A very Aggie Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgivng we didn't go to Kansas.  We didn't go to Oklahoma City.  We didn't even go to Wichita Falls.  Since we'll be traveling a lot in December, we chose to stay home and celebrate a very Aggie Thanksgiving.

Our celebration started with a trip to Student Bonfire.  Since the the collapse of Bonfire in '99, any Bonfire has been sponsored by students, off campus.  Curtis was able to attend Bonfire while it was still on campus, but the kids and I had never whitnessed this Aggie tradition.  The day before Thanksgiving, we loaded up the van, joined by one of our favorite Aggies, Callie, and headed out to witness Bonfire.

 

  At 8pm, we were all ready!  Then, and announcer came on the loudspeaker and told us that they would be starting late, allowing time for people who'd been stuck in traffic.  At this point, the kids were SO ready to get this show on the road.  But, like the troopers they are, they hung in there till the speaker started at about 8:30.  We then all participated in a few Yells.  Then, at about 9pm, the red pots lit Bonfire.  It was incredible!  Well worth the wait.

 

 Though we anticipated getting stuck in traffic on our way home, we did NOT expect to be in stand still traffic for an hour and a half!  Turns out we were in the "Sit in your car and watch Bonfire line" not the "Head home with sleep kids" line.

 Early Thanksgiving morning, we headed out to volunteer at a local Turkey Trot.  We had a blast! With all the races Curtis and I have done, they've turned into little racing experts.

 After watching the parade and eating breakfast, we loaded up and headed to the destination of our Thanksgiving meal.

 Yes!  We went to Kyle Field and tailgated for Thanksgiving!  We join the RUF tailgate.  Our RUF minister and his family were there and we greatly enjoyed our time with them.

 Our Thanksgiving FEAST!!!  You name it, Ben grilled it to perfection.

Though we had a great time tailgating, it was rather eventful.  Timothy ate too much, then played football.  He got sick.  Benjamin joined some college students in a game of Ultimate.  He got a bloody nose.  Micah dropped a huge rock on his toe.  He'll be losing that toenail in the future.  And I got smacked in jaw by Timothy's head.  Curtis and Elizabeth made it through unscathed.

 Even though it wasn't a traditional Thanksgiving, I was reminded how much I truly do have to be thankful for.  I have an amazing husband, who lovingly goes along with all my crazy plans.  I have four healthy, beautiful children, who are growing in grace and are always up for an adventure.  I have an amazing church family with whom I can celebrate holidays and not feel lonely, missing my real family.  I have parents and sisters who love me, call me, and share in the fun I'm having, even if it is hundreds of miles away.  I'm a part of a great community.  But more than all that, I am loved with an everlasting, saving love.  

You Are Special

"The stickers only stick if they matter to you.  The more you trust my love, the less you care about their stickers."

"I'm not sure I understand."

Eli smiled.  "You will, but it will take time.  You've got a lot of marks.  For now, just come to see me every day and let me remind you how much I care."

Eli lifted Punchinello off the bench and set him on the ground.

"Remember," Eli said as the Wemmick walked out the door, "you are special because I made you.  And I don't make mistakes."

Those words are from a very sweet book, You Are Special, given to us as a baby gift when Timothy was born.  When the book was given, the giver didn't realize that Timothy had a cleft lip.  A couple weeks later, after she met him, she came up and apologized, afraid that she had overstepped a boundary.  I told her I thought it was providential and that we loved the gift!

This month marks the 4th anniversary of Timothy's cleft surgery.  I found myself choked up more than once while reading You Are Special, especially as I read the last sentence.  I know my God is good.  I know my God doesn't make mistakes.  But as a parent of a child with a very obvious deformity, I did find myself questioning God's wisdom in giving Timothy a cleft lip, especially after the road we walked with Benjamin's deformity.  But even as I handed my three month old over for surgery, I knew there was a reason.  And I prayed this verse over my son, hoping that the Lord would be displayed in his life and in our walk.

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." John 9:3

Happy birthday, Timothy!

Today we celebrated Timothy's 3rd birthday.  I can't believe that my last baby is three!!

What an amazing, crazy, scary, whirlwind day it was when Timothy joined out family.  The above pictures isn't even taken on his birthday!  It was taken the day after, in the wee hours of the morning.  Curtis was sleep deprived and trying to juggle care for our other kids, making sure I was doing okay, and visiting our preemie in the NICU.  Though Timothy's birthday wasn't anything we have wanted, The end result was the same.  The day he was born, we knew he completed our family.

 

First birthdays are big in our family!!  And after a crazy birth, a birth defect, a cleft lip repair, and just the general craziness that life as a family of six had brought, we were ready to celebrate!!  Timothy fun, sweet spirit was a delight to many.

 As a new 2 year old, Timothy loved his Bobo (a sock monkey) and we had a blast celebrating his second birthday with friends at a Bobo Party.  I love two year old boys for a couple reasons.  #1, I know that once 2 1/2 rolls around, we're in for some adventurous and challenging times.  But the main reason I love two year olds is because you can see, sometimes for some of the first times, the kind of person your child is becoming.  And I really loved 2 year old Timmy.

