A Life of Gratitude

There are few things in life that are as relaxing as a hot bath. My doctor actually prescribed hot baths for me because of my back pain and pregnancy so today, while Dylan was napping, I took a nice hot bath. I could have stayed in there for hours! Today I am thankful for hot baths.

Last night at Bible Study, Priscilla Shirer shared about the "Totality" of our God. This was a message that I needed to hear. I am quilty of picking and choosing the things in my life that I bring to God. Sometimes I think "oh, I don't want to bother God with that" or "I shouldn't let that bother me so I won't bring that to God." Last night I learned that every single thing that concerns me, concerns God! We have a God that cares about every little thing in our lives! Priscilla shared a story about someone who ordered an appetizer at dinner because the prices were so high. That person later learned that someone else was paying the bill so he changed his order to the largest steak on the menu. When we know WHO we are dealing with and that the price has already been paid, we change how we "order," how we pray. God cares, He is able, He wants to do abundantly more than we can even dream of....even for me! When I think of that, it change

15 years ago today I met the love of my life. We lived on the same street our entire lives but never met until June 28, 1996. Lydia introduced us that summer afternoon and we have been together since. Today I am thankful that I met Bryan when I was only 13 years old and that we have spent so many wonderful years together. God truly blessed me when He allowed me to me that handsome blonde-haired boy! Prom 1998

Today I am thankful that Dylan is able to participate in fun activities like T-Ball. He had his first practice tonight. It was very interesting to watch 10 three and four year olds try to learn to hit the ball, run the bases, and throw to first base. We did witness some rolling on the ground and throwing of gloves but mostly the practice went well. We'll see how his first game goes =)

Today I am thankful for The Jesus Storybook Bible. Bryan and I learned about this children's Bible during the Life Action Summit held at Green Street. We bought one for Dylan and have been using it for family devotions. We've read one story each night and tonight we read the last story in the Bible. Dylan loves the stories and the illustrations. We love this version because every story points to Jesus as the Rescuer. I would recommend this Bible for any parent that wants their child to learn about Jesus! We will start the Bible all over again tomorrow...Dylan is going to know these stories through and through! 

Well, after a lovely week at Tybee Island, we're home. Its really nice to be back at home and I'm looking forward to sleeping in my bed tonight. Today I am thankful for a safe trip home, for a terrific vacation with the family and that I was able to do laundry in our condo while on vacation. When I got home today I was able to put all the clothes away and I have NO laundry to do (for now) which is terrific because I'm enjoying relaxing on the couch!

Today I am thankful for the little kicks and punches I've been feeling in my belly! At 21 weeks, Evan is really starting to move! He is about the length of a carrot and has fully developed eye lids and eye lashes. I can't believe this pregnancy is more than half way over. I can't wait to hold this little guy! 21 weeks pregnant!

Tonight Bryan and I are able to go out on a date! Dylan will be staying here in the room with his Nana and Papa and his cousin Hayden. Bryan and I are going out for dinner by the river and then on a Murder Mystery RiverBoat Cruise. Today I am thankful for a night to spend with my hubby!

I've always heard that the summer heat is miserable when you're pregnant and now I believe it! Its been 102 here in Tybee Island, GA and this pregnant lady is HOT! I have to say that I have been incredibly thankful for the air conditioning and the pool. Its been nice to go jump in the pool in this hot weather!

Today I am thankful for time spent with family. This week at the beach is full of fun times with my family. We are having a great time together. Tonight we went out on a boat ride to find dolphins. We all enjoyed our ourselves but Dylan had a blast! He kept yelling "there's one, there's one!" He also enjoyed just riding the boat. I am so thankful for the memories we are making and the time we are spending together.

