Splash in the Rain Puddles

There are few things about winter that make me super happy.  Of course there are all of the wonderful holidays and gatherings that happen during this time of year...which I absolutely love.....but I'm talking about the winter weather.  The cold, the bare trees, the short daylight hours, the freezing rain, the snow...things of that nature.....I'm just not a huge fan.  However there is one thing that I do love as a result of all those things.  Actually two things.  First the fact that it means I get to see a lot more of my hubby and second is this..... This is a wonderful thing.  We had our first fire of the season last night and it made the fact that it was cold and rainy outside so much more manageable.  This is by far one of the best features of our home.  I love the atmosphere it creates, the smell it makes, the sounds of the crackling wood, and most of all the toasty warmth it brings to my body.  I've been known to fall asleep on th...

So here we are on the other side of the storm.....the refrigerator is still stocked, the bathtubs still filled with water, the flashlights and the generator still on standby.  In other words....we never lost power!!!  which is mind boggling considering how hard it was blowing and raining.....the lights flashed throughout the day but never went off completely.  We are so thankful electricity and our thoughts are with all those who are still without power.  Spending over 24 hours confined to our house with my 2 boys made me even more grateful for our spacious back yard where we spend the majority of our time.  Whew....those boys need open air.....bouncing off the walls does not even begin to describe the situation in our house around 6pm last night :)  But I do love them dearly.  And am so thankful that we are safe and sound and leaving Sandy in our past.  I'm anxious to see what the daylight brings.  More updates to come on the ...

well....our refrigerators are stocked, bathtubs are filled with water, the generator is on standby and we are fully supplied with batteries for our flashlights and lanterns....thank you dad :).  Now we wait.  And hope for the best.  I must say it is slightly unnerving for this land-locked Ohio native to be sitting right in the center of the path of a hurricane.  My first experience was last fall with Hurricane Irene, but that didn't seem to compare in size to this one.  So we give it to God....as He calls us to do.  For reasons we don't understand he is allowing this storm to occur.  As I wrote a few posts back, we trust Him and His purposes.  Thank you to all who have been checking in on us and praying for our safety.  We are so thankful for a warm and sturdy home where we can be safe from this storm.  The lights just flashed a few times so power may be on the way out.  That's my cue to wrap this up I ...

I just have to say ...... If this doesn't bring a smile to your face then I really do not know what will. My police officer and Jake (and the Neverland pirates) all ready for costume day at school.  They were so proud of their costumes :)  Trick or Treat!   Chase was so excited about all of his candy!  I joined Chase's class for their party ..... here's a peek at his class enjoying snack time It's been a busy time at preschool these last 2 week with parties, special activities, and field trips.  Last week I went with Jack to Mr. Pepper's Pumpkin patch where the kids learned about all the different types of pumpkins and then got to pick one of their own!  Loved spending this time with my oldest :)  Happy Friday and Happy Birthday to my wonderful father-in-law!!  We love you Dad!!

I cherish my mornings with the Lord.  The early hour of the morning when my kids are still sleeping and the house is silent.  Every morning is treasured, but there are those in particular when God speaks to me so directly through His word that I can only smile and feel so secure and anchored by the One who knows me best.  This was such a morning.... my reading was from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.  "Therefore we do not lose heart....For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal work of glory....For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."  I am so thankful for this reminder that even when we think we are at the end of our rope, there is always hope in Jesus.  I read somewhere that faith in God does not make troubles disappear but it makes troubles appear less frightening because we have the right perspective.  I need to continual...

I know we are beyond blessed when my son has 15 people show up at his soccer game to cheer him on....when they travel many miles to be here for his birthday party....when I see the smiles of my sweet niece and nephew....when my boy hugs me and says, "mommy that was the best birthday ever!"...when my mother-in-law spends hours creating a birthday cake with a combine on it because that's what the birthday boy wanted....when I'm thinking how fortunate I am to have two amazing sisters-in-law who also happen to be two of my closest buddies .... when both sides of our family gather together and there is joy and happiness....and how I know that no matter what I can always count on each of those people, leaning on their constant love and support.  So to our families....you guys rock.  You made Jack's weekend over-the-top special.  We are blessed beyond measure.  A few looks from the weekend....compliments of Aunt Mal :) ...

Five years ago today my life changed forever when we welcomed Jack Charles into this world.  At that very moment everything changed.  In that instant it was no longer about me...but it was about that child that God had given me.  A miracle....plopped right into my arms for me to love and nurture and ultimately, give back to Him.  What a journey the last five years have been.  Mothering Jack has brought me to my knees and has given me a realization that apart from God's strength, this would be a nearly impossible job. :)  His strong will never ceases to amaze me.  Can't he just give in once in awhile?!  His passion for working and diligence in everything that he does seems to be a unique trait for a boy of his age.  His ability to hear something once...remember it....and then use it in the proper context weeks later....it's a mystery to me.  What a joy....what a privilege to be a witness to his life.  There is a special bond b...

Yesterday morning I was getting Chase dressed before Jack ... which rarely happens. Jack was jumping around in Chase's room one moment and in the next moment was gone.  A few minutes passed and when he reappeared he was fully dressed.  This was a big deal.  "Look what I did mommy!" he yelled all while smiling, jumping and dancing around the room.  I was so proud....considering I usually lay his clothes out for him and help him along with the process.  So here was the dilemma.  The clothes he had on were the same ones he wore the day before....he had retrieved them from the dirty clothes basket.  His pants and shirt were backwards, his underwear was inside out and his socks didn't match. What's a mom to do?  Ever-so-lovingly tell him how proud I am...but let him know that he got it all wrong....without somehow bursting his bubble?  Or do I just let it ride?... and believe that one day soon he will know that the hamper is not the...