Thanksgiving recap.

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone, and we've officially begun Christmas Season 2013 now! But, before I go all full-fledged holly jolly candy canes and tinsel on you, I'd like to share a few bits from our Thanksgiving. Within the past week, we've attended five Thanksgiving dinner celebrations. Yes, FIVE. Thankfully, they weren't ALL turkey and stuffing, but they were all fun and delicious! (So delicious, in fact, that I considered breaking out the maternity jeans for last night's Thanksgiving dinner #5, haha!) So very thankful for friends, family, good times, and yummy food!

Thirty Thankfuls.

I know it's trendy to make a list of things for which we're thankful in November--and bonus points if you do it daily throughout the entire month for your blog or Facebook. I'm not quite that organized now (though I used to be!), but I wanted to mention a few things for which I truly am grateful.
Happy Thanksgiving!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
1 Chronicles 16:34

1. I am thankful for a merciful God who loves me so very much that he sent his only beloved son to die a horrible death on a cross because he wanted to take the punishment for me. I am so, so, so grateful beyond words.
2. I am thankful for my amazing husband who works hard to provide the very best for our family, and who loves me for me--no matter how crazy I get.
3. I am thankful for my two beautiful, healthy sons. They bring me more joy daily than I ever imagined possible, and I have learned so much about life, love, and myself through them.
4. I am thankful for my loving parents who raised me to know right from wrong, to do my best, and, most importantly, to know Jesus. I am proud to know them as adults, and so glad that they are grandparents to my boys.
5. I am thankful for my brothers who were my best friends and playmates through childhood. They showed me how to share, how to fight--and how to hide it all from Mom and Dad! Ultimately, they were the reason that I knew Nathaniel needed a sibling.
6. I am thankful for my church family who has been there for me during my entire life. I've been a member of FBC since I was a little girl, and there have been lots of changes--people, pastors, teachers, programs, even the building. But the one thing that remains steadfast is the love of Christ that the people demonstrate in so many ways. I am honored to be a part of FBC, and excited to see what God has in store for us next!
7. I am thankful for my home. Eric and I bought this house three and a half years ago, and I still adore it. Even with its flaws and upgrades that we can't quite fit into the budget yet, we are blessed to have a lovely, safe and warm home for our family.
8. I am thankful to live in this city, in this state, and in this country. This place has so many blessings to offer, and I am so glad that we have the opportunity to raise our family here.
9. I am thankful for my extended family. They have always been there to support us, share triumphs, joys & sorrows, and to love on my babies; what more could I ask?
10. I am thankful for the amazing outdoors--for changing seasons, for varied climates and different weather, and for all of the natural beauty in this world. I am in awe over the intrinsic details of this world, and so grateful to be able to experience it daily.
11. I am thankful for the religious freedom to worship, pray, learn, and fellowship in the way that we want. I am thankful that I can openly teach my children my beliefs without fear. There are many in this world who are not as blessed, and I am thankful to live here.
12. I am thankful for the Bible, God's own written word--right here, right now for me to read. I am thankful for the ability to read it, for pastors and teachers who study/teach it, and for easy accessibility.
13. I am thankful for my friends. I am blessed by friends so often--by their love, humor, and time. It is such a blessing to be able to share my own joys and struggles with friends who are always here to listen/care. I am thankful for the diversity of friends, and for the knowledge that I am not the only one going through anything.
14. I am thankful for my own health, as well as the health of my family.
15. I am thankful for the education that I've received, as well as for the many opportunities available to us for further education.
16. I am thankful for the opportunity to sponsor our little boy in El Salvador, Yonathan, through Compassion. It is an honor to be used by God in his life this way, and I love to read his letters.
17. I am thankful that I am able to stay home with my boys, and to be their primary caregiver 24/7.
18. I am thankful for music.
19. I am thankful for opportunities to serve at church, particularly with children. I love to teach and craft and play with kids, and my joy is only multiplied when I have the opportunity to do all of those things for Christ's sake!
20. I am thankful for my pets, not only the ones who live in this house, but also for the cats that I had growing up. Nobody can keep a pre-teen secret quite like a cat!
21. I am thankful for sleep. Motherhood has shown me how very lovely uninterrupted hours of sleep can be, and I truly appreciate those nights now!
22. I am thankful for the opportunity to choose healthier options for my family--whether they be foods, toiletries, or lifestyle changes. Options are a luxury!
23. I am thankful for the internet, which enables me to keep in touch with loved ones far and near, research products & ideas, and blog!
24. I am thankful for my community group of friends who meet often for fellowship, prayer, Bible study, dinners, service projects, playdates with the kids, and just hanging out. It is such a blessing to be a part such a close group of people who love The Lord, and who truly care about one another.
25. I am thankful for the peace and quiet that comes with alone time during naps or before the boys wake up in the mornings. The quiet house gives me an opportunity to read scripture, pray, clear my head, un-stress, and, of course, blog!
26. I am thankful for the "busy-ness" and hustle & bustle of daily life. I am grateful for all of the opportunities that keep us busy, and for the experiences that God gives us.
27. I am thankful for the talents and skills with which God has blessed me, and strive to use them all for His glory.
28. I am thankful for the opportunity to give through Operation Christmas Child. We helped our community group pack 39 boxes this year, and I'm already excited for next year! What an awesome opportunity to share Christ's love across the world!
29. I am thankful for Eric's job--an opportunity for him to use his talents and do what he loves every day, while providing a steady income for our family.
30. I am thankful for struggles and trials, for without them, we would never appreciate so many things in life. I am thankful for the knowledge that God is in control, and that His plan is far greater than our understanding--even when things seem to be falling apart around us. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28


