1.12.2014

Today I am thankful for... (#11 & #12)

#11) I am every so thankful for the warmer weather that has allowed the kids to get outside to play.  Heading out the door without covering every square inch of skin is really nice as well!

#12)  I am thankful for an unexpected visit from my brother Joe and his family this afternoon.  How fun to see the cousins play, and to catch up with Joe and Mandy.  They also got to meet Tempe for the first time.  God has blessed me with the relationship I have with them.

1.10.2014

Today I am thankful for... (#10)

Today was my turn to not feel well. I felt light-headed and miserable most of the day. I am thankful for the older kids I have who are capable of keeping everything going while I'm down. I was able to sleep most of the day, but everyone was still fed and changed as needed. Maybe tomorrow I can be thankful I'm feeling better? ;)

1.09.2014

Today I am thankful for... (#9)

I'm thankful that we have a large van big enough for the whole family.  Even if we grow by a few more we'll still fit since we have one seat currently removed to allow for cargo space.  We were able to remove the foremost seat so there is room, in wet or cold weather, for everyone to get inside and then find their seats while protected from the elements.  Of course if we're camping that doesn't work... I thought I posted about this, but went back through the archives and didn't find it.  Maybe it's in my drafts (or maybe it's just still in my head!)?  Here's a couple pictures of the cargo space when we went camping this summer -- there was even cooler in the way that had to be removed every time the kids exited/entered the van. LOL





She's beastly, and not all that pretty (getting a lot rustier by the year), but she gets us around.  Now if we could figure out how to improve traction in snowy/icy conditions... there has been more than one occasion (several just recently) when we've had to make the decision to stay home rather than attend an event we've committed to.  When you spin your tires just trying to leave the driveway it's generally a good sign you should just stay home!  Currently we are looking at snow tires, so maybe next year it'll be a bit better?


1.08.2014

Today I am thankful for... (#8)

There is a difficulty in choosing because there is a part of me that wants to *explain* every choice in depth.  I've decided to take the pressure off by allowing myself to just be thankful, provide some small details for all of you, but know the *whole* story in my heart.  If you have more questions I guess you'll have to ask. ;)

Homeschooling.  I am so very thankful to live not only in a country that allows us the freedom to homeschool, but also to live in a state that makes the process relatively simple (from a reporting standpoint).

It's not easy to be with your kids 24/7/365, but it is rewarding. I certainly have experienced plenty of failures, but the positives outweigh the negatives by a long shot.  There is much fear of failure... perhaps that will ebb after I've graduated one or two? (Please, God, let that be the case! -- And if you homeschool, have graduated a few, and know that to NOT be true, please allow me to live in my current state of optimistic ignorance. ;)  We believe wholeheartedly that this is the course God has chosen for our family.  I know, despite my human imperfections and ineptitude, He will bless this venture.

(Wish I had a great picture of us schooling to insert here, but I do not.  Perhaps you would like to come see us in action?  LOL)

1.07.2014

Today I am thankful for... (#6 & #7)

Why is it that I'm having such a difficult time doing one post every day?  LOL  Today is another twofer...

#6) I am so very thankful for God's gift of reconciliation.  Specifically, I am thankful that he restored my marriage to Tim.  Words are not enough to explain how blessed I am to have Tim in my life.  He loves me, even when I'm crazy.  He helps out around the house without "keeping score" -- laundry, dishes, cleaning, childcare, and more are done with a willing spirit.  He works hard to earn a living, keeping us fed and clothed with a roof over our heads.  And did I mention that he loves me despite my insanity? ;)

#7) I am thankful that Tim was able to lose a substantial amount of weight, and has kept it off for more than a year.  He's a great guy (see #6) and I like the idea that he'll be around for a lot longer now that he's living a much healthier lifestyle!

Did I mention he's also a great dad? :)