Thanksgiving Day 7

Today I can't stop thinking about someone very special in my life.  Someone who I most likely wouldn't have known if God would have allowed me to carry a child.  Elijah's birthmother.  I am so thankful for her.  I am thankful for her loving heart.  I am thankful for her caring enough about her son to bless us with him. 

Maybe I am thinking more of her today because of November being National Adoption Month.  Maybe it is because there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her in some way.  Yup, I do.  I think of her all the time.  I often say there is no other gift that a woman could give another woman than the gift of becoming a mom.  I will never forget that day.  That call when she told me we could come pick up our baby.  When we went into the hospital & she placed him in our arms it was a bittersweet moment.  We were so excited to be parents, but at the same time I knew in my heart what this meant for her.  All I could think was this was the closest thing on earth that I could think of to exemplify God giving his son Jesus on the cross. 

I know that Eli's birthmom has normal aches.  I know she thinks of him.  (We have a semi-open adoption so we do have contact).  However, she knows we are his parents.  I could go on and on about this, but the simple fact is...I am so thankful for her!  I praise God for bringing her into our lives. 

6-22-07...Eli was 2 days old & we were taking him home from the hospital

Elijah & his birthmom--July 2010

Thanks Day 6

Cooking.  When we lived in PA I didn't cook.  Dan did.  Mostly because he got home before I did, but honestly it was more because I didn't know how.  I could cook a few basic items....eggs, pasta, grilled cheese, you know, the basics!  Anything too involved...NO WAY.  Then, I fell in love with a product named Tastefully Simple.  They had things I could actually do (when I had to).  The great thing is, I brought a good bit with me when I moved to Texas.  Good thing too, because I had to cook!  AHHHHH.....

Well, since then, let me tell you, Tastefully Simple has helped me in a tremendous way.  I have started to cook.  Actually cook.  I use T.S. spices in a lot of my foods.  I love this stuff!  So, after many years of using the products, and many years of thinking about selling it...I am doing it!

Yup, I'm a new consultant for Tastefully Simple.  Check out my website at www.tastefullysimple.com/web/bdavis6 and shop for some groceries.  Check out the recipes and order the supplies you need to make a simply delicious meal at home!

So at the end of this day as I prepare to have my Blast Off Party this Friday & Saturday, I am so thankful for Tastefully Simple & this opportunity!  Join me on my adventure!!!!

Thanksgiving Day 5

12 years ago God brought someone pretty amazing into my life.  My husband.  I am very thankful for him.  Although I thought he was a bit "smothery" and maybe even a bit psycho (since he told me on our first date he was going to marry me), I am very thankful for him. 

Since our first date to present day, life has been a roller coaster.  He has willingly stayed on the train for every ride.  Through the loops, the twists, turns, blocks, breakdowns, false starts, restarts, and any other issue along the way, he has been there.  Yup, I've decided it takes a special man to live with me.  LOL.  The great thing is, I think he would still marry me again today knowing everything we have been thru.  (Does that sound a bit egotistical of me?! Ha)

I am really thankful for Dan.  He keeps me in check.  God knew I didn't need a worrier as a spouse, I have that handled for both of us.  He is an amazing Daddy.  Although we may sometimes disagree with discipline etc..., he really is in love with his son.  The greatest thing about Dan?!  He loves God.  He wants to serve Him to the best of his ability.  He desires to live his life in such a way that God would be pleased with him.  How awesome is that?!  I think it's Hot!  I love that Dan works hard to take care of us.  Although his current position may not be the most glamorous, having to be away from us so much, he does it.  He doesn't complain about it.  He goes and even when he is away, he listens to me wine.  Something else that is pretty cool about Dan?  He loves leftovers & will eat pretty much anything.  Not a picky eater at all!  If all I want to make is eggs for dinner, he is down with that.  If I don't want to have anything but soup, he is cool with that too.  Ok, that is pretty nice!  Pre-Texas, He was the cook of the house.  Now, he has endured some interesting meals and I'm so thankful he isn't picky. 

So, at the end of this day, I could say so much more, but I am thankful for my husband.  The man God brought into my life in August of 2000 & allowed me to marry in May of 2001.  I'm thankful for the man that God allowed to be a daddy in 2007 and that I could share those moments with him. 

Day 4 of Thankfulness

I must start this out by saying that my post my "items" of thanksgiving are in NO particular order.  I simply am thankful for so much that I want to enjoy each moment of this.

