Are You Thankful for Your Kids Today?

I had a real gut check on Friday.  Actually I still feel a little sick to the stomach as I write this a couple days later.  Too often, it is easy to get busy with life, frustrated with kids, short fused with your spouse and we blame it on life just being to busy.  It becomes so normal that we take for grant it that we have something really special that we need to be thankful for, and our family really is a blessing.   I have 4 beautiful, healthy young daughters and a great wife,and do I really appreciate them as much as I should, and probably more importantly, do I let them know how much I love and appreciate them?  Not just by my words but with my time and actions?

Now that I have you attention, I am going to ask you to ask yourself that question.  Now when this hits, first stop and pray, second find those you love and care about and let them know.

Friday afternoon I walked back into my NAPA store and there was a somber edge to everyone.  One of my co-workers, Kevin and his wife had gone it to the hospital that morning to have their babies.  Full term twins,  They had been in the hospital earlier in the week with labor, and had been sent home, but the time was here and they were going to be parents again.  My store manager came to me at my desk and told me "Kevin and his wife lost both babies, would you pray for them."  My heart nearly stopped.  Even now as I type my eyes are not dry.  Both twins had a heart problem that had gone undetected through all the checks and they were not able to save either of them. Mom is heart broken, taking it really hard, dad is too.  She is ok physically, but I am sure not emotionally.  To make matters more difficult.  Kevin has a really beautiful tattoo on his right forearm of a baby being carried away by angels.  18 months ago, they had another little one.  They lost her too.  I cannot imagine losing one child, let alone three. So I ask you at this moment, stop and say a prayer for them.  

As I am here typing watching my 11 year old eat breakfast, I still remember holding her that first day, and watch them grow up and the same for each of my girls, THEY NEVER GOT THAT OPPORTUNITY. I get to see and love mine every day, THEY NEVER WILL...   I get to spend time with my children, THEY GET TO GO SEE THREE HEADSTONES WHERE THEIR CHILDREN ARE BURIED.  I get to play with my kids, THEY CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT THEY WOULD HAVE BECOME. Someday I will have grandchildren and a large family, as of now, THEY NEVER WILL.  I am so blessed... How about you?

So with that I ask you.  Have you thanked God for you family today?  Have you told them you love them? Have you let them know how much you appreciate them and care about them? Don't miss the opportunity.

SB

A New Pet Rabbit

I guess I must be a glutton for punishment.  Would you believe we walked into Petsmart, with the intentions of replacing a dead fish.

The Humane Society knows that kind hearted people who walk into petstore with said intentions, will probably walk out with an extra furry friend, at some point or another.  Especially if they bring little people with them. 

I'm usually good at refusing such temptation, but on this occasion . . .  Well you know the rest of the story.

I was proclaimed "the best Mom in the world," by four beaming faces,   Do you see that smile?! 

Smiles like that make the hassle worthwhile!!  :D

Kick up Your Feet and Relax on Your New Hammock

Have you ever regretted, not taking advantage of an opportunity? The summer before my ninth grade year,  I went to Hemnosillo, Mexico with my youth group.  On that trip we spent a day at Kino Bay.  A local merchant wandered through with hammocks for sale.  I earned most of my spending money doing a papper route.  Hard work taught me to value my hard earned money, and so I refrained from purchasing at that time.  I've often regretted my decision.

With the purchase of this house, and with its awesome deck and gazebo,  my desire to own a hammock renewed its vigor.   My first thought was to make one, so I found and printed the directions for a woven one like this.  Then I decided it was too complicated.  Next, my attempt to make a cloth one ended in utter failure. 

At that point, I didn't think I'ld ever get a hammock . . .  UNTIL  we found this lovely on end of the season clearance at Ace Hardware.   So the moral of the story, my friend, is PATIENCE PAYS OFF!

You may have to wait a long time,  but "The best things in life are worth waiting for."

Have you ever waited for something for a long time?  I'ld love to hear your story.

Hanging Pot Rack -- A Great Space Saver

 This beauty has been on my wishlist for quite some time.  When the time came to choose one, I broused the web and finally found the one I was looking for.here.  Depending on what it is sometimes Wally World has the best product.  Their potracks are only sold online,  so don't go looking for one at your nearest store...  because you won't find it there :D  Wouldn't you agree that hanging your pots and pans is the best way to store them and still save space?

New Shelves for my Ever Evolving Library

My skilled laborers include my husband and our friend Josh.

Our basement has these nifty ledges around the outside walls.  Perfect for bookshelves. 

This project has been on the books for quite some time. 

 

I was incredibly excited when my constrution team decided it was time to get to work. 

They did a fantastic job.  Don't you think?

Keep a watch out.  I'll be posting a picture with the shelves filled at some point in the future.

Sky Watch Friday

Post your Picture on SkyWatch too.