Oh the Bliss!

Happy New Year's Eve!!! Today I am thankful for... 1. another wonderful year with Mark. 2. my first year of being a mom. 3. a whole year in one house. 4. Nonny and Howie who are staying with Ben so Mark and I can go out for New Year's. 5. Ben napping so well today. 6. getting to watch movie with Mark this afternoon. 7. getting to read a book in bed with my comfy clothes on at 2:30pm, while it was raining. 8. the good friends Mark still has out here in the valley, friends he's had since the early 80's!! 9. all the wonderful new friends I made this year. 10. that I'm here, surrounded by people who love me. :)

Today Mark, Benjamin and I are at Mark's parent's house in Simi Valley. My very special guest speaker today, my father-in-law, Lt. Paul Fitzpatrick. He's my favorite father-in-law in the whole world! Here are the 10 things he's thankful for today... and remember, I quote... 1. Tina!!!! She's the first thing I'm thankful for, she's the girl of my dreams, my best friend, best buddy, best pal, forever and ever amen. 2. number 2? There is nothing else, she's given me everything I'm thankful for. (Mark interupts and says "what about Ben? You're not thankful for him being here today?" To this Paul replies, "He wouldn't be here if I didn't have Tina who gave me you, who met Sarah and gave us Ben. So I'm only greatful for Tina." After some prodding...) Fine, clean socks. 3. the little guy, Ben, he's swell. He needs a hair cut. 4. Howie, he's a great pool player. And Nonny, I'm glad I have a good relationship wi...

10 things I'm thankful for... 1. Mark having fun dreaming/designing a new house for us. 2. an impromptu tea party with Heather, Brianna and Ethan Russell. It was more than precious to hear little 3 year old Ethan say "what would you like me to pass you, Mrs. Fitzpatrick?" Very lovely and special. Ben had a fun time playing around their house and giving little Cameron kisses. 3. the potential blog someone very cool might start, but I can't name any names yet. :) (No, it's not Mark, are you kidding?) 4. the very cute pictures Mark's mom sent us of Mark's first birthday! My boys are adorable! 5. my friend, Heather Heintz, who tried so hard to include me in her plans tonight, working around my family and my schedule. It didn't work out, but I felt the love. 6. my neighbor, Mary, for being so encouraging all the time. She's one of those moms that LOVES being a mom, you can just tell by the way she talks about her three boys (all teenagers now). And her...

Today I have a special guest speaker, George Nuesca. A friend of Marks since 1984!! He's visiting us today from Sacramento, CA. Here are the 10 things George is thankful for today... 1. Day dreaming 2. The Fitzpatrick's hospitality 3. Wonderful view at Newport Landing Restaurant, looking out into the city (Irvine, Huntington, OC, etc.) and pier 4. Our first waitress, who was nice, at Newport Landing, 5. Very "little" traffic from Marina Del Rey to Huntington Beach 6. Baby Ben Fitzpatrick's smile and entertainment 7. Good music on the road and during lunch 8. Good shrimp and angel hair pasta entree (I especially enjoyed the sauce) 9. My first ever blog (or participation there in) 10. Silent nights Thank you George! Here's what I'm thankful for today... 1. time with Carrie, Gavin and Ezekiel at the mall. 2. finding an incredible parking spot right in front. 3. George visiting us today. 4. Newport Beach in the off season when there aren't so many people a...

(Now that Ben is able to walk we're putting him to work.) Today I am thankful for... 1. my sweet neighbors who gave this gift to Ben for Christmas, along with gifts for all the other kids on the block. 2. my cousin Amy who surprised me with a box full of homemade goodies sent to my house from Kentucky! Watch out Cressie Prince, that's all I got to say!! 3. the Veggie Tales sing-along CD Amy sent for Ben for his birthday, it was in the box full of goodies. :) 4. making TWO meals today, apple pancakes for breakfast and meat/potatoes/vegetables for dinner! (Both recipes from my mom). :) Just so you know, I average about two home cooked meals A MONTH, so today was huge progress. 5. the coverings on my bay window. 6. feeling domestic today. 7. my mom feeling much better. Still sick, but much better. 8. the time I spent dancing with Ben this afternoon. (To the new Veggie Tales CD, thanks Amy!) 9. Mark giving Ben a bath while I finished dinner. 10. just a great day all around...