And now, today, we celebrate our little boy's birth.  He's continues to be a sweet whirlwind in our lives, continuing to make our family feel full and complete.  Though there are times I don't know what to do with him, there is no doubt in my mind that I wouldn't know what to do without him in our lives.

Happy birthday, sweet boy!  May you continue to grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men!

Month of Thankfulness... Day 30

I'm thankful for how God reveals himself to me.  The Word.  Worship.  The saints.

Through the past year, I've seen myself and members of my family grow.  I know God is at work.  But I still struggle with feelings of unforgiveness, contentment and anger.  It hit me last night I'm stuck!  And even though I don't want to move forward in certain areas of life, I have to.

So, after my month of thankfulness, I'm ready to move forward.  It's not going to be pretty!  It's not going to be fun!  And if absolutely isn't going to be easy.  But I'm ready, because it's time.  And I'm thankful that God's revealed that to me.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 29

I'm thankful for the hints of winter... the chilly morning, the Christmas decorations, a warm cup of coffee, socks on little feet to help keep us warm, a fire in the fire pit.... I'm excited about the coming season of Advent, a time to rejoice in my Savior's birth, to marvel that God became a baby, and to be thankful for a means of salvation.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 28

I'm thankful for my "original" family

 My sister Megan, her husband Matt, and their two sweet boys Jeremiah and Ephram.

 My sister Shannon.

And my parents.

It's hard not having family right here in the same town.  And this year, it's been hard to be away from them.  But each of the people above have blessed me with their presence during the challenging times, but also in the blessed times.  Sometimes their presence has been physical, and they've gotten in a car, or on a plane, to come help us.  Sometimes their presence has been in prayer, as they prayed earnestly over my family, when I was struggling too much to know how to pray.  Sometimes it's been through a phone conversation, when I can laugh or cry, and receive love and encouragment.  Sometimes it's been through the internet... a Facebook comment or picture that made my laugh, a quick moment to chat, a Skype call to make me feel close, and e-mail with a bible verse.

All these things have meant so much to my family and I as we've faced this challenging year.

But I'm also thankful that they've been there during the happy times!  Knowing that my sisters and parents desire to be with us during whatever we have going on, is a tremendous joy and blessing.  I'm so thankful that despite the miles that have separated us over the past few year, our relationships are stronger than ever!

Month of Thankfulness... Day 27

I'm thankful for Benjamin!

I'm thankful for Benjamin's personality.  He's always bringing a smile to the faces of the people around him!

I'm thankful for his health.  5 years ago (today!) he received his cranio diagnosis.  That was one of the scariest times of my life, and I'm so thankful that he's grown to be such a strong, healthy little boy!

I'm thankful for how he's growing academically.  He's a very bright little boy, and it's a joy to be his teacher.

I'm thankful for what a loving big brother he is.  He and Timothy have formed such a special bond!

I'm thankful for the season of life he's in right now... showing his independence, but still wanting and needing him mommy.

I'm thankful for his passion for life.  When he decides he wants to do something, he does it was such passion and drive. 

I'm thankful for the young man he's becoming!  It's nothing short of a miracle to look at him, and see how God has protected him, and is growing him.  Though he's struggled this year as well, I praise God for how he's working in the life of Benjamin, drawing him to Himself. 

Month of Thankfulness... Day 26

I'm thankful for Elizabeth/Missy/Sissy/Liz.

I'm thankful that I was able to witness her testimony, as she recited her life verse.  Despite the crappy road she's been on this year, she stood and said, 

"Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him    and show him my salvation.”  Psalm 91:14-16

 

I'm thankful she still has childlike faith.

I'm thankful that even though I've seen her question God's plan for her, she still trusts him.  She told me a few weeks ago, as we were discussing being angry with God, "It's not so bad when you remember that God does everything for a reason."

I'm thankful that though her life story has changed in a horrible way, she is not defined by the events of the past.

 

I'm thankful for the way she sings at the top of her lungs in worship.

 

I'm thankful for how her relationship with her brothers has grown stronger.

 

I'm thankful that she is still comfortable around her Daddy.

 

I'm thankful for the opportunity to see God at work in her life.

 

I'm thankful for her personality... even when it's driving me crazy!

 

Just like I said yesterday, this has been a hard year for all of us.  This year has changed Elizabeth's life.  I've had to watch her grow up in ways that I hate, in ways that an right year old shouldn't have to grow up.  She's seen a dark, sinful, horrible side to this life.  But she's made a profession of faith, declaring that this is not her home, and that she has an eternal hope in Christ.

 

Though I can't yet say I'm thankful for the events that put her on this road, I am thankful for God's presence with her during her times of trouble.  I'm thankful for the way He is continuing to work in her, carrying out her sanctification.  

 

And I'm so thankful that one day, He will wipe away our tears and our faith becomes sight.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 25

I'm thankful for Mighty Micah.

This year's been a hard year for him.  It's been a hard year for all of us!!  And in the midst of it all, I'm afraid that there have been times when Micah's just flown under the radar.  Despite how quiet he can be, we've seen how much he's struggled this year.

