My life.

I have so much I want to tell you. I have so much I think of when I cannot get to a computer and then when I sit down I can't seem to remember the details that I wanted to share, or the way I wanted to put them.

Right now, where I am. I have had several things that I have been praying for and about. Some I knew I'd have to put my seat belt on because I knew I didn't know what I was asking for but trusted God with the results.

I knew that I was losing my patience to easily. I was snapping at the kids, at my husband and looking for someone or something to blame when things did not go my way. Internally I was miserable and I am sure my poor family suffered from it. I was running on empty and had not gone to the source of Living Water. I did not appreciate things like I should. I did not see blessings as I should and I had a sense of entitlement. Now I tried not to be that way, but the little trickling of ungratefulness crept it's way in me and up from my heart and out of my heart into my mind and actions and out of my mouth.

Now this is not something that happened overnight. This is a while in the making. So what did I do? I asked for God's forgiveness. And asked Him to give me the strength and wisdom to turn from old bad habits and ways of thinking and turn to Him. I asked for Him to take my heart of stone and replace it with a heart for Him. I asked for Him to give me quick recognition of wrong thinking and habits that I am unaware of and enable me to change. I did not know where to start. I asked that when I was stressed and squeezed that instead of leaking bitter lemon juice, I would overflow with the sweetness of a Georgia peach out of a heart that was pleasing to Him. He has answered those prayers and is continuing to do so. So now let me give you some snapshots into my life this week to show you how blessed I am and completely grateful for.

This is my life. I neatly made bed (I love a made bed-especially one that my husband made while I was in the shower. He also got all the children downstairs and changed the baby's dirty diaper this morning. That is all a big deal to me for which I am very grateful for. The ribbon is what I bought in America to tie back the blackout curtains I bought there also, at less than half of what it all would cost here. I love simple, cheap ways of beautifying the home and making it home for our family through personal touches like ribbons and buttons. The children's books were on the bed from the kids. My favorite time of day is when we all sit down together in my bed or Griffin's and read. The Manna for Mom's devotional I have not started yet, but am really looking forward to. The Southern Lady magazines that Jenny Hodges mailed me when we first moved here 2 1/2 years ago. She mailed me a care package. I still love reading those 2009 catalogs. The Southern Lady magazine is just the touch I need from home, and also knowing that that is from a Southern Princess that has touched my life in so many ways. Thanks Jenny!

I love that I get to spend the day with my children. It is such a privilege to be able to homeschool. Everyone says how fast they grow up. I only have 18 years, Lord willing, and want to take advantage of every bit of it. From instilling Biblical morals and values in them, to just spending precious time with them that I cannot get back. I love that they have this time together too. Here is Emily wanting to be like her big brother.

I love that they play so well together. Well, er, most of the time. They love to cook and here they are out while Ludie is grilling dinner. Ruthie was going to grill with daddy, and put hers on the little grill, but I think Griffin enjoyed "helping her" set up her grill more than she did.

Look at her. How can you not love her. She has just learned to walk, loves her wellies and loves life fully with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Here are my two precious men, staining the pic nic table for me. It looks better than the day they brought it home! My love language is quality time followed by acts of service (re:from the 5 Love Languages book from Dr. Gary Chapman).

Thank you God for a wonderful family. And for opening my eyes to appreciate them.