Happy Birthday Benjamin Rush Fitzpatrick!! One year ago today... I met this little guy for the first time, held him in my arms, looked into his eyes. Today Mark and I celebrated his first birthday and I'm so thankful for every moment I've had with him over the last 365 days. Today I am thankful for... 1. my first born son. 2. Ben being a healthy baby, only getting really sick one time. 3. Ben having a strong, manly name. 4. the four AMAZING, loving, generous, committed grandparents Ben is blessed to have. 5. three sets of wonderful, fun, giving, loving aunts and uncles Ben is also blessed to have. Along with an extended family that treats him like their own. Plus a large handful of non-family-but-might-as-well-be friends who love Ben like a nephew. 6. the way Ben has grown in so many ways over the last year. 7. how Ben has always known exactly what he wants and it's only a matter of how long it takes for me to figure it out. He's a no-nonsense type of guy. Wonder where...

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus! Today I am thankful for... 1. being able to go to the Christmas service at church with Mark and Ben. 2. Christmas carols, espcially when they're sung by little kids 3. the beautiful necklace Mark gave me 4. the time with my parents and Jason and his family at my parents house. 5. my dad for taking care of nearly every detail of today's gathering. 6. the very generous gifts that were given. 7. Gavin getting so excited about EVERY gift, even if it wasn't for him. 8. knowing that my brother & his family, Amy and her family and all of the rest of my loved ones had a great day celebrating the birth of our King. 9. reading the story of Jesus, like we have every year for as long as I can remember, before we open any presents. I love traditions. 10. God considering me (all of us) worthy of the greatest gift ever given, his son, Jesus. * Just a note, this time last year I was on the way to the hospital in labor with Ben!

Happy Christmas Eve!! Little sad because this will be the first year in my life that I won't be able to go to a Christmas Eve service. Although, the Chrystal Cathedral does show their service on TV, so maybe if I adjust the rabbit ears juuuuuuuuuust riiiiiiiiiight I'll be able to make out a picture. :) Ben has been great all day, no high fever, just a little one right before bed, but no other symptoms of the flu or a cold or anything. Praise the Lord! Thank you for your prayers, feel free to keep praying as I will continue to pray for good health for all my family and friends. My mom is really sick right now and Carrie has a cold, so our Christmas might look a little different tomorrow, but God is good, so I'm confident we'll celebrate in whatever capacity we can. Today I am thankful for... 1. Ben feeling so much better and having no further symptoms. 2. really finishing my Christmas shopping today. I mean it this time. 3. my dad coming down and staying with Ben while ...

What a day! A trip to the park, added a new family member, a trip to Pediatric Urgent Care, I'm spent!! Here's what happened; Ben and I went over to hang out with Carrie, Gavin and Ezekiel, we went to the park and had a great time. Ben was fine, nothing out of the norm. Later on my friends Heather and Chrystal came over, while Ben was down for his afternoon nap, with a Christmas present for our family - the cutest baby tortoise ever! His name is Tiny, it's fitting because he's the size of a silver dollar. So cute! Anyway, Ben wakes, we play for a bit, go for a walk, come home and have a snack. All is fine until about 5pm when he gets whiny. I thought maybe he was tired since he didn't take a very long nap. I turned on a Veggie Tales for him, but he was still inconsolable. I picked him up and he was burning up, I took his temperature and was shocked to see 104.5 register on the screen. It's never been that high before and I was scared! I call my mom and Carrie a...

Today I am thankful for... 1. finishing my Christmas shopping, and with 2 days to spare! 2. a visit from my dear friend Joanna who is in town with her husband for Christmas. She brought me a peppermint mocha from Starbucks, was more than happy to stay at my house so Ben could nap and left her husband at Starbucks for 2 hours while we chatted! She also gave me earrings, that SHE MADE, for Christmas. I wish she lived closer because we always have such a good time together. 3. the many prospects Mark has right now in real estate and that he is excited to work for/with these clients. 4. receiving a big box of presents today in the mail!! Ok, they aren't all for me, in fact, none of them are, but it was still fun. (They're from Darren and Pam and for their secret-santa's, so I guess one could be for me? :) The rest are for the little kids and my parents. Still fun though. Reminded me of the huge box we'd get every year from Aunt Barbara at Christmas time.) 5. walking around...

