I am Full. . .

It's the last day of the Gratitude Challenge. I wasn't able to post each day, but my heart has been grateful as I count my blessings, naming them one by one.

I have been full with the goodness of the Lord, full with the many, many blessings that He's showered down into the life of my family and my friends, the blessings He's showered in my own heart. I am full!



And today I want to share with you a very special blessing. . .it hasn't quite arrived, but he is still a blessing nonetheless. . .

"This is the LORD's doing;

it is marvellous in our eyes."

-Psalm 118:23

This little blessing has filled our lives with so much joy and we stand in awe at an Almighty God.



This little blessing has been swimming and growing and sprouting and rolling and tumbling and hiccuping and stretching and tugging and pushing and kicking and turning and flexing his way into our hearts for days and days and days. . . and we gladly receive him.



God has done a mighty thing in our lives and we are so extremely grateful. . . it still brings me to tears (even as I type these words) to see where he's brought us from. Our hearts grow fuller and fuller with the passing of each day. . .waiting, in hopeful expectation, each day full of giving Glory to God. Full of thanksgiving. (Glory to Your Name, Father!!)



I am humbled,

I am overwhelmed,

I am glad,

I am over-joyed,

I am running out of words. . .

If I had ten thousand tongues, I still couldn't praise Him enough. . .



I am just so thankful.

God is so incredibly good.

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Little Things

What amazes me about God is how He works in the small things. Little things that bring me joy and wonder, as it just shows God's hand all along. I know this may seem silly to some, but to me, it's just noticing the tiny gifts He gives along the way. Here's what I mean. . .

• The toy train that my son loves to push around and around the house, was given to my oldest daughter for her 1st birthday. She never really played with it much, neither did my other daughter, but for some reason, we never gave it away. Now I know why!


• In college, the scholarship program I was in did a lot of community service. Who knew that the sidewalk chalk we used to make signs on campus, would also be the same chalk my children would use to make designs on our patio?


• A bible given to me for my high school graduation, and one in honor of my wedding, are now both used as study Bibles for my daughters in our history lessons.


• All of the puzzles, animal/insect books, construction paper, work/coloring books, pencils that my parents have always given my children for Christmas, birthdays, "just because" days, are now being used in our schoolroom. Who knew we'd ever be a homeschooling family? I had never "planned" to homeschool before becoming a mom, and even years into motherhood. Thank God that He knows much better than me! (Grateful to be homeschooling!)

I could probably go on and on and on. I encourage you to look back over your lives and see the ways that God's hand guided your life. It may be huge things; it may be little things. No matter how great or small, I believe if we look hard enough, we can see how faithful He has been.

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Yummy Birthday Surprise!

Dear Husband recently had a birthday and of course I am super thankful for that!!!



The kids and I showered him with gifts of love, and hugs, and kisses, and birthday cards, and a dessert!

Pumpkin Trifle

Husband likes pumpkin and whipped cream, so I thought this would be the perfect birthday dessert for him. Click HERE to find the recipe at Women Living Well. The kids and I had fun making this dessert. It was our 1st time making a trifle, ever, and it turned out great. My husband thought it was really good, too! (Even I think it's pretty good, and I'm not a fan of pumpkin or whipped cream!)



I'm thankful for having a Husband to make desserts for. I'm thankful for children who wanted to help make Daddy a yummy treat. Thank You, God for Your blessings.

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Puppies

Today I am thankful for 2 puppies.



As I mentioned before, our dog had puppies 2 weeks ago. . .

The puppies below are 2 out of a litter 7. . . the only 2 that survived--we originally thought that 5 would make it, but it wasn't so. They are 2 weeks old today.

Puppies asleep in a basket. . .camera shy. :o)

The past 2 weeks have been filled with wonder, sadness, tears, joy, laughter, exhaustion, frustration, helping, all because of the puppies, the process. We own both the "mom" (Meridius) and the "dad" (Wimbley) as our pets, and they had a rough couple of weeks as well.

Meridius nursing her pups

Meridius couldn't figure out what was wrong with her little ones who didn't survive, licking them and "nosing" them, trying to get them to perk up. It was so sad. . .but 2 survived. Meridius has been sleeping a lot, regaining her strength, healing. Also, after some discussion, along with the veterinarian's advice, my husband and I decided that Wimbley should go in to be neutered. So, he's been in "recovery" mode, too.

