DAY FOUR

I am thankful for the right to vote.

Let me just start by saying that I am not heavily involved in politics. Politically, I follow what is important to me, however I am easily turned away by extremists and too much "He said, she said." But I do care and I want my voice to be heard. Period.

I remember when I was a little girl, my dad took me with him to vote one day before school. I believe it was the 1992 election when Bush and Clinton went head to head. It was very early in the morning and my dad's polling location at the time was at a bank. I vividly remember seeing all the cups of hot coffee people enjoyed while they were in line. The line was extremely long and I was in a panic at the thought that I was going to be late for school. The adults in line however, were calmly sipping their coffee and making small talk. I remember thinking, "Geez, aren't these people worried about getting to work?" I imagine many of the people I saw in line that day were not worried too much about work, or getting to their desk at exactly 8 am on election day because we live in a country where voting is not only valued, but encouraged. They probably knew that their office understood the concept of civic responsibility and not only encouraged it, but also fostered involvement through office flexibility on election day. What a blessing!

It amazes me that less than 100 years ago, women couldn't vote. I often forget what a blessing it is that we live in a time when not only can we vote, but we are ruled by a democracy. Not everyone is so fortunate. I am so grateful that we live in a country where we have the right to be heard. When I think of the oppression and suffering many others endure simply to practice their faith and exercise God-given rights, I am overcome with gratefulness. I am so thankful to be a U.S. Citizen. I am thankful for our country's leaders. And I am thankful that we still have a say in who those leaders are. Things may not always go my way on election day, but I am thankful that my one, measly little vote in Tulsa, Oklahoma is counted.

Pearce was only a few months old during the 2008 elections. Knowing that the 2008 election would probably be ground-breaking, I decided to take Pearce with me to the polls. It's never too soon to teach civic responsibility, is it?! The little monkey rode in my baby sling as we cast our ever-important vote. The cutie even got a sticker!

Lord, thank you for the favor you have shown our Country. Thank you for creating us equal and for the people who came before us to fight so we can be heard today. Thank you for the freedom we have today.

.



DAY THREE

I am thankful for the weekend.

If I were to write an acrostic on all the things I love about the WEEKEND, it would look something like this:

W- Wonderful opportunity to sleep in (eh, sort of...we have a toddler here people)
E - Early morning coffee with my hubby, as we watch cartoons with Pearce
E - Eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner together as a family
K - Kid friendly activities such as the pumpkin patch, the park, and running around our front yard
E - Erasing any distractions from the week before
N - Noontime naps with Pearce and Jimmy
D - Dinner with friends and their kiddos

I remember being in high school and the main topic of conversation each Friday was what everyone was going to be doing for the weekend. Who had a date? Who was going out of town with family? Who was throwing the coolest party? It was almost as if we had this mindset of, "He with the most plans, wins." Now that I am grown, I treasure our quiet weekends. I am so thankful for the opportunity to rest. Simply typing this out rejuvenates my spirit as I think about our upcoming weekend and the rest that is waiting for us.

I am thankful for the days that we get to be together as a family.  Saturday morning rolls around and Jimmy and I are awakened from a deep, much needed sleep to the dearest little voice on the monitor. We greet Pearce in our PJ's and head downstairs for coffee and a leisurely breakfast. Sometimes we shower and get ready for the day...sometimes we all stay in our grungy clothes as we clean house or work outside. Either way, we are together. And being together is terrific. I often take the fact that Jimmy and I have the weekends off from work for granted, but I know no every family is so lucky. I am so grateful that we have two whole days to be together before Monday rolls around again.

I am thankful that the weekend affords an understanding that "anything goes" and the rules can be bent. Impromptu dinner gatherings, playtime with friends, and pedicures are totally acceptable on weekends. Our strict 8pm bedtime for Pearce is often stretched as we sit and chat with our friends and watch the kiddos run amok. The chance to grill out hot dogs, bring your own lawn chairs, and laugh with friends while you sip a cold beer is so precious. Some of my favorite memories are made with our dear friends on weekends.

I am also thankful that the weekend allows me to start Monday with a clean slate of completed chores. Things like grocery shopping, house cleaning, and laundry are much more enjoyable on these lazy days. Am I the only one who feels like this? I love to grab my cup of coffee, put on some Taylor Swift or Shane and Shane and get to cleaning our humble home. Before I know it, our place smells wonderful, looks lovely, and is perfectly poised for us to mess it up again. I love it. Not to mention the fact that our fridge is fully stocked with the upcoming week's essentials. Double whammy!

