Cherish Today

I lay staring at the ceiling late into the night.

Somewhere a mother was grieving over the loss of her son while my own lay sleeping in his bed,  blissfully unaware that in the morning he'd face an empty desk in class, one less friend on the basketball court and the stark reminder that we are mortals.

My mind raced.. searching for answers,  longing for wisdom.

How does a mother help her child deal with loss?  How would I tell him that his friend was gone?

Denial was my preference.  I would much prefer to allow my children the pleasure of pain-free living, but with death comes an inconvenient truth.

It is raw...and real.

It hurts.

And it is no respecter of persons.

Breakfast was somber.  Moments of silent contemplation mixed together with memories shared and questions asked.  I looked into the eyes of my babies, "This moment is a gift.   We aren't promised tomorrow... which doesn't mean we live in fear... it simply means we love harder...we speak kinder... we cherish... we say 'I'm sorry'... we forgive quickly… so that no matter what this day brings, we can face life with no regrets."

At the school,  I parked and went inside. I told myself I needed to walk my children in… needed to make sure that they'd be ok. But the truth was, I just needed to be with them a little longer.

The tears I'd held back since I heard the news jumped to the surface as I stood in the hall and watched my 10-year-old walk away.

Yes, I know that I can't be with him every moment of every day. I know that I can't protect my children from the pain of this broken world. I know that I can't shield them from tears and grief and death.

And, yes, I know that our lives are in God's hands. And, yes, that gives me comfort.

But I also know that the raw pain of loss cannot be wrapped up neatly with words. It cannot be covered over with ribbons and bows... set aside for another day... another time.

It must be faced.

It must be acknowledged.

For in the process of our grief, we give our loved one value. We recognize their worth in our lives... We acknowledge the gift of who they were to us.

And through it all, we find ourselves clinging to the hand of a sovereign God who will one day wipe away all tears in the land where we never say goodbye.

So to you I say the same.

Love harder... speak kinder... cherish... say 'I'm sorry'…forgive quickly… for today is a precious, fleeting gift.

The Ultimate Example in Parenting

He will not always chide…

The words popped into my head this morning as I sorted through a pile of laundry.  The kids were gone, so I wasn’t “chiding” anyone at the moment - although I had been asking God to help me to parent my children well.

“What’s up with that?”  I asked God.

“He will not always chide.”

I’d memorized the verses years ago but my mind couldn’t finish the verse.  Setting aside the towels and socks, I checked in with Google and soon was reading Psalm 103 in a way I had never seen it before.

We have two options in this world to emulate as parents – our Abba Daddy - God... or Satan, the father of lies.  While reading this Psalm, conviction tugged at my heart when I realized how so often as a mother I have reflected Satan’s character more than my loving Father God.

Wow!

Ouch!

Satan condemns and accuses  (why can’t you remember to make your bed?  Who made such a mess while brushing your teeth?   Seriously - you have to learn to shut the door - it’s freezing out there!  Can I get a little help around here?) while God’s unfailing love and forgiveness stands in stark contrast (I have loved you with an everlasting love.  Lo, I am with you always (how does He do that?  I love my babies, but be with them always?  Confession: I may or may not have hidden behind my couch to call my mom and cry about no alone time when my kids were toddlers.)

He forgives our sins, takes care of us in our sicknesses, restores us when we’ve failed, celebrates us with His love and mercy, is not easily angered, and is rich in love.

He doesn’t endlessly nag or scold (chide).

Doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve.

Doesn’t make us pay in full for the sins we’ve done.

Loves with a love that cannot be measured.

Separates us from our sins – (He doesn’t see your sin – He sees you.)

And He remembers that we are frail.

Convicted? Yes, but also encouraged, because though I’ve fallen short so often as a mother, my Abba Daddy is pulling me back on my feet again – encouraging me with His words of strength, support and love.  

And Satan?  He's still at it -shouting his condemnation.  Reminding me of all my mistakes – but he only serves to prove God’s word true and I cling to Abba Daddy’s promise that He remembers that I am frail but that He is sheer mercy and grace and in His presence, my youth is renewed like an eagle’s.   

You're One in a Minion

We had too much fun making these this past week and just had to share.   Since the advent of Pinterest, most of the store-bought Valentines have lost their luster for my kiddos.   Edible turkeys and alligator cupcakes have ruined them (ok, I admit it… maybe it's ruined me.)