Wimbley

This was their 2nd litter and it was a very similar experience as the last time. They had 4 puppies that time, and only 2 survived. It was horrible both times, so I will spare you the details of their deaths. . .it wasn't pretty, a bit difficult for the family . . . but at least 2 survived.



The reason I can be grateful on the other side of all of this, is because I serve an awesome God, Who is capable of showing me the good in the midst of the bad. This experience has helped my children understand how precious life is, to know a little bit of pain so that we could teach them to turn to God in prayer in their time of need.



It has taught them responsibility in caring for the puppies: cleaning their blankets, retrieving the puppy that likes to burrow under the blankets, helping me with various tasks throughout the day. We've been blessed to see our children take the initiative to help wherever they can. It's been a family project, a family blessing.



So, we are grateful for the 2 that made it!!

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Little Moments

I was invited to a tea party/picnic by my younger daughter, TM. So there we sat on the floor with all of our "food" and tea party items, along with a few stuffed animals. My oldest daughter decided to join us, and told us that whenever we sipped our tea, we had to "stick our pinkies out"! Strawberries, grapes, chicken legs, corn-on-the-cob, crossaints, waffles, hotdogs and more--what a spread! Good "food," fun, and lady-like fellowship!

This wasn't our tea party today, but this is an

example of the "spread" my girls usually have! :)

Later on, while the girls went outside to play, my son asked me if I could watch him play the computer. So, I told him that I would sit next to him and watch him. (He sure is good at the pizza game!) He was even more thrilled when I brought my laptop over and we sat, side-by-side, both "doing the computer" as he says. Every now and then, he'd glance over and smile at me or give me a little kiss on my arm! LOL

Me and JR, taken last winter. . .Valentine's Day.

It's the little moments like these that I cherish! It's so sweet!!!! (I'm a mushy mom.) It is also very informative: my girls want me to be actively engaged, participating, joining in. My son wants me to just be near, accompany him, observe. Very interesting. . .  I love those little people!



I'm thankful for little moments with my children!

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Is It My Neighbors?

Last year, when I did this gratitude challenge, I mentioned my good neighbors. Well, it turns out, I have to mention them again! They are a sweet, sweet couple who live across the street. They look out for us, without being nosey and that is something I greatly appreciate. We have shared great laughs, blizzards, wind storms, earthquakes, personal grief, and many blessings. Let me tell you what I think they may be up to now. . .



Thursdays is recycling day in our neighborhood. And in our home, I am in charge of the recycling, mostly because I'm the one who doesn't mind retrieving items out of the regular trash to place with the recyclable items. Anyway, our city gave everyone these large recycling bins on wheels. So, on Thursday mornings, I wheel my bin out to the curb for pick up. These days, however, I'm doing a bit of a waddle-walk down the driveway, because of my sweet "tummy" blessing, who, if God be pleased, is on his way in a few weeks. :)



Well, around lunch time, I usually go out to retrieve the bin and wheel it back up the driveway. For the past couple of weeks, I look out the front door, and the bin is gone! I look over near the garage, and there the bin is, perfectly placed in its spot. To some that's not a big deal, but let me tell you, it's a small thing that brings me so much joy. Although physically, I must look a sight wheeling that bin up the driveway, it isn't too much to handle. And, Husband is more than willing to take care of it for me, but it's just something I don't mind doing. Even still, to go outside and see that the bin has been returned, with no evidence of who's done it, well, that just brings a huge grin to my face!



I see my good neighbors pretty regularly and neither of them has mentioned it, which makes it even more special. They aren't looking for praise or recognition; they just want to be helpful. (I'm pretty sure it's them!) And something that small makes my heart glad. So, once again, if God says the same, I see another tasty, homemade pound cake in their future (especially since I know it's their favorite cake)!



I thank God for my neighbors!

READ MORE - Is It My Neighbors?

He Saved My Soul!!

 (3) For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. ⁴

(4) But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ⁵

(5) not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ⁶

(6) whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
⁸ ~Titus 3:3-6

My soul is overwhelmed, that I cry out in worship, tears of joy, because of such an amazing gift. I am not worthy; it isn't because of what I've done, but simply because of His mercy. Thank You, Lord, I am justified by Your grace. Without grace and mercy, where would I be?

Thank God for His free gift of salvation!

READ MORE - He Saved My Soul!!

I'm Exhausted!

Today, I am thankful that a very full day is drawing to a close!



