As I reflected on this year, we have had ups and downs. I have learned about God's humor, God's sovereignty, God's forgiveness, and God's love for me. Who would have ever thought that the couple that struggled to get pregnant for years would have their second child the first time they tried?! However, that child has taught me more than I can even express in words. God also used a terrible mistake to renew and strengthen my marriage. I never thought I could make it through something like that! Being a parent and attending NewSpring Church, has taught me so much about God's love. I cannot wait to see what 2014 has in store. These are few ideas that I have for the upcoming year:
1. Be a better momma. I want to put the iPhone down and spend more time with my babies. They're growing so quickly, and I don't want to miss a thing! I want to give them a pure and memorable childhood.
2. Get out of debt. Jordan and I have buckled down and have been working hard to pay off all of our bad choices. We WILL be out of debt this year!
3. Sell our house and buy a new home. This small house has been a nice place to live for the past five years, but we need a place to make a home for our babies. I want a house that the babes can play outside without me worrying about them being hit by a speeding car. I want a house with a play room, so I don't have to look at toys all the time. I want a house with a dining room so I can have my entire family over and we don't have to sit all over the house. I want a house to make memories in.
4. Exercise. I know that's so cliche', but I want to do yoga or barre. I want to get my pre-Maggie body back! And I've heard that exercise helps with stress! ;)
5. Journal. I need to keep up with life better. I want to journal or blog more than I have. Time is flying by and so many memories are being made, but I forget them! Too many great things are happening for me to forget!
6. Study the Bible. I NEED this in my life. I always say I'm too busy, but how terrible is that! I cannot be too busy to learn about and grow closer to my Savior! I MUST make time!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
My first baby is no longer a baby!
For two years, we tried and prayed for a child. God made us wait and He threw in some growing pains, but finally Magnolia was born. It's quite ironic that her nickname, Maggie, means pearl because I can somewhat relate to an oyster creating a beautiful gem.
When Maggie was born, she was like God's masterpiece! She has been pretty much perfect to us. She is independent, kind, empathetic, hilarious, sweet, intelligent, and pretty darn cute too! She is so special to us! God has absolutely perfect timing!
This year, Maggie has become a routine monster, a chatter box, a giggle worm, and a big sister. She is a creature of habit, almost to a fault. She did, however, get to have her first few sleepovers. The first was when John Crawford was born. She began the year able to say many words, but now she is speaking in complete, sometimes complex, sentences. Maggie is definitely one of the happiest children I know. She loves to laugh and make others laugh. She has developed a great sense of humor; she hides and jokes to make others laugh, but then she ends up giggling! Maggie has become a responsible big sister. She loves her "BoBo" more than anyone! I was so scared to bring another child into the family because she was still a baby, but she has stepped up to the task of being a big sister.
Maggie began sleeping in a big girl bed on Memorial Day. She slept so well, until JC was born. She got back in her routine a few weeks later. She started attending a gymnastics class over the summer. She asked to use the potty for the first time on August 1, and she tinkled in the potty! Mags is not completely potty-trained, but we're not rushing into the process. At this time, Maggie knows all of her colors, most of her shapes, can count to 12, loves to build and cook, and can draw a circle and an M. She loves to read and always has! Her favorite books are Pete the Cat, Go Dog Go, The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, the Bible, and I Love You a Bushel and a Peck. She loves to watch Mickey Mouse and Curious George. She loves to dance, eat donuts, learn about new animals, jump around, play baby dolls, swing, and sing songs.
Maggie's Birthday Survey
How old are you? Two...haha!!
Favorite TV show? Mickey Mouse
Favorite food? Eggs and Sketti (spaghetti)
Who is your best friend? Mommy, Granma, and KK
Favorite toy? iPad
Favorite book? Bushel and Peck (I Love You a Bushel and a Peck)
Favorite song? Cool Bus (The Wheels on the Bus)
Favorite color? Purple
Favorite candy? MMs
Favorite animal? Elephant
Favorite thing to do? Ring Around the Rosies
Teachers? Miss Nan and Miss Treesa (Theresa)
Favorite restaurant? Bock Bock (Chick-fil-A)
Favorite place to go? Target
Favorite thing to do with Daddy? Go to park and swing
Favorite thing to do with Mommy? Shopping!
What makes you happy? Bo Bo (John Crawford)
What makes you sad? KK makes me sad
What do you want to be when you grow up? Two!
