Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Thankful List ~ September

September 2014 Thankful List

Despite some circumstances that led to us getting less income this month the Lord provided a way for us to get both of our vehicles fixed! Our van needed new brakes (and unexpectantly new rotors), the car needed a couple tires, and both were overdue for an oil change. One of the days that Josh had off he was able to make multiple trip to the mechanic to take care of all of this. I’m so thankful for my husband!

Addilyn started soccer for the first time. She has been doing great. She listens well to her coach and she is learning lots of basic techniques like dribbling, trapping, and proper foot techniques for different kinds of kicks. I love watching her and I’m so thankful for her coach because I seriously know nothing about soccer!

Classical Conversations (homeschool) has been going very well. I am continually amazed at how much the kids are learning and retaining (even Josiah). We took a few field trips this month, which were both exciting and exhausting. Our first field trip included tours of the NC Governor’s Mansion, State Capital, and the Legislative Building. The second field trip was to Camp Flintlock where we learned all about Colonial America through reenactments, games, and crafts. I was very grateful for help from a friend that day because I had both of my kids, the little boy I babysit, it was raining the entire time and I’ve been in a walking boot because of a stress fracture in my foot. God knew I needed help and he provided a friend which made the day much more enjoyable.

We also had a great ultrasound of baby this month. We could have found out baby’s gender but we decided to wait. Since we already have both a boy and a girl we are just going to wait until the delivery to see what the Lord has planned for us. The great news is that baby looked very healthy! The baby started kicking a lot this month too. Even Josh started feeling the kicks!

We were able to celebrate Josh’s birthday this month. He is the most amazing husband and father! I am so thankful for his spiritual leadership, his intimate care for me, the deep friendship we share, his compassion and empathy for others, his patience with everyone, his continual sense of humor, his hardworking demeanor and servant attitude, and most of all how he loves Jesus. I am more blessed than I can describe in words and not a day goes by that I don’t thank the Lord for his life and pray that He will give us many more years with this incredible man!!!

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Thankful List ~ August 2014

August 2014 Thankful List

As another month has passed us by we would love to share with you many of the things we are thankful for.

Josiah turned three on August 3rd. It’s so hard to believe my little boy is three already. Josiah is one of a kind. He is my energetic, athletic, cuddlier, who is full of charisma. More often than not you can find him smiling and laughing while playing a game with his sister, dancing, or making some kind of music of his own. We celebrated this year, since it was his Golden Birthday (3rd on the 3rd) with a Jake and the Never land Pirates Party. Everyone had a great time but I think our buccaneer was the happiest of all.

This month we took the kids bowling for the first time. I had gotten coupons for a few free games and we had a great time. Josiah rolled his ball with such finesse that a few times I thought it was literally going to stop mid-way down the lane. Addi and Josiah both had a great celebration dances for the few occasions when they knocked down a few pins (and yes, we were playing with bumpers).

We are so thankful that we are far enough along in the pregnancy that we could announce it to all of our friends and family. We have recently had another appointment and were so grateful for the sound of a healthy heartbeat.

We were able to take a trip to Georgia and visit with family. On our way we stopped in Charlotte to visit some dear friends and see their new home. While we were in Georgia we created some very sweet memories of the kids with family that we typically only get to see once or twice a year. One of my favorite traditions is having “coffee” on my Aunt Dede’s back porch. The kids sit and cuddle with my Aunt, my mom, and my Nana while sipping on their hot chocolate in the early morning hours. The kids also have a tradition of jumping on the trampoline while Nana sings her made up “Bouncy, Bouncy, BOOM” song. Nana also taught them how to put on a “talent show.” She would introduce them, they would pick a song to sing, and then they would take a bow. Josiah was absolutely hilarious because he would bow so low his head would touch the floor. It was an absolute joy seeing the kids play with their relatives. In addition it was such a blessing to see the reactions of those who were excited about our pregnancy. Specifically, my mom, Nana, Josh’s mom, and Josh’s sister were the most thrilled.

I was also reminded this month about the gift of life. The Lord is the author and sustainer of life and the one who can give it or take it away. My grandmother Patsy passed away this month. She was a remarkable woman who was loved by many. I had not seen her in a long time but her impact and influence on my life will never be forgotten. I was extremely sad when I heard the news that she had passed away and unfortunately it was not possible for me to go to the funeral. I am thankful for God’s comfort and also thankful for a husband who didn’t mind my many spontaneous tears over the past couple weeks. On a brighter note, God blessed two ladies in my small group and one of my cousins with new babies. I’ve been overwhelmed with the absolute cuteness of each of their kids and I can’t wait to spend more time with them getting some sweet cuddles.

We officially started homeschool this month. Although it’s been challenging to plan for, the kids are loving it and I think I might be learning more than they are.

Finally, after much prayer and counsel we decided to move forward with pursuing our next step in our journey. Josh put out a few resumes for full time ministry positions and we’ve had a great response so far. There are several churches that are pursuing him and we greatly desire wisdom and discernment about any future possibilities.