A lot of Gratitude ~ Day 11 - Day 16

This has been started for a long time.... finishing it up now...

Day 11 ~ I'm very thankful for every person that has served in our country's Military! Without every Veteran and Current Service Man and Woman, we wouldn't be have and be what we are. They protect not only us! They sacrifice so much! For you and Me!

Day 12 ~ I'm thankful for my family!! Everyone of them, good and bad! I'm thankful for the time we had this day together and the memories we made! It was wonderful and much needed!

Day 13 ~ i'm so thankful we got a van this summer. It is much better because we have so much more space. The girls aren't in each others space. It it really wonderful.

Day 14 ~ I'm so thankful that the Christmas movies are playing and we are watching them all the time. Not a surprise as I watch them all year long.

Day 15 ~ I'm so thankful for our Women's Bible Study each Tuesday morning! I enjoy the fellowship and learning together and through each other. And learning by their example and through their experiences. It is such a blessing!

Day 16 ~ I'm thankful for Pinterest! I know it may be silly to some, but it has given me some great inspiration of things to do and create for my family.

Hugs and Blessings,

Day 10 ~

Day 10 ~ Today I'm very thankful for a particular positive family, that are great role models! The Duggar Family. (and I know some don't agree, but this is my view and opinion). I'm thankful for very positive roles model for myself, my family, and most importantly for my kids. The Duggar Family! Michelle Duggar inspires me to do better and work harder, be that patient, that kind, that caring, that faithful, and to have a servant's heart! I admire how they live their life with such high morals, even when the world is busying putting them down. They are a self made family. Very polite children. Great values. All educated with the art of music. They are humble and give back generously, and are all about volunteering. Great work ethics. The kids are raised to be self sufficient and independent. They have a beautiful family. I love how they raise their children the value of courting to get to know one another. That is how it should be. Creates a stronger relationship and one that will last. Not one full of lust! .... So to those that love us and make fun of how "old fashioned and extreme" we are in the way we live and teach our kids, just know I have a successful family of role models that show me it does pay off! And I'm so thankful for this very positive example. And before I hear they are crazy about baby 20, I do not agree! I hear it about us taking a 3rd drug baby and dealing with the system again. But It's what God wants for us. And also, if my mom had given up because of a bad pregnancy and listened to doctors, there wouldn't be a me or either of my 2 sisters that are living! There would only be a sweet angel sister in heaven. So it's their faith in trusting the Lord that really is remarkable to me and so beyond awesome!

To check out other posts, stop on by Garden of Learning....

Hugs and Blessings,

Day 9 ~ Quiet Time Rocks

Tonight I am sharing my day 9 Gratitude. It is really simple, but was a GREAT blessing to me today. I am so thankful for the quiet time I had this morning! I haven't had a lot of real quiet time, in a long time. This morning Lil K went back to bed for a morning nap. Lil E returned to school, and well I folded laundry and watched Grey's! It was perfect! I could pause the tv and it be silent in here. It was just perfect! I am not a me time person, and so this came as a big surprise for me to really enjoy it like I did today, but I did and I'm so thankful for it. It gave me time to refresh and feel better with all that has been going on too. Time to even spend some extra time talking to God! It really made for a great day all the way around....

If you want to check out other posts, check out Garden of Learning.

Hugs and Blessings,

Day 8

I'm so glad to be able to participate in the Gratitude Challenge and not only share my gratitude with all of you, but give my thanskgiving to God! Check out others from today.. Go on over to Garden of Learning...