This weekend was particularly wonderful as it was Halloween, and we got to take sweet Pearce to Trunk or Treat at our church. And this year's costume of choice? Harry Potter. He totally rocked it. I am so proud.

But in all seriousness, I am so grateful for the weekends. We live in such a fast-paced world and often times I forget to slow down enough to enjoy it. The weekends afford the perfect opportunity to do just that: enjoy.

Thank you Lord for the weekend. You set a perfect example for us when you rested on Day 7 of Creation. Thank you for caring enough about Your children to offer us rest.

DAY TWO

I am thankful for Pearce.

I will never forget the wonderful way Pearce entered our lives. Pearce was a complete and total surprise baby. Jimmy and I were planning to wait a few more years before growing our family but God had better plans for us. Jimmy and I thought we were preventing pregnancy, however it is impossible to prevent God’s perfect plan. Early in my pregnancy, I underwent knee surgery. I remember the nurses asking me on my surgery day if I could possibly be pregnant. I laughed and replied, “No, absolutely not.”



Little did I know …

Four days later, (New Year’s Eve to be exact), Jimmy and I learned we were expecting. Like any normal person would have, I panicked. I was convinced that the trauma of the surgery, pain meds, and anesthesia would certainly have some negative affects on our unborn child. But they didn’t. And I am so grateful for Pearce’s healthy arrival into this world. I am grateful that we have a healthy, happy child. I have a tendency to take his health and wellness for granted, but I know it is by the grace of God that he has been protected.

 I am so thankful that the Lord chose to bless us with Pearce, even though we thought we weren't ready for a child yet. Pearce has brought more joy to our entire family than I ever could have imagined and I often think how good our God is for knowing better than us. He gave us the dream we didn't know we were missing and for that, I am grateful.

I am thankful for Pearce’s bright mind. Seriously, this kid doesn’t miss a beat. Jimmy and I often look at each other, with dropped jaws, as we laugh at some clever, witty comment Pearce has made. Earlier this week I was pulling into the neighborhood and Pearce exclaimed, “Home Sweet Home!” I love watching him pack his “man purse” with tools and musical instruments as he explains his plans to drive to Oklahoma City. His imagination is so vivid and I crack up at the things that come out of his mouth. I love that his little mind is like a sponge, absorbing the environment around him.


I am thankful for Pearce’s compassionate spirit. I am constantly amazed at his ability to offer real, gentle support when I need it. The kiddo may only be two years old, but he has got the sensitive thing down. Today I commented that my finger hurt and the sweet boy came over to kiss it. There have been a few instances when Pearce has seen me cry and he comes right up to my face, tilts his head, and says, “Mama, what happened?”

I am so grateful for Pearce’s joyful laughter. From a very young age, Pearce has blessed our home with the greatest belly laughs. Whether it’s wrestling with his daddy or his response to the funny faces we make, he simply cracks up and enjoys life the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

I am also thankful for his smell. I know that may be a strange thing to love enough to mention, but his smell takes me back to the day he was born. We still use Johnson’s Baby Wash on him so his sweet head emits the same sweet smell I remember. I love to snuggle up into his soft hair as I hold him at night when we pray before bed. Seriously, I don’t think there is anything better than that.



Thank you Jesus for the blessing we have in Pearce. His life is a testament to your mercy, love, and unfailing sovereignty.

DAY ONE

I am thankful for my husband.

I love how Jimmy loves the Lord. He has this spiritual integrity that is second to none and I love how he always desires to do what is good. He leads by example and seeks what is right. I cherish the encouragement, support, and graciousness he has provided me in these past seven years together.


I am thankful for Jimmy’s pursuit of me. From the time of our first date, he was very intentional with me and made those intentions clear. I never had to wonder how he felt, if he was going to call, or where he saw our relationship going. He always told me himself and has always kept his word. I am so thankful for the security I felt early on, and for the security I feel today.

I am thankful for his servant’s heart. For the entire nine months of my pregnancy, this sweet guy brought me apple juice and cereal in bed so I could get my heavy morning sickness out of the way. He never left my side while I heaved up everything within me. (And believe me, it wasn’t a pretty sight.) Jimmy still makes my breakfast and pours my morning coffee. I sometimes take these small acts of love for granted but they say so much about his heart.


