", busy answering phone calls all day long

Thankful Day 11

Today I am thankful for my freedom.
I am thankful for the millions of men and women who have served in our Armed Services to protect and defend my freedom.
May I never take them or it for granted...

Thankful Day 10

Today I am thankful for laughter. Especially the laughter from my children. I could listen to it All. Day. Long. It is music to my soul.

Thankful Day 9

Today I am thankful for the tender moments of cuddling with my kids.


I remember when Lexy was born, a family friend told me about how years ago, she nursed her now college-aged son in the middle of the night WELL beyond the recommended age for nighttime feedings simply because it was the only time when she had him all to herself-- quiet, uninterrupted cuddle time. To this sleep-deprived first-time mom, those words didn't really make much sense. I couldn't wait for Lexy to sleep through the night so I could get back to my precious sleep. Funny how things change... Five years and 3 kids later, I completely understand what she meant.

If there is anything good about a sick kid, it's got to be the cuddling, right?

Liam has had a really hard time sleeping at night for about the past week-- due in large part to the ear infection we now know about, I'm sure-- so I have been up all hours of the night playing the role of comforter. I am so easily-inclined to complain about the loss of sleep (and I do! way. too. much.), but it hit me last night during one of the prolonged wake periods-- "I won't be able to cuddle with him like this forever. Cherish the moments."

And so today, despite the bags under my eyes and the cloudiness of my sleep-deprived brain, I am thankful for the precious moments of uninterrupted cuddle time I get with my sweet little guy, snotty nose and all. :)

Pictures worth posting

Thankful Day 8

Today, I am thankful for doctors and medicine.

We have had a rough couple of weeks health-wise.... Two cases of croup, 3-4 colds, and 2 ear infections. Last week, Lexy complained about her ear hurting, which is pretty much a guarantee that she has an ear infection. Thankfully, a miraculously QUICK trip to Urgent Care (only 10 minutes!!) took care of it. This morning, Liam was diagnosed with his first ear infection during his Well Baby check-up. (Oh, the irony.) :)

So, we are on the road to recovery. And I am thankful that I have access to trustworthy doctors and inexpensive medicine that restores health to my precious little ones.

Thankful Day 7

Today, I am thankful for naps.

You'd think we wouldn't need a nap on Day Light Savings Day-- after that 'extra hour of sleep', wink, wink-- but everyone seemed exhausted this afternoon. Maybe it was the early morning wake-up for the race (which went well, by the way)... Maybe it is the gloomy, chilly weather that is making us all want to curl up in our warm beds... Maybe it's the toll of the busy week we just finished.... Or maybe All Of The Above. Not sure. But we can all say it was wonderful to rest.

Here are a few shots from this morning. Bill and I ran the 5K (not pictured) and Lexy ran the Kid K Fun Run.

***getting ready for the race***

***all business***

***pure joy!***
(waving at her sister :) )

And one from our trip to Aunt Barb's on Friday...
Looks like we've got another water baby!! Liam loved the water. :)

Thankful Day 6

Today, I am thankful for my health.

I have been on a running kick as of late. Running and I have a love-hate relationship. :) I love running and the exhiliration and accomplishment I feel AFTER the run is over. In talking about running with various people over the past few months, I have been struck by how many of my young friends have knee, ankle, hip or other various joint problems that prevent them from being about to run for exercise. Even though I don't LOVE going for a run, I am so grateful that I can.

On the eve of my second 5K race in the past month, I am thankful. Though my body may not be a portrait of athletic prowess, I am a healthy, able-bodied woman and I am so grateful.

Now I must go get to bed. I've got a race tomorrow morning. :)

Thankful Day 5

Today I am thankful that I get to stay home with my kids. More to the point, I am thankful that my husband values my ability to stay home and raise our children and works really hard to provide for our family. There are so many moments in my day that I wish I could just bottle and cherish forever. For instance, Tori was playing with my wrist watch this morning and it is now missing in action. I've been asking her for about the last 30 minutes to please look for it. Just now, she was standing in the hallway and said, "Mom, I'm gonna go get my baby to help. She has eagle eyes, I know she'll find it."

Where do they come up with this stuff?!

Oh, to see the world through 3 yr old eyes....

Thankful Day 1-Day 4

Hello from the HughesZoo!

We are all alive and well, despite our rather long blog absence. :)

Rather than dwell on the fact that it's been nearly a YEAR since I last wrote anything on here, I thought I just jump right back in and try to use the month of November to make up for lost time by posting 30 things I'm thankful for-- one for each day of the month.

I hope is that this exercise will spur me on to be a bit more prolific in the coming year... :)

It goes without saying that I am thankful for my family-- my husband, my beautiful, energetic children-- my faith, my friends, my home, etc. (Although I might still use any one of the aforementioned things at some point this month) So, I'd like to really focus on the mundane things in life that are so easily taken for granted.

And since today is actually November 4th, today's installment will be a catch-up round of FOUR things I'm thankful for. :)

So, without further adieu:

Today, I am thankful for the beautiful sunshine that lights up my home. It is supposed to be 90 degrees today. And yes, it IS November. Both girls wore sundresses to school. Felt a little bit wrong, but whatever. They were dressed weather-appropriate. :)

I am thankful for my dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, all of which are currently running. Rather than complain about the work surrounding each of those appliances, I will focus on the true blessing they are to me as the keeper of my home.

I am thankful for a quiet afternoon at home. Tori, Liam AND Daddy-- who surprised us by coming home early!-- are all taking naps. Lexy is still at school, and I am about to go fold some laundry while KLOVE plays in the background. BLISS.

I am thankful for the full refrigerator and pantry that will (more than) meet our nourishment needs over the next week. God is always faithful to provide "our daily bread" and much, much more.