A Life of Gratitude

The past two weeks have been hard for me, but also very beautiful. I had to have a hysterectomy and spent two nights in the hospital. Once I got home I spent several days in the bed and been very weak and sore.  While all of it has been a lot to deal with physically and emotionally, I have experience something so precious. I have had the most loving, attentive helpers.  Dylan, Evan, and Tyson laid a little bell on my nightstand. They said, "Mom, any time you need something, just ring the bell!" They literally fought over who would help me each time I rang it. No matter how big or small the need, they would come running. It warmed my heart so much to see them so eager to help me and willing to work together. Allison has spent a lot of time taking care of me, snuggling with me, and even napping with me.  She also provided lots of company for me when she wasn't able to lay with me.  My sweet kiddos served me breakfast, lunch, and dinner in bed.  I've had numerous friends

2020 has been an odd year (that's actually quite the understatement). The holidays will be different this year as well, due to the restrictions in place because of Covid-19. Not only was Thanksgiving different this year because of the pandemic, we also had to celebrate differently because I am recovering from surgery.  I usually spend hours cooking a big meal and then we typically have family over to enjoy the food. We often go to other family's houses as well. But not this year. This year we had a lazy day.  \ We started the morning lounging together on the couch watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I still have to lay around most of the time as I recover, so this was perfect for me. How cute are these guys? Later we made Thanksgiving Story Bracelets.   Each bead added to the pipe cleaner tells part of the story of the first Thanksgiving. Allison didn't want to wear hers.   Next we played a Gratitude Game. Allison loved rolling the dice. We shared something we

When I picked up my prescription at the pharmacy a couple of days ago, they asked for my driver's license and then placed it inside a little envelope and stapled the envelope to the prescription bag. When I got home, I took the pill bottle out and threw the bag in the trash. I didn't notice until last night that my driver's license wasn't in my purse.  So, before church this morning, I started digging through the trash, looking for my missing ID. I looked  through all of the trash cans downstairs because I couldn't remember where I had thrown the prescription bag. Then I pushed up my sleeves and searched through the kitchen trash can. Sadly, I couldn't find it anywhere. When I got home from church I started pulling out trash bags from the big ol' trash can outside. It was a smelly, yucky mess. I ended up with ketchup all over my hands, food on my shirt, and trash all over the yard. I pulled out every single piece of paper, snack wrapper, and banana peel.  Fi

A couple of weeks ago Not Forgotten Ministries had a red-carpet fundraising event at Lexi's Place. It was an incredible evening. Everything was perfect! The food was delicious, the guest speaker was inspiring, the music was beautiful, and everyone that attended looked amazing! And the best part, we exceeded our fundraising goal! Do you see the red carpet?? Lexi's Place is such a beautiful place! The decor was so elegant1 These are NFM board members and their husbands.  My hubby and me all dressed up. We don't get to enjoy fancy evenings very often, It was so much fun! The baby grand piano was beautiful playing in the background. We had 64 people in attendance. There's my book! NFM's sidewalk advocates  (not all of them were present at this time) I shared the vision we have for 2021. Sadiella and J Michael played the most beautiful song that Sadiella wrote for NFM! Evie West was a wonderful guest speaker! Today I am grateful for the most amazing evening celebrating N