Today I am thankful for the beautiful ocean. Every time I come to the beach I can't help but gaze in wonder at the ocean. God truly created an amazing thing when He made the ocean. The waves crashing are so beautiful and they obey His every word! I can't help but be in awe of my Creator...the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

Today I am thankful for Bryan, the world's best Daddy! I couldn't have asked for a better father for Dylan (and for little guy #2,  who is on the way!) Bryan is such a great role model for our children! He is teaching them to be kind, compassionate, playful, obedient, humble, grateful, a gentleman, and to seek the Lord at all times. I can only pray that my boys will follow in their Daddy's footsteps.   Thank you, Bryan, for being such a wonderful Daddy! Our family is so lucky to have you!

After driving about 5 hours, Dylan yells out, "Look Mommy, I see Tybee Island!" (of course it wasn't really Tybee Island, it was just a patch of palm trees) It was so cute because I don't remember telling him the actual beach name. He must have overheard me telling someone else where we were going. He has been so excited about this trip!! Today I am thankful for a safe trip to Tybee Island. I think we're going to have a great time!

Today I am thankful for Five Guys Burgers and Fries! I've been wanting to go for several weeks now so Bryan took me tonight. It was so yummy. Thank you Bryan!

This may sound a little crazy but today I am thankful for the garbage men! I was watching as the trash truck came around our neighborhood and I couldn't help but think "Wow, I wouldn't want that job!"  I am thankful for men and women that are willing to deal with the mountains of trash that pile up each day. Its a dirty job but somebody's gotta do it! (I'm glad its not me!)

Today I am officially 20 weeks along in my pregnancy. That means I am half way there! The baby is about the length of a banana and weighs about 10 ounces. He is swallowing and making meconium (a gooey poop-like substance) which is helping his digestive system develop. This baby is growing so fast! Today I am thankful that I've made it half way. Only around 20 more weeks until we get to meet this little guy !

Today I am thankful for Tuesday Night Bible Study. I wasn't able to attend the first session last week because of my dad's accident so I was super excited about tonight's session. I love spending time with fellow believers in Christ, discussing God's word and the lessons from the week, and hearing from terrific Bible teachers. Tonight's session was really great. I was reminded that in life we can choose to shrink back and allow the things of this world to drag us down or we can REST IN FAITH, regardless of the situation and know that God is with us. I am so thankful for that reminder!

Well, the old wedding ring and thread test was right! We are having another little boy!! We are so excited that Dylan will have a little brother to play with. This little guy's name will be Evan Lee Shaw! The ultrasound shows that the baby is doing very well. He is healthy and measuring correctly. I am so thankful to have another healthy baby boy on the way! Father in Heaven, Thank you for blessing us with another son. Thank you for watching over him as he grows and develops in my womb. Please continue to hold him in the palm of your hand and prepare our family for his arrival. Amen.

Since we have our 20 week ultrasound tomorrow, Bryan and I thought it might be fun to see how true some of the old wive's tales are. According to a Chinese Gender Chart, because I was 28 years old when the baby was concieved, the baby should be a girl. There is a wives tale that says that the faster the heart beat, the more likely your having a girl. Each time we've heard the baby's heart beat, its been above 140 (which is higher than what Dylan's usually was). So, according to this wive's tale, its a girl.  We also did the Wedding Ring and Thread Gender Prediction Test. With this test you tie thread to a wedding band and dangle it over the pregnant woman's belly. If the ring swings like a pendelum, it is a boy. If the ring swings in a circular motion, its a girl. According to this wive's tale, we are having a boy. There is also another wives tale that involves urine and draino...we decided against that one! v Although these wive's tales are fun, tod

About a week ago our dog, Mitch, wasn't feeling well at all. He was having a hard time walking and eating and he couldn't jump on the couch or bed. He mostly just layed around for days. He is 13 years old so we were worried that there might be something really wrong with him and he might have to be put to sleep. We were planning to take him to the vet on Tuesday afternoon but by Tuesday morning he was back to his normal self! He has been running and planning, eating and drinking! Today I am so thankful that Mitch is feeling better. He has been the best dog a family could have. I can't imagine life without him.

