New Mercies - New Week

Last week - wow - there aren't enough words to describe how hard it was for the Writebol family. It started Monday - a disappointment we weren't expecting followed by Ethan throwing up, a double ear infection, Jeremy and Allie sick on Wednesday and me just not feeling good from about Thursday night until now. It was a hard week. On Thursday Jeremy said, "we missed watching Survivor last night." My reply, "oh no - I played Survivor last night." That was the night of everyone except me sick - being up the entire night with Allie throwing up every 30 minutes. No sleep, MOUNDS of laundry - it was rough. But one thing I know and am confident of - God's mercies are new every morning. In the midst of a rough week there were definite evidences of grace all around (easier to look back now and see them - in the midst I admit it was tough). God grace in the last week:

• Extra time with my family
• A nap here and there
• A few good chats with my sister-in-law
• A precious call with my mom (me in tears and her praying) but still good!
• Sweet time of worship with the people of SOMA
• Getting to hear my husband preach
• Picking out garden plants with my little girl
• Snuggle time with my little "E"
• Good time in the word with the help of my new commentary
• Booking tickets to Seattle for Anniversary and Jeremy's Graduation - can't wait!

God's mercies are everywhere - it is good for me to stop and see them! And yes - I am more than excited about a new week - today is palm Sunday - a week to really think on the Passion week - leading to the death and resurrection of my Savior. I am praying that this week more than ever I will be aware each moment of the grace and mercy he so freely bestowed on me. Thank for new mercies!!!!!! Every morning!

Just for fun I have included two pictures that just melt my heart!

Long Week But Evidences of God's Grace All Over the Place

This week has been one that has seemed long and I am so very tired but my husband has reminded me to keep my eyes open because everyday there are evidences of God's grace all over! He is so very right - God's grace surrounds me! So in light of that thought and because of the inspiration of my friend I leave you at the end of my week with a list of things that made me happy this week (in no particular order):

• My fantasy Nascar team winning the race! Finally!
• Jeremy's last trip to Seattle for school - Graduation in June :)
• Ethan snuggling and letting me hold him while he falls asleep
• Playing dollhouse with Allie
• Pesto Pasta from Mary's Pizza
• My little Allie singing "Beautiful Shore" and The Rizers with me in the car
• A donut on the way to work with Allie
• Fellowship time with my Catalyst Group
• Tax Refund!!!!!! This is a first!
• Good times of reading in my new commentary book to help me in my devotion time
• Talking to my Grandma
• Date Night with my husband - dinner, ice cream and just being together
• Watching students where I work shine in giving speeches, presentations and more
• Sunshine
• Allie saying, "I need to tell you something . . . I love you with all my heart!"
• A six-second kiss from my husband
• Friends who are there to listen and pray
• Daffodils

I could go on and on - God is gracious and I am thankful! Now to take care of the being tired - off to bed!

A Warm Spring Day

The weather has turned into something wonderful! Sunny warm days where we can get outside and enjoy time together! Allie is really into walks these days and Ethan loves being in the stroller on the go! Today was a perfect day weather wise and so Allie, Ethan and I headed out for a walk in our neighborhood. It was a lot of fun. We came back home and headed to the back yard to enjoy a little more time outside. Allie willingly gave up the infant swing to Ethan and went in the "Big Girl" swing. She then spent a lot of time showing Ethan how to slide and ride her bike. Fun times were had by all!

Lessons In Discipline

I need to start this post by stating from the get-go that being disciplined is just not my strong suit. I always have great ideas and good plans but struggle with the daily discipline to see something through. A little over a month ago I was inspired by a friend (who I really want to be like when I grow up) to exercise. I read on her blog that she was doing the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and was quite intrigued by this. I was watching Biggest Loser while reading her blog and immediately thought, "I should be doing this." I jumped on Amazon, checked out the DVD and instantly ordered it. Grand idea in my mind - big question - could I really be disciplined enough to see it through to completion? 30 days of consistent exercise? I have to admit part of me really thought I would start and like everything else it would end after a week or so of trying. But deep in my heart I wanted to finish a full 30 days . . . I wanted to be disciplined to do something that was hard - that would be a challenge to me.

