A Month of Thankfulness Day 30

Today, I am extremely thankful for our car pool with the H family.  At first, I thought that it would be a great way to save time and money.  Now, I realize that it is so much more.  I have watched our kiddos bond, and I love the fact that Shannon is now a strong person of influence in their lives.  I love having a car full of giggling children every afternoon.

Shannon and I joke that we are one day going to be related.

Karly, you don't have to marry Andrew.

Andrew, if Karly wants to marry you, you have to marry her.

Shannon, you are my ever present friend, and I love it.  I love how you treat my children like they are your own.  I thank God for you daily!

A Month of Thankfulness Day 29

I am thankful for what my family refers to as my 3rd baby.  Six years ago, I desperately longed for her.  Since August 2006, she has been worn around my neck pretty much 24/7.  She has experienced and captured my babies' milestones, countless family adventures, and too many smiles to count.

To many she is just a standard Nikon D50, but to me she is family!

I am ready for an upgrade, but I can't seem to just let her rest in a bag.  The thought of selling her breaks my heart.

I admit it.  I am emotionally attached to my camera!  Should I seek therapy?

Just a few of her finer moments this year...

Scott and I dressed for dinner while on the cruise ship.

 Scott had just pulled O's first baby tooth.

 Scott took O on a date made for a princess.  He bought her first real Bible.

 Scott and the kiddos did a balloon twisting skit for their school's annual Talent Show.

 Michael and Brooke bought a Nikon D50 too.  Scott always says that Nikon should pay me.

 O just cracked her "Jesus' tomb egg".  Andrew was trying to comfort her while I snapped the photo.

 Skipper learned that he could swim.  We did a lot of giggling.  We didn't really think about the fact that we had to put him in our car and drive 2 hours to get home.

 There is not much to say about this photo.  I promise you that he is a really smart boy.  I PROMISE!

 I am not the only one obsessed with taking photos.

I am so thankful for my camera, and the memories that she captured.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 28

This may sound incredibly crazy, but lately I have been concerned by the fact that my children have never went without anything.  This is a definite blessing, but there are several lessons that have went unlearned.  I strongly believe that in order to be good financial stewards they need to be able to distinguish between wants and real needs.

Thankfully (don't call the authorities or grandmas) several situations have presented themselves in which Olivia actually (sort-of/ kind-of) needs something, specifically new tennis shoes.  Her tennis shoes which she only wears twice a week are starting to fall apart.  She is horrified, embarrassed, and constantly making me aware of her need.

(Insert...Poor Olivia!)

Just for the record, I could and have been very tempted to rush out and replace her worn tennis shoes with a perfect, sparkly, white pair.  However, I recognize this opportunity for growth, and today I am thankful for such situations which lead to heart changing conversations.

The gift card for a new pair of tennis shoes has been purchased, wrapped, and placed under the Christmas tree.  I am certain that she will treasure them even more because she had to wait an extra 27 days.

I am hoping that the gift of waiting and making do will last a lot longer than this next pair of Sketchers.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 27

This self-proclaimed homebody loves her home.  I strongly believe that the perfect house has nothing to do with the size, style, or even location.  A perfect house is a structure that reflects those who call it home.  

We have grown into our home.  Learning to make the best use of every inch of space has been a true creative adventure for me.  

Our home is a place where...

-peace, love, forgiveness, and laughter always rule.

-newborn babies were welcomed home.

-first steps were taken and first teeth were lost.

-friendships were strengthened.

-prayers were answered.

-dreams became reality.

I have spent months debating sharing the pages of our profile book.  Let's just say, it makes me feel so vulnerable.  With that said, I have made a commitment to always be an open book on the slight chance that I  might be an encouragement to someone else.

Here are "Our Home" pages...

Of course what really makes a home are the critters that live there.

As the years pass, I am more and more aware of the fact that this Earth is not my home.  I am just passing through on my way to Heaven.

However, I am so very thankful for the cozy house that gives me a little taste of what Heaven will be like.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 26

I am so incredibly thankful for our marriage.

I don't usually struggle to put my feelings into words, but today I just can't seem to find the words to describe  our marriage.

Here is one of the pages from our adoption profile book.  It says it all.

This is proof that we just didn't appear as a successful, financially sound, mature middle age couple.  (I guess that description is open for debate.)

There were quite a few hard times, but they have just made us stronger.

Thank you God for my Sweet Scotty.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 25

I am thankful that we managed to check a few things off our really long to do list including taking Christmas card photos, cleaning the gutters, mulching the leaves, bathing the pets, and decorating the Christmas tree.  

Here is a sneak peek.