I am thankful for his friendship. I love that he and I can laugh together for hours. He makes road trips, grocery shopping, and even house cleaning fun. He truly is the coolest partner around. Jimmy has quite the “freak flag” hidden behind his serious nature. I love it when he waives that flag proudly. And I also love that he laughs at my jokes. Because let’s face it, I think I am pretty funny myself.

I am thankful for the kind of father he chooses to be. He loves our boy with all his heart and his tenderness towards Pearce is so precious to watch. I have yet to see such patience, wisdom, and intent anywhere else. I love how he strives to be better with Pearce. His otherwise tidy nightstand is stacked with books about fathering, Godly discipline, and raising our boy to be a gentleman. He takes his role as daddy so seriously, and like many things he does: he sets a very high standard.

Thank you Lord for such a kind and loving husband.

A Change of Heart

Sometimes, when I am in a quiet place in life I am able to rest my mind and focus on the things that really matter. But lately, life has been loud. Somehow, I have lost focus. Maybe it is the result of our two pregnancy losses. Maybe it’s because we are dealing with the ‘terrible two’s’ full throttle. Maybe life is just too hectic. Maybe I simply need to slow down.

And maybe … just maybe … it’s me.

In the midst of my daily diaper changing, lotion-lathering, dish-doing, toy-tripping, and Facebook - creeping I have become unsatisfied. I have become impatient. And I have become unsettled. To put it in one word…I am: ungrateful.


I don’t know where the roots of discontentment begin but I know those roots grow fast. And they are strong … strong enough to wrap our hearts and minds in a muddy mess of entitlement. I find myself asking questions and challenging the Lord’s sovereignty over our lives. I miss the wonder right in front of me because I am too busy looking forward. And often times, I pout over all the blessings I eagerly anticipate but rarely appreciate.

It’s a little awkward to be confessing this on-line, however some things just need to be said and since I am rarely someone who holds my tongue, I figure I might as well just put it all out there. I would like to believe that I am not the only person who struggles in this area so hopefully this “commitment” of mine will be of some encouragement to those who stumble across my blog.

It is Thanksgiving season and this time of year is so dear to me. I love the smell of pumpkin candles in my kitchen. I look forward to fun fall ideas from my Real Simple magazine. I love the anticipation of making the perfect Thanksgiving meal. I cherish family pictures of us in brown sweaters and fall accessories. I look forward to Cyber Monday. And most of all, I treasure this time of year with family. And while all those things are wonderful, they are nothing compared to the true intention of Thanksgiving. I did some research and found that Thanksgiving in America originally began as a religious observance to give thanks to God.

To give thanks to God.

I barely remember a time when it was kosher and acceptable to openly praise God for his mercy and blessing. And on a national level? Unheard of. You see, we have lost focus. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am ready to bring my focus back in clear view.

I once read that it takes 21 days to break a bad habit. While I am not clear on the scientific evidence behind such claims, it sounds convincing enough to me. My ungratefulness has become somewhat of a bad habit. It is sort of like biting my nails: I know it is not good for me, but I simply cannot help myself. My attitude of ungratefulness is exactly the same. I know better. But I choose the easier path of discontentment.

So here is what I am going to do: between now and Thanksgiving, I commit to 21 days of gratefulness. I will post something each day that I am thankful for. I will not be putting these things in any particular order...just as they come to me. This is a little scary for me as I am freaked out at the commitment of blogging daily. However, my sweet husband is on board so I am guessing some late night blogs are in my future. Either way, I need to do this and get my heart in check.

Day one starts tomorrow. To be continued…

Fall's Fantastic-ness

Well, it's fall and it just so happens that I have very strong opinions about this time of year...

I absolutely, positively, love it!

A boy and his pumpkins...

Seriously, nothing gets me in a better mood than a crisp, cool morning and a scarf around my neck. I find myself at the Starbucks drive thru much more than in the summer, because let's face it: a cold coffee just doesn't satisfy like a warm one does. A nice Chai Latte or White Mocha always warm my body and heart. And oddly enough, my house is cleaner in the fall...I wish I had an explanation for this but it simply is what it is.

