Thankfulness

This morning I asked Kara what she was thankful for. Her first enthusiastic answer was "books!!!". A couple months ago Ben's mom gave us a big stack of "Magic Tree House" books for the kids. I figured I would put them on the shelf for future use, thinking that maybe we would read them in 3 or 4 years. Well, Kara got one off the shelf the other day and asked if we could read it. I smiled and said sure, certain that she would lose all interest once she saw the absence of pictures on every page in these "big kid" chapter books. Much to my surprise, she sat and listened intently to the first chapter. She followed the story-line completely and begged me to read another chapter to her. Today we finished our 4th book, and it's been less than a week. With help from the Magic Tree House we have visited the jungles of Africa, the prairie, the Civil War and the Revolutionary War. If you ask Kara who our first President was, she will excitedly answer George Washington, and she will tell you all about the Revolutionary War. She will then proceed to tell you how Clara Barton founded the Red Cross during the Civil War. I love watching her learn, and more than that I love watching her LOVE learning! Ben's parents have given us more books than I can count for the kids, and I am so grateful! Our children already have a love for reading that Ben and I are excitedly cultivating. So, thanks for the books Grandma and Grandpa Gerth!! We love them!!

Oh, and don't worry...right after Kara said she was thankful for books she quickly followed with Grandpas, Grandmas and Jesus! :)

Thoughtful

One day last week my husband went out to run a few errands, and this is what he came home with. A rose that thrived beautifully for over a week, and my favorite white chocolate mocha from Seattle's Best Coffee. These may seem like little things, but they are not! He knows me so well. He knows when I need a hug, a listening ear, to be put in my place, encouragement, to laugh, or a rose and a yummy white mocha. Marriage is an amazing thing! God has grown us so close together, through joys and trials. Mostly the trials I suppose. They are not fun, but God does miraculous things through them to make us one. Ben has chosen to love me despite my faults, and they are many! Thank you my hub for your thoughtfulness and for continuing to be a learner, lover and leader. I love you!!

Wedding Bells

Conversation between Kara and I this morning while we were washing dishes together...

Kara: Mom, I am all ready to get married.

Me: Oh, really? Tell me about it.

Kara: Well, I have a wedding dress already. The one from Uncle Josh's wedding! (this was over 2 years ago, and Kara was the flower girl...might be a wee bit small :)

Me: Yes, that is a beautiful dress. I hope it still fits. You might need some alterations. :) (now I'm giggling!) Umm, who will you marry?

Kara: Oh mom (with that, "isn't it obvious" look on her face), I will marry Daddy of course! He's the best Daddy and Husband.

Me: I agree completely! He is amazing! Who will you invite to the wedding?

Kara: ALL (with great 3 year old emotion) of my friends...Shelby, Shanna, Isabelle, Kailyn, Shiloh, Amber, .....(the list went on and on...and on)

Me: Well, that sounds really nice Kara.

Kara: You'll come too, won't ya mom?

Me: Wouldn't miss it!

I love the conversations we have, especially when I see our kids picking up on how amazing their dad is!! We are so blessed, and I pray that our little girls will find husbands just like their daddy!

Cuteness

Ellie's first pony tails...not for lack of trying on my part! This is the first time I could get her to sit still long enough to get them in. It makes her look so old!

My polka-dotted princesses!

A laundry basket full of love and laughs :)