Discipline can seem like a nasty word. I looked it up and found that one of the meanings of discipline is: The treatment suited to a disciple or learner; education; development of the faculties by instruction and exercise; training, whether physical, mental, or moral. Doesn't sound so bad - but does involve several things: an intentional choice and a clear commitment.

I am more than excited to write this post and say that I did complete the 30 days! It didn't happen without struggle, sweat, aches, help from my husband, and yes, even a new pair of tennis shoes! :) The exercise has been great - I have slept better, feel better and while I am bummed that the scale hasn't changed, clothes are fitting much differently. But the last 30 days have benefited me more than the exercise. I have learned some good lessons in discipline. Things that I can apply to other areas of my life and hopefully continue to grow to be more disciplined. What did I learn?

*Accountability is ESSENTIAL! I made many people aware of what I was doing - people who I knew would encourage me and keep me accountable!

*Pressing on even when I didn't want to! There were many days that exercising was the last thing that I wanted to do but I have learned that a disciplined person makes hard choices - funny part is I always felt better when I made myself do it!

*Set short term goals! It would be totally unrealistic for me to say, "I am going to exercise everyday for the rest of the year." But it is within reason that I can do something for 30 days - - "I can do anything in my life for 30 days." Breaking things into smaller goals makes attaining them easier to reach.

*Set a schedule. I had a pretty regular time for exercise each day. Having a time that I knew I would exercise helped me set a routine that I and my whole family knew and expected. This allowed my husband to be a big help and encouragement to me. My daughter would even exercise with me at times.

*Discipline involves sacrificing momentary pleasures for what matters most. In regards to my exercise, being healthy and able to help my family is important. Momentary pleasure might be hitting the snooze button, laying on the couch, playing on the computer - but those things don't matter most.

*Reward is a good thing. My sweet husband set a reward for me if I completed a full 30 days - - that was a big driving force for me to finish. While rewards don't have to be material rewards and don't have to be big, it is ok to reward ourselves for a job well done.

*After a period of time, the thing you are working to be disciplined in becomes a normal part of your life. One you miss when it is not there. This is one of the craziest things to me but after 30 days, I gave myself a day off yesterday. I can honestly tell you I missed exercising yesterday and felt a little guilty for taking a day off.

*Being disciplined really does take a conscience decision and commitment that says, "No matter what I am going to do this."

I have a lot to learn and still have much growing ahead of me in being disciplined. But the last 30 days taught me a lot and I am excited about the next 30 days! April 1 and back at it. The one thing I know is that when I am determined, I really can do it. The other thing I know - I have a massage at Coldwater Creek waiting for me!!!!!

My Great Thing!

One more trip - - - can't even tell you how excited I am that after April Jeremy won't be making monthly trips to Seattle for class. Don't get me wrong - ReTrain has been a blessing beyond belief for us as a family and for Jeremy is his training for ministry. When Jeremy received a full scholarship to ReTrain, I had no idea the impacts it would have on us as a family. It has been wonderful. It has been exciting to see him learn a lot, be challenged by the gospel, meet people who have become friends as well as mentors, and to watch the impact that ReTrain has had on how Jeremy ministers first and foremost to us as a family and then to the community around us. I love it! I would recommend it to anyone whose husband is in ministry. The rewards are HUGE - - - but sacrifice is involved. It has not been an easy 8 months. Every month Jeremy goes to Seattle - sometimes for a three day trip and sometimes for a week. It is a challenge to be a mom of two kids on my own during those times and I have a little girl who misses her daddy a great deal. It is also a sacrifice during the month as well. Jeremy has about 1,000 pages to read after each class and typically about a 15 - 20 page paper to write - so all of that on top of ministry/work and family - it is a challenge.

I have been learning over the last 8 months in some big ways more and more that God's plans are perfect, his timing is perfect, that this life isn't mine and that my trust and dependance on him must increase. I wish I could share all that has happened in the last 8 months - it is quite amazing the circumstances and situations God has taken us through. But in each one I have seen God's care, grace and provision in our lives.

