Nature Walk

Went on a nature walk with my hubby yesterday. We had a really good time just enjoying the outdoors and each other's company. I think he enjoyed seeing all the deer prints and buck rubs more than anything else! But while we were out and about I managed to snap a few pictures. I love taking pix of nature. Definitely less stressful than trying to pose my 3 boys and making sure they are all looking at the camera and smiling just right. I'll stick to inanimate objects!

A Few of My Favorite (Christmas) Things

Christmas time! Once a year I get to drag out boxes and tubs of Christmas decorations. I sift and dig until I find my favorite items. They just make me happy when I see them. Here are some of my very most treasured items. The first pic is a sign Brooke painted for us. I just love it! Thanks Brooke!!

Next is a little squirrel my nephew, Preston, got for me. Kind of as a gag, but it backfired because I love it!!! Showcased in our bowl of mixed nuts...isn't he cute?!

Another favorite, also given to me by my nephew (&sister). I first saw this item at their house. These two little elves click-walk their way down the snowy hill. Luckily while hitting some yard sales they found this set and bought it for me!!

Another is my snowman mugs, given to us one Christmas from my mother-in-law, FE Beam. They are just perfect for a cup of hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, shaved chocolate and 1 secret ingredient! YUM! Ethan just had a cup this morning. Another YUM...treats from Melvin (aka Melman) Craft. Oh so good!! Also love my Woodwick Yankee candles. They pop and crack while burning for those of us who love real fireplaces, but don't have one to enjoy.

Last, certainly not least, my designated ornament on our Christmas tree. Everyone had a special ornament except me until last year. I remembered some from my childhood that I always loved. So my mom dug this and 1 other (that she still has) out. The rest she had thrown away!! My husband hates my poor little elf saying he's one of the ugliest things he has ever seen, but nevertheless he is my special ornament, who brings back memories of Christmas' past and I love him! He makes me smile.

So, to those of you reading, leave comments and tell me your favorite Christmas items!! I would love to hear about them!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Wow...time flies

Some updated snapshots of my boys. Can't believe I am now the parent of a teenager, a 7 year old and my baby is 2!! Gracious, don't blink, or you miss A LOT!!!

A precious, priceless lesson...

Last night as I was putting my 2 oldest boys to bed, I noticed they were both "reading". (I say "reading" because my middle son is only 5, not quite able to READ anything just yet.) I continued the good night routine and as I leaned down to tell my 5 year old good night, I realized he was reading his little New Testament Bible. Pleasantly surprised at that, I encourage him and tell him it's wonderful that he is "reading" his Bible. He then tells me he is on Chapter 5. I tell him again how good he is doing. So a few seconds pass and he looks at me and says, "I'm going to read my Bible all day tomorrow. I'm going to read my Bible instead of watching TV." I raise my eyebrows and say "OK", in my mind I'm thinking, "Hmmmm, he probably will never remember he said that come tomorrow afternoon when it's time to watch cartoons." Chuckling to myself I say the last good night and leave their room. So morning comes (all too soon) and I get up and begin my morning routine. I peek into the boys' bedroom and notice my 5 year old is not in bed. Which isn't completely unusual as he is my early riser, but since he started kindergarten this year he has been sleeping until I get him up. So I figure he is in the living room watching cartoons with the volume turned down and I continue my morning ritual. As I head down the hallway to begin breakfast I reach the living room and I stop. There in the middle of the floor in his little wooden chair is my 5 year old intently "reading" his Bible. I was so proud and so ashamed all in the same moment. So proud of my son who can't even read yet, up early enjoying the quiet and meditating upon God's Word in his own way and ashamed of myself because I have not been faithful in my spiritual walk. I don't read the Word like I should, don't take the time to pray as I should and definitely am not the example I should be to my children. So today I thank my son for a precious, priceless lesson. Thank you for opening my eyes and helping me see that I need to do better. Not only for my sake, but for your's as well. May you always have a heart for the Lord and may His Word be opened more to you each and every day. I'm so proud of you. I love you.

Sharp Edges...

will eventually be rounded off and I will find my place...

Another Day

So it's another day. Another day to make right choices, to smile at someone and show them kindness. Another day to be the person you really want to be. Thank God for all the things in life you have and don't have...whether you agree or not...in all things be thankful. Enjoy the simple things. A bird's song, a child's laughter, a precious memory...for another day is something that some people don't have. Be thankful in this very moment...

Gentry

Thought I would take time today and snap some pics of Gentry. I can't believe he will be 9 weeks old tomorrow. My how time has flown. He got his 2 month shots yesterday and it was horrible! 3 shots in his little legs. Broke my heart. He just kept looking at me like "What's hurting me, make it stop!" He was pretty fussy and lost his appetite, but is doing much better today. He is up to 11lbs and 10oz! What a porker! But oh so sweet! Here's a couple of pics to prove it!