so much to be thankful for

Psalm 100
"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! We have so much to be thankful for everyday! I really enjoy a day to stop and reflect on all that God has blessed us with. WE have so much to thank Him for. I love a day to be with family without the worry of gifts. Just such a great day!

Here are just a few of the things that I have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving:

• I thank God for my salvation through His son Jesus Christ


• for my wonderful husband. For the companion that he is and the joy that it is to see God working in and through him.


• Hannah Grace...the precious little girl that he has blessed us with. She has brought so much joy to our lives! It so neat to already see God's gifts in her life...I can't wait to see how He will use her for His glory!


• my extended family. For my parents, brothers and sister, my new nephew, and in-laws. It's so neat to see our family growing! I miss them terribly, but am so thankful that they are only a car drive away.


• our church family who has been our family away from home. We love serving at FBC!


• my friends...God has blessed me with so many wonderful friendships!


• financial provision...I'm thankful for how God has provided for us finacially, for Seth's "job" and for our home.


• along the same lines, I'm SO thankful for the opportunity to be a stay at home mom. I love being with Hannah to be with her each day.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods: cloudy and about 50 degrees

One of my simple pleasures: chatting with my sister about everything under the sun

On my bedside table: sleeping on my sisters couch this week :)

On my TV: John & Kate plus 8, so disappointing...

On the menu for tonight: Mediterranean chicken breasts & mashed potatoes

On my to-do list: grocery, fold laundry, sweep floors, dishes

New recipe I tried last week: Apple oat bars, crustless apple pie (served over pancakes...yum!)

In the craft basket: finishing a knit hat for baby Ethan

Looking forward to: Thanksgiving...I love thanksgiving! So much to be thankful for...wonderful food...wonderful family!

Homemaking tip for the week: always keep a packed diaper bag. When you get home from being out, replace used diapers, bibs, spoons, and clothes right away. Lay out clothes and pack the diaper bag the night before...this sure helps me to get out of the house quicker in the morning.

Favorite blog post of the week (mine or other): Managing the Home with a Cheerful Heart, I've been making good use of this free printable Christmas planner, teaching kids scripture, caught between two worlds....can't wait for the day, I love the ideas for mentoring teen girls in this post Never Go to the Grocery Store Alone (who wants to join me for a shopping trip next week?! :)) and finally I love this post about why we pastors wives peek...check it out :)

Favorite photo from last week: Hannah and her cousin Ethan

Lesson learned the past few days: just being reminded of the incredible miracle and joy of new life

On my prayer list: family and friends

Devotionals Scripture reading, Key Verses:
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for...the coming of the day of God, on account of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat." 2 Peter 3:10-12

Happy Birthday Carrie!

Coming home a little early for Thanksgiving put me in town just in time for Carrie's birthday. Carrie is a dear friend from high school and college. I don't get to see her much, so the times we are together are so sweet! It's been so long since I've spent a birthday with her...so this was a real treat too! It was also great to spend time with my friend Sharon, her husband Chad, their adorable children, and Carrie's parents who I spent a lot of time with growing up. I also enjoyed getting to see her fiance Chris and meet some of her other friends and family that I have only heard about. What a special evening!

We had pizza and salad for dinner. After dinner, we got to go out to the barn, meet the animals (all who were rescues of some sort!), and then we had the best cake from Tiffany's bakery in Akron...another special treat! It was fun to see Carrie open her gifts, and watch the children play together...what a great night!

Nathan and Hannah waiting for pizza.

are they cute together or what?!

Hannah loved the Billy goats!

Happy 29th Birthday Carrie!!

Handsome Nathan

and his sister sweet Jillian

enjoying some delicous cake

Sandy and Pat Norris and a cute pic of Sharon and Jillian too

Hannah and Jillian playing with the barn together, just after I got my camera Hannah stood up, so I told her to go back and sit with Jillian....but instead of sitting with her, she took a seat right on her...good thing Jillian's a tough cookie!

trying to get a good picture with the kids

so...we decided for one of just us. :)

Go Bucks! Beat Michigan!

I've been cheering on the Buckeyes all season and loving it! I'm starting to respond to O-H with and I-O. I also can make an O over my head for Ohio and I love to say "go bucks". Here's a short clip of me cheering on my team...who did it again and beat "that state up north"!

Hannah meets cousin Ethan

We arrived safely in Ohio on Friday night. Hannah got to see baby Ethan, and Nana & Pop came over for a quick visit too...then off to bed she went. At first she had trouble sleeping, when I went in to see what was wrong she said "see everybody"...she was so excited to be with her family. After I told her that the would all be there in the morning, she seemed content and went right to sleep...bless her little heart.

She was so excited play with Ethan today and to get to hold him. She say his name almost perfectly. She liked pushing him in his swing, but we had to keep reminding her to be gentle! :)

So excited about her new baby cousin

holding him for the first time

kisses for Ethan

She fascinated by his tiny fingers and enjoyed pointing to his hair, feet, and nose.

