39 years and counting

Today is my mom and dads 39th anniversary...and I am thankful

360. for two parents that have continually shown me how to love
361. cake at my brothers house...laughter...tears running down our faces...corn syrup
362. peace
363. my dads voice through the phone...my moms hug from close...anniversary miles apart...but hearts close
364. snow days...for mommies!
365. the sears repair man...fixing my washing machine
366. giant snowballs taller than boys
367. driving tests passed
368. babies
369. my husband...my friend and love
370. soft pink sheets...quilts and rugs

My wish is that you too may be thankful for the little things...

Hubby....

Its not valentines day....or our anniversary....but just a rainy Spring day and yet today as I think about what I am thankful for...my thoughts can't help but wander to how thankful I am for you... my dear wonderful husband. I am proud to be your wife....I love who you are and the strength of character that you possess. You are consistently the same giving, thoughtful man to the stranger on the street or our children, day in and day out. I am thankful that you choose us...everyday.

You choose to be attentive...here...and joyful.

For this I am grateful and I cherish the wonderful memories that we share. I love you!

Book Review: Sabbath

I was really looking forward to reviewing the new book by Dan B Allender, Sabbath, from the ancient practices series. It seems in the last few years I have been drawn to studying about the Sabbath. I have researched the Saturday verses Sunday opinions and was hoping to gain some new insights into some of these issues. I also am fully aware as a Christian that we are to be keeping the Sabbath and was hoping to find some clear indications on Biblical references for this. I found the book useful in helping the reader to learn that the Sabbath is a time to rest taking pleasure in Gods' creation, but I found this book to be lacking in much depth. I am also concerned with a few of the 'grey area' issues that arise in this book...let's just say that I will not be donating it to my church library. I was given this book for purpose of review by Thomas Nelsons blog review program. I am thankful that I am able to give my honest review. I would give this book 2 stars.

Thankfulness....

350) I am thankful for my two beautiful daughters...I am having so much fun doing Zumba with both of you! One day I might be able to do the Zumba Shake..lol
351) Watching the children swim in the water...cousins playing and laughing
352) baby born...beautiful little girl
353) snow days...listening as my children hear the news and hearing shouts of joy
354) dear hubby cleaning the garage....fixing the piano bench....
355) prospects of sleeping in...a snow day for mama...
356) listening to the sounds of music filling my house day and night...guitars, drums, piano..
357) protection for my little ones....story to follow
358) cereal storers??? The hotel like cereal dispensers...awesome buy at the Pottery Barn Outlet....it just makes you want to eat cereal in the morning...
359) mom who stays at our house and organizes all of our cupboards while we are gone....All my towels are folded the same way and in neat piles....love it....and my plants are so happy too!!!

Today

We are on vacation in Texas, and have been having a lovely time. We have played many a Uno Flash game and read lots of books. As a family we are reading Under the Overpass...and I am enjoying the children's perspective as they learn how the unfortunate among us live.

For supper today we are making zuppa tuscana and Caesar salad..and fresh bread! just before supper my hubby and myself are going to go for a massage....talk about luxury!

Vacation is great!

Prayer Request

It has been raining for four days here in texas on our vacation. Four days....
Sure we have found things to do to pass the time...like swimming in the pool...reading..lots of reading, and zumba and movies in the evening. We have even spent a little time shopping. But we are very anxious to see the sunshine come through the clouds!

Tonight I have been blessed with a fast internet connection...much faster than it has been for awhile. With out betraying my age too much it is reminding me of a time that does not seem that long ago when we had dial up and I would load a page...and then boil the kettle....and then come back to check and then finally as I sat down with my tea...I could check my mail. Good Times!

So this evening after I put the children to bed, I checked my mail...and I could not believe it ...it was so fast...and then I started to get 'caught up' on some of my favorite blogs...and as I was reading I followed a link to this site about a dear woman...and as I was reading my heart broke.
She is a wife, homeschooling mom, and writer and her name is Joanne...and she is fighting for her life...if you are so inclined head over to her site and take a quick peek...the last few posts are from her husband as she had a stroke earlier this week. People all over the U.S. are praying for them...and because of this thing we call the web people all over the world will be praying for her too.

And then I headed over to another site...I had met one of the ladies at Relevant and so I checked out her blog again and she linked to this other blogger who lost every material thing they owned in a house fire the tuesday before Christmas.....again...heart break...praying for the family....