The cards are even ordered.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 24

Today I am thankful for the 27 hours spent making Christmas memories with my precious little family in Branson.  I am always amazed (and quite surprised) to experience an entire city focused on the birth of our Savior.  It felt like I was at church several times.  On multiple occasions, I caught myself shouting, "Amen!"

If you leave Branson and you are not in the Christmas spirit, you must be the Grinch.

Yes.  It is official.  I AM THE GRINCH!

Don't get me wrong.  I love all the things that help me celebrate and focus on the birth of Jesus, but I despise the commercialism, stress, and busyness 

This season causes this recovering perfectionist to fall back into old habits in an attempt to create the "perfect" Christmas for those that I love.

My thoughts while driving home this afternoon...
-My tree is too Charlie Brown like.
-I have no desire to create homemade gifts.
-I don't enjoy baking.
-I don't like to shop.
-My kiddos have too much "stuff" already.
-I don't have the perfect photo for Christmas cards.
-We really need to save money, not spend more money.
-People get really crabby and unkind.
-I know that these things are not what God wants me to focus on and obsess about for the next 32 days.
-There are so many distractions.

This year, I will...
-read the Christmas story daily.
-give more to those in need.
-speak truth into the lives of many.
-give my children many opportunities to laugh
-not be making any gifts.
-be giving a lot of gift cards.
-dance with my husband in front of our Charlie Brown tree.
-pray for my neighbors daily instead of baking trays of homemade goodies.
-eat pizza in the car while driving through town looking at Christmas lights.
-let me kiddos have complete decorating control.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 23

I am thankful for my in-laws who agreed to watch this fella for a few days.  Trust me...it is exhausting!

Thanksgiving 2012

Sweet Scotty and Andrew participated in the Gobble Gobble 5K on Thanksgiving morning.

 This critter almost pushes me over the crazy line everyday, but I can not imagine life without him.

 Note to self: Sweet Scotty needs his own apron for making bread sticks.

 Four of my favorite things: Andrew, Fraidy Cat, cowgirl boots, and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Month of Thankfulness Day 22

Today, I am thankful for our on-going journey to adoption.  It has been the most humbling, discouraging, exciting, faith building experience.

I am a take charge and get it done kind of girl.  At this point in the process, I have filled out every form, answered every question, gathered every piece of needed documentation, and created an intense family profile book.  There is nothing left to do but wait.  Waiting patiently is not one of my strong suites.

For weeks, I have felt God consistently asking me to completely hand it over to him.  This week, I did just that.

We have no idea if we will ever be matched.  We do know that it is in God's hands not our own, and we are at peace either way.

I am thankful that God is in complete control of this process.

I am thankful that so many babies have been placed in loving, Christian homes this year.

I am thankful for brave women who unselfishly place their babies for adoption.

I am thankful for women who choose life over abortion.

I am thankful for our family of four and all of the wonderful adventures that this year brought.

I am thankful for God's presence in the middle of our wait.

I am thankful for hope.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 21

Today, I am thankful for the sweet little notes of encouragement that I regularly receive from my sweet Oli.  I am often surprised at bedtime to discover her thoughtfulness.

She has always been one to color pictures or create art for those that she loves.  Now that she can express herself with words, she feels even more passionate about her expressions of love.

Last night at bedtime, she showed me a note that she carefully composed for her cousin Hannah.  She explained that she was snuggling her doll (named Hannah), and it made her think of her cousin.

She often sneaks sweet notes into her brother's lunch box.

I am so thankful that God has given her an amazing capacity to love others.  She is already super sensitive to His voice.  Her notes have definitely brightened many of  my days.

This one was found in Andrew's lunch box last week.

 I had a late night meeting earlier this month.  This note was on my pillow when I got home.  It says, "I read the Bible."

I should probably learn from her and write my own love notes.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 20

I am thankful for a week with absolutely no spelling words.  (I actually hear an angel chorus as I type this.)

Let's just say...spelling isn't a favorite in our house.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 19

I am thankful for my baby's daddy.  (He is actually the father of both of my children, but I am not sure of that apostrophe usage.  Babies' daddy?)

From our very first conversation, I knew that Sweet Scotty would be an amazing father.  The past nine years, he has blown my expectations out of the water.  He could write a book on the topic.

He has the perfect fun/serious balance, and I have learned so much by intently observing him.  In case you are wondering, I have learned to be more serious and less fun.  Ha!

He does have a knack for picking the most unusual battles at the most inappropriate times.  He must have skipped the chapter in Parenting 101 that mentioned not taking away your daughter's beloved candy while in the middle of leading a rather large children's ministry.  Our church family had a front row seat yesterday to an H family meltdown.

