Grateful for Rainy Mornings

We were in a slow spot at work so we had to make some cuts and I had to go into the office...which means I have less time to "play" with my blogs.  This morning, I decided to take the time to enjoy breakfast at a local coffee shop...it dawned on me that I haven't stopped to look at God's blessings in my life.  Here is a recap...

1. Blessed with friends.  I can run out to the "ranch" with T.K. and the kids and it is as if time has stood still.  We can start from any point.  It doesn't matter that she has been on the road and I've been working...we are still friends ~ even when distance and time separate us.

2.  Blessed with health. 

3.  Blessed with quiet rainy days.

4.  Blessed with stability.  I recently went to a nearby homeless shelter/food bank and realized just how good I have it.

5.  Blessed with family.

6.  Blessed with work ~ especially when we are in a time where so many are struggling to find jobs.

7.  Blessed with the ability to help others.

June 18, 2011

Surprise!

Since I don't go visit my dad...

he decided to come visit me!

It was his Father's Day present to himself...

(yep, just a little guilt there!)

I love you, Dad!

Thank you for coming to see me!  I know what a trip it is coming up the hill out of the city.  I appreciate your efforts!

So thankful that I still have my dad,

that he loves me enough to drive the distance to see me,

and that we can still enjoy each other's company!

The greatest gift I ever had

Came from God; I call him Dad...

June 17, 2011

Tim has been working so many hours that the boys haven't had their "Dad Time" lately.  Tonight, wasn't that much different...

Tim was still at work at bedtime so ~

I sent the boys to bed...

I left the house to go feed...

fed the chickens, cows, and horses...

then I heard their excited voices.

From across the pasture, in my stern voice, I stated..."Bed.  Now."

I could hear the low rumble of Tim's voice, and the giggles of the twins.

As soon as they could see me coming in they took off running into the house...Mom was almost within striking distince!  :)  LOL...

Tim went into the room with them to read them a story and have a few moments of "Dad Time" before tucking them into their beds for slumber.

Isaiah with his, "Dad is home ~ you're no longer the boss" look.

Love my kids.

Love my husband.

Love that my husband loves his kids.

So very thankful he has a job during these times of struggle for so many.

Thank you Lord for your blessings.

June 16, 2011

So thankful for such a fun morning....

Tyler's interesting outfit...

the camo beanie with orange trim matches his camo shirt, and orange flip flops...

he is creative!

I love his confidence.

Flowers from Isaiah...

Green grass...

Bare feet...

Pretty toes....

Silly moments with my boys...

one with me...

one playing photographer...

one laughing at us!

Having fun in the process....

Rosie doesn't have anything on us!

Love my family!

Love my friends!

So much to be thankful for!

June 13, 2011

So very thankful for my husband...and Date Nights!

Dinner at the Tavern...

babysitter provided by oldest child...

Thank you Ashley!

I love my husband, and adore my family!

June 10, 2011

Dinner with my mom...

kids playing in the backyard...

husband home before 9:pm...
(You know your husband has worked a lot when your 3 yo says, "Daddy are you staying home?")

green grass...

food on the table...

and a glass of wine.

Missing my Ashley, but she will be home soon.

June 10, 2011

After YEARS of ignoring my piano (no playing it, no tuning it...) I began playing again.  It feels good.  I'm not as good as I once was..., but I'm thinking with a little practice I'll get there, and perhaps beyond.

The ability to play and use my hands is a blessing.
Having sight to read music is a blessing.
Having my hearing to hear the music is a blessing ~ especially when it is my daughter playing.  She is so talented.

I'm so very thankful that I have a piano and a family that is ok with me playing at all hours of the night!

June 9, 2011

It's a beautiful day! 

I'm thankful for the blessings of my children, and the beauty of nature...we are heading out for a hike and a stop at a swimming hole.

June 8, 2011

I'm thankful for my friends who love me enough to call and take me to lunch. 

I had a great lunch and adult conversation with my very good friend, Melissa.

Melissa and I taught together for a few years...I've watched her kids grow up...she's watched my family grow...we can be truly authentic with each other and not risk the friendship.  We might not always like what the other has to say, but we know it is spoken with love.

I'm so very thankful for true, long-lasting friendships.

June 7, 2011

 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.

Psalm 127:3

Aiden doesn't like to sleep in his own Bed.  He never really did like it ~ ever!  When he was an infant, and I would take Isaiah out of the bassinett, he would whimper and root around looking for his "other half". 

As the boys got older, we borrowed another crib and separated them.  It was GReAt for Isaiah, but not so much fun for Aiden.  He got in the habit of sleeping with Tim and I. 

About a year ago, we bought toddler beds for the twins.  This has been a hit and miss period with him going a few days with us and a few days in his own room.  Lately, he said that he doesn't like sleeping in his bed so he has been sleeping on the couch in the toy room.  The way I see it...if he is able to sleep through the night there...let him sleep. 

What I like most about Aiden sleeping through the night (in a location other than my bed) is the early morning.  He will wake up around 6:am or 6:30am and sleepily find his way into my room.  He says, "Mommy.  Me sleep all night!  Me get in you covers."  Then he climbs into bed with me and sNUggLes!  He is a World Class Snuggler!  The moments spent smelling his head, and cuddling with him are so very precious to me.  I reminds me of why we do so many of the things we do...for our children.

Last Sunday, I was up and out of bed before Aiden made his way to me.  I had fed the animals, talked with Tim while he started breakfast, started laundry, and as I was walking past my bedroom door I hear a sleepy voice, "Mommy!"  I looked in, and Aiden was in bed with the covers up.  He said, "You come sleep me."  My heart melted. 

I am truly blessed.

There was never a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him to sleep.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

June 6, 2011

Thank you to those that call me friend. 

I'm so thankful today for a friend who called and asked me to lunch.  It truly is the little things in  life that bring us pleasure...a thought, a prayer, a phone call or text.  I am blessed to have so many friends in my life that love and care about me.