My Church Family

I am extremely thankful for our church family here. I don't know how people are able to go through life without the love and support of a church family. From my very best friends to individuals that I barely know, but know they belong to the family, each and everyone plays such an important role in our lives. I know that when I'm struggling, they are praying for me, and I know that if I need them for anything, they will be there asking what they can do. It can be hard to find a congregation in which you feel you belong, but when you do, it is such a blessing. It is especially important considering we don't have any biological family that lives here to know that we have people in our lives that are there if and when we need them. So, if you are reading this and you are a part of our church family know how important you are and know that I love you and value your role in my life.

Grandparents

Back to the thankful posts again, I am very thankful for my grandparents. I had the privilege of growing in the same town as both sets of my grandparents, and I can't imagine it any other way. Both of my grandfathers have passed away, but have left me with many great memories. My grandparents have always been a huge part of my life, and I feel so blessed in that way. My grandmothers are now a big part of my girls' lives and it is so fun to see how happy it makes my grandmas to have the girls around. The blessings of such a wonderful family started with this generation, and I will be forever grateful. So, thank you, thank you for all you have done in the past and for all you do now. My life wouldn't be the same without you, and I know that my girls adore you.

And the Winners Are.......

Meagan, Melinda, and Jessica! Thank you so much for humoring me and commenting on my blog. I can't wait to shop for your gifts. (Yes, a good blogger who offered a prize would already have something in mind. Sorry, that's not me, but I promise it will be something good, or at least something I would like to have myself.) I don't want to make you wait too long, but just an FYI, it will probably be the weekend before I shop. Send me your address via email. My email address is devin_l_lawrence@yahoo.com.

Pay It Forward....Win A Prize!

A few weeks ago I participated in a Pay It Forward contest on Erin's blog. I won this adorable polka dot picture frame. Read below to find out how to win a prize of your own! Seriously, what could be better than receiving a fun gift in the mail to brighten your day!

Now it is my turn to "pay it forward." What am I talking about, you ask?I am paying it forward with a premeditated act of kindness. Would you like to receive a fun gift and then give a gift in return?THE RULES: The focus of this is to do an act of kindness without expecting anything in return other than that the recipient will, in their turn, pass the kindness along and "pay it forward."I will send a small, fun gift to the first 3 bloggers who post a comment on this entry. In turn, those three will post this information and pick 3 people they want to send something to and then the game will continue!! The little something you send can be something you made, bought, were given or found, anything you want!! Just a gift that will make the person's day!!If you are interested in participating, be one of the first 3 bloggers to leave a comment!!You have to promise that you will then post about this on your blog, link back to me, and then send something to the first three people who sign up to play along through your blog. Doesn't this sound like fun!!??All of you lurkers out there who never comment, now is your chance to prove to me that you read my blog. :)Let the games begin! Good luck trying to be one of the first 3 commenters!

My Siblings

Back to the typical Thanksgiving posts, I'm thankful for my sister and brother and their significant others. I know they all think I'm the crazy older sister, but it makes me so happy and proud to see them being great Christians, husbands, wives, and/or parents. It's amazing to think my little sister is now a wife and mother, and my little brother is married. Time goes by so fast, and it seems like yesterday we were dressing Trent up in our Easter dresses and having him pose for photos. I had fun sharing my childhood with my two siblings, but I also treasure the relationship that we share as adults. Trent and Erin, I hope you know how much I love you and despite all my sisterly flaws, I know you love me too. Currently, I'm especially thankful that after Trent gave us a good scare with his burn accident, he is recovering well.

Kansas City

This weekend a few friends and I ventured to Kansas City for a little getaway and some serious shopping. The girls in our small group at church started our shopping trips a couple of years ago, and it's been so much fun. It was a much needed excursion considering the craziness of the last couple of weeks. It's great to have such great friends that are fun to hang out with and like to shop as much as I do, maybe more. Mostly, it was just fun to get away for a while, and enjoy some girl time.

