A Life of Gratitude

This afternoon "Oh, Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns was playing on the radio. Dylan was eating his snack and he began singing this song. After hearing the part of the song that says, "One day the trumpet will sound for His coming. One day the skies with His glories will shine," Dylan began asking me what it means. I was able to share with him that one day Jesus is coming back! This is not an easy thing to explain to a 3 year old but he seemed very excited about the news that Jesus will return. When Bryan got home from work Dylan told him that it will be a glorious day when Jesus comes back! Today I am thankful that I am able share such wonderful news with my children... Jesus will return and it will be a glorious day!  

This evening Bryan was helping me take apart Dylan's car seat so that I could thoroughly clean it (it wasn't as easy as it seems!) Bryan asked me to get out his tool box so, of course, Dylan had to get out his tool box also. He began to help Bryan "work" on the car seat. After they took the car seat apart, they began to work on the curtain rod in our living room. Bryan taught Dylan how to use the hammer. It was so adorable. He was very proud of himself. He loves to help his Daddy! Today I am thankful for a husband who is capable and willing to help me in so many ways. I'm also thankful that he is such a good father. Dylan is so lucky to have a Dad that takes time to teach him things and sets such a good example for him. Thank you Bryan! I love you!

Dylan and I spend a little time each day working on some preschool skills such as numbers, letters, letter sounds, shapes, 3-letter words, same/different, and writing his name. He has always impressed me but today he really shocked me! He wrote his name all by himself! I am one proud Mommy! He is such a smart little boy. I really enjoy watching him learn and grow. Today I am thankful for the opportunity to teach my little boy. I've always enjoyed teaching young children but its truly amazing to watch my own son learn new things!  

I've been having a really hard time getting comfortable in the bed for the past few weeks. My belly is getting bigger and the back pain seems to worsen each day. I toss and turn all night. (Its totally worth it though!!) Today I am thankful for the pregnancy pillow that I've been using. If I didn't have this pillow I probably wouldn't be able to find a comfortable position at all. I bought this pillow when I was pregnant with Dylan and I loved it then but this time around, its truly a blessing!

We had a great time today at "Big Toys Day" in Lexington. Dylan was so excited about going today that he even prayed last night that it wouldn't rain today! His prayer was answered and he got to see all types of trucks and planes. He absolutely loved seeing the Fire Trucks, Big Rigs, and Police cars. He talked all day about the trucks, especially the "stinky" trash truck! Today I am thankful for family-friendly activities to engage our children in. There are so many inappropriate things in our world these days, I'm so grateful that there are still organizations working hard to provide positive experiences for families.

Recently Bryan bought a special clock for Dylan's room. Since Dylan is such an early riser we thought this might be the perfect clock for him. The clock turns green when its ok for him to get up. Its been working very well! At 7am the clock turns green and I immediately hear, "Mommy, its green!" Today I am thankful for this clock and the few extra minutes of sleep I've been getting the past few days. Technology can be so wonderful!

God Answers Prayer!!! It's true, He did it for me! Sometimes it easy to get caught up in the things of life and feel as though God doesn't really hear our prayers but today, God showed me that He does hear, He does care, and He does respond! At my 20 week ultrasound the doctor told me that I had Placenta Previa- a condition where the  placenta is lying unusually low in the uterus, next to or covering the cervix. If the placenta doesn't move by the end of the pregnancy, it can cause preterm labor, bleeding, and other severe complications. It also means that natural labor and delivery is out of the question, a c-section must be done. Today I had another ultrasound to see if the placenta had moved. It has moved and everything looks wonderful!! I have been praying non-stop for 10 weeks about this. It would have been ok either way because I know that God knows best and is in complete control but I must say, it is awesome that God answered my prayer. He did that for me! Today

This evening, as I sit on my couch typing this blog, I do not have those beginning of the year "butterflies" that all teachers have. I am not worried about getting to school in time to welcome all of my students, making sure all of them start memorizing their lunch numbers, teaching them the classroom rules, dealing with parents, getting all of my kids get on the right bus, or how I will stand and walk around all day with my back the way it is.  Tomorrow many of my friends will begin another year as a classroom teacher and I am sure that they will have a hard time sleeping tonight because of the "butterflies."  Today I am grateful that God has provided a way for me to be home my family instead of working in the classroom. I hate that I have never ceasing back pain but I am so glad that God is watching over me and allowing me to be home where I can deal with the pain. Good luck teachers and students! I hope this year is your best school year yet!

