Newsletter September '12- December '12

1.  Is would be so easy to stay focused on the sadness, but I know God is good, God is in control of all things, even the passing of Bryce.  The Hurt and the Healer collide.  I watch my sweet friend suffer pain so deep, yet she allowing the Lord to be glorified even here.  Another reminder that the aching of this life is a revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy.  To see how the Body of Christ worked as God designed it to was something beautiful that I came away with from the celebration of Bryce.  God has been good to keep Bryce and his family in my mind often, that often means tears, but it also means prayers.  I have prayed that God would keep me faithful in praying for them often.

2.  We are moving.  Not sure we were as prayerful as we should have been when we decided to move. Our long term plan has always been to move closer to Brad's work.  We've often said when we could sell both houses (the one I owned before we got married that my sister rented from me and the one we lived in) we could finally afford to move across the tracks (literally).  In January my sister got remarried (he seems very nice, my sister is happy, her girls like him)  they moved into a bigger house and I sold the NRH in about a week.  One house sold, low interest rates, being really tired of dealing with the congestion and traffic to get out of our neighborhood, and the fact that our across the street neighbors were able to sell their house in a short amount of time for way more than we thought they would led us to put our house on the market and see how it went.  It went on the market on Mothers Day weekend and sold on the 1st day of school in September.  We closed in the middle of October.  We are building in Trophy Club.  The new house was suppose to be done in Nov.  We do not have a move in date yet.  They just poured the foundation 2 weeks ago.  Our best guess is late Feb/early March.  Interesting note. our old across the street neighbors are going to be our across the street neighbors in the new house as well.  Totally unplanned, just happened to work out that way.  We like them and glad to know at least one person in our new neighborhood.

3.  Current residence, Brad's Grandmother's house in old Roanoke. (Very close to Babe's and all the other wonderful resturaunts in downtown Roanoke for those of you familar with the area) Brad's Grandmother passed away in Aug 2011 and the house has been empty since.  So the family has graciously allowed us to live in the 889 square foot, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1950's layout and small closet house, no garage (only a one car carport that still houses his grandmother's car) with a huge backyard RENT FREE.  I feel Jennifer Lewis' pain in trying to fit your family in a small house with inadequate closets.  At least ours is only for a short time.  The bathroom has room for exactly one person.  The shower head is about 5 ft 5 in high.  It works ok for me, not so great for my 6ft husband.  He says he is going to join a gym just for the nice showers.  The window unit keeps the living room very cold (love those hot temperatures in Nov) but the cool air struggles to make it inot any other room in the house.  Hoping the weather will turn cooler soon.  The furnace (once we figured out how to light it)  heats the entire 889 sq ft.  There is a small wall gas heater in the bathroom.  We had one in my bathroom growing up, so I know how nice they are.  Brad and his sister are afraid of them and of carbon monoxide poisoning.  My mother in law said if the house were air tight we might have a reason to be concerned, but even if there was a leak, we would probably be fine.  I think my favorite thing is the kitchen sink.  The is no dishwasher, which I am fine with.  Since there is not much counter space, the dish drainer is in one side of the sink.  When I fill up the other side to wash dishes, then unplug it for the water to drain, the dirty water fills up the other side of the sink with the clean dishes.   So I tried to just run the water and use dish soap on each items and not plug the sink.  But when you you run the water at a normal stream the sink fills up with water and then the other sink also fills up with water.  So I have been reduced to running the hot water at a little more than a trickle to wash and rinse all my dishes.  I have asked my mother in law about this.  They paid a plumber to come out before we moved in.  I think the consensus is, this may be as good as it gets.  But did I mention it was rent free?  The house is on 1/3 of an acre, since 889 sq ft does not take up much room the backyard is HUGE!  The girls love it, the dog loves it!  His grandmother's neighbors (Jerry and Chico and Max and Martha) have lived next door for 50 plus years.  They are so excited we are there.  They are very sweet.  My girls have enjoyed getting to know them.  Presley wants to live in this house when she grows up.  We are blessed.  I am trying hard to become a minimalist.  Carin is my role model.  So far I am failing miserably.  Who knew it was such hard work to become a minimalist.  I haven't given up hope yet.  So are enjoying our time being close and learning that we can live with much less.  I'm sure we will quickly forget how the train, the busy traffic on business 114 (one street over)  just adds to the loudness of the washing machine and dryer (that are in the kitchen) and the window AC unit. We could stand to lose some of our hearing anyway!  Right now I am grateful that my rent is free, I can put away all my dishes without having to take a step, I can lean over in my bed and look through the door to check on my kids in bed and when we put any unwanted item out on the curb for big pick up day it is usually gone within an hour.

