Things to celebrate, things to remember...

Things I choose today to celebrate...



- that school starts in one week

- that I have what I feel are really nice kids who are learning so much but also are respectful, kind and nice to their teachers and friends


- that the weather is cooler and that there is an abundance of sunshine toda

- that my friends Brad and Staci have received really positive news regarding Brad's illness. This is a huge joy!!

- that very soon Mr. Shook and I will be celebrating living in Morton for 3 years. I'm still not "from here", but I am here.

- that Mr. Shook had successful outpatient surgery yesterday, was a real trooper, and that I didn't pass out when I looked at the incision last night. It is a decent size for just having local anesthetic.

- that Mr. Shook is a super supportive husband and friend and allowed us to travel to Ohio for the second time in a week. I really needed to do that. Thank you, Mike!!







Things that I am remembering...


- yesterday my Grandfather died one year ago. When we went to the cemetery to visit him when we were home a few weeks ago it made me realize even more that I don't live in Seville anymore.

- my friends Tracy and Pat and their family at the passing of Tracy's father, Jay. Both Tracy and Pat said really beautiful things about Jay under some intense emotions and I am so proud of both of them. I know you will have no regrets sharing with all of us.



- These words:

There's a peace I've come to know

Though my heart and flesh may fail

There's an anchor for my soul

I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome

And the grave is overwhelmed

The victory is won

He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles' wings

Before my God fall on my knees

And rise

I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near

When this darkness breaks to light

And the shadows disappear

And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome

And the grave is overwhelmed

The victory is won

He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles' wings

Before my God fall on my knees

And rise

I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angles sing,

"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I hear the cry of every longing heart,

"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles' wings

Before my God fall on my knees

And rise

I will rise

-Chris Tomlin

I'm thankful for...

I had a boss many moons ago who once shared that every evening he and his wife had to tell one good thing that happened to them that day. Even on a really crappy day he still found one good thing that occurred.

We have tried to incorporate something similar to our meal time with the kids. When we pray before dinner we each have to share one thing that we are thankful for. Oh, the answers! I wish you could all be a fly on the wall. Cameron has gotten more thoughtful lately but there were many a night that we were thankful for Star Wars Wii or Indiana Jones Wii. We went for the whole month of January that Molly was thankful for Christmas. Amanda just smiles and laughs. Mike and I have a lot to be thankful for and we feel very blessed. Right now we are thankful for his job and Molly's health. Our girl is getting stronger every day and more feisty which is a definite sign that she is better! We're off to the urologist this morning and hope that it's just a routine visit.

My wish for you is that every day you find one thing that you are thankful for! God's blessings make us so rich!