What a gorgeous day today! I went for a stroll with Ben down by the beach at sunset and it was magnificent! I am so thankful to live in a city where people come to vacation, it's that pretty here. I'm thankful for beautiful weather that allows for long walks on the beach year-round. Here I am, being all thankful and I haven't even started my list yet!! Today I am thankful for... 1. finding out that my sweet friend in Boston read this blog. Hi Pam! What a great surprise! She has been a friend of my families for years and has known me since birth. It is a treasure to have a friend for that long and I'm thankful for her constant love and interest in my family, even from across the country. 2. receiving THREE comments yesterday on my blog, and I was beging to think my readership is down. 3. breathtaking sunsets. And being able to watch them with Ben and see his eye grow wide at the beauty. Even one year olds know a work of God when they see one. 4. being a pretty easy going...

Ben has received two birthday presents in the mail. BIRTHDAY PRESENTS! He is going to be one in less than a week. My baby is not a baby anymore!! I just can't get over it? Where did the time go? Anyways... Today I am thankful for... 1. being able to go to a movie with Mark this afternoon while Tina, Nonny and Howie took Ben to the mall. We saw Chronicles of Narnia, it was really good. And Ben got a balloon at the mall, so we all came home happy. 2. Mark knowing me so well. It's very comforting. 3. Keri's very empathetic, reassuring and friendly advice. 4. getting some laundry done. 5. Ben having such a fun day with his Gma and Nonny and Howie. They took him to dinner and to a cousin's house and he was perfect for them, came home and went to sleep without a peep. 6. being able to casually get ready for a Christmas party because Ben was out. Usually he's into all my makeup and won't get off of my lap. So, it was nice to take my time and put some thought into th...

"He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak." Isaiah 40:29 (I'm so thankful for the gorgeous blue eyes Ben got from Mark. NOT so thankful for the outrageous cowlicks he got from Mark as well.) I read this verse this morning on the Air1.com website, which is my homepage. I loved it and read it frequently throughout the day. Perhaps this was one of Isaiah's prophesies telling of our Savior being born. He saw that the King's birth would eventually lead to a tiring and wearing spectacle of crazy people becoming weak from decorating, baking, shopping, visiting etc. Perhaps God inspired the great prophet to remind us that although we are a people who tend to get worn out and tired, God has promised to give us power and strength. What a comforting thought and image... I imagine myself running errands, arms full of stuff, barely making it into the door before all the packages spill to the floor. My arms collapse, my head hangs and ...

It's late, and I'm sleepy! So I'm just going to jump right in. Today I am thankful for... 1. a safe and traffic-less drive back from Simi Valley. 2. getting to have coffee and Dunkers (from Trader Joe's, of course) this morning at my in-laws. (I saved you some, Amy.) :) 3. getting to go back to bed after Ben woke up because Tina got up with him. 4. having a very nice tea at a lovey hotel on the water in Laguna Beach for a friends baby shower. 5. Ben taking a long nap while Mark was watching him while I was at the shower. 6. my sweet neighbors who brought over a bottle of wine and a beautiful (and yummy smelling) candle for us for Christmas. 7. Mark never making me feel bad when the house is messy and for helping me clean the kitchen tonight. 8. the TWO games of Settler's of Catan Mark played with me tonight. We need to play a tie breaker though! :) 9. hearing my cousin Amy's sweet southern voice on the phone this afternoon. I love her!! 10. our little house! If ...

I'm writting just after a fabulous party at Mark's parent's house. 30+ people, including the kids, were here having a great time! Today we have a specail guest speaker!! Coming from Simi Valley, Matthew Macer (7 years old) is thankful for... 1. getting an elf hat 2. getting a present from Santa today 3. getting to come to the party 4. Tina and Paul for inviting me to the party 5. all the kids that came today to the party for me to play with 6. this orange ball. (as he holds up a little baseketball he's been playing with all night.) 7. my family. 8. my baseketball and a hoop so I can shoot the baseketball 9. that I have friends 10. toys. Precious!! Thanks Matt! Today I am thankful for... 1. Mark having tonight off so we could come to his parents house together. 2. the wonderful Christmas party the Fitzptricks put on. 3. having my parents at the party. 4. the really good food at the party. 5. getting to see all the kids playing together, even Ben. 6. the visit from Santa....