4. New Elementary School.  Since we moved out of our house, I went ahead enrolled Presley in her new school.  (The Roanoke house is not much further from the new house)  I was as nervous or maybe even more than Presley when I  dropped her off for the first day.  I know exactly three people at the new school.  One is the assistant superintendent and kids (He was wonderful about talking to the principal about us and to make sure Presley was put into a good class, very appreciative of that), one is Kennedy's preschool teacher and kids ( they also are in our small group at church), and our old across the street neighbors who will be our new across the street neighbors.  I knew the new elementary was a good school.  We went from the largest elementary ( 7 second grade classrooms and 150+ kids) to the smallest (3 second grade classrooms and 65 students).  When I met Presley after school on her first day she went on and on about how much she liked the new school, even better than her old one.  God was good and went before her.  I know how blessed I am that the transition was so smooth.  When I asked what was better her response was:  "I got to hang from the monkey bars at recess from her knees and she got to talk at lunch."  Half the number of students does offer some luxuries.  When I would pick her up from school in K and 1st I would try to talk to her about her day, she NEVER wanted to talk much. Now, she chats on and on about what they are doing with out me prodding.  I love that!  At her old school she met one friend that she really liked and that she would talk about.  (We love her, will continue to stay in touch with her, and are very grateful that the Lord blessed her with a sweet, Christian friend).  But now she talks about the girls in her class and she wants to hang out with them outside of class and invite them to her birthday party.  The move has been good for her.  Am very grateful.

5.  Presley:  I am learning to be the mother of a perfectionist.  She is a great reader. (Thank you to Leslie who gave me a quick tutorial on Lexile levels and how to pick appropriate, good literature to read).  She told me one day that she felt funny in her stomach, she felt like God was trying to talk to her.  I told her to listen.  She said God was telling her to read her Bible, specifically the book of Job.  I was very glad I had Karen Henley's 7 minute a day Bible at home.  She and I read Job together from that version.  Still playing soccer.  She is improving and liking her team.  I think wants to continue.  I was surprised and encouraged when she stepped out of her comfort zone and wanted to participate in the cheer clinic for our local high school. (She hates to be in the spotlight and cheering on the football field with lots of people in the stands watching would be my definition of being in the spotlight).  She is 7, she is precious, love her sweet spirit, love that she comes home from Bible Study Fellowship radiant, and am glad that I can count on her to try to do the right thing.

6.  Kennedy.  Turned 5 in September.  Is in her last year of preschool. So glad I get to have her at home one more year.  She plays well by herself.  She likes to learn when it is on her terms.  (Which means she does great at school but not so much for me).  She is playing soccer.  She is pretty good.  She scores a lot.  There are no goalies in the U5 division.  At one game I noticed her counting on her fingers after one goal. I realized she was counting the number of goals she had scored.  She was running out of fingers.  The next game she would flash the number of goals with her fingers at me at she ran back to for the kick off and after a bit of show boating.  One time when another girl, who does not score often, scored I shouted "great job Isabella." Kennedy's response "I passed it to her."  I realized the problem was going to need to be addressed when she found a small spiral in her Mimi's car on the way to her game and handed it to her with a pen and told her to write "Scores" at the top and to keep count of all the times she made a goal.  I am praying for humility.  I am sure it will be painful.  But much better to learn at 5.  She is funny.  She likes to be the center of attention.  She gets along with others.  She does not care what other people think of her, so she is liked by many.  She will probably need to be in speech.  I am hoping she will not always be a whiner.  If I would let her watch tv all day long, she would.   She is an antigonizer, like her Daddy.  She desperately wants to ride her bike without training wheels.  She likes to snuggle with her Mom.  Love her.