No, what job do you want to do? Two!
Favorite drink? Tea
What do you do before bed? Read book, talk to Jesus, sing Sunshine
What was your favorite part of your birthday? My party!
People say that the "terrible twos" begin around 15 months. We have our moments, but I would say that we've been having the "terrific twos"! We love that little girl so very, very much! It's sad to see her get bigger, but at the same time, I can't wait to see what she becomes.
When Maggie was born, she was like God's masterpiece! She has been pretty much perfect to us. She is independent, kind, empathetic, hilarious, sweet, intelligent, and pretty darn cute too! She is so special to us! God has absolutely perfect timing!
This year, Maggie has become a routine monster, a chatter box, a giggle worm, and a big sister. She is a creature of habit, almost to a fault. She did, however, get to have her first few sleepovers. The first was when John Crawford was born. She began the year able to say many words, but now she is speaking in complete, sometimes complex, sentences. Maggie is definitely one of the happiest children I know. She loves to laugh and make others laugh. She has developed a great sense of humor; she hides and jokes to make others laugh, but then she ends up giggling! Maggie has become a responsible big sister. She loves her "BoBo" more than anyone! I was so scared to bring another child into the family because she was still a baby, but she has stepped up to the task of being a big sister.
Maggie began sleeping in a big girl bed on Memorial Day. She slept so well, until JC was born. She got back in her routine a few weeks later. She started attending a gymnastics class over the summer. She asked to use the potty for the first time on August 1, and she tinkled in the potty! Mags is not completely potty-trained, but we're not rushing into the process. At this time, Maggie knows all of her colors, most of her shapes, can count to 12, loves to build and cook, and can draw a circle and an M. She loves to read and always has! Her favorite books are Pete the Cat, Go Dog Go, The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, the Bible, and I Love You a Bushel and a Peck. She loves to watch Mickey Mouse and Curious George. She loves to dance, eat donuts, learn about new animals, jump around, play baby dolls, swing, and sing songs.
Maggie's Birthday Survey
How old are you? Two...haha!!
Favorite TV show? Mickey Mouse
Favorite food? Eggs and Sketti (spaghetti)
Who is your best friend? Mommy, Granma, and KK
Favorite toy? iPad
Favorite book? Bushel and Peck (I Love You a Bushel and a Peck)
Favorite song? Cool Bus (The Wheels on the Bus)
Favorite color? Purple
Favorite candy? MMs
Favorite animal? Elephant
Favorite thing to do? Ring Around the Rosies
Teachers? Miss Nan and Miss Treesa (Theresa)
Favorite restaurant? Bock Bock (Chick-fil-A)
Favorite place to go? Target
Favorite thing to do with Daddy? Go to park and swing
Favorite thing to do with Mommy? Shopping!
What makes you happy? Bo Bo (John Crawford)
What makes you sad? KK makes me sad
What do you want to be when you grow up? Two!
No, what job do you want to do? Two!
Favorite drink? Tea
What do you do before bed? Read book, talk to Jesus, sing Sunshine
What was your favorite part of your birthday? My party!
People say that the "terrible twos" begin around 15 months. We have our moments, but I would say that we've been having the "terrific twos"! We love that little girl so very, very much! It's sad to see her get bigger, but at the same time, I can't wait to see what she becomes.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Christmas has drastically changed since the last time I blogged about it. My previous blogs on Christmas described how I couldn't hear "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey without longing for a baby. The next year, right around Christmas, I was expecting Maggie. Now, two years later, I have Maggie and John Crawford! As this is the first year that Maggie understands what Christmas is all about, I have to say that Christmas is more fun with kids than it was as a kid!
For Christmas Eve, we hung around the house, got one last minute gift, went to Mama's, opened pajamas, and went to see Christmas lights. Maggie has an obsession with Christmas lights. It doesn't matter how tacky or small, she gets so excited! When we got home, we read "A Reindeer Christmas". We have read that book almost every night since Thanksgiving! It is a surprise find. One of my students gave it to me last year at a shower for John Crawford. Then, we prayed and Maggie went to sleep. About 10 minutes later, I realized that we had not put cookies out for HoHo! Jordan said we should wake her up, so I did. She was so confused! She put out one cookie for each person in the house and two Hershey kisses "'cause I like chocolate!" Then, she went to bed and HoHo came!