You see, my dog (Meridius) went into labor Sunday afternoon around 4:30pm. Her last puppy was born today (Monday) around 2:00pm. My husband and I were up, off and on, throughout the night to check on her and the puppies. She had 7 puppies altogether, but only 5 survived. That's a lot for our dog; she's a miniature Schnauzer. This is her 2nd litter. In her first litter, she only had 4. This is what the 1st litter looked like. . .

Meridius was originally in the bathroom downstairs during most of the process, but my husband thought she needed a little more space. We have a closet that opens into our kitchen, but is underneath our staircase. It is supposed to be a coat closet, but because of it's odd, sloping angles, we use it to house some of the childrens' toys and books. They are the only ones who can stand up straight in there! LOL

Anyway, my sweet, lovely babes cleaned that closet out for me, removing the shelf, baskets, and crates, so that our dog and her puppies could have more room. It was a blessing in disguise because it allowed us to reorganize things. (Especially before those well-meaning grandparents/aunts/uncles give the kids more books and toys for Christmas!) We have a 3 pile rule for cleaning out rooms and closets: give away, trash, and keep. My girls made their piles and we found a temporary location for their items. Meanwhile, Meridius and her little pups settled in nicely and they are getting the hang of resting and nursing.

Of course today has been filled with lots and lots of cleaning and lots and lots of questions! :) I'm learning from you veteran homeschoolers out there, that teachable moments can occur at any moment. So our little dog, and her puppies, are currently the subject of our Nature Journals. My girls have been jotting down notes about the happenings around here all day.

As fun as the day has been for them, for all of the enriching, interesting conversations we've had, I am thankful that things have settled down--Mommy's ready to go to bed!!

Thank You, Lord, that after an exhausting day, I can get some rest!

READ MORE - I'm Exhausted!

Sweet Gifts

One of the sweetest, most precious gifts my Heavenly Father could have ever bestowed upon my husband and me. . .being parents.

I am so thankful for them, words just cannot express my gratitude to God for the ways these little ones have blessed my heart. Motherhood is such a privilege, a welcomed responsibility, a humbling experience, an eye-opening journey. . .all leading me closer to the Lord. By serving them, raising them, loving them, teaching them, showing them, praying for them, training them, giving to them, I am doing it all for the glory of God. It is an indescribable feeling to know such love, such responsibility, such joy. I am so thankful.



From the bottom of my heart, thank You, God, for my children!

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Husband. . .

Husband, as I affectionately call him, is my very best friend. I am so thankful to be his wife. He has shown me so much, encouraged me in so many things--to be better, to do better, to remain steadfast, to dig deeper. I love him for this, because without him, I don't think I would have pushed myself outside of my comfort zone. I am thankful to be under his leadership, thankful for his boldness for Christ, thankful for his willingness to protect our children, thankful for his determination, thankful for the ways in which he sacrifices for me--thus demonstrating his love. As he will readily tell you, Husband is not a perfect man, but he is just right for me.

Dinner Cruise--Wedding Anniversary 2010

Thank You, God for the husband You gave me. He has been a great gift; thank You!

READ MORE - Husband. . .

Free to Worship

I thank God that I am free to worship Him!

Today, while sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office, I saw the most uplifting and heart-warming thing. There were 2 women seated to my left, one older, one younger. The older woman took out her Bible and the younger woman took out a Bible study book. And there, in the waiting room, they began to study the Word of God. . . the older woman asking the younger questions about a previous passage, what stood out to her, any questions she had. The younger woman eager and willing to respond and to learn. Then they moved on to a passage of Scripture in the New Testament about the healing power of Jesus Christ.

How touching and how moving on so many levels! The older woman training the younger (Titus 2:3-5), the 2 of them unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16), the liberty of worshiping right where they were (2 Corinthians 3:17).

It blessed my heart. I realize that there are many around the world who do not have this same freedom, because of the laws of the land. And so today, I am grateful that I live in a country in which my family and I can worship the LORD (Joshua 24:15).

Thank God that I can worship Him freely!

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Homeschooling Meeting

I am thankful for homeschooling!!

Today, my county had a meeting for new homeschooling parents. It wasn't mandatory, but the county wanted to welcome us to homeschooling, and ensure that we knew what our rights were under our State law. How encouraging!!! The homeschooling personnel covered key points, passed out copies of our laws, and listed the various ways they could be contacted. They welcomed our children to the meeting, applauded our efforts to be responsible for educating our children, and opened up a question & answer session at the end of their presentation.

