happy birthday mom!

Whenever people ask me how I survived the first year with twins, my response always includes: "I couldn't have done it without my mom." Seriously... above and beyond, people. And come to think of the it, she's pretty much been a major player in this circus ever since.

I have always known my mom was special. But you really understand the love and sacrifice when you become a mom yourself. She is always there. Always eager to help. I hope I can be there for my kids like she is for me. What a blessing it is for Hayes, Embry and Ellie to have such a close relationship with their Minnie. I love that they feel so close to her that sometimes they want her instead of me... and you know she digs that.

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you.

thankful

I'm thankful for God's love. When I begin to think about the uncertainties that we face right now with residency junk and finances, it's comforting to know that even though things change, he doesn't. He is faithful. He is forgiving. He is my shelter.

I'm thankful for Kyle. I'm thankful for the love we have. No one knows me like he does. I'm thankful that after ten years of marriage, we still crave that alone time. I'm not talking about sexy time alone time (Borat anyone?)... ok, maybe I am (ahhhh yeah) but what I meant was ditch the kids and let's hang out alone time. It's the thing I look forward to most.

***fyi... a little awkward for me to admit to seeing Borat right after talking about how much I love Jesus. If you've seen the movie, you'd understand. We were looking for funny. Funny it was... but oh my goodness, can anyone say traumatized?

I'm thankful that I have been blessed with three healthy children. Being a part in the shaping of these little people is truly amazing and I don't want to ever take it for granted.

I'm even thankful for the days my kids drive me crazy. Those trying times remind me that I am the one who gets to stay home with them day in and day out, nurturing and disciplining them... not someone else.

I'm thankful for our families. I can't even put into words my appreciation for what they have done for us. I'm thankful for their love and giving hearts.

I'm thankful for music. I can't imagine a world without it. A song can completely change my mood. I love that music is an outlet for my husband. I love hearing my kids sing and watching them dance to music. I'm thankful that I can turn it up really loud in the car to drown out the whining.

I could go on and on... a place to come home to, a car to get around in, friends, my camera, photoshop, air conditioning, hot showers, internet, online shopping, ipod, contact lenses, spanx, diet coke, sunbutter, ener-g egg replacer, modern medicine, sippy cups, washable markers, kandoo wipes, grocery stores (can you imagine trying to fit growing your own food into your daily schedule?), student loan deferment, life church messages online, mexican food, vacation... ok, ok I think you get my point. No matter how down or unfortunate we feel at times, we really are truly blessed. I am going to try and be better in thanking God for all of his blessings, big and small.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Be Thankful

by Nicola Ashcroft

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

so long sucka

And now ya know why my kids are always sick. Sneaking each other's sippy cups, gnawing on the same toys, sharing suckers...

At least they are sharing, even if it's germs.

ellie goes goth

Daddy knows how to do a lot of things. But makeup? Not one of them.

thanksgiving break

Kyle is working tonight and gets off tomorrow morning for a nice long Thanksgiving break. Like over a week break. I know. Crazy, right? Trust me, he'll get to make up for it with working Christmas. We'll take what we can get. We can't wait to spend time with him. He has been gone way too much lately. He has worked overnight three nights in the last week.

I guess we should be thankful at this point that he still has a place to work. Kyle said something last night that stuck with me. He said he can't let himself worry about the hospital drama, he can only focus on the things that are certain... like taking boards in December and improving his surgical skills.

I'm tellin' ya, God has really been working on our faith in the last year. How liberating it is to turn your worries over to him and trust him with your future. How comforting it is to have a husband who reminds me of that when I let the worry begin to creep in.

fun fact... I snapped this picture of Kyle while he was scrubbing the garage floor with gasoline.

happy birthday dad!

So here is the kind of guy my dad is... he is coming to my house on his birthday to lay tile in our bathroom. That's my dad. Always looking out for his girls. Papaw, we will try and be on our best behavior. Riiiiiight. Love you!

workin' girl