She woke up at 6:35 on Christmas morning. When I went into her room, I reminded her that HoHo was supposed to come. When she came running into the living room, she bypassed the easel and presents and went straight to the cookies! Jordan had left one with just a bite out of it. She picked it up and ate it! Then we got her focused on the gifts from HoHo. She still wasn't quite excited about Santa coming. She opened her broom and had a few "ooohs", but the biggest "oooh" came when she opened her baby doll and learned that it sang "Ring Around the Rosies". She is quite obsessed with that song right now, so this was the best present ever! HoHo also left her a bath fishing game and sippy cups that would not fit in her stocking. When the grandparents arrived, she opened a "10 Little Monkeys" book, bunny sweater, Minnie Mouse slippers, and iPad Mini from us. Then Granma and PopPop brought her money, an iTunes gift card, and an iGuy! She was not as excited about the iPad Mini as I thought she would be until it was in the iGuy.
John Crawford had slept through all of this excitement, but he woke in time to open his gifts. He got a singing monkey, a tool workbench, and an airplane from Santa. He had no idea what was going on! Granma and PopPop brought him diapers (hooray!), pacis, rattles, socks, books, an Old Navy gift card, and money.
Then Jordan and I cooked breakfast. We made birthday pancakes, bacon, and eggs. I made Maggie's pancakes look like a reindeer with bacon antlers. We sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and Maggie blew out the candle. As soon as breakfast was over, Keith was holding John Crawford and thought he smelled funky. He gave him to Nana, and realized that he had poo juice on his shirt! JC had his first blowout on Christmas day! Commence bath time!
After the grandparents left and the babies were bathed, we opened stockings. JC got a hand-puppet book, an elephant puppet, bottle name bands, an Elmo bath cloth, and another book. Maggie got a Santa Pez, a candy cane filled with M&Ms, a Cookie Monster bath cloth, wooden beads to string, and a pretend hair dryer and brush.
After nap time, we went to Nana and Pa's to celebrate. On the way, she wanted to sing "Rudolph". Her favorite carols are "Rudolph", "Jingle Bells", and "Frosty the Snowman". We exchanged gifts with Nana, Pa, Keith, and Emma-Leigh. John Crawford got a walker, clothes, and a bath towel. Maggie got a baby doll carrier/high chair/swing/stroller/packnplay, a book, a dress, and a bath towel. JC talked and blew raspberries, and Maggie had a great time playing with Emma-Leigh. She loves to hide from me. We've found her in the bathtub and hiding under pillows. My babies keep me laughing!
John Crawford has slept through most of the day. Maggie has been mystified by everything! She's in such a good spirits! After she ate her lunch, she wanted to dance with me while we listened to Christmas music. She has played with almost every toy, hers and his. One of her apps on her iPad repeats everything she says, and all she wanted to tell it was "broom and baby doll". We are just SO blessed! As a child, I remember opening gifts passing so quickly, but today it seemed like just when the gifts were supposed to be over, more would appear! We try to only get them three gifts from Santa and three from us to limited greed and excess. They are both such lucky babies to always have what they need and a lot of what they want.
As parents, Christmas takes on a whole new meaning. God gave his son to the world. We try to give gifts that bring surprise and excitement, like Jesus. Meanwhile, we try to teach Maggie about giving to others. Her other favorite Christmas book is "Pete the Cats Saves Christmas". Pete's mantra in this book is "Although I am small, at Christmas we give, so give it your all!" Maggie made a shoebox for Operation Shoebox, stuffed a bag with goodies she picked out for a ministry in Spartanburg, picked out gifts for a child in foster care, and gave gifts to those who are special in her life. She even wrapped up one of her own toys to give to Nana! I think she understands the point of giving!
For Christmas Eve, we hung around the house, got one last minute gift, went to Mama's, opened pajamas, and went to see Christmas lights. Maggie has an obsession with Christmas lights. It doesn't matter how tacky or small, she gets so excited! When we got home, we read "A Reindeer Christmas". We have read that book almost every night since Thanksgiving! It is a surprise find. One of my students gave it to me last year at a shower for John Crawford. Then, we prayed and Maggie went to sleep. About 10 minutes later, I realized that we had not put cookies out for HoHo! Jordan said we should wake her up, so I did. She was so confused! She put out one cookie for each person in the house and two Hershey kisses "'cause I like chocolate!" Then, she went to bed and HoHo came!
