Grateful Moments

 

I have been sitting here today filled with gratitude as I have thought over a few things that have occurred recently.

The first, is continued gratitude to Discount Tire for our new tires (yes, they are going to get a card and treat from us). This past week or so has been very cold, sunny and icy here. There have been many times where we would have slid on our old tires that I give a prayer of gratitude for the new one. A couple incidences this past Saturday. We were driving home from cleaning the church building. We turned right off of SR-410 toward Sumner-Buckley Hwy. On the corner there is an Applebee's and Target. A woman in a big SUV didn't come to a complete stop before exiting the parking lot. She was busy lighting a cigarette and forgot to look both ways. Josh slammed on the brakes... accident averted. Big sighs of relief. We made it onto Sumner-Buckley which is a bit winding and was icy. Josh turned on the blinker to let cars behind us know we would be turning left onto Angeline, a street perpendicular to S-B. We were at a full stop because we needed to wait for a car going the other direction to pass before we could complete the turn. All of the sudden Josh it the accelerator. Then I heard the truck behind us sliding on the ice as he hit his brakes. I can only guess he thought we were going to turn immediately or didn't see the blinker or something. Again, the tires grabbed the road... another accident averted. So grateful for our news tires.

Second, as we finished our ride home I thanked Josh for keeping us safe on the drive home. He said, you're welcome or something. Matthew said, "Of course, he keeped us safe. He's the dad and that's what they do." I am so grateful for an AMAZING husband who is such a great example of what it means to be a man, husband and father. My son is learning the lessons.

Third, last night we were discussing some fundraising options for Ceithlinn's trip this summer with People to People. The whole family was brainstorming ideas and getting really excited about the possibilities. A sweet moment came Matthew has an idea to build a monster truck course out of mashed potatoes. He would then charge people to ride. He said he would get a whole pile of money and then he said, "I would give it to Ceithlinn for her Alaska Adventure." She immediately looked over at him with a big grin, (I was sitting between them, or she probably would have hugged him) "Oh, thank you, Matthew! That is so kind!" So grateful for my children who are learning how to truly support and love each other. They really are two of the best kids in the ENTIRE world!! So grateful for the love they share with each other.

Fourth, I am grateful to a husband who works hard to provide for our family so I have time to be at home with my children.

Fifth, overwhelmed with gratitude for the great family and friends we have that are supporting our fundraising efforts. Every time we tell people what we are doing, the outpouring of love and positivity and resources in amazing.

JUST SO GRATEFUL TODAY!

Matthew's Unspoken Rule About Losing Teeth

Matthew lost another tooth today. He was so excited. He is getting really good at this losing teeth thing. He hasn't lost that many. I think this is his fourth tooth lost in his almost 8 years. Only one tooth has been lost at school. The others have been lost/pulled with the aid of dental floss here at home. He seems to have an unspoken rule, though. (I know, you didn't realize there were rules for losing teething.) The rule is:  

Teeth can only be pulled as a stalling technique. They can be lost before bed, especially if I am already later to bed than Mom and Dad would like. OR They can be lost when I am running late for school, thus making me late for school, but it's okay because I have a great story as to why I am late.

I just had to laugh this morning as I was trying to get the kids out the door. I have learned to let it go and enjoy the moment. He gets so excited and looks so stinkin' cute with a "hole in his head," as my dad used to say. He also now has a little whistle when he says his S. Like I said, stinkin' cute.

Tire Miracle -- Jan 8, 2013

Discount Tire in Bonney Lake ROCKS!!!

Yesterday I noticed that my two front tires were bald and desperately needed to be replaced. I thought I will look at the finances and get that done tomorrow because it is supposed to snow this weekend, and driving on bald tires isn't safe. Then I was driving around a curve in the road. It was raining (I know surprising). I realized I was going a little fast and needed to slow down. I tapped the brakes and fishtailed to the right, then the left, then started to donut. I donutted off the road. I was grateful that I know how to handle that type of scenario and kept a level head. I think having two grandfathers that taught us well helped a lot. I was grateful the car was fine, I was fine and the kids were safely at school. I was also grateful I had noticed the bald tires so I was prepared for a spin in needed.

Today went to Discount Tire here. I knew I had enough in the budget for 2 tires, nothing else. I approached the man behind the counter and let him know this. He gave me an estimated cost of $248... that was about $38 over budget. I let him know that I had $210. He suggested I take out credit. I kindly turned him down saying we already had enought debt I didn't need more. He looked at the car and came back in. He told me all 4 tires needed to be replaced. They were all bald (I am horrible about rotating my tires...). I said I was sure they did, but that I only had the money for two. He said let me see what I can work out for you. He then punched in some things into the computer. He was able to lower the price to $227.94. He then proceeded to tell me that he couldn't let me leave knowing there were two unsafe tires. The quietly said that two tires would be on them. I thought I must have heard wrong and waited the half hour or so for the tires to be replaced.

A different employee told me my car was finished and signed me out. As I approached the car I noticed the back tires looked new. I thought I don't want to break down with tears of gratitude here. I will check them when I get home. Sure enough... we have 4 NEW TIRES! I am so grateful to this man and whatever funds he was able to dip into to give us new tires. I am overwhelmed with deep gratitude.

God truly is mindful of us and puts people in our path when they are needed. I am looking forward to the time when I can pay it forward and work a miracle for someone else in need.