"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

A Few Favorites....

The past few days have been full of Thanksgiving preparations and eager holiday anticipation. We've been busy, and our next few days are about to get much busier. But, amidst all of the busy baking and decorating and cleaning and prepping, we are thankful. I am so grateful for this life that I lead, and I am reminded every day of the heaps of blessings right here in this place. A few favorite things that have made me smile during the past week (in no particular order)....

-These two goofy boys: (obviously!)


-This video, entitled, "The Best Coin Ever Spent". Way cool!


-Thanksgiving preparations, and handprint turkeys...

-Our family list of things for which we are thankful.

-The book of 1st John. So short, yet so much. Also, Kisses from Katie.

-Pumpkin Dip. 'nuff said.

-Piles of packages arriving via UPS to be hidden in the closet for just a few more weeks!

-The gorgeous snow this morning....

Worry?

Are you a worrier? I am. It's something that I've struggled with for most of my life--and even more so since becoming a momma! One of my favorite passages is Matthew 6:25-34, where we are assured that our worry is in vain. God provides all that we need--and, really, what do we accomplish by worrying? If you're familiar with this scripture, you know that it describes the birds and flowers that do not worry or even work, yet are continuously taken care of by our Creator.

This summer, I've had a beautiful reminder of this passage in a flowerbox on my deck. This darling little red petunia sprouted about two months ago, and has been continuously blooming ever since--sometimes with two or three blooms at a time! I haven't ever watered it or fertilized it--nor did I plant it! In fact, I didn't plant a single thing in that flowerbox this year because I've always had such problems keeping plants alive in it!

I did have petunias in that flower box last year, but petunias are annuals, meaning that they don't typically reseed themselves. After a bit of investigation, I've learned that petunias that do happen to reseed and sprout are often scrawny and without blooms. Like I said, my little petunia has produced countless flowers all summer! What an awesome reminder of the care that our Lord gives even a little plant. Every time that I glance out our glass door and spot the cheery red blooms, I am comforted by the reminder that God is in control, he will provide all that we need--and that we are so much more important that a little plant!

