A Life of Gratitude

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD." Jeremiah 17:7 I had my follow up appointment with my neurosurgeon today. Although my emotions have endured quite a roller coaster, overall, the appointment went really well. I found out that I DO NOT have to have spinal fusion again!!! I was extremely grateful to hear this news while feeling a little bumbed because I had grown to like the idea of possibly getting rid of the pain I'm in. In the past my doctor has been fairly indifferent about my pain but today he seemed to have genuine concern for me. So, since the fusion has healed correctly and he cannot surgically help me anymore, he has decided to refer me to Duke. I have previously been successfully treated by pain management experts there so, this is really good news. During the consultation with the doctor, he said that he had to send me back to work because he didn't have proof in a test to explain why I couldn't work but by the time...

This afternoon Dylan was playing with his transformers and Evan was playing on his baby mat. I went into the kitchen for a minute and when I came back, Evan had wiggled over to Dylan's toys. He was reaching for them and watching his big brother play. It was so cute! Dylan brought a truck over for Evan and they "played" together for a few minutes. I absolutely loved watching them interact with each other!  Today I am thankful for these sweet boys and how much they love each other. Now that Evan is getting a little bigger they really enjoy spending time together. It is so much fun for me to watch! Evan wiggled over to Dylan's toys. Playing together! I think we have a few "HAMS" living in our house! I love how Dylan looks at his little brother. He loves him so much!

"Thank you Pinterest for helping me feel creative even though I've really just been sitting on my computer for three hours." Haha...its true, Pinterest is addictive but I'm happy to say that I found a nd executed   a lot of terrific ideas on Pinterest. Here are just a few of the awesome ideas I have found: I was able to do my own hair for my friend's wedding by looking at lots of ideas and tutorials found on  Pinterest! A Homemade Valentine for my Valentine This prayer cup contains the names of all of our friends and family. Dylan pulls one out each night when he says his bedtime prayers. The "Never-Ending Love Letter" Bryan and I really enjoy leaving notes for each other. I also gave one as a shower gift recently. It was a big hit! Homemade Dried Strawberries....yum! Dylan loved helping make these Valentine's Day cookies. "Heart Attack"- each heart had a reason we love our boys written on it. Bridal Sh...

I spent most of this weekend celebrating Lydia's marriage to her new husband, Cory. Lydia was my best friend all through high school, she introduced Bryan and I, and she was a bridesmaid in our wedding. So, of course, I was very excited about her special day! We had a terrific Bridesmaid's Luncheon on Friday afternoon and a nice rehearsal and rehearsal dinner that evening. Saturday was filled with excitement! She walked down the isle at 5pm followed by a lovely reception dinner. Overall, the weekend was a lot of fun. I absolutely loved seeing how happy my sweet friend is.  Me and Lydia at the reception High School Chicas Me and my hot date! Today I am thankful for life long friendships. Although Lydia and I aren't attached at the hip like we were in high school, we are still good friends. I am also grateful for fun times to celebrate those who are special in our lives.

I've been a part of an outstanding Bible Study for the past couple of weeks. "Mercy Triumphs" by  Beth Moore is a study of the book of James. Today we discussed suffering. In the fifth book of James, Job is referred to as one of the best examples of how we should respond to suffering. For those of you who do not know much about Job, he was a man of God who lived a righteous life. He suffered the loss of all of his wealth, his physical health and his children. He suffered through more than most people ever imagine. The most astonishing thing about this story is that God made Satan aware of Job. In the first book of Job, God calls Job a servant, blameless and upright, and a man who fears God. So, when Satan was looking for someone to "mess" with, God said "Have you considered my servant, Job?" Wow, that's crazy? Why would God pick such a humble, righteous, God-fearing man to lose everything, to suffer so greatly? Beth Moore suggest that God chose hi...

We rarely allow our children to sleep in the bed with us but if Evan wakes up an hour or so early, I'll put him in the bed with me (Bryan is usually gone to work by this time). This morning was one of those mornings. So, when Dylan climbed into the bed at 7:08, I had two little snuggle buddies in the bed with me. It was so sweet. We laid there for a while, talking and playing with Evan. I absolutely love snuggling with my precious boys. Today I am thankful for those moments snuggling under the covers. One day my boys will be too "big" to snuggle with their Mommy so, I better enjoy it while it lasts.

KLove Radio often shares stories of people who have heard the perfect song during a specific time in their lives. Its almost as if the song was played just for them, right when they needed it. That happens to me all the time!  I've been a little stressed out the past couple of days and it seems as if I hear "Carry me to the Cross" by Kutless every time I get into the car. I've actually heard it other places as well. We've heard it so much that Dylan and I both know almost every word and we sing along very loudly! I feel like this song is meant for me during this season of my life. My favorite part of the song says "When the path is daunting and every step exhausting, I'm not alone, I'm not alone, no, no. I feel You draw me closer. All these burdens on my shoulder. I'm not alone, I'm not alone. You pull my from this place. Hallelujah. You carry me to the cross. You carry me all the way." Right now, this song is exactly what I need to be ...