A Life of Gratitude

Bryan and I have been married for almost seventeen years. We've had the same small bed for our entire marriage and it was in my apartment before that. We've always wanted a larger bed but just never wanted to spend the money on it. A couple of months ago I spent weeks and weeks in bed after surgery and it broke my heart that all of my kids couldn't snuggle in the bed with me. So, we decided it was time to get a new king size bedroom suit. It was delivered yesterday and I absolutely love it! Our room is so beautiful! The very best part of our room makeover is that all six of us can lay together in it! Last night we tested it out by watching a movie together. It's still a tight squeeze and as these boys continue growing, it will be harder to fit us all on but, I am so grateful! There is no place I would rather be than right here with these precious ones. Tori  

 I love Valentine's day! It's extra special to our family because Bryan asked me to marry him nineteen years ago today! Each year we all give one another valentines. The kids always make them for one another and for us. It's so precious. I love watching them work so hard on their cards. Sharing all of our valentines with one another is the first thing we did this morning.  It's always so sweet to watch the kids give their siblings what they made for them. Their eyes light up when they watch their cards being opened. Tyson made this for me all by himself! It made my heart melt! All my little loves waiting to open their valentines. Look at all these cards! (and that sweet little face!) Tonight the kids spent time with their grandparents while Bryan and I went to dinner. He proposed to me nineteen years ago today at a Japanese restaruant so we always eat Japanese on Valentine's day. Tonight's dinner was wonderful! Today I am thankful for all the love in my life! Go

Earlier this week we got a something new at our house!  Someone was selling this piano for only $50.00 so, we decided to move some things around in our house to make room for it. Tyson has been asking for a piano for a while! He couldn't have been more excited when we told him the news. Actually, all of the kids were thrilled!  The piano has become one of their favorite places.  It has been so much fun to watch them take turns playing the piano. It does get a little loud but I love hearing them experiement with it. I hope at least one of our kiddos will learn to play it!  Today I am grateful for the opportunity to purchase a piano at such a low cost. I never imagined having a piano in our home but after watching the kids (and their daddy) enjoy playing it, I am thrilled to have it! I believe it will be a wonderful addition to our home! Tori  

  Yesterday, as I was driving around town, I heard someone who called into the radio say that she always desires to be a thermostat instead of a thermometer. Her words perplexed me at first but after a few minutes I realized what she was talking about and you know what, its pretty powerful! We all know what thermometers and thermostats are but I thought it would be good to share a simple definition of each.  Theremometer: A device for determining temperature Thermostat: A device that regulates the temperature  In this crazy world we're living in, as Christians, we should be like a thermostat. We should be regulating the atmosphere around us, not reacting to it. That's easier said than done but, nonetheless, it should be our prayer that God would enable to control our emotions and keep our eyes on Him. Staying connected to the Father, reading the Bible, spending time in worship, praying, and fellowshiping with other believers will help us to be steady and controlled. The peace t