While this may sound dull and boring and not in the least bit exciting, I must say that it was super encouraging for me! Being new to homeschooling, I am still learning and understanding things that many veteran homeschoolers already know. It was also encouraging because the homeschooling staff was friendly, professional, engaging, informative, and non-judgemental, as many of them had homeschooled their own children. There are many horror stories out there about lawmakers over-stepping their boundaries in regulating homeschooling. I've heard many terrible things about public school officials not really supporting home education. It's just enough to scare new homeschooling families away, or cause a sense of panic or stress.

While those things are certainly and unfortunately true in many cases, I praise God that He showed me that is not always the case. Sometimes, public school officials think that homeschooling is a great alternative and they are glad to uphold the parent's right to make that choice. I am praising God for the peace that He put into my heart at today's meeting. I am praising God for the path that He has set us on. I don't know where all of the twists and bends will be that we may encounter on this journey, but I am so thankful that God is leading the way.

Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to homeschool my children!!!

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Food, Family, Fun--Gratitude Challenge

It's that time of year again. . . .the Gratitude Challenge is back. It is hosted by Brenda over at Garden of Learning. The way the challenge works is to post each day (if you can!) in November something, anything, that you are grateful to God for. It can be something as precious as your salvation, or something whimsical like snowflakes and candy canes!! Some will post all 30 days; some will do a few days here or there. You can write a post, or you can post a picture.  .  .it's up to you; just head over to Garden of Learning to link up and meet other grateful bloggers! I'm sure we agree that we all have something to thank God for. Here we go. . .



I am thankful for "family time" moments that occur in my home.



Yesterday, I promised the kids that we would make Crispy Rice snacks in the shape of pumpkins. . .to remind us that God is Lord of the Harvest! Although He is spiritually Lord of the Harvest (Matthew 9:35-38), bringing us unto Himself, redeeming us to work for Him, I explained to the kiddos that He is also Lord of the Harvest, literally. All of the blessings of nourishment we receive is by the Hand of God. And during this season, we want to honor the Lord for the harvest He has provided.



Any way, we made these tasty treats and everyone found their way into the kitchen to help out in some way.

The idea for these yummies can be found HERE,

 from Mama Jen's blog.

All 5 of us were in the kitchen stirring, measuring, pouring, tasting, mixing, dipping, more tasting. :o) It was so much fun, especially since the guys (Husband and son) joined in! It wasn't planned that way; the girls and I were going to make them, but the more the merrier!!

Impromptu family time--a blessing!

READ MORE - Food, Family, Fun--Gratitude Challenge

My Son's Birthday! (Music Mondays)

Today is my son's birthday. He is officially 4 years old and boy, is he proud!



I am thankful for my son, my live-in super hero, protector against all enemies, real or imagined. He is such a source of joy and laughter in our lives and we are so grateful for him. I must say that each day of having him as my son is a complete adventure.



You see, after having 2 daughters, I became used to all things girly and had an automatic, built-in understanding of the all the female quirks of a young lady in the making. But oh, to have a boy! It has been a SUPER fun learning experience. It's amazing to see how God created this little boy--just so intrinsically "manly" yet my "baby" at the same time, with glimpses of how he'll be when he's a grown-up man. Simply fascinating!



So on to the music part, right?! Here is our family singing happy birthday to our brand new 4 year old!

My Husband's "lovely" singing voice! LOL

He does it all the time to make us all laugh.

READ MORE - My Son's Birthday! (Music Mondays)

30 Days Have Come and Gone

Today, I am thankful for this Gratitude Challenge.



I have enjoyed 30 wonderful days of counting my blessings. This challenge has shown me that everyday, I can choose to be thankful. God has so graciously blessed me that there is always something to appreciate in my life. From the HUGE things, like salvation and the precious gift of Jesus Christ; to the small things like my favorite tea and a good movie. I can always be thankful.



This challenge has also put me in the good company of other bloggers, women who are striving to be better wives, better mothers, and most importantly, better daughters of our King. I have been blessed to read your comments on my blog and to have you join me in my journey. I have been blessed to visit your blogs and read about the things and people you are thankful for. You ladies have been such an encouragement to me, reminding me even more of how much God has done.



God bless Brenda at Garden of Learning for this wonderful idea. It has been fun and has truly been something I'll always remember.

{This post is linked here.}

Thank God for the blessings of this Gratitude Challenge.

{Click here for the reason behind this challenge.}

READ MORE - 30 Days Have Come and Gone

Sequence of Events

Today, I am thankful for the sequence of events in my life.



Over time, I can see how the Lord's hand has been at work in the past to effect the future.



