This Day Thursday

I decided to take a break from the {pretty, happy, funny, real} posts and instead do one of my my "This Day Thursday" posts. I know there are many names for this kind of post, but I kind of like the way "this day Thursday" sounds.

So without further ado.....

Outside my window ~ The morning light is just beginning to show. My marigolds are still in full bloom and thanks to a windy, windy yesterday, there are leaves scattered all over the yard. As I look out into my garden I see all the work that needs to be done.

Thankful for ~ I'm so thankful for the wonderful vacation we just had. It was 5 wonderful days of bonding and relaxation for our family in an area we love. I'm so thankful we were able to go and also thankful for the many blessings God bestowed upon us while we were there.

Listening to ~ Right now I hear the clicking sounds as I type, my coffee dripping and my girls waking up.

Thinking about ~ The loss of my friend Dorothy, from church. Her passing was quick. Two weeks ago at church I (for the first time ever) crossed the sanctuary during greeting time and gave her a hug. Later that day she went to the hospital, found out she was full of cancer and had limited time on this earth. Later that week I was able to visit her at the hospice home with another friend from church. I took my violin along and played for Dorothy while she layed in bed. Dorothy was such a unique woman. I really don't know much about her and her life story, but I will remember her fondly. She faithfully took a taxi, every week, to and from church and again for Tuesday morning Bible study. She wore her hair in a bun at the top of her head, just above her forehead. And she smiled her toothless grin as she greeted you hello by name.

Reading ~ During our vacation I was able to read The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball and Love Mercy by Lisa Samson and Ty Samson. Next up is Everything by Mary DeMuth.

Memorizing ~ I'm working on the Sermon on the Mount and am just finishing up Matthew 5

Studying ~ On Guard by William Lane Craig (wanting to get more into apologetics)  AND Nehemiah by Kelly Minter (going through this with other ladies from my church)

One of my Favorite Things ~ Pumpkin coffee! In fact, it's done brewing and I'm ready for my first cup.

Hoping ~ I need to have a tooth implant and I'm hoping to find a cheaper option than the quote I received last week!

Praying ~ My sister-in-law is scheduled to have her fifth baby this weekend so I'm praying for a safe, healthy delivery of my niece.

Plans for the Weekend ~ I need to do some shopping (alone) for my youngest daughter. Her birthday is coming up next week. We also have a wedding reception to attend and I'm looking forward to church on Sunday morning.

From the Kitchen ~ I want to make pumpkin bread today, but I have some bananas that I need to use up so it might be banana muffins instead.

Around the House ~ Before vacation I got my fall decorations out but didn't really display them appropriately. So I need to work on that, and also need to pull the summer clothes from my girls' closet and add in some warmer things for them to wear this fall.

Working on ~ I am drying herbs from my garden and pulling seeds out of my zinnias, sunflowers, marigolds and black-eyed susans. I hope to use both as gifts for friends and family this Christmas.

Pictures (from our vacation) ~

Crater Lake

the Deschutes River