I wish, I wish

This morning Seth and I were laying in bed having a lazy Friday morning, when we hear this from Hannah's room:

"I wish, I wish, with all my heart to fly with dragons in a land apart."

Too cute! Hannah must have been dreaming about Dragon Tales. Again...we don't watch much tv, but the little that she does watch sure sinks in fast. She's a big fan of Dragon Tales :)

Ring Around the Rosie

One of Hannah's new favorite rhymes is "Ring Around the Rosie". She asks to do "Ring Around the Rosie" multiple times a day. I can do it about twice and then I'm really dizzy. So after a few times of me and her I often suggest that she do it with her baby doll or with "George" (curious george). She loves it and so do I! I especially love when she does it with baby or a stuffed animal because then she sings the rhyme. It's too cute for words...hope it brings a smile to your face too!

Operation Christmas Child

This year for Christmas, our church decided to take part in Operation Christmas Child for the first time. Darlene did a great job heading up the ministry...and it was super exciting to see everyone pitch in and get involved. It was neat to see families get exciting about sharing God's love with children all around the world. We are excited to share with them tangible gifts this Christmas, but even more excited to share with them them the best gift of all, Jesus Christ. It was really neat to involve Hannah in giving to others (this is a tradition that we will continue for years to come!). Our family put together boxes for a boy and a girl ages 2-4. Hannah loved the toys that we picked out to pack in the boxes. As she placed each one in, we told her how they were going to a little boy and girl who didn't have toys like she did. Who knows how much her little mind understood, but I think she sure had a beginning grasp on the concept.

Darlene did a great job leading us in a OCC celebration at church. All the children helped bring the boxes to the front of the church. She shared with the children about God loved us enough to send his son Jesus and that we were going to be able to share Jesus and his love with children all around the world.

We set a goal for 100 boxes. Those boxes just kept coming in and by the time the van left the church yesterday, Praise God...there were 106 boxes packed!

Now what?! We need to pray! Pray daily that God will bless those who gave, that God will allow the gospel to reach parts of the world that are not usually open to the gospel, that he work work through and use the workers, and that boys and girls and their families will hear the good news of Jesus Christ. If you have a little one and participated in this ministry go here for some prayers that your little one can pray.

Helping Mommy clean

I love to be Mommy's little helper. As you know, there are already several things that I do to help out around the house. I love to help Mommy vacuum, handing her the clothes pins when she hangs laundry on the line, and helping her with laundry.

My new favorite job is dusting. Mommy gave me a cloth and I did the work myself.

and...as usual Mommy and I ended by laughing and giggling with each other...we have so much fun together!

Wordless Wednesday: Brushing my Teeth

I LOVE brushing my teeth! BTW...I have 12 now!

I am a very routine little girl (that might have something to do with the fact that my Mommy was a kindergarten teacher..I don't know). So just like everything else...there is a very special routine for brushing my teeth. I always go potty and get my jammies on first. Then, I head to the bathroom and sit on the toilet. I put my tooth brush on my finger, mommy gives me toothpaste, and I get to brush...I'm a pretty good brusher if I must say so myself! Then...Mommy gets a turn, and then me again. It's so much fun!

Happy Blogoversary!

Today marks a year since I began this blogging adventure. I created this blog to share Hannah's life with family & friends who live out of town, and to help document her stages of growth and development. I really had no clue what I was doing when I started, so it's been fun to learn along the way. I have actually grown to really love blogging...it's a good way for me to get a break and unwind for a few minutes (sometimes more :)) each day. I have found many blogs that I love to read as well...which has also been fun, encouraging, and motivating...it's nice to know that there are other moms out there just like me that are going through the same things day in and day out that I am. :) Anyway...back to Hannah...here are some of the highlights from this year of blogging:

• Daddy helped with our very first blog post so of course it was a tribute to OSU vs. Michigan.
• Hannah's first birthday
• learning to pray at bedtime
• Hannah's first one hundred words
• a short clip of just a few of Hannah's signs
• Baby Ethan is born
• and I also enjoy throwing in an occasional ministry update, recipe, parenting tip, or playtime fun idea

Thanks to those of you who take the time to read our blog regularly. Hannah has so many that love her...we are so blessed!

image from: imagechef.com

A visit with Uncle Cody & Auntie Erica (rewind)

Mommy skipped over this post to write about Ethan's birth..but we don't want to forget to share with you the fun visit we had with my Aunt and Uncle. They came to visit the weekend after Mommy's birthday just for an overnight. I got to see them quick before I went to bed on Friday night, and was so excited when there were there when I woke up Saturday morning. We enjoyed a lazy Saturday morning together then we were off...the girls with the girls and the boys with the boys. Daddy and Uncle Cody went to the driving range because it was a beautiful day! Mommy, Auntie Erica and I went shopping at a mom to mom sale. I was such a good girl! Mommy bought me clothes and Auntie Erica bought me Baby Elmo...I love taking care of him! In the afternoon, I took a nap and then we all watched the Buckeyes together! After the game, Mommy and Daddy went on a date (this was their bday present for mommy...she said it was such a treat!) while I stayed home with Cody and Erica. They fed me dinner, played with me, and put me to bed. Uncle Cody changed my diaper, rocked me, and gave me my bottle...he's getting good practice for when my cousin Eli comes in January. I had a great time!

after my nap we watched the Buckeyes.

