Thankful Thursday

Happy Thankful Thursday!  I have to admit that it feels a bit strange to not have blogged since last week.  However, I've enjoyed not having so much on my plate as I finish up these books.  I managed to get our apartment packed up and we're ready for moving day next week!  Let me just say that I never knew how books I had until I started packing them up and I'm sure that I'll accumulate more.

I had a bit of writer's block, but I'm thankful it has passed and back on my writing game.  I'm also thankful that I have a great editor who is understanding of the writing process.  Seriously, I can't wait to have LBB finished and see what my editor and the folks at Harlequin think of it the entire manuscript.  This traditional publishing journey is a learning experience for me and I'll cherish it no matter where my writing career takes me in the future.

JJ turned 3 last week and it feels so weird.  I just can't explain it but I have feeling that time is only going to go by faster, especially with him starting preschool this fall.  He had a blast.  He's not a cake person, so we skipped that.  But we did take him to his favorite place-- the park!  

Did I mention he's traded in his love of Mickey Mouse for Thomas the train?  Yep, it's all Thomas everything now.  So, of course for his birthday we got him a Thomas & Friends book set, Happy Birthday, Thomas, Thomas and Percy talking flashlights and a Mega Bloks Thomas & Friends block set.  And while we were at the park, we checked out the train they have there.

We also went to see the ducks.  Sadly, we forgot to bring bread and couldn't feed them.  We saw a lady and her daughter walking their pet rabbit and a parakeet.   JJ was a little freaked out by the rabbit, but Moo loved it.  After, we left the park, we hit up Chick-fil-A for lunch and went to an indoor playground.  I'm just thankful that JJ really enjoyed his birthday.

I'm thankful the library found Moo's book.  We usually check out at least 20 books when we go once a week.  We read two to three books night before bedtime and it makes sense to stock up instead of making a trip every other day.  Anyways, the last time we check in books, we had like 37 books including mine and we had a few dvds.  Well, someone at the circulation desk didn't check in one of our books properly and it's been overdue for weeks.

Well, I knew that I had turned the book in and refused to pay the late fee because I knew that in two or three weeks it would show up.  Sure enough, we went Monday and it was there!  You check yourself out at the libraries here and the lady who had tried to check out the book didn't bother to get the book checked in despite the fact that the computer gives you a notification that the book you are trying to check out is already checked out.  She just threw it in her bag and kept it moving.

Like really?  Long story short, I am glad the book is returned and the late fee is removed from our account since it was the librarian's fault that the book didn't get checked in to start with.  This has happened before and to make sure it doesn't keep happening, I will just stand at the circulation desk and make sure whomever is in charge checking in books scans all of them right. 

I'm thankful that my sister, a friend and I are all back on our fitness wagons!  I'm not looking to drop any pounds but just tone up a little more.  I want to work on my muscle definition and get my arms back buff.  I'm also going to be focusing on my legs as well.  Thank goodness there's a community gym in our new apartment complex!  I will be hitting it hard.  Hopefully, we will get in a few family workout sessions in there on the days the Mr is off.

I'm thankful that life has just been peaceful for us.  We've really been just being careful of the people we let in our lives.  Sometimes, trying to hang on to dying friendships or being around negative family members just because you're related can do more harm than good.  It will cause you to miss out the awesome and supportive people that God is trying to place in your life.  Life is just too short not to be surrounded by good people.

Plus, I have to set the right example for my children.  I can't tell them to hang around good people and choose great friends when they see me doing the opposite.  I have to walk the walk and practice what I'm preaching.  Also, not sweating the small stuff too much has helped as well.  I'm determined to keep a positive mindset, even when we're going through because I know trouble doesn't last always.  The sun comes out at some point and I want to be present to enjoy it!

What are you giving thanks for this week?