Giving Thanks {Day 10}: Our Big News!

I have A LOT to be thankful for today...but first, let's play catch up...

This picture was taken 2 weeks ago...when I was, obviously...18 weeks pregnant.

This picture was taken today...when I'm 20 weeks pregnant!

 Half way there!! 



Today, on November 10, 2011 I am most thankful for a doctor's appointment that put my mind at ease. 

I am thankful for friends and family who have prayed so diligently for me and this new baby. 

I am thankful to God, who has in the last few days really reminded me that every child is a blessing from Him...each one to be cherished.  Having a child should never get "old" or "normal".  Each life is a seprate one to celebrate!!

I am thankful that this baby has no spinal abnormalities.  None.

I am thankful that my fluid levels were normal.

I am thankful that my liver is functioning perfectly.

I am thankful that this baby's heart is beating in a perfect rhythm. 

I am thankful that as of today, the doctors see no reaon why I would have to have another ultrasound, or any further "out of the norm" tests.

Today I am thankful that I'm having another son.

We got blue cookies and brought them home to the kids to tell them and celebrate. 

Hunter guessed the "clue" first! 

he was happy...

but, like his momma, takes some time to process surprises like this.

Silas was happy.

Blake was VERY happy.

Graysen was...well...not very happy.

at first.

Then, after some special whispers with Mommy and Aunt Sis,

she looked more like this:



We're praising God tonight.

For His miraculous works.

For knitting this son together in my womb.

For knowing what's best.



Giving Thanks {Day 9}: My Daughter

I am thankful for my daughter's adorable phrases.

Me:  "Graysen, you're being a slow poke"

Graysen:  "No way Mom!  I'm a fast poke!!"

Lincoln:  "What do you want to watch, Gray?"

Graysen:  "Strawberry Longcake!"

Lincoln:  "You mean Strawberry Shortcake?"

Graysen:  "No, it's Strawberry Longcake because she has long hair!"

She is always able to bring a smile to my face.

Giving Thanks {Day 8}: My Job

I am thankful for my job.

It's no secret that I would rather be a full time stay at home mom to my kids.  But...this is where God has us right now, and I am grateful that a wonderful job, in a flexible office, with fantastic people opened up when I needed it the most.  God's provision is always there, but this way in a very tangible way.  We are able to get our family in such a better financial condition, giving us the ability to serve others in a much more tangible way.  We have not raised our standard of living at all (except for adding texting on our cell phones)...but we are paying off debt, and giving more.  For that, I am grateful.  

It's going to be a great week

A friend just prompted me to look at my calendar to see what I was looking forward to this week.  It was a great reminder that there is always something to look forward to!  As I was thinking about it I really have a lot and I wanted to share it here as well!

Tuesday Lincoln and I get the chance to speak at church about God's faithfulness during our adoption journey.  We also get the chance to share about some of our favorite missions organizations that we partner with on a regular basis.  (I'm going to highlight Sixty Feet, Sole Hope, The Mercy House, and Heartline)  Although speaking at a function like this is very outside our box, we are happy to do it because God has  been so faithful to our family!

Wednesday is our regular bible study night.  We always cherish this day of the week to "escape from the world", visit with other Christian couples and parents, and learn more about God's Word.

Thursday is a big day this week for us!  We have our ultrasound appointment for this baby!  We are petitioning God for a healthy baby who will join us in our home come March.  If we're extra blessed we'll be able to find out if we'll be adding a brother or sister to our crew!  

Friday I get to join two friends (who I have not seen enough of lately) for an evening at the Fox Theater to see Billy Elliott!  I'm very excited to have a girls night out, spend time with these friends, and see a new musical.  

Saturday my sons and I will be joining our small group in raking a gentleman's yard!  Although I'm not necessarily looking forward to the actual work, I am looking forward to being able to minister to this man's family in this way, and spending time with our friends.  I'm also very excited about having my sons join along side me in serving.

Sunday Lincoln and I get to have a date night with Britt and Nick.  It's been too long since the four of us have gone out together!!

All of those special things...infused with glasses of sweet tea, hugs from my kids, and talks with my husband.  

Life is good.

Giving Thanks {Day 7}: My Sister

I am thankful for my sister!

Who is willing to stay home with my sick son today so that I can work.  Seriously, what would I do without her?  She is my always there, never failing, support...physically and emotionally.  God knew what he was doing when he put us together.  Thank you, Sissy.

Giving Thanks {Day 6}: Human Bodies

I am thankful for how God made our bodies!

Hunter woke up Friday night with the flu.  As sad as it was to watch him throw up and be miserable all night long, I did sit in amazement at how God created our bodies to fight off so many bad things!  ..and to think that God's original plan was for us to live healthy, forever lives in the Garden!  As I rubbed Hunter's back I prayed and thanked God for allowing me to be the one to comfort him while he's sick.