It has been good for me in so many ways to learn to sacrifice over the last 8 months. We have so much and really deserve so little. I am thankful for the opportunity God gave us with Jeremy attending ReTrain - - - - - it really has "re-trained" us in gospel thinking and helped us grow as a family. I am thankful for a husband who loves Christ above all things and is passionate about growing in the knowledge and grace of Christ. Jeremy really is my Great thing that God blessed me with beyond belief! He has worked hard and done well in his classes. He has been diligent in study and done his best to not let it take time from our family. He has ministered to us as a family in a whole new way. I am so proud of him!

I am eagerly anticipating our trip together to Seattle for our 6th anniversary as well as his graduation! So he makes one more trip in April, none in May and then we go together in June - I can't wait! I am excited about school being done (I chuckle as I write that because Jeremy loves learning so somehow I think school will always be in the picture in some way - lol) and having my great thing here with me more! Thankful for ReTrain and God's work through it - - and excited to have the one I love so much back home!

Cooking Under Pressure?????

A year and a half ago, my friend and I found a kitchen essential the day after Thanksgiving - a pressure cooker! We had been told that a pressure cooker was a kitchen "must have" and of course when there was an amazing deal on one we were up at 3:00 a.m. and ready to make the purchase. We were so excited that not only did we get up at 3:00 a.m. to get the great deal but we then proceeded to wait a year and a half before even using it! That is slightly embarrassing to admit to - waiting a year and a half to use something that was a "must have."

Well, I first must tell you that I was a little on the scared side to use it - what if it blew up and exploded all over me and my kitchen?????? So my friend Christine and I (yes, she is the other happy shopper who bought one!) decided that while our husbands were away we would get together and finally try out this pressure cooker thing - you know - find out if it was a "must have." A cookbook called "Cooking Under Pressure" had been recommended to me (you can get a great deal on it at Amazon). And yes, I had gotten the cookbook a year and a half ago as well! We set out to choose a recipe. Coq Au Vin it was! We didn't even know how to pronounce it until after dinner last night.

So we began prepping the meal. Not only was it fun to cook together but it was nice to split the cost (we didn't choose the cheapest recipe in the book) and I also figured at least if it blew up we would be in this thing together! It was so much easier than we could have imagined! Browned the bacon, browned the chicken, sauteed the veggies and then made the meal all in one pot - - amazing! What was more amazing was that it was cooked in 10 minutes! The best part - nothing blew up! The meal turned out perfectly and we can't wait to make it for our husbands! So we had Coq Au Vin, mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus. Quite a meal!

So will I be using my pressure cooker again - YES!!!!!!!!! It really is a kitchen must have!!!!!!! I give credit to Cecile D. She is a kitchen genius and has had a huge impact on my planning and cooking! Often times I feel like I am cooking "under pressure" with not much time - working and wanting to maximize time with my family. The pressure cooker has changed my cooking life! The thought of making a pot roast in 40 minutes is exciting to me! Now I know how the Iron Chefs get those meals done in one hour! Last year my discovery of great crockpot meals made a huge difference in my cooking - this year - the Pressure Cooker! All of you who don't have one - it is a MUST - trust me! And now I have to admit - we did almost turn and run when we did the "Quick Pressure Release" and it made a scary sound - - - but I will be doing it again - VERY soon!

Who gave her a license?

Want to make a 3 year-old very excited? Tell her when she wakes up from her nap that someone has brought her a little motorized car just her size! Hard to believe my 3 year-old is driving!!!!!! Allie was recently very blessed to have someone give her a little motorized bug car and she LOVES it! It is fun to watch her cruising around our drive-way in her little car. God has blessed us in so many ways. We are very thankful and Allie says a BIG thank you to our friends for the little car! As you can see from the pictures - she is quite excited! Right after the pictures she ran into me - lol - we still need to practice steering a little bit :)

Things that melt my heart!