Happy Anniversary Jason and Carrie!! 5 years ago today... that is so wonderful!! Congrats you two! I love Friday's because Mark doesn't leave for work until 5pm. That's only one hour and fifteen mintutes before Ben goes to bed. Fridays are great because Mark isn't too tired from working several nights in a row and he plays with Ben all day. Then when he leaves for work, I give Ben dinner, a bath, some milk and he's down for the count. 6:15 on a Friday night and I'm in my pj's drinking some tea. Friday's are good. I hope all of you have had a wonderful Friday as well. Today I am thankful for... 1. the really good music my mom listened to when we were in the car growing up. Now whenever I hear one of those songs, I think of the velvety feeling of the seats in the Volvo driving to Yorba Linda to take/pick up Darren from Saxophone lessons. Good times. 2. chatting with my sis-in-law Amy today on the phone. I love that she makes time for me, says it's neve...

I lost my glasses on October 30th. I remember the date because we were at the church harvest festival which was the day before halloween. I remember putting my glasses in the tray on the stroller. That's the last time I saw them. A good month and a half later I finally went to the lost and found at church to see if by chance one of the thousand people there saw them, picked them up and turned them in, that's kind of a lot to ask. I looked through one bag and three boxes of glasses. (It's a really big church, so there are bound to be a lot of forgetful people attending). They weren't there. I looked throught the bag again, not there. I looked through the first box, then the second box, still not there. I looked through the third and final box, took every last eye piece out and in the very back of the very bottom THEY WERE THERE!! "Praise the Lord!" I said out loud. I was so happy, I still am smiling about it! I drove home with my entire vision intact. All the p...

About this time, one year ago, Mark and I were laying on the couch watching a movie. When the movie was over I starting crying, not becuase it was a sad, but because I was 81/2 months pregnant and it was just starting to hit me that my life was about to change in a BIG way. I sobbed to Mark, "It's never going to be the same between us. It'll never be just the two of us ever again, everything will be different!" Sniff sniff. And things did change between us. But not in a bad way, not at all. Having a baby allowed me to love Mark in a whole new role, fatherhood. We're closer, much closer because we went through the birth of our son together. We're more in love because when we had a baby we learned of a new level of love, a deeper one. We watched a movie together last night, as we have many times in the last year. When it was over I crawled into Mark's lap, laughed and reminded him of the time I thought we'd never be the same again. I'm so glad we...

Jesus being born of a virgin, in a manger, with cows and horses all around, is a concept Ben is really starting to sink his teeth into. I had lunch today with a good friend, Marie. I've mentioned her before because she has her own thankful blog now. But that's besides the point. I'm just so very thankful for her. So, she heads up today's list. Today I am thankful for... 1. lunch with Marie and the prospect of a standing lunch date with her every other week. (She's only worked 5 miles from my house for a year now, and we just came up with this idea, but better late than never!) 2. Mark, spotting me some $2's. 3. Kelly telling me about the Costco Christmas cards. LOVE them! Maybe when Ben is, say, 25 and I can be all crafty again I'll make my Christmas cards. But until then, bring on the online costco way. 4. a nice day with Ben. He has been very fun to be with today, pointing and clapping at every passerbyer during lunch. 5. my mentor/friend Heather Russell ...

Great Grandma Prince!! (I just figured out how to add pictures -thank you Amy, so watch out because there is PLENTY more where this came from!) My Grandma was out here a few weeks ago and I just thought I'd share this photo from our fun night out together. We went to the diner where Mark and I met. I think she had a great time. :) Today I am so thankful for... 1. meeting up with Kelly for a little shopping and lunch. 2. Mark putting up with my "sensitive" mood all day. 3. spur of the moment dinner plans with Leslie and Jason. (We totally invited ourselves over to their house! It was great!) 4. watching Ben turn into this big boy! (Less than 2 weeks until his first birthday!! Should I feel bad for crying about that?) 5. a Christmas card from Tim and Karen Stock. So sweet of them to think of my little family. I love that we're all still friends and that, although it took 20 years, their daughter and I are pretty darn close. :) Thanks for the consistency in my life...

