Thursday, January 29, 2015

Thankful Thursday


Every Thursday I focus on 10 things that I am thankful for.  This week I am thankful for:

1.  My treadmill.  I LOVE it. I'm worried I love it too much. I love that I got a deal ($200 for a $1000 one because it was secondhand).  I love that I can use it to run in the daytime while the kids play.  I love that I can use it when the kids are in bed and Gary is out at basketball practice.  Between Gary and I, it's used probably 6 days a week.


2.  Our financial needs being met.  I'm so thankful that through Gary teaching full time and me contributing through subbing, doing some daycare and wedding photography, we are comfortable.  I don't really know how we do it when tuition takes up almost 10% of our income, but somehow, it all works out!

3.  Moving into the last stage to become foster parents.  We completed about 50 pages of homework this past weekend and now our home study will begin!

{It included interviewing each of our kids.  These were some of Nya's answers.  Koen wants to be a `Mango Seller' when he's older}

4.  A great experience with our Korean students.  Our kids loved them, they enjoyed our kids.  I appreciated a little extra income as I haven't subbed in several weeks.  They leave on Saturday.


5.  My health.  I had the flu last week and the aches in my muscles along with the complete lack of energy took me back to when I was first diagnosed with Graves' Disease.  It did cross my mind that I was relapsing. So, so, sooooo thankful to be in remission.



6.  A basement.  I LOVE that we have an extra bedroom, bathroom and playroom down there.  It's so useful!


7.  Nya's respiratory health the past 2 weeks.  We did a lot in regards to preventing allergies.  We vacuumed and sprayed mattresses, put on dust mite pillow covers, use an air purifier and allergen remover every night in her room, steam cleaned all stuffies in the house etc.  We also had her tested for food intolerances and are awaiting those results.  As a side note, she is so sweet, but wow, she is terrible at sleeping and has decided the past month that she can no longer walk anywhere.


8. Coffee.  I actually go to sleep at night thinking about my coffee in the morning.  I only have one a day and I love it.  I'm at the stage with the kids that I can sit and drink it while it's nice and warm.

9. A 10 year anniversary trip booked.  We needed something that would just be 3 nights due to childcare.  We have been to beautiful places in BC (Kingfisher in Courtenay for our honeymoon and 5 year anniversary) but wanted to do something different so...we're going to Vegas.  I've been once before and Gary has never been.  Our plan is to see a few shows, eat at a couple great restaurants, and to visit the Grand Canyon (Gary has never been there either!).

Right now we are trying to decide between renting a car and spending an entire day going to the Grand Canyon, or maybe just 5 hours total going to the West Rim,  or spending some big $$ and taking a helicopter (along with a champagne date at the base) which will just be 4 hours of our day.  If you have any recommendations for where we must eat, let me know.


10.  An hour of the kids getting along and playing board games.  It was when I was getting dinner ready last night. I was amazed, shocked and thankful. It probably helps that Koen was playing his own game.


I hope that this week has gone well for you.  As always, please let me know what you are thankful for today!  And, if not that, let me know where we should eat in Las Vegas. Thanks!

Love, 
Louise

10 comments:

  1. Nya is looking more and more like you - she has such a nice smile and smiley eyes too! I have never been to Los Vegas, so can't help you there. I am thankful that we have a new grandchild on the way!

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    1. Carol-that's so exciting you have another grandchild on the way! I look forward to those days :)

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  2. Your treadmill makes me want one for those days I don't get to be outside running but just need to get moving! But it's not in the budget or in the space range for our house if I want to preserve space for other things that are a priority to me! :D
    Vegas...sounds like it'll be awesome! Sorry I have no recommendations though - never been ;)
    Thankful....for antibiotics :)

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    1. Kelly-I'm glad that it folds up but yes, definitely takes up some space!

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  3. Ali-nice work out clothes are key to helping you get on the treadmill!! I love the latest capris leggings I got from costco for $10!

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  4. Ive been to Vegas quite a few times ad there are some amazing places in every hotel along the strip it seems. Mandalay Bay has some great options, along with the Wynn and Venetian - also make sure to google happy hour spots so you can look at deals/menus ahead of time so you know which ones to keep on your radar!

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  5. Coffee = best thing ever! How did you get in contact with the exchange students? Edwin & I applied through an agency to have homestay students, but haven't heard anything yet. (some extra income pre-wedding would be great!) :)

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    1. Shannon, I'll send you a pm via facebook :)

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  6. I always love reading your TT lists! I'm curious about your Graves and how it went into remission. I am Hypo and fearful of heading into Hashi, and from what I've read there isn't anything the doctors can or will do for you if you end up diagnosed with it. Boo! :( What did you do to help change your thyroid health?
    Lori-Anne

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    1. Lori-Anne, I went on medication for a year (PTU and beta blockers) and then had to chance my lifestyle to lower stress. So far, so good! Thyroids are pretty wild, right? Hope yours behaves!

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