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....

Wordless Wednesday.

Amish Country photos.

Last week, Eric surprised me with a family trip to Amish Country for our anniversary. Only a few hours from home, this was an area that I've been wanting to visit for a long time. And, after our three day visit to Berlin, OH? I can't wait to go back! We rented a gorgeous cottage, and spent most of our time perusing antique stores, craft shows, and thrift shops--so much fun! The town was quaint, the scenery was gorgeous, the food was fantastic, and everyone with whom we came in contact was super nice. It was a wonderfully relaxing vacation, and I loved every minute of our trip (except for that pesky head cold!). Thank you, Eric!!
Here are a few of my favorite photos from the trip...

The boys loved "swimming" in the big jacuzzi tub in our cottage!


And, nobody could get enough of the graham cracker custard dessert!

Menu plan.

Monday, 11/11/13
Maple oatmeal
Mac & cheese, apple slices
BBQ ham sandwiches, tater tots, spinach salads

Tuesday, 11/12/13
Plain yogurt with cinnamon and granola
Tomato soup, crackers, oranges
Baked parmesan tilapia, whole wheat couscous, roasted broccoli

Wednesday, 11/13/13
Banana yogurt, whole wheat English muffins with apple butter
Leftover mac & cheese, leftover sweet potatoes
Spaghetti (whole wheat) with tomato sauce, spinach salads

Thursday, 11/14/13
Blueberry coffee cake, plain yogurt
Leftover spaghetti, spinach salads
Turkey meatloaf, carrots, potatoes, whole wheat bread

Friday, 11/15/13
Smoothies (yogurt, banana, strawberry, blueberry, mango, spinach, avocado, almond milk), toast
Leftover tomato soup, crackers, oranges
Quiche with onion, cheddar, spinach & tomato

Saturday, 11/16/13
Whole wheat waffles with maple syrup
Leftover quiche
Pizza (OCC packing party)

Sunday, 11/17/13
Whole wheat apple cinnamon rolls with cream cheese drizzle
Chicken tortilla soup (crockpot), quesadillas
Leftover pizza

Monday, 11/18/13
Leftover cinnamon rolls, yogurt
Peanut butter on wheat sandwiches, apples
Roasted chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, mixed veggies, wheat rolls

Tuesday, 11/19/13
Steel-cut oatmeal with maple syrup, cinnamon, pecans
Mac & cheese, peas, grapes
Whole wheat baked meat sandwich (turkey & cheddar), carrots

Wednesday, 11/20/13
Leftover steel-cut oatmeal, berries
Butternut squash soup, crackers, apples
Chicken tacos (wheat tortillas, spinach, cheddar, tomato, salsa, sour cream)

Thursday, 11/21/13
Cranberry muffins
Leftover chicken tacos
Pork chops, smashed potatoes, green beans

Friday, 11/22/13
Yogurt, cereal
Whole wheat pancakes with local raw honey, apples
Hamburgers on wheat buns, baked sweet potatoes, peas

Saturday, 11/23/13
Bananas with milk, toast
Eggs, sausage, whole wheat biscuits
Coconut-crusted chicken, sweet potato wedges, corn

Sunday, 11/24/13
Plain yogurt with cinnamon and granola, grapes
Baked ziti (crockpot)
Baked parmesan tilapia, whole wheat couscous, peas

Monday, 11/25/13
Cereal
Pizza on whole wheat English muffins, oranges
Cheesy veggie chowder (crockpot), whole wheat biscuits

Tuesday, 11/26/13
Plain yogurt with cinnamon
Mac & cheese, peas, berries
Community group dinner

Wednesday, 11/27/13
Smoothies (yogurt, banana, strawberry, mango, blueberry, spinach, avocado, almond milk)
Grilled cheddar on wheat sandwiches, grapes
Dinner @ Eric's Mom's house (bring dessert)

Thursday, 11/28/13
Steel-cut oatmeal with cinnamon, maple syrup & pecans, berries
Thanksgiving Lunch
Thanksgiving Dinner

Friday, 11/29/13
Plain yogurt with cinnamon, bananas
Leftover Thanksgiving feast
Homemade pizza, spinach salads

Saturday, 11/30/13
Whole wheat pumpkin pancakes, maple syrup
Pepperoni rolls, apples, peas
Chili, cornbread

First Snow.

We woke up this morning to the very first snowfall of the season, and it was gorgeous! Not just a few flurries or a smattering on dried leaves, but a full blanket of at least an inch of white stuff covered the outdoors. Instantly, the house felt cozier, and my bed warmer--which was fine since it was 2am, and the baby was already back to sleep! A few hours later, the morning light revealed the snow-covered world, and we were excited to see that it seemed to be sticking around for a bit. There's just something about a gorgeous yellow tree covered in glistening snow that can't quite be captured in a photograph....although I tried because it was truly breathtaking.

Wordless Wednesday.

Why I'm glad for digital photography...

Been wondering why all of my recent shots of Levi are either during mealtimes (ah, the confinement of a highchair!) or just a blurry image of his backside toddling away? Yeah, getting a decent photo of a nonstop almost-15-month-old is not as easy as it seems! A few days ago, I decided that as his momma, it really is my job to document this completely adorable stage of his life a little better than this:

So, I popped him into the glider, and started snapping pictures! I mean, how hard can it be? It'll only take a few shots to get an perfectly-centered, non-blurry, totally awesome one of that adorably ornery grin...right?


Okay then. So maybe he needs a role model? I added his big brother to the glider, and continued with my photo shoot.... "CHEESE!"


And, suddenly? Ah, SWEET VICTORY!!

(Totally worth it!)