After tracking down some twinkies, a roll of blue duct tape, Tim's black electrical tape and a package of goggly eyes, we have these fun little minions to share.

You're One in a Minion!

Happy Valentines Day!

First & Last Days of School

The kids insisted - redemption day has arrived . 

"SCHOOL IS OUT so get your camera, mom! It's payback time!"

To be honest, I am just as excited as they are, but here it is...First and Last Days of School!

Oh, how blessed are you parents,
    with your quivers full of children!

Psalm 127:5

You can now follow Walking on Water on Facebook

Held Back

My kitchen smells like lysol and smelly socks this morning.  The lysol because my awesome nieces mopped my floor for me yesterday afternoon, and the smelly socks because, well, because life is happening!

Five baskets full of laundry fill my floor space.  I spent some time this morning turning socks right side in and reminding myself that I still need to talk to the kids about how much joy would fill my heart should they ever decide to remove their pants separate from their underwear.  

Sigh.

I love these guys!  They are my life!  My passion!  My purpose for getting up in the morning!

Last night - on our way to Kobe's Spring Program (he's wearing his "Handsome Clothes"

I grabbed a pair of dark-brown-socks-that-used-to-be-white, grimaced at the hardness of the heels and thanked God for the gift of another day to mother these precious souls.

Laundry aside, here's what's on my heart.

Contentment.  Actually, contentment in adversity.

I confessed to treading water several days ago.  I'm getting better.  Feeling stronger.  Rising up again.

But as I rise above the angry currents surrounding me, I'm learning.

In life, it's easy to become discouraged at the lack of progress we experience in life.  How many mothers have told me of the tears they shed over washing dishes... or making beds... or getting pooped on?  Is this really all I'm called to do?

No matter your station in life, learn from this:

This... this scrawny little Impatiens used to look like this:

It was large, leafy and beautiful with a cheery red face smiling towards the heavens.  But before I settled it's roots into the warmth of flowerbed, I cut off the most beautiful parts.

Unfair as it seems, I know that the greatest potential for these little flowers is yet to come.   And the clippings from the Impatiens first growth will fertilize future growth from its new home beneath the soil - so all is not lost.  Were I to allow these tiny plants to keep their current beauty... their growth...  their accomplishments, their full capabilities would remain undeveloped.

What you're called to do today may seem small and insignificant.  Maybe even useless, unappreciated or unwanted.  But it's not.

Be patient in this holding back process, accept the pruning, the watering, the fertilizing (even when it's literal! :) ) and one day you'll recognize within you a new growth and a beautiful life that is beyond imagination.

...don't try to get out of anything prematurely.

Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed,

not deficient in any way.  -James 1

Treasure Hunting

I can't find it, mom!

Sound familiar?  If I kept track of the minutes hours I spend helping my kids find their stuff, I'm sure I'd be amazed!  

This morning while digging under beds and refolding blankets - all in search of an ever elusive iPod, this memory from quite a while ago came back to me.  Thought I'd share it with you today.

July 10, 2006

Treasure Hunting

I love those that love me, and those that seek me find me.  Proverbs 8:17

It amazes me, really!  I never would have known a six-year-old child was capable of losing so many things!  From shoes to baseballs, golf balls to gloves, a half hour with Tyler, and the possibility of hearing, “I can’t find it”, becomes more and more probable. 

The shoes are usually the first to disappear.  To lose them is one thing, but what Tyler did with his brand new sandals that spring, really pushed the limits. 

We had just plowed up the garden, but hadn’t yet had a chance to plant anything.  Two-year-old Amy and her big brother, Tyler, found this to be a source for hours of entertainment.  I enjoyed watching them as they dug. They were full of ideas and, occasionally, I would stop by the garden and listen to their plans of digging to Thailand so they could visit Uncle Luke and Aunt Amy, who are missionaries down there.  Seeing that they probably wouldn’t be reaching Luke and Amy’s home anytime that afternoon, I returned to the kitchen to prepare supper.

The next morning, I told Tyler to get his sandals on, as we would soon be leaving to buy groceries.

“I can’t find them, mom”, he said.  Groaning at the all too familiar words, I went to help him look for the missing shoes.

“Where did you have them last?” I asked.

“Uhmmm, I think it was out by the garden,” he replied.  Out to the garden we went, where we found a shovel with a broken handle, a rake, a cup from the kitchen, one muddy sock that used to be white, and a sandal.

“Here’s one sandal!” he proclaimed triumphantly.

“Great,” I said half-heartedly, as I looked at the mess in the yard.  “Now, where is the other one?”

Suddenly, his look of triumph changed to one that said “oops-I-might-get-in-trouble-for-this”, as his eyes shifted nervously towards the garden.

I turned my head to see what he might be looking at and I noticed that our one-way route to Thailand had been newly excavated.

“What happened to your hole to Uncle Luke’s?” I asked.

“Well, we got tired of digging, so we filled it in.” he said.

Hardly blaming him for giving up so quickly, I simply nodded, and continued to look for the missing sandal. 

“Uh, mom?” Tyler said quietly. “I…I think I remember where my sandal is.”

”Ok,” I said slowly, wondering why he looked so serious, “where is it?”

“Well, I… uh… I buried it.”

“You what?!?” I asked incredulously.

“I buried it!” he replied. “Amy and I got tired of digging that hole to Thailand, so I stuck my sandal in there and covered it up.  I think it should be about…uhmmm.. right… right there!”  I stood looking in disbelief at my son, who was pointing in the general direction of the entire garden.

“Tyler, what on earth got into you that made you want to bury your sandal?” I asked.  Shrugging his shoulders, he stood there silently. 

I picked up the shovel with the broken handle and handed it to him.

“Start digging.” I commanded, “I’ll come back out after a while and help you if you can’t find it.”  He dug for a while, and eventually I went out to help him. We finally gave up, went to find some other shoes for Tyler, and set out to buy our nearly-forgotten groceries.

The next day, Tyler and I again headed out to the garden to search for the sandal.  Desiring to be a godly mother who seizes every opportunity to teach her children about God, I decided this would be the perfect time to tell him the story from the Bible of the man who had buried his talent. After the story was over, we decided we must be digging in the wrong spot, so moving to another corner of the garden, we again set to work. 

Soon Bible stories were one of the furthest things from my mind.  All the digging we were doing was producing nothing but a sore back, and an ever-increasing frustration with the foolishness of my child.  Ignoring an inner prompting to pray about the missing shoe, I instead began to expound to my son that “these shoes cost money! And not only that, they were Nikes!  You don’t just BURY Nikes!  Where do you think our money comes from?  Do you think we LIKE to spend money on shoes?” 

Satisfied that my son had learned his lesson, we continued to dig in silence. Just when I was certain the next shovel full of dirt would, indeed, land me in Aunt Amy’s flowerbed, Tyler asked, “Mommy, don’t you think we should pray that we could find my sandal?”

With a sigh, I stuck the shovel into the dirt, “Yes, Tyler,” I said, “we should pray.”  So bowing our heads, we offered up our prayer to the Heavenly Father, telling Him all about the lost sandal and our desire to find it.  And as often happens, several minutes after praying, I pulled the missing sandal from the ground.

Several weeks later, I told this experience with some ladies at Bible Study. One of the ladies, Mamie, shared how this reminded her of an illustration she had heard. 

“When we want to find a treasure, we have to dig.  You can’t always expect the precious gems to just be lying around for all to see.  You have to WANT the treasure, and DIG to find it.  It’s the same way with the Word of God. Sometimes we read the Bible, and we say, ‘I didn’t get anything out of that’, but we have to DIG to find the real treasure, the precious gems.  Those are the verses that become extra dear to us.”

As I thought about what Mamie had shared with me, I realized the truth in it. While I had to use the right tools to find Tyler’s sandal, I have to use certain tools to find the treasures God has for me in His Word.  I began to make a list of the tools that I use. There are many other tools that we can use to find the treasures in God’s Word, but here are a few suggestions.

First of course is time.  Since life gets busy, I don’t always have a complete slot of time to use to study God’s Word, but that’s where the other tools come in handy.

Next – a highlighter.  I have come to love highlighting the verses that stand out to me as I read the Bible.  Sometimes I jot a little note beside them explaining why that verse means so much to me.  Someday, my children will be able to look at the “jewels” in my Bible, and that will be a way for them to see who God is to me.

Another tool is a three by five spiral notepad.  I keep this “tool” above my kitchen sink with precious verses that I want to memorize written inside.  The verses that I didn’t have time to ponder earlier are right in front of me to meditate on as I clean up my kitchen each day. 

The sandal episode unfortunately didn’t change my son’s habit of losing “stuff”. Just recently, he lost not one but TWO baseball gloves!  So looking in my concordance, I grab my highlighter.  I see there are a lot of “treasures” Ty could use that talk about the lost being found.  On the other hand, “spare the rod…” keeps coming to mind, also!  Hmmm...

Prayer:  Dear God, I know that there are so many treasures in Your Word.  Today I want to search for the treasure that You have for me, please, help me to find it.  Amen

Boys, Birthdays and Motorcycle-Riding Zebras

Birthdays, like in most homes, are highly anticipated events around here.  Kobe is on the countdown to his 5th birthday and has been making plans for this grand day for... well, almost a year now.

I hear him in conversation with big brother Corey from time to time and I pray I'll always remember each detail.  I hope I'll remember the softness of the carpet under my feet as I stand outside the door of his room listening, the way I hold my breath in an effort to remain silent so as not to interrupt, the excited pitch of their voices as they animatedly discuss presents, cakes and the glorious joys that "being five" will bring.

Kobe with his 4th Birthday Cake

What he doesn't know is that already, tucked away in Grandma's attic, is his present.  The countdown calendar is being designed in my head (I usually try to make one for each child thirty days out from their birthday and we're almost there), but there's one thing I haven't been able to figure out yet.

His cake.

I mean seriously!  I am not making this up!  He wants a cake with a lion on it.  When I first heard that I thought, "Ok... he had that last year, but, sure, why not?  We'll do another lion cake."

But no.

No.

That would be too simple.

This time, he wants a lion chasing a (and I quote) "zebra that is riding a motorcycle".

Yeah...

Ok....

I think he saw a picture of one somewhere and now that's all he can think about.  Silly boy!  The idea is so fun and funny to me that I'm pretty sure we'll try to get that cake for him.

How do you celebrate birthdays?  What are the most interesting cakes you've created for kids?  Tell me about your family birthday traditions... and feel free to add links to show what you're talking about!

An Embraezie Giveaway

An Embraezie Giveaway!

For us mamas the only thing better than getting something FREE is bragging about our little sweethearts. This month, you get to do both when you take part in a giveaway that is being sponsored by Embraezie Boutique.  Embraezie Boutique is owned and operated by a local stay-at-home mom.  Be sure to visit her website to see all the adorable custom clothes she creates!


Here are the details - Go to Embraezie's Facebook page (click "like" if you haven't already) and enter a photo of your child modeling their Embraezie items (it can be as simple as the little $1 flowers!). Then on the 16th, voting begins. You'll want to encourage your friends and family to like Embraezie's page as well as vote for your child's photo.


If you don't have any Embraezie products yet, here is a way to get in on the fun. Submit a picture with your little one & something to show Embraezie some love! Maybe just a little sign with I ♥ Embraezie! Then click our share button to the left, so your friends & family can get in on the voting.


The child with the most votes will win a $25 gift certificate for Embraezie Boutique... but, if they hit 800 fans, Embraezie will be giving TWO $25 gift certificates away!!  So be sure to tell your friends!

Titus2Woman: Nancy Nunemaker

Nancy is a woman I have known my whole life.  I have always admired her gift of being able to create beautiful things.  She has a knack at being able to take items and turn it in to a thing of beauty!  Her home is gorgeous and surrounded by equally gorgeous flowerbeds!

By Nancy's own admission, she didn't experience any major difficulties as a young wife and mother, but I'm sure you'll agree that there is value in what she has to say still.  In her life, we can see a woman who is dedicated to serve her family and care for those around her.  It doesn't always take a exceptional circumstances to bring out the exceptional qualities that we possess.  

 

Nancy's life is a reflection of that.  She found value as a wife and mother and in creating beauty for others to enjoy.  Here's what Nancy had to say...

My name is Nancy Nunemaker, and I have been married to Brian for thirty-three years.  We have 2 grown children, John & Emily.  

John lives in Mishawaka, IN, with his wife, Stephanie.  He has his own business, and it's technical computer stuff that's way over my head. He is a Computer Programmer, does Web Developing, Consulting and Speaking.   

 Emily lives on our home farm, near Burr Oak, MI, with her husband, Brandon, and their 3 children, Nicholas (8), Sadie (5) and Jack, (6 months).  She is a Dental Hygienist, but is currently a stay-at-home mom.  We are happy to have the grandchildren growing up in the same home that our children did.

I have always enjoyed listening to my children talk.  They said the funniest things.  Here are a couple of favorite memories from when they were small:

When John was quite young, we were driving through a small town, and saw a Postal Worker, on foot, delivering the mail.  John was intrigued because we had a rural carrier, he'd never seen one walking.  He asked me a few questions, then turned to me with a look of utter disbelief, and said, " You mean he has to WALK to deliver the mail?"  

I responded, "Yes", and was kind of shocked by how horrified he was.  He loved to be outside, so what's so bad about this job?  

His next words made it clear to me why he was so shocked, "Even if you send a letter to Indiana?"

When Emily was little, she went through a phase where she wanted to do everything herself.  She was quite proud of herself when she learned to use a cheese slicer and I had to watch that she didn't help herself to the cheese too often.  

One morning, I was getting ready in the bathroom, when she came in carrying a piece of cheese.  I was about to scold her, when she declared that she had cut two, and this one was for me.  She said, " I'm giving you this one, because it's the biggest".  Now, what mother could turn that down? I felt my heart burst a litte with pride, since I had raised this unselfish little girl, so I took a bite to please her.  Then, she turned to go, stopped, and said, "It's also the one that fell on the floor".

Some of my very favorite times when they were little, were after their baths, when they were freshly washed, sweet smelling little bodies all snuggled in with me in our recliner, and I would read to them before they went to bed.  I am a huge believer in reading to your children.  I read to them from the time they were babies.  They don't even have to understand the words, to appreciate your tone and the cadence in your voice.  I think if you develop a love for books and reading in a young child, they will do well in school and even life.

   

I spent a lot of time with them in that rocking chair.  I always loved to rock my babies.  Later, statistics showed that it's even good for their inner ear, and in developing good balance.  I always knew it was good for them (and for me).

     

I, also, loved to hear them playing in another room.  John made all the loud banging, motor and crashing noises that are common to little boys, and Emily sang as she played.  Now I enjoy hearing Nicky and Sadie play in the same ways.

     

Other good memories were in their teen years.  I did a lot of driving to and from games.  I heard a lot of information on those drives.  I knew about them and their friends.  If you make the effort to be available to them, they will share a lot of good things with you.  We had a lot of late night talks.  Develop a relationship early, if you don't listen to them when they are little, they won't be interested in talking to you when they are older.  Also, pick your fights carefully.  If it's not indecent, illegal or immoral, then leave them alone.  It isn't worth damaging your relationship for personal preferences.  Hair and clothes are not really that important in the grand scheme of things.  I'm sure everyone has worn or done something that their parents didn't like. 

     

The challenges that I faced as a young mother, were common to young farm wives of that time.  (Maybe still).  We didn't have cell phones and radios starting out.  I would cook 3 meals a day, starting early with the breakfast, at home.  Lunch and Dinner were served in the field.  It felt like I spent all day cooking, packing up the food & the kids, and hauling it to the fields for Brian and whoever was working for him at the time.  (They were never in the same field!)  I didn't always go to the right field either :) Then I'd haul it all back to the house, carry it in, put the kids down for a nap, clean up the lunch, and start cooking supper, just to repeat the whole process.  It was a lot of work.  At least the kids got to see their dad often.  I had to remember how my mom's generation had to do everything the hard way, and I actually had it pretty easy compared to them!  

Now, things are much easier and on the rare occasions that I need to go to a field, I can call ahead, and he can tell me exactly where to go.  I'm also, very seasoned, at spending time alone.  Not only do I not mind it, I actually like it!  I had quite a few years of feeling like a single mom.  When things were more difficult, I always tried to never complain.  I think children will emulate you, and if you complain about their daddy working too much, then the children will complain.  If you make the best of it, and mention how hard he works for your family, then they will appreciate his efforts too.  Try to be content in whatever your situation is.  The best thing you can do for your kids, is to love and appreciate their dad.  It's also best for you, because he will be there long after the kids are gone.

