Thanksgiving 2013

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. We were blessed to have my brother and my aunt and uncle come up to join us. We have many things to be thankful for this year.

1. The boys. I am so thankful God blessed me with my three little boys. They are all so smart and funny. I am thankful they are all healthy and happy. Even though they drive me crazy on an almost daily basis, I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. 

2. I am thankful for my job. It is tiring and can be a huge challenge but it also is very fulfilling to be able to help people for a living. My boss and coworkers are all amazing people to work with. 

3. I am thankful for my nephew Christopher. I am grateful that I got to be an aunt for 5 months. Christopher has taught me to see what is truly important in life and that every person and moment is fleeting. Nothing lasts forever so cherish that which is important. 

4. I am thankful for my brother, that he found a great job and happiness, that he is in a good place in life right now.

5. I am thankful that I live in a country where I am safe and free. I am thankful for our troops that risk their lives to protect my freedom.

6. I am thankful for the last three years with my mom. She was diagnosed with cancer three years ago and has done very well with the treatments. I am thankful for every moment I get with her and for her health.

Small Miracles

Do you believe in fate? I do. Sometimes coincidences have to be more than just that.

When I was in high school I moved to a new home, new school, new church. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me. When I moved to the new church, I met a priest {I was Catholic at the time} who really changed my life. He brought me back to my faith. When a terrible thing happened to him, it actually drove me away from the church and I vowed from that moment on that I would never recognize myself as a Catholic again. And I haven't. But his faith through the whole ordeal is what kept me faithful, as I found my place in the Methodist church. 

Today I decided to take the boys to Bob Evans for lunch. I don't know why but I had a strong urge to go there that came out of nowhere. Even when Jacob said he didn't want to go there. Even when my dad mocked me for wanting to go there, then discovered he didn't have a coupon to give me, I still wanted to go there. I should mention that I haven't been there in probably ten years. But off we went. And who did I see but that very same priest I mentioned above! I didn't talk to him {I didn't even realize he was there until I saw him leaving} but somehow seeing him and knowing he is still okay... somehow that was enough for me. That put me at peace. 

So yes, I believe in fate. I believe that God put the desire for me to go there today in my heart so that I could be there at the very same moment that someone who changed my life was also there. Coincidence? Maybe. But I'd like to think of it as a small miracle instead. 

Love {&} Gratitude 1-15

an ongoing list of things I love, things I am grateful for, and things that make me smile

1. The smiles and laughter of my children
2. Reading a good book
3. A clean house
4. Being able to breastfeed both of my boys
5. The love of Jesus Christ, who died for me and my sins
6. Naptime
7. Meeting and being with like-minded people
8. The amazing love and support I've had in my parents
9. The amazing love and support I've had in my in-laws
10. Having enough food, clean water, money, etc to get by comfortably when so many others do not
11. Cloth diapers
12. Good health
13. Alleve Cold & Sinus
14. My crazy dog who snuggles in bed with me and gives me a sense of security when I'm home alone
15. My awesome boss who is so patient, understanding, and flexible with us

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Top Ten Things To Be Grateful For

I need an attitude adjustment, that's for sure. So in honor of this week's Top Ten Tuesday, I'll do a list of gratitude.

1. I'm grateful for my two beautiful and healthy boys. Even though they drive me crazy most of the time, I am so thankful that God trusted me enough to be their mama when I am sure there were many much more qualified women He could have given the job to.

2. I am grateful for a husband who loves me even when I don't deserve it -- which is quite often!

3. I am grateful for my amazing parents who are always there for me and my family and always willing to help us out whenever we need it.

4. I am grateful for my amazing in-laws for the same reason. I am also thankful that I have in-laws that I actually like -- no... love -- instead of the stereotypical can't-stand-my-in-laws

5. I am grateful to have a brother who is one of my best friends. He's truly the best!

6. I am thankful that I have a job that pays the bills and that I sometimes even like. Right now is a rough time at work for me but I am grateful to have a job in this economy. I am thankful for coworkers who make the unbearable bearable.

7. I am grateful that I have a nice house to live in that meets our needs as a family. It isn't where I want to be forever and it's hard to feel stuck here with the housing market the way it is, but I am thankful that it is ours and we have been able to do a few new things to improve it (like adding a backsplash in the kitchen, putting in carpet, and the recent laundry room revamp)

8. I am grateful that we live comfortably enough to treat ourselves to things every now and then. I try not to be too materialistic but sometimes some new fabric or new clothes can really improve my mood.

9. I am grateful that I have been able to breastfeed both of my boys and that I have such an awesome supply this time around that I am able to donate to other babies who need it. It's been an incredible experience.

10. I am grateful that I was born into a family that lives in this wonderful country, that I was born free and with all the things I would need to grow up healthy. I am grateful that I was born into a family that knows Jesus and that some day He will call me home!


I really am a lucky girl.




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