CUTE COUSINS

Jonathan just loves his baby cousin and he was down at her level playing with her. It seems like yesterday that he was the baby - where did the time go. Lizzie had scooted behind Tori and she was turning to look at Lizzie's face. I think she was reaching for a curl.:) Lizzie is the official "babysitter in training". These are moments to treasure. As seasoned moms we know how fast this time goes. I used to laugh at my mom when I was a teenager and she would say that she wished she could go back and have one day with us as babies. Now, I know what she means. When you are in the "throws" of motherhood(frustrated, tired,pottytraining) you feel that no end is in sight. I have now become the crazy lady in the grocery store that stops young moms and tells them to "enjoy every minute because it goes sooo fast". I'm sure they look at me through tired eyes and think "sure lady", but they'll blink and it will be them giving the same advice. Enjoy the gift of today -that's why it is called the present.

MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS

"Nobody knows of the work it makes
To keep the home together,
Nobody knows of the steps it takes,
Nobody knows - but mother" -Anon

"These are my daughters, I suppose.
But where in the world did the children vanish?" -Phyllis McGinley

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on motherhood. I have always known that I have an INCREDIBLE mom and it has just become more and more evident through the years. She has been such a wonderful and Godly example to me of what a mom is. I Pray that I can be such a mom to my children. Mom, I love you so much and want you to know I thank Jesus everyday for choosing you to be my mom and the grandma to my children. As, an adult now I am priviledged to also call you my best friend, prayer partner, coffee companion and "kindred spirit".:) Motherhood is NOT an easy road to travel. There are many bumps along the way but I am confident that with the model I have and grace from the Lord I will make it.

FAMILY FUN

Here are a few snaps of what we have been up to the last week. Nicole came for a visit from MN(my great Aunt Ruby's grandaughter). The girls all got pedicures one day - what a treat! We went to the local swap meet and shared a HUGE bag of our favorite - Kettle Corn. Tori and Kathryn enjoying some quality cousin time. We all went to Tim and Tracy's for Thanksgiving and Tim was very proud of the outcome of the turkey. It was a wonderful day of food, family and fun. Thanks T & T for being such wonderful hosts. Kathryn's list of things she is thankful for is as follows: family, friends, pets, Jesus, laughing,food,school,Mrs. Sayre(her teacher)
"O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good..."Psalm 136:1
We have soooo much to be thankful for.

THE THREE T's

Isn't this a good looking family? We are so blessed to live close to my brother and his family. We just love spending time with little T and watching her grow. She has 4 teeth and learned how to wave "bye-bye" on auntie's birthday.

SMILE!

It has been an exciting week at our house. After 2 years of metal in her mouth, Lizzie is finally free of braces and loving it. Jonathan got hired on at Freddy's - a frozen custard and hamburger place. He is already planning what he is going to spend his money on.:) He gets to eat there, so I will probably notice a decrease in my grocery bill. Daniel finally got a shift that gives him the weekends off. Yeah!!! The weather here is what we have been waiting for -80's during the day and 60's at night.

NO WORRIES

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" Matthew 6:33
I am studying the book of Matthew this year in BSF(Bible Study Fellowship) and we just finished chapter 6. I feel like the last part of the chapter is so pertinent to my daily life. I tend to take on "tomorrow's" worries. When I do that I am not trusting that the God who made me will take care of my every need. He sees the big picture and it is my job to rely on Him daily for my cares. As I enter a new week I hope that all who read this will be encouraged to rest in the knowledge that the Lord knows you, He created you and He will take care of you.

THE BIG 40!

Yes it is true, I turned 40 on November 3rd. Lizzie asked me how it feels to be OLD! I'm sure that 40 seems ancient to her.:) My parents surprised me with a dinner party at their house with family and a few friends. I received a digital camera from my parents for my bday and I'm hoping to get pictures on here soon. Daniel and the kids gave me a beautiful family ring with all of our birthstones. A friend of mine and I are going to be in a craft show tomorrow. I made scarves (lightweight) considering it is 90 degrees here I don't know how many I'll sell. SO....guess who may be getting scarves for Christmas.