How Could I Be Anything But Thankful?

When I look back at some of this pics over the years, I can only say how grateful I am that God gave J to us when He did. He is such evidence of God's best for our lives. My mama heart is overwhelmed and my eyes are brimming with tears of gratefulness.

From the day you were born,

to first teeth and first Thanksgivings,

to first birthdays,

to the first time pitching with Daddy's old glove,

and to first trophies...

to the many, many more memories we are so blessed to have. My heart is overwhelmed with gratefulness for my son with the loving heart, the adorable belly laugh, the competitive spirit, the best hugs and this amazing amount of potential. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for J.

It has been eight wonderful years...sure there have been trials. And yes, there was that time you put stickers all over the closet door, cut your brand new shirt at preschool, broke one of my favorite figurines, or that day when you came home from school crying because of the bullies... but son, the blessings way outweigh those trials. I hope that Daddy and I will always seek God's wisdom as we help mold you into a man of character.

I love you, J. And I am so very thankful to be your mommy!

Better Late than Never

So I have been pretty sick the past couple of days and haven't had the energy to blog. So here is the next thing I am thankful for....



I am grateful to have such a wonderful husband. He has been such a great help these past couple of days...taking care of J, cleaning the house (because he knows I can't stand it to be dirty!), and just being there for me.

This coming year will be our 10th anniversary. We have definitely had our ups and downs, but God is faithful. I am so blessed to have a man like Tim in my life. Here are some of the things I love most about him (in no particular order):

His positive outlook
The way he laughs at himself when he makes a clever remark
His passion for people
His determination to be a good husband and provider
How loud he sings at church
The way he loves to help people...any time, any day
How he is still a kid at heart
How he desires so greatly to be used of God

I could go on and on and on...but I am truly thankful for Tim.

I love you, Honey!

I've Got Plenty to be Thankful For!

I love the old movie Holiday Inn...where Bing Crosby sings the song with the above title. Anyway, I do have so much to be thankful for, so I am going to spend a little time this month writing some of those things down.

First and foremost, I am thankful for my Lord Jesus who gave His live for me. I am grateful for His word and how he speaks to me through it. I am grateful that I am His child...and nothing can ever take that away.

My Achy, Breaky Heart

Before you get on to me for using the title of a one hit wonder Billy Ray Cyrus song, it really does sum up how I am feeling today.

Do you ever just have those days where you just don't know what to do as a parent? Well, today was one of them for me.

Poor J had a rough day at school. His class was supposed to work on a diorama of Ramona Quimby, Age 8. Now if you know J, you know that art is not his gift, but we always encourage him to do his best to use the creativity that God has given him. But somewhere along the line, this "attitude" comes out when it comes to doing art. Anyway, the diorama had to come home with him to work on this weekend. This was just the beginning.

After several near meltdowns, we hit the final straw...cleaning up the playroom. A simple task, but not so simple tonight. The "attitude" came back for a visit.

Somedays, it seems like no matter what you do or say as a mom, you just can't get through. By the end of our conversation, he hit the melting point.

After trying to get through to him, it was just time for bed. He was exhausted; we were exhausted. We prayed with him and tucked him in with lots of hugs and kisses.

But still I wonder how I am going to get through to him tomorrow. For him to know that he is smart, and fun, and a beautiful child of God.

Sometimes I miss those baby days...where you can just hug them and kiss them and they know they are loved and they are special.

I know I'll be doing lots of praying tonight...praying for J, praying for wisdom for us as parents, and praying that God would heal a few achy, breaky hearts.

Some more chocolate for your life...

Photo by Ree (The Pioneer Woman)
Ah, I love Virginia, but the weather here has been a bit bleak...sprinkling...cloudy...cool. So, everyone needs a little something to perk us up!

Check out this recipe from the Pioneer Woman. If you haven't checked out her cooking blog before, I am warning you...you will be hooked! Ah, I just love it!

Today, Ree posted this recipe for truffles with sea salt. They look yummy! Check it out!!

Finally Home

I had such a great time in Springfield. It was so refreshing to have girl time with my friends, to see dear former coworkers, and to eat at all of my favorite restaurants. :) I truly felt so loved.

I think I figured out that I slept a total of 22 hours over 5 days, but it was definitely worth it!

AND, my house survived!

Going "Home"

This weekend, I am going to be going back to Springfield to visit my dear friend Katie who will be getting married soon. I am looking forward to girl time...hanging out, laughing until we are sick, and then laughing some more (not to mention mass quantities of Cheddar's spinach dip).

I also get to spend time with my dear friend Paula. It has been way too long!

I am looking forward to going, but I am wondering how I am going to feel. I haven't been back to Springfield in over two years. I miss so many things there still...and I miss the people even more. I think this will be a bittersweet time.

Anyway, T and J are going to have guys night while I am gone. Pizza, movies, camping out in the living room. J likes guys night because he can burp all he wants. Ahh, the little things in life. :)

Hopefully my house is still intact when I return!