Day 9 of Thanks

I am thankful for my in-laws who have passed onto eternal life. I will be forever indebted to them both for raising a wonderful son who shares their compassion for the down-trodden and forgotten. Joe and Laura were amazing friends to me and so much more. They showed amazing generosity and love toward me from the very beginning and I was always made to feel part of the family. I regret that they cannot see their grandchildren grow up and, in turn, our kids can't experience what truly wonderful people they were.  And just so I remember: 

Last week I went to volunteer at the girls school.  There was a parade of costumes and then a party in each classroom. I was a little frazzled going between each girls class and got to Laura's class with just enough time to set up a game I was in charge of.  Her group of desks were right behind me and I could see her interacting with the little boy who sits next to her. He was in a Batman costume with a mask so I didn't see his face but thought it was strange that Laura was gently telling him over and over not to put his paper in her face. It was the same tone she uses to get Audrey to calm down when she is screaming.  A lady came up to me at that point to tell me what a wonderful helper Laura is with Jake and I was a bit confused because she acted like I should know who Jake was.  And then the little boy next to Laura took off his mask and Laura said, "Mommy this is Jake".  You see, Jake has Down Syndrome and Laura is his desk buddy. Jake has his own aid and this was the lady who came up to me to give Laura accolades.  Apparently Laura volunteers to help Jake all the time and plays with him even though some of the other kids do not.  And you want to know what I found surprising most of all? My little Laura is the one who tells us everything about school and even what everyone else is doing at school but she never mentioned that Jake has Downs.  I don't think it ever occurred to her to even bring it up because it didn't seem "different" to her.  She has a gift and I almost lost it that day in her classroom because I was so proud of her but so thankful that God blessed her with this "talent". And I also cried later because I realized we named her exactly right. You see, Joe's mom, Laura, was the woman we named Laura after. She died of cancer ten days before I had the girls.  She was a special lady to so many but she was an exceptional Special Education teacher for many many years. This was her passion and she excelled at it. Her "kids" loved her and she loved them.  So our Laura is just taking after her grandmother and that puts a smile on my face (and a tear in my eye).

Day 8 of Thanks

I am so thankful for my group of friends in Boerne--Lori, Leanne, Leah, and Kim.  These women have been in the "trenches" with me.  We are a tight group and as an added bonus, all of our husbands and kids are good friends.  I have such a deep admiration for each of these ladies and am so thankful for their godly encouragement and the grace with which they live their lives.  I wish I had a picture with all of us together on my computer but alas I do not, so I will put up my favorite pictures I took this summer of each one of them:

 

Leah and Todd

 

Kim is really THE MOM in Audrey's eyes:)

 

Leanne always does this to Joe

 

Lori dancing with my girls and hers

 

(These were all from Family Camp at the beach that we gather together every summer for and make the best memories)

 

 

Day 7 of Thanks

I am thankful for our home here in Maryland. It is more than enough room for all of us and has amazing views.  God was so good to put us in this  neighborhood that has a great school and (mostly) nice people.  We also love that we finally have a fireplace for those chilly nights (and days).

Day 6 of Thanks

I am thankful on this Election Day to live in a country where we have the freedom to vote and have a peaceful transfer of power from one person to the next.  We often take for granted that there is not an uprising or military takeover whenever a leader is elected.  AND I am so thankful for the freedom we have to worship God and to have His word so accessible to us. God bless America.

(My little Patriot on the Fourth of July)

Day 5 of Thanks

Today I am thankful for my sisters, Whitney and Alyssa.  I couldn't have chosen better friends.  They are the epitome of true servants.  Plus, they know every ugly thing about me and still love me!!  They are coming at the end of this month and I am so excited to spend some time with them!!

A month of "Thankful's"

I am a little late to the game and I have seen people do this on Facebook, but I wanted to join in on a once a day, "I am thankful for_______________" in this month of Thanksgiving.

Day 1:  I am thankful for being able to study the Bible with other women in BSF every Thursday.

Day 2:  I am thankful for my husband who is the best friend and best father anyone could every have.

Day 3:  I am thankful for my four children and the joy they bring to my life every single day of their little lives.

Day 4:  I am thankful for my parents who provided a good home for me to grow up in. It was not the perfect home but it was where God placed me and where I was taught to love Him and get to know Him.  They just left last week after spending eight days with us which was such a treat.

And now I am caught up...stayed tuned.

 

(Just had to add the picture of our trip into DC to see the changing leaves)

House-Main Level

So it has been quite a while since I posted anything but here is the last intallment of the house for those who are interested.  This is the main level where I live most of the time since it includes the kitchen:).  Enjoy!