Grateful mindset

I have seriously started a blog almost weekly these last few months, but never have the time to finish and click "post".  It would be silly to go back and post old blogs... so I will just write a little one today and make it my goal to click "post". ;)  Even if that means I misspelled half of it.

Blogging is a whole different ballgame with a toddler.  I almost envy those mommies who have it all under control, four kids under the age of 5 at home and still manage to consistently produce amazing blogs.  I am simply thrilled if my kid has less than one meltdown, is clean and happy and there's food on the table (sandwiches count) at the end of the day.  

In my [less than enough] quiet time this month I have been working on a grateful heart.  Gratefulness in everything.  Not just the easy stuff to be grateful for.

It has made me keenly aware of how much I have let things (mostly out of my control) change my heart from grateful to ugly in a matter of seconds.  The craziness of this spring has really taken its toll on me - and our family - so I am working on remembering to give thanks always.  I am positive that a grateful heart and mindset has strengthened our marriage (that is so easy to neglect when life gets crazy), my friendships and made me an overall happier person.

I would be remiss to mention some of the huge things I am GRATEFUL for this month and season:

God's abundant blessings over Holden Uganda, including providing the most wonderful Administrative Assistant we could ever dream of, Jennifer Young (and the funds to pay her)!  Chet and I were becoming quite burdened with the workload (what a blessing to be able to say WORKLOAD in reference to Holden Uganda, huh?!), so Jennifer joining our team couldn't have been more perfect.  I am in AWE of how efficient she is, and so very thankful for the timing she jumped on board.  "This girl is on fiiire...."  ;) ;)  (Sorry Jennifer, if you ever read my blog.  I couldn't resist!)

Providing a buyer for our home in Snyder, and even more miraculous, a BEAUTIFUL home for us in the Lubbock area.  I'm probably prematurely mentioning all of this, since both closing dates aren't until June 28th, but I am confident and at peace about it all.  Praise God.  We were beginning to think we would live in an apartment for 6-12 months (which isn't bad at all, and I was totally accepting of that idea), until we found the "right" home for our family...but yet again...God's provision for us was overwhelming.  We toured 8 of our favorite homes last week, and the moment I walked into this one, I just knew it would be the one we would live in one day.  I am actually humbled by all of the connections...the current owners were just in Uganda (and plan another trip shortly) CARING FOR ORPHANS!  Um....goosebumps.  We are blessed more than we deserve.

My husband.  He should probably be the first one I mentioned.  He has tirelessly worked his normal hours at work (which are far from normal, but I suppose "normal" for the oil field), and still manages to come home and take care of his family, keep up with his portion of Holden Uganda, and does everything he can to spend time with us.  He is truly amazing.

The little person who keeps me on my toes 24/7, makes more messes than I knew possible, and truly brings HAPPINESS into our home.  They say toddlers are sponges, and that is exactly how she is.  I adore watching her learn and play.  She is extreme in everything she does, as she has always been.  There is never a middle ground with Grey, and oh how I love her for it.  She will get so upset over something she can't touch or play with one second, but then the next moment she will wrap her arms around me in the sweetest hug and plant the most precious kisses on my face.  She will "accidentally" say words here and there (we have realized she can talk, she just chooses not to), and when we praise her for it she becomes incredibly silent.  It's like she knows how much we want her to talk. ;)  Stinker.  She is officially 20 pounds now and seems to be growing like a weed.  She hasn't slept this well in her entire life (around 8pm-7am!) and eats almost as much as I do.
14 months is hilarious, inquisitive, fun and crazy.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:18

Life lately

My little lady taken today

Yesterday's sweet pose with grey bear (can you tell we've had a GROWTH spurt?!)

We are at an age of fun discovery.  Everything must be touched - and often tasted.

We could live outside all day.  This is an understatement.  We sometimes even throw fits when we have to go back inside. ;) We LOVE swinging, taking walks, wagon rides, stroller strolls, the park (sand, slide and climbing structures are favorites), picking "flowers" (weeds), and watching cars go by.

We love dancing.  Grey cracks us up with her select tastes in music.  She will shake her head yes or no as each song plays in her iPod.  :)  We spend hours dancing, and oftentimes dance standing on the rocker/glider in her nursery.

We love making Momma and Daddy laugh.  She will do anything and everything to get our attention. :)

We love making animal sounds.  She can make puppy, kitty and duck sounds.  She meows for almost any other animal. ;)

We are just now starting to really understand and love books.  She is finally making the connection that books have new things to learn about and fun pictures.  This MELTS my heart.  Our favorite book (by far!) at the moment is a touch and feel book, B is for Bear.

We love other kids and babies!  Playdates are getting more fun as she is aware of other kids and interacts with them.  She is a bit "bossy", so we are working on kindness and sharing.  ;)  She wants anything someone else has.

We are getting more independent.  We can play with our toys and books for longer periods without needing momma!

We are still not talking very much, but we are signing more and more and make our needs very well known despite our lack of vocabulary.

We have an amazing memory!!  For example: Today I grabbed my hairspray bottle out from under the sink.  (I rarely use hairspray, so the last time I did in front of Grey was about two weeks ago.  She had taken the lid and ran away with it.  Ever since then my hairspray can has been missing the lid, as I looked all over the house and couldn't find it.)  When I held the can today, Grey went NUTS.  She can't talk well yet of course, so she was waving her arms, squealing and nearly engaged in a full blown meltdown.  I kept trying to give her the can of hairspray, thinking she wanted that.  She pushed it away still CLEARLY trying to communicate something to me.  So I grabbed her hand and said, "Bop.  Tell me what it is."  She led me to our clothes hamper and collapsed on her knees and pointed behind the hamper.  THERE was the lid!!  I couldn't believe it!  She had been waiting for me to use hairspray to let me know where the lid was.
She also remembers people very well.  She knows exactly who her favorites (and less favorites) are.

Though this age has its challenges, it is amazing to watch her learn so much every day.  Seeing her face light up with a new discovery is priceless.  This spring has been crazy, but we have had a ton of fun amidst the craziness.

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.  Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.  Psalm 25:4-5