The rain is continuing to pour outside....it is wet and messy - Sometimes life can be too.

The first story I mentioned about has asked everyone to read Ps 27 as this verse is the one that they are praying over Joanne. So I am posting it here...so you too might take a few moments.

Psalm 27
Of David.
1The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,a
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

And though it rains tonight....I am praying that the sun will soon shine!

I am thankful!

We are enjoying our little vacation away...together in our cozy motor home...lots of laughs and lots of memories!

the list continues...

341) babies born..babies soon to be born...and babies to come...just announced..congrats to my cousins! (looks like my arms will be full...and I might just get my baby fix!)
342) enjoying dinner with family and friends
343) zumba----with my girls...boy do we have fun! (although if people are peering into our motor home windows they probably are getting a good laugh!)
344) my church family...miss you guys so much!
345) my niece who is doing so great...Nana has that effect on me too!!!
346) Christmas presents from grandparents...pottery wheels..punch art...so much fun!
347) old episodes of the Cosby show...watching my little ones dissolve in laughter just like I used too every single Thursday evening...
348) my hubby
349) dinner at my cousins before we left...lots of food, and great conversation! Miss ya!

Making Music

My family has always been known for making music. My grandfather was an amazing violinist who used to play for the silent movies. He told tales of how his teacher would hold out a huge darning needle at the edge of his elbow, just waiting for him to make too broad of an arm movement. He also told of all the fun he had playing at the fiddling contests. We would watch the glimmer in his eyes as he picked up his instrument as it found its home in his hands. His children all sing and play the piano or the guitar, and we have had many hours of entertainment during my childhood. Many of my cousins play instruments and every time we get together we always get out the instruments and start to sing, and always the favorites are played. We usually call out the next songs...always..'Pool', 'the cookie jar song,' 'goofus,' the lop eared mule', the piano man' and many others.

Tonight while on vacation in Florida we joined in with my mom and dads Thursday night music group. Many of the old time songs were played. We enjoyed a beautiful rendition of a poem titled, The Masters Hand...which talks about how an old violin was going to auction and it was only bringing a small fee, until someone walked up and started to play the violin, sweetly and softly...and as she played the auctioneer continued and the price went up considerably...you see in the masters hand the violin made beautiful music...

and I could not help but remember how quiet my grandfathers violin was the day of his funeral, this was the same instrument that made music and brought all of his grandchildren running into the living room by the piano listening at his feet...feet that tapped out the time. This violin was silent...with nobody to play it.

So tonight as we sat listening to all of the musicians playing...I watched proudly as all four of our children got up and played a song for the crowd. We had a piano player and three on guitars...and I realized that the music that has always been a part of our family gatherings will live on. Most of my cousins children play instruments...we have a young violinist, and many guitar players, some amazing drummers and many beautiful singers in this next generation.

The only difference that I see in this generation is that they do not seem to mind playing in front of people....I asked my little 6 year old how she felt playing in front of the fifty or so people there tonight...and she just shrugged and said, "no problem, I will be playing in front of much more people one day." So I sat and watched and clapped and saw my youngest boy tapping out the rhythm just like my grandpa, and saw the glimmer in my daughters eyes...and new memories were made.

It's been a long time....

It has been a long time...we have had some health issues in our extended family...and it has consumed most of my thoughts and prayers.

I am thankful that we have been blessed to have many family and friends praying for us in this time. I have been tired and emotionally drained. My eyes have welled up many times over the past month or so, sometimes it takes me by surprise and most of the time I do not even know why, they just do. I am thankful that I have Someone to lean on, Someone that is greater and knows the answers to the questions. I am also thankful for our family, and the close bond we share.

Thank goodness for long distance phone plans....they have provided hours of instant communication when the miles apart are long.

So today I am thankful...we do not have all the answers but we have many things to be thankful for!

331) a day full of friendship and family...just the way I like it best!

332) a sparkling ring-a smiling couple-a brand new adventure just waiting to happen

333) toothless grin and blue eyes sparkling

334) 3 brand new puppies....too cute

335) pizza at my brothers...the fresh make your own not from a box kind!

336) worship service this morning... Pastor Nathans amazing piano during

How Great Thou Art!

my eyes could not help but water...

337) Welcome kisses from one of the most beautiful one year old girls I know!

