Counting my blessings!!

As it is, today is my birthday. I woke this morning at 3:30 am. A beautiful thunderstorm was coming in and I could hear the wind, thunder, and rain. I couldnt go back to sleep. So I took my time showering and then had a sweet quiet time.

My mind kept thinking about how amazing last night was, my children are off with their Papa and Granny for the night, and Joel and I had a great time together on a date to my favorite steak house- Logans. Then I was given a few gifts- one being a new camera and another being a footrub! Plus I was in bed by 10!! I kept thinking this morning of how truly blessed I am.

In the Bible, 1 Th. 5:16-18 Paul says, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus ."

So I thought I would take time this morning to count my blessings and thank the Lord for giving me a great life, and blessing me so much.

First off, Im so grateful for the God I serve, who isnt distant, who has delivered me from myself and the clutches of satan. He has given me a new hope and a bright future.

Im healthy! To which I am so thankful. I have no diseases or sicknesses. Sure I have an imprefect body- but I am thankful that my body can do the things it can do.

Im blessed to have such an incredible family:
~My dad and mom and my father and mother in law love me dearly and are always supportive, caring, helping, and thoughtful towards me, my husband and children.
~Not to mention the siblings I have- who have also given me great sister in laws! My husband also has given me more sisters and brothers too- all whom I adore! And with that I have so many special neices and nephews. I love being an Aunt.
~I also have awesome grandparents from both mine and my husbands family- who have taught me so much about life. I have awesome Aunts and Uncles, cousins- all who have impacted my life.

Im so incredibly appreciative and indebted for my dear husband- Christopher Joel. I know he loves me and our children so much, and is such an amazing provider! (not just financially). I couldnt have gotten a better father for my children. Thank you God for given me a patient, loving, hard working husband and partner in life. Im not sure what I would do with out him.

Im so honored to have four beautiful children. Two girls who are so bright and beautiful, helpful, caring-giving, and are such precious jewels that I hold close to my heart! Two boys who are so full of life and have given me a new perspective on life, they both complete our family.

Im truly fortunate for my life experiences. I would not be who I am without each and everthing that has happened in my life. All the good and the bad (sufferings, adventures, trials, special moments, training). With God help, I have used all these experiences to change and mold me. I am wiser!

Thank you God for our jobs! Im so thankful that Joel has a wonderful job at our church, which provides above and beyond. Im able to work at home as a full time mom, and still able to write curriculum- and my passion!!

Im so grateful to have so many friends. God has put people in my path that I will treasure forever. I have friendships that has withheld many years, friendships that are newer, friends from long ago, friends that are close, dear friends that are faithful and thoughtful. A few metionables- and clearly I couldnt mention them all. Megan, a friend Ive known since elementary school. We have been friends through all of our stages and phases. I really lover her like a sister. (Lylas!) Stephanie- a dear friend who almost knows more about me than my hubby! Im not sure what I'd do without her! A newest friendship I have enjoyed is Becky! Im so glad our paths have crossed and I hope we stay connected forever!!

Im sincerely thankful for all the things the Lord has given us. Our home sweet home, my cool van, all our furniture, my ladybug kitchen and red kitchen appliances! A nice washing machine and dryer! A Wii, nice clothes and cute shoes, a new tent, a great backyard and enjoyable items in it.

And lastly but not leastly, Im blessed that God gives us a Bible which brings life, a church with so much life in it, and for other things like sex, sunrises and sunsets, ladybugs, music, a sweet mini weenie dog that loves water (Daisy), cameras, flowers, air conditioning, coffee and creamer, playdoh, Bath & Body Works, push up bras, sweet tea, computers, mexican food, organizers/planners, and chocolate.

What a great gift- my life and all thats it in. Im so RICH I could not ask for more. Happy Birthday to me, thank you Lord.

Summer

...Well, its been a while since I have posted anything. Its just been too busy around here! Now its summer. And my oh my, Im not sure if things are going to slow down much.

Around this time last year I thought to myself "What in the world will I be doing with four kids home all day?" I think its important to have a relaxing fun-filled summer- but I want it to be purposeful as well. (Ephesians 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.)

Last year I concluded on a few pointers- they worked so well- I am doing it again this summer. Let me share, and maybe you might glean from, or even tip in and share some of your grand summer ideas.

As I started to plan for the upcoming summer I FIRST, and foremost, PRAYED. I wrote out what are some of the needs of my children (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, academically) Then I set a few goals and wrote out a few mission statements for each child. Kayla and Emily are old enough to partake in this too. (They wrote out some of the things they want to do this summer, etc)

Then we ORDERED OUR SUMMER, by writing out on the calendar some vacation plans, and weekly schedules according to our goals and needs. So this summer, everyday in the weekday has a theme.
Monday-swim day at the pool, house cleanup.
Tuesday-Adventure Day (zoo, museum, water parks)
Wednesday-Schooling (Reiterating things learned last year at school- and strengthening in these subjects for the next year in a FUN ocean/beach theme)
Thursday-Kids Kingdom-summer--mothers day out, Friend Day.
Friday- Cook and/or Art Day- where we make something by art or cook and give it away to someone of choice. Sort of an outreach experience.

We also have a daily schedule where we do consistent things, like quiet times, breakfast, playtime, movies-computer, outside, reading (check your local Summer Book clubs- great incentives!), lunch, naps, snack, games, etc. Schedules are a must around here but they are also flexible.

IMPORTANTS!
~In order to be a good mommy all day- I must get some alone time in the mornings. Its my goal to get up, spend some quiet time with the Lord (so I may walk in the fruit of the spirit) and then I go for a morning exercise which really does give me more energy.
~I make it a goal to try to get some ONE ON ONE time with each kid- even if its at least for 30 minutes at two different times. Thats when I work on loving, encouraging, building up each child considering each of their love languages.
~Family getaways are always a good time to.. getaway and focus on eachother and fun. I encourage you to plan at least one- to camp, or stay at a family members out of town to visit their local zoo, or even take a day trip somewhere.

Im sure there is more I could mention, but these things here for sure are the most important. May you all have the best summer!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or leave any of your very own summer ideas that work for you and your family!