Every year, Jimmy indulges my love for fall. September 1st is D-Day at our house: Decorate Day. I pull out all my fall decor and strategically place dried leaves, garland, and pumpkins around the house. (It's the only time of year that the color orange is welcome in our home). I then dig up the half-priced, end of season, Pumpkin Patch and Leaves candles I purchase every year at Bath and Body Works. I light them. And I wait as our home magically comes alive with the scent of fall. It is wonderful and is an immediate lift to my spirits.

There is a tree in our neighborhood that simply screams fall. It is a fabulous shade a green, accompanied by and even more fabulous splash of red leaves.  It looks as though God simply whipped out his paintbrush and dotted the "i" for His truth of, "I love you, world." The red leaves rock and I find joy each time I drive by this terrific tree.

In my never-ending attempts to be the best wife and mother JB and Pearce could want (sigh), I have been working on some creative cooking and treats for this time of year. First, I have been cooking with lots of pumpkin lately. Our recent dishes include: Pumpkin Sausage Lasagna, Coconut Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Cream Cheese with Bagels, Pumpkin Casserole, and Jimmy's favorite: Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. (they really are delicious). Who knew there were so many pumpkin recipes out there? And the best part? They are super easy!

I also love the fact that fall means we get to begin the ever-important task of selecting Pearce's Halloween costume. Because, here's the deal: I realize I only have a few blissful years of costume input and I cherish each year that my opinion counts. This year may be my last, and I fully intend to make the most of it. I love the idea of selecting adorable, yet orginal costumes sweet Pearce would never select on his own merit. In fact, I try to select something I would secretly love to wear.

 On his first Halloween, when most babies are dressing up as little pumpkins and buntings; Pearce was a ferocious shark. The kiddo had no teeth, cheeks as sweet as molasses, and could barely sit up. But oh yes, he was a serious shark and totally convincing.

A Shark Tale

Last year's costume selection was a little more challenging. Pearce was walking, ahem, running every where he went and simply wouldn't tolerate any old costume. It needed to have heart and it needed to be fabulous. Enter ... Yoda. Yes, Pearce was the best Yoda in the history of Yodas.

May The Force be with you.

Fall also means we are blessed with a series of carnivals and trips to the pumpkin patch. It is such a delight to watch Pearce in these atmospheres. He is totally in a different element and looks around like a kid in a ... well, pumpkin patch. He squeals with delight as he climbs over perfectly round pumpkins and rushes to line up again for his tenth turn on the moon bounce. We sit back and watch our boy play as I find something to do with my new found time: I savor every last bite of Lehman's kettlecorn and sip fresh squeezed lemonade. Delicious.

One of the most exciting things about fall is that Christmas is right around the corner. And yes, my Christmas decor comes out early too. This year I promised Jimmy I would hold off until the end of November...I am not sure I can wait that long. Wink, Wink.

Baby Early Bird is Here...

Last night the sweetest addition to the world made her debut.

Harper has arrived. And she is heavenly.

 

There are very few words to describe this delightful darling. Seriously, I always have plenty to say and when I saw her, I was speechless. At 3 pounds and 13 ounces, she took my breath away. I don't know what I expected, but I certainly didn't expect to be so awestruck with her dearness.

Of all the sugar and spice in the world, Harper hit the motherload. She must be packed to the brim with sweetness as everything about her is like sugar. Her little body is about the size of a fall squash, and is the softest skin I have ever felt. Her delicate little hands are moving constantly and her tiny feet are the size of most baby doll's. She is wide-eyed and aware as she turns toward her daddy when he talks to her.

She is doing remarkably well. The big girl is breathing on her own, sucking a pacifier, and cooing and crying like a full term baby! The NICU staff is impressed, doctors are hopeful, and we are delighted. As any doll would be, she is already accessorizing. Her little tootsies are being kept warm by tiny pink booties and her precious head is adorned with the sweetest knit cap, complete with a pink bow on top. She looks like a little gift. And a gift she is.

Beth got to meet her briefly last night and the video was so sweet. Baby girl snuggled up to her mama's chest and looked like a little kangaroo in a pouch. Poor Bethie is not doing as well as her baby. Her blood pressure is still spiking and now doctors fear she is ill from the lack of sleep and a difficult labor. We are so grateful for The Lord's protection over baby Harper and now we ask for healing and protection over Beth. Please continue to lift these two girls up daily in prayer.

We will keep you posted on the progress of both Bethie and Harper .