Thankful Heart

It is the season of thanks; the time of year people most often take into account all the blessings and goodness that is in their lives. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and cherished every bit of "goodness" on that special day.

This Thanksgiving was a big "first" for us. It was the first time that we didn't share our big meal with our extended family. I must admit that when we moved to Oregon back in June, I wondered what our Thanksgiving would be like. I knew we wouldn't be making a trip to Ohio or Wisconsin, and figured others wouldn't be coming here. (It's quite a costly trip coming from the Midwest!) So, as the weeks counted down until turkey day, I wondered what our plans would be. I eventually decided that we would just be eating turkey for months on end, because 2 adults and 4 children can only eat so much! We, however, did receive several invitations to join other families for the day. We were blessed by others thoughtfulness and concern~ thank you so much to all who invited us! It meant much to know you were willing to share your table and time with us.

We had one invitation in particular that we accepted. In the short time we have lived in Oregon, God has truly blessed me with a very fast friendship. It wasn't long before our families spent some time together and now I think the rest is history! Well, history in the making maybe :)

Joe and Missy, thanks so much for sharing your day with us! We couldn't have asked for a better time! You guys have quickly become family to us. Just for the record....Missy is the queen of Nerts (sp?). Actually, that doesn't really sound that flattering, does it??? Well, I'm sure she'll take it as a compliment :) The meal was incredible and the company was even better! Thanks for making this Thanksgiving a great one for us!

So for all of our family far away who might have missed us at their tables this year, we want you to know that we missed you too. But God has been faithful and loving in providing us a support of "family" here too.

My God is good all the time...for that I am forever thankful!

Just so you know, the kids' hair does not usually look like this. All of the children posted here are quite normal looking. They had fun with these little makeovers!

Hannah's 6th Birthday

Six and Counting

Our Hannah Brooke just celebrated her 6th birthday on Nov. 20. She wanted to spend the evening with her family at Chuck E. Cheese. I think she had a lot fun, to say the least! Hannah walked right up to Chuck E. Cheese and asked to have her picture taken with him (while her older sister tearfully tried to hide herself at the table!). Hannah has always been the brave one of her sisters, which scares her Mom a little bit. I was quite sure that by the time Hannah turned 3, she would have her first visit to the emergency room. Surprisingly, she hasn't made a visit yet in her six years. (Except for a trip made 2 years ago in the middle of the night with whooping cough.) But, so far, her injuries haven't been too serious.

Hannah has such an adventurous spirit about her. I love watching her get excited about new challenges and accomplishing new feats! And while she loves excitement and adventure, she also has a gentle, compassionate heart. She has a heart that is very aware of what others around her need. Just recently I have found her sweeping the floor for me, putting away toys, or helping her little sisters reach something that's out of their reach. She isn't asked to do any of these things; it's purely out of a desire to care for and help others. I am so thankful for her sensitivity to others.

Hannah is also our source for lots of laughs! I posted some "Hannahisms" a while ago that show what a sense of humor she has as well. She has a contagious smile that melts my heart and makes me smile too (sometimes when I don't want to smile because she is being talked to sternly. I don't know how many times I've had to turn away because I don't want her to see me smiling when I'm trying to discipline her on a certain issue. The expressions this kid makes are sometimes too much!).

Overall, this daughter of ours is just an unbelievable blessing from God. I am so glad she is mine. It's my honor to raise this little girl into a young lady who loves her Heavenly Father. I love you Hannah Boo!

I Love My Family!

Hair Do's....and Don'ts

Last night my husband and 4 daughters spent some wonderful quality time together...the results are as follows:

















Doesn't he look marvelous? One of my 3 year old twins looked at these pictures today and said "Aw, Daddy is so adorable!" The girls were quite proud of their creations :)

I am so thankful that I have a husband who is willing to spend this kind of time with his daughters. He has never once complained or shown any regret that we never had a son. He's totally willing to sit and have his hair (not to mention his manhood) completely adulterated if it means spending time with his girls :) It just warms my heart.

I know of some men that are all about being a "man's man," but I see my husband being more concerned about being "God's man" instead. For that, I am grateful beyond words. Being sensitive to who God wants him to be as a dad, as a husband, and as a friend is what makes him a real man, in my eyes. I have seen my husband grow in his sensitivity to his girls (all 5 of us) over the years, and again, it warms my heart. He continues to strive toward gentleness with his little ladies. Some day our girls will grow into young women, and I know how much they will appreciate his gentleness, patience, and sensitivity to their needs as girls. They (as I) need him to be "God's man." It's a great deal of responsibility that he has taken seriously. Thank you honey! Because you choose to honor God as my husband, and the father of my children, you are all the man I need....pretty bows and all!!!

Oh yes, and to those of you who are waiting for my pumpkin patch pictures, they are coming soon. I promise!