He's struggled with why bad things have happened to our family.  But he's learned to walk in faith.

He's struggled with why his sibilings sometimes get more attention than he does.  But he's learned what real hurt looks like, and how to sit in sorrow with people.

He's struggled with big salvation issues.  But then has reconciled these issues, making a profession of faith, joining Curtis and I for the Lord's Supper each week at church.

He's struggled with school.  But he's learned more than just letters and numbers.  He's learned how to be brave, and face challenges.

He's struggled with anger towards someone who hurt his sister.  But he's learned forgiveness, and how to pray for your enemy.

The struggles Micah has faced this year have been more than a six year old should have to face.  But he stands, with the rest of us, stronger, in faith, ready to see what God will do for our family in the coming year.  I'm thankful for Micah!  I'm thankful for how God has worked in his life, growing him into a strong, brave, young man.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 24

I'm thankful for Timothy, my full of life and personality, two year old.  He keeps me on my toes, but I'm daily touched by his sweet heart.  He is the most "momma's boy" out of my boys, and I'm cherishing it.  I love sitting and talking with him.  This time last year he was only saying a handful of words.  Now, he's sharing the most interesting and hilarious thoughts with me. 

Though is saddens me a bit that my baby is growing up so quickly, I'm thrilled with the little person he is, and who God is making him to be.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 23

 I'm thankful for Black Friday sales!!

Last night two friends and I braved the lines, the chaos, and the parking lots to score some sweet deals.  Thought I got several great deals and finished the kids' Christmas shopping, the thing that I'm most excited about is our new fire pit.

Ever since we borrowed our friends' fire pit, Curtis and I have been talking about buying one of our own.  Imagine my excitement when I opened the ads and there was a fire pit, normally $70 for $30!!

Apparently I wasn't the only one looking for this great deal, because I got the LAST fire pit!!  I was thrilled!

I can't wait to start spending time with my sweet family, around our fire pit, making sweet memories together.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 21

I'm thankful for fun moments where I don't have to act my age.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 20

I'm thankful for the Word.  I'm thankful for hearing my children recite their life verses at a poetry recital for co-op today.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 17

I'm thankful that my children are all strong and healthy, participating in their favorite activities!

Month of Thankfulness... Day 16

I'm thankful for a child's amusing perspective on my life.

Today, Elizabeth and I were working in the kitchen together.  She was enjoying wiping down the stove, and said, "I hope when I grow up I can be a maid or a nanny!"  "Or maybe, " I told her, "you could just be a mommy."

She snickered.

And then informed me, "Yeah, but you don't get paid for that and it's harder!"

No joke!

Month of Thankfulness... Day 15

I'm thankful to have working smoke alarms.

That's what I kept telling myself this morning when Timothy and I were woken up by all the smoke alarms in our house going off.  Curtis turned the heater on this morning for the first time, and apparently there was a little dust on the heating-coil-thingy.  By no means was our home filled with smoke, so it's nice to know the smoke alarms are working well and are highly sensitive.

When I was a little girl, I had reoccurring nightmares of our house catching fire.  I remember my parents walking me through the house, showing me that the stove was off, the blinking light showed the smoke alarm was working, and going over the family escape plan.  Now that I'm the mommy, I still like the reassurance of the blinking light, showing me the smoke alarm is working.  And this morning, I got to see first hand how well it works!

I'm also thankful that my the oldest children are aware of the escape plan.  When Timothy and I came out of the bedroom, the older kids were nowhere to be found.  When they heard the alarm and saw a bit of smoke, they booked it outside.  Yay for being prepared!!

Month of Thankfulness... Day 14

I'm thankful for a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning, a warm breakfast, and having a fridge full of possibilities. 

Month of Thankfulness... Day 13

I'm thankful for the fun personalities of each of my children.  And I'm thankful that I can sometimes capture their personalities with a camera.

 Benjamin... brave, ready to be a hero and save the day, yet always putting a smile on my face.

 Timothy... attitude!!!  But under that tough face, you can tell he's just a momma's boy.

 Micah... Full of physical energy, always pushing himself, but not liking failure.

Elizabeth... sweet, people pleaser, who doesn't mind following in her momma's footsteps.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 12

Monday, Monday, Monday.....

As a new work week begins, I'm very thankful for my husband's job.  I know that, though it's hard and exhausting, being a stay-at-home-homeschool-mom is a huge blessing.  I'm thankful that Curtis is a hard worker, who has enabled me to stay home.

Now, I just have to live like I believe being a stay-at-home-homeschool-mom is a blessing.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 11

 I'm thankful for RUNNING!!!!  I never really thought I would say that... 

In the past year, I've begun running to help me maintain the weight I've lost.  Today, I participated in The Color Run.  It was nothing short of a blast!!  The color Run marks the second 5K I've run this year, and I also completed the Warrior Dash (5K + obstacles and MUD!).  I'm thankful for these physical challenges.

And I'm also thankful for my amazing husband who got all four kiddos to church, while I took a Sunday morning off Mommy Duty to go to Houston for this.