After enjoying my petunia all summer, I decided to write this quick blog entry to share with you. Of course, I snapped a few photos (above) to include. Last night, I stepped out onto the deck, and was surprised to find another flower growing in the box. Next to my petunia, there is a little pink impatien growing! How did it get there? My best guess is those birds of the air or the wind--with a little divine intervention, of course! I do have an impatien plant in a pot on the deck--but, it's several feet away from the flowerbox. Nevertheless, no matter how the plants were seeded, I know that we have an awesome God who cares more than enough for us! I don't have to worry, and I am so grateful for these two beautiful reminders. How has God reminded you not to worry?

Thankful.

Once again, it's that time of year where we pause and mention a few of the things for which we're most thankful. For me, it's my sweet husband, my happy and healthy boys, our home, my parents, my brothers, our church family, our freedom, the luxury of being a stay-at-home momma, the luxury of being a momma at all--and so many other things! I've been blessed so very much, and I'm grateful. (Not only in November, but all year long!)

I hope you have a most blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday with those whom you love! And, most importantly, don't forget to give thanks for all the ways in which you've been blessed.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
James 1:17

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Blessed.

Within the past week, I've realized just how blessed and selfish I am. Two friends were diagnosed with cancer--both mommas who have babies not even in kindergarten yet. Another momma is carting her baby girl to the hospital for bi-weekly blood tests and scans. A family in a nearby town lost their two-year-old son.
And, I'm grumpy about a lack of sleep?! How dare I complain about such an insignificant and petty thing. So many women (some mothers, some who long to be) would love to be up all night with their own infants! I am so very blessed to have two happy, healthy sons, a husband who loves and provides for us, and oh so much more.

Levi is not really a grumpy baby--I wouldn't even call him colicky any longer. He's a very happy baby, full of smiles all day long--who gets easily overstimulated in the evenings. He goes to sleep easily for naps, but is very difficult to get to sleep at bedtime. He fights sleep like a madman, causing himself to get overly tired, thus causing inconsolable crying.....and the cycle repeats over and over and over. It's getting better, it truly is. He's crying a little less; we're dealing a little better. Eventually, he'll sleep through the night on a regular basis, and until then, I'll keep reminding myself that this really is nothing on the grand scheme of things. I am blessed. So very, very blessed and grateful.

Thanksgiving Recap.

Hope your Thanksgiving holiday was spent with lots of loved ones, and full of laughter. (And, of course, delicious foods!) Ours was plentiful in all three of those departments! Here are a few photos of our day...

And, just for fun, here is a comparison of Nate on Thanksgiving 2010 and 2011!

thankful, day 7.

I've been thinking about this post all day, and I still haven't quite decided what I'm going to write about. It's not that I don't have anything for which to be thankful, but rather the exact opposite. I am so very, incredibly blessed that I don't know what deserves this last "thankful" post of the week. I am thankful for my precious family, our home, the abundant food in my kitchen, an amazing God who provides for all of our needs and loves me unconditionally, a welcoming church family, a pastor who serves the Lord with all that he is (and his sweet family!), old friends, my abilities and talents, good books, and the many priceless opportunities that I have been given during my life. (And, that list is far from exhaustive.) I cannot even find the proper words to express the way that I am blessed and how grateful I am.
And, on that note, I am going to get off the computer and relax. The pies are baked, the baby is asleep, and the house smells satisfyingly of pumpkin and cinnamon. It's going to be a good Thanksgiving.

Hope you have a wonderful day with those you love tomorrow!
Happy Thanksgiving!!

thankful, day 6.

Today I am thankful to live in a climate where we get to experience 4 very different seasons every year. Every time we have a seasonal change, I am convinced that this is my very favorite part of the year!

How amazing it is to watch the first spring daffodil bloom, or to experience a hazy summer day beneath the lush green canopy of trees, or to admire the gorgeous autumn foliage adorning the autumn hillside, or to catch the very first snowflakes of the season on your tongue!

Oh, what a wonderful world...

thankful, day 5.