She woke up at 6:35 on Christmas morning. When I went into her room, I reminded her that HoHo was supposed to come. When she came running into the living room, she bypassed the easel and presents and went straight to the cookies! Jordan had left one with just a bite out of it. She picked it up and ate it! Then we got her focused on the gifts from HoHo. She still wasn't quite excited about Santa coming. She opened her broom and had a few "ooohs", but the biggest "oooh" came when she opened her baby doll and learned that it sang "Ring Around the Rosies". She is quite obsessed with that song right now, so this was the best present ever! HoHo also left her a bath fishing game and sippy cups that would not fit in her stocking. When the grandparents arrived, she opened a "10 Little Monkeys" book, bunny sweater, Minnie Mouse slippers, and iPad Mini from us. Then Granma and PopPop brought her money, an iTunes gift card, and an iGuy! She was not as excited about the iPad Mini as I thought she would be until it was in the iGuy.
John Crawford had slept through all of this excitement, but he woke in time to open his gifts. He got a singing monkey, a tool workbench, and an airplane from Santa. He had no idea what was going on! Granma and PopPop brought him diapers (hooray!), pacis, rattles, socks, books, an Old Navy gift card, and money.
Then Jordan and I cooked breakfast. We made birthday pancakes, bacon, and eggs. I made Maggie's pancakes look like a reindeer with bacon antlers. We sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and Maggie blew out the candle. As soon as breakfast was over, Keith was holding John Crawford and thought he smelled funky. He gave him to Nana, and realized that he had poo juice on his shirt! JC had his first blowout on Christmas day! Commence bath time!
After the grandparents left and the babies were bathed, we opened stockings. JC got a hand-puppet book, an elephant puppet, bottle name bands, an Elmo bath cloth, and another book. Maggie got a Santa Pez, a candy cane filled with M&Ms, a Cookie Monster bath cloth, wooden beads to string, and a pretend hair dryer and brush.
After nap time, we went to Nana and Pa's to celebrate. On the way, she wanted to sing "Rudolph". Her favorite carols are "Rudolph", "Jingle Bells", and "Frosty the Snowman". We exchanged gifts with Nana, Pa, Keith, and Emma-Leigh. John Crawford got a walker, clothes, and a bath towel. Maggie got a baby doll carrier/high chair/swing/stroller/packnplay, a book, a dress, and a bath towel. JC talked and blew raspberries, and Maggie had a great time playing with Emma-Leigh. She loves to hide from me. We've found her in the bathtub and hiding under pillows. My babies keep me laughing!
John Crawford has slept through most of the day. Maggie has been mystified by everything! She's in such a good spirits! After she ate her lunch, she wanted to dance with me while we listened to Christmas music. She has played with almost every toy, hers and his. One of her apps on her iPad repeats everything she says, and all she wanted to tell it was "broom and baby doll". We are just SO blessed! As a child, I remember opening gifts passing so quickly, but today it seemed like just when the gifts were supposed to be over, more would appear! We try to only get them three gifts from Santa and three from us to limited greed and excess. They are both such lucky babies to always have what they need and a lot of what they want.
As parents, Christmas takes on a whole new meaning. God gave his son to the world. We try to give gifts that bring surprise and excitement, like Jesus. Meanwhile, we try to teach Maggie about giving to others. Her other favorite Christmas book is "Pete the Cats Saves Christmas". Pete's mantra in this book is "Although I am small, at Christmas we give, so give it your all!" Maggie made a shoebox for Operation Shoebox, stuffed a bag with goodies she picked out for a ministry in Spartanburg, picked out gifts for a child in foster care, and gave gifts to those who are special in her life. She even wrapped up one of her own toys to give to Nana! I think she understands the point of giving!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thankfulness
When November began and people began posting their "day of thanks" on Facebook, I knew I could never keep up. However, I began to think that I want to document what I'm thankful for in 2013.
1-I am thankful for Jesus Christ and the salvation that he died for.
2-Jordan--The best partner in the world! I could not work, raise two babies, and take care of the house without him. He is my hero. He stays awake 24+ hours to take care of our babies. He cooks, cleans, and protects the county. Through all of this, he still has love and patience for me!
3-Marriage-This year, we learned about "for better or worse" and 1 Corinthians 13 love. I'm thankful for a Christ-centered marriage that forgives 7 times 70.