This afternoon, while sitting on the couch, I began to feel the ground, the couch, the walls, the artwork, and everything else in the house shake. It wasn't violent, just shaking a little. I kept looking out the window for a big truck to go by but nothing ever happened. When it stopped a few seconds later I thought "wow, was that an earthquake?" Then I quickly dismissed that idea as ridiculas.  A little while later I discovered that it was an earthquake. If we felt that sort of shaking so far way from the actual earthquake, I can't imagine what it must have felt like in Virginia. Furthermore, those major earthquakes that some places encounter must be really horrible. Today I am thankful that we live in an area that earthquakes are very rare. Overall, High Point is a pretty safe location for our little family to live and I am grateful for it!

Dylan absolutely loves trains so, this morning Dylan and I rode the train from High Point to Greensboro. Bryan dropped us off at the High Point train station and picked us up in Greensboro. Dylan really enjoyed himself. The conductor gave him a sticker and punched his name with the hole puncher into a ticket. Dylan had so much fun that he didn't want to leave the station. I had fun too! Today I am thankful for these fun times with Dylan. I truly enjoy spending time with him. These simple experiences are so exciting for him! Children really do make life worth living!

Last night we had a fellowship with our Sunday School class. We had a covered dish dinner and game night. Several of us played "Pit." (if you've never played Pit, you should try it!) We laughed and yelled and had a terrific time together. It was great to spend time with other members of the body of Christ. During church this morning, Pastor Darryl discussed the importance of being in relationship with Christ but also with fellow believers. We are to serve one another, keep each other accountable, and encourage one another. Today I am thankful for the body of Christ. I pray that I am as much of a blessing to them as they are to me.

Last night Bryan and I went to a Hillsong United concert at the Greensboro Coliseum. It was a wonderful worship experience! One thing I love about Christian concerts, they aren't about the artist...they are about Jesus!!! We enjoyed 2 and 1/2 hours of singing praises to our Lord and Savior. At one point I went the restroom (because I do that all the time these days!! haha) and when I looked back at the thousands of people behind us, I was amazed at the sight of that many people worshipping, raising their hands, singing to Immanuel. It was like getting a sneak peak at what Heaven might be like. I honestly didn't want this concert to end. Today I am thankful for these worship experiences but I'm also thankful that I can worship my Heavenly Father any time I want to!

This morning Dylan crawled into my bed (at 7:45am, which is really late for him!) and said "Mommy, can I hug the baby?" That was such a sweet question to wake up to! I said, "of course you can" and then he proceeded to lay his little head on my belly and squeezed his arms around me. If he loves to hug Evan now, I can't wait to see how he will react when he is actually able to wrap his little arms around Evan. Today I am thankful that Dylan understands that he is going to have a little brother and that, at least for now, he is really happy about it! I hope he continues to be excited about Evan's arrival and I pray that they are the best of buddies!

One of my sweet friends has been going through a difficult time the past few days. As I have listened to her talk about all the she has experienced, I can't help but be amazed by God! He knows exactly what we need, when we need it. She has turned to God during this difficult time and has been able to truly see Him at work in her life. Today I am thankful that my friend shared her amazing story with me. Matthew 6:8 says, "...for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." I believe this is true and I am grateful today the He is always at work in our lives. Precious Heavenly Father, Thank You for always being active in our lives. Thank You for loving us and taking care of us. I continue to pray for my dear friend and her family during this time. Please comfort them and allow them to see You more clearly each day. Amen.

