Grateful Sunday

Artwork by Audrey. She wants me to say that she's better at drawing animals than people.

This week, I'm grateful for:

• the miracle of Sunday mornings around here. Neal goes to church before us and has for the majority of the years we've been married. Almost every Saturday night, I completely lack the energy or enthusiasm expected of me on Sunday mornings. I always think I won't be able to do it. I have to get all three kids and myself fed, dressed, packed for three hours of quiet time, and in the car by 8:30. (I know, lots of you do this too.) Yet, somehow, each Sunday morning, I am blessed by my clocks slowing down, the kids sort of listening to me, and about 13 green lights. I haven't been late yet. It's a blessing and a miracle, and I'm so grateful for it. Because I really hate to be late.
• Oh, and I have this little line I use to get the kids out of bed. It goes like this. Ahem: "First one to the toilet gets a Rolo with their breakfast!"
  
(Try it.)

• the fact that August is almost over. Because that means that there's only 2-3 months left of our last summer on the Gulf Coast. I'm ready to be done with summers like this.
• good people who do what they're asked to do without making a fuss or expecting a big payoff. You know, like the people at church who always show up, and always perform their callings with grace and dignity, just because they know that people are counting on them and that they'll be blessed for it.
  
• Preschool. It starts this week, and we are all happy. Parker is bored OUT OF HIS MIND without Audrey here. She is the source of imagination at our house.
• Vacation this weekend! WOOHOO!