Give Thanks

I am thankful for Music. I love music so much and it has become so important to me everyday. I am thankful that we can worship through music. I am thankful that music can pick us up, or calm us down. I am thankful for Frank Sinatra on long hard days when I need to relax. I am thankful for Third Day when I want to sing praises. I am thankful for old hymns when I am washing my dishes, and I am thankful for nursery rhymes when I am singing to my kids. I am thankful for the fact that I can hear music. I am thankful that I can get online and listen to music with the click of a button or that I can pop in a cd while driving to have some company. I sure do love listening to music especially this time of year. I love christmas caroling and listening to familiar tunes while I decorate for the holidays.

What are you thankful for today?

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still thankful.... just REALLY busy. I have been gone all weekend but have got to get some homework done. So I guess that means that I will be doing some "Give Thanks" catch up soon. I have a LOT of things I am thankful for and things that I can not wait to blog about.

Give Thanks

*Warning: there are LOTS of pictures...

I am thankful for Ryne. It is interesting to relive emotions as you look through pictures from the past. In the big scheme of life Ryne and I have not been married very long, but then I reflect back on how many things we have accomplished together and worked through together in these past few years and I am amazed.

I am SO thankful that Ryne and I are getting to learn about the roller coaster of life together. He is truly my very best friend. I am thankful that he has wisdom. I am thankful that he is a great listener and that he encourages me to be a better listener. I am thankful that he works so hard! Our schedules are very full right now and he always pushes himself to the edge to get things done. I am thankful that he will do laundry and wash dishes. I am thankful that he will hold me while I cry. I am thankful that he has such a fun loving, happy spirit. I am thankful that he is honest. I am thankful that we can play games together, go on walks together, and talk about movies together. I am thankful that he is a great father! I am thankful that he has this time to be with our kids at this age. If life would have taken different turns, I am not sure that he would have gotten to be with our kids as much. I am thankful that he encourages me and pushes me when I need a push.

These past few days have been rough. It always is around the end of the semester. (added stress can do that to relationships ya know) However, I am thankful that no matter how our days and evenings go, we do not let the sun set on our anger. I am thankful that when we have days where neither one of us seems to be getting through, that at the end of the day we hold each other and say "we're goin to be ok, Always and Forever, I love you" Somehow hearing him say that to me while I am in his warm embrace means the world to me. I am thankful that we are slowly but surely getting to know each other more intimatly. I am proud of the man that Ryne is and I am so proud to be his wife.

Ryne, I am so thankful for you. You mean the world to me and I love you.

What are you thankful for today?

P.S. On a very side, shooting rabbits type of side, note: I really dislike my hair style right now... any particular styly you like from some of the pictures. Some other advice... I need a change...

Give Thanks

Today I am thankful for my sisters. There are so many things that I could write about it is almost unfair to put it all into one post but I am going to try...

My sisters are on my mind every single day. Today I have especially been thinking about Hannah because she is 19 today! It is so crazy to think that in just a couple of years the Leah will be 20! I guess I will break it down by sister:

Sarah: My only big sister. Sarah is such a hard worker. Not only did she finish a double major degree in less than 4 years and work a full time job while putting herself through school, she is fixing to finish up getting her masters! Sarah imresses me because she seems to be such a quick learner. She would pick up some yarn and try out knitting and would have and afghan before to long. She wanted to cheer after never doing so before and made the squad. She worked at a bakery and then later made my wedding cake! One random tidbit that I love about Sarah is her writing. I have always envied that talent. I remember a paper that she had written about about a unborn baby whose mother was at an abortion clinic. The paper grasped a point of view that had never been as real to me until then. I am thankful for her and all of her talents. Sarah, I love you.

Hannah: Her and I are the middle children. Sarah and Leah will never know what that is like. I guess it is fitting that in so many ways we are one in the same. Hannah is my basketball buddy (Leah can be at times :) What I love about Hannah is that she gives everything that she has to whatever it is that she is doing. Hannah loves hard, cries hard, hugs hard, and is hard core about her love for Jesus. Hannah is wise beyond her yeas too. It is funny because I guess I thought of myself that way that I never really saw those traits in Hannah until I was out of the house. She is insightful and very intelligent. One random tidbit that I love about Hannah is how sensitive she is. Hannah is always teaching me about compassion and what it truly means to hurt for someone who is hurting and rejoice with those that are rejoicing. I am thankful that she loves us all so much that she puts herself in harms way to protect us. Hannah, I love you

Leah, my baby sister. She has always been the peacemaker. Leah, in my opinion, has the best sense of humor of us all. She knows how to make us smile and laugh, it is part of how she brings peace. Leah gives some of the sweetest advice and some of the best hugs. Everything about Leah radiates love. She has a sweet spirit, caring words, a heart that delights in the Lord. One random tidbit about Leah is that she has an amazing voice. I remember the first time that I came home from college and Leah and Hannah sang a duet at church. Leah sang a solo. It was probably the most angelic thing I had ever heard. I never knew she could sing like that, she hadn't ever done that before. I cried because her singing was such a true reflection of who she is. She doesn't mind letting others take the spotlight, she would rather not herself. She encourages others that they can do it, while supporting quietly on the sidelines. Then, when she decides to step onto the stage it is breathtaking and everyone can see what I have had the privelege to see all her life. Leah, I love you.