Today on Day 8, I'm thankful that God gave me my sweet hard to handle girls, because this way I know they are taken care of, and not being hurt. I know this may found strange to many of you. But I'll explain a little... There is great controversy on how to discipline a child, what is right or wrong. What is abuse. What God says or doesn't say...... And I personally believe God is not a mean God and that he is a God of gracious mercy, a loving and forgiving God who wants his kids to live abundantly and in victory! And in my opinion this doesn't come with mean force, but with nurturing loving and special care that is given and taught by the promises of a beautiful life and word of God. I don't take part in this stance by some Christian leaders, that it is ok to "Beat" or use excessive force to teach the child a lesson. I wasn't raised that way, and even though I see many that believe it, I don't. I don't take any part of it. But I hear from these I know and some that I don't know, that if I'd tighten up on the girls they would behave. If I'd "whip that butt" the tantrums would stop. If I would do this or that..... And then I hear stuff like this "OH MY Gosh, I'd kill myself if my kids acted like that." or "I'd BEAT her if she was my child, I'd never let a kid of mine be like this"... And "You are going to have to toughen up and show them who the boss, and put the fear of God in them, or they will be just like their bio mom!" ..... Really? OH MY, that's what people have come to think and believe! I would get outraged at these people for all they would say to us or about us. And be so upset that how could such Christian people think this way. Then the more things have come to light lately about the teachings of some Christian Leaders, it has reminded me that these people don't know any better. They are following what they are taught. And today It just hit me, that I was so thankful that God blessed us with the adoption of our girls! They are perfectly perfect for us. Even with a tantrum and wild side. But today I had a different thankfulness for them, and it I'm so thankful that God gave them to us, so that I have peace and know that the girls are safe and in a place without harm to them! Because what if my sweet girls where with other families and being hurt. I hate for any child to be hurt or abused, but it just clicked today, that is why they are mine! That's why God helped me with my past in the medical field and in day care, so that I would have the knowledge I needed to help and understand that these issues aren't issues the girls can help. In my opinion, I don't think a young child just decides to be bad and ugly! And so again with all this, I am so thankful that I have my girls and know they are safe and not being harmed!!!

What about you?

Hugs and Blessings,

Day5, Day 6, Day 7

I started this yesterday 11/7.... Every time, I wanted to sit down and blog, something else happened. It was a crazy chaotic weekend, full of ups and downs... That's for sure!

So please check out other Gratitude Challenge posts over at Garden of Learning.

Day 5

I'm thankful for the Prayer Warriors in my life! ~ Saturday it was a day of work for me. We had to set up at the Trade Days and sell all the goodies we have been busy making.... But with this day, I was so very sick. I was having lots of bladder/ kidney issues and getting sicker... I had to end up going to the ER. And at the ER they found some other issues of concern, but instead of letting these issues and things not of God bring fear into my life, I found not only peace in knowing that I am healed by Jesus Christ's stripes, that I could find peace with my dear Prayer Warriors! So when they started finding these other issues of concern, I first sent my prayer request out to some great Prayer Warriors, and then I stopped and prayed, and I had peace. I gave it to God, and I think not only did I find peace because I gave it to God, but because I knew I had awesome Prayer Warrior standing with me in prayer, and believing for the good results! And so I'm so very thankful for the Prayer Warrior that in my life! And just an fyi, all will be good. One of the biggest issue was my BP, and even though that ER doc didn't think it was at all from pain, I knew God had not brought me this far to have going down that road... And I'm proud to say it was pain related, and God showed the doc, he has control!

Day 6

I'm so thankful for a Church Home. After being transferred at the end of 2006, we have not truly found a Church Home. We have tried many and went to some and gave it a real shot at staying there, but none were home. It was something we wanted as a family and was really hard being placed in these locations and not having a Church to call home. But that all has recently changed and I'm so very thankful that we now have a beautiful Church Home for our family! It's perfect for us and we are being fed so much!

