Thankful Thursday

I've been meaning to write a post about our Easter weekend and haven't had a chance yet (must be all the picture posting and heaven explaining...see previous posts), so look for it tomorrow.  In the meantime, here is this week's list:


1.  My brother Kevin, whose birthday is tomorrow.  He's one of the most thoughtful guys I know.  I hope I'm not embarrassing him, but one of my favorite examples/memories of his sweet spirit actually happened just a few years ago.  My grandfather had just passed away and I'd flown to Florida with my Dad to help him and my grandmother make arrangements and pack up before we flew to Baltimore for the funeral. My dad, brothers, and sisters-in-law arrived in Baltimore a day after my grandmother and I and then David came a day after them, which also happened to be Valentine's Day.  As I was headed out the door to pick up him at the airport, Kevin handed me a card.  It was a blank Valentine's Day card for David that he'd chosen for me to give him.  In the midst of everything, he'd taken the time and effort to choose a card on my behalf so that I would have something to give my husband on Valentine's Day.  In that and a million other instances, I was so grateful God made us siblings.  Happy Birthday, Kevin!  We love you!


2.  Safety in storms.  There has been some serious crazy weather around us lately, a lot of which has happened in the middle of the night.  I'm thankful my God doesn't sleep, nor does He even take His eyes off of us.  Please join me in praying for those affected and if you know someone (or even know someone who knows someone who knows OF someone) think about some way you can help...and then ACT on it.


3.  Being able to adjust the thermostat.  As a child, I was not allowed to adjust the temperature in the house.  If you were cold, you put on more clothes or got a blanket.  If you were hot, you took off clothes or went to the pool.  Now that I'm a parent, I completely understand and agree with the "you don't pay the bills, so you don't get a say" policy.  However, I LOVE that I now get a say.  And, unlike some people (though not my parents that I recall), I don't go by the calendar.  I've never understood the mentality of not cutting the air conditioning/heat on until X date.   If it reaches 85 in April like it has this week, the air comes on.  If it dips down to the 40s like it will tonight, the heat comes on.  It sure is good to have control of that little box.  


4.  A more normal work schedule for David and the less stressed/tired/anxious that we all are this week.  We've had some wonderful family together lately and I'm super grateful for it.  Audrey is still adding "Daddy" to the end of of every sentence and question, though, as she just can't get enough of him right now.  She wants to make sure he soaks it all up and isn't going anywhere! ("See me, Daddy?"  "See it, Daddy?" "It's Audrey's bear, Daddy!", "My cup is pink, Daddy!" etc. etc. etc.)  Please do keep praying for us, though, as this is just a temporary respite and it's going to get busy again the next two weeks.


5.  Tonight's pick is "Take It Easy" by the Eagles, a favorite band around our house.  Many a road trip has been more thoroughly enjoyed with a blasting of their songs and a loud, off-key attempt at singing along.

Funny Stuff

I wanted to share two hilarious conversations that have happened in the Sinyard household in the past few days:


As I mentioned last week, David had to go back to work very late one night to run a test using the moon.  He finished, drove home, and crawled into bed around 2am.  Here is the conversation that transpired when he woke me up in the dead of night.  He reminded me of it the next morning.  I only vaguely recall it taking place:


Me: "Is that you?"
D:  "Yes."
Me:  "Prove it.  State your whole name."
(D complies.)
Me:  "That was too easy.  Let's see...do you like Butterfingers?"
D:  "No."
Me: "And where did you decide to reveal this fact to me?"  (This has been a long standing inside joke/sore spot with me.)
D: "At Allen and Maryalice's house."
Me:  "Okay, I guess I don't have to shoot you."
D:  "I'm in between you and the gun anyway."
Me:  "That's what you think.  Goodnight."  (As I rolled over and went back to sleep.)


Not bad for 2:00am, huh?!


Here is another funny conversation that happened today between AJ and I:


AJ: "Where's heaben?" (heaven?)
Me: "Well, we aren't exactly sure, honey. Some people think it's above Earth, but we don't really know. The important thing is that's where God and Jesus are and all the people that died believing Jesus is Lord.  One day you'll have to make that decision for yourself and you can ask Jesus to forgive your sins and to be your Savior and when you leave Earth you'll live with Him in heaven forever..."  And on and on....
AJ with confused look, pointing to head: "Where's heaben?"
Me: "Oh. Your headband is in the kitchen."