I am thankful that I have sisters. I am thankful that we have so many memories together. I am thankful we can laugh with and at each other. I am thankful that despite many fights, we always make up. I am thankful for the sisters that God chose for me. He did a good job.

I love you all so much and not many people can say there sisters are some of there best friends. Like all friendships and relationships in general, we have our ups and our downs. But it is because of the bond of blood that we have that helps remind me that we are a special kind of love. Jane Austen puts in well in her 1814 Mansfield Park

"Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in the power, which no subsequent connections can supply..."

Give Thanks

Today I am pulling double duty again. I was so exhausted yesterday, I choose early bedtime over blogging so here is double the thanks...



Today I am thankful for a table. I am not just thankful for, a table. Yes it is pretty. I love how everyone can have different tables. Some have stories behind them, some are old, some are new, some are round, some square...... but I am thankful for what the table stands for. Growing up, eating meals as a family was a normal occurance. I didn't realize that it wasn't for other families. I am thankful that we sat around the table, prayed as a family, and then all talked, around the table, as a family.
Now that I am a parent I am realizing that eating around the table most of the time is harder than it might appear. Sometimes the couch just looks so much more comfy after a long hard day. I never realized how our television would be such a magnet away from our table, and our family time. Sometimes when Ryne and I eat lunch together that is the only time we will get to talk all day. That time is precious.
I am thankful that I have many memories from around the table conversations. We talked about plenty of school activities, boys, friends, events, frustrations, questions and so much more around our table. Around the table is where we started one of my VERY favorite family traditions. At birthday meals, we would go around and say encouraging things to the birthday girl (once a year, boy) We would say how much we loved them, why they are so special, list encouraging things, talk about a favorite memory with that person. I just LOVE it.
I hope that now I can start to give those same positive feelings to my kids about eating together as a family because I know that I am very thankful for that.

What are you thankful for today?

I am thankful for different people. I am thankful that we all have different minds, thoughts and ideas. I have really been thinking a lot about this lately and to be honest, couldn't decide how thankful I really was about that. Different minds also means different opinions, diferent views, different personalities. However, I decided that I am more thankful for some of the positive things that differences bring me. I am thankful that people are craftier than me. I love Canton and I am glad that other people's minds think up some of the fun things that I see there. I am glad that other opinions broaden up my horizons and give me an opportunity to search deeper into my own opinions. I am thankful that other brains are math and number brains because my mind is SO not that. I am thankful for the thoughts and ideas that I have. I am thankful that there are people in the world that write, act, sing, play, dance, calculate, and so many other things. I am especially glad that the more I meet other people, the more that I get to see that in other people. I think it is pretty neat that I serve a God who could make us so perfectly unique, even in our minds. I am thankful for that...

What are you thankful for today?

A Big Girl Bed

Why is Riley so excited?

Because yesterday she got her "Big Girl" bed!!

This is her waiting on Preacher to come and get her bed out.


YEAH! We're ready!


She loved playing in the trailer!

I even helped put the bed together

Everything was in. Just waiting for the mattress.

Making sure it will hold her weight ha!

On the bed for the first time

"Thanks Preacher" Riley said after immediately jumping on the bed

This was so funny. She has never done that before just then

Honey, Preacher and Riley

This is a reenactment of Riley's nap yesterday

So far this has been the only problem....

My dad drove all night (literally) Friday night so that he could deliver some furniture including Riley's new "Big Girl" bed! The visit was far to short, not even a visit really at all. Nevertheless, I was so excited to get to see him (my mom was already here) and for us to get Riley's new bed. She has done GREAT! I know, it has only been one night and we will have to see how tonight goes, but so far so good. She hasn't even gotten out of the bed when she wakes up. This morning she laid there and cried until I came and got her down even though she can do it herself. Leah even let us have her comforter! Thanks Aunt Leah! It has worked out perfectly! Even the bed in the room has worked out great. We moved some things around, added a new dresser, and took out a book shelve and voila! The only funny thing is that poor Sam can't see me when I open up the door so he will bounce up and down in the bed trying to see over the headboard but all you see is the tip top of his cute little head. I put it like that so they wouldn't play as much while they are supposed to be sleeping and it has been really good so far.

Thanks dad for bringing it to us. I don't know how you loaded that all by yourself. You are a man of many talents. (and you backed the trailer up perfectly, on the first try :) I love you and miss you so much. Riley is loving her bed so thanks!

Give Thanks

This is our beautiful little church: Chalkhill Community Church
I love how we even have a bell tower.

This was our Turkey from our Thanksgiving celebration today. Not only was it beautiful, it was very good!

