I realize it’s been quite awhile since I posted but I have had a wonderful and restoring rest.  How, one might ask, with two little ones are you able to rest?  Well, my husband’s step-mom (and dad) blessed me with rest as I took the kids to MI!  Although my dad is nearby, I have dear friends, and Husband and I have had a few over night getaways, this was a solid week of rest and very little felt responsibility.  Simply wonderful!   It was definitely a trek to and fro.

The drive there was actually quite smooth and we only took about 30 mins more than it normally takes with Husband along with us.  The drive home was a bit of a nightmare taking almost 14hours to drive only 10.5hrs.  Even with the disaster of a ride home, I’m thankful we made the trip.  Not only was it restful for me, it was an obvious joy for both the kids and the grandparents.  Growing up my grandparents were always a plane ride away and I remember the sweet visits we had with my “Nomie”.  I loved her dearly and the visits with her were precious as they were far between each other.  Unfortunately Matt’s family is far too and I wanted the kids to start building those precious memories.   I’m so grateful for Matt’s family who loves me and our kids so well.

Now that we’re home it’s taken me awhile to get back in the swing of the daily routine but I promise more deal posts will be up soon.  Do know that things may be changing a bit around here soon, I hope you’ll like what’s in store.  Don’t forget to check out the Fantastic Finds page!  I’ll be linking up our adoption blog soon too for anyone interested.

Happy New Year!  In many ways I can’t believe it’s 2012.  Tomorrow Lil Dude turns 1 year old!  My year has definitely been marked by his growing/aging.  Since Thanksgiving it has seemed a whirlwind in our household but am thankful for some rest and time with family over the holidays too.  While it is a new year, Lil Dude is not a baby anymore, and there are changes afoot, I am thankful that I rest knowing the promise of Hebrews 13:8.   My Lord is the same, yesterday, today, and forever!  What a peace and certainty it gives knowing that while people, circumstances, and places may change, He remains.  Not only does He remain, his unfailing, never ending love is there too!  As the days, and year, goes by I rest in Him.  Wishing you and yours, a happy new year!

Hello again!  Nope, haven’t dropped off completely but have been in the midst of celebration and family.  Husband’s family came in from MI for several days to celebrate Christmas with us so there was much fun, laughter, and joy.  After they left I’ve been trying to get the house back in order and into some sort of routine with the kiddos.  It’s always fun to have family, including grandparents and cousins, it just tends to throw things a bit too.  I am overwhelmed by the generosity and giftings from our family and am already enjoying several of my gifts very much.

This time of year also brings our wedding anniversary!  Husband and I will celebrate 5 years of marriage this Friday.  5 years may not be many compared to those of you who have celebrated 25 and many more years of marriage, but to us it’s definitely special.  In many ways it seems like we’re still newlyweds but in other ways it could be our 30th anniversary.  The Lord has blessed me with a man who loves and serves him above all, then me, and our kids.  Exactly the way it should be.  I am so grateful for this blessing in my life.  Husband has been faithful in the good times and the bad.  The first year of marriage was rough as I grieved the unexpected loss of my mother and yet I look back and see Husband was faithfully walking with me even when I tried to push away.

Husband has planned a surprise anniversary outing and we have been blessed by those who love us and will be taking care of Munchkins and Lil Dude while we are away.  So thankful to be loved and served by others in this way.  Being a mom is a huge priority and daily focus in my life but being a wife to my husband should take first place, always.  This is often difficult with little ones but others willingness to care of our kids, it makes easier to have some quality husband and wife time.

With Christmas and our anniversary within a week of each other I find I am amazed by the blessings of family and friends.  Even with all these blessings, ultimately I rest in my salvation through Him, His faithfulness, and His steadfast love.

The last week I have been under the weather.  It all started last Weds. with a slightly scratchy throat but by Monday I felt just awful.  Whenever I get sick I am reminded of simple blessings in my life.  The most obvious one is relatively good health.  I don’t get sick often but when I get stuffy or a sore throat I am reminded how blessed I am that typically I am blessed with good health.  My dad has been struggling with some health problems for a few years and being mildly sick with a cold reminds me I need to remember to pray for him and others I know that struggle with chronic illnesses.

The second blessing is my faithful husband.  In our hall hangs husband’s wedding vows done in calligraphy that he had made for our first anniversary.  Part of his vows were the traditional “in sickness and in health”.  In both sickness and in health he is loving and cherishing me.  What a sweet and wonderful gift.  He took time off work, has been taking care of the kids, and quietly taking care of things at home.  James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift is from our Father above.  How true!  He’s given me a husband who takes care of me in sickness and in health.

There are countless other simple blessings that are daily reminders of His grace in my life.  Praying that I would be able to “be still and know Him” (Ps. 46:10) so that I might recognize the simple blessings he has graciously bestowed on me.

At the tender age of 10 months Lil Dude is showing resistance to change.  The time changed on Sunday for daylight savings time.  I use to look forward to fall time change as it meant an extra hour of sleep.  You see, those who know me well they know I believe sleep is one of God’s greatest gifts he has given.  This year as the “fall back” approached I was not so eager.  You see, Lil Dude has refused to change.  The clock may say it’s only 4:30am but he’s determined it must indeed be time to eat and play.

Thankfully, I am blessed with a dear husband who has graciously taken in stride the cranky baby, and frankly, and wife.  He has served in his concerned whisper of what should we do with Lil Dude, doing the early am feeding, cleaning up after dinner, and giving me “me time”.  SO grateful for a Husband who rolls with the change and the lack there of.  If you have any suggestions to help Lil Dude along with his resistance, please share!