Three; Isaac.

He blew in like a hurricane. And life was never, ever, the same.

And we are blessed. 

Isaac literally means, laughter. This wild storm of a boy has given us much laughter, always challenging us not to smile at all his shenanigans.  He is a boy after his mama's own heart, full of energy, full of smiles and wild laughter. His heroes are his big brothers and he pushes himself to be just.like.them. 

A fast learner. This boy is constantly impressing us with his ability to learn quickly. When we say, "you're too little buddy", he takes that as a challenge to try harder. 

"I do it."  This kid's got gumption, strength and an independent spirit. Show him how to do something, then stand back and wait until he's ready.

Over the summer, Isaac not only moved into a big boy bed, but moved into the big boy room. He conquered potty training in November! He stopped taking naps in early Fall and sleeps peacefully for twelve hours every night. 

A friend and a ham. He's an entertainer. He loves to show "his moves" to just about anyone. He loves little babies. While he's wild with the big boys, he's quick to change his pace around little ones. Isaac's like a gentle giant and loves to care for and help with those smaller than him. 

A helper. Isaac loves to help. He's inherited his daddy's gift of organization and loves to re-organize everything. Even the shelves at the grocery store! He loves to help mommy clean and it's not unusual to find him cleaning the floor or the walls and folding laundry on any given day. 

Did I mention laughter?  It's like everything God created in him centers around it. He's a blessing through and through! Our wild little buddy keeps us on our toes, but, at the end of most days, has us all laughing and smiling.

The baby.  At the end of the day, Isaac still loves to climb into mommy or daddy's arms and have his back rubbed.      He will always be my baby.

Isaac truly completes our family. 

We love you buddy, can't wait to see what all you accomplish this year!  

On Giving Thanks.

In that moment just before she rises, the sky explodes. 

There's this raw beauty that just takes my breath away. 

I pause, close my eyes and breathe in it slow. 

I can't help but praise God.  

As the sun greets me, I linger just awhile longer. 

I give thanks. For what lies before me is a gift.

At the beginning of the year, I started my second 1000 Gifts List. I was not so diligent or consistent this year. There were even a few months where my notebook sat, untouched, neglected, collecting dust. Those months were hard and wildly ugly.

I picked up that notebook at the end of October resolving to start again. Resolving to focus once again on gratitude and counting my blessings. There's something life changing, life-giving, about naming our gifts one-by-one. Most especially in the midst of a storm.

This jotting and numbering of gifts. I speak about it often; suggesting it as though a cure for many ailments. Those hard days, sick days, weary days, those days that are full and fast. Those days when nothing seems to go right. But something did go right. Seek.It.Out. Write.It.Down.  

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world. ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

 Each season has it's own pace. Winter is a perfect time to slow down; rest, reflect and recharge. 

More nature.

More conversation. 

More eye contact. 

More snuggling.

More baking. 

More writing. 

More reading. 

More Jesus. 

More numbering these gifts. 

..."a Personal Revolution of Gratitude turns everything around."