1000 Gifts

I run far away from bandwagons.

Always the skeptic.

I might not have read this book if it wasn't for a sister soul wrapping it up and sending it to me all the way from beloved Oregon.

Thank you...from a heart that is learning that way of living thankfulness in each moment.

I'm only on the fourth chapter of 1000 Gifts, but it has already stretched this soul.

The writer speaks truths that I have been wrestling with for almost all of this life.

And she shares what I have lived for years....living in the moment and giving thanks for right now.

sidenote: now I really don't feel bad about the fact that I never know what I'm doing tomorrow...it's still today! (what my kids hear from mommy often:)

Gifts:

1.) tangled curls, sticky with Cream of Wheat, tucked up between my chin and shoulder.

2.) Granddaughters sipping tea with Grandpa...pinkies out!

3.) the quiet sway of a hammock strung between two tall pines.

I'm worried that I'll worry...

Lately I've been worried about the kids...

Will they be okay through another change and transition?

Will this effect them in a negative way?

What about school? It looks like they will start the year here but then what?

Will I be peaceful for them, with so many un-answered questions hanging over my head like a cloud?

Zibby has especially been a handful these days...well, more like a time bomb.

Abby & Ben have had their own emotional moments too.

It's funny to me that Zibby has known all along that we would end up back home in Oregon. Ever since the day we moved here she asks on a continual basis, "When are we going back to home?" or "I'm ready to go on the plane tonight to Oregon." Her bags have been literally packed from day one...seriously.

So, now we are more unsettled than ever before. Our house just went on the market five days ago...we have had two showings already and an open house today. It's very stressful selling a home. You live in a constant state of cleanliness, which is almost impossible with a family of 5 and not to mention a number of pets.

We need the miraculous about now. We appreciate prayer more than words can express.

I read this quote the other day and loved it,

"As mothers our calling is to take care of what is possible and leave the impossible up to God." ~Ruth Bell Graham

deep cleansing breath here:)

Family!

Matching outfits from American Girl. (poor Lottie had to be "fixed"..hence the "cone of shame")
Breakfast time together.

Snuggie!
The Miss PacMan Ice Cream Pie for the birthday girl
Glow stick tag in our woods
Adorable Cousins!
Awesome Cousins!
Sweet Cousins
Barrett & Ben (Ben would copy Barrett's pose each time we took a photo:)
The "Welcome" Sign that Abigail made.

Lorn, Dory, Barrett and Audrey drove all the way from Missouri to visit us last week.

Every day seemed jam packed with endless fun...in fact I found myself wishing there was just more time in the day. There were so many things I wanted to show them but couldn't.

Before I could even blink, it was time for them to make the long trek back.

I hate that our family is spread all over the country like this. It's not what God intended.

But we are making the most of the time we have together...and we always have so much fun!

She's Ten

I remember like it was yesterday, but the calendar tells me that it was ten years ago.

The day my name included the warmest of words, "Mommy".

The day they placed your slippery self on me and the raw reality of your existence rested on my still youthful shoulders.

I was overcome.

You were pinkish with coppery hair.

Your lips like a rose just opening.

Purpose,

Life,

Bliss.

We measured your age by days,

then weeks,

finally years.

You,

Abby Sue,

our Joyful soul.

You've always seemed more heaven than earth to me.