Foundation in His Word

Give thanks #15

When I was about 5-years-old, I attended a Wednesday night children's ministry at the First Assembly of God in Rolla. It was similar to the program we have at our church as far as scripture memorization, and I believe that hiding His word in my heart...at such an early age...truly set the path for my entire life.

















I am thankful for the foundation in God's Word that this children's ministry provided and thankful that my mom saw the importance of working with me on my verses.













The first picture I was a "Daisy" and received the Daisy of the Year Award. The second picture I was a "Prim".

My Children (currently) Get Along (for the most part)

Give thanks #14

Before I had children, I'm not sure if I gave much thought as to how close together we should have them. I'm pretty sure I knew I wanted them closer than the distance between me and my sister (six years), but other than that, I wasn't really into trying to "plan" it a certain way.

I'm glad God figured it out for me.

That's not to say that having children ages 5, 3, and almost 1 doesn't drive me crazy sometimes, but for the most part I can see the benefits - huge benefits - to having them close together.

I love seeing Caleb and Sarah play together. It's really sweet. Yes, there are times when Caleb irritates her. And there are times when Sarah takes something from Caleb. But...generally speaking...they really love each other and love playing together. They even annoy me together. They'll start saying lines from a movie together, OVER AND OVER, and I'll tell them to stop. They'll giggle and start saying it quietly to each other.

Yesterday I sent them outside, and instead of playing in the yard, they played on the deck. Caleb had his Batman Cave, Sarah had a doll house.










































Sarah took her My Little Pony over to his cave, Caleb took his "bad guys" to her doll house. It was so funny. He even had her Barbie's on top of the Batman cave once (as shown above). They did this for over an hour. And I was able to clean the kitchen while they did this (and Gabriel napped). It was so nice. Yes, I had the deck door open the entire time so I could hear and see them!

And even though Gabriel is still pretty small, they often try to include him in what they're doing.













I used to wonder if this would last. Maybe when they get older they won't be so close? I'm starting to realize how much of a bond they are developing right now, and I just can't imagine that bond being broken. I believe they will always look after each other. I think they will be great friends growing up. Sure, they might irritate each other from time to time...but I'm confident that the time they are spending together now is forming a foundation of closeness that will not be broken.

I am thankful for having my children close together. And I am thankful that they are developing the bond that will carry them throughout their lives.

Mac & Cheese

Give thanks #13

I am (far too often) thankful for this...


















Because if the day seems too hectic or if I didn't plan ahead for dinner (I know, what a travesty) I know that at least my kids will be happy and fed with their favorite "pasta option" - ok, I know it's a stretch, but I always just consider it a pasta dinner/lunch. Works for me! ;o)

And what do Josh and I eat when the kids get their Mac & Cheese? For me, it's NOT Mac & Cheese. I actually hate the stuff. We just find whatever is in the fridge or freezer. It's a free for all. I really try to limit this to once a week. I'd say that's about right.

Sadly, the kids probably look forward to their Mac & Cheese dinner more than any other. Even Gabriel ate an entire bowl of it.

Yum (for them).

"Me" Time

Give thanks #12

I realized something last night...something I already knew but something that was magnified after a rough couple days.

I really need some "me" time each evening. Josh completely understands this. In fact, I was really having a difficult day yesterday - a day full of Gabriel crying and wanting to be held every second, which just happened to follow a night of no sleep for me because he wanted me to hold him all night. Those days push me to the limit. I have little patience with Caleb and Sarah, and I also become so irritated with Gabriel being glued to my hip that I want to just go to my room and lock the door.

This is not an option, however.

So when Josh got home, he said, "Why don't you go grocery shopping by yourself. Take as long as you need." Grocery shopping alone is like a mini vacation to be honest.

And, by the way, I'm sorry if I ever sound like I'm not grateful to stay home with my kiddos. I don't mean to. It's probably like someone complaining about their job when they should be thankful that they have a job. I'm just hoping other moms understand.

I left. I shopped. I got what we needed for two weeks of meals. I purchased the movie UP. Complete impulse buy, but it was worth it.