Incredible Parents

I'm thankful for incredible parents. I've always been proud to have the parents I do. I have never known two other people that not only have faith, but live their lives according to that faith every single day and in every single decision they make. My parents are both wonderful people both together and as individuals. They are the type of people that make sacrifices for everyone around them, and don't think twice about it. They would do anything within their ability to help someone else. I feel so blessed to have grown up in such a loving, Christian home with parents that loved and supported me in everything I've ever done. They've set an exemplary example as Christians, and have taught my siblings and I to do the same. I can only pray that one day my children will be able to say the same thing about me. I don't think there is much more success in this life than being able to say that my children love and serve God. So Mom and Dad, I hope you know, you are my heroes!

My Girls

I, of course, am also thankful for my girls. I am thankful that they are happy and healthy, and hope I never take that for granted. Before having children, I always thought I wanted four boys, God apparently knew better. I have two of the most amazing children in the world, and I LOVE having girls, I'd take a few more. Never in my wildest dreams would I have planned to have two kids so close together, but once again, it is another way God has blessed us in our lives. The girls are the best of friends, and don't know what to do when the other one isn't around. It's incredible to watch their personalities unfold on a daily basis. They bring so much joy to our family, and keep us laughing day and night. It takes about two seconds of time with them to realize what is really important in life and for everything else that once seemed important to vanish. There is nothing in the world that holds a candle to the happiness these girls bring me.

Kevin

So, while I'm posting about things I'm thankful for, Kevin is at the top of the list. When we were first married, my attitude may not have been quite the same. Honestly, for a while, I was questioning my decision. However, God always knows what he is doing, and as time has passed and our lives have changed, I can't imagine anyone else by my side. It is such a blessing to be married to someone that strives daily to be the man that God has called him to be, and that is willing to sacrifice his own desires for the betterment of his family. He is a loving father and husband, and works hard to balance his time between work and home. He has grown tremendously in his commitment to God, his leadership and service. I am so fortunate to be able to share my life with him, and am thankful that my children have the blessing of such a wonderful father.

Giving Thanks

I've been thinking about Thanksgiving a lot lately, and so I thought what better way to celebrate November than by spending time giving thanks and thinking about the many ways I've been blessed. I've thrown myself few pity parties over the last week, but am always reminded of how good I have it. There are so many wonderful things in my life that I often have a tendency to overlook. So, for November, I will be counting my blessings as I post. Some will be serious, some will be funny, and I'm sure some will be frivolous. I doubt I can cover all the things I'm thankful for in a month of blog posts, but I'm willing to give it a go. I obviously can't even begin to give thanks without first thanking God for his incredible majesty and sacrificial love. I never cease to be amazed at how God works in our lives. I'm thankful that HE is in control.

Trent Update

Thanks to those of you who prayed for my brother. He is doing much better. He is out of the ICU, and recovering well. He didn't end up having to have any skin grafts, so that is definitely a plus. He may be able to come home in the next couple of days. He will be out of work for a month, but thankfully, he will be ok. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he recovers.

Say A Little Prayer......

If you think of it today, please say a little prayer for my brother. He was badly burned last night while lighting a brush fire. He is currently being treated at the burn center in Columbia, MO. He had third degree burns on his right arm and second degree burns on the right side of his face. They'll know more when the doctor comes by this morning. Thanks.

Day After Halloween Party

Excuse the chairs, but there was a pretty good turnout for the party.

Kyler and Brett in their white trash western wear.

My personal favorite, and the costume contest winner of the night. Adam and Faith as the tooth fairy and toothless child.

Me and Londyn at the party. Kevin was going to be a gangster to fit with my 20's theme, but Skylar is still sick, so she wasn't able to go. We had a good time at the party, but it wasn't quite as fun without the rest of the family.

Alice In Wonderland

Londyn was very excited this morning about wearing her costume to school. I'm a little biased, but I think she makes a pretty precious Alice. On a sad note, Skylar is sick again today, so she will not get to enjoy Halloween with her friends. We're on day two, so hopefully she will be feeling better by this evening. I hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween!

We Do Feed the Children

For those of you who are concerned about the eating habits of my children, or are concerned that I don't feed them, here's proof that they do eat. Londyn's favorite food has always been corn on the cob, so Kevin surprised her with some for dinner tonight. She couldn't have been happier!