Truly Humbling

Every once in a while you come across something that really touches your heart and will stay with you for as long as you can remember . . . Something that teaches you about living and love and reminds you what this life is really all about. Well, this happened to me recently and has been on my mind for the last several weeks.

For as long as I can remember, I have absolutely loved the beautiful music of Paul Cardall. His piano arrangements of hymns and other music he's written have filled our home at least weekly, if not for a few moments every day. A couple of weeks ago I came across his blog through a blog of a friend. There is a long history that I won't go into, but Paul is waiting ever so patiently (and has been for over 200 days) for a heart so he can have a heart transplant. Reading through his blog has taught me so much about humility and love and the tender mercies of the Lord ~ that I have been brought to tears on many occasions becuase the Spirit has touched my heart.

I am so grateful for all that we have been blessed with. I know the blessings the Lord has given us are countless and I am truly grateful that my family is healthy. I am also grateful and humbled by what I am able to learn from the experiences of others who are willing to share their joys and sorrows with others. The Lord puts people on this earth so we can help each other and teach each other and for that, I am truly thankful.

I know I probably won't be ever to thank Brother Cardall personally for bringing the Spirit into my home through his music, or for what he has taught me through his trials, but I can at least try to take some of that with me every day and try to be better and do better. I will always be grateful that I have the knowledge that a loving Heavenly Father knows me and will not leave me comfortless or alone.

If you have time, check it out: Paul Cardall's blog

Question:

It's totally good parenting to let my kids stay in their jammies ALL day, right?? :)

Happy Birthday, Little Tate!

I can't believe Taylor is five today! And, my, what a FUN five years we've had! Who knew this peaceful little baby would give me a run for my money unlike any could imagine??

I love everything about her! She's got the cutest laugh, the busiest little brain and the sweetest little dimple that shows up with her amazing smiles.

It's funny to watch her grow because while she's ALL GIRL . . . she's as TOMBOY as you can get. One of these days I will get a picture of her in her beautiful princess dress, playing in the dirt, collecting roly poly bugs and all other sorts of bugs she can find!

In fact, the other day as she walked out of her room ready for church, in her new PINK dress, PINK shoes and PINK sunglasses, Kylie said, "Mom, Taylor's got SHARPAY (from High School Musical) written ALL over her!"

She looked like a little pink DIVA ready to go out and conquer the world!!!!

About 3 days old.

Two years old and our FIRST episode of cutting her own hair. I LOVE this little face~ even if it always has a little dirt on it!

This smile and those eyes never get old!
Can you see the little dimple?? I love it!!Yup, episode number TWO of "I'm going to cut my own hair". This time, obviously MUCH worse AND right before a family reunion! I showed it to her just now and she said, "that is not cute. I look like a boy." Hopefully her scissors and her own little hands will never come in contact with her hair again. I think she MAY have finally come to her senses. (Knock on wood!!)

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl!

We have a due date!

Yay! I think the morning sickness phase of this pregnancy is slowing ending! I'm starting to feel better each day . . . hopefully I'm not speaking too soon!

I had my first Dr. appointment on Tuesday. He couldn't find the heartbeat (scary!) so he decided right there to do an ultrasound. Thank heavens for modern technology! As soon as he got the ultrasound machine on and in the right place, I could see the little heart beating like crazy. Turns out this kid is already super active (yikes!) and gave the Dr. a run for his money while he was trying to measure the baby ~ wouldn't hold still!!!

Reminds me of another child we have . . . :)

Anyway, our official due date is September 17!

My brothers wife, Jessica is due September 9 and my sister, Lisa is due October 13!!! Our family is going to double the number of grandkids we currently have in just one month!!!

Which is more important: Dad or Money?

Yesterday I was getting a life insurance exam. They sent a phlebotomist to my house to get blood, weight, height, and blood pressure so they could find out what my chances of dying in the next 30 years are. My daughters were very interested in seeing all of this happen. They were sitting right there when I got my blood drawn and were asking many questions about who, why, what, and how. I started to explain to Kylie what life insurance is. I said, "Life insurance is when you girls and Mom get money if I die. Then Mom won't have to go to work, but will have enough money to pay for the things you need." I didn't tell her how much money the policy was worth. Kylie got very sad at the thought of her Dad dying and not being around. I was touched. Then about 30-60 seconds later she got this evil grin on her face, started laughing and said, "We're gonna be RICH! We're gonna be RICH!" I've never seen her so excited. She could hardly wait for the money to come in. I love this girl!!!!