Thanks

Over the past year, my understanding of gratitude has deepened beyond my what I knew to be possible.

Never before did I find myself, with any kind of frequency, stopping throughout the day, and giving thanks to God. Now it is the constant stream of conversation.

Thankful for my incredible husband. Who works tirelessly all day, only to come home and continue working. Who makes his family his priority, even when his personal time gets lost in the shuffle. Who loves, supports, comforts, entertains, and provides for me.

Thankful for my beautiful daughter. Who has shown me a glimpse of the depth of God's love for us. Who makes me laugh daily. Who challenges my inner strength, patience, love, and dependence on God.

Thankful for my family and friends. Who are "the village" I need to help raise my daughter. I am so glad we live and breathe community.

Give Thanks. Absolutely.

  

Good Song, Daddy

Charlotte has the gift of encouragement. Or,  at the very least, enthusiasm. There isn't a single song played in our house that is unworthy of clapping from our sweet girl.  Even a 3 second jingle on a toy earns a few cheers.

A few nights ago Jeremy was putting Charlotte to bed. He had bathed her, jammied her, read to her, and was moving onto the final step, a goodnight song. As he stood in her dark room, she snuggled her head into his chest and he sang her off to dream land. Until the song finished. She immediately popped her head up and offered him an enthusiastic round of applause.

"Nice song, Daddy."

 

Gardening and Friends

Our new backyard has payed for itself ten times over already. Ever since its (almost) completion, we have spent every possible moment playing outside. Charlotte loves to push her toys up and down the patio, and Abbey loves to be destructive.  We have had friends over to enjoy the yard and Charlotte happily shared her toys with her best friend, Charlie.  We went to the nursery and picked out our winter vegetables for our raised garden. Charlotte was instrumental in the selection process.  Here's hoping we have something edible in the near future. 

Beautiful Birthday Dress from Grandma Ging

A Walking Bee

I think she was waiting to turn one before she started walking. Maybe she knew it would break my heart if she did it too soon. Is people pleasing genetic?

Charlotte is officially a toddling little girl. She is choosing two, instead of four appendages now. Though, when in a hurry, she settles for the safer, faster method of crawling.

She had her one year check up! 40th% in both height and weight. Everything looks great.

For Halloween she was the cutest little bumble I ever saw. She hated the entire event. Our church's Fall Festival was Saturday night, and dinner/bedtime, with a million people and way too much candy pulsing through everyone's system.  I've never really seen Charlotte so overwhelmed and unhappy, but this was definitely not her cup of tea. She did manage to find a Reece's cup on the floor and eat half of it (including the foil) before I ruined all her fun. (Don't worry, I let her finish the candy, just took away the wrapper, I'm not completely heartless).

12 Month Check-Up (20 lbs, 4.5 oz, 28.5 inches) 

There's got to be something better than a Graham Cracker around here

Bzzz...

Best Friends and their Bugs

"Ok, you distract them and I'll escape out the back door"

A Bee and her Monkey