May 21st, 2013

One Thousand Gifts

1. A lovely visit with Leah as she came to spend time with me this afternoon! Nice to have visits where you don't have to break up fights the whole time! :-)

2. A yellow and red tulip blooming in my front garden bed. I'm loving seeing all of the new things coming up now that we are getting some moisture!

3. Riley's excitement as she sees some of the little things I am doing to make her room special. "Oh, Mommy, look at the pretty pictures."  I'm loving what I have to far and hoping it looks as good in reality as it does in my mind. 

I wake Jackson up every night to nurse him. I was done with Ri at a year but because this little guy is always sick I've continued... Anyway... He has discovered his favorite thing is Chris' 15(ish) year old alarm clock. He thinks it is just the best thing. As soon as he is done nursing he is crawling over Chris and frantically signing please. His love for that clock just makes us laugh!

May 20th, 2013

One Thousand Gifts

1. Went for lunch today to a couple's house from North Point. They are sweet grandparents that just wanted to show our family love and give us flowers from their garden. This was an unexpected add-on to the day but it was quite nice. 

2. Had a great home group BBQ on our deck this afternoon. I'm so thankful the weather cooperated because the kids had so much fun playing in the backyard. 

3, New seeds and blubs. - Ladies brought their extras and put them on the table so I got to add new things to my garden tonight. We also were able to borrow a lawn mower to get our grass under control! :-)

May 19th, 2013

One Thousand Gifts

1. We had a baby dedication at our worship gathering on Sunday. I love hearing how people desire to raise their kids in a Christ centered home. 

2. Dave's message today spoke to my heart as I'm feeling hurt and unloved by some people in my life. I don't have a heart of love at all toward them and I am desperately needing to work on that. This was yet another reminder today to not give up but to continue to show love even when I don't feel loved in return. I want the love that I have for people to be so evident and different that it can only come because I have the love of my Heavenly Father in me. I want to reflect Him.

3. Tonight at dinner the kids were crazy... I love that already we can be silly together and just enjoy being a family!

May 18th, 2013

One Thousand Gifts

1. Went to my brother - in - laws wedding today. It was very beautiful and I always love hearing the unique vows at weddings! Chris and I are about to celebrate 5 years together and the whole day reminded me of our wedding day. I'm so thankful that Chris and I were so committed to honoring our vows and despite the tough stuff we have, and will come across, we are both 100% committed to each other!

2. My sister gave up her Saturday to come and watch our kids while we went to the reception. I'm so thankful for a sister who loves being an auntie so much and seeks time to build relationships with my kids!

3. My biggest fan. - I know that almost every 3rd day I'm picking something about Chris that is a 'gift' to me, but seriously, he is the best! I can always count on him to take my side, to love me, to defend me, to cry with me... I'm so glad that he can be my biggest fan!

May 17th, 2013

One Thousand Gifts

1. One year ago today my favorite little boy entered this world. I am so blessed by him and the joy that he brings to our home. He always gives his smiles freely and his crooked grin and mischievous eyes always remind me of the adventures that are coming! 

2. New found traditions! - Today Chris and I decided, 'officially', that on our kid's birthday's he will stay home a bit later than normal and we will do a special family breakfast. This will make their birthday's always exciting even if their parties have to be on another day! I'm so thankful for a daddy who makes his kids first priority!

3. Had a nice visit today with my grandparents before my grandma jets off to Malaysia. (Have to confess there was some jealousy when we talked about it! :-) I love that my grandparents can be apart of my kids lives. 

Same first birthday experience as his mommy.

May 16th, 2013

One Thousand Gifts

1. I felt very encouraged when I went for a run today. I've been putting off training for the race I am running and was nervous with how out of shape I would be. I was by no means fast, but I jogged straight for 20 minutes and I'm not sure I've EVER done that! :-)

2. Yesterday I was reading Deuteronomy as a friend and I read the same scripture every week and then talk about it. Today I was just reminded today of the fact that God does not hide himself from us, he wants us to know him. "If you look for me, you will find me, if you search for me with all of your heart". What a great promise he gives us!

3. Went for dinner with a former co-worker tonight and it was so nice, we didn't talk about our old job at all. Our friendship is now growing and we know enough about each other to let conversation just flow! It's so nice to have dinner with her once a month! 

May 15th, 2013

One Thousand Gifts

1. A day with no plans outside the house so I could get caught up on all of the things that had fallen through the cracks!

2. Preparing the space where my brother will live this summer and getting excited for the time we will have together!

3. Family wrestling time on Riley's bed before she went to sleep! I felt so blessed and loved having crazy, fun times with the three people I love the most! :-)