When I walked into the house, I immediately picked up Gabriel and he giggled at me. So I smiled at him. Josh helped bring in all the groceries, and I played with my little guy in his room for a while. We both seemed to have enjoyed the little break, and Josh said, "You look like a different person right now."

I was.

I am thankful for "me" time each evening. Sometime it's grocery shopping. Sometimes it's a walk around the neighborhood. Whatever it is, I just need to have some quiet away from what is sometimes a stressful day of being a domestic engineer.

Happy Veteran's Day

Give thanks #11













I genuinely appreciate the men and women who serve in our military. I am thankful for their sacrifice and what they do to defend our freedom.

Happy Veteran's Day to those brave soldiers - past and present - who have put themselves in harm's way to protect others.

Thank you.

My Blog

Give thanks #10

When I started blogging, I really wasn't sure what to expect. I didn't know if I'd have something written every day, or if this would just be a whim that would fizzle out.

What has happened has been great. I have found that my blog is just like a journal for me, and it's been a way to connect to other friends, family, moms, etc. in a way that I didn't expect! At times it's been a way to put into words my feelings about being a stay-at-home mom. It's been a way to share about my struggles with food/weight. I have shared the wonderful insights that God has revealed to me and how He's working in my life each day.

So part of this give thanks entry is about blogging. I'm thankful for this outlet, and I'm thankful that others share in the same way. It keeps me sane. Really, I think it does.

The other part of this entry is about what my sister gave me for my birthday. I am so very excited! She hijacked my blog so-to-speak and was able to turn it into a 274 page hardback book using blurb.com - how fun! It will incorporate all of my blog entries, from the first one through November 4th (my birthday). It will have all of the pictures I've posted with each entry. I can't wait to see it! And I think I'd like to do this each year either around my birthday or around Christmas. How interesting it will be many years from now to read about my life as a young mom and wife. Perhaps my children will be thankful for the book form of my blog as well.

So thank you to my friends who blogged before me and inspired me to start one. And THANK YOU SONJA for the amazing birthday present. I just can't wait til it arrives!

Rejoicing With a Fellow Believer (who, by the way, I don't even know)

Give thanks #9.5 (I have an extra one today!)

It's amazing to me how we can become so emotionally connected to someone we don't even know...just by reading their story and keeping up with their lives via a blog. Maybe that sounds weird to some. Maybe, in some way, it's no different than those who are obsessed with "entertainment" news.

I think it's different.

Since January or so (when I officially began blogging) I've been reading a blog originally entitled My Charming Kids. She now goes by MckMama (well, she always has, but now her blog is called that, too)! Many of my fellow blog friends read it as well.

Her son's story is quite amazing. Their faith is amazing. Her writing style is something I absolutely love, and there's just something about her that makes me feel like I know her personally. But in reality, I don't.

And still...I found myself praying daily for her little boy. Back in July, when Josh and I were in Michigan, I couldn't stop thinking about Stellan. He had quite a scare back then, and I kept going to my computer thinking, "Please, Lord, let him make it through this."

He did make it through.

Today brought more anxiety for the one known as MckMama. Today Stellan had a heart ablation. It was something the family had been preparing for. They knew it was risky, and I just can't imagine what that mother must have gone through. Really. I found myself in tears as I read:

"This morning, Stellan flat lined on the table in front of me, lost his blood pressure nearly completely and needed to be shocked back to life."

Can you even imagine?

But just a few hours ago, she posted this, and I REJOICED WITH HER! I really did. I found myself in tears. I was so thankful that her little boy made it through the procedure with flying colors.

And I even told Caleb about this today. He was standing beside me at the computer when I was reading her blog earlier, and I told him we needed to pray for a little boy who would be having heart surgery. "I should draw him a picture," he responded. Caleb always draws pictures for people in our family who are sick or having surgery. So I encouraged him to do so.


















Later, he decided that others should see his picture and pray for Stellan, so Josh helped him put it outside (he taped it to the wooden stick himself).

