7.  MS Update.  I've been good.  I still have normal issues that will plague me from time to time (random numbness, tingling, vision issues, temperature sensitivity).  They come and go sometimes for 24 hours, sometimes they come and go for several weeks.  But I am getting use to them.  I still have random UTIs that are hard for me to diagnose and even harder  for the dr to treat.  So I have resigned myself that I will be on heavy antibiotics a few times a year.  Would love to be able to figure out a way to avoid that, so far I am down to only two for the 2012 year, an improvement from 2011.  I still qualify for co pay assistance for my medication.  Very grateful that they pick up my $3000 yearly prescription deductible, I pay $0 for my $3500 a month medication.  God is good.  My dr assures me that I will not have to take daily shots much longer.  Praying the new medication options have no terrible side effects so I can change soon.  The only issue that has been difficult to deal with is fatigue.  I have tried to get enough rest.  When I feel like I am getting sick I go to the dr, I don't wait to see if it will get better.  I try to stay on top of things.  For the most part that has helped, but on occasion I still can't escape it.  In Sept I noticed my allergies were starting to bother.  I went into the dr within 24 hours of my first symptoms to get a shot and a z pack.  I didn't even feel bad yet, I just knew it was coming and still fatigue hit, hard.  I was (take a nap every day) tired for about a month.  I think the frustrating part is that is nothing I can do to make it better.  I just have to rest and wait.  But really I am doing well.

8.  The Year of Jenn.  I am calling mine "the sabbatical"  After reading the newsletter I think I may rename it The Year of DeAnne. I am just saying No to everything.   I really felt God calling me to simplify my life and clean my plate.  So I quit working at the preschool on Tuesday's and Thursday's, I stepped out of my leadership in BSF, I resisted the peer pressure to teach Sunday School, and do not allow myself to feel guilty about not making it to Wednesday small group until after soccer season is over. The only thing I have on my calendar any given week is being a class member in my day BSF class on Wednesday mornings and church on Sunday mornings.  I am trying to focus on my health, our diet, and being able to say yes to what God calls me to do, which sometimes is sitting on the back porch with the senior citizen next door neighbor and keeping her company.  Keeping my plate cleaning is a challenge.  But I cannot be that busy again.  I felt like my plate was so full that not another thing could be put on it.  I felt bad when my mom had several bouts with vertigo,  I really needed to go over and do her laundry, clean her house, but I did not have the time.  I was over committed. I had a new next door neighbor (in the old house, not the new roanoke house), she did not have family around,  she was new, she knew hardly a soul and had two girls my age, I needed to be able to reach out and help keep her kids so she could go to dr appt or school conferences, but my plate was past full.  It was full of good things.  But I felt it was preventing me from being able to do "the good things that God had prepared in advance for me to do" instead I was doing good things I wanted to do.  So I am on a sabbatical.  I am not making any long term commitments.  For at least this school year.  And then I will be prayerful about any long term commitments to make sure they are in God's will for me, not just a good thing I want to do.

9. Blogger App.  I have not downloaded it yet, but I think I might.  Perhaps I might actually be a better blogger if I could do it in the hours I sit in pick up line, dr offices, etc.

FIVE

I had to work hard for this picture. She was very excited and posing in a way that was pleasing to mom was not anywhere on his list of things to do. This girl has a lot of her Daddy in her. She has been anticipating her birthday for weeks. We have been waltzing down the toy aisle for weeks! She had a list of things she wanted. Barbie's, American Girl doll accessories, Doc Mc Stuffins, and Pet Shop Fairies were on the list. She was not disappointed! I begged her to stay four. I told her she could still have a party and get gifts, but I really did not want her to turn 5. She would not relent! She could not wait to be five. I cannot believe my baby is 5. When I asked her three words to describe herself here is how it went:

Mom: Do you think you are funny?

K: yes

Mom: Silly?

K: yes and irritating!

So true! But a joy as well. Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Last first day of preschool

I learned from Presley's first day and had the camera battery charged and ready. This girl was super excited to start her year as a giraffe. She loves Ms. Amy and Ms. Paige. She knew what was expected of her when she walked in the class room. She let me take pictures when we arrived, but was very focused on doing what she was suppose to do. She is loving school! I hope that will continue!

Second Grader

Wish I would have had my good camera battery charged. So the phone camera picture with the sun burst will have to suffice. Love this second grader so much. Love that she loves school. Love that she is so easy. Love that she loves the rules. Loves that she wants to do her best in all things. Love that she is willing to listen. Love that she stays true to who she is. Love that she errs on the side of caution. Love that she doesn't stress or get upset when she doesn't know anyone in her class super well. Love her cute new hair do. Love that it was her idea and she was adamant that she was going to cut it short. Love that she let me decide shoulder length and not chin length was ok. Love that she will compromise with her mom. I cannot wait to see what things are in store this year!

