Thanksgiving

We have so many many things to be thankful for this year. It's been a year of transitions and joys.

Last thanksgiving I was facing an early miscarriage.
This thanksgiving I'm watching my precious son sleep beside me.

Last thanksgiving Jon was plugging away in a very intense and difficult schooling program.
This thanksgiving he is working away at his job.

Last thanksgiving we weren't sure how we were going to get through the whole year financially.
This year we can see that God got us through last year with His provision- despite unexpected expenses.

Last thanksgiving I was thankful for my family.
This thanksgiving I'm thankful for my family.

Last thanksgiving I was thankful for a healthy child.
This thanksgiving I'm thankful for two healthy children.

Last thanksgiving I was thankful for God's patience with me.
This thanksgiving I'm thankful for His patience with me; and His everlasting blessings despite my lack of faith at times.

This year we have had so many joys.
Greyson is healthy. His delivery was perfect, early, but perfect.
Emma is healthy. She is growing and learning and has such a sweet spirit.
Jon is working his job and doesn't have to study! He is such a wonderful husband and provider.
I am thankful to be at home with the kids. I will only be working during tax seasons now. That is a long-awaited answered prayer for me.
God is changing me. He is changing my lack of trust.
God is patient with me and bringing peace and contentment to my soul.

I could continue on and on. My turn at the Thanksgiving table will be long :)

How about you?
I'd love to read comments about what you are thankful for.

Family pictures

Non-Halloween

We don't celebrate Halloween but we do enjoy dressing up the kids. Emma loves costumes and we had our family Octoberfest this weekend and my sister's neighbor loves to have the kids stop over and he gives them candy.

It's also a great photo opp
Emma was a ladybug of course and Greyson was Frosty the Snowman

 

 

Days and nights

My days and nights all seem smeared together. I don't really mind. Truly, it's a phase and Greyson will be sleeping through the night and will have a regular bedtime before I know it. I'm not in a hurry to make him or Emma grow up.

Jon's days and nights are all smeared together too. Since he works third shift he, of course, sleeps during the days. I feel like we see him more though- compared to when he worked first shift. The Lord knows these things.

I just am continually surprised at how the Lord knows what we need more than we do. I know that I shouldn't be since He is the God of the universe AND He knows me so intimately that He knows how many hairs are on my head. But still... I continue to be surprised.

When Jon got an interview at MedCentral without even sending a resume, we were surprised.
When Jon got offered the job before he even finished school, we were surprised.
As Jon sees how positive third shift is, we are surprised.

But God knew that not only would this job be a way to provide for our family and that no other applications would produce results. He knew that not only would third shift be "ok" for us but it would indeed be a blessing.

God knows what we need and what will be best for us... always.

Baby dedication

Sunday we had the privilege of dedicating Greyson back to the Lord. What a joy to hold him in our arms and know that the God that gave him to us still has him. Most of our family was able to come and stand with us, committing to model Christ to Greyson. The childrens' pastor wrote a prayer for him and our pastor extolled Jon and I to love each other and love God before our children. What a great challenge.

I feel that in several ways Greyson is one more reminder that God is the God of second chances. God never gives up on us. He never tires of us and He delights in giving us good things.

Greyson is a good thing.

Another one

 

Here's another picture of Greyson. I had high hopes of getting pictures of Emma holding him today but the day got away from me.

We are doing well. I realized the other day that our bed will probably never be made. Jon sleeps during the day and I sleep (sort of :)) at night. All in all that's ok. It saves time!

Greyson is growing and gaining control of his head.

Emma is responding to our discipline efforts and is her great, sweet self.

Jon is trying to figure out what meal to eat when as he adjusts to third shift.

I am doing well and enjoying my family.

My sweet "blue eyes"

 

I just can't get enough of this little man.