Those two keep me on my toes, whether they mean to or not!

New Pictures!

I've uploaded a lot of new pictures to the photo gallery.  Check out the latest albums to see pictures from Easter, My nephew Carson's 3rd birthday party, Spring Races, and Audrey's 19th - 21st months.


Enjoy!

Thankful Thursday

1.  David taking Tuesday off!  Well, practically off.  He had a doctor's appointment in the morning, but got home around 9:30am just in time for a jog and some playground time.  The three of us went to lunch afterwards and then came home and hung out until he went into work around 2pm.  He was home by 7pm, but then went back in from 11pm - 2am to run a test that required the moon to be up.  So that's practically a day off, right?  Riiiiiight.  I am, however, (less sarcastically) thankful that he's not working at all this upcoming weekend and he's promised to take Monday off.  I jokingly told him that I hope we find out we still like each other after we get to spend three consecutive days together! 


2.  Ciabatta bread.  When I tried it for the first time this week on a delicious deli sandwich, I nearly fell out of my chair.  My name is Heather and I'm a carboholic.


3.  Our Small Group.  For the past 8 months, David and I have "done life" with a group of six couples.  We've studied two books, shared many prayer requests and struggles, and learned a whole lot about Christ, each other, and ourselves.  Now it's time for our group to part ways.  We are grateful for what we gained from each couple and we hope to stay in touch with everyone.


4.  Lunch with a new friend.  When you're an adult, making friends isn't as easy as it used to be, so when the opportunity comes along, you gotta jump!  Of course, at this age, "you gotta let your crazy out a little at a time" (Scrubs) lest you scare them to death.  Still, I'm excited about my new pal and for what God has in store for our friendship!


5.  In honor of tomorrow being Good Friday and Sunday being Easter, this week's pick is "He Loves Us" by David Crowder with clips from the movie Passion of the Christ.  I must warn you that it's extremely graphic...so much so that I searched for quite a while for an alternative video and/or song.  I finally came to the realization that sometimes we need to be reminded how graphic and violent Christ's crucifixion really was.  I hope it moves you as it did me and that you'll think about it during this upcoming weekend and beyond.




Thank you, Jesus.  For saving me.  For loving me.  For thinking me worth it when I'm not.

Happy Easter, everyone.

Thankful Thursday

Shew, what a week it's been!  On top of David still working like crazy, I've had a dentist appointment, a doctor's appointment, Bible Study and small group homework, Bible Study meeting, and a hair appointment.  I have also been editing the 130 pics engagement pics I took for David's sweet cousin, am trying to finish AJ's baby book (better late than never!), and am working on her's and David's birthday party plans.  And squeeze in more running/exercise in preparation for an upcoming race.  And organize Audrey's closet.  And shop for Easter/birthday/Mother's Day gifts.  

I gotta confess - the house is dirty and we've had a lot of leftovers lately.  Keep praying that David's work load lets up soon before we both crack!  


Before I even get to this week's TT list, let me share that Audrey is well and finished up her last dose of antibiotic tonight.  Hopefully it cleared everything up and she'll stay healthy for a while!  David, though tired, is also feeling better.  Thank You, Lord!

Here is the list:

1.  My nephew Carson, whose birthday is this upcoming Tuesday.  The kid is an unstoppable whirlwind who will slow down just long enough to do something that melts you and proves just how huge his caring heart is.  I know God has big plans for that heart!  Happy 3rd birthday, buddy!  Can't wait to celebrate with you!  

2.  NO MORE DENTIST!  Okay, that sounds gross.  Let me explain:  I'm finally finished with my Invisalign trays and will now only be visiting my dentist for cleanings twice per year.  My teeth aren't 100% straight/perfect, but I am very, very pleased with the improvements that were made.  And after 13 appointments in 8 months (most were less than 30 minutes long, but still), I'm super okay with not having any more work done.