This morning Dylan and I went swimming with Brandi and Cora Beth. We had so much fun. Dylan absolutely loves the water! This week has been so overwhelming for me, it was so nice to relax and spend time with good friends. Today I am thankful for good friends, fun times, and relaxation. Laughter and friendship truly are good for the soul!

I am so happy to say that my Dad has improved so much since yesterday. When I went to see him today he was sitting up in his bed and eating lunch. Yesterday he couldn't even lift his head up. Apparently he walked some today as well. I am so thankful that he is improving so quickly. God is at work, I'm sure of it!

The past 36 hours have been so difficult! My Dad had a horrible car accident yesterday afternoon. EMS workers found him with his truck flipped and he was hanging out of the back window. He was air lifted to Baptist. I was the first of our family to get to him and was floored by his appearance. By looking at him I just knew he was going to die. I just had to stop and pray over him. Thankfully, after all the test and hearing from the doctors, he is going to be ok. He has 6 broken ribs, 2 missing teeth, several broken teeth that have to be removed, and bruises and gashes all over his body. He is terribly sore today and has a hard time breathing because of the rib pain. The main concern at this point is the reason for the accident...there were no other cars, trees, deer, etc so we are wondering what happened and he remembers nothing. The doctors think he may have had a TIA (mini-stroke) that may have caused him to black out. They are going to do some tests to see if that is likely or not

Today I am thankful for fresh fruits and veggies! I've been enjoying squash, onions, bananas, watermelon, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. This baby likes healthy foods! I'm so grateful to live in an area where it is easy to buy healthy food for my family.

Yesterday while walking into church Dylan pointed up at the steeple and said "Mommy, do you see that cross?" I said "yes, do you know what that is?" He sweetly said, "Yes! Jesus went to that cross! I don't want to go to that cross." So Bryan said, "Jesus went so that you don't have to." Dylan smiled really big and said "Yep!" Today I am thankful that my little boy is learning about Jesus. There is nothing more important!!

Seven years ago I married the love my life. I seriously cannot believe its been seven years! When I think about our marriage so far, I can't help but smile. God has truly blessed us. We have each grown so much individually and as a couple. Our love for one another continues to grow as well. Today I am thankful for the seven years we've been married. I'm also thankful for all the years we have to look forward to. This picture is of Bryan and I on my 16th birthday....we've been together for 15 years!!!!

This morning we had a big Yard Sale at my mom's house. We had tons of stuff but not as many customers as usual. Even though the turn out wasn't as good as we had hoped, we still made some extra money to take on our beach trip. So, today I am thankful for our Yard Sale and the money we made.

Last weekend we borrowed the "Lion King" from Bryan's mom and we've watched it a few times this week. Dylan loves it! The only problem is that its VHS....Dylan doesn't understand that it takes a few minutes to fast forward or rewind. He is used to instant viewing with DVD or DVR or Netflix. Its been interesting trying to teach him about the old tapes and a good reminder for me! I've realized how grateful I am for technology. Sometimes technology seems over the top and people get a little too attached to it but I'm so glad we've moved on from VHS movies! Today I'm thankful for the technology the we enjoy each day .

While cleaning out the bathroom closet today, I found a small bag of alcohol swabs, bandages, and other medical supplies. The prescription on the bag said to inject the medication with a syringe once daily. The name on the bag was my name and the date was from my back surgery last year. I have absolutely no recollection of this prescription. I immediatey ran out and asked Bryan if he knew what this was. He reminded me that after my surgery I gave myself shots in the stomach for a week or two. The injections were to keep from getting an infection in the surgical site. Wow, Really?! I do not remember giving myself those shots! Since I have no memory of it, I'm surprised that I was even capable of injecting myself.  Today I am thankful that God brought me through that crazy time. To be honest, I'm also grateful for forgotten memories...I'm not at all upset that I don't remember giving myself those shots!

Yesterday I watched my neighbor and a repair man work on his air conditioning. I cannot imagine having a broken air conditioner right now. This heat has been ridiculous! So, today I am thankful for the air conditioner in my home. I'm sure this will be something I'm grateful for a lot this summer!