Disney

I was able to surprise the girls a few days before school started with a trip to Disney World. Saturday, August 18th I woke up the girls and we told them we needed to get dressed because we were going to catch a plane to Disney World. Actually I let their Dad tell them. Because he is such a prankster, they did not believe him. When they did realize it was true they were very excited. I have a good friend who is a Disney Travel agent who wanted to try out a new hotel that sleeps 6, she was taking her two daughters and was needed a threesome to join her. I was very excited that we fit the bill.

It was the best trip ever. I think most of that had to do with the fact that I had to plan exactly NOTHING! Once we arrive, I had to make ZERO decisions. I just went and followed. It was like having my own personal VIP tour guide.

It was a fast three days visit. We had an absolute blast!

More pictures and more details will follow.

Party Day

Pictures now, post later

The Slumber Party

The planning is in overdrive and invitations are being sent out. She is so excited!!!! I love that I can just scan the invitation and no longer feel obligated to do the cute scrapbook page. Because we all know that will never end up happening!!!!

In case you cannot read the fine print, the invitation says:

Bring your sleeping bag and your pillow too

It's Presley's slumber birthday part and she's inviting you!

We';; watch movies, decorate cakes and hunt easter eggs for fun

Your mom can pick you up the next morning when we're done!

A birthday Sleep-Over for

Presley's 7th brithday

Friday March 30th

6:00 p.m.

Pick up on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

The Thomas Home

12725 Connemara Lane

817.706.4658

GOAAAAAAL!

Presley scored her first soccer goal EVER! 3.3.12. It was the first goal of the game, the first goal of the half. I know she was excited. I know she was proud. Though if you did not know her, you would never be able to tell. She is not my attention seeker. When I asked her about it later, she said she had meant to pass the ball to someone else, not score. Hearing congratulations, while I know she wants to, she just would like to hear it with out so much attention drawn to her. Perhaps that is a sign of humility. Such an important trait. God can really use that to His glory. But I think it might be okay if she desired just a little attention.

So wish I would have had my camera. I so enjoyed watching her play well and having fun.

Humility may need to be a trait that will have to be developed in Kennedy. She too enjoyed watching her sister play soccer. She stood on the bleachers and cheered like a real cheerleader, making up pretty good cheers for her sister. I probably need to pray that I will be a good cheer mom, not like most of the cheer mom's I have encountered in my previous career. Kennedy saw a family sitting behind us with a sign to cheer on their daughter. Kennedy now wants signs for her at her game. Attention seeker, I think the title may fit!

These two girls are so different. But both so precious. Both such a joy to watch.

A Glorious Day!

3.7.12

A day I have been praying for for a very long time. A day I knew would come. But not at my urging. It is not enough for me to want. It is there, it is always there. Grace, a free gift to all, just sitting there, waiting to be claimed. But it must be claimed. Man must make the choice to claim the grace and all the spiritual blessings that come along with it. Such an amazing gift. Even more amazing that it is free, of no cost to us. It just takes a commitment. A commitment that is made in the heart first. But that act of public confession, it seems unimportant or perhaps unnecessary or just misunderstood. Some times is it just embarrassment that you have failed to yet complete that step. Or it could be a multitude of other reasons. The act of public confession is an important step. Not in the commitment you have made in your heart. Not in your love for Christ. Not in the Holy Spirit indwelling your heart. But an important step. A completion. A witness. Not so much for yourself, but for others. It is an act of obedience. Today Brad was obedient. Today Brad became a NEW CREATION. Today Brad is fully able to claim ALL the spiritual blessings he has IN CHRIST.

How did he come to this act of obedience? Really only he can say. I have seen God's hand on him since the moment we met. From my eyes, I have been privileged to see God at work in his life for the past 11 years. God has even allowed me to play a small part. What a privilege. What a joy.

What a special day. He chose a Wednesday. He chose to have an email sent out late Monday afternoon to just our small group to invite them to come a few minutes early to small group to share in our joy. I do not think he was prepared for the response. I started to receive texts about their excitement for Brad and our family. One of my favorites came from Monica, "When I told Annie (Kennedy's 4 year old friend), she asked who would baptize him? Then she said, do you think he will pick me?" We belong to a special church family. I knew many would make an effort to be there early to witness, and they did. Several men were very sad they were going to be out of town, they called Brad to tell him just that. Good News travels fast. A good friend, an old friend, a faithful friend heard and texted me the morning of wanting to know when and where, their family was coming. I told two other good, faithful, old friends at BSF that morning. They said they would not miss it. And they did not. And two elders, who have special places in our hearts heard and they came, on very short notice. How special that was to both Brad and I.

