Still being thankful...

Our Thanksgiving celebrating started yesterday. We drove up to Hubby's parents and at with my MIL's (mother-in-law's) family. Last night Hubby and I went on a date and left Munchkin home with the grandparents and aunt and uncle. It was so nice! It was a little weird going on a date as husband and wife going to the places we used to go when we were just dating.

Today Munchkin and Hubby stayed at his parents' while I went shopping with my mom. My sister met up with us for most of the day. No, we didn't wake up in the middle of the night to catch the mega sales, but still faced the crowds and got some more Christmas shopping done. It was almost Munchkin's bedtime by the time I got back tonight. He had quite the day too. There's nothing like playing in the good country air! He also made some sugar cookies with grandma. I'm not sure what all else he did, but let's just say when I got back he was literally running around in circles and "screaming." He is having the time of his life.

Tomorrow we have another family dinner and we'll be watching the Mizzou game. Tomorrow night we're having a get together at Hubby's parents' house. Friends and family are coming over for games, football, socializing, and my MIL's famous nachos!!! (As if we're not eating enough! Ha!) And Sunday we are getting together with some more family for some more eating before heading home.

I hope everyone is enjoying Thanksgiving as much as we are!

Thanksgiving Eve

Today I am thankful for my ordinary life. I get to stay at home every day with my Munchkin while Hubby goes off to do a job he loves. My days consist of cooking, playing, doing dishes, cleaning, laundry, reading books, changing diapers, dancing, wrestling, exploring outside, capturing bugs (for fun...oh how my life has changed), coloring, and building with blocks.

When people ask me "What's new?" my answer is usually "nothing." Don't get me wrong, Munchkin is learning, growing, and changing every day, but really, nothing in my life changes much. And for that, I'm thankful. Granted, sometimes I would like some change - a chance to get away from my every day routine. Even just a chance to get out of the house is as appealing as a Hawaiin vacation! But pretty much, my life is constant.

I feel like I should be knocking on wood or something. Now that I've written about how my life is the same every day I can just feel it- something is going to happen and cause upheaval. Well, even if it does this thing will remain the same: my God is who He says he is and always will be. And for that, I'm especially thankful.

Thankful Tuesday

Today I am thankful for my family: parents, siblings, grandparents, in-laws, Hubby and Munchkin. I am so blessed to be surrounded by family who loves me, loves Christ and loves each other.

My family, and Hubby's, actually enjoy spending time with each other! What a gift!!! Not every family is this way, which honestly is difficult for me to imagine. Not only do I love the family I grew up in, but I love the family I married into.

My prayer is that the family Hubby and I are starting will enjoy spending time with each other and will make it a priority. He and I both have such a rich family heritage that is so important for us to pass on.

I am really looking forward to being able to spend time with family over this holiday and continue to share Munchkin with them. I hope that he is learning how valuable they are.

Thanksgiving Week

With this being the week of Thanksgiving, the next few days I would like to write about those things that have currently been on my mind that I am thankful for. Today, I will start with that which is most important to me, my faith.

Lately our pastor has been preaching on the book of 1 Peter. The letter was written to a people, much like the Christians of today. Just as the Christians during the period of the letter, we too live in a world that does not accept us. We are seen as "wrong" and "evil" for what we believe. Daily we are in constant struggle to keep the rights that we have. Furthermore, we feel more and more like we are refugees, aliens, etc. We feel this way because simply, this is not our home.

Man, have I been feeling that way lately. Did anyone watch the American Music Awards last night? If that didn't make me feel homesick for Heaven, I don't know what would. Our culture today is shocking, and it is getting worse. I am so incredibly thankful for my faith and the knowledge of Christ and what asking Him to enter my life has done. Because of this faith I can watch things like the American Music Awards and be heartbroken over the things people without faith value. I know that happiness is not what is most important. I know that a life with Christ provides a peace and hope that is more valuable than momentary happiness. I know that joy isn't found in having a lot of money, everyone knowing your name, and wearing expensive clothes. Because of my faith my heart is filled with songs about grace and mercy, hope, peace, comfort, joy, holiness, etc. not things like having sex, being powerful, breaking up, or how wonderful I am.

So today, and basically every day, I am most thankful for my faith. What are you most thankful for?

Helping Daddy

Helping Daddy put a new water filter on the kitchen faucet. (Notice Munchkin is trying to climb onto the counter. Surprising? I think not.)

As Seen In...

...my kitchen.

Notice the two guys on the right. Apparently there were fatalities in the accident! Ha!

A Day At the Arboretum with Daddy

These pictures clearly weren't taken today because this morning we woke up to snow on the ground - just a light dusting. It quickly melted and rain returned.


The other day while I was out and about, Hubby took Munchkin to the Arboretum. Hubby is just the best daddy. He loves our little guy so much. He is such a help with him at home and loves spending time with him. And Munchkin is pretty attached to his daddy. He wants to be just like him.

On a walk.

"You comin' dad?"



Taking a break for a quick snack.

Playing in the sticks and leaves.

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You may have noticed my "Praying for Stellan" button is gone on the right. If you have followed his mom's blog, you will know that God performed a miracle and Stellan's heart is healed!