Gift #258- Finding the Perfect Match

Sorry Ladies.  As of today, my brother Pat, is officially off the market.  He tied the knot this morning.  He is now the Mr. in Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Randall.  Congratulations Pat and Jennifer.  May God bless you as you begin your wonderful new life together as a family!

Gift #257- My Birthday Boy Nephews

Happy 4th Birthday Little Tyler and 7th Birthday Big Noah!  We love you so much and miss you so much!  The two of you are such amazing and perfect gifts! 

Gift #256- A Cuddly Kid

One is never lonely if they have a Sam!

Gift #255- Having my very own Yard Guy!

Gift #254- My Little Slugger

Jack got into a little altercation at school today.  Actually he just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  The kid next to him at the lunch table did not want to share his skittles with a kid across the table.  The kid across the table got mad.  Jack noticed that the principal was approaching and told the mad kid to calm down.  The kid didn't like Jack telling him what to do and decked him right between the eyes!  The principal sent Jack to the nurse and the kid to the office!

So Jack getting punched in the face is clearly not a gift.  But his calm reactions and his kind demeanor have always been two of Jack's most admirable qualities.  He is such a great kid and I am so proud of him.  So while it might be a stretch to count this occurrence as one of my 1000 gifts, it is not a stretch to  count Jack and his kindness as one.

PS-  Jack is just fine.  Just a little red mark.  He said that now he can say that he got punched in the face and that it didn't hurt!

Gift #253- Crazy Hair Night

Tonight is crazy hair night at Awana.  Macy didn't want to go at first.  She gets embarrassed easily.  But after we gave her some pigtails and put a few bows in her hair, she warmed up.  She kept adding more and more bows and then stuck in some pencils and paintbrushes.  Sam, on the other hand, does not get embarrassed easily.  He asked for a pink and green mohawk.  We just went with a plain blonde mohawk for church.  He was a bit disappointed but didn't complain too much.  I love that these two are such good friends (most of the time).

Gift #252- A Dad Who Goes to School and Has Lunch With His Little Girl Because He Can Not Bear the Thought of Her Sitting Alone at the Lunch Table.

(See Gift #251)

Gift #251- L(ing)OL

The topics of the books that I have been reading lately have been way too heavy!  I decided to take a break.  I am currently reading a book called Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn. It is a refreshingly hilarious book about motherhood.  I have been reading it at night in bed.  I am sure that Hank is a little tired of hearing the chuckles as he tries to sleep.  A few nights ago, he finally asked me what was so funny.  I read to him a section of the book about how much more fun it is to travel with  your girlfriends and your kids rather than your husbands and your kids.  I think that it hurt his feelings a little bit as he tried to defend husbands all over the world.  He said "it does not hurt my feelings because I have no feelings." I know that this is not true as he went and had lunch with Macy yesterday because her very best little friend was mad at her (for wanting to build a pyramid out of Legos instead of a box) and he could not bear the thought of Macy sitting alone at the lunch table.  Oh yes.  Hank has feelings.  But I am totally off subject.  I wanted to share one funny excerpt from the book that made me laugh out loud.  Laughing out loud is such a gift.

"there is really no better indicator you're a mother than acquiring the ability to catch throw-up in a plastic bag, disinfect your hands, and immediately ask your friend to pass the beef jerky as you put on another Taylor Swift song and act as if nothing has happened.  It is a unique skill set."

Gift #250- Pickles and Icecream

I have never had the pickles and ice cream craving that so many women talk about during pregnancy.  But today in the commissary as I walked past the pickles, I was so drawn to them.  I immediately put them in my cart to take home and fry!  When I walked past the dairy section, without even a slight hesitation, I picked up a pint of cream to make ice cream for dessert.  I just happened to see a jar of hot fudge as I was checking out and threw that into my cart as well.  Hank and I are still in small state of disbelief over this baby news.  Two pink lines and the ultrasound helped convince us slightly.  But after my shopping trip today, it is confirmed.  We are having a baby!  Pickles and Ice Cream a true gift from above!

Gift #249- I Know Whom I Have Believed

Today is the much-talked about day.  March 1st.  Sequestration Day!  With the state of our government in such dissaray I am feeling a little disheartened.  But this old song from Grace Baptist Church just keeps coming to mind.  I may not have all of the answers or understand the whys, but I Know Whom I Have Believed and that is all that matters.

1. I know not why God’s wondrous grace
   To me He hath made known,
   Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
   Redeemed me for His own.
   • Refrain:
     But “I know Whom I have believed,
     And am persuaded that He is able
     To keep that which I’ve committed
     Unto Him against that day.”
2. I know not how this saving faith
   To me He did impart,
   Nor how believing in His Word
   Wrought peace within my heart.
3. I know not how the Spirit moves,
   Convincing men of sin,
   Revealing Jesus through the Word,
   Creating faith in Him.
4. I know not what of good or ill
   May be reserved for me,
   Of weary ways or golden days,
   Before His face I see.
5. I know not when my Lord may come,
   At night or noonday fair,
   Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
   Or meet Him in the air.

Gift #248- Football Champions

Football season has been over for months now.  But I just had to post this picture.  

Both Jack and Josh's team won first place.  I am sure that is no coincidence!  

I wish that the coach would have given me a "My son is Football Champion" bumper sticker.  

I would put it right next to my honor roll sticker!  :0)  The boys would love that I am sure!