"52 Weeks of Thankfulness"

Eric and I were listening to the radio the other day and John Tesh came on. I enjoy listening to his bits of what seems to me as "commen sense", but great reminders of simple ways to remember the daily blessings in your life. He talked about keeping a weekly journal of the things you are thankful for and how focusing on those positive entries can override many of the negative and stressful moments that each day brings. So, I am going to do this on my blog because keeping up with a journal and a blog would not be simple it would just be more chaos. Simple is better, right? I am working everyday to make this way a part of my life. I will hopefully have a complete weekly journal of the things I am thankful for by next year. I am so excited to have this and be able to reflect on the many ways God continues to bless our lives.

Week 1: My husband Eric

This week is all about my main man Eric. Eric is the love of my life. When we were in high school we had a class called Christian Family together. Our main project for the class was to research/interview all different families and then come together and give presentations on what we found, what we liked and what we wanted for our own life. The day Eric gave his presentation I told myself I want to marry that man. We had a very similar background, we came from broken families but desperately wanted something different. I kept my thoughts to myself and gave my presentation a few days later. Several days went by and Eric handed me a card with a very long letter in it. I was shocked when I read this letter...he had written all about how much he loved my presentation, about our similar goals and wanted to persue a relationship and see where things went. We started dating very slowly and were married three years later. It has now been 11years since our wedding day and I just love and adore this hunka hunka manly love.

Eric is such a hard worker. He is very loyal to his family, friends and employer. He loves to be with his kids. He loves to play! You often find him on the floor playing pirates, being a jungle gym, drawing or coloring pictures, playing games, reading outside kicking a soccer ball, swinging a bat or light sabering. He is a FUN dad and my kids love him so much.

One of my favorite things about Eric is how he loves me. He tells me he loves me several times every day and hugs and kisses me constantly. I love that! Most importantly, he is my best friend. I love when the kids are in bed the TV is off and we sit and talk about everything, for hours. I love that I can call him at anytime and he will stop and listen. I love that my husband sings constantly and has taught my daughter to do the same.

He is a wonderful husband and I am so thankful he chose me to be his wife.
I love you Eric!!!!

Congratulations to Auntie Krysta!

Krysta we are so proud of you! All your hardwork and dedication to school has paid off. We can't wait for you to start this next chapter in your life, Nursing School.

Love you tons, we are dancing with you!

Here Comes the Sun....DA DA DA

Today was another grey, dark rainy day in Oregon. This picture is of the "Sun Worshipers" in India. I might be joinng them soon! I found myself pleading with God for some rays, even just a glimpse. As I put my kids to bed tonight we sang a few different songs about the sun, in hopes for a bright morning!

Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun please shine down on me
This little family is asking you
Please come out so we can play with you!
_______________________________________

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
_______________________________________

You Are My Sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are grey
You'll never know, dear,
How much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

Weekend at Cape Mears

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How Sweet it is to be loved by you!

Eric and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary on Saturday. He surprised me and took me to the Riverview Restraunt in Troutdale. What a treat on this warm day, we were able to sit outside and enjoy God's beautiful creation.

Eric, I am so thankful for you as my husband and best friend. Their is nothing sweeter then being loved by you. You mean the world to me and I am so grateful you chose me to live your life with.

We like it HOT, HOT, HOT!

We have had a great week of 90 degree weather. The kids were in the pool everyday, having water gun fights that then led to water bucket wars. We were even able to upgrade our pool thanks to my girlfriend Rhonda. She found a 3ft deep pool that was in great condition for $10.00 at a garage sale. We decided not to fill it up all the way, the boys could not get in on their own, but they have so much more room to play. The boys say that we have a Hot Tub(mini pool) and Real Pool now.
The "Mini" Pool

Look Mom! I can swim under water.

Cutest kids on the block!

We've Upgraded!!

Mother's Day

It was such a joy to be with my husband and kids today as they always make this an extra special day. I was awaken by Kaylin bringing breakfast to my bedside (toast and milk), followed by a beautiful card she had used watercolors to paint a flower on. Blake had made hand prints with a sweet poem, he was so excited to give this to me. My lovely husband surprised me with yard lighting and a climbing flower for my trellis.

I also found myself thinking of Ava's birth mom today. Wondering? What does she think of Mother's Day? Does she feel sadness or wonder how Ava is doing or where she is? I'm sure she does and I can't help but pray for her often. What an amazing gift she has given our family and I pray she is surrounded by people who love her.