This is from a Christmas party last year.

Today I am thankful for Chalkhill Community Church. I remember when Ryne and I first moved to Longview, one of the things I was most nervous about was finding a church home. Ryne and I just had so much on our plates it was very important to us to find a church home. Not to mention I felt a sense of urgency because we wanted to find a church home before Riley was born. The task seemed great seeing as Ryne and I had different opinions on likes and dislikes for churches, and also the fact that there are BILLIONS (ok not quite but that is how it seemed) of churches to choose from. Chalkhill seemed to be the story book answer to our search. It was the very first church that we visited and somehow it is the church that we continued to compare others too. It was such a God thing...

We LOVE the music at our church. Music is an important part of how I worship, so this was very important to me. Our friend Corey Ross does the music and he is AMAZING! I love how we have a good mix of contemporary hymns as well as some more modern praise and worship. I love how we often have readings of Psalm's before worship and how I get to hear the bell ringing right before church starts. I am thankful that we are at a place that truly cares about Ryne and I and our family. I am thankful that I am surrounded by people from all lots in life and that we all can learn things from each other. I am thankful that we can laugh at funny things in church, and that we can pray for each others needs and concerns. I am thankful that despite ups and downs with the church, that faith has never been lacking. I was very upset when The Wilcoxson and Ellis family left our church, but I am thankful that God has continued to allow growth despite a hard loss for our church body. I am thankful that we can experience the beauty of God's creation every time that we drive out to our little church. I am thankful that they have a home cooked meal for all the college students every week after church. I am thankful that my parents, Ryne's parents, and Greg and Dara, have all been able to visit atleast once and worship with us there. (They all mean so much to us)

I am thankful that when we were at a time in our lives where we needed love, support, and encouragment so badly, we found Chalkhill. I consider it a priveledge to worship with them.

What are you thankful for today?

Give Thanks

Today I am thankful for my Mom! Today is her birthday and I was SO excited because she was able to be here with me for a few hours. I am so thankful for her, I do not even know where to begin... but I will try.
It is funny to me because growing up anyone would have told you that I was my dad made over. That is still very true. It drives my mother crazy how my dad and I put anything on some sort of bread and call it a meal. We both seem to have the same thought patterns, the same optimistic outlook on life, and even favor each other. However, it has become very evident that the older my mom gets, the more she is just like me! haha
I have found where I may have thought I was all my dad, that is DEF not true because I am very much, just like my Mom.
That sure does make me feel good seeing that she is the strongest person I know. My mother hardly ever complains, she desires to me a woman after God's own heart, and she radiates beauty from the inside all the way out. I am so thankful that she continuously was teaching me that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. I am thankful that she instilled that open and honest communication is ALWAYS the best way to go. (thanks to dad for that too) I am thankful that she always tells me that she loves me. I am thankful that she would leave notes and little surprises for me on my bed, in a suitcase, or in my lunch. I am thankful that she taught me to say yes mam, no sir, etc. I am thankful that I had to learn to clean the kitchen, take out the trash, and to do my own laundry. (even though I vowed as a child that I would NEVER make my kids do laundry) I am thankful that she would never let me quit and that she always believed in me. I am thankful for this new stage in our relationship. I am thankful that we can talk about marriage and about raising kids. I am thankful that even though I am a lot of my daddy, I am more and more like my mom each day.
Mom, I could never write enough things that I am thankful for but this is a start. Thank you for comming to see me these past couple of nights. They seemed to come at just the right time for me. Thank you for all of our late night chats and for washing my dishes :)

What are you thankful for today?

Give Thanks

Today I am thankful for GG and GGP. AKA Grandma and Grandpa at the lake (however, they now do not live at the lake but will forever have the name) Today is my Grandmothers __th birthday! She and GGP have been on my mind all day. I am so thankful for them both. There are so many memories that I have and it is so neat to watch my kids create some of the same memories with them. It was funny because when Riley was about Sam's age we went to visit them and Riley pulled out some of the same toys that I remember playing with! So many stories started because of them. A favorite around here is why we always eat watermelon naked! Yes, that is all because of a trip to Grandma and Grandpa at the Lakes house. I remember hunting Easter eggs with them and of course my road trip with them while singing Southern Gospel music.
Sometimes I don't realize how fortunate I am until others tell me their stories. There are many people that I know that never had grandma's and grandpa's growing up. I am so thankful that I have such loving, and Godly grandparents. (oh another reason why I loved going to their house growing up was because GG would alway buy a HUGE box of sour gummy worms and they always had cinnaburst gum in the pantry)
I am thankful that my Grandpa encouraged me to sing and helped mold my love for not only music, but using music and song to praise the lord. I am thankful that my Grandma has helped create a love for cooking and baking in me. I love how sometimes something hot from the oven can warm a heart like nothing else. Thank you both for your continuous love and support. I love you SO much and I am very thankful for you.
Happy Birthday GG!

What are you thankful for today?