What I have to be thanful for continues...

Brad, this summer, not long after his foot surgery. We have been married for 10 years. He has been a huge part of my life for 15 years. Even though our current situation is not ideal, it doesn't stop me from being thankful to God for putting us together all those years ago. Just looking at this picture makes me want to kiss the top of his head! I don't know what the future holds, but I know that "God intended it for good." I am honored to be able to pray for Brad each day. I am also thankful that God is teaching me the true meaning of a "covenant" and what it means in my life right now.

Paige and Peyton, my beautiful babies, growing up fast. I can't express enough how thankful I am for the right now. They are tenderhearted toward Jesus, and tenderhearted toward the hurts their mother feels. I am convinced that I have grown closer to them over the past two months than ever before. While I am aware of the awesome responsibility I have to raise them to know what it is to be first generation Christians, I am also grateful for the opportunity. Parenting is a priviledge. I am honored to be their mother, and to have them as wonderful friends in my life. Peyton is my comforter, and Paige is my little prophet. They are so different, and their spiritual gifts are starting to make themselves known. I am also honored to be able to pray for them each day, and to get to watch what God has in store for their lives.

This is a picture of my Dad taken with Paige. My father has been a great grandparent. I am amazed when I watch him and see the patience he has with my children. They adore him and so do I. When I was Paige and Peyton's age, my grandfather (my father's father) lived with us. I know that he loved us, but he never had the relationship with my that my dad has with my girls. Brad and I and the girls have been blessed with my dad's gift for fixing and building over the years. Just this week, he was at my house taking care of some much needed chores. Even though I know that he has strong opinions, and might choose to handle things differently than I do, he is careful to just keep his mouth shut, and support me in everything. I can't say enough about how greatful I am for this support.

In choosing a picture of my mom, I could have chosen one of her sleeping in bed with my girls, riding to surgery on a cart with my girls, riding on a merry go round with my girls....You get the point, she is willing to do anything with them. I know that when I can't be the one to care for them, my mom will love and care for them almost as much as I do. She is probably far more patient. My mom has become one of my best friends over the years, and I am grateful to have her in my life.