It made me emotional to see him do this. Just knowing that he was also praying for someone he didn't know and cared enough to put his picture outside for others to join us in praying.

Amazing.

"So that's that. Stellan, who nearly died on us this morning, is SVT free tonight. To God be the glory, great things He hath done!"

And I am thankful.

The Fruit of the Spirit (Minus One)

My sweet friend and neighbor, Kim, walked over to my fence yesterday while I was outside watching my kids play, and we struck up a conversation. I always enjoy talking with her. We discussed Weight Watchers a little bit, and I could really feel myself getting excited about the idea of having someone to go to meetings with. Maybe...just maybe this is what I need to get back on track?

As I was praying last night, I began to ask God, "Will I really stick to this? Should I invest money into something if I'm just going to continue my poor eating habits? Why can't I keep from eating that stupid stuff?" Yes, I really do talk to God like this.

Amazingly, a scripture came to mind. I really can't believe it. These words have been repeating over and over in my head ever since I asked Him, "Why can't I keep from eating that stupid stuff?"

"...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. " Galatians 5:22&23

Self-control?

Have I somehow conveniently left off one of the "Fruits of the Spirit" in my life? How could I have overlooked this? I can't believe I've been lacking such an important part of this scripture.

Really, I've heard that passage dozens of times. Haven't you? I've read devotions on it, heard sermons on it, and listened to Christian radio segments on it. Wow. I've heard people talk about the difficulties of having joy or patience. Or the difficulties of having gentleness in certain circumstances.

I've never thought about self-control.

For some, the concept of self-control might be evident in their shopping habits. Maybe they buy too many pairs of shoes. Maybe self-control is difficult in the words someone uses; they can't tame their tongue.

For me, it's food.

So I will pray that this fruit of the spirit will be evident in my life. I pray that this revelation will be a testimony for me, and that in the months to follow, I will be able to share how self-control, through God's grace and strength, has allowed me to gain a foothold on something that has been so difficult for me.

First WW meeting is tomorrow.

Beautiful November

Give thanks #9

I know it's probably corny and lame to talk about the weather, but I have to tell you...these first nine days of November have been the most beautiful autumn days I've probably ever seen. It allowed for me to get out of a mopey slump (after all the RAIN, RAIN, RAIN in October) and I was able to have a gorgeous day to celebrate turning 30. The Tuesday that Josh planned for me was so sunny. The Wednesday of my actual birthday was gorgeous, too. And this past Saturday, I had some family members (and a close friend) come to my house to celebrate, too, and it was just perfect. It allowed for some nice pictures...

















Jennifer, me, Sonja, and Kelly - the "granddaughters" on my dad's side.

I know that these pretty, sunny days are not a constant here in Missouri. By Saturday (I think...according to weather.com) we will see rain again. But two weeks of sun has been enough to recharge me. I think I can handle a few days of rain. I'd even like to see some snow! ;o)

My Husband's Work Ethic

Give thanks #8

"If anyone does not provide for...his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Timothy 5:8

I am thankful for Josh's work ethic. And really, I guess I should thank his father for teaching him this trait, not in words but through example. (Not that his mom wasn't a hard worker, but I think boys often develop this trait through their father's example.)

He provides for our family. He is willing to take on "extra duties" at school to help out even more. He wants to work an extra job this summer to wipe out our debt faster, and I'm guessing he'd do that every summer to start saving for our children's education.

I know for sure that if, for any reason, he lost his current job, he would IMMEDIATELY start looking for another one, even if it was less than desirable work.

He has also told me that he appreciates my willingness to find work if I needed to. I've talked about working an evening shift, and I think if he wasn't coaching basketball, I would have started this a long time ago.

We have both been taught the value of work.

And...he finds the perfect balance between work and family. Even though he's willing to work hard, he also knows when to draw the line.

I know I am not the only woman who feels this way about her husband. If you find yourself thinking, "My husband is just the same!" then I encourage you to tell him. Often. I really try to thank Josh as often as I can for this trait. Because not every man is this way.