Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that God answers prayers, and has a plan for our family. Blake was blessed with a new job this week. He starts on Monday. I am thankful that God placed Blake right where he is meant to be for this season of his life. Thank you, Lord, for ordering his steps!

I am thankful that Blake gets a month off every summer to hang out with his family. I love having him home every day, and although the summer went by WAY to fast, I enjoyed having my best friend with me every day, and I know Jack and Claire did, too.

I am thankful for friends and family that rejoice with us when prayers are answered, and thankful for friends and family that pray for us always.

I am thankful for a coffee date with a special friend on Monday night. Love and treasure those times!

And, thanks to healthier eating habits, I have lost 12 pounds. Hip, hip, hooray!!

Just Jackson

Jackson: I have to go get my nap time shoes and sleep time hat on.

Blake: Oh, who sleeps in a hat like that?

J: Pinocchio.

B: Oh, Pinocchio wears a sleeping hat?

J: No, dad, Pinnocchio's father does.

Adventures in Babysitting

Today, I am babysitting 4 children under the age of 3. 75 percent of my darlings went down for naps today, at the same time. :)

Thanks for the Chicken, Walter

Our family has been working on our eating habits...not dieting, just eating healthy, nutritious foods. The foods God has given us to eat. Less processed foods, and more fresh, wholefoods. We have been transitioning and making gradual changes, since January. I have been buying organic milk, and meat that does not have added hormones, and organic produce. Lots of whole grains, very little sugar. (I still have not kicked my Starbucks habit, still my favorite treat). We watched the documentary "Food, Inc." a few months ago, and that is kind of what got us interested in making these changes, among some other things. Anyway, we have also been going to the Farmer's Market and getting some locally grown food for a couple of weeks...cantaloupe, squash,tomatoes, zucchini...all from Dunlap. My next big step was to start buying fresh from the farm, grass fed meat....this was a big step...kind of grossed me out...but....yep, I bought 1/2 a ("processed") chicken from a guy named Walter on Saturday. My chicken was "processed" last Thursday, I bought it on Saturday, and we ate it for dinner last night. It was delicious...the best chicken I have ever had. All these changes are taking me back to Little House on the Prairie...always knew I had a connection with the Ingalls.

Sunday Snapshots

Love that he loves books like his mama and daddy.
Yes, we were 15 minutes late to church...and stayed in the service 10 minutes before Claire started trying to help preach.

We watched some home videoes the other night from last summer. He is getting too big, too fast. Love the little boy he is growing up to be.

And Miss Clara Beara.

Faithful Friday

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Artist: John Waller
Title: While I'm Waiting

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that 4 years ago today, I found out this little person was going to be joining our family.
I am thankful that Baby Girl's two top teeth have almost come through. She has had a couple of rough days...and nights.



I am thankful for my fancy pants food processor my parents bought me for Christmas last year....love any excuse to use it. Claire loves her freshly pureed blueberries.






I am thankful for fresh summer veggies. Blake's grandmother picked the squash and green beans out of her neighbor's garden for us...YUM!





I am thankful for summer days that start at the swimming pool, and end with ice cream.



I am thankful for our days together, days that really are imperfectly perfect.