Month of Thankfulness Day 30

I'm thankful that tomorrow is the first day of the Advent Season. More than people, pictures, memories, or any of the other things I've blogged about, I'm thankful for the birth of my Savior. I'm thankful that Light came into the darkness, to rescue and save ME, making a way for ME to go to get to Heaven.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures, here below!
Praise Him above, yea heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

Month of Thankfulness Day 29

I'm thankful for my in-laws. Charles and Carol, Curtis' parents, blessed me greatly because of the son they raised. I'm thankful for Curtis' brother, and his beautiful family. Though we don't get to see them nearly as much as I would like, I always enjoy their friendship.

Month of Thankfulness Day 28

I'm thankful I have these pictures to give Elizabeth on her wedding day.

Month of Thankfulness Day 27

4 years ago today, we received Benjamin's diagnosis or craniosynistosis. It was a very hard day. I'm thankful for the modern medical attention that Benjamin received. I'm thankful for the smooth recovery he had. I'm thankful for the daily grace that God supplied as we walked a very challenging, hard road. I'm thankful for the mighty, healing hand of our Savior. I'm thankful for the healthy little four year old I have been blessed with.

Month of Thankfulness Day 26

I'm thankful for the fun, laughable moments in motherhood.

Month of Thankfulness Day 25

I'm thankful for the beauty of Creation. I'm thankful that God reveals himself to us in Creation (Romans 1:4-5). I'm thankful that the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1-6). I'm thankful that even if we are silent, the rocks will cry out (Luke 19:40). The sun, the trees, sky... all these things and more point to a Creator.

The best of plans.......

Well, I didn't make it to my Aunt's wedding. Despite that, I am genuinely thankful for marriage, and chose not to change my scheduled post. However, I do want to fill the details of how the start of our Thanksgiving started off a little rougher than I had hoped.

Monday morning arrived. I had a full schedule and we were planning on leaving town. I bounced out of bed, ready to tackle the day with coffee and homemade banana muffins. As I was making muffins, Micah came out and informed me that his ear hurt. Of course!

Curtis left just after 7am to get the oil changed.

8am-9am Timothy had speech therapy.

9:30am all four kids and I head to the pediatricians office. Micah was diagnosed with an ear infection and the beginnings of pneumonia. Though it was not the calm start to the day I was hoping for, I was so thankful that we were able to get Micah into his doctor and got the diagnosis before leaving town.

I headed home to finish packing.

1pm Curtis leaved work!

2pm, Elizabeth and I were at the dentist so she could get a cavity filled. Sweet girl was cracking us all up as she chit chatted while on "laughing gas".

4pm Hit the road. Our hope was to make it all the way to Wichita, have Tuesday to spend with family, then Elizabeth, mom, Megan, Ephram and I would head to Branson for the wedding.

Shortly after we hit the road, our van overheaded. We turned it around and headed to the mechanic. We ended up having to replace the radiator. Rather than leaving Monday, we had to wait to leave on Tuesday at about 3:30.

It wasn't the way we wanted to start our trip! But we were very thankful that we were able to deal with all the car issues in town, rather than on the side of the road. God was very good to us, reminding us of how much we have to be thankful for.

Month of Thankfulness Day 24

I'm thankful for time with family.

Month of Thankfulness Day 23

Today, as I travel to be at my aunt's wedding, I'm thankful for marriage. I'm thankful that God established that marriage relationship, not for our good or happiness, but for his glory and our sanctification. I'm thankful for my parents, grandparents and in-laws who have shown Curtis and I what strong marriages look like. I'm thankful for friends and family who encourage Curtis and I as we seek to glorify God in our marriage.

I'm again thankful for my loving husband.

Month of Thankfulness Day 22

I'm thankful for memories. The good ones, that make me smile. The bad ones, that remind me of God's sovereignty. The old ones, that show how far I've come, by the grace of God. The funny one, that bring a smile to my face.

I'm thankful for my camera, and the ability to capture these precious memories, that are fleeting.