There really is nothing like being a mommy! Jeremy has been blessed with the opportunity to go to Seattle for school this year and is gone once a month for approximately 3 - 4 days each time he goes. That blessing is a story all in itself - God's provision clearly displayed for us! When Jeremy is gone, I miss him very much and he does so much to help with the kids that it is hard to have him gone - but there is nothing like being a mommy. As much as I miss Jeremy when he is gone - I do have to say I treasure the time I have with my little ones. From their smiles to the sweet things they say, they really do melt my heart. So just to name a few things that make me melt:

1. Having your 3 year old daughter tell you, "Mommy this is the best dinner I have had in my whole life."
2. Laying in the grass with your daughter singing songs and having her climb all over you telling you how much she loves you.
3. Watching your daughter hug and love on her brother and say, "Mommy, I am the goodest big sister ever!"
4. Hearing your daughter say, "Mommy I really miss daddy - he will be home soon - don't worry."
5. When you are sad, having your daughter say, "Don't be sad mommy, it will be all right." (Followed by a big hug!)
6. Seeing your little 6 month old light up when you enter the room (Ethan's smiles are killer - melt me instantly!)
7. Singing "God Made Me" at the top of your lungs with your daughter while riding home.
8. Playing a great game of Hi-Ho-Cherry-O and getting beat by a three year old who is quite proud of herself.
9. Hearing "Mommy" at work coming from a sweet voice on the playground - what a blessing!
10. Snuggling with your 6 month old.

These are just a few things that make me say, there is nothing like being a mommy - - - my kids have not just stolen my heart, they melt it quite easily. So thankful for them!

A Lesson Learned

Oh that I would have real childlike faith. This morning I woke up not feeling the best. I have had a cough that has been hanging on and so it was a rough start to the morning. As we were getting ready for the day, I was helping Allie get her shoes on while sitting on the edge of our bed. (I am being descriptive because I want this moment forever engrained in my mind.) Allie was very concerned that I was not feeling well. She asked, "Mommy can I get you a warm rag since you don't feel good?" I nicely thanked her but told her that it wouldn't help. Her response, "Well there is nothing I can do to help you, what can I do to help you feel better?" I told her, "Just pray today that Jesus helps mommy feel better." Immediately - and I mean immediately she grabbed my hand, bowed her head and prayed, "Dear Heavenly Father, help mommy to have a good day and please help her to feel better and her cough to go away. Amen." Besides the fact that it was amazingly precious and super sweet as well as one of those moments you are excited that she is learning what you are trying to teach her, she really convicted me this morning and taught me a lesson. Why is it when I know someone is hurting or in need that I respond simply with "I will be praying for you" and don't seize the moment and pray with them right then? Am I too worried about what they will think? Am I concerned that it will take up my time? My little girl didn't hesitate at all today - I expressed a need and she took it to the Lord with me right then and there. God used that today to really challenge me to not just tell someone I am going to pray for them, but to take the precious opportunity to boldly approach the throne of grace with them. I am so thankful for God's desire to teach me and grow me and that he chose to use my little 3 year old to do that.

A Way to Save and Shop at Home

So I have decided that Soap.com is a GREAT thing. Who doesn't want to save money and shop from home - have things shipped to you for free????? I know I do! I ordered household goods tonight at a discounted price and have free shipping. All my purchases will be at my house Tuesday. I can't even tell you how excited I am!!!!!!! What a deal! I have included the link so you can enjoy too! The simple fact that I got my husbands razor refills (which I think are all too expensive) at a much cheaper price than Target made my day! Hope you enjoy as much as I do!!!!! Now - off to check out Diaper.com - hoping for some deals there too! This mom loves that I did this from my couch and saved money!

use code SWRI0534

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Finding Time

When I realized that I had not blogged in almost a month I was slightly embarrassed. But when has there been time?????? Currently we are delayed in the Sacramento airport - so guess what - I have time!!!!!!

The last month has been a whirlwind! We had something on our calendar every night (and day) from Thanksgiving until now - my first official day of vacation! I am sitting in the Sacramento airport waiting on a delayed flight with my two sweet kiddos and my husband. We are off to Grandma's house for the holidays and I can tell you we are all very excited about it! A break is much needed and I am thankful to get to have time with my family and friends that I don't see very often! I am thankful for days when I don't have to rush and get ready, can play with my kiddos and enjoy staying up late to play games with my family! Most often when I travel, delays can be frustrating, but really today I am ok with it - we are enjoying time together! Ethan even got his picture taken for free with Santa at the airport - not the best Santa I have seen - but hey - it was free and Ethan was in a good mood! So here is my song for the day:

Over the freeway and through the air to Grandmother's house we go!
The plane is delayed but that is ok - maybe we will see snow!