A sweet friend, Byron, was gracious to do the honors. Such sweet words spoken by him. Such kind, sweet words spoken by so many.

When Brad stepped out into the baptistry I know he was overwhelmed with the number of people who were there. So many, and so many children crowded as close as you could get. Presley front and center, Kennedy close by. A day they will never forget. A day I will never forget. A day Brad will never forget. A day the Lord will never forget. A day one of His chosen claimed his gift of grace! What a glorious day!

Daddy Daughter Dance

Our church hosts an annual Daddy/Daughter Dance. You have to be at least four to go. Presley and Brad have gone in the past, but this is the first year they BOTH got to go. We went to Sweet and Sassy to get their party up do's. Then it was off to the dance. They were able to do a craft, get their picture taken with their Dad, ride in a horse drawn carriage, have ice cream sundae's and DANCE! They had so much fun. (Or at least that is what they told me!)

Only Kennedy

The other day on the way to BSF, Kennedy asked me if I had her soccer uniform yet. Here is how the conversation went down:

K: Do you have my uniform yet?

Me: Yes, it is at home.

K: What number did I get? (How did she know her uniform had a number?)

Me: I think Dad chose #2 for you

K: Not 2, I don't want 2 (imagine whining and crying like only she can)

Me: What number do you want to be?

K: I want to look at them all and then choose (Where does she get this stuff?)

She chose #8

Soccer has started

We decided to join the Trophy Club-Roanoke Soccer Association this season. Already it has been such a blessing. Practices and games are literally five - ten minutes away. Loving that. We also are running into families from our school and the community. I saw the girls dentist at soccer pictures. It was a good move for our family. Presley's team, the Puma's had a coach, so Brad is helping out when he is needed. Kennedy's team needed a coach, so Brad is coaching the U5 Coed Flyers! Our first games were Saturday! The day started out a bit on the cold side, but turned into a beautiful day! They both played wonderful! Presley was playing defense. The field is bigger than she is used to and she had to run ALOT! During half time I talked to her and said, "You are fast, why didn't you chase that girl down and get the ball?" Presley's response, "I know I am fast, I just didn't feel like running my fastest!" In reality, I think she was tired. Brad said the other coaches noticed how fast Presley was and that she was going to be a good addition to the team! Kennedy's team did so good! They were all aggressive and remembered most of the time which way they were suppose to go. Kennedy scored THREE goals! She fell down many times and was stepped on twice. The last one left a red cleat mark on her forearm! She just might be a player! It was such a joy to watch both girls having such a good time!!!! I think this might be our life for awhile.

#145-#146

145. We were at church this morning. The worship service was wonderful. We sang some great songs. They began to play "Our God" buy Chris Tomlin. Kennedy is standing in front on me and I hear her singing at the top of her lungs every word...."Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other. Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!" It warmed my heart. I had tears in my eyes. I know it made God smile.

146. The church is trying to encourage kids to read their Bible daily. They have started a Scripture Safari program. The kids get a bookmark each Sunday, with a few verses to read each day. They turn the bookmark in on Sunday, receive 5 Bible Bucks and a new bookmark. We were reading one day last week in Matthew about Jesus calling Matthew to be a disciple. We learned that Matthew was a tax collector and Jews. He took money from the Jews to give to the Roman government. Anything extra he was able to collect he was able to keep for himself. I was explaining to Presley how tax collectors were HATED! So people were surprised and unhappy when Jesus called Matthew to be one of his disciples. Presley thought for just a second and said "I know why he collected the money. So they could help the poor." She is always thinking about "WHY?" I love that about her!

#141-144

#141. People who are willing to share their suffering

#142. A sweet teacher from preschool bravely blogs about her suffering

http://mom2hudsonandcooper.blogspot.com/

#143. A former Texas teacher of the year who wrote about the difficulties of living with a chronic, potentially life-threatening illness, the horrors of suffering a stroke and finding herself suffering from quadriplegia, she was unable to move, speak or see. She could hear everything and remembers it all. Yet she challenges all to trust in God and His purpose for your life.

http://www.nikamaples.com/

#144. How I am encourage by all of these people who choose to praise the Lord in the midst of their suffering.