4. Maggie-My sweet baby girl is my reason for living. The birth of that spirit renewed my faith in God, and she continues to do so daily. Her smile, her giggle, her hugs, her kisses, her dancing, her mannerisms make me proud to be her mommy. Everyday she surprises me with how smart she is and how fast she is growing up. I'm so blessed to have her in my life.
5. John Crawford-My snuggly baby boy reminds me that God is gracious and has a sense of humor! I was so nervous to have another baby while Maggie was a baby, but he has completed our family in a way that I never imagined. His brights eyes and constant smile make me thankful for two, precious, sweet babies.
6. Miscarriage-When my miscarriage happened, I thought my life was over and God was mad at me. However, God was teaching me patience and pruning me. Through that horrific struggle to conceive, I learned that God was always on time and his plans are 1000 times better than my own. He also was conditioning me for a ministry to other ladies who have lost babies. It amazes me how many people I have helped through a baby loss by using my testimony.
7. My mommy has taught me so much. She helps me through so much and is always there for me and my family. She makes me a better mommy and person. She always knows exactly what I need to make everything a-okay. I hope I'm as good a mommy.
8. My daddy-I'm thankful for my go-to problem solver. Anytime there's a problem that I can't solve, Daddy always can. He's a quiet man who doesn't always express his opinions, but he has a huge heart. He's also grown into a fabulous Pa to my babies!
9. Keith-I am so thankful to have a little brother who helps me whenever, however, he can. He watches my babies, makes special deliveries, and is always my partner in crime. I really don't know what I would do without him.
10. Brothers-I hated being the only girl of four children. But now I see that it was for the best. They made me tougher and drama-free.
11. Sisters-in-law-These lovely ladies have given me something that my parents could not, sisters! They are completely different, but I love them just the same.
12. Nieces-I love these girls like my own babies. They shaped me into the mommy that I am today. Each one is completely different, but they are special to me in their own way.
13. NewSpring-I truly love my church. I'm so thankful for Perry Noble and his dream. I love attending church and being involved. When I miss a Sunday, I feel like I have missed out on something great. The Church has made me a better person, wife, mommy, friend, teacher, etc.
14.Aunt Linda-Jordan and I could not both work without this woman! She loves our babies like a grandma, and who wouldn't want an extra grandma? She drives to the other side of town to pick Maggie up from school, keeps them at my house (which is so helpful), and even helps me with household chores! She simplifies our life more than she realizes!
15.Teaching-After teaching for 5 years, I am starting to see my reapings. My students are coming back, emailing me, or coming up to me in public and telling me how I helped them turn their lives around or get their education on track. It feels so good to see miniature adults appreciating their teacher! I may teach little gremlins on the middle school level, but I love to see the difference I am making once they mature!
16. McCracken-This school restored my confidence in myself. My first year of teaching was catastrophic, to say the least! Mrs. Peach had faith in me from the beginning, and her hope in my teaching empowers me to be a better educator. I also LOVE the people I work with. We are there for one another in the good times and bad. I never completely dread going to work because I love my school and my co-workers.
17. In-laws-My in-laws have been like a second set of parents. They have taught me things that I did not learn growing up and have shown me a whole new side to life. They are excellent grandparents and raised one amazing man to be my husband!
18. iPhone-This one is a little shallow, but I don't know what I would do without my iPhone sometimes! It entertains Maggie when she gets bored and wants to run around restaurants. It entertains me when I need to escape from reality for a moment. It is always there to answer questions or find a good deal. Oh, and I can keep in touch with people, whether it be by phone, text, or Facebook.
19. Grandparents-I only have one biological grandparent living, and I claim Jordan's grandfather as my own. I love each and everyone for their part in my life. They have contributed sweet memories and plenty of wisdom to me.
20. Home-I don't have a very big home or a very fancy home, but it keeps me protected from the weather and provides me modern amenities. I wish it would sell so we could have a bigger home for our growing family. However, I do get very sentimental when we pull on our street, and Maggie yells, "Home!"
21. Cars-I'm very thankful for our two cars. For a while this year, we only used my car. I never really knew how important it is to have two cars when we work and go to school on the other side of town. I'm also thankful to drive the car that I've always loved. It may suck a lot of gasoline, but I'm also thankful that I can pay for the gas to drive it.
22. Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office-They don't pay a lot of money, but the fulfillment the job brings to my husband makes me thankful. I often complain about the hours and the messed up schedule our family has because of the hours. Regardless, I am proud of my husband for taking care of Spartanburg, cleaning up the streets, and risking his life for the well-being of others. I'm also thankful for the friends that we have made through this organization. I don't know what I would do without Kat who drives by every time I hear a sound or Danny who would take a bullet for my husband.