I go to Water Aerobics at the YMCA two or three times a week. The doctors say that water aerobics are terrific for expecting mommies and its also the best exercise for my back injury.  I am the youngest in the class by far. All of the folks in the group call me "Little Momma." Its really sweet! They are always asking about the baby, my family, and how I'm feeling. This morning one of the ladies brought a present for baby Evan. Its the cutest little blanket. Today I am thankful for such a lovely group of people. At first I felt a little awkward, being so much younger than everyone else, but these folks have really made me feel welcomed and cared for. Today I really felt the love!

Today I am thankful for the "Do it Yourself" projects that Bryan and I have been doing around the house. Bryan fixed both of our toilets recently and due to some leaking in the master bathroom, we redid the floor. It took several days and wasn't easy on my back but the floor looks really good! It only cost about $30 too! I'm so glad that we were able to redo the floor ourselves!

This evening, after Bryan got home from work, the three of us laid on the bed and just talked with one another. Dylan and I told Bryan all about our day, Bryan told us about his day at work, and we talked about baby Evan too. Dylan was telling us that he is ready for his baby brother to come out! It was so nice to just lay together and talk. Today I am thankful for these sweet moments as a family. God has truly blessed us!

Our Pastor's message at church today was focused on Mark 2:27 which says "Then he said to them, ' The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”   I now understand that the Sabbath is a gift given from God for man. It seems natural for all of us to be constantly busy, stressed out, frustrated, and overwhelmed. Life just isn't easy these days. It is a wonderful gift to have one day each week to put the cares of the world aside and focus on our Lord. God gave us the Sabbath to rest in Him. The Sabbath is a gift! Today I am thankful for the Sabbath. Jesus is the Lord of every day but I truly enjoy having one day each week that revolves around Him. There are many people who don't see the importance of going to church or of setting a day apart for God. They would rather sleep late or make it to a football game. I just can't help but wonder...if you can set apart one day a week for God, are you really prepared

We had quite a productive day today! Bryan got all of the baby items down from the attic (Thanks Babe!), we sorted through everything, and found a place to put each item. I also sorted through all the newborn baby clothes, bibs, burp clothes, etc. It was so exciting to fold all of those little clothes. I had forgotten how tiny the baby will be. We still have a lot to do but we got a lot accomplished! Today I am thankful productive days. We need a few more days like this one and then we'll be all ready for Evan! Evan's name on the wall in his room!

This morning while we were driving, the song "God of this City" by Chris Tomlin came on the radio. Dylan was singing it out! As I listened to that sweet little voice sing "There is no one like our God," tears filled my eyes. If hearing him sing melts my heart, I cannot imagine how God must respond. God loves when His children worship Him. Psalm 95: 1-2 says "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." Today I am thankful for music. I absolutely love singing praises to my Lord and Savior especially when my family is singing with me! Listen to this wonderful song and imagine Dylan's little voice singing along! It melts my heart!

Today I am thankful for Philippians 4:13. It says, "For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength." As I write this I am watching Soul Surfer. I've been crying my eyes out! This is truly an amazing story. As Bethany is healing from a horrific shark attack she recites Philippians 4:13. I cannot even imagine what she must have been going through but I am so glad she relied on her Heavenly Father to give her strength to get through such a terrifying situation. I'm also very thankful for stories like these. These stories remind us that God's strength and love isn't only in a Bible story. Its real, its ALIVE! Bethany is a real example of God at work. He is at work in me too...and in you! We can rely on Him in the ups and downs of life. Whether those things are huge life altering things or just the mundane every day things. He cares about us and He is here for us. He can give us the strength we need in any situation. Praise God!

WOW, I cannot believe I'm in my third trimester already! This pregnancy is flying by. I had my 28 week check-up yesterday and everything looks great. The baby is growing and has a strong heartbeat. I also had my sugar test and I'm happy to report that I can continue to enjoy all foods for the remainder of my pregnancy...thank goodness! Today I am thankful that sweet Evan is developing as he should and that we are both healthy. We only have 12 more weeks until the due date and there is so much to do to prepare but I am excited about meeting this little guy!! 28 weeks pregnant!

