Thankful List ~ April and May 2016

We have had lots of fun moments over the past two months!  Every day I’m more and more amazed at how quickly the kids are growing up, changing, developing and I feel so blessed to be a wife and mom.  Here are a few highlights from April and May:

First and foremost…We are pregnant!  Woohoo!  We shared the news with the kids who were absolutely thrilled.  We took some fun pictures that we used to announce the pregnancy to family and friends.   I think it’s a girl based on a few symptoms I’ve been having and even Addi and Siah are hoping for a girl.  We’ll see what the Lord has in store for us with this new addition!

Elias is growing and doing new things every day.  He has started saying a few words like “bye-bye,”  “ball,” and “nak” (meaning “snack”) as well as signing “more” and “all done.”  He transitioned to a big boy car seat and he started dancing to music, which is absolutely adorable to watch.  He started throwing a ball and has ridden his tricycle (with Addilyn’s help).  He has also learned how to open dresser drawers, climb stairs, open doors, and flush toilets, which have all made for a very tired mama.

Josiah finished up his preschool at the end of May.  I am so proud of him and how much he has grown both intellectually and socially.  He is so smart, creative, and sweet spirited.  He is also very active.  He learned to swing all by himself and we recently took off the training wheels on his bicycle.  His dancing, stunts on the trampoline, and sweet cuddles continually make me smile.

Addi had her end of the year celebration with Classical Conversations and was thrilled to finish up her Kindergarten work so she could jump right into her 1^st grade work.  She is doing a great job with math and I’m amazed at how much she is learning with phonics and reading!  She has also become very interested in crafts.  She decorated for her own birthday party (Frozen themed) and we had an excellent time celebrating her 6^th Birthday!  She is fascinated with all animals and even caught a toad.  After a few days of keeping him alive and hunting bugs for him, I went on a quest for a cheap (or free) terrarium.  We had some sweet friends drive up from South Carolina to give us one, with the agreement that we would adopt their two other toads since they are moving to Idaho.  Addi (and Eli) have LOVED having a few new pets!

Speaking of animals, we took the kids to the NC Zoo on Addi’s actual birthday!  We had such an absolutely great time and it even seemed at times as if the animals we showing off for us.  It was wonderful!  Addilyn and Josiah also did a great job with soccer this season.  In fact, one week they were the only kids who scored points for their team (Addi with 3 goals and Siah with 1).  As a family, we watched some episodes of Master Chef Junior and Kids Baking Championship.  Addilyn has really wanted to start helping in the kitchen.  It’s been neat to see her develop some new “big girl” hobbies lately.

I survived Josh being out of town for a week in April when he had the opportunity to attend the Together for the Gospel Conference in Louisville, KY.  He had a wonderful time and was really blessed by many of the speakers.  I was able to serve at church when we had a Women’s Conference and I thoroughly enjoyed the event focused on Psalms.  In addition, I had the opportunity to meet Sally Clarkson.  She is a seasoned homeschool mom who passionately loves the Lord and has written numerous books that I have enjoyed! 

And, finally, very exciting news, my brother Cody got married!  I was so glad I could be in Atlanta for the wedding and help with a few last minute details.  I hope he and his new wife Mel are blessed with many, many years together!

Thankful List ~ February and March 2016

February Thankful List

I started off the month by hanging out with some dear friends at the Children’s Museum.  Meeting with these ladies reminded me to never take for granted true friendships with those who you can jump right into vulnerable and honest conversation, knowing that out of genuine love for one another you will be faithful to pray and encourage one another and offer biblical wisdom.  Love…these….ladies!

My cousin Cassie brought her kiddos (and my mom) up for a visit.  We had such an absolutely great time visiting with them!

My little Elias turned ONE!  I can’t even believe it!  How a year has already passed, I don’t even know.  He is such a blessing to our family.  From the moment we found out about his existence, he has brought us so much joy.  Even now, as our little man walks into a room with his big toothy grin, joy just wells up within me.  We had a party for him in Raleigh at Chick-fil-a and I decorated with the theme “Mr.One-derful.”   My favorite memory is how delicately he handled his birthday cake.

Our family (well, everyone but me) battled strep throat.  I was just really glad God spared me so I could take care of everyone else.  One blessing that came from our family not being able to be around others for a couple of days was the most restful weekend we’ve had in a long time.  We spent time just as a family walking around a small lake in the area.  Josh skipped rocks with the kids.  We had a picnic snack and read a short devotion.  We played on a playground, climbed trees and just enjoyed the warm sun.  It was such a wonderful time together and I was so thankful for the unexpected blessing of having to slow down.

The last weekend of the month the kids and I took a trip to Charlotte to visit our former neighbors and close friends.  We had such a great time and were sad that the weekend went by so quickly.

March Thankful List

Josh had the opportunity to preach again and each time I am more and more sure that he is doing exactly what he is supposed to be doing.  It is so apparant that the Lord uses him to teach

We were able to see two plays this month.  Oliver Twist and Beauty and the Beast.  Both of them were really well done and the kids thoroughly enjoyed them.

Josh organized another “Family Room” event at Calvary.  The topic this time was raising children in the digital age.  Pastor Matthew spoke and it really was excellent.