Merry Christmas!

Thankfulness Day 22: Getting Caught Up!

So I just sat down after cleaning up dinner and getting things ready for the women's ministry meeting that is here at my house in about 30 minutes. I had a few brief moments and realized - "I am behind in my days of thankfulness" - - - where did the weekend go?????? Time just flies!

Over the weekend, I can say without a doubt that I was thankful for the time that my aunt and her husband were here visiting! It was just what I needed. My aunt is the best - I know that I can always count on her! She wants the best for us and cares for us greatly - I know if I needed her here for anything she would come! It was fun to watch Linda and Andy with my kiddos - Allie had a blast and Ethan was so happy! We had a wonderful dinner at LaCoco's, a fun time at Powell's Sweet Shop, great lunch at Johnny Garlics and I had a fun time shopping with my aunt! It is a rare occasion that I get some time with just her and it was much needed! I am so thankful for how God allows me to have time with my family - I loved every minute of it.

Sunday was a full day! Jeremy preached in Petaluma, made some homemade jam and went to a birthday party. I worked on some laundry and started packing for our trip to Missouri.

All that to say - the laundry is caught up, the house is clean, I have actually started packing earlier than normal (normally I am up doing laundry and packing the night before we leave until like 2:00 a.m.) and now I have written my thankful post - - - - it is a good feeling to have somethings "caught up!" I am thankful for how God continually gives me what I need and so I can head to MO feeling "caught up."

I have much to be thankful for - it was a weekend of blessings!

Thankfulness Day 19: My Mom

Tonight I was talking to my Dad on the phone and he said something that I totally agree with: My mom is wonderful! I am very thankful for my mom. She means the world to me and I have learned so much from her. She has been faithful in sharing Christ with me from a very early age and always displayed Christ-like love to me! I love being with her. We have been so blessed since I have moved to California that I have not ever really had to go more than three months on average without seeing her. Over the last few months, God has been extremely gracious in allowing me to see her in April, July, October, soon in November and then again in December! That is a pretty amazing thing!

I have so many reasons to be thankful for my mom. She is such a hard worker. She gives 110% to all she does. She has always done a wonderful job in managing our home, being an excellent wife to my dad, caring for each of her kids and now loving on her grandkids. She also does a great job in her work. The thing about my mom that I love is that she doesn't do things for herself but to the glory of Christ. It is her heartbeat that Christ receive all the glory for something that is done or happens and not her. I love that about her.

I have so many good memories with my mom. I have great memories of being with her at Windermere's music retreats. Those were fun times. I also have special memories of cooking, canning corn, making decorated sugar cookies and more with her. I love the times we get together now and make jam! I love getting to go shopping with her hunting for good deals! I love the memories of decorating the Christmas tree and am so thankful I get to do that with her again this year!!!!!!!!!!

It has been such a blessing to have her come and help after the birth of both of my children. That is the best - nothing like having your mom here! She has helped me more than she will ever know!

I am learning from my mom what it means to be a godly mother and wife. She is a wonderful example of those things to me. I see her love for God's word and study of his word, which must be first in my life. I see her complete love and devotion to my dad and how she unselfishly cares for my brothers and I. I watch her love on my kids and know they LOVE being with her! God has blessed me with a great example to follow and for that - I am so thankful - I love you mom! You are the best! I am so proud you are my mom!

