One Thousand Gifts

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. For his lovingkindness is everlasting. Psalm 107:1

Far before November rolled around I started reading a book called, "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" by Ann Voskamp. I started reading it to gain inspiration and joy in the little things in life. At the time my heart was pretty heavy with grief, fear, uncertainty, waiting... I'm not a very consistent reader, so I am still in the "middle" of the book. The author writes about her journey in faith in taking gratitude in all things in life- to give thanks to God in ALL things- trials, joys, sadness, distress, celebrations- ALL things. By the end of the book the author has created a list of 1,000 things she is thankful for. In her journey of noticing these things in her life more fully, she sees that God's grace can't be fully attained without a heart of gratitude.

So here are some things I'm particullarly grateful for, in no particular order. I'm not to 1,000.

• Everything about Evie- her smile, curiosity, all the songs she makes up, her joyful dancing, her kisses & laughs, her day to day ramblings of who her best friends are.
• Judd loving me and taking care of me when I'm pregnant sick. His music talent. His curiosity. Ability to reason.
• Seeing my babies' heart beat on an ultrasound.
• My parents moving to Texas. It's so nice to have them close. I don't ever want to be far away from them again.
• Music- The happiness and freedom it brings to my spirit. The fun it brings to my family.
• My church family, for discipling me. Our small group friends who have been with us through stuff over the past 5 years.
• Spending time with family that lives so far away. Our time together during visits is so remembered.
• Having a job where I can inspire young minds.
• The last dream I had with my brother in it (after he had passed)- My brother and I spent the day at a water park. It was my last chance to "play" with him. Almost closure. A good bye for now.
• Friends
• Living in a big city with so many opportunities.
• Being a parent.
• Taking a run on a crisp cool day in the sunshine.
• Seeing nature's  beauty in the Rocky Mountains.

Wonderful are Your Works. My Soul Knows it Very Well.

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth.

(Psalm 139:13-15 NASB)


Our hearts are filled with abundant joy to announce we are expecting a baby to join our family in May. Although I have felt pretty miserable for three months, every moment of carrying this life has been cherished more than I could have ever imagined. Our hearts will forever be thankful for this beautiful blessing. Thank you!

Halloween Parade

Evie's school held their annual Halloween parade for the parents. All the children, toddlers to after school kids, marched through the parking lot showing off their costumes and collecting some candy along the way.

Evie's class!

here comes the princess! mommy forgot her trick-or-treat bag

sweet friend, Kinley

hi mama!

crazy hair from a CRAZY fun day at school!

Pumpkin Patch

It was the day before Halloween and we still did not have a pumpkin! On the way home from work, I passed by a small pumpkin patch at a church close to my house. After my mom brought Evie home, we loaded up the truck and went to the patch to find our pumpkin!

it's too heavy!

grammy, evie, and aunt andrea

aunt andrea

we found one!

Thanks for carrying it Uncle Jim!

I Love My Family

During the month of October we had quite a few visitors come see my parents' new house in Texas! My dad's twin sister and her husband (Aunt Betty and Uncle Ronnie) came for a couple days, AND my mom's brother and his wife came too (Uncle Jim and Aunt Andrea)! Evie was very proud to meet her "family". Every time we were together she sang, "I love my family!" We gave them a taste of  Texas with bar-b-que and the State Fair. Unfortunately, they did not get to see Big Tex, because he we went up in flames the day before.

on the train to Fair Park

waiting to take the train home!

Uncle Ronnie

Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Betty (from Alabama)

Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch, Pilot Point

Finally, the weather was nice enough to visit Sharkarosa Ranch, featured on Dirty Jobs. From what we understand, the ranch rescues injured endangered animals, breeds them, raises them, and sells them to zoos. They open to the public on the weekend to help raise funds. We saw black bears, z-donks, zorses, horses, zebras, camels, lemurs, monkeys, parrots, antelope, and kangaroo! Evie was scared of the large animals that were roaming in fields. She was ok with the ones in cages.

First Day of Preschool

Evie started school at my school district's children of employees preschool! She absolutely loves it! In the morning she immediately runs away to go play, AND when I pick her up, I have to CHASE her to go home! What a blessing it is to know that she is having a blast at school!!!