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!