Little Elves...

Our family home has had some quirks since we bought it. And we had gained some extras as time has gone on. Our littles have needed some services more than we have needed a kitchen sink that didn't turn itself off. Back in October, one of our toilets broke. And our replacement toilet didn't fit under the countertop. When Chris had surgery in October (I know - it was a killer month) he fell into our bathroom wall creating a giant hole. It's just stuff - little annoyances here and there that we just could never get to.

Over Christmas, we were able to spend a glorious week of vacation with my family...the 4 of us together for 8 days was a sweet, sweet thing. We got home and mourned that our time together was coming to an end. And then we noticed: the drywall down our hallway had been repaired. And then we noticed a working toilet. And less of a countertop. And a working sink. And no more hole in our bathroom. Little elves had entered while we had been away and blessed us tremendously with not just the gift of repairs, but of more TIME as a family. These acts of service were beyond kind, they were a clear reminder that God does see the littlest details. The anonymous givers blessed a hard-working husband and father, and brought much celebration into our home.

6

I don't like it for one minute that you are now six, Brody. I remember your tiny body fitting into preemie clothes for the first few weeks of your life, and I just don't know how we got to the place where you are in a size 3 1/2 shoe. You are a tall, blue-eyed explosion of energy. Your smile is incredible. Your laugh completely infectious.

I'm just not sure how to put into words what I feel when it comes to you. You are a reminder of God's goodness, and yet His mysteriousness. You are evidence of His grace and of His delight. Your life is covered in His fingerprints - a constant image of the Hope we have in Him.

You love your friends young and old. You adore your Gma K. You always want to go to G's house. You are a computer guy. And an animal guy. And a smart guy. Your report card brought me untold joy when it stated that you talk excessively in class!

There is so much to celebrate about you, Brody. And I want to take every opportunity that the Lord allows to do just that! I love you to the moon and back. And even beyond that, sweet boy.

...

I have at least 3 partial posts waiting to be completed. I have so much I want to share with all of you, and I want to write about 2010 and my hopes for 2011. But, these past couple of weeks have been filled with celebrating the birth of our Savior, my daughter's 5th birthday, Alivia & Brody's birthday party, a week off with my kiddos, and the birth of a baby.

So for now I say, Happy New Year...and I hope to be back to writing on the blog soon.

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...