Monday's Five Things I'm Grateful For

Hi folks, it's Monday once again and for once, I'm not late in posting this entry. During the week, I mentally list my five things even before I start writing anything. There are definitely more than five things I'm thankful for every week, but these are what stood out for me last week.

1. I'm thankful that Rachel is officially potty trained...woot woot! Since last week, she's been wearing her toddler Minnie Mouse undies and have only been in a couple "accidents".

2.  Rachel loved attending Vacation Bible School (VBS) last week. VBS is a week long event during the summer that focuses on teaching school-aged kids about the Bible. This year's theme was "Weird Animals". I'm so proud of her too for participating in the songs, games, crafts, and story time.

3. I'm grateful that Rachel loves reading the Bible. She always ask me to read her toddler Bible to her all throughout the day- while having breakfast, lunch, snack time, and right before she goes to bed. I pray that she'll continue to grow in the knowledge of Jesus.

My sister illustrated Psalm 23 for her and made her own storybook. Rachel is now learning to memorize it.

4. We had a lot of fun at an "End of summer potluck" on Sunday afternoon. We had tons of food and toys to play with. I'm definitely not ready for the end of summer, though.

5.  I'm grateful for God's protection all the time. Whether I'm at home, at work, while driving or even when I'm working out, I always pray for His guidance and protection upon my family.  

What are you thankful for this week?

Late post: Monday's Five Things I'm Grateful For

Hi everyone, I've been MIA again since last week. I came down with colds and cough over the weekend, which I got from my daughter. But I wouldn't let this week go without posting five things I'm grateful for.

1. A visit from Aunt Flow. The ladies would know what this means. Since my miscarriage about a month ago, I've been praying very hard that my cycles would come back normally. Exactly one month from what happened, I couldn't be more excited to see Aunt Flow! I've never been happier in my life because this means we can start trying again very soon LOL.

2. My mom's birthday was last August 13. She turned 56 and she wanted to have a picnic at the local park. Earlier that day it was pouring rain and I was not looking forward to eating outside. My sister reassured me that they've already prayed for a miracle to happen and when she checked the weather forecast, it was just gonna be a cloudy day in the afternoon. Oh me of little faith. True enough, it was humid and partially sunny when I got off work. Our spread that night was fish and chips from Pajo's and a sushi platter from another place. 

 

Rachel also enjoyed playing in the park after dinner. 

 

Dessert was chocolate mousse cake from Whole Foods, which we had at home. Mom also brewed coffee to go with it. We couldn't wait to devour the cake that I forgot to take a photo of it.

3. My husband (Michael) and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary on August 15, 2014. We had brunch at The Market by Jean Georges last Saturday and shopped a little bit in downtown Vancouver. 

4. Lately, I've been taking lots of naps. Just about a month ago, we changed our daughter's nap routine from pushing her in her stroller til she falls asleep to letting her lie nap on our bed. I co-nap with her and usually fall asleep faster than she does. LOL. I'm thankful that she naps 2-3 hours everyday!

5. I'm grateful for lazy Sunday afternoons. After attending church service in the morning, we'd usually have our Japanese food fix at a local Japanese market for lunch, go home and just relax. For me it's the perfect way to unwind before the start of another week.

There you have it, my list for the week. I'm sorry I haven't been posting as much lately. Please include me in your prayers for a fast recovery.

Monday's Five Things I'm Grateful For

It's the little things in life that keeps me happy these days. Ever since I've started this gratitude journal on my blog, I feel like there is always a good thing that comes from my day to day experiences. 

Here are some of the things I'm grateful for in the past week.

1.  Last Monday, we got a new modem. As I've mentioned last week, our wi-fi hasn't been very cooperative for a few weeks. Our internet provider sent us a new modem in hopes of fixing our crazy internet connection. So far, so good.

2. I'm grateful for a wonderful tea time with some girlfriends at a friend's new condo. It was a delightful afternoon of sharing funny childhood stories and of course sampling homemade goodies and savouries!

3. What a joy it is for me to back to my running and workout routines! Yes, I'm back to waking up early in the morning for strength training at the gym or running outdoors. Running outdoors early in the morning during summer time is quite relaxing. Gotta take advantage of the warm weather.

4. It's been a crazy hot summer in the west coast so far and I'm grateful that our office has air-conditioning.  Customers like to stay in for a bit and chat with us while sipping their iced lemon water, too :) 

5. I've been reading Kimberly Snyder's Beauty Detox book and I just can't get enough of the glowing green smoothie! I've been having it for breakfast after my workout/run for about a week now. It's so refreshing and it actually keeps me full til lunch time. More post to come soon about the glowing green smoothie and my quest to be a vegetarian.

Have you thought about your blessings last week? Start writing them down or posting them on your inspiration board, they'll surely make you a more grateful and cheerful person.

Monday's Five Things I'm Grateful For

Last week flew by for me. I guess because it was my first week back to my "normal" routine (went back to work and started going for walks again). On top of that, our internet connection hasn't been very cooperative as I've mentioned in my previous post. Here we are again, Monday...I'm welcoming it with open arms not just because I get to write my Five Things I'm Grateful For, but it's also BC Day (which means we have a long weekend!)!!

Thinking about the week that passed, I have a lot of things to be grateful for. 

1. Although I'd always whine to my husband about why I'm not a stay-at-home mom, I'm thankful that I have a "secure part-time job". I work only three days a week and have 3 weeks + 1 day paid vacation leave every year, too! My supervisor is very understanding and my coworkers are not hard to deal with. When I went for my 3-week leave (to rest and recover from my miscarriage), my managers and coworkers kept texting and calling me to ask how I was. I felt their love and concern for me, which was really nice.

2.  I'm grateful for the long weekend and the beautiful weather that came with it! My family did as much as we could on our staycation. We went to Granville Island on Saturday and went for a mini cruise on the Aquabus for the first time! My daughter enjoyed running after the seagulls, too, after our supper at the Granville Island Market. 

      On Sunday, we joined our church's Family Fun Day. Booths offering Asian cuisines and games were set up at the parking lot. 

        This morning, we packed our lunches and spent half the day at the park. My daughter, Rachel, enjoyed her first waterpark experience! It was such a hot day too!

3. I'm grateful for a much needed girl time with my mom and my sister. Nothing beats a good conversation with your best friends over coffee. Right after Rachel went to bed on Sunday night, we met up for coffee and stayed until the cafe closed.

4. Our coffee/girl time wouldn't have been possible if not for my loving husband who stayed with my daughter at home. I feel I under-appreciate him sometimes. He does so much for our family and never complains when I ask him to do something. He works full time and is taking courses for the CGA program and still has time for Rachel and me. I love him so much!

5. I'm grateful for the Scripture in Philippians 4:6-7.
   v.6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 
    v.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ.

     As human as I am, I've been worrying about a lot of things lately, particularly about trying to conceive...again. It had been more challenging to get pregnant the second time around (after breastfeeding Rachel for 23 months). Then the miscarriage happened. Questions like when will I get pregnant again or will I not miscarry the second time pop into mind once in a while. These verses remind me that God will give me the peace of mind I need when I present my requests to Him. His timing is always the best.

I hope I've inspired some of you to start your own gratitude journals. It's a great way to start your Mondays.