January has been a rough month. Just about anything that could go wrong this month has gone wrong. You hear all the time "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." I think the creator of that saying got it wrong. I dno't believe God gives us bad things. If God is good, why would he give out bad things? We live in a fallen, sinful world. Bad things are going to happen. I don't believe God gives us bad things, but I do believe he allows those bad things, and he won't allow more than we can handle (although sometimes it doesn't feel like we can handle anymore). I also believe that there are reasons for allowing us to go through the things we do. I don't understand them all. Some we learn those reasons soon. Others we may not know till we're on the other side of heaven. I don't know why we have been been allowed to go through all the crap we have had to deal with the last month, or even the last four and a half years. If you know us, you know it's been a rough road, but it has only made us stronger.
Today I am going to focus on my many many blessings. I can't post pictures of them all, or even begin to mention them all, but this is a start.
First blessing is the forgiveness and eternal life from God. I know it's a Sunday school answer, but it's the truth. If God didn't forgive, we'd all be screwed.
Second is my husband. I am so thankful to have someone who loves me for me. He works so hard for our family in not one, but two jobs. We both feel it is important that I am home with our three kids, and one sacrifice we have to make is for him to work two jobs. It's only for a season, and we know this, and we know it will be so worth it in the end. I'm so excited to be able to go on a date with him (and Adleigh) tonight! He never gets Friday nights off, but they gave him one without even asking!
Next on the list is our three beautiful children. Some days are difficult, but I've never heard anyone say having children was an easy task. They come with a mind of their own and it's our job to shape them and raise them. I am so thankful that they are healthy and gorgeous! (Well, I could be biased, but I think they are the most beautiful children ever!)
Kylee, our 3 year old has so much spunk, energy, and is as bossy as her mommy was as a child. She has more facial expressions than any kid I have ever known. She loves "reading" her books, playing with her dolls, princess dolls, and dressing up. She's so girly and I LOVE it!
Our little 2 year old boy is a ham. I am so thankful for this little boy. I was terrified the day I found out I was having a boy. I didn't know what to do with little boys. I have three younger sisters! Elijah is showing me how to be a mommy to a boy, and that crashing cars and throwing balls is what being a boy is all about...even if he does it while wearing his big sister's pink tutu!
Adleigh, or Boo Boo, as I (and ONLY I) like to call her is our third little blessing. I love her snuggles, and boy does she like to snuggle a lot. She can hardly stand to be away from mommy for a few minutes, but I love it. This time goes so fast. After two before her, I've learned to cherish these times because she will soon be a toddler running everywhere. Adleigh seems to be more laid back than the other two. She is finally smiling more often, and I adore those baby smiles. Seeing the smile take over her entire face when I'm talking to her makes my heart melt.
My sister Nikki is a big blessing. If you know both of us, you know that Nikki and I are about as different as night and day, but I'm thankful to have her as a sister. She is not only a sister, but a good friend. While we don't agree on many things, we have fun together, and I'm so glad that she lives nearby, and I will enjoy it as long as it lasts. I know she doesn't want to be here forever, and I hope she finds a place that she loves when the time is right. One of the best things is she made me an aunt for the very first time. Little Easton Michael is one of the cutest, sweetest, smily babies ever. I just had a baby girl and I find myself drawn to the boy baby clothes in case I find a present for him.
I have been blessed with an awesome HUGE family that is scattered all across the united states (and into Canada). I have great parents who love and support us. I know that they are always praying for us. I have two other sisters, a brother in law, and another nephew on the way. I have many aunts and uncles, and even more cousins.
We have a great church family, great friends, a best friend I've had since 4th grade, a place to live, a car to drive (even if it doesn't have heat and you can hear it a mile away!), food to eat, plenty of toys, health, and five Starbucks within just a few miles! This month hasn't been great, but really, we have what we need (and yes, I consider Sbux a necessity! =) ). God is good.
