Perspective 5

Things I am thankful for today:

the book "Making Kids Mind So You Don't Lose Yours". Today I read a chapter that hit on right where we are at these days. It gave me hope that we don't have to be stuck in this cycle forever.

Karaoke on the wii. It is so much fun to play with my girl.

the way Koleson stopped in his tracks and headed straight for me when he heard my voice after work.

the opportunity to be called mom each day.

perspective 4

I had to fill out some financial paperwork last week. The lady behind the counter was running some numbers. This is what our conversation looked like.

Her: What other income or assistance do you have?
Me: None. That is my total monthly income.
Her: These numbers don't work. You fall so far below the poverty line. How do you live? Even if I double your income, you still fall below the poverty line.

I left that office feeling so humbled. I do not live in poverty. I look around my beautiful home at my beautiful children. I consider that I have never had to hear the cries of my children due to hunger in their bellies. I have not had to pile us together to create enough heat to keep us warm. I have not had to sleep on the street. I do not live in poverty.

I am Dareth. I am a child of the most loving Father. And I am blessed.

To all of you that help us in a plethora of ways: I am humbled.
To those who feed us: I am thankful.
And to those of you who pray for me and my family: I am eternally grateful.

perspective 3

Things I am thankful for today:

Alivia gets to continue in preschool for the rest of the school year.

For finances that work for our family even when it doesn't make sense. Especially when they don't make sense.

Parents that support me during all seasons, especially the tough ones.

Singing in the car with Alivia while Koleson dances along :)

perspective2

Today I am thankful for:

a job in which I get to see God's hand move everyday.

a clean house. In fact, a house. Messy or clean, I am grateful for it.

Brandy and Timmarie. For too many reasons to count. But for this list, I thank them for loving my children like their own and being willing to care for them while I work. It has made going back to work bearable.

the opportunity to pray for others. It allows me to step out of my own troubles and bring my focus back to the Lord, where it should be...

Happy Tuesday

Right Now

There are 2 little girls, painting toenails and putting on makeup, chatting away like good friends do. I love them so much I could cry.

a dose of perspective

I got my sister's annual Christmas letter in the mail this week and in it she posed the question: "If tomorrow you had only the things you were grateful for today, what would you have?"

If I can keep this at the forefront of my mind, I think it could change my life.
Since the 30 day challenge was a good way for me to stay connected to this blog, I am going to try and check in each day for 30 days and share some of the things (big and little) that I am grateful for.

Day 1:
I am grateful:

for friendships that stand through things we shouldn't have to face alone
(or have to face at all).

for the sign language that Koleson is using to communicate.
Less screaming = Happier Mom.

for dancing in Aunt Brandy's playroom surrounded by children whom I love.

that Kevin helped give me two beautiful and precious children.


Yeah, I choked a little on one of those, but it's important for the perspective :)

Day 30 of 30

Most wonderful time of the year...here we come

29

Wrapping paper shopping. We found the one we wanted. Apparently everyone else liked it as well. We knew there had to be some more of those print in the 2 pallets worth of paper they had out. We were on a mission.

And then I spotted it. In the middle of the bottom pallet.

28/30

Here's the boys. And I want to give a shout out to a man who loves a boy and takes him under his wing when he has lots of other people to love on in his life. Chris has been a really special part of Koleson's life. And as his mom, I am oh-so-grateful. Thank you Chris for loving my children just as they are. And thank you Brody for allowing Koleson into your boy time. I just know you guys are going to be such special friends for years to come.

27

This is what it looks like when we just can't take anymore...

26

It's a special kind of tired that stands in Brody's way of eating a glazed donut.

25

I'm ready for school.



It's all about the accessories.

Chocolate Wasted - Day 24

This is my nephew. We have a lot in common.

23

A pictureless post today.

I just heard myself say to my daughter, "It's over there under the ironing board. Over there, that thing that looks like a table. That thing. Do you see it?"

In case you are wondering, I don't iron much (or ever) at my house...

Day 22

Best friends and cousins. I love the relationship that these 2 have. Somedays they adore each other, some days they tolerate each other. The age and gender gap is starting to show, but, they have always got each other's backs. I love this picture. You can see the joy in their eyes.

20 and 21

The best ride at the fair is on Aunt Brandy's golf cart.


And the food is always worth the trip :)

number 19

Alivia asked me if we could put 2 ponytails in Koleson's hair. I thought that was a sign that I couldn't put off his haircut any longer.
I love the look of a nice haircut. But I struggle with how big it makes him look. I can no longer deny it. I am the mom of a toddler.

18

Some things are meant to be taken seriously. Apparently being appointed cheerleader at the pig races is one of them.

Day 17

My dad is recently retired and has become such an active part of my kids lives. It is so precious! For me, for him, and especially for them. He decided the other day it would be fun if the 4 of us planted a garden in our backyard. Now, the 2 kids probably have as much experience growing things as my dad and I put together. So, this is quite the adventure! I love that he is willing to dive in and help make memories with his grandchildren regardless if we never grow a thing.









We almost lost my dad a year or two before Alivia was born. Looking back over the last 5 years, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Grateful that he is still here to teach me so many lessons. And grateful that he is such a huge presence in my children's lives.

Let's Discuss

I am chewing on THIS interesting post.

Any thoughts?

16/30

We took the 3 littles out to dinner the other night. It was such a nice treat. We haven't eaten out in a real restaurant in quite a while. And it went very smoothly. The kids were so great. They sat well, they ate well...


...until they didn't anymore. And then we knew it was time to get out of dodge.

The 3 bigs

I hope they stay friends forever. Their friendship is precious. I know it will change as they grow, but I hope they always can appreciate the friend that has been there through it all.

Brody, Alivia & Addison

Day 14

What a big helper, right??

Here's what he was really doing: