Pride comes after the fall???

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A couple of months ago, Bryan broke his arm when he fell off of his skateboard. Never mind that he had never really ridden it that much! He and a buddy were goofing off together, and everything seems possible when you are with a good friend, right? There is nothing like getting the call that says "Mom, I'm okay but..." In this case, he wasn't okay. He had not one, but two broken bones in that arm, and was in a cast for about 5 weeks, then had3-4 more weeks of no activity to make sure that all was okay (he had broken the growth plate- not good).

I have to give him props though. He is right back on that skateboard, although now he is wearing protective gear :) He is very proud, and so am I! He is giving this skateboarding some serious time. Here's a peek at one of his newest tricks... the pogo.

Family Ties

I am blessed. The family I married into is wonderful. I hear some people talk about their inlaws as if they were outlaws. I hear friends talking about their mothers-in-law, how they are never happy with them, etc etc. I hear horror stories of how some of my friends just cannot get along with their inlaws. Well, not me. I have to say that I am truly blessed by Jeff's family! His mom is one of the biggest spiritual influences in my life. She is a Godly woman, and I respect her and admire her so much. Jeff's dad was amazing. I find myself thinking about him a lot lately, as we anticipate the adoption of another child. Wayne was so excited when Bryan was born, and I know he loved him deeply. I miss Wayne. Jeff's sister, Lisa, and her husband Jim are blessings too, along with their two kids, Aaron and Breanna. There is never a dull moment when all of us are together!



We have a long tradition of a rummy tournament in this family. Whenever we are together we play rummy, complete with goofy made-up names. We are playing for the ultimate prize... the chance to get to take home the mouse trophy. It's a gawdy, gnarly-looking mouse figurine that we have passed back and forth for 5 years now (at least). This year, Bryan brought home the trophy- his first ever! (way to go, B)

I love this family. I feel at home with them. I know I am loved by them. It's a blessing to be a part of them. God not only gave me a great husband, but he has allowed me to be a part of a great family! Thanks guys... you are all loved!!

Next weekend, the Thanksgiving celebration continues with my side of the family. I love this time of the year!!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

This week is Thanksgiving, and that's got me to thinking... How thankful am I really? Do I really take the time to give thanks. I was taught at a young age to say "please" and "thank you", so I am pretty good at saying "thanks" when someone holds a door open for me or says something nice to me. But that doesn't make me a thankful person.

I have spent a great deal of time these past few weeks telling God just how thankful I am for things... from the big things to the smallest details. After all, it's all from Him, so that's where my thanks is due. What I have come to realize in listening to Him is that He really loves giving me things to be thankful for! That amazes me. The Creator of ALL really thinks I am something special, so much so that He wants to bless my socks off. And He does. Bless my socks off, that is.

So, here it is- a partial list of the things I am thankful for today.

a God who died for me, knows my inner most and STILL loves me

a husband who loves me and makes our marriage a priority

a son who is one of my heroes of faith and perseverance

a daughter-to-be whom He has chosen just for our family

Grace

friends and family that I can make memories with

a church family that I am growing with

a passion for my work

sunsets

laughter

tears

restoration

I could go on and on and on. What about you? What are you thankful for? And more importantly, have you told God how thankful you are? Celebrate this Thanksgiving by telling Him how thankful you are, then listen carefully to hear just how much He loves blessing you too...

Christmas is in the Air...

It's official. I am in the Christmas mood. We put our tree up and decorated the house today. I love decorating for the Christmas season. I think I have a little Grizwald blood in me or something. I like for it all to be just right. I worked most of the day getting things placed in just the right spot. Now, I can sit back and enjoy it for the next several weeks.

I love this time of the year. We spend a lot of time together as a family, and well.. that's really what I love the most. I have a great family. I am incredibly blessed to be married to my best friend. What a ride it has been! This year has been a whirlwind for us, and Jeff has been the one who has kept me going. And then there is Bryan. He is amazing. I still look at him after 11 years and think "Why did God think I was worthy to be his mom?". One thing os for sure.. I am thankful He did! I love that kid!!

Now that we have begun the adoption process, I have another person to start loving . I have been praying for this little girl who will be ours one day. I pray specifically for her birth mother, to be safe and healthy while she is carrying this child. I pray that God will place people all around them to show them Grace and Love. I pray she is with us soon.

I encourage you to spend this season lovin' on your family. I know I intend to!