Daddy had just taught me how to throw a frisbee...I was showing Auntie Erica my skills

Auntie Erica and I also played with puppets with me! (Thanks for the puppets Mrs. Knezek)

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods: I think that our warm spell is ending. It was very cool today and cloudy, I think the high was suppose to be in the low 50's.

One of my simple pleasures: A warm cup of coffee w/ flavored creamer

On my bedside table: "For Women Only" and "For Men Only". I'm reading through "Just for Her" and my husband already finished "Just for Him" days ago...he has me beat. It's made for some good conversations :)

On my TV: Off again.

On the menu for tonight: Hot Italian Sausage Soup & Pizza Sandwiches

On my to do list: pampered chef stuff, change bed sheets, start laundry, sort through clothes to give away

New recipe I tried last week: this salisbury steak recipe was good, just needed more sauce for the pasta, 30 minute chicken I love my deep covered baker! and I use the left-over chicken to make this quick and healthy Chicken Tortellini Soup.

In the craft basket: Making Christmas hair bows for Hannah

Looking forward to: spending time with my sister and new nephew!

Homemaking tip for the week: schedule your housework into a routine. Breaking the work up into a few chores a day has really helped me

Favorite blog post of the week (mine or others): didn't have a chance to read all the blogs that I like to because of the busy week, but I still have several favorites.

• I was challenged to love like Samuel did over at Pausley Land Adventures


• loved this quote by Elizabeth Elliot at Heart for Him
  
• Katie & Josh are two special teens from our youth group that have grown up and are now getting married (which makes me feel so old...but we are SO excited for them). I love how she is blogging about their adventure together here's the story of her wedding dress.
  
• I usually don't put my own blog in with favorite posts from the week...but I just LOVE my new nephew Ethan Edward...here's the post I wrote about the day he entered the world.

Favorite Photo from last week: how could it be anything but sweet Ethan Edward?! Born 11/10/09.

Lesson I've learned in the past few days: Be careful what you say, there is always a little one listening. Not that I've said anything vulgar...but I've heard Hannah repeat phases that I must be saying too much.

On my prayer list: Praying for wisdom, church friends, Beth & Adam as they adjust to life with their new baby, continued protection from illness, The Operation Christmas Child ministry

Devotionals, Scripture Readings, Key Verses: "His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." Psalm 147:10,11

Welcome to the world sweet Ethan Edward!

My nephew was finally born this week. We didn't know if Baby Riss (as we fondly called him through the pregnancy) was going to be a boy or a girl...but were delighted to find out that he was a healthy baby boy! I just love the name that my sister & Adam chose for him. Ethan means firm and steadfast and he gets the name, Edward, from his daddy. He was born on Tuesday November 10th at 12:45pm. He weighed in at a very healthy 9 lbs. 7 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long! And yes...my sister delivered him! She was a champ and even the nurses said that she deserved a gold star.
Beth was 11 days overdue by the time Ethan arrived. She was scheduled to be induced on Tuesday morning, but she ended up going on her own, which was an answer to prayer.
I'm so excited to be an aunt! I love him so much already! He is just perfect in every way. I'm not sure how anyone can look at a tiny baby and not see our heavenly Fathers finger prints all over! He is definitely a miracle and a gift from above.
My eyes fill with tears as I think about my sister as a mother and I'm so happy for her and her growing family. I'm so glad that she gets to experience the joy of motherhood..she and her hubby will make wonderful parents. Congrats Beth and Adam!

Adam came into the waiting room to announce "it's a boy"!
Beth nursed him (Ethan that is :)) and soon after we got to go back to see Beth and meet baby Ethan.


Adam and his mom adoring baby Ethan. She is very excited to now be a Grandma!


I love this pic, I think it shows well what a big, healthy baby he is!

sweet baby Ethan

my mom...his other proud Grandma. Now she has a Grand-daughter and a Grand-son.


I'm SO excited to be an aunt!

Uncle Seth

Uncle Tim got his nephew

Uncle J wasn't very excited that he had to go to school while he knew Beth was having the baby. He couldn't wait to get to the hospital to meet his new nephew (he was hoping for a boy too)!


We love you Ethan Edward!


Hannah wasn't able to go back to see Aunt Beth and meet baby Ethan because of a new rule the hospital put in place for children because of the H1N1. We were in the waiting room all day, and I'm so thankful for another little boy almost Hannah's age that she was able to play with (he too was awaiting a cousin). At nap time I tried and tried to get her to sleep, but no luck. We took turns going to back to see Beth, because someone always had to be with Hannah. Tim was great to spend a lot of time with her in the waiting room. I came back from meeting the baby and this is how I found them...what a great Uncle!