338) sitting on the couch with my very special niece....I treasured our time together today!

339) enjoying the beautiful pink sunset tonight

340) enjoying the simple things today...thankful for a quiet restful day.

For these things, I give thanks

321) hot tea made by my dear husband in my favorite double walled glasses
322) braiding my blond haired girls hair after she has a hot soak in the tub
323) books signed by authors and dear friends who bless me with them!
324) cuddling precious Christmas baby and Christmas eve blessing for the evening
325) quiet walks in the woods (with all the children)
326) watching said children try to knock down a huge tree....that had partially fallen...team
work!
327) dear hubby vacuuming after little ones party...thank you..thank you..thank you!
328) 16 cans of silly string...16 children...6 parents...and lots of laughter!
329) six birthday candles...pretty in pink!
330) simply being home

Gifts

Today I am thankful for:

311) my wonderful hubby, whose embrace makes my heart melt
312) two extra kiddos for the past few days.....they add sunshine to our home
313) the kiddos mama....special friend she is
314) ladies at the cafe...I love the laughter you guys bring to my Wednesday nights
315) the church family...the after party....I think its the best part!
316) the relevant conference...and my hubby who encouraged my to go
317) getting into a groove with the kids reading lists this week....
318) simple, quiet times...and answers to prayer
319) laughter and joy, may our home be filled with both everyday
320) the car with the tilt...another blessing

Bring the Rain

The drops are steadily falling against the window pane, and I hear the constant beating of the rain. It is unexpected, the forcast called for a sunny day and yet the water falls. This mirrors how I have been feeling lately, I don't know if it is because I have been reading these posts from Ann these last few weeks, about her trip with Compassion. I have an unexpected restless feeling.

I have been on missions trips, and I too have looked into the eyes of the hurting. My heart has beat love into the broken and I have read the unspoken look of thanksgiving from a mothers eyes. I too have smelled the dirt, which is sometimes how we have described it to others. You can see the pictures, and feel touched, you can hear the stories and be moved to give...but once you smell the dirt of the country, the people of that country never leave your soul.

So this past week I have looked at the pictures and I have read the stories and memories come flooding back. I look at the shingled roofs next door and I remember the steel roof my husband built for the man in the wheel chair down in the squatters village. The trailer that our church donated for a young couple to have a home of their own and a new future. The children playing in the streets with a balloon, a most treasured prize. The memories touch my heart. And my eyes well up. My heart is heavy. Today, I read a post that explains it all...how when you go to the ones in need...you see the heart of God. Upon returning home it is difficult to enjoy the blessings of this first world country and I too struggle with seeing After the Poverty.

And yet after I read this...my heart is encouraged, and I look out the window and see the sun peaking through. In this first world country I begin to remember the youth at the soup kitchen, the cans collected for the food bank and the money given to ones in need. My heart remembers the supper for the migrant workers and yard sales for the people in Mexico. I look around and I see the Son shining through and my heart is again full.

I am thankful for...

I am thankful for:

301) the blessing of having a mother and father that encouraged and challenged me to be a compassionate young lady, sending me on missions trips, and instilling the values of a Christian heritage...even when it was not popular
302) the most handsome boy in the youth group, believing in me...and choosing ME to be his bride so many years ago
303) the blessing of homeschooling our children...I truly cherish the time I am able to spend with my kids, and I even enjoy math this year
304) gifts from friends, cards and notes...thoughts
305) new babies soon to be--I can not wait to hold little one in my arms
306) busy work schedules coming to an end...I will be thankful for normal
307) monarch butterflies and grandpas that buy butterfly nets and run and catch them with little ones
308) screen porches at camp, and hubby who made it happen
309) eating outdoors, campfire and smores....sharing with friends and family
310) windows being open, and cool night breeze

291) pink baseball mitt, black top hat and lopsided grin
292) precious new bunnies, cradled in tiny hands
293) the sound of music....daily in our home, hands of all sizes blending the chorus of life
294) history lessons on the swing at camp...
295) bacon and eggs, swimming and swinging, cousins...the stuff memories are made of
296) my husband...the hardworking man you are, today and everyday you bless this family
297) the fun we had at the Amazing Race...thanks for all of the hard work to those who made it happen...you know who you are!
298) roller coasters....long brown haired girls daring grin, and little man designs...they both make me smile
299) our counties bounty...fresh corn on the cob, green peppers, onions, melons, peaches and so much more....
300) the joy habit...this crazy adventure that allows me to take notice of all the little things and for every one thing I write about there is at least ten I notice, the smell of little ones hair freshly washed, the sound of my husband sleeping beside me , the gentle and quiet laugh of oldest son teaching his baby sister how to swim, and the amazing closeness of the children as they play in their cousins pool...these things that I journal just scratch the surface of what I am grateful for...we truly are so blessed!

