Monday Thankfulness

#174...Mrs Thompson, Katherine's sewing teacher who has taken Katherine under her wing in the department of sewing. Katherine had a huge desire to learn to sew and Mrs Thompson has faithfully had her over to sew and learn almost every Wednesday afternoon for a year and a half!
#175...Soft pink peony's in a vase. (a huge splurge since we have so many great flowers in our garden right now, just couldn't resist the $5 price tag)
#176...all of us swimming together on an early Sabbath morning
#177...a quiet house this morning, for almost an hour I read, prayed, and had time to think
#178...surprise volunteer sunflowers popping up amongst the squash
#179...a whole house fan to keep the house cool and save money on our electric bill
#180...fun game learned and played with the older kids, great that they can play lots of our favorites with us now!
#181...K and E snuggled up in bed listening to a book on tape
#182...Myrna watching the kids overnight so Eric and I can get away to see a play and relax together. An answer to prayer!
#183...Lots of Apricots stored up in pantry and freezer. Girls and I canned 36 quarts, froze 16 jars of sauce and made 16 jars of jam...several crisps were made and consumed quickly. Plums are next to harvest!
#184...a new cookbook arriving in the mail today, so excited! I have wanted a copy of it for a long time and my very thoughtful Mom new it and sent it. Thanks Mom!
#185...that we have two precious four year olds, they love each other so much and they love life. We are blessed that all of our kids are happy, get excited little people!(Above picture at cousin Natalie's Wedding)



I remember when I was reading Ann's book "One Thousand Gifts" and she stated near the end of the book that the more you practice thanksgiving the more life becomes a natural thanksliving...that your whole life is lived out differently. I can see chnages in my life even though I have a long ways to go in truly "living it" moment by moment.

Two Year Olds

Life is constant motion with two busy two year olds. The twins are growing up too fast. I am really trying to cherish each moment with them as they are the last babies.

I was talking to my wonderful mom yesterday (as I do at least once a day) about the babies and how busy they are. My exhaustion and overwhelmed feelings are directly related to these two little bundles of energy and personality I am sure. I was telling my mom that I miss the baby stage and that I am pretty convinced that I am not one of those that will ever feel "done" having babies. I simply love babies and have never found the newborn time hard. I love nursing them, strapping them to me, smelling them, and the security of knowing where they are all the time! My mom was disagreeing with me saying "oh but honey two is the best, they can talk to you, I love how the twins are right now, they are at a precious age!" I have pondered her words ever since our conversation.

I appreciate my mom for a million reasons, but one thing I especially appreciate is her advice and wonderful wisdom relating to my kids. Her suggestions always make me think, most I agree with and put into action. I can get pretty worked up about things with the kids...fears, lack of confidence as a mother, discipline issues, attitudes, feelings of being overwhelmed, and did I mention worrying??? She will often remind me that God made them the way they are and that he has a very special plan for them (no matter how much their mother worries) and He will care form them.

And so I have made a list of the things I enjoy about my precious two year olds
1. Their enthusiasm for the littlest things..."Who wants a bath?" is met with a chorus of "I do", "I do".
2. Their personality begins to really show, you know that personality that God gave just them!
3. They begin to really talk and understand ALL that goes on around them.
4. They don't forget anything! If you put something into the routine, they are sure to insist on it the next day.
5. They keep me active every moment they are awake.
6. They begin to LOVE to be read aloud too.
7. They are full of love and hugs for their mommy, daddy, sisters, but especially each other!