On this last day of November, I am thankful for my man and my marriage. I simply am a blessed girl. There is no other way around it. He means the world to me and I am truly, madly, deeply in love with him. I can’t remember my life without him. He is without a doubt, this side of Jesus, the best gift I have been given.

One way he has blessed me the last few months is in letting me have the time I need to run. He may not get it, but he has seen the joy it brings me.  On Thanksgiving Day, we ran an 8k in Knoxville. He has not trained much, but we are so stinkin competitive, he took off and beat me by 2 minutes. Kind of humbling, but I have come to understand that part of it is our personalities. He is an all out competitor and I always want to save some for the last minute in case I need it!

Here we are after our 4.97 miles…how gross do we look? It was a warm Thanksgiving run. I always tell him, I am not used to running with the sun out!

Can I say again, how  much I love Knoxville. We ran down Neyland Drive, by the river, the Stadium and the cool waterfront. I loved it!

Thank you, Jason, for all the ways you love me.

Today, I am thankful to welcome two sweet children home from Ethiopia.

Two families that we know are bringing their children home. In one way thier journey is complete, but in fact, it is only just beginning.

We are busy with paperwork and in the beginning stages of our adoption, but I can’t wait for the day when we round the corner and meet our guy….

And, when he gets to meet all of you….

As you are shopping for Christmas, please consider some of these amazing sites, which are supporting orphan care or adoptions!

http://www.vitafamiliae.com/?page_id=3446

How in the world is it already November 10th??

I am thankful today for the beautiful home the Lord has blessed us with. I do not take for granted the roof we have and how we have been able to slowly make it ours.

This house truly feels like our home. I love watching my kids run outside in our yard, ride bikes on our driveway and to have people over to enjoy it as well.

We said years ago that this house belongs to the Lord and I love when it is filled with new friends, old friends, family, our small group, my children, their friends, the adoptive families who come to meet with me,  and anyone that crosses through our doors.

Thank you, LORD!!

Today I am thankful for time spent with friends and family. We had a great time with our friends and my family on Saturday night at a Fall Family Fun Night at our house. We had a bonfire, roasted hot dogs, made smores and had a few crafts for the kids. Jason also led us in a devotional around the fire, which was really cool (our first group family night!).  Then, today, we went to Crossville to meet up with Jason’s family for a picnic. It was a lot of fun being outside, hanging out and watching the kids LOVE being with their cousins! (more pictures to come!)

I am so thankful for time spent with those we love the most!

Today, I am over the top thankful for our firstborn, Parker. She is growing into such a sweet girl who is just beginning to understand her call as a Christ follower. Her early years were ROUGH, but we are seeing more and more of who she is becoming and that is the most beautiful site to watch unfold. I am forever thankful for the journey with her and can’t wait to see how God uses her love of the nations to bring Himself Glory and grow His Kingdom.

Today, I am thankful that God blessed our lives with Emery Kate.

She was not my plan, my idea, BUT she was in His plan all along….I can’t fathom life without her smile, her laughter, and even her moodiness!

She is the greatest surprise of my life….

Today, I am thankful for a certain little man, named Bradley.

He is everything I hoped for and more than I could have ever hoped for in a son.

I am so thankful that I get to be his mom and I pray that he grows to love Jesus beyond comprehension and finds his security in obedience to Him.

Today, I am thankful for the work the Lord has been doing in our family.

See this post…..

To celebrate the month of November, I am sharing what makes me thankful each day. I loved this last year and I am going to do it again today…I encourage you to join me.

Today, I am thankful for Jesus.

I am nothing without Him.

I have everything because of Him.

I am completely crazy about Him.

If He never blesses me again, He has done more than enough for me.

Thank You, Jesus. It always begins and ends with You!