As Andrew matures, I am even more thankful for this amazing man who parents intentionally.  He tackles the hard conversations with such tact, passion, concern, and honesty.

Sweet Scotty, I am so very thankful for the daddy that you are to our children.  You make it look so easy!

Here are a few photos that I snapped this weekend of Scott doing what he does best.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 18

You know that I could not let this month pass without expressing how very thankful that I am for my Crosspoint church.  I am still in love after 6 years.

The lines between our church and our family are definitely blurred.  I am  blessed with so many adopted aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, and children, and our church family continues to grow.  My church is always one of the few things that I miss while on vacation.

Several days ago, Scott and I were reminiscing about our house fire.  We remember having so very few people in our lives to lean on during that difficult time.  Today, there wouldn't be a shortage of people to love and support us.  This knowledge is an absolute gift and blessing.

I am thankful for the pastors, their wives, and the Crosspoint staff.  They are the real deal.  Humans determined to use their gifts and talents to serve the One and Only God.

I am thankful for the oodles and goodles of lovely people who love on my children each and every week.  They speak truth into their lives.  There is no greater gift that can be given to this momma.  I will be forever thankful for their faithfulness, dedication, and sacrifice.

I am  so thankful for the amazing opportunity that Scott and I have been given to lead, teach, and love on so many of God's precious children.  I am certain that they have taught us more about God's love, mercy, and grace than we have taught them.

Crosspoint Church, we sure do love you!  You are definitely one of the things at the tippy-top of my thankful list.

If you are interested in learning more about my home away from home...Crosspoint Church.

Month of Thankfulness Day 17

I am thankful for the book, The Puzzle Principle by Dr. Tammy Cox.

This book encouraged me to closely examine my children and their God given personality traits.  I now see their strengths and weaknesses in an entirely different light.  The things that I love about them are often the same things that drive me crazy.

Andrew and I are text book melancholy.
Olivia is without a doubt phlegmatic.
Scott is choleric.

We all think, feel, and respond differently, and God designed our family this way.

I feel empowered and more understood.  Not to mention, Scott and Olivia don't seem so crazy now.

I now find myself categorizing people by their personality traits.  It is incredibly informative, and I have become much more accepting and less judgmental.

I am thankful that God made us all different, and different is beautiful.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 16

I am incredibly thankful for Larry and Cheryl K.

Several months ago, Scott and I decided to sign Andrew and Olivia up for scouting at a local church where we knew very few people allowing us to be incognito.

We often struggle with such programs because we are accustomed to leading, and lack of leadership is really difficult for us to ignore.

Over the past few months, we have watched this precious couple lead by example, welcome us with open arms, love our kiddos, parent with excellence, and offer us something we so desperately needed.  (not to lead)

I pray for strong godly people of influence to make a difference in my children's lives.  Larry and Cheryl are an answer to my prayers.

Larry and Cheryl, you are unique, impressive, and extraordinary.  You are a blessing to so many families, including mine.  I am certain that God is super-de-duper proud of you.  You both definitely make my thankful list!

A Month of Thankfulness Day 15

I am overwhelmingly thankful for the fact that God loves my children even more than I love them.

If you read this blog regularly or know my son personally, this will not come as a big surprise.  He is of the anxious type.  I am confident that he was born with deep, deep thoughts.   He has always been wise beyond his years.

Several years ago, he went through a period of time when he was over-the-top anxious.  He was consumed and paralyzed by irrational fears.  Scott and I researched, discussed, blamed, questioned, participated in constant dialogue, and cried out to God.  I was emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted.  I was convinced that I was the wrong choice of mothers for this precious boy.  My heart was broken.  My child felt broken, and I was the only one to blame.

While on my face before God one dreary evening, I heard His voice.  He lovingly said, "Michelle, this is something that you can't fix for Andrew.  This is between Andrew and Me.  I am the only one who can fix his brokenness."

I (his mother) am not his god.  In times of heightened anxiety, I have learned to step back and direct Andrew to his Creator, the Lover of his soul.  I learned to rest in the fact that God loves him even more.  God is all that he needs.  I am just a bonus.

This simple knowledge was a breakthrough for our family.  Andrew has learned scripture to combat Satan's lies.  He has learned to turn to God and trust in His promises.

A few words of encouragement for all the mommas on the front lines:

*God masterfully created your child with a purpose and chose you to be his /her mother.

*God gave each mother the strength and ability to train her children.  God is confident in His choice.

*God doesn't make mistakes.  Your child's weakness will in some way bring glory to God.

*God doesn't ask you to do this alone.  He is always present.  He is watching, guiding, and speaking.  We just have to stop and listen.

