Grace

After talking to Gabe on the phone, I know I must comment on the grace of God. What an awesome Father we have! The grace that he gave me such a wonderful husband-a man that grows in the Lord constantly, who had stepped up to lead his family with love and respect, and who honors me; 3 fantastic sons who (although prone to toddler/preschooler mood swings) are by nature sweethearts and quite well-behaved and desire to please, growing in knowledge and Christ; a sister who lives here and helps take care of the kids and clean up after them even though they aren't her own, and who I have been able to renew a relationship with after being apart so long; let alone a dog, house, car, and simply being a stay at home mom. God has given me the desires of my heart. Someday this may change and I understand that. But for now I'm living in a season of grace and for that I'm thankful.

Nice day

Finally took advantage of the lack of snow and Gabe's day off and took the boys and dog to the big park. Super good exercise and outing for us all. Glad we got to do it.

Day behind

Yup, I'm officially a day off. So maybe I'll skip yesterday and start today. My problem is that I wait to do it in the evening but u usually avoid my phone in the evening.

Today is Gabe's day off. Current Lincoln is napping in his room, I'm holding a sleeping Jack and gabe and T are playing firetrucks and rescue guys in front of me. How totally wonderful. There are things I need to do. The house is not totally picked up. The bathrooms need cleaning. I need to work out and shower. But Gabe and I are just being with our kids. Best thing of all.

3 monthiversary

Thankful for 3 months with my wonderful youngest son Jack and the joy he brings to my life everyday.

Jan 26

I am thankful my children have such wonderful grandparents. My parents are wonderful with them-my mom takes time to play with them and do crafts and my dad does outdoor stuff and makes planes and watch jet fighter videos with them.
This was a Thursday which meant Titus went to the class he does with Grandma Vickie and then heads to MaPa's house for a Titus day. He loves it and I'm finally adjusted to having time without him.
Gabe had the day off so we headed over there after he had a lunch meeting with some local pastors. It's nicer than I thought having them live nearby. I have to be more patient and thoughtful which encourages m me to be better. :)

Pretend it's yesterday

I knew I'd forget to post sometime, I just didn't think it'd be so soon. Highlight of yesterday? A husband who loves us all so very much. :)

Poor Gabe was having major allergy problems yesterday but put that  aside and played with the kids and then just snuggled with me on the couch for some of our favorites- pbs documentaries.

Laughter

I think one of God's greatest gifts to us is laughter. Nothing eases sorrows or brings joy quite like it. Today I got to laugh and hear laughter- little Jack giving me huge grins and little baby giggles (for only the second time), Lincoln laughing so hard as I "ate" his toes, Titus pretending he understands adult jokes and laughing along with them, Gabe laughing at the antics of the boys, all of them playing bumper cars (where each boy lays on an ottoman and have Gabe and Bekah or whoever push them in a race around the kitchen), and Bek and I just laughing at the Best Of SNL until our faces hurt.

What grace our Father gives that we have the freedom to laugh, that we have a God who loves laughter and delights in it... There is much sorrow, it's true, but there is also joy.

Jan 23

As I was holding my youngest son tonight before laying him in bed and praying over him, I realized just how unbelievably blessed I am. I have had easy pregnancies and healthy kids. I can freely pray over my children outloud without being afraid of the consequences. It's an amazing thing to be so blessed and I am so grateful. Even just telling Gabe about this venture and he thought it was a good idea. Let's start with that, actually...
-a husband who works hard so I can stay home with my boys
-hot coffee with creamer and the financial ability to pay for it.
-a hubby who calls and texts me  during the day
-the sweetest baby sleeping in my arms
-sons who want to play with me

Also for the simple joys of relaxing with my hubby. :)

January 1-22

I'm a little behind, but better late than never. Here are some thankful highlights of the month so far.

1- another new year. Last year we bought our first house, found out I was pregnant with our 3rd child, visited family in Cali & Co, got our puppy Watson, and had our son John "Jack" Zechariah. Good stuff. Can't help but wonder if this year will hold another pregnancy...
3- Jack's checkup. Very healthy and on track developmentally. 11 lbs, 11 oz. 24.5 inches long. Dr B said he was doing great. Woo hoo!
6- Titus just completed puzzles that adults find tricky. He is so smart and he's only 3. Should I be afraid? :)
18- lincoln is a wonderful big brother to Jack. He loves to tickle him and kiss him and share with him. Of course, that's not always very helpful...
22- Titus is making puns. Takes after his dad. And I love that. :)

2012...a year to be thankful

It's so easy to go through life and not take the time to be thankful. I have a problem. I get overly critical of myself a lot of the time. Through thinking and praying I'm realizing how absolutely ridiculous that is.

So I was inspired by Madame Blueberry. Yup, from Veggie Tales. My two older boys are loving Veggie Tales right now (and to be honest, I am too-even convicted fairly often by them). I to spend the year writing daily what I'm thankful for that day.

I also figured I could keep track of what my boys are doing. They grow up too quickly. :) So here we go!