His First Builders

Remember my top earthly priority? (If not, go here.) Well, two of the major reasons that he is the man that he is are my in-laws.

Many of my friends have had distressing in-laws issues, but God has blessed me in this area of my life too. My father-in-law is the friendliest guy you will ever meet...in fact I don't believe he has met a stranger yet. And my mother-in-law is the picture of a Titus 2 woman. I always learn something when I am around her. They have been loving towards me from the moment that I met them. I never feel as though I am being judged or am falling short of any expectations they may have for the wife of their son and mom of three of their grandchildren.

Speaking of the grandkids...they are adored by all of them. Grandpa and Grandma grab the kids and dash away with them for a long weekend. They spend their days celebrating "backwards day" where they start with dessert for breakfast and end with breakfast for dinner...going fishing...swimming...having a birthday party for everybody. This is on top of them attending school and sporting events...going garage saling with Grandpa...making cookies, having tea parties and playing games with Grandma. They, too, are setting the bar high for us as future grandparents.

They will be celebrating their forty-fifth wedding anniversary this year. They continue to serve others in countless ways...such a wonderful example for the rest of us. I thank them so much for the man they raised to be my best friend and I thank God that they are a part of my life.

My First Builders

Just as I was sitting down to think about this particular God-given gift, I received a phone call. It was my dad and mom. They were singing "Happy Birthday". Perfect timing!

I am blessed to be their daughter. They are the only ones who have known me my entire life, with the exception of God. They were chosen for this assignement by the Creator himself. Their love has always been encouraging, nurturing and unconditional. They have held the bar high for me and did all they could do to prepare me for life. They've been with me at the hospital, attended countless school events, taught me to ride a bike and drive a car. And now it is my privilege to watch them as grandparents in action...once again setting the bar high.

This summer they will celebrate their forty-fourth wedding anniversary. I've seen them weather many storms together and I am thankful that they are now able to enjoy life in the manner they choose.

I love still being their "little girl" and am thankful to God for sending me to them. It is a privilege that I didn't earn, often haven't appreciated enough and wouldn't change for the world.

Three of My Best Friends

They are a collection of giggles, freckles, curls and eyelashes. Each one is different from the other two in countless ways...interests...sensitivities...sense of humors (or is it senses of humor?). God uses them each day to teach me something about others and myself. And it is my pleasure, privilege and blessing to spend each day with them as we learn about the Creation together.

When I consider my own friendship with my sister and my mom, I look forward to what the future holds for us and our relationship...just don't rush me. I am enjoying being employed in the oldest profession...motherhood.

My Top (Earthly) Priority

As I consider the gifts that God has given to me, I have to start with the my husband. He's my best friend...hero...partner in life. We have known each other for 21 years now (over half my life) and been married for almost 17 of them. We have faced some of life's challenges, learning what each of us was made of. He is a man of integrity, loyal to the end, has an amazing ability to assess a process and immediately formulate improvements/solutions. He is a hard worker, a kid at heart, a man of faith. I learn from him each day and am thrilled that he is the dad to our three beautiful daughters. He may not be perfect, but he is perfect for me...God thought so first!

You can read more about him here and here.

Happy Birthday to Me!

So, this is my birthday week and I...What?...What do you mean "Weeeeek?"...Don't you have a week long festival in honor of your birth?...hmmmm...Well, you are certainly welcome to join all those that adore me in their celebration of me (she said with humility).

Now, where was I?...

Oh, yes..

I plan to celebrate my birthday this week by exclaiming thanks for the gifts given to me and my gratitude that I am starting a whole new year of enjoying them.

So, sit back and enjoy as I unwrap each one...and join me in the "oooohhhs" and "aaaahhhs".

Is 3-years-old Too Early?

Too early for what?

Doing your own laundry. Marrin is on her fifth shirt today and it is not even noon. And there was nothing wrong with the first four.

I should add that she was wearing black pants throughout the changes. One of the shirts was black with "LOVE" written in bright balloon letters. When she appeared later with a green shirt, I asked her "Why are you not wearing your black shirt anymore?" She promptly answered "Because I'm not a ninja now".

The Heavens Opened...The Angels Sang!

This may be premature, but...

This week, when asked to vacuum a room, one of my kids moved stuff out of the way without being asked! I know! It was a beautiful thing! She was heaped with praise...in front of the others...to her dad (that was a huge deposit into his love tank).

One time in a row counts as a new habit...right?