Before ya'll get on me for not having a thankful list on the 10th, I do, it's after the story which I wrote on the 9th and updated with my thankful list on the 10th. Also, thank you so much for all the sweet comments about the story. (Although... the rule was broken a few times about not saying "good story" but your intentions were good, and I appreciate it anyway. :) ) I haven't seen David since that day. It's strange because I saw him almost everyday for two weeks leading up to last Tuesday. Perhaps he's moved onto one of your cities? I mentioned one of the ways my brother gets to know and spend time with the homeless in Golden Gate Park. Another valuable way he and his family, and a few other families from his church, serve and spend time with the needy is by preparing dinner for 100+ of them every Wednesday night at their church. This weekly tradition is a great time for Darren and his team to reach out, be available to and serve the homeless in their...

For those of you who check this post and count on the minute and a half it takes to read it then I want to warn you that this may be a little long for your liking. You're welcome to skip the story and go straight for "the list" and perhaps come back later in your day if you'd like to. Or not, you know, I really wouln't have any clue, so feel free to make yourselves comfortable or anything else you'd like to do. That's the beauty of these things (blogs); they will always be here, whether or not anybody reads them. I've been debating for a few days now whether or not to tell this story. No one has heard it yet, except for one, and it's kind of a risk on my part to share it. I hesitate, not because I'm shy or anything, we all know THAT isn't true, but because it's not the type of story told very often. And with good reason; it may look like I'm fishing for compliments. A few "good for you's" or "way to go's"...

Today's post is short and sweet, today I am thankful for... 1. my time with my sister-in-law Carrie and the boys at Fashion Island. I am always encouraged by her and I love watching her with Gavin, and now Ezekiel. She is fun and is one of my closest friends, I'm so glad she married my brother! 2. getting to see Leslie and her kids for a little bit. I love our new friendship, she is so sweet and I'm very thankful that her adorable son loves Ben and talks about him when we're not around. 3. the spur-of-the-moment dinner with my parents. 4. Mark, because he works so hard to make sure every day is a holiday for me. 5. friends like Keri Lyon, who have known me my whole life and tell me that I'm growing up (in a good way) when it's hard for me to see sometimes because I still feel like I'm 19, sometimes even 10, years old. 6. people who use Mark as their realtor. 7. the way Ben points and waves at people now, and claps his hands too. 8. Lauren Hawekotte, for alwa...

Hello my sweet friends and family! As promised I have for you the site for Marie's thankful list. You can check out her post at www.mariecav.blogspot.com . Also, my cousin's address is not what I wrote yesterday, to check out her thankful list and other thoughts (today she has a great recipe for beef stew!) go to www.aallen615.blogspot.com . I love that this is catching on, but I love even more that people are making it their own with their special touches and additions. Yesterday Keri Lyon was thankful for 11 things! That's my kind of rule breaking. :) I want to say that it's really fun hearing back from you who are reading this. I'm glad you enjoy it and I hope it's a little brightness in a dark world. I feel kind of heavy hearted today as I wrapped up this MOPS session and found out that a few girls at my table have a shady or no relationship with Jesus. My first thought was, "how have I talked with these girls for 3 months and not known this?" The...

I have great news! TWO more people have added their own Thankful List Blogs!! My wonderful cousin Amy who is so sweet to me and is one of the best moms I know. Check her blog out at www.aallen615.blogspot.com . Also, my dear friend Marie who was an answer to prayer for me when I first got married and had no friends in Laguna Niguel. She has always been an enouragement to me through times of joy and sorrow, and there have been a few of both. She hasn't given me her address yet, but when she does you'll have to check out her thankful list too. I really can't think of anything better for people to copying, so who is next??? Today I am so thankful for... 1. My mom who keeps everything and knows right where it is so when I call her 20 years after the last time I used it she can pull it out in less than 30 seconds. That's a gift! 2. Marie, for being such a faithful friend to me over the past 3 1/2 years. 3. the Grahams, who invited us over for a wonderful dinner last night 4...

