Knit Together

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you."

- Jeremiah 1:5a

Our beautiful, healthy baby BOY at 20 weeks.

Far More Abundantly

We constantly ask God to provide for and bless our family, and it has been amazing to see God work. However, most of the time when we pray for provision, I expect it to come in the way of my husband's paycheck (or my measly paycheck for working a few hours a week from home). Rarely do I pray for miraculous amounts of money to just be sent my way to cover specific things. I'm wondering if I should start doing this, because the one time I did, God answered in an incredible way.  All that to say, God has truly blessed and provided for us these past two weeks more than we could ask or think. It's just too good not to share.

I have three student loans from college. A little over a week ago, I received a call from a loved one randomly asking how much I had left on my smallest one. I gave this person the figure and was told it would be covered. A few days later, there was a check in the mail. God provided.

Several years ago, I discovered reborn dolls (incredibly realistic dolls) and was instantly intrigued by the art. Last week I got the crazy idea in my head that I would like to have two of these dolls waiting at the hospital for our girls when they come to visit their new sibling and myself and the hospital. After seeing prices of $500 - $1,000 and even looking into making them myself, I was about to give up on the idea but posted something about the desire on Facebook. Within a half hour, a friend of a friend (whom I never knew about before that day, but happened to see my status and happens to be a reborn artist) sent me a message asking what I was looking for. I told her my ridiculous idea and the price range I had had in my mind before really looking into the dolls. An hour after hearing this woman's name for the first time, she wrote me to let me know that God laid it on her heart to do something special for my girls and would do two dolls for the amount I had mentioned. God blessed.

I would have never have thought to bring these costs to the Lord in prayer, especially not baby dolls for my children. But we serve an amazing God who loves us and wants to give us good gifts.

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:11

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21

Thanksgiving

I've been so busy spending time with family, dealing with daily migraines, and having the hubby home for a week that I haven't been on the computer very much. Tonight is the first evening in over a week that I haven't had a migraine or horrible headache and I am taking advantage of it! I've been wanting to do this all week - my "thankful" list. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you took the time to thank God for all the blessings you have in your life! I am thankful for . . .

• Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ tops the list. My eternity in Heaven and my daily life would not be possible without Him.
• My husband is next. Over the past four years, I've seen him go to work every day, come home more exhausted than when he left, and still selflessly help take care of the house, kids, and me. I am beyond blessed!
• Our sweet Megan. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter little girl. Every day, her actions remind me that I could be kinder, more gentle, more loving. I love getting all the hugs, kisses, and snuggles she sends my way!
• Lauren girl is my crazy one and I wouldn't trade her for the world. I love her for all her passion and orneriness. She keeps us laughing all day long and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for her.
• Baby Michael. He's the happiest baby you'll ever meet and I am having the most fun with a 10 month old I've ever had. (Don't tell the girls!) He is all boy, needing to explore and get into everything! I love getting kisses from him and he thinks I'm the funniest person in the world.
• Munchkin #4 has already wedged his/her way into my heart. I can already picture a sweet little face, chubby toes and tiny fingers. I think surprise blessings are the best kind!
• My parents, grandparents, and in-laws are all so special to us. We wouldn't be where we are without them. Their love, their urging us in the right direction, and now their love for our children are all things for which I'm extremely grateful.

This list could go on and on including many friends and family members, all who could have their own individual reason listed. But this will have to do. Happy Thanksgiving!

Old Navy Socks

As an experienced mom of babies and toddlers in winter, I knew I would be needing socks for all the kids in the near future. Now you'd think a sock is a sock, but I beg to differ. We have hardwood floors which means we need socks with treads and socks that keep toes really warm. A baby that will be learning to walk needs socks that do not budge and twist around on his feet. Toddler girls who think dancing, climbing, and jumping is their job need socks that don't come off even if a tornado were to hit. I've tried TONS of different brands of socks over the last three winters, and I've found these Old Navy socks are the best. They do all of the above, are very durable, and are worth every penny.

I headed out to run errands today, just happened to be near Old Navy, and figured I might as well get the socks before the kids really start to need them. What just happened to be on sale? The very socks I needed! Two packs for the girls were purchased, one pack for baby boy. Total savings: $4.50! I was praising the Lord as I skipped out. It never fails to amaze me that God looks out for us in the smallest ways, even if it is just socks being on sale!

Laundry

I think I've done 8 loads of laundry in the past two days. I definitely need to find a silver lining. So today, I ask God to help me be thankful for laundry. I am thankful for . . .

• a washer and dryer. I don't have to wash my clothes by hand or even take them to a laundrymat.
• clothes. My entire family is clothed in plenty of nice clothing.
• dressers and closets. I have a nice house and furniture in which to store our clothes.

Yes, Lord, I am thankful for laundry!