Practicing the Discipline of Gratitude {March}

In March I was thankful for . . . 

1. this book from my sister-in-law - powerfully challenging. 

2. the way the morning sun comes in while I'm making breakfast 

3. the love of a friend shown in a planned visit

4. happy lunches with my girls

6. a refreshing winter walk 

7. this little girl, who won the prize for the best Payne traveler on our trip to Minneapolis.   

8. worshipping with my family at Bethlehem Baptist Church 

9.  a memorable day at the aquarium, exploring the amazing undersea creation of our Creator 

10. the hope of Spring felt in a gloriously warm family walk

11. a really yummy breakfast with my favorite people (Bridgette not pictured!)

12. a care package of love.  Just because!  I learn so much about thoughtfulness and generosity from my mother-in-law.

13. the smell of freshly baked bread 

14. warm enough weather for a bike ride with my big girl 

16. free cone day at DQ! 

17. a goodie bag from a neighbor I barely know who just wanted to be an encouragement 

18. a happy kitchen helper 

19.  this special three-year-old on her special day, and being grateful for the joy that she brings to our family 

20. he still calls me Mommy 

21. Saturday morning breakfast 

22. warm cookies 

23. a change of scenery and a free treat to share for our after-school snack 

24. He works hard.  Which makes him coming home for lunch all the more special.

25. my best friend

26. lunch with the whole fam

27. an unexpected moment alone to finish up some business and find nourishment of a more permanent nature

28. sunshine and a new box of sidewalk chalk

29. getting to sit down and actually watch one of the games 

30. Monday morning sleepy-heads who gifted me more-than-usual time alone

31.  When I open the curtains in the morning and the sky takes my breath away 

Bridgette the Birthday Girl!

Bridgette turned THREE last week!  We had fun celebrating our special B, who brings so much joy to the family.  I have some more photos and videos of our special three-year-old to share, but will just start with what we did to celebrate her birthday.  

Her birthday celebration actually started a couple days before at her first gymnastics class from 

Kaye K and Big Daddy!  It was so fun to be doing something just for Bridgette and she loved it!

She wanted pizza for her birthday dinner.  We weren't going to be together for dinner on her actual day, so we celebrated the night before with pizza, cake, and ice cream.

We let her open Uncle Sean and Aunt Jessica's birthday present early - a fun shadow book and flashlight!

There was much debate about her cake.  For a long time, she insisted she wanted a "Jesus cake", but we couldn't figure out what that would look like.  So she went with a "blue three" and picked out her sprinkles.  Happy Birthday!

She's pouting because she insisted that we NOT sing to her.  Funny girl!  We tried to distract her or do the song differently, but she was adamant.  Oh, to understand the mind of a three-year-old!

For her actual birthday, she asked for Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries and Bacon - a "B" breakfast!

And one gift from the family before Daddy left for work . . .

She got to read her new book from Aunty Auby and Uncle Scott before naps, and then a special birthday box from Grammy Deb and G-Daddy was delivered just after naps.  Perfect timing for our afternoon!

Grammy Deb is a firm believer that the siblings should receive a little gift on birthdays.  Rooke and Gretchen had no problem with that! =)

Minneapolis {part 2}

We packed in our last full day in the city.  After the mediocre hotel breakfast (which the kids thought was great!), we went swimming (which the kids also thought was great!).  Next we headed to the Landmark Center for their monthly (free admission!) showcase of excerpts from the ballet company's current production.  Two young girls were especially excited about this part of our day. =)

The weather was so beautiful, we took our lunch for a picnic in Minnehaha Park and then enjoyed walking the trails.  

There is a small waterfall in the park that was still frozen.

It was a beautiful part of creation none of us had ever seen, and even more amazing to experience it on such a warm day.

The girls gave us a little performance. =)

Our next stop was the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.  We only made it in time to enjoy one hour before closing and wish we could have stayed longer.  The collection was impressive.

The kids completed a scavenger hunt in the museum and got to each pick out there postcards to take home.  Gretchen and Bridgette wanted to set up their own "art display" before heading out!

Our last stop of the day was Ikea!  We took advantage of kids eating free on Tuesdays and had a few specific things to pick up.  I also found a few more that weren't on the list, but needed to come home with us!

The kids and I were waiting for Ryan and decided to all pose the same to be "statues".  Bridgette's effort makes me smile. =)

Ryan and I were grateful for the complimentary breakfast food at the hotel, but were also tired of it by the fourth morning!  The kids ate a little and then we loaded up the van, stopping at 

Victor's 1959 Cafe for a real breakfast before driving home.  The Cuban food was unique and delicious.

We left our mark on the walls and then started the long drive home, which was much more smooth than the drive over.