Thankful For..

I have so much to be thankful for, and I try to live my life every day thanking God for all that we have. But on this Thanksgiving, I thought I would reflect on some of the things I am thankful for, and they are in no particular order...

- I am thankful for my family, for my husband who has been my best friend for 18 years, and my three children that I adore!
- I am thankful for the health of my family, while we all have our aches and pains, and our minor concerns, we are all here, and none of us are battling a life changing illness.
- I am thankful for the roof over my head. Often times I grump and groan about problems around the house or how I wish our house looked like this or that. But when I lay my head down at night, I am thankful beyond words to have a warm bed and a dry place to sleep.
- I am thankful for a young woman in Korea, that 4 1/2 years ago found herself in a very desperate situation, and rather than think about only herself, she thought about the little baby she was carrying and the life that he could have. I'm thankful for Toby's birthmom!
- I am thankful for my job. As much as I may complain, and wish I could be doing other things (like being at home with my children), I have a job that is about as perfect as it can be for our family!
- I am thankful for my husbands job. That he has a stable, rather secure job, with a God Honoring company.
- I am thankful for our church family, for our Pastors and other members of our church that are always there when we need them, whether it be a simple smile and handshake, or prayer for a situation.
- I am thankful for our Small Group. We love the Cleveland's, Artrip's and Carter's. They have become a support system for us we didn't know we needed!
- I am thankful for our involvement in Senior High Ministries. What a blessing that has been to us and our family. To see God work through the lives of High School Students!
- I am thankful that I have 40 pounds to loose! Not that I'm happy about that, but I am thankful, because that means I don't have to worry about going without food, and neither do my husband or children.
- I am thankful for my parents, who often times I wondered why they were sticking it out together, but now, as a mom and a wife, I see the true love and commitment (through good times and bad) they had for each other, and I see the way God is blessing them during this time of "empty nest". What an example that has been for me.
- I am thankful for my Mother-in-Law, who even when her first marriage didn't work out, she made a wonderful life for her sons, and showed them what it means to be a family, no matter how the family is formed! What a blessing that has been for us!
- I am thankful for the many men and women who serve so sacrificially that I may have peace, comfort and freedom. I am thankful for the family members of our military that spend so much time away from their loved ones, for my benefit.
- I am thankful that I live in a country where I am free to worship my Creator!
- I am thankful that by the Grace of God, I am forgiven. I can live each day new, knowing that the mistakes I have made are washed away, as far as the East is from the West. That God loves me and he cherishes me, and of all the people that love me on earth, nothing can compare to His Love!

The list could go on and on, and I'm sure as the day goes on and we reflect, I will come up with many more. But it is time to go and be thankful for turkey and stuffing! God Bless you all. I pray you take the time to make a Thankful list this Thanksgiving day!

God is Good

Daddy Daughter Dance 2009

Not sure if this will be the last one, but Nate and Taylor enjoyed yet another Daddy Daughter Dance. I believe this was their 7th one. Taylor is growing up before our eyes. This year she wanted an "up" do, so we did our best, especially considering we had an Upward game for Drew and she had play practice until 4. And with Nate's ankle still healing, I had to be their driver for the evening.

Here is Taylor alone, enjoying the attention.


And here are the two of them at the dance. Taylor said she tried to hide Daddy's boot :)


God is Good!

Toby's School Photo

Here is Toby's preschool picture. He has grown so much since last year.

God is Good

School Pictures

Another year, another school photo! Such precious Kids! We haven't gotten Toby's back yet, but soon, I'm sure!

God is Good!

Veteran's Day 2009 - Freedom Isn't Free

I think this video says it all! Thank you to all of our Veterans and their families for the sacrifices you made to protect me and my family! God Bless you all!

Drew, Being Drew!

I LOVE this kid!!

God is Good!