Month of Thankfulness Day 21

I'm thankful for my grandparents. This year I lost both my Papas. I was blessed to have all four of my grandparents in my life until this spring. Though we moved around when I was growing up, and weren't always geographically close to my grandparents, I am thankful that my parents always made sure that my grandparents were a part of my life. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to talk with each of them, learn from them, learn about life, marriage and parenting, learn more about my parents. I'm thankful for the legacy of love I saw in each of their marriages. I'm thankful that even though I no longer have my Papas in my life, I have still have both my Grandmas.

Today would have been my Papa Kerry's 80th birthday, and next week would have been my Papa Jimmie's birthday.

Month of Thankfulness Day 20

I'm thankful for the Body of Christ. I'm thankful God has blessed us with a church family who have been there for us, helped us, encouraged us and loved us for the past eight years. I'm thankful that the Word of God is preached powerfully, and without fear of persecution. I'm thankful for the freedom to worship when, how and where I want.

Month of Thankfulness Day 19

Today, I'm thankful for the fun traditions involved with living in Aggieland. This morning, Curtis and I took the boys to their first Aggie Tailgate. I can easily see this becoming a family tradition.

I'm also thankful for our generous friend who gave Curtis and Micah tickets to the A&M game. I know that Micah is going to have an incredible time, and form some very special memories.

Month of Thankfulness Day 18

I'm thankful that my children have a Daddy who will come home after a long day at work, and will play with them outside before it gets dark. I'm thankful for a husband who will give this worn out mommy a little break before another busy evening.

Month of Thankfulness Day 17

Today is World Prematurity Awareness Day. Over one million babies die each year due to complications from their early birth. Today, I am thankful for how God ordained for Timothy to be born early, possibly sparing his life from problems that he and I were facing with the pregnancy. I am thankful for the technology and medical advances that have taken place, which allowed him to receive the care that he needed. I'm thankful for groups like the March of Dimes, which has been a voice for these tiny babies.

Most of all, I'm thankful that even when things are unknown and scary, God is good, and his plan will not be thwarted.

Month of Thankfulness Day 16

I'm thankful for friends, who are like family. Friends who encourage me in daily life, in my spiritual growth, in my marriage, in my relationship with my children. These are the kind of friends who pick up the phone and let you freak out, even when they're in the middle of a busy evening. These are the kind of friends who are faithful and bless me in so many way.

Month of Thankfulness Day 15

I'm thankful for rain!!!!

Month of Thankfulness Day 14

I'm thankful for hymns. This weekend we went to a Matthew Smith/Indelible Grace concert. This band takes older hymns (some well known, most unknown) and rewrites the music. These hymns have a way of encouraging me in my faith, reminding me of Whose I am, aiding in worship, and focusing my heart on Christ.



This is one of the songs that the band sang at the concert. We also sing this song at church occasionally. I love it! And so did my kids. :-) Elizabeth was all but dancing in the aisle!

And if you're not familiar with Matthew Smith and Indelible Grace, just go to You Tube and listen to some of their songs. Or go to the Matthew Smith website.

Month of Thankfulness Day 13

I'm thankful for my sisters. Today is my sister Shannon's 30th birthday, and I wish so much that the three of us could celebrate together over a large, delicious cake and margaritas. But I can rest in know that my both my sisters are exactly where God wants them, being used for His will and plan.

Growing up in a military family, where we moved every few years, I formed a very close relationship with my sisters. I knew that what my parents told us was true. No matter how many times we moved, or how many friends we had to leave, my sisters would never leave me and that we would always have each other. Despite the many, many, many miles that separate us now, this is still true. I am able to reach out to my sisters any time I need, and know that they will be there to help, encourage, pray for or just to listen to me. And if nothing less, they can always make me smile.

Month of Thankfulness Day 12

I'm thankful for children with strong, healthy bodies who are able to run, play and enjoy a beautiful fall day. We've had some scary periods of time with these kiddos, and I rejoice in God's graciousness to us.

