A Life of Gratitude

This morning at the end of my quiet time with Jesus, I pulled out my "Praying for our Children" calendar that I refer to often. For today the calender suggested that I pray that my children live lives that overflow with thankfulness, always giving thanks to God. I use this calendar a lot and every time, Day 30 touches my heart. After writing this blog for 5 years, I have come to see how amazing gratitude truly is. It can change any situation! That's probably why God tell us to give thanks in all circumstances in Thessalonians 5:18. He knew that gratitude would be a blessing to us!  So as I prayed that my children would have hearts full of gratitude, I was reminded of the importance of making sure my kids see that I am grateful. They learn best by seeing their family and friends exhibit behaviors. I mean, honestly, you can tell them something a thousand times and they never "get it" but they can see a friend do something a handful of times and they sudde...

Tonight we had Family Game Night! We found a game called "Pie Face" at Wal-Mart this afternoon and we couldn't wait to play it tonight. It was so much fun! I haven't laughed so hard in a long time! It was such an exciting time together as a family! I honestly can't even explain how funny this game is, so let me show you a few pictures!  Can you see the complete joy on the faces of these kids??? That is what I am thankful for today! We have a lot of fun together, all the time, but tonight was hilarious! When I was looking through the pictures, I couldn't help but smile as I looked at the faces of my family. I love seeing the happiness and excitement just seeping out of their grins. We were all laughing so hard we almost cried. I am grateful for a fun evening with my family, for the laughter and joy that filled the room, and the sweet smiles of my children. There is nothing like these sweet moments...t...

Our family is super excited about Fall!! It's my favorite time of year and I think the rest of the family likes it a lot too! We've been outside more the past few days than we have been all Summer! It's finally getting a little cooler and there has been such a nice breeze. We've even been doing our schoolwork on the back deck. Tyson has also gotten to go for a ride on his tricycle for the first time!  A pumpkin treat to celebrate the first day of fall (yesterday) I can't believe how big my Dylan is! School work on the back deck! Relaxing with Tyson on the glider in the shade...so peaceful! Tyson on his tricycle! He loved it!! Today I am thankful for FALL! I like the pool and the beach and ice cream just as much as the next guy but I love fall! When there is a crispness in the air and the sun goes down earlier. When pumpkins are all over the place and leaves of beautiful colors are floating through the air. Oh Fall, you're sooo pretty! Pl...

My Tyson had his One Year Well Visit today. His doctor even mentioned that he couldn't believe Tyson was a year old already! I'm still trying to wrap my mind around this fact! The appointment went so well. Tyson is now 21 pounds!! He is 2 feet 6 inches tall and doing super with all of his developmental milestones. He had to get some shots, and he did cry a little, but overall, he was a little angel at his appointment. That's my boy....always going with the flow! He sure is my little sweetheart! Today I am thankful for a wonderful check-up. We have been blessed with 3 very healthy, strong, energetic little boys and I don't take that for granted! I know that isn't the case for all families which causes me to be even more grateful for their health each and everyday. I am also thankful, even though it's sad sometimes, that Tyson is growing up . I don't want him to grow up for selfish reasons, but I know God has great plans for all my littles. So, I am...

Today was National Talk Like a Pirate Day! Every year we dress up so that we can get free donuts from Krispy Kreme! This year, there was another special, free event going on to celebrate ....Pirate Day in the Park! We had a great time together walking around the park, watching all the pirates, bouncing in inflatables, painting, watching cannons being fired, taking a boat around the lake and riding a train. We also ran into our neighbors while at the event so the kids had a lot of fun together! Dressed Like Pirates to get free Donuts! Lots of FREE Donuts! Evan at Scalawag School at Pirate Day!!!!! Dylan with Jack Sparrow Dylan with Blackbeard and his Mistress Sweet Evan =) Tyson sporting these ridiculous sunglasses! Dylan with some buddies on the boat ride around the park. Not sure what Tyson was doing here but he sure did enjoy the boat ride, so did everyone else! Absolutely beautiful! Today I am thankful for fun activities to do as a fami...

We took our boys to the Children's Museum today to celebrate Tyson's first birthday! He had sooooo much fun! The big boys loved showing him around and helping him play. He couldn't get enough of the riding toys! Dylan pushed him all over the place and Tyson just yelled out, "Weeeeeeeeeeeee!" It was adorable! Then, he went down the slide over and over and over, and each time he yelled, "Weeeeeeeeeeeee!"  Later in the day we opened presents, ate dinner at  Chick-fil-a and let Tyson have a little more cake!The whole day was just full of fun! I'm telling you, I've been in denial for the past month. I've been planning his birthday party and wrapping his presents but honestly, I cannot believe this baby is a year old! I feel like I've been screaming "Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" as this year flew by!!!!!  Tonight, as I rocked my sweet baby and laid him in his crib, I couldn't help but think about the ...

I absolutely cannot believe that we spent the afternoon celebrating Tyson's 1st birthday! It blows my mind that he is already one year old! Today was a wonderful day!!! Everyone had a terrific time, especially Tyson!  My three little loves!  We had fun making Ice Cream Sundaes! He loved his cake but saved quite a bit for tomorrow =)  My Evan, I love that chocolately smile! YUM! Opening Presents! The ball was his favorite for sure!!! We all wore our ties for Tyson's "TIE" party! Tyson was so joyful today, just like everyday! I am incredibly grateful for a day to celebrate him and all the excitement and love his brought into our family over the last year! I am thankful that we had such an enjoyable time eating cake and ice cream with friends and family. Tyson is the sweetest little fella! I am forever grateful for this little guy!