Thank you God for your perfect, unfailing love for my children.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 14

Do you ever have situations or circumstances happen in your life that bring back a vivid childhood memory?

This very thing happened to me yesterday.

Andrew had a mild case of poison ivy on his face, and it was spreading awfully close to his right eye.  It was obvious when he woke up yesterday morning that a doctor's visit was in order.

When I was in the 4th grade (a really difficult year for me might I add), my brother and I both had a nasty encounter with poison ivy.  It would be an understatement to say that we are both highly allergic.  I had huge, nasty blisters between a lot of my fingers.  It was miserable!  Michael, my brother, had it on his face incredibly close to (if not in) his eyes.  My wonderful parents had to make an agonizing decision.  They could only afford to take one of us to see the doctor, and even then it was a financial stretch.

Side note:
A business decision left them in an overwhelming amount of debt.  In fact, they were encouraged by many to file bankruptcy.  They prayerfully decided to take the hard, usually untraveled road of climbing out of debt one hard earned dollar at a time.  Needless to say, money was extremely tight for several years.  I am happy to report that they have now been debt free for many, many years.

Even as a young child, I understood their decision to take Michael.  This is my earliest memory of sacrificing for the betterment of someone else.

As I look back, I am so very thankful for this opportunity.  It is one example of how God used an uncomfortable stiuation in my life to mold me into the person that I am today. 

I am thankful for my parents who faithfully took responsibility for their choices and debt.  They taught me the value of a dollar, the value of hard work, the value of personal sacrifice, and the burden of debt.

I am thankful that we had the money to take Andrew to the doctor.  If we hadn't, my parents (without a doubt) would have made it happen.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 13

I woke up this morning feeling incredibly bogged down by Satan's lies.  However, I was quickly reminded that God loves me just the way that I am.  My imperfections make me dependent upon His perfection.

I am so very thankful for God's unconditional, perfect love and His mind-blowing peace.

A while back I wrote a telling blog about this very topic.  Click here if interested in reading.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 12

Day 12

I am thankful for wonderful Christian fiction authors and publishers.

In high school, I read a lot.  Eighteen years ago, I completely surrendered my life to Christ.  It didn't take long for me to realize that the books on my teenage bookshelf didn't reflect Philippians 4:8.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.  Philippians 4:8  

I vividly remember tossing the entire contents of my bookshelf into the garbage with the exception of my Bible.  I then began scouring Christian book stores and library shelves for acceptable reading material.  Let's just say...the variety left something to be desired.  I stopped reading.  Several years ago, I challenged myself to read 10 books in one year.  I was pleasantly surprised to discover the variety of Christian fiction lining my local library shelves, and I was overwhelmed with the number of book suggestions that I received.  I have been reading ever since.

I am currently reading the O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson.  Love!

We spent Saturday afternoon at grandma and grandpa's house.  It was a beautiful fall afternoon.  Andrew spent some time hauling wood with Uncle Michael.  Olivia insisted upon taking photos in our special tree.

I am glad that she managed to twist my arm.  (wink)

A Month of Thankfulness-Day 11

I am thankful for all the men and women (and their spouses and children) who have made incredible sacrifices and often the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom.

 We have made it a tradition to make flower arrangements and deliver them to the stones of several of our nation's many heroes who have been buried at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery. I debated skipping this year because it has been a dreary, rainy afternoon. It hit me that so many of these very men and women spent hours, days, weeks, months, and years in less than perfect weather conditions. Needless to say, we visited this spectacular reminder of the cost of freedom.

We are especially thankful for our very favorite veterans, Grandpa and Uncle Michael!

A Month of Thankfulness-Day 10

I am thankful for the gift of being a mother. I have never taken this privilege for granted. However, after being diagnosed with endometriosis a few months ago, the doctor stated, "Given your current condition, I am shocked that you didn't struggle to conceive!" My children are without a doubt precious gifts from my Heavenly Father.

I am so very thankful for the simple moments spent making memories with my miracles.  I am determined to parent with no regrets.

My prayer is that God will bless us with more of these special gifts.

Andrew and Olivia, thank you for making me a mommy!  I adore you both.

Month of Thankfulness Day 9

Today (and every Monday through Friday) I am thankful that Scott's awesome job allows him the ability to work from home.

*He has a 0 minute commute.

*He hugs the kiddos as they head off to school in the morning and the minute that they get home in the afternoon.

*He entertains Skipper all day.

*He is happier.

*I always have a lunch date.

*I have the constant companionship of my best friend.

*I get to experience first hand how hard he works for our family.  His job is seriously stressful!

Yes.  He always looks like he is half asleep when he works.  Yes.  He does have a super sweet kitty cat calendar hanging on his wall.  It was free.