#31-140

Having time to type in my blessings has not been so easy. But I have been writing them down and keeping tabs. It has been good. I don't really feel like recording them now, but my heart is heavy with sad news. A dear friend has checked herself in to a rehab facility for the third time, Kennedy's precious preschool teacher lost her husband this afternoon, .... my heart is heavy. But I know that we serve a God who gives and takes away and in either case we are suppose to praise Him, so I am going to obey, even with a heavy heart.

#31. Kennedy, seeing her be content with who God created her to be. Content to be with people, confident to go and join in.

32. People who are gifted with words and use that gift to glorify God in song.

33. Praise and worship at service.

34. Gifts chosen by the girls and bought with Bible bucks earned in Sunday School at the Church Christmas market for others.

35. My new green pea coat

36. The long red coat I found on sale when I bought #35

37. "I may be weak, But Your Spirit's strong in me. My flesh may fail. My God You never will."

38. Sunday dinner at Mimi's

39. New Favorite Christmas Song, "Winter Snow" by Chris Tomlin

40. King of Kings. Prince of Peace. Lord of Lords. Mighty God. Hosanna. Messiah. Emmanuel.

The older I get, them more I learn, the more meaningful each of those names become.

41. Jesus, He was born that we might have life. His entrance into the world was one that we may have life, born to die a criminal death, born to die---for me. I will never fully understand the depths of His love for me.

42. Lunch with sweet friend and kids

43. Presley's love of books and back rubs

44. A great conversation with a family member

45. The joy of seeing the Lord at work in other people ( especially in those I have been praying for)

46. Today Christ's love in me for others is greater than the bitterness Satan wants me to harbor.

47. Kennedy noticing we had a flat tire before we got in the car and left the house.

48. Roadside service I did not know I had. They quickly came to fix the flat tire I had in my garage.

49. Being stranded at my house while we waited for roadside assistance instead of being stranded out in the cold.

50. Extended Warranty the roadside assistance man told me I probably had on my tires. He was correct and my new tire was free, saving me $$ at Christmas time. I would have not thought to even ask.

51. Kennedy's speech. I have asked several friends, they assure me she does not need speech therapy. We shall see. Words or phrases I will miss when she no longer speaks with an impediment...."Hunger"..."Da Da" (Daddy)...."My feder fell out." (My hair feather fell out."

52. Perhaps you have seen "Wedding Crashers" a movie with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. Will Ferrel plays a small role in the film. There is a scene where Owen Wilson has gone to Will Ferrel's house. They are on the couch talking, Will asks if Owen wants any of the left over meatloaf his mother had made. Owen says yes. Will immediately turns his head to the side and yells..."MOM, MEATLOAF!" I feel myself living this scene every morning, over and over and over, with Kennedy. She is lying in my bed, watching cartoons and I know at some point soon she is going to yell..."MOM, JUICE!"

53. Watching my girls play together.

54. In the month of December, the first thing each girls does when they wake up in the morning is look for Elvis, our Elf on a Shelf.

55. Another lost tooth

56. BIG gaps leaving plenty of room for her new ones to grow in.

57. Christmas music. "Go Tell it on the Mountain" came on, in the back seat I hear my Will yell..."Turn it up!"

58. Sonic

59. Sonic Ice

60. Sonic Happy Hour

61. KLTY Christmas Wish

62. Modern Medicine, God's Healing

63. Good Neighbors

64. Reading a book for leisure

65. Family time at the movies, running into friends from church at the same movie

66. God answering my continuous prayer for the wisdom to know what to ignore and what to pay attention to. The wisdom to realized at 3:25pm on the Friday before Christmas on Sunday and leaving for a trip to Colorado early Monday morning that Kennedy's raspy voice may be strep again.

67. The doctor's office getting her in at 4PM and getting the antibiotic before pain set in.

68. The kind doctor writing a second prescription just in case Presley came down with strep because her parents did not use the same wisdom in sharing the ONE community soft drink at the movies. ( Trying to save a buck)

69. Presley escaped strep, but not the stomach bug. But at least the stomach bug started on the 23rd and did not prevent her from enjoying her best Christmas ever.

70. a relaxing, fun Christmas Eve with my family.

