Counting Blessings

Of course November is normally the month that we tend to reflect and contemplate our BLESSINGS, but this November, I am even more GRATEFUL than ever for the BLESSINGS that make my life so meaningful and rewarding. It is hard to understand why our little family has been so richly BLESSED. But I am humbled and GRATEFUL for the tender mercies of the Lord, who knows what I need and want more than I do, and has BLESSED me beyond my wildest dreams.

Topping the list of BLESSINGS is the knowledge that our Heavenly Father LOVES us so much that he prepared a way for us to return back to him. I can't even comprehend the LOVE that was required to allow His perfect son Jesus Christ to come to earth or the LOVE that Jesus had for us to suffer indescribable pain and sorrow for us. Because Heavenly Father and Jesus LOVE us so much, we can be with those we LOVE forever

Twenty years ago, when as a young Bride, I married Shawn, I had no idea how BLESSED I was to have found such a wonderful partner, friend and father to my children. I am so grateful to have him in my life. We could have never imagined the JOY that each of our children have brought us. The birth of little Eli has reminded us just how special and precious each of our children are. To watch them LOVE and ADORE their new little brother has been a true DELIGHT.

Brooke's HEART is completely taken by this new baby. She picks him up and LOVES him the second she walks through the door. Her new favorite past time is to snuggle up with him and take a nap. Any hard part of Brooke's day is melted away the minute she picks up Eli. Eli will never lack attention when Brooke is around.

TJ thinks the "yittle guy" is pretty sweet. He too seeks him out the minute he gets home. He takes the time to pick up and LOVE him. He is fascinated by the tiny baby and is amazed to see all the things that he has learned in his medical anatomy and human biology class in an actual growing body. Eli brings out TJ's soft and tender side.

Madi--mommy #2-- is over the moon with HAPPINESS that Eli is here. She was my constant cheerleader and # 1 encourager during the challenges of pregnancy. She kept telling me it would all be worth it and she was right! She can't wait to see him every morning and even changing diapers is privilege to Madi. She is THRILLED to have a real live baby doll to dress and bathe and feed and LOVE.

Stevie is so HAPPY to be a big brother. He generously shares his room and his heart with Eli. He LOVES to stop what he is doing to give Eli a hug and a kiss. He will be a great friend, big brother and example for Eli- There can be no doubt that Eli is the most LOVED baby brother ever to come to a family.

There is no Mistletoe needed~ when Eli is around the KISSES are free and plentiful!
Shawn and I, of course, couldn't be more in LOVE with sweet Eli and with eachother. With the birth of each of our children, we have a renewed commitment to eachother and to the Lord. Our greatest desire is to raise up children who LOVE the Lord. We are so BLESSED and humbled that our LOVING Heavenly Father has given us this opportunity.