Giving Thanks {Day 5}: Peace

I am thankful for peace that comes from God.

We have our ultrasound for this baby coming up in 5 days!  Have there been moments of fear?  Absolutely, but I also feel a peace in my heart that I know comes from God.  He has been so kind, and even in the unkind moments of my life, He has been faithful.  As this baby kicks (as I type this!) I am reassured that He loves me just because of who I am, not because I do anything to deserve that...just as I love this baby.  

Giving Thanks {Day 4}: People's Questions

I'm thankful for the people who ask me "How do you do it?!"  

(meaning my life: take care of 4 young children, work full time and happily expect another)

They give me the opportunity to share God's abundant grace.  I'm not perfect, I don't "do it"...not by myself anyway!  My response varies, but it's always something along the lines of "I wake up every day and pray for more patience, and more energy" or "God's sweet Grace!"  

this also means that I am thankful for:

Those women in my life who I can share my deepest struggles with.  When I'm really not feeling like I'm able to "do it" anymore.  You know who you are...thank you.

Giving Thanks {Day 3}: My Husband

I am thankful for a husband who grants me grace even when I don't deserve it.  

I lost our bill sheet!  I thought I was doing a good thing by taking over paying the bills on the 1st of every month...turns out I lost the sheet after only 1 month's responsibilities.  I'll blame it on pregnancy...  

Giving Thanks {Day 2}: God's Messages

Finding a special message from God in secular books or movies.

My kids watched Spooky Buddies the night before Halloween.  It was a rather dark, scary movie, (which we usually don't let our kids watch!) but I was blessed to be able to have a conversation with them afterward about how evil can not enter God's house.  If God wants to live in our hearts, and our bodies are to be the temple of God, then evil can not enter our bodies, hearts, or minds either...unless we invite it in.  We had a wonderful conversation about how we always fill ourselves up with something...lets choose God rather than evil! 

Giving Thanks {Day 1}: Chai Tea

I'm going to post something that I'm thankful for each day of Thanksgiving...sometimes I'll include it in a post, sometimes it will just be a word or sentence.  I will also be adding them to my 1000 Gifts page (starting with #70). 

Day 1 - Chai Tea on chilly mornings or when I'm not feeling well.

Will you join me in leaving in the comments each day what you're thankful for as well?

Graysen's Woosh

"Mommy, lets go find a woosh"

"What's a woosh Graysen?"

"You know, when you pick it and close your eyes..."

"And make a woosh!"

 "Ah, yes, sweet girl.  Let's go find a woosh"

"I woosh I have a very beautiful dream tonight"

35 years

My in-laws celebrated 35 years of marriage a few weeks ago.
All of Lincoln's siblings surprised them with a special dinner out.  One drove all the way from Wisconsin!
We're so grateful they are in our lives!

What real thing are you celebrating right now?

Pajama Mama, a wonderful woman, and a fellow AAI momma wrote this sentence on her blog:

What real thing are you celebrating right now?

It really made me stop and think.  What am I celebrating right now?  Big or little?  I'll admit, I'm not doing much celebrating in my life right now.  I think that's a shame.  I'd like to start.  Hmm...

What thing are YOU celebrating right now?  Let's all share!

Graysen

Just some pictures of my favorite little girl...

hair braiding

The boys all know how to braid, but they really wanted to learn to braid hair.  

Aren't they lucky to have a sister who will sit still and let them practice?  

Aren't I lucky to have children who want to help each other?

I love them.

Waynesville Football

Yup, it's Waynesville...on my blog!
We're proud of Chad and his commitment to his new job and team.

We got to see Chad at 1/2 time on his way back up to the Press Box!  

fall 2011 soccer

The Orange Team Coaches
(Daddy, Grammie, and Graysen)

Graysen, cheering them on!

Go, Orange, Go!

pumpkin patch

*Picture overload*

My trusty companions (Kara and Chad) and I took three of the kids to the pumpkin patch this past weekend.  Hunter wasn't feeling up to it, so he stayed back with Grammie.    

He was so proud he found corn!

Swinging on the rope swing

Silas

Blake
(I can NOT teach this kid to smile!)

Graysen

she's just so pretty, isn't she?

Riding the train

Silly picture poses

She rode this three times and by the last time she was holding her arms up in the air like she was on a roller coaster!
 Such a funny girl!

Someone trying to scare us in the corn maze...can you see anyone?
(Funny how kids think you can't see them in a bright orange shirt!)

Couldn't do life without these two!

Time to pick our pumpkins!

Lucky we had Chad to haul Hunter's too!

See...the smile.  *sad face*

This picture is hilarious.  It's missing Silas because he was having a pouting fit.  Also, it is an oversized chair, but I look so small!  

Our haul!

They had a huge corn pit to play in.

She's so brave!

Love my boy.

 

Wow...didn't realize how big I was getting!
(16 weeks)

We had a great afternoon!