Day 7

Today I'm thankful my girl is ok! And that God took control and took care of her! WHEW, let me tell ya, Satan is really trying us! and I think it's because we have a Church Home, and are digging deeper and deeper in our walk with God! Last night we had one heck of a scare! My sweet Lil E was injured and we had to take her to the ER with a head injury. Let's just say another kid jumped off a chester drawers and landed on her head. It was bad! Super scary! I put ice on and tried to calm her. But this didn't happen. We prayed over her and continued to comfort and cradle her. Then it was obvious that something wasn't right. I have never saw her cry like this! Never! Then she started kicking her feet and flinging her arms! And I said ok, it's time, carry her to the van and I'll get my purse we are going to the ER. We live in the country and I could drive her to the ER and be there in nearly what it would take and maybe faster, to just get us an ambulance here. With a medical background, I knew what to watch for and what to do to help her in many situations. We had out and she because very sick at her stomach and is dry heaving. (hadn't ate much as she has strep, we found out friday.) Get to the ER and they take us before all these people and even move us in front of a couple of trauma patients and those coming by ambulance. So this pretty much freaks me out. The doc says we need to move fast and go ahead and do a CT Scan. He tells me, I know there are many risks, but I feel it is a must.... Of course I said yes...... Then we go through that and all this is going on... ( I get to test some of those really GREAT prayer warriors with prayer request again. I'm really thankful for them).... Then the dreaded news from the doctor "We see something small and I can't be sure, so we have had to call the Radiologist in. I have decided to wait to call in a NeuroSurgeon until after the Radiologist looks at the ct"... and he leaves me waiting... Just like that, and that's all he will tell me. I try to ask questions, and he says no need to discuss what if's, we need to just wait and see...... I really just pleed the blood of Jesus over her. I start to freak and with the some great prayer warriors praying with us, I tell hubby, God has this! He has control... It will be fine! I know she will be ok............ And as this post started out with, I'm thankful she is ok! After our delay, we have the news.... She is good! That small was just some bruising and she has a concussion, but she is going to be fine! Praise the Lord!!!! Thank you Jesus!!! God delivered and I kept the faith in him, as fear is not of God! And I had to remind myself of these many times, but I told hubby and found peace while waiting on the radiologist, that I knew she would be ok, I just had to keep the faith and believe that! That God would make sure of it, and he did!!! So I can't even begin to tell you just how thankful I am that sweet Lil E is ok!!!

Also, I am so excited to be meeting so many great folks doing this challenge and new friendships forming! I'm thankful for all my new followers. I'm really blessed beyond!

Hugs and Blessings,

Faithful Friday

I"m back for another Faithful Fridays post!!! I just love sharing about the goodness of my Lord!

This week I am sharing something really important to me. Don't speak the negative into your life! Instead stand firm and claim victory, have faith... You the faith of a mustard seed? That's all it takes! And as our Pastor reminds us each week, Fear is the opposite of Faith! So when you are going through a hard time, hand it, and I really mean hand it right on over to God! Let me take care of it, and praise him through it!

Victory Report Online is a local publication giving praise to our Lord. It's really awesome. Check out this story ~ It's on the first page of the November issue! This story is a remarkable story and about a dear friend of mine! In the last 2 years she has given me strength, because to have seen her faith and read it in there, is still something beyond awesome! It's amazing how she never let fear or anything that was not of God hurt her or get her down!!!

I hope you get to read it and it reminds you just how much our faith can get us!

Hugs and Blessings,

Day 4

I'm beyond thankful for my parents! They are the GREATEST! And even though my Momma is now sporting wings in Heaven, she is still a huge part of all my life! I talk to her daily, just like I talk to my Daddy daily! They are the reason I am who I am!!!

Momma and Daddy showed me what real love was! Not only in loving each of us unconditionally, but the way they loved others, our Lord, and each other! Their love for one another was pure and beautiful!!!