Thankfulness Day 18: My Job

Not many people at my age still can send their grandma a school picture. I do - yes, I get my picture taken every year - have had it taken every year since I was in Kindergarten :) God called me to be a teacher/educator and for that I am very thankful - I love to work with the kids and staff and am very thankful that God has placed me at Rincon Valley Christian School. Before coming to Santa Rosa, I was blessed to teach for 10 years in Missouri - teaching Jr. High Math and English. There are so many rewarding moments in teaching and it is humbling to think that God would choose to use me to impact the lives of so many young students. I am so thankful to be where I am and get to work with Christian people who encourage me, pray for me and are committed to seeing young people come to know Christ. I truly work with a great group of people - gifted teachers who love Christ with all their hearts. It is a joy to be working where I can pray with kids and point them to God's word for truth and direction. I love the parents of the students I work with as well - they are such a blessing and it is so fun to see them each day and get to be a part of their lives. I value the partnership I have with each of them. The students are so fun - I love coming in and finding a picture on my desk that someone made for me, hearing those happy voices greet me in the morning and be in the classrooms and see all their activity!

I am thankful that God continues to provide for my family. Not many people get to work on the same campus as their spouse, have their little girl on campus for Preschool, ride to work with their spouse and only be about 4 - 5 minutes from home. It is a real blessing!

Allie's First Gymnastics Show

Allie is taking gymnastics lessons at school every Tuesday morning with Coach Gary and Mud Puddle Gymnastics. He does a great job - she loves the class! They had a show last week and so I wanted to share with those who couldn't be there a little of her performance. As you can tell - we have a little ways to go, but she is learning and loving it! It will be interesting to compare the performance now with the one they will have in the spring! Enjoy watching our little gymnast!

Allie's First Class Chapel

Today Allie's PreK Class, the Purple Parrots, sang at our school chapel! It was so cute! It is hard to believe that she is old enough to be at school and participating in chapel! Time flies but we are loving each stage with Allie! Hope you enjoy watching this cute video. The little girl right beside her in the blue and white shirt is her friend "Lil" - they have been together since they were born and I am thankful they are in the same PreK class.

Be patient - they eventually come walking down the aisle.

Thankfulness Day 17: Answered Prayer!

So I didn't have a post yesterday - not because I wasn't thankful but because it was a non-stop day. Yesterday I would have written how thankful I am for my Catalyst Group - there is nothing like the body of Christ and being in community together. It was a special time of sharing a Thanksgiving meal together and then spending time sharing our praises and giving glory to God for things he had done in our lives this year. I am very thankful for a group of people who I can "do life with" and know that no matter the need - big or small - they are there!

Today - I have MUCH to be thankful for! There is great rejoicing today for answered prayer in our family. My dad recently had surgery for prostate cancer. We have all spent the last week praying as we waited for the pathology report to come back to let us know whether or not the cancer had spread or not. Praise be to God who hears our cries - the report came back clear and they were able to get it all in the surgery! What a blessing and answer to prayer! We have people all over praying and I am so thankful for everyone who prayed on behalf of our family! Again, the body of Christ is a precious thing! It was so exciting to be able to tell people today that God had answered our prayers - people who had been praying specifically for us. I am thankful for all the people I work with who would ask about my dad and pray each day! I love you all!

Being home for Thanksgiving will be extra special as we have another HUGE blessing to be thankful for! God gets all the glory - it is because of his mercy and grace that we have anything at all!

Psalm 103:1-3

1 Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Thankfulness Day 15: Getting Out!

After spending 123 hours straight in my house with a sick little girl, I am thankful to say she is well and we were able to get out of the house today! Praise the Lord! It was a very long week - Lysol became our best friend and I did more laundry in a week than I have done in the last month. The washing machine ran non-stop. Jeremy was in Seattle and so it was a tiring time - but I am thankful today for time out of the house, the weather was beautiful and I got to spend a little time at Barnes and Noble with wonderful friends/coworkers of mine while having a nice cup of Caramel Apple Cider in a red cup - which also makes my heart happy! Getting out of the house was a much needed blessing today! Fresh air and a change of scenery was the best! I think Allie was as glad as I was to get out of the house! So glad she is feeling better!

Thankfulness Day 14: My Grandma

Last night I was able to visit for a while with my grandma on the phone. She is an amazing lady and I love her with all my heart. She was so encouraging to my heart last night - when I called her, my glass was definitely half-empty, but she kept encouraging me and just talking to her made my heart glad! When I say she is amazing, I really mean amazing! She is a strong lady. She has had some very difficult things in her life and yet she has a calm stay about her and cares for her family. I look at all she has dealt with and done in her life and I have the utmost respect for her. When I think about the things she has been through, I think I really might have folded in dealing with those things, but not her, she is a woman of strength and courage.