I am thankful that our family is healthy. I am also thankful that we have health insurance. Eric and I were without health insurance for the first few years of our marriage, and while we did not have any major health problems or accidents, it was a source of stress. I feel very secure and peaceful knowing that we have a lot of financial help coming if we ever have a medical need.
I cannot even begin to express how glad I am that we do not need that help right now! It is nice to go to the doctor for regular check-ups, but it is even nicer to hear that we are healthy. Even better than hearing about yourself, is hearing that your child is perfect and thriving. We are so blessed.

thankful, day 4.

I am thankful that we live in a country where we are free to do and say as we please, where we have easy access to education, and where the majority of us have plenty to eat. I am the first to admit that the USA is not perfect, nor is it superior to other countries--but, we do have many freedoms and luxuries that the majority of the world lacks. I am thankful to live here, and I am thankful that so many men and women have chosen to serve our country to keep us free.

Image from Pinterest, via Zen and Living Simply.

thankful, day 3.

I am thankful that I am able to be a stay-at-home mom for Nathaniel. I've always wanted to be able to be home to take care of our children, and working in a daycare for 2 years only reinforced my opinion that children are absolutely not meant to be raised in such a setting. It was a hard wait for us to wait on parenthood until we were financially able to make it on one salary, but I am so glad that we did! Our son means the world to me, and it would kill me to let someone else spent 40+ hours/week with him. Staying home with our boy has been the best thing that I think we've done for him, and I am so grateful that it is possible.
Thank you, Eric for giving me the best job ever!!
(Hey, where else can you stay in your jammies all day long?)

thankful, day 2.

Today I am thankful for my son, Nathaniel. I am thankful that he's healthy and growing and learning. He's such a joy to have in our lives, and I am honored to be his momma. I am so proud of the little boy that he has become, and I look forward to seeing him continue to grow in so many ways.

thankful, day 1.

Today I am thankful for my husband, Eric. He loves me, even though I don't always deserve it. He always puts our family first, and he's willing to work a little harder in order to allow me to stay home with Nathaniel. He provides for our family very well, and I appreciate him much more than I let him know. I am thankful to have a husband who is my best friend, a hard-working and honorable man, and an amazing father.

Thanks much?

Thankful, day 30.

     I am thankful to be Nathaniel's mama.  I am overwhelmed with the sheer idea that I am someone's mother.  It was my job to carry him inside of myself for 9 months.  It is my job to feed him and keep him warm and safe.  It is my job to teach him new things.  It is my job to praise him.  It will be my job to discipline him.  It will be my job to show him the difference between right and wrong.  Whew, what a responsibility!  And, of course, that list doesn't even begin to cover a mom's responsibilities.  But, oh, what a blessing it is!  I am a mommy.  You only get one of those in a lifetime, and I'm it!  I'm still amazed when I think about what I'm doing here, and I am eternally thankful to have been given such a beautiful gift.

Thankful, days 28 & 29.

     I am thankful that 2010 has been such a wonderful year.  My husband and I have accomplished so many things already that we planned, and we are incredibly glad!  We bought our house, we moved, Eric has almost completed his degree, and we have the most amazing baby boy who is already growing like a weed!
     I am thankful that we have plenty (and overabundance even) of food and water every single day.  I know that these seems like the most basic of things, but we often don't appreciate all that we have.  There are so many people in this world who won't be able to eat dinner or get a drink of clean water before bedtime because it just isn't there.  I cannot even imagine the sorrow that must come from not being able to feed a hungry child.  We are so blessed.

Thankful, day 27.

4 Generations: My Grandma, My Dad, Me, & Baby Nate.

I am thankful for my family.

Thanksgiving.

     Happy Thanksgiving!  I am absolutely overwhelmed with things for which I am thankful today, so I will simply say that I am thankful to be so incredibly blessed with everyone and everything in my life.  Hope you all have a blessed holiday with family and loved ones!

Thankful, day 24.

I am thankful for my two younger {but not so little now} brothers, Tim and Matthew.  They are both serving our country in the United States Marine Corps right now.  Even though we don't get to see each other as much as we would like, we keep in touch often, and I am thankful for that.  I am thankful that when we do get to see one another, we can chat and joke just like we always have--with lots of talk of growing up and all the fun that was to be had at the old house!