They taught us that no matter how good or bad something was, we could always come to them and trust them. They always reminded me we could be anything we wanted to be, as along as we believed! They taught me about God and the many blessings of being faithful! They love my kids like no one else can love them!! They have always been there to help us out and do whatever we needed, but more than that to teach us how to be just like them!! They opened their doors to help others, friends, family, and strangers! They would give you their last dollar or the shirt off their back literally. Momma took a shirt right off and handed it to people that wanted or liked it, many a times! Daddy would do without to help someone else. They served our Lord in a mighty way! Their greatest desire was to know that each of us kids and grandchildren had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It was because of my momma, that my greatest desire was to be a mom and a stay at home work at home mom, just like her! I can remember being in high school and standing in the kitchen and telling my Momma, that I didn't care to go to college, I wanted to be a mom at home like her! My dad gave me the racing blood!!! Man did he ever! I miss going racing with my daddy!! Or taking him drinks out to the garage when he was busy busting booty to work on the race car! He showed me the kind of man I wanted to marry! One like him!!! Wow, no wonder so many say to me, that James and I remind them of my parents as husband and wife! What a great honor and compliment!!! They both taught me that hard work is the ONLY way and it pays off! And my dad taught me that there was no difference in biological children, step children, or adopted children! They were all a blessing! And oh how true that is! They taught us that family was important!!! And that family wasn't just blood. They instilled high morals and beliefs in me! And they stood the test of time! They showed me that real love is worth the fight! They didn't always have a perfect marriage or an easy road, but they had real love and stood together to get through it! And so I knew that no matter what, I had to have that kind of love or, it wasn't for me! I knew I wanted a life with my spouse to show my children, just like they did their kids and grandkids!

I am really blessed with outstanding parents!!! And I would not be who I am today without them!!!! Funny thing is, they adopted my sweet James as their own too! As did he them! To me that speaks volumes about the people they are, because he considers them as his real parents!

I LOVE YOU DADDY AND MOMMA!!!!!!

So be sure to go to Garden of Learning, to see other's Gratitude posts....

Hugs and Blessings,

Happy Birthday to Lil E (Sept)

Happy 7th Birthday to my sweet sweet baby girl! Even though she is my oldest, and not such a baby, she will always be Momma's baby girl!





Lil E is such a tom boy who loves playin in the dirt and mud. She loves everything racing! She loves to do anything she can outside. She is all girly girl! She loves dress up, make up, and jewelry. She loves lalaloopsy, hello kitty, horses and peace signs. She loves art and crafts and listening to the Disney Station on the radio. She is a great helper and teacher to her little sister.




We are so blessed to get to be her parents!!!! I can't imagine life without her! Not one minute!

Below is several pictures from our photo shoot! I selected the snap shot in action to share to showcase her personality, and the fun we had. Not just the still shots. It was lots of fun.

Happy 7th Birthday Lil E! Mommy and Dad are very proud of you and love you so much and always will!


Hugs and Blessings,

Day 3

I'm having such a great time sharing and reading what others are so thankful for! So check out Garden of Learning for other's Gratitude Challenge Posts.

Today is a double Gratitude, but I couldn't have 1 with out the other. So today I'm thankful for being a Mom to my girls, and this wouldn't be possible without adoption, so as well, I'm thankful for the gift of adoption. It's never been a secret that my greatest desire in life was to be Mom. Medically/ Physically this was not possible for me to bear children from my womb, but instead God had a greater plan, and that was to make me a Mom via the most beautiful gift of adoption!

Many don't understand the adoption world, but even with every difficult and hard issue to get through, you are rewarded with the greatest gift, a beautiful child! A child that you can't imagine not having in your life! And I am telling you, I couldn't love my girls more if I had birthed them myself! They are so much me! They are just like me and even physically look like me! I love them unconditionally and they love me unconditionally! I can't imagine life without them! Not one of them. I love the silly things they do or say, the faith they have! I love how their sweet hugs and kisses my all my troubles fly away! They are perfectly perfect for us and I wouldn't have them any other way!

It wasn't an easy road, the yes no or maybe so, was hard in the waiting for the private adoption world..... Then the 2nd adoption was long and drawn out, as it was foster to adopt. And now baby 3 is dragging along in the state foster system as well! But with every headache, every heart ache, every tension headache (over the system), I have to remind myself, that not only am I blessed, by adoption and growing my family with my children, that I wouldn't have it any other way! And even though many say, to us, why do you keep doing it. Because for one our kids aren't perfect in their eyes, and that we in a way enable the bio mom. About enabling the bio mom, well I say, we are blessing the girls and keeping the sisters together! And they are our greatest blessing!!! And if that is how God wants to grow our family, then so be it! And when I hear you know your girls could have so many issues coming for a line like that, well that's true, and we have seen some things, but guess what.... God is BIGGER! And He will deliver the girls to victory! It is our job to care, love, and protect them, while teaching them the ways of Christ! It's a work in progress, but one I'm so very thankful for!