Elias started trying to say more words this month including “all done,”  “more,” “bra-der” (for brother), and “Ahhh” (for Addi).  He also started this deep belly laugh when you tickle him or play a game with him that he really enjoys.  It has been wonderful watching his little personality blossom.

We went to the Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day parade and enjoyed hanging out with Raleigh friends.  Then the following weekend we got to hang out in our own neighborhood and watch an outdoor movie snuggled under blankets.

We were very thankful for all the beautiful weather we had this month.  We spent lots of time outdoors playing, going for walks, and even exploring a nearby park with lots of great trails. The most fun thing we did outside was go to the Durham Life and Science Museum with some of our dear friends.  The kids had SO much fun!

Thankful List ~ January 2016

January Thankful List

My dad came to visit and we had a GREAT time hanging out! He played with the kids and even took Josh and I to the movies one night!

Addilyn and Josiah started basketball. It was hysterical. Josiah is so naturally gifted and coordinated when it comes to sports but my sweet Addi is just like me, very clumsy and in need of lots of practice. We’ve been practicing a lot outside on days when it’s warmer and not raining and she is getting much better and much more confidant.

I’ve been so thankful to be able to talk with Traci who moved to Germany through Face Time. We’ve both had a hard time with some stuff lately and I’m thankful for God’s grace in gifting us with technology so we have one another to lean on.

I was thankful for the encouragement of several former church friends who came to visit over the past month. Kate Forest, Dana Haynes, Princess Grimes, and the Rouses all came to visit this past month. In addition we were able to have dinner with the McInnis so we are feeling very thankful for friendships with these fellow believers in Christ!

Elias is practically running. He is always on the go and doesn’t like to sit still for even a minute. My sweet boy was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs and it was rough on all of us as he was a little more irritable and his sleeping was even worse than normal. I am so thankful for the wisdom of doctors and for modern medicine that helped him to feel better after a week or so.

Eli is also starting to talk (or babble) a lot more. He is saying “Mama”, “Bye-Bye”, and “Yay!” on a regular basis now. He also like using his fingers to make funny sounds with his lips. He is so happy and we all just love him to pieces!

Addi and Josiah had their routine dentist appointment and it may seem like a small thing, but I am SO thankful Josiah did not throw a tantrum this time. He did great and I’m continually praying that God will help him not to be fearful or anxious of situations like this in the future.

  

I’ve been thankful to start developing a relationship with one lady at our new church. We’ve been studying the Bible together and I’m thankful she is willing to be vulnerable and have real conversation with me. It is such a blessing to me and I hope I’m able to encourage her as well.

Thankful List ~ December 2016

December Thankful List

We were able to go see Disney on Ice as a family.  It was cute watching how excited Addi and Josiah would get when their favorite characters would come out and preform.

Addi and Josiah were in several different Christmas productions and programs this month.  It was really sweet to see them “perform” and sing on stage.

We were able to spend several evenings with our friends Josh and Traci who are moving to Germany the first week of January.

I was very thankful for a time of fellowship and prayer with other moms in a homeschool cohort we are a part of.  It was very refreshing.

Eli started cruising along the couches and cabinets and on New Years Eve he took about 4-5 steps all by himself!

Josh was officially ordained on December 20^th.  Although he has been serving in a pastoral role for a while now it was nice to have the official service.

We were so very excited to have family visit us during Christmas and New Years.  Josh’s dad and sister came up as well as my dad!

Thankful List ~ October and November 2015

October and November Thankful Lists

Again, I’m late in posting and I want to partially blame it on the fact that I haven’t had time to sit down and write the many, many ways we’ve been blessed over the past two months.  Yea, that’s going to be my excuse.  ;)  I am going to try and quickly bullet point just a few of the highlights.

We’ve been able to have a lot of great experiences with the kids, soccer, reading the Secret Garden with the Shephard’s Co-op book club, a field trip to Fisher Farm with Josiah’s preschool, a Veteran’s Day Band Concert, experiencing the play Lion King Jr. with the kids, and even catching the last 45 minutes of the Raleigh Christmas Parade.

In addition, we’ve had lots of great things going on at church.  The Life Action One Cry conference, home groups, Homecoming, an Operation Christmas Child party, and I’ve personally been very encouraged by WMU!  We’ve hosted several youth events including a trip to Defy Gravity, a Rend Collective and Chris Tomlin Concert, a Youth ladies night, a Youth Guys Night, and our Fall Bonfire!

One of our favorite Calvary events this season was the Fall Festival. This year our family costumes were The Incredibles.  Addilyn played each game about 20 times and took home an amazing loot of sugar.  Oh my.  Personally, I was thrilled that the cake I made sold for $210 in the cake auction.  It’s even more exciting because the money goes towards missions!

I was given the opportunity to speak on Colossians 3 at a women’s retreat in TN.  I was most thankful for the time with my dear friend who helped care for Eli while I was in the sessions.  She and I had great conversation on the long ride there and back, and we even got to explore Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in our free time.

Last but not least I’m thankful for our family who we got go visit again!  We’ve been able to go down more this year than we have in the past few years combined.  This trip I even got to introduce Elias to his great-great-grandmother, Nettie.

We have so much to be thankful for and not a day goes by that I do not realize how blessed I am!