Month of Thankfulness Day 11

Today, Veteran's Day, I'm thankful for the men and women who have served in our country's military. I'm thankful for the families who support these men and women, as they serve a country that has often times been ungrateful. Being raised in a military family helped instill this love and thankfulness for our military. However, after the 9-11 attacks, I gained a new understanding of how special our freedom is. Today I remember those men and women who dedicated their lives to our country. I especially remember those who paid the ultimate price for my freedom.

Month of Thankfulness Day 10

I'm thankful for the Word of God. Particularly, these verses, which have challenged me as a homeschool mom.

Proverbs 31:26
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

2 Timothy 4:2-5
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Month of Thankfulness Day 9

I'm thankful for Benjamin's sense of humor. He's always saying amusing things, keeping my life interesting. Recently, we were driving home after taking Curtis a Sonic drink. We had Katy with us, and she was sitting in Micah's lap. Benjamin was helping Katy wave at Curtis with her tail. He then said, "I'm going to teach Katy to say I love you. With her tail. In Spanish!" Not only do I love the way he makes me laugh, but I love the sound of his sweet little voice. He's just so stinkin' adorable!!

Month of Thankfulness Day 8

I'm thankful for Micah's art. These pictures are from his dream journal. He makes these incredible shapes, saying he sees them in his dream. I'm thankful for his sweetness, his innocence and his imagination. I'm thankful for his tender side. I'm thankful for his tough side. I'm so very thankful that I get to be Mighty Micah's mommy.

Month of Thankfulness Day 7

Coffee. This Monday morning, as we prepare for the speech therapist to arrive at 8am, I am incredibly thankful for the simple pleasure of a nice, hot cup of coffee.

Month of Thankfulness Day 6

I'm thankful for little blond headed boys who call me, "Mommy". I'm thankful that I've had the opportunity to learn the names of several different construction vehicles, for sweet baby blue blankets, for how easy going boys are, and for the special bond I'm forming with these guys.

Month of Thankfulness Day 5

I'm thankful that God gave me a daughter. I'm thankful to have someone to dress up in sweet clothes, make bows for, take to dance lessons, paint finger and toe nails, and someone to do girly things with. 7 years ago, this sweet girl made me a mommy. And though there are unique challenges to raising a little girl who is just like you, I'm thankful for the opportunity. I'm thankful for the sweetness, the joy, the innocence, and the girly-ness that she brings into my life.

Month of Thankfulness Day 4

I'm thankful for my parents. Despite the miles that separate my family from them, they make an effort to be a part of our life. I'm thankful for the example of strength, faith, and grace they are to my. I'm thankful for the way they've lived their marriage out, as an example to Curtis and I. I'm thankful for the way the support and encourage us. I'm thankful for the way they bless us.

Month of Thankfulness Day 3

I'm thankful for the change of seasons. I'm not at all a fan of this TX weather! I love waking up and feeling the chill in the air, baking pumpkin, oatmeal or apple muffins for breakfast, savoring a hot cup of coffee, helping the kids pick out long sleeved shirts, and seeing their pink cheeks when they come inside. Fall is my favorite season and I'm thankful for the reminder that it really is fall, even though it doesn't feel like it most days.

Month of Thankfulness Day 2

I'm thankful my husband, who is gracious to me when I fail to be the wife I should be. I'm thankful for his patience, kindness, and for the way he loves me so well.

Month of Thankfulness Day 28

I'm thankful I have these pictures to give Elizabeth on her wedding day.

Month of Thankfulness Day 1

Today we went to co-op, and I was reminded of how thankful I am to be able to homeschool. I'm thankful to live in a state where homeschooling is an easy option. I'm thankful for the support we receive from friend and family. I'm thankful for the way God supplies each of our needs as we take on the task of schooling our children. Though homeschooling is hard and challenging, I need to be reminded of what a privilege it is to be able to teach and train my children in our home.