I have so many fond memories of my grandma! She is a really fun person to shop with - I can remember every year looking forward to her taking me shopping for school clothes - it was fun and she has GREAT taste! She always looks nice. I wish I could look as nice when I put on a jogging suit to walk as she does! I love being in the kitchen with her and watching her make fabulous meals! She makes the best Jeff Davis pie (even though she would tell you something like "It is probably watery"). It is the BEST! I remember her always caring enough to make us our favorite meal for our birthday dinners, picking me up from school and the memory that stands out the most - I used to be a person that would get REALLY homesick when I had to go away from home for camps, etc. Well, I was to attend a cheerleader camp and just couldn't handle it - guess who came and stayed with me - my grandma! Most high school kids might have been embarrassed at getting homesick like that or having their grandma there with them - not me - I was just glad to be with her. I always know I can count on her and she will always be there for me! She is a hard worker. Everything she does, she gives her best to - from cooking and cleaning her house to taking care of her family.

I think my grandma is one amazingly beautiful lady. She always looks great! She cares for herself and walks almost everyday I think. She is in much better shape than I am - I should take lessons! No matter where she goes she looks classy!

Over the last several years, I watched my grandma demonstrate to me real love. She spent the last several years taking care of my grandpa. His health was getting worse and he required a lot of help with things. She loved him a lot and took wonderful care of him. She was always there to help him in any way she could. It wasn't always easy, but real love sticks it out even when it isn't easy. It was obvious that she loved him in the way that she took care of him with all her heart. It was a wonderful example to me. I know it wasn't easy caring for him at the end at home, but she did it because she knew it was what he wanted. She sacrificed much because of her love for him. What an awesome example of how we are to love. Putting yourself aside for the best of another.

I am thankful for such a great example of love! I am thankful for my grandma and all she has done for my family. I am proud that I have a little girl who is named after her - Allison was my grandma's maiden name. My grandma has had a big impact on my life and I love the times I get to talk to her and be with her. Recently she was able to come to California to see where I lived, meet Ethan and spend time with us. It was meant the world to me and I am so glad she was able to come! Now I am excited that I get to be with her on Thanksgiving! She is definitely someone I am thankful for!

Thankfulness Day 13: A Trip to MO for Thanksgiving

God continues to provide and bless us with exactly what we need when we need it. A few weeks ago, I was quite sad to find out that Jeremy's parents were not going to be able to come back from Africa to see us between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It has become something that I really treasure and look forward to each year. I love being with them and having their help decorating, etc. We are really praying that they will soon get relief on the field so they can come back and see us. I was sad thinking about not being able to be with family on Thanksgiving. Our family has experienced much this year and my heart just wanted to be with family. I told Jeremy one night, "Hey - lets to go to Disneyland for Thanksgiving - it is the happiest place on earth." That was a fleeting thought as we started checking out the prices of what a quick trip south like that would cost. My heart just really wanted to be with family. My dad just had surgery and I wanted to see him. I have not celebrated Thanksgiving with my family for seven years. I kept thinking, "How cool would it be to go back to Missouri and celebrate the holiday with them." I knew that with the cost of tickets that was a pipe dream. But my God is a God who has no limitations! We were blessed with the provision to be able to fly back to Missouri for Thanksgiving! It all happened so quick that for a few days it didn't seem real. I called to tell everyone the great news and I think they were as excited as I was! I am excited to get to help make Thanksgiving dinner, help put together the Christmas puzzle, do some serious Black Friday shopping, help put up my parents Christmas tree while listening to the Statler Brothers, and introduce Ethan to friends and family. God knew I needed to go back and spend some time with my family all together. Not being back for my grandpa's funeral was tough - so getting to be with them at Thanksgiving is huge! We will also get to be with Jeremy's grandma as well which is a HUGE blessing! We have much to be thankful for and I am thankful for God's provision and blessing in this way! In just eleven days we will be landing in Missouri and I think even stopping for some good Kansas City BBQ for lunch! I am quite excited!