(Note: My parents celebrated their 35th anniversary, not their 36th. Oops. Well, at least I remembered.) :) I think that I'm becoming a big fan of "quest speakers". So today the lovely and talented Nonny Kuebler, Mark's grandma (Ben's GREAT grandma) will share the 10 things she's thankful for. This will be good because she's been laughing for the last 30 minutes in anticipation of this opportunity. Ok, here we go...and I quote.. I am thankful for... 1. Tina bringing us (me and Howie) to Huntington Beach every Tuesday to visit baby Benjamin. ( NOW she wants to add Mark and Sarah. A good 15 minutes later .) 2. ( Still laughing ) being blessed that I can laugh and laugh and laugh. 3. VERY thankful that I sleep well at night and wake up refreshed. 4. for my lovely home of 45 years 5. that Howie does his gardening and keeps it neat. 6. Four beautiful great-grandchildren 7. for the sense of security I recieve from Howie, he's kind and thoughtful 8. that I, l...

Today's thankful list is dedicated to my mom and dad who are celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary today. Before I go on about that, I'd like to welcome my dear friend Keri Lyon to the blogging world. She has started her own thankful list which you can view at: www.ksuelyon.blogspot.com . She has known me my entire life and has always been a faithful friend even though we live across the country from each other. Be sure to add her blog to your list. I think we're staring a "Thankfulness Revolution" here, folks. All right, so who's next? In honor of my parents special day my 10 things will revolve around their marriage and what it means to me. I am thankful for... 1. the legacy they've continued by staying married through thick and thin. 2. how they raised me in a home where both loved and honored the Lord 3. the bike rides they went on and how much fun it looked to be doing something like that with a spouse. 4. the involvment in our lives as kids tha...

1. A great pastor who loves the Lord and our church 2. peppermint lattes from Starbucks (this coming from a Diedrichs fan) 3. Jesse's fun attitude this morning and his great sense of humor 4. Mark's love for Ben and desire to be very involved in his life 5. Not catching Ben's cold (not yet anyway.) 6. My father-in-law's promotion to Lt. 7. Friends and family who come over for meals and that I have a house people feel comfortable in. 8. Worship 9. eggo waffles 10. This season of getting together with friends we don't see that often.

Well, it looks like this blogging craze has caught on once again. New to the scene is my dad, Dan. Check out his blog at www.danbloghog.blogspot.com Tonight I have a special guest, my favorite mom in the whole world!! Here's her thankful list: 1. Sugar :) 2. A daughter that lets me sit by her and play with her hair like she did when she was a little girl. 3. That my 3 kids have WONDERFUL in-laws. 4. Grandchildren that say the cutest things. 5. A husband that is so generous. 6. A job that I enjoy (most of the time). 7. Laughter! 8. My house of 23 1/2 years. 9. My long time friends, Pat, Susan, Karen, Sally & Arlene... we've shared the good - the bad - laughter and tears! What a joy and blessing they are in my life. 10. Children's books...especially "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day" - and the joy of seeing my children read theses books to THEIR CHILDREN! 11. My new red sports car :-) (from my generous husband!!) Whew, what an act to f...

You all need to check out my sister-in-law Amy's new "Thankful" blog. Yea! She is a faithful follower of Christ, and I am blessed by her actions and words frequently. Now ya'll (ya'll? I AM southern!) can get twice the amount of thanfulness at the push of a button. Enjoy! And may I ask, who's next? www.amy777.blogspot.com 1. An unexpected visit from my brother Darren and his son, Jesse 2. Plush nativity scenes that Ben can play with 3. Ben's look of amazment when he came into the family room this morning and saw the Christmas decorations. 4. The ability to go out and buy a bunch of food from Costco 5. Friends coming over for dinner 6. Mark having tonight off, too 7. The weather getting a little chilly outside (we're talking in the mid to upper 60's) and starting to feel a little bit more like winter. Well, a California winter at least. 8. Memories of this time last year when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant and I cried at every Christmas song that menti...

1. Catching up with my friends at MOPS 2. That my neighbor has beaten cancer, and that she gave me a bagle from Panera's today. :) 3. That Mark has tonight off 4. Amanda Anderson, she's a great woman of faith and becoming a sweet friend 5. My dear friend Marie and our conversation last night 6. That my grandma got home safely to Almbany, KY 7. Christmas cards, they make me feel special 8. A quiet house right now 9. Being trusted 10. Knowing why we have Christmas