23. Friends-I definitely don't have that many friends, but they are super special to me. I need the few girls that I can talk to in order to get through life. They help me be a better mommy and wife. I am thankful they're in my life to make things fun!
24. Food-I LOVE my food! I love to eat and I am so thankful that I am able to eat and eat what I like.
25.Dave Ramsey-Because of Dave, Jordan and I are almost out of debt! We cannot wait to begin building a legacy for our children. It has been a long time with many setbacks, but we have learned so much through our consumer debt journey. I am super thankful that we've been able to cash flow everything for over a year!
26. Dogs-Peyton and Caroline have almost driven me bananas since our family grew, but they will always be a special part of the family. They are my protectors when Jordan is gone. They bring so much comfort to the family. Maggie has come to love the gentle giants, which is absolutely adorable.
27. Military-I am so thankful for the men and women who give up their day-to-day life to protect our country. I could not have all of these great things to be thankful for if I did not live in a free country.
28. Hot water-I love hot water, especially hot showers. I will stay in the shower until all the hot water is gone, the hotter the water, the better. The hot water melts away anything that is bothering me, physically or emotionally.
29. Health-I am very thankful that I am healthy and I have never had any major illnesses. I am thankful that my husband is back in good health after his accident. I am forever thankful that my children are healthy, happy babies. I try very hard to give my family and myself everything we need to keep our bodies healthy.
30. Holidays-I love holidays because they bring families together and everyone gets along. Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday, but most holidays bring food and family, which makes me very thankful to have those things together!
I am sure that I have missed several things, but here are the first 30 that came to my mind. As a brief 31st, I am thankful for the ability to write. I hope that I can keep up the blogging to document this crazy, beautiful life that I get to live!
1-I am thankful for Jesus Christ and the salvation that he died for.
2-Jordan--The best partner in the world! I could not work, raise two babies, and take care of the house without him. He is my hero. He stays awake 24+ hours to take care of our babies. He cooks, cleans, and protects the county. Through all of this, he still has love and patience for me!
3-Marriage-This year, we learned about "for better or worse" and 1 Corinthians 13 love. I'm thankful for a Christ-centered marriage that forgives 7 times 70.
4. Maggie-My sweet baby girl is my reason for living. The birth of that spirit renewed my faith in God, and she continues to do so daily. Her smile, her giggle, her hugs, her kisses, her dancing, her mannerisms make me proud to be her mommy. Everyday she surprises me with how smart she is and how fast she is growing up. I'm so blessed to have her in my life.
5. John Crawford-My snuggly baby boy reminds me that God is gracious and has a sense of humor! I was so nervous to have another baby while Maggie was a baby, but he has completed our family in a way that I never imagined. His brights eyes and constant smile make me thankful for two, precious, sweet babies.
6. Miscarriage-When my miscarriage happened, I thought my life was over and God was mad at me. However, God was teaching me patience and pruning me. Through that horrific struggle to conceive, I learned that God was always on time and his plans are 1000 times better than my own. He also was conditioning me for a ministry to other ladies who have lost babies. It amazes me how many people I have helped through a baby loss by using my testimony.
7. My mommy has taught me so much. She helps me through so much and is always there for me and my family. She makes me a better mommy and person. She always knows exactly what I need to make everything a-okay. I hope I'm as good a mommy.
8. My daddy-I'm thankful for my go-to problem solver. Anytime there's a problem that I can't solve, Daddy always can. He's a quiet man who doesn't always express his opinions, but he has a huge heart. He's also grown into a fabulous Pa to my babies!
9. Keith-I am so thankful to have a little brother who helps me whenever, however, he can. He watches my babies, makes special deliveries, and is always my partner in crime. I really don't know what I would do without him.
10. Brothers-I hated being the only girl of four children. But now I see that it was for the best. They made me tougher and drama-free.
11. Sisters-in-law-These lovely ladies have given me something that my parents could not, sisters! They are completely different, but I love them just the same.
12. Nieces-I love these girls like my own babies. They shaped me into the mommy that I am today. Each one is completely different, but they are special to me in their own way.
13. NewSpring-I truly love my church. I'm so thankful for Perry Noble and his dream. I love attending church and being involved. When I miss a Sunday, I feel like I have missed out on something great. The Church has made me a better person, wife, mommy, friend, teacher, etc.
