And in honor of yesterday...

since it was Veteran's Day, I want to say thank you to all of those who serve to protect our country! I think I will point out a family I know personally to represent all of those who serve.
Thank you Steve, Stefanie, Patrick and Ty Erb.
These are some friends of ours from church. Steve and Stefanie serve in the student ministry with us. They have two sons Patrick, who is a junior in high school, and Ty who is almost 11 months old! They are an amazing couple. They are so giving, caring, and kind. When we first got to know them in the summer of 2007, Steve was overseas serving (I think in Iraq...dont quote me.) He had just become a Christian and was over there as a missionary of sorts. He got to come home they had little Ty, and is now up again. He will be leaving next fall. Just last week I sat with Stefanie at Bible Study as we talked about all the things they had planned to do next year because it would be Patrick's last year at home...and now Steve won't be there. But they have amazing perspective even as they told our class on Sunday as Steve said proudly - "It's my turn!"
So many of these families sacrifice so much from their lives, to time away from their families...all for us. To that I say thank you!! Thank you Steve, thank you Erb family, and thank you all who serve so selflessly.

In honor of this morning

the person I am thanking today is my MOM! I was at church this morning for an event I really do love, Mom2Mom. We meet 4 times a year and it's a time for moms to connect with other moms. My favorite part about it is that we get to have a mentor mom at each table. I love it because I simply love being around older women. They are so wise. I love hearing their stories and learning from their lives. But every time I leave I think about how lucky I am because I have the best mentor mom of all - MY MOM!

So mom, this one is for you. Thank you for being an example to me in all sorts of ways. On how to love your husband through respecting, submitting, serving, honoring him with your words. Thank you for showing me how to be a loving, kind, patient, and attentive mom. Thank you for all the late night talks, long phone conversations, and trips to Houston. Thank you for living at my house for a whole month when the boys were born. Thank you for loving me as I am, for loving Nate and Blake and Owen.

You are the best. I am so thankful to have you for my mom!!!

So there I was in the HEB parking lot...

With a car FULL of groceries, and two sweet boys in the back seat ready to go to happy hour at Sonic before heading home. I put the key in the ignition, turn it and NADA! Nothing happened. The car did not start! With the hubby 45 minutes away what is a girl to do?
And that brings me to my thankful list for November 10. Today I am thankful for the Avra and the Bates families.
I called Donna who tends to always be the one to run to the rescue. She was there in no time flat. I initially called her to ask her to take my groceries to her house so they didn't ruin and instead in true Donna form, she took the groceries and the boys to my house! Later that afternoon after we dropped the car off at the dealership we called to tell her we were coming home to which she said, you guys go get some coffee or a bite to eat. I got the boys! She's awesome. Thank you Donna Avra for being like family to us.

While I called Donna, Nate called Tim. He was initially calling him because besides being our friend he is our insurance guy. Nate wanted to double check about towing. Tim, also decided to go above and beyond. He showed up at HEB ready to jump the car. Luckily it was just the battery and he had it running in a few minutes. Who else leaves work in the middle of the day to come help you? Tim Bates does. Thank you Tim for being like family to us.

All of this happened in less time than it took Nate to drive from Conroe. So thanks to Donna we were able to spend a few minutes just the two of us on what also happened to be the 5th anniversary of our first date! It was a little different 5 years ago...

B and O - it's your turn!

Today, I am thankful for Blake and Owen. They are the joy of my little heart. Their giggles, light in their eyes, love for us, love for each other, never ending energy, and cutest little booties you have every seen, make me thankful everyday to be their mom!
It doesn't hurt that people always tell me that they are the happiest, smiliest babies around!
Thanks for being mine, buddies!

November 8th

Today is the student ministry at HAFBC.
Our family has been so blessed by this church. They took amazing care of us last year and have continued to love on us. Mostly they adore Blake and Owen. Last night we had a bonfire for the seniors. Nate and I have the privilege of "directing" this class. They really don't need directing. We have an amazing group of students and an amazing group of co-leaders. We had so much fun as Blake and Owen were handed from person to person. They got all sorts of treats, got to run around in the country and fell asleep on a hayride. Every single student there held them, played with them and loved on them.
We are so thankful for the student ministry at HAFBC because they feel way more like family than friends. And who knew 17-18 year olds were so loving :)

Next Up...

Holly and Clee!!!!!!!!! (and Payton and baby #2)
Heston clan, my family is so thankful for your family. We are thankful that you are willing to stay at our house until midnight to let me almost beat Holly at Phase 10. That you love Blake and Owen. That you invest in our lives. That we can talk about serious, silly and everything in between. That you are examples to us on how to love one your family and others. That you will be friends for life!

The Challenge

So, on my friend Todd's French Pressed Friday blog he has a challenge that for the rest of November you pick a different person everyday that you are thankful for and tell them why.

So Todd, I accept your challenge! (BTW, you should read Todd's Friday updates they are always good!)

So today, I will start with.............

NATE!

Nate, I am so thankful for you. I am so thankful that you love the Lord more than anything else in this world. That you lead our home with a heart of faithfulness, integrity and grace. That you come in every night and give me a kiss when you get home. That you call to tell me you love me, multiple times a day. That you play horsey with Blake and Owen and that you are such a good dad they scream when you walk in a room. That you work hard to provide for our family.

The horse in action.

So, now I challenge you to do the same. You don't have to blog it...but do it!