Dylan loves books! We probably read 10 books today. We also worked in his new "big boy" workbook today and practiced his letters, numbers, and 3 letter words. He is such a smart young man and I am so happy that he enjoys reading and learning.  It is so wonderful to hear him say "Mommy, read this one now!" Today I am thankful that we have so many children's books for Dylan to enjoy. I remember some of my former students that didn't have any books at home to read. I use to send my own personal books home with them so that they could enjoy books at home. I can't imagine not having any books. I am so grateful that we are able to provide books for Dylan to read and learning activities to him to engage in. I hope he continues to enjoy reading and learning!

We had another T-ball game this evening and Dylan had some fans besides Mommy and Daddy. Today I am so thankful for my dad (Popsy) and step-mother (Grammie) and our friends, Jordan and Shanna, who came to watch Dylan play T-ball. Of course Dylan had to put on a little show for them but overall he did very well. I think everyone had a good time! Dylan was so happy to have people in the crowd clapping for him!

Bryan has been a busy fella today! He has been working on both toilets in our home. Of course, Dylan had to "help." He was sitting in the bathroom with his tool box, pretending to fix things. It was adorable! Today I am thankful for my sweet husband who has turned into quite the Handyman! A pregnant lady cannot be long without a properly working toilet so I am grateful for his hard work! Thank you Honey!!

Today was my sister-n-law's wedding day. Dylan was the Ring Bearer, I was the Matron-of-Honor, and Bryan was a Groomsman. We all enjoyed being a part of the wedding but Dylan really had a terrific time! He was also a little angel! He did so well walking down the aisle, waiting quietly during the ceremony, taking pictures, eating lunch, dancing, and helping to clean up after the reception. We couldn't have asked for him to do any better! Today I am thankful that my sweet little boy did so well in the wedding. I'm glad that our family was able to be a part of Darcie and Stephen's special day. I am so proud of our little Ring Bearer!

Today, while driving to the grocery store, I heard "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman on the radio. It has been a while since I've heard this song. Listening to the song and knowing that the Chapman family lost a five year old daughter a few years ago, my eyes just filled up with tears. When Steven Curtis Chapman wrote this song he had no idea that he would lose one of his children.  I’m sure this song means even more to him now. This song just reminds me how priceless each moment is. Life is short...we should cherish each moment. Today I am thankful that I am able to spend so much time with my husband and son. They are so precious to me.  God has blessed me in so many ways but I consider my family the greatest blessing of my life.

I am so excited because Evan's nursery bedding came in the mail today! Its called "Monkey Mania" and has the most adorable monkeys all over it. Dylan helped pick it out so he was very excited to see it also. Today I am thankful that my Mom was able to purchase this for us. Evan's room is going to be so cute!!!

According to BabyCenter.com, our little bundle of joy is approximately 2 pounds and 14 and 1/2  inches long. He is sleeping and waking in regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and sucking his fingers. His brain is very active and his lungs are functioning by breathing amniotic fluid in and out. I may start feeling him have the hiccups too! Today I am thankful that this little baby is growing and maturing. We only have 13 weeks until his due date! There is so much to do but I am so excited to meet him!

This afternoon Bryan realized that Dylan knows every word to a Christian song that we listen to. I got to hear him sing it and it was absolutely adorable! Today I am thankful for Christian radio stations such as Klove and WBFJ and for Christian CDs. Our family only listens to Christian music and as a result Dylan is learning to sing God's praises! There is nothing more precious than hearing that little voice sing out to his Heavenly Father!

Today is National Girlfriend's Day. I didn't realize this when my friend Lydia and I planned to get together but it ended up being a great way to celebrate the day. We had Chinese food for lunch, stopped by Babies R Us, and then watched a chick flick while chatting. We haven't seen each other in a long time so really enjoyed catching up. Today I am thankful for good girlfriends! I'm so grateful to have new friends and long-time friends, like Lydia, who was my best friend in High School. Its true, regardless of the stage of life we're in, a girl needs good friends!