     

Our nest has been empty for some time.  It was a little tearful initially, I loved every minute of having my children around me.  I still do. I now enjoy their adulthood.  Our lives have gotten easier.  Two of the benefits of an empty nest are, more time and more money.  (Two things you never have enough of when they are young).  We have a lot of interests, so we have been able to do some of the things we've always wanted to.  We especially enjoy traveling.  It's nice not to have to always plan around someone else.  We can pick up and go whenever we want to. 

     

What would I say to the 25 year old me, if I could?  I'd say," Enjoy it!  It goes really fast!!!"

     

My goals when my children were young, were first and foremost, to raise children that loved the Lord.  I also, wanted them to love each other.  Don't worry, it does get better.  My kids don't fight at all any more :) I also wanted them to like reading and to do well in school and life.  I think I have accomplished those goals. 

     

I had the best childhood ever.  My parents loved each other and me.  I've tried to raise my family in the way that they raised me.  Hopefully, that legacy continues.

Living On the Funny Farm

Hillybilly Sledding

We had a heavy snowfall yesterday which resulted in area schools being cancelled.  My kids were thrilled and wasted no time in heading outdoors to go sledding.  Unfortunately, their sled had been broken somehow through the winter, so they improvised by using their kiddie pool.

I didn't realize what they were doing and looked out the window just in time to see the kiddie pool go skidding by the window with two kids sitting inside.  I wish I had a picture to show you - it was by far the most hilarious scene of the day!

Later, I was able to run to the store and get them a real sled and the kiddie pool has been retired to the barn for the winter.  I was still laughing at the picture of two bundled up heads bobbing along in the swimming pool as it raced across the snow.  Since I didn't get a picture, I hope it will remain burned in  my memory for a long time!

Conversations With Kobe

Kids are always coming up with something hilarious - and my four-year-old certainly has had his share. He has this fetish with animals - baby wart hogs, in particular. The other night, Kobe was informing his older siblings that it was time to play "animals". He told them all what to do and where to go to be the kind of animals he wanted.  Then he proceeded to lay down in a fetal position, lifts his head a little and says, "I'll be the victim."

Tim and I looked at each other over the kids' heads, and mouthed, "victim?" to each other.  We still aren't sure where he learned that word, but it did give us a good laugh!


Then last night, Corey had just gotten out of Bible Memory at church and was so pleased to show us the two toy trucks he had earned.  He opened the package and gave one of the trucks to Kobe.  Kobe was thrilled and my mother-heart was proud of my six-year-old's generosity.

Then out of the darkness of the van, Kobe pipes up, "Corey?  You know what I am of you?"

I chuckled at his choice of words and waited to hear was he "was of him".

"What?" Corey asked.

"Proud!  Thank you for giving me this truck!"

Is that not cute?  I went to bed last night thinking about those precious moments and wishing I could hang on to them forever!

Day 23 - They Call Me Mommy

I can't let these 24 Thankfuls end without specifically giving thanks for my children.

I know I brag about them a lot, but today I stopped and considered what makes each child special to me. After all, they are the source of much of my joy!  They are the reason I get up in the morning... really, they are.  I'd sleep in if they'd leave me alone!  (lol... just kidding)

Goofy kiddos

Photo by Malyn Sneed
Check out her website!

Tyler, my firstborn.  At age 12, he is closing in on my height.  He amazes me with his ability to change his attitude so quickly when informed that it REALLY stinks.  He has a love for God that blesses my heart. and I love how he stands strong for what he believes in.  Many nights he'll text Tim or I with questions he has while reading the Bible.  Sometimes it's as simple as "Why did Saul want to kill David" to more difficult-to-answer-through-text-messaging... like "what's a concubine?"


Amy is my main sidekick.  She loves to stick close to me and I remind myself often to use these moments wisely.  Amy has more energy than should be allowed and my prayer is that we'll be able to channel that in the right direction.  It will be exciting to see what all she'll accomplish in life with the determination she shows!  I love watching her gifts develop.  Already I see a musician budding as well as a talented artist - both in design and as a chef.


Corey is my tender-hearted son.  He is most like his father than any of the others.  His sweet smile recently changed with the loss of his front teeth and I'm stunned at how quickly he's gone from being my bald-blue-eyed baby to my little man.  His love language is quality time and he's excited for his mommy & Corey date coming up this Friday!  Many times he'll snuggle up against me and whisper, "I love you the most, Mommy."  Is that not precious?!


