I've got SUNSHINE, on a cloudy day

When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May
Well, I guess you'd say, what can make me feel this way?

My girl....talking 'bout my girl

I've got so much honey, the bees envy me

I've got a sweeter song, than the birds in the trees

Well, I guess you'd say, what can make me feel this way?

My girl.....talking 'bout my girl

My girl turned 4 last Sunday. It is one of my most favorite ages. I am excited about this year ahead with her. While thinking about this blog post I couldn't get those song lyrics out of my head, I thought they were fitting. She truly does bring sunshine to my cloudy days, and is sweeter than honey.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Wrap Up

Over the holiday weekend, I have continued to reflect on the things I am thankful for. I think I am due for 6 more to make it an even 30.

1. I am thankful that Craig has a job. And, not just work, it is one that he loves. I have heard of so many losing their employment these past few days, it makes me really reflect at how blessed we are for his steady work.

2. I am thankful for healthy kids. Again, there are several children we know battling cancer and other unknown diseases. I am praying for a little girl from church who is yet to be diagnosed, but is suffering and in pain. I am so thankful for my own children's good health.

3. I am thankful for my siblings....my two older sisters and my younger brother. I look up to my sister's so much as wives and mothers. Being 7 and 6 years older than myself they paved the way, and taught me about hair and make-up. We are each busy with our own families, but I know we truly care about each other and love each other. I had some time to chat with my little brother over the weekend as well, and we shared some good laughs. It was fun to connect a little more than we normally have the opportunity to, and I am so thankful for him as well.

4. I am thankful that my kids have cousins! They are blessed with 12, so far.

5. I am thankful for my mommy van. It is old, the doors stick and the locks are funky, but God provides. 4 years ago we became a family of 5 and I was still driving the old Camry my parents had given us. We had to squish the three kids into the back seat, and I remember praying for this van. It is a simple, but huge, answer to prayer. God knew what we needed.

6. I am MOST THANKFUL for the gift of salvation. These past few weeks we have been practicing with the children at church for our Christmas program, and as we kick off the Christmas season, I am reminded even more how amazing God's grace is. I fail time and time again, yet still there is forgiveness and I am washed clean every day. I watch the little children practicing for their program and I am blessed by the small opportunity we have to give back to the Lord, in sharing our talent and the good news with others.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 24

I am so thankful for our little home that has been ours for over 9 years. We brought all our babies home from the hospital here, and have put so much work into it over the years. It is so gratifying to have improved it some, and I LOVE coming home to this place. We are so blessed.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 23

I am so thankful for my children's beautiful artwork! I am showered with little pictures and loving notes all the time. Today Wyatt drew this one for me:

Mom, I love you

Dad, I love you to

Will did this self portrait at school this year. It is one of my most favorite pieces of art he has ever done. I think it may end up in a frame! I just love it.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 22

I am so thankful for the Word of God that is living and powerful and speaks light into the darkness. This verse encouraged me today:

What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have Him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven-and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all-life healed and whole.

-1Peter 1:3-5 (the message)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 21

14 years ago I met two people who have blessed me in so many ways. They are two of the most caring and generous people I know. They love the Lord and they love each other. They love me, and have called me one of their own.

They love their fine son very much. And they graciously accepted me into their family.

Meet Ama and Papa (along with Craig and 3 year old Will)

I am so thankful for my WONDERFUL in-laws. The first time I met them Craig's dad gave me a big bear hug, and I knew I would be well loved in this family. I couldn't ask for better (except for asking them to move closer to us! :) They are that awesome!

(Kristi, Nikki and families....I am SO thankful for you, too!!)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 19 & 20

I am thankful for this sweet boy.....

And for this season in my life!

I got to have lunch with Will on Thursday and then Anna and I stayed and watched his class do their readers theater play about the pilgrims. Everything I get to experience with Will is new, and a first for me. Sometimes I find myself wishing for the past, or wondering about the future, but Thursday was a reminder to me to just enjoy the present. Will is at such a fun age and grade....he is easy to talk to, he knows and understands probably a lot more than I give him credit for. He is asking questions about things like heaven, and divorce, and I find myself having to stop and really consider my answers....how much info to give, and how to explain things.

Will is a thinker, a planner, he likes routine and stability. He is a true guardian of his younger siblings, and he is very sensitive to others feelings. When I think about the fact that I have already parented Will 1/2 way through his years at home, it makes me even more determined to enjoy the moment. I am so very thankful and blessed to be his mom.

So, I'll leave you with a quote from this summer, I just found in a journal of mine:

Will- Mom, I've been thinking that when I get older I want to play on worship team, like Daddy.

Me- that would be cool, bud

Will- ya....'cause I've been thinking a lot about my future and stuff.