Thank You Lord

Tonight at our church, Christian Family Fellowship, we had our annual Thanksgiving Eve service. It's comprised of various people sharing what they are thankful for this year and we end with communion as a reminder of what we all should be most grateful for: Christ's death on the cross and His grace we receive. So, I'd like to share what I'm thankful for.

This year has brought many trials, times of sorrow, and many joys. Last year I was coming home from visiting Lizzie in the hospital as she'd just been diagnosed with Leukemia. Lizzie's continued progress and perseverance is one thing I am thankful for.

In February, Ryan and I got to say hello and goodbye to our second little one, Blessed Hope. For me, the Lord taught me that in times of sorrow I still need to praise Him and thank Him.

In April, life turned up-side-down when Dad was diagnosed with cancer. I am SO grateful for the Lord sustaining him through his treatments and giving him more time here on earth with us. During this trial, God also gave us a huge blessing: we found out that Noah was on his way!

I am ever thankful for Ryan. He continues to love me and help me grow in my relationship with the Lord. He is so wonderful and is the best husband ever! I'm also so grateful for Evan and the lessons he teaches me as I continue to train him as the Lord has designed.

What are you thankful for this year?

May the richly bless you and keep you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Tag...You're it!

Thanks Stef for my first official tag! Just follow this link
I received the following result, which is pretty true of me:

I'm tagging:
Clattie
Cola
Krista
Steph
Vanessa
Have fun ladies!

What I Wanted

A couple days ago I was telling Ryan that I really just wanted a day off from "everything". Well, yesterday I mis-stepped coming down the stairs and sprained my ankle. I'm on crutches for at least 1 week possible 2. Consequently, getting what I want isn't all it's cracked up to be...A friend is watching Evan and I feel totally useless! There are only so many books, movies, blogs, facebook, etc that I can handle in one day.

On a happier topic, Evan is getting so big! We went to Safeway on Monday and as we passed the bananas he excitedly shrieked, "Nana eass!" It's the first time he's actually called a banana anything and I love that he added his way of saying please! Sufficed to say, I got him a banana:) He has now figured out how to get out of his bed. In the morning, I wake up to him knocking on his door as he can't open the it yet! Also on Monday, I found him sleeping on his floor as he can't get back into his bed once he gets out. What can I say? He's a funny kid!

Ryan's parents took Evan trick-or-treating last Saturday. Once they e-mail me the pictures of him in his costume I'll post them.

That's about all that's going on here. Life is pretty busy as we eagerly look forward to Noah's arrival and spending more time with both families for the holidays.

Papa's Sunday Visit

Evan is Papa's little buddy. Evan just adores my dad and Dad is totally wrapped around Evan's little finger. It is so cute when Papa comes to visit: as soon as Evan sees Papa he gets this huge smile, starts giggling and clapping his hands. It's simply precious to watch. When it's time for Papa to go home though, we watch him ride his Harley out of sight: as soon as Evan can't see or hear him anymore, he starts crying and it takes a few minutes to calm him down again. He just loves his Papa!
Since Gaga can't be with us in person right now, here are a couple of pictures I promised her. The last one is my favorite...

Evan

Well, Evan is trying to talk more and more each day. He now is able to say on, as he points to the lights in the house. He also points to things he knows he not supposed to touch and says "no-no": too cute in my mind. He says bu-bye and he's working on thank you. He now runs almost everywhere instead of just walking. He loves to play with Dada and he gets so excited when Ryan gets home. He also has also discovered his tummy: he lifts up his shirt and pats his belly then runs to me and pats mine! I think it's funny!
Well, that's about all he's up to right now.

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Today is Ryan's birthday! I had a pregnancy moment last night and forgot the camera when we went to dinner last night so forgive me please for not posting any pictures.

We had a wonderful time though! I surprised Ryan at dinner last night. He thought just the two of us were going to dinner: he was very surprised when he saw 18 of his friends and family waiting for him! After a great meal at Chevy's, Ryan's favorite restaurant, we played some pool at the local bowling ally.

Today we're going to have a low-key day as a family thanking the Lord for another year He has given Ryan. I love you honey!

Long-over-due Pictures

Here are a couple of pictures I took this morning.
I love this one of him playing shy.