Lil E is the sweet oldest! Very shy and reserved! But not to be fooled, because she full of the wittiest sayings and can be so outgoing! (alot like me) She is very sensitive, just like me! We both get our feelings hurt so easy. But always full of life, a real thrill seeker! She loves nothing more than working on the race car with daddy and playing tag, or even thrill rides. But she also loves to cuddle up with Mom and watch a movie and play with her cat! She loves her baby dolls and pet toys. (little pet shop, zhu zhu, and fur reals). She loves horses and cooking and crafts! She is a wonderful artist! She is very smart! She loves Jesus and is very faithful and so intune to see and hear from our Lord. She loves to go and do stuff! She loves to be out and about!

Lil K is so full of being a silly clown! She is funny and always witty and a lot sassy! Or should I say confident in what she is saying and sharing in a very comical way! She is the people person and never meets a stranger! She loves music and can sing so many songs! She can hear the first couple of notes and tell you what song it is! She loves to play in the mud! Digging in the dirt is a favorite of hers! Yet, she can be such a girly girl! She loves to be home and doing things as a family. She would rather be home than out and about, unless it's going to Church. She is a sweet sweet soul! She is a little lover! But has a very head strong stubborn side! She is wild and crazy, wants it her way or no way.

Lil B I just can't wait to share all about the newest bundle of joy! But until I can know her, I can't share it! But I can tell you I can't wait to get my arms on that precious baby girl! Neither can her daddy and sisters!! And we are trusting God to bring her home, much sooner than expected.

So today, I'm so very thankful for not only my beautiful perfect in my eyes girls, but also for the most honored blessing in my Earthly life, adoption. We so see adoption as a high honor, by God, because he choice for Joseph to adopt Jesus, and if it was good enough for his son, then it's by far more than good enough for our family!!!

Hugs and Blessings,

Day 2

So if you want to join up in the 2011 Gratitude Challange, do you here. It's really awesome to share all we are grateful for with others!

pic taken Sunday night 10/30

Today I am so thankful for my most awesome husband!!! He is such a wonderful hard working man! He works hard, and even stays on night shift, because he can make more money, and htis allows me the chance to stay home with our girls. He is very much a Godly man! He wasn't raised this way, or to have faith, but I'm thankful for his Grandma's Bible that he was given and read and wanted more! He is my bestest friend! He is always there, and knows me through and through. He is my greatest cheer leader, and by far the greatest supporter I could have! He is more than I ever dreamed of!!! And to see the kind of father he is, only makes me love him more!!! He loves our girls and is open to more blessings through adoption! He never made me feel less than through any of our infertility or my female or even my other health problems. I can never love anyone else like I love him, because there is no one else that can be to me what he is!!!! He supports my dreams and desires, and we make an awesome team!!!! He completes me!!! He is truly my best friend!! He loves me even at my worst, and has always made me feel beautiful, (now at my smallest of us knowing each other, and my biggest), and we always have so much fun together, even when we are doing work! From work around the house or yard, and back in the day of us working together, to working on the race car! I really am blessed with the greatest man, I could have ever dreamed of!!! I am so thankful that God brought us together!!! And that we have kept God in our lives and even brought him to more importance for us, our marriage, and our family!! We aren't perfect, but we are truly soul mates!!! We have struggles and hard times, but we will always get through them, and after this past year, that has been proven to me!! All I can say, is Thank God for blessing me through my broken roads, beacause they led me straight to James!!! I love you James with all my heart and always will!!! Your arms are a favorite place for me!!!

Hugs and Blessings,