For example, by going off to college, God allowed me to meet my future Husband, and now we are married with 3 lovely kids. (I have no doubt that there were many other numerous ways that God would have brought Husband and I together. However, this is the way it occurred.)



On a more minor note. . .remember that tree branch I told you all about, that fell the other day? Well, my Husband had to chop that branch into more manageable pieces. That fallen branch has now provided our family with more firewood to help keep us warm this winter.



Also, the fallen branch gave Husband and I some time alone. On Sunday afternoon, I went out to assist him with the branch. He and the chain saw were busy with the larger, main branch that fell. I gathered the smaller twigs and branches into piles for him. This time spent gave us the chance to discuss some recent decisions we made. During this discussion, the Lord just unified our hearts all the more about the situation.



It was such a blessing, that little 1/2 hour of time. . . brought about because the wind knocked down part of our tree!

God is good.

{This post is linked here.}

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Worship

Today, I am thankful that I can worship freely.



We went to church today, as is customary in our home on Sunday mornings.

It is a blessing to be able to sing, pray, read and hear God's Word, as a family.

It is a blessing to be able to do these things without fear or threat of harm or violence.

It is a blessing to see our little ones bow their heads in a word of prayer.

It is a blessing to discuss with Husband today's sermon topic on our way home from church.



Even more, I am blessed to know Who it is I worship and why I worship.

I worship the Lord because He is my Savior, my King. He is Creator of all, He is my Refuge, He is my Provider, He is a righteous God, full of grace and mercy.



I worship the Lord because He saw fit to save my soul.

He picked me up out of the pit of filth and the death of sin and gave me a Way called Jesus!

I can't help but to worship and live my life in worship to the true and living God!!

"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling,

and to present you faultless

before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

to the only wise God our Saviour,

be glory and majesty,

dominion and power,

both now and ever.

Amen."

-Jude, vs. 24, 25

{This post is linked here.}



Thank God for worship!

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Baby It's Cold Outside

Today, I am thankful for heat in my home.



I know that may sound trivial, but I do not like being cold. Last night our temps dropped into the 30's . . . shiver, shiver, brrrrr!



I'm thankful for a working furnace, which we try SO hard not to run in order to keep costs down.

I'm thankful for a wood burning stove and dry, seasoned wood to burn.

I'm thankful for Husband who can build a roaring fire in that wood burning stove, in lieu of running the furnace.

I'm thankful for a family who will snuggle and cuddle with me.

I'm thankful for blankets, sweaters, socks, coats, hats, and the like.

I'm thankful for hot running water.

I'm thankful for hot tea, a stove and oven.

I'm thankful today, for there is always something to thank God for--even the simple things!

{This post is linked here.}

Praise God for a warm home! May we find ways to bless those this season who are in need of something warm.

{Click here for the reason behind this post.}

READ MORE - Baby It's Cold Outside

The Day After

Today, I am thankful for the day after Thanksgiving!!



One tradition I started for our family is decorating our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving.



Growing up, my family decorated our Christmas tree on any random day in December and sometimes it fell on Christmas Eve! My dad was always looking for a bargain on a real Christmas tree for my mom because she likes the smell of the fresh pine.



Well, Husband and I on the other hand, have a nice, big, fake Christmas tree! So I feel like, what's the wait? Let's get the tree up as soon as Thanksgiving is over! But because our children are young and since Husband is usually working this day, the responsibility to decorate was pretty much on me.



But this year, it was the kids who asked me first thing this morning, "Aren't we going to decorate the Christmas tree?!!" I thought, okay, so the kids are paying attention to my little tradition, huh? So, after eating breakfast and getting some laundry going, we pushed the Christmas tree box out of the garage into the house and got things started.



My children, even my 3 year old son, were diligent in helping me put the tree up and decorate it. Of course there were a few spots that had about 5 ornaments on one branch! LOL But who cares? My children were glad to do it and  it helped lighten my load. We turned on some Christmas music and took a couple of breaks to sing and dance, but in about 2 hours the tree was up and decorated!!

{This post is linked here.}

Enjoy this beautiful holiday season!

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Thanksgiving Day

Today I am thankful that I have a family to enjoy Thanksgiving Day with.



We are blessed with love, laughter, and good food.

We are blessed to have Holiday traditions--

some passed down to us, some we've created on our own.

We are blessed to have children to share these traditions with.

We are blessed with life, health, and strength today.

We are blessed that we can look back over our lives and

reflect on the ways the Lord has brought us through.

We are blessed!

{This posted is linked here.}

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!!!!!!

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