Posts

Thankful

It's Thanksgiving Day.   My most favorite holiday.  I believe with all my heart that when we practice gratitude....when we feel it deeply and sincerely...for everything God has given us...the good, the bad, the times when we feel like everything is falling apart and the times when we feel ecstatic about the good things that are  happening...when at the end of the day we feel a deep and sincere gratitude....it brings a peace that has no explanation other than the goodness of our God.  There are times in life that need to be documented....written down in order to process and grasp the reality of a situation.  I actually have this handwritten from several months ago, but wanted to put it up on the blog to give it a bit of permanence to come back to.  Obviously, it's been a minute since my last post.  I wrapped up last year's school year in a whirlwind with lots of volunteer hours as 8th grade class coordinator and a sweet conclusion to my oldest's middle school days.  We r
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It's Christmastime!  Decorations have been put up...cookies have been baked....presents have been bought...and presents have been wrapped....we've watched Christmas movies....sung Christmas carols....watched Christmas programs....and wore Christmas sweaters.  And yet at the end of the day, those things are not what fill my heart with the joy of the season.  As much as I love this season, it is hard to not get frustrated with what the world has turned it into.  My kids will testify to the fact that during the month of December I tend to climb up on a soapbox.  I climb up there and continue to remind them....this is not about us!!  it's not about how many presents we have under the tree, it's not about making sure we buy our kids every last thing they have put on their Christmas lists, it's not about how many lights we put on our houses, or how perfectly we decorate our trees.  What it IS about, is Jesus...understanding how he came, why he came...and realizing that th
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Much has happened in the month that has passed since my last post!  Commitments and life seem to have squeezed most minutes of free time out of my days, but finally I find myself here on this Veteran's Day with some moments to catch up.  I'm so grateful today and everyday, for those who have served our country so selflessly and honorably.  I want to never take for granted the freedom that we as Americans, so often overlook.  My heart is sincerely grateful to each and every one that has served.   Over the last few weeks we wrapped up Jack's last middle school soccer season, finished up Luke's first flag football season, had a glorious beach day on a hot fall day, celebrated my baby's 8th birthday, added two more pets to the family (thanks to my baby's 8th birthday 😊), continued our trick or treat tradition with sweet friends, celebrated another year of hubby's life, checked out a potential high school for Jack for next year, and celebrated a championship win

14

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Fourteen years.  Fourteen years ago I became a mom for the very first time...and in a moment, felt a love that I had never felt before.  Jack, you make my heart so proud.  Your voice is deepening, your legs are lengthening, your world is expanding...and watching you grow is one of my life's greatest joys.  You have a work ethic that is nearly unheard of, you have a mind that always wants to know more, and you have a heart full of all the very best things.  I'm amazed that this is my little boy who had a will as strong as an ox....who almost broke his mama on many occasions.  Shew, what a handful.  But you, my firstborn son, have taught me so much....perseverance, patience, gratitude...and to think this is still just the beginning.  The beginning to your life that I pray is full of seeking God every day....finding so much joy along the way...and never compromising what you stand for.  Happy 14th Jack!  

Wrapping up summer

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Another summer has come and gone, and we've already got a few days of school under our belts.  I'm pretty sure this was our fastest moving summer yet.  It felt like we just paused briefly from school, and now we're right back to it.  Except now I have two middle schoolers and a second grader.  YIKES!  Our last year with all 3 boys at ECS.  It makes my heart hurt to think about that....but so excited for a great 8th grade year for Jack.   and now for a quick, end-of-summer recap... lots of Sunday night pool dinners with our crew... 4th of July fun lots of camping... lots of smores... lots of baseball... games with Gramps...     fun on the bike trails.. lots more smores... and even more baseball... with some very dedicated fans fun at home... a quick dinner out with my hubby State Fair fun... food! farming equipment! and of course the Ferris wheel... with a great view on the very top Farming fun... more pool fun more hard work... more camping with friends waterpark fun... cra