3.  Reaching my weight goal and finally being back in maintenance phase.  It took me just over six weeks to drop the ten pounds I'd put on from my holiday feasting...which stretched from Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day.  Now I can finally cut back on my work outs and relax my diet a bit.  But just a bit.  It is SO much easier (and tastier) to put it back on than it is to get it off!  

4.  PBS.  Because of all the things I mentioned that are going on/David's busy schedule, I'm (guiltily) turning on the TV for Audrey a little more than I usually do.  At least with PBS I feel like she's getting decent educational shows.  Her favorites are Sesame Street and Sid the Science Kid, but that's about as far as this mom is willing to go. (I hear Caillou is addictive so we're steering clear for now!)  I also let her watch Little Einsteins on the Disney channel. 

5.  This week's song is "I Need You" by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.  One of my favorites of his for sure. 

I hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy the beautiful Spring weather!

Happy Second Birthday, Blog!

Today marks the second anniversary of The Sinyard Family Blog and this is officially the 175th post.  That means that for the past two years, I have averaged one post every four days!  While I'm disappointed that I don't get to write as often as I'd like, I'd say that's not too shabby.  


So congrats to both of us.  Me for keeping it up through the highs and lows, the busy season and the lulls (when were those, exactly?!), and you for reading, laughing, praying, and supporting me through it.  


I'll do my best to keep it coming!

Thankful Thursday

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  I missed last week's TT post and this week's is late.  Trust me, it bothers me way more than it does you.  I wish I could stay on top of this blog better, but I have to give myself some slack and do what I can when I can.  Hopefully you understand.  


Here is a short update to make up for it (see the first two items for the main reasons I've been "slacking"):

• Audrey has been sick.  She started with some congestion over a week ago, spiked a fever on Saturday and ran 102 or 103 (when she wasn't on Tylenol) for three straight days.  She was eating and acting okay, though not napping all that well during the day.  I took her to the doctor on Tuesday and found out she has a sinus infection.  She didn't have a fever all that afternoon, so who knows whether it was clearing up on it's own or what, but we went ahead and started the prescribed antibiotics.  She's doing much better now and we even ventured out yesterday.  

• David is working like crazy.  We enjoyed what seemed like two or three weeks of normal hours and weekends off and now we're back to eleven or twelve hour days and going in on Saturdays and Sundays.  He's also not feeling well.  Coincidence?  

• Car shopping is on hold for now.  Who knows what we're going to do.  We don't have time to shop around or try to sell David's car at the moment.  We've also discussed that he may take over my car and I may get a newer one, or we both may win the lottery and hire drivers.  The latter is not very likely considering we don't play.

• Spring temps (and pollen) are here, Easter decorations are up, and the calendar is full of birthday parties, races, egg hunts, and visits/visitors.  Love it!

Here is this week's list:

1.  My Grandma-in-law, whose birthday was Tuesday.  She is a fantastic cook, a sweet encourager, and a tireless prayer warrior.  I can only imagine how many hours of sleep she's lost staying up to cook for us or pray for us...or both!  We're so thankful for her and are super excited about getting to see her this weekend for the first time since Christmas!


2.  Event planning!  Things are well underway for Audrey's 2nd birthday bash.  The date is set, invitations are ordered, her outfit has been bought, favors are purchased, the menu is in the works, and decorations are coming together.  There may or may not also be some planning going on for David's 30th birthday, which is in May.  So fun!  I love it!

3.  Shopping with Grandmom.  Yesterday Audrey and I made a trip to the outlet mall with David's mom and had a blast!  Audrey got quite a few adorable new outfits - one of which she was particularly adamant about and wouldn't turn loose of!  She will certainly be the most fashionable little girl around this summer thanks to her Grandmom!


4.  The first pedicure of the season.  My feet and toes have been neglected for months, and finally got a little TLC last week.  Now they're all ready for sandals!  I just need some sand to stick them in.....ahhhhh.  


5.  This week's song is "To Make You Feel My Love" performed by Adele.  I've always loved this song and I'm not sure whose cover I like the most, but this is definitely a good one even if the video is a bit drab.    



Have a wonderful weekend and please pray for David to get some relief and restored health soon!