71. Excited children coming down stairs on Christmas morning

72. A thankful six year old who kept saying "Thank you" for each and every gift.

73. Her sincere heart

74. a four year old who enjoyed every minute of tearing into her gifts

75. a six year old who enjoyed watching others receive gifts

76. The fun combination of chaos and lots of people Christmas morning at the in laws

77. Presley wanting her recorded book for Paw Paw to be just perfect.

78. The thoughtful gifts given by many

79. Overly blessed with so much from so many

80. Quiet, small, peaceful Christmas night with more family

81. Watching the girls enjoy their new toys

82. Sweet niece who came over after each gift to hug and thank me.

83. A baby at Christmas time, little Landry

84. My girls and her cousins having so much fun with one another

85. Remembering the REAL reason for Christmas- the day our Salvation was born.

86. The girls being such troopers on the 13 hour trip to Colorado that turned into 16 hours.

87. SNOW

88. Awesome friend who let my family use her Colorado house during a prime week

89. 360 degree view from our home for the week.

90. Mountains

91. Brad winning his fantasy league and good amount of money!

92. Playing in the snow

93. Playmobile and Legos - providing hours of entertainment for my girls

94. biscuits and gravy

95. 4 wheel drive

96. Big showers with a overhead rain shower attachment

97. Oversized soft towels

98. wireless internet

99. family

100. The creation of the world. God who created the world by SPEAKING it into existence. God made what is visible from what is invisible - from nothing. This is the first truth that authentic faith knows. I know so many may question the doctrine of creation. But being here in the mountains, seeing the beauty - I do not know how anyone would choose to not believe.

101. Kennedy's Boston accent - think car.

102. GPS

103. A box of new crayons

104. Presley's determination and fearlessness on the slopes

105. Kennedy's love of dancing even though she would deny it. Actions speak louder than words.

106. Kennedy on the way to preschool..."Do I have a dance recital any time soon?"

Mom.."No, you have to be in dance class to have a recital. You quit. Do you want to go back?"

Kennedy... "No"

107. Presley's belly laugh as she films her sister dancing on the hearth

108. Realizing Presley has my laugh

109. Two girls who were AWESOME on the 13 hr trip home from Colorado. Earning them a trip to the American Girl Store to buy the stable that was out of stock during Christmas

110. Texting- not as good as a phone call, but when that is not possible, it is a good alternative

111. Spending the first day of the year PRAISING the Lord

112. NEW YEAR - being made NEW

113. Next door neighbors who are fun to hang out with

114. Not having to cook dinner

115. "He gives and takes away, but my heart will choose to say...Blessed Be Your Name." How that song has new meaning in the wake of tragic news of the death of Kennedy's preschool teacher's husband

116. Trusting in God's plan even when you are on a painful road

117. Lunch with a good friend

118. Kennedy's zest for life. She drives the neighbor's toy Escalade with a purpose

119. a 74 degree Friday afternoon in early January

120. The godly leadership shown by the preschool director in the midst of a second unthinkable tragedy among our SCPS family.

121. The chance to get to know and love Kennedy's preschool teachers.

122. The privilege to pray for those same teachers.

123. Seeing my husband with his two precious girls all snuggled up in our bed watching Saturday morning cartoons

124. Listening to Kennedy in the other room singing "Oh How He Loves Us" by the David Crowder Band

125. At church this morning our minister was announcing the tragic and sudden death of Kennedy's Preschool teacher's husband. He was asking that our church pray for her and her family. I look over and see Kennedy folding her hands and praying for her preschool teacher.

126. Seeing an old friend at the grocery store. A friend who endured her own tragedy a few years earlier. It was a reminder of God's goodness and healing.

127. Brad- "What time is it?"

Kennedy - "Time for you to get a watch!"

128. Kennedy - "How do you spell 'Mom?'"

Mom - "M"

Kennedy -" Ok.....How do you make a 'M'?"

129. The Lord guiding me to a diagnosis of my weakened condition....spiritual dehydration.

130. How quickly I am rehydrated when I do the right thing and stay in His Word, the source of the living water

131. Presley....." I do not know why, but I get so excited when I read the Bible!"

132. Seeing Presley's face radiating God's glory when she comes home from BSF

133. Seeing that Kennedy is convicted when she realizes that she has disobeyed.

134. God's Word

135. The entire family studying the Book of Acts and the other letters by Paul

136. OLD CHURCH HYMNS....getting to sing them at BSF

137. "Trust and Obey".....reminds me of my grandmother. "Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, But is blessed if we trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

138. "When The Roll is Called Up Yonder"...."When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more, and the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fare; When the saved of the earth shall gather over on the other shore, and the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there."

139. That I am secure in my salvation and I know that my name is in the book of Life. It will be called and I will be able to answer "here!"

140. Rain