Daily Thanksgiving

A month of thankfulness...a post each day that simply says what I'm thankful for. It doesn't sound so hard and yet for some reason, it seems a daunting task. My mind fills with excuses. We'll be in Guatemala for several days...something to be thankful for...so I won't be able to post EVERY day. Why would you start something you know you can't do? Yet, these are just that, excuses, temptation to not do something...to not give thanks to God...so, with all that in mind, today I begin a series of thankful posts wrapped up in a month of thanksgiving.

Today, I am thankful for the warm sunshine streaming through the window that looked out on snow earlier this week.

I am thankful for Jeffrey...who models Godly character as he patiently shows his younger brother how to play our new Wii game.

I am thankful for Kayla...who lovingly plays with her younger sister, showering her with love and snuggles and kisses.

I am thankful for Nathan...who told me once again this morning that I am his "most precious mommy".

I am thankful for Samantha...who told me last night, for the first time, "wub oo" (love you).

I am thankful that I've been chosen to be a mommy to these precious little people. A calling I don't deserve and don't always appreciate. Today, as I express my thankfulness, I realize it does bring about a happy heart. A heart that recognizes how blessed I am.

Blessings,


Psa 28:7
The LORD is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Sweeter with Sisters

I have to say that one of the greatest blessings in my life is having a sister to share it with. Until Samantha came along, I always felt that Kayla was missing out on something special, by not having a sister. The other morning, Rob snapped these pictures of the girls. What a joy it is to watch my daughters share life together, even in little ways!

Blessings,

Who's A Big Girl Now?

I've finally started actually scrapbooking with my computer, not just doing cards or announcements! =) Rob got some great pictures of Samantha on the swingset this week. She's learning how to get on the swings and make them move. Seriously, you blink and they grow up. What a delight she is in our home. We are incredibly blessed to have been chosen by God to be her parents.

Blessings,

Bucks Lake

Last weekend was our inaugural camping trip in the new trailer. What a blessing that trailer is and what a wonderful time we had. Bucks Lake was a new destination for us. We enjoyed camping with friends, kayaking on the lake, geocaching in the surrounding area and fishing with the kids. All in all, a wonderful weekend. Weather permitting, we hope to get out at least one more time.

Blessings,

Air Races

Mantha and Nathan inside Uncle Matt's Cessna Mustang -- Okay, it's not really his plane, but he worked on the Mustang Team.

It's the most wonderful time of the year here in our valley...it's air race time. Every year, planes from around the world descend upon our town for a week's worth of air racing. They are joined by the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels or the Canadian Snowbirds. This year, it was the Thunderbirds. I always get teary when they start to fly. I am so thankful for the men and women who sacrifice so much to defend our freedom!

The air race course takes the planes directly over our back yard. The kids love running ouside when they hear the sound of the engines. Earlier in the week, Samantha was a little unsure of the noise, but as the week has progressed, she's gotten very excited. Today, we were able to attend the air races at the airport. As you can see in the video, Samantha was excited and scared; nervous and elated all at the same time. She was so cute to watch. She literally squealed in delight and then would throw her hands over her head like she just couldn't stand it.

Watching the Thunderbirds - Waving Bye-Bye

Waiting to spin the Jelly Belly wheel of fortune...Mommy won a Jelly Belly curly straw!

Nathan and Mr. Jelly Belly

Blessings,