Kobe brings joy and laughter to our family.  He is full of curiosity and a dry sense of humor like I've never seen in a four-year-old (Right now he's running around here making funny faces and saying "Good night, Ida"... He doesn't know any 'Ida's'.  :)  Kobe is a tough little guy - within the past six months, he's already landed in the ER twice.  With his first set of stitches, I found him attempting to cut them out with a scissors just minutes after we had returned home!  Ahgg..

My blessings in life are many, but these are four of the best, and for them I am eternally thankful!

Day 10 - Creation

We experienced our first snowfall yesterday.  I can't say that I am a huge fan of winter weather, (I tend to tell God I'll go wherever He calls us - just please not further north!) but the large flakes of snow falling yesterday were so beautiful.

I was with Tim on a quick run to Grand Rapids, and the snow was falling so heavily it felt as though we were in a blizzard.  This morning, we took the kids to school together and couldn't help but notice how beautiful the golden trees looked with piles of white snow around them.  Creation is beautiful!

I'm thankful for the changes in weather.  I'm thankful for the hope that each new season brings!  Even more, I'm in awe of the delicate intricacies of each unique plant, animal, man and woman.  God made each of us for a specific purpose.

The leaves of a cucumber plant were formed to grow large - to spread out wide so as to protect the product growing below from the hot rays of the sun.

A small bird (Clark's Nutcracker) living in Yellowstone Park, is known for it's appetite for large pine seeds.  They gather seeds all year, burying them in various parts of the park.  Come winter, they return to their hiding places and live off the seeds they once buried.  Here's the interesting part - they forget where approximately one-third of their seeds were buried.  In the spring, those sprouts poke through the earth and another pine begins to grow!  Something so small is used to do something so big!

One of my children recently mentioned a myth they'd heard about how the earth came to be.  "They said that two smaller atmosphere's were moving through space and then BOOM, they hit each other and our atmosphere was created."

"Just like that, huh?"

Tyler laughed a little but waited to hear my response.  "Tell, ya what," I said,  "Go get two eggs out of the fridge.  Hold one in each hand and then BOOM, smash them together.  Do you think there's even a slight, eensy, teensy, tiny possibility of getting a larger, nicer egg from it?  Perhaps even an ostrich egg instead?"

The kids laughed and thankfully decided common sense was enough and we wouldn't have an egg mess to clean up.

In our home, we try to instill a love for God's creation in each of our children.  And I've adopted a greater appreciation for it myself along the way.  I've learned that big or small, common or uncommon, God has a specific purpose for each part of His creation.   


And you, my friend, are no exception.

Day 8 - We Are Family!

It would be impossible to blog for 24 days straight about the gifts in my life and not mention family.  Tim and I have been blessed with lots and lots of relatives - and we love them all!

In fact, we love them so much that for 10 out of our 14 years marriage, we always lived within a mile of one of our parents.  We cut the cord two years ago and moved - now we're half way between both!  :)

This past weekend, we enjoyed a family tradition with part of Tim's family - the Yoder Shrimp Boil.  Later we were privileged to host his brother, Joe, in our home for a couple of days, and in a couple of days, I get to visit my wonderful relatives in Texas!  

Whether it's a Sunday dinner full of laughter with the Carpenters, or just another work day with the brothers on Stutzman Farms, the connection to family is a blessing like none other.

Besides the joys of extended family, I am also thankful for the family I call mine - Tim, Tyler, Amy, Corey and Kobe.  We have our crazy moments, our funny memories, our frustrating mornings (this morning was no exception), and a bond of love that I pray will never be broken.

God spoke to my heart this morning, so I grabbed my pen and jotted down these words.  

Mankind is often willing to forfeit their own personal joy and peace

Too often, willing to sacrifice the love of relationship 

in order to cling to their self-proclaimed right 

to things which have no eternal value. 

Who can put a price on joy? 

What is the value of love? 

A life lived choosing to lift up another

rather than self is a life worth living.

Thank God for the blessings of family in your life - whether biological or family by choice.  They are a gift from God and should be treated as such.

My little Amy brought a picture to me that she drew recently.  I loved it so much, I hung it on the fridge.  To me, it tells how much she values the people God has placed within these four walls, and my prayer is that it will always be so.