The List

281) nail polish and daughters
282) the smell of baby clothes from the dryer (not for me....sigh)
283) laughter from the backyard as boys, boys and more boys play war...hide and seek and tag
284) swimming pool fun
285) planning weekends away...rides, camping and smores
286) flowers on the table
287) blueberry muffins baked by long haired girl...yum
288) simple...quiet...days
289) new Bible...The Voice...I LOVE IT
290) my dear hubby

Today, I am thankful for...

271) I am thankful for my husband, who has been working hard getting the motor home ready for some summer adventures...
272) wonderful meal cooked by long brown haired girl...yum yum... bacon wrapped cheese stuffed meatloaf, crispy oven baked potatoes...great job!
273) swimming pools and nice neighbors...thanks for letting the kids get cooled off!
274) calculators, with the amount of numbers I have been crunching...
275) mom close by..loving on her grandchildren
276) schoolwork coming to a close...great work guys!
277) birds 'dusting' in the garden...
278) wind chimes in summer
279) campsites with family
280) the sound of music...guitars, piano and drums...I love it!

A time to be thankful

Today we have much to be thankful for...last night there was some very crazy winds around here. The reports have mentioned tornadoes, and at the very least straight line winds.

I am so thankful that all of our loved ones were safe through out the night, as trees and power lines seemed to be everywhere! We are very thankful for the safety of Nana and Papa as they weathered the storm in their camping trailer....so here starts this weeks list-

261) safety for our loved ones through storms...literal and physical!
262) Christmas baby singing in church with us this morning
263) graduation parties...so proud!
264) play practices for the little ones
265) quiet afternoon, snuggling with hubby
266) math....officially done for this year...
267) brothers family putting on a wonderful dinner for us tonight...yum!
268) white roses for long brown haired girl
269) birthday party for brown eyed girl this week....can't wait!
270) hugs from my adorable young lady....thank you!

As we start our new week....may it be filled with many moments of joy, peace and love. Give the precious people in your life an extra special squeeze today....take time to give thanks to the one who created you......enjoy the possibilities!

so much to be thankful for

251) campfires, birthdays and family
252) fresh rolls in the oven....Mandy's recipe...yum
253) peace
254) concert with friends...amazing violin
255) reading books that inspire
256) looking forward to church in the morning
257) hardworking husband that spent time doing jobs around the house today
258) going to the movies with my family...and yes that means honorary family too
259) holding little precious bundle of joy today...so sweet
260) poutine and pogos...ice cream at the beach...perfect day

I choose JOY

241) walking in the 'jungle' watching small children search and find every puddle...and then...JUMP!

242) youth conventions...worship, teaching....memories (thanks for those who took care of my boy!)

243) hubby blessing me with an accountant to do my taxes.....pure joy!

244) warm butter tarts coming out of the oven

245) watching movies late into the evening

246) our town library....a homeschooling dream

247) first tooth lost....beautiful grin.....smile so wide

248) robins, bunnies and foxes....a little bit of wildlife seen over here in our not so rural area!

249) a message of JOY...isn't technology wonderful?

250) my marriage

simple thoughts...

230) red geraniums, there is something about planting them with two special children...

231) I read a story this week about being joyful in everything...so here goes, I am thankful for the down time I have experienced because of this chest cold....

232) home made pizza tonight

233) cafe night on Wednesdays...lots of laughs, yummy food....and babies!

234) my wonderful and strong builder husband...warming towels in the dryer to wrap around me when I had the chills last night...my heart beats strong for you...thank you!

235) so many books...so little time

236) the sound of belly laughter, I will never get tired of hearing it

237) the weekend...quiet refreshing weekend

238) my mom, you make my heart proud! I love you so very much. Thank you for giving me a privileged childhood...and adulthood...You are the BEST!

239) robins, bunnies, and worms....it makes looking out the window so much fun!

240) family birthday parties this weekend....Happy Birthday brown haired girl!