14.Aunt Linda-Jordan and I could not both work without this woman! She loves our babies like a grandma, and who wouldn't want an extra grandma? She drives to the other side of town to pick Maggie up from school, keeps them at my house (which is so helpful), and even helps me with household chores! She simplifies our life more than she realizes!
15.Teaching-After teaching for 5 years, I am starting to see my reapings. My students are coming back, emailing me, or coming up to me in public and telling me how I helped them turn their lives around or get their education on track. It feels so good to see miniature adults appreciating their teacher! I may teach little gremlins on the middle school level, but I love to see the difference I am making once they mature!
16. McCracken-This school restored my confidence in myself. My first year of teaching was catastrophic, to say the least! Mrs. Peach had faith in me from the beginning, and her hope in my teaching empowers me to be a better educator. I also LOVE the people I work with. We are there for one another in the good times and bad. I never completely dread going to work because I love my school and my co-workers.
17. In-laws-My in-laws have been like a second set of parents. They have taught me things that I did not learn growing up and have shown me a whole new side to life. They are excellent grandparents and raised one amazing man to be my husband!
18. iPhone-This one is a little shallow, but I don't know what I would do without my iPhone sometimes! It entertains Maggie when she gets bored and wants to run around restaurants. It entertains me when I need to escape from reality for a moment. It is always there to answer questions or find a good deal. Oh, and I can keep in touch with people, whether it be by phone, text, or Facebook.
19. Grandparents-I only have one biological grandparent living, and I claim Jordan's grandfather as my own. I love each and everyone for their part in my life. They have contributed sweet memories and plenty of wisdom to me.
20. Home-I don't have a very big home or a very fancy home, but it keeps me protected from the weather and provides me modern amenities. I wish it would sell so we could have a bigger home for our growing family. However, I do get very sentimental when we pull on our street, and Maggie yells, "Home!"
21. Cars-I'm very thankful for our two cars. For a while this year, we only used my car. I never really knew how important it is to have two cars when we work and go to school on the other side of town. I'm also thankful to drive the car that I've always loved. It may suck a lot of gasoline, but I'm also thankful that I can pay for the gas to drive it.
22. Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office-They don't pay a lot of money, but the fulfillment the job brings to my husband makes me thankful. I often complain about the hours and the messed up schedule our family has because of the hours. Regardless, I am proud of my husband for taking care of Spartanburg, cleaning up the streets, and risking his life for the well-being of others. I'm also thankful for the friends that we have made through this organization. I don't know what I would do without Kat who drives by every time I hear a sound or Danny who would take a bullet for my husband.
23. Friends-I definitely don't have that many friends, but they are super special to me. I need the few girls that I can talk to in order to get through life. They help me be a better mommy and wife. I am thankful they're in my life to make things fun!
24. Food-I LOVE my food! I love to eat and I am so thankful that I am able to eat and eat what I like.
25.Dave Ramsey-Because of Dave, Jordan and I are almost out of debt! We cannot wait to begin building a legacy for our children. It has been a long time with many setbacks, but we have learned so much through our consumer debt journey. I am super thankful that we've been able to cash flow everything for over a year!
26. Dogs-Peyton and Caroline have almost driven me bananas since our family grew, but they will always be a special part of the family. They are my protectors when Jordan is gone. They bring so much comfort to the family. Maggie has come to love the gentle giants, which is absolutely adorable.
27. Military-I am so thankful for the men and women who give up their day-to-day life to protect our country. I could not have all of these great things to be thankful for if I did not live in a free country.
28. Hot water-I love hot water, especially hot showers. I will stay in the shower until all the hot water is gone, the hotter the water, the better. The hot water melts away anything that is bothering me, physically or emotionally.
29. Health-I am very thankful that I am healthy and I have never had any major illnesses. I am thankful that my husband is back in good health after his accident. I am forever thankful that my children are healthy, happy babies. I try very hard to give my family and myself everything we need to keep our bodies healthy.
30. Holidays-I love holidays because they bring families together and everyone gets along. Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday, but most holidays bring food and family, which makes me very thankful to have those things together!
I am sure that I have missed several things, but here are the first 30 that came to my mind. As a brief 31st, I am thankful for the ability to write. I hope that I can keep up the blogging to document this crazy, beautiful life that I get to live!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)