However, today, is for 2 special people in my life.  My parents.  They have been amazing rocks in my world.  Did they make mistakes?  Sure they did *at least in my teenage eyes*, however, I am SO thankful that God chose them to be my mom and dad.  I have learned so much from them.  Their faithfulness to God and to each other for starters.  I grew up knowing that no matter what they loved me & God loved me.  What an amazing comfort!  I have so many amazing memories.  I remember going to Agway with my Dad to pick up the feed for the cows.  I remember working in the garden picking potato bugs off the plants for what seemed like HOURS.  I remember getting up early on Saturday morning to go to the farmer's market, just so I could have home made ice cream.  I remember my mom going to nursing school so she could do something she loved by helping others.  I remember mom cooking enough food to feed all of us plus visitors.  I remember and KNOW that my Dad ALWAYS kissed my mom before leaving the house & before they went to bed.  I remember and KNOW that my Mom respected my Dad as the head of the household & even if she didn't 100% agree she would talk to him about it in private, but have a united front for us.  I know my parents learned throughout the years *and phew, I'm thankful I was #7* (WAIT?!, did I just admit that I was slightly spoiled & got away with a little more than the other 6?!, Nah!! ;) )!  I watch my parents love on people that didn't give them love in return.  I watched my parents be missionaries and help others in need, even when they didn't have.  I watched my parents be hurt, but still stand strong for the Lord.  I am so thankful that through it all they loved Jesus more and more.  They didn't give up just because things got difficult.  My dad, who dropped out of school in the 8th grade, completed 20 years in the Air Force & followed God, got out of the military & started a church in Shippensburg, PA.  Meanwhile, my mom went from having a beautiful home & gave it up for a torn up farm house.  They barely made ends meet, but my Dad, went to college.  Got his degree (with 7 kids).  Started teaching school (while Pastoring & Farming), went on to receive his Masters degree.  My mom dealt with us kids, they became Grandparents while still parents of young children, my mom got a degree & life was a ride.

So, through it all....wow, I'm thankful.  I could go on & on & on about them & what I've learned and saw from them, but know this....I have amazing parents.  They are always there for us.  They love us despite our short comings.  They don't judge us when we fail over & over again.  They help us when we need it & ask for it and keep their opinions to themselves when we don't ask for them.  I am truly thankful God picked them for my parents.  Love you mom & dad!!!

All 7 of us with Mom & Dad.  They are still in love!

Eli loves his Pap-pa!

Eli also loves his Mam-ma *she spoils him a LOT!

November 3, 2012

My thankfulness continues.  Honestly, I am so blessed, I am pretty sure I could do this every month for every day & have something new all the time.  However, for today, my thanksgiving is this.  I am so thankful for my siblings.  All 6 of them.  I am the youngest of 7 children and am so incredibly blessed.  My 4 brothers...Dale, Roy, Alan & Brian and my 2 sisters...Joyce & Alice. We may not always agree, BUT, I know that we all love each other & would do anything to help one another out. 
I love my siblings & their spouses, so today, I am reminded of how thankful I am for each one of them.  For their individuality & what each of them add to our family.
 


Me, Brian, Alice, Alan, Joyce, Roy, Dale

Oldest Dale & Me

Dale's Wife, Cheryl & Me

Roy, Sr & Me

Roy's Wife, BJ & Me

Joyce & Me

Alan & Me

Alan's wife Tracy & Me

 

Alice & Me

Alice's Husband Brian & Me



Brian, Sr. & Me

Brian's Wife, Bridget & Me

Thankful- November 2, 2012

Today, even though it is only the 2nd day of this Thanksgiving November, it has been one of those days where I've struggled with thoughts of Thanksgiving & where I've been overwhelmed with so many things that I am thankful for.  So, without further adieu, today I am thankful for...Dave Ramsey.  I am thankful for Financial Peace University.  I am thankful that my life is changing from this course.  I am thankful that Eli's life is going to be greatly impacted by this course. 

I (we) have made many financial mistakes in our lives.  I really never thought that I would be one to take this course.  Let's be real, who has the money to always pay cash?  Really?  Well, that is what I used to think.  We are working hard to become one of those people.  It will take us a long time, I am sure, however, we plan on taking the journey.

So, Thank you Lord for this Financial Journey in my life.  Thank you Lord for helping us make better choices, although some days I honestly feel it may kill me. 

November 1

Many people are taking the month of November to give something to be thankful for each day.  SO, I take the challenge. 

On this, November 1st, 2012, I am extremely thankful for adoption and what it has meant to me in my life.  November is National Adoption Month.  BUT, my life every month adoption is celebrated.  Our precious Elijah has been in our lives for a little over 5 years and he has made every moment amazing. 

So today, I say thank you Lord for my precious Elijah.  I say thank you Lord for his precious birth mother who saw fit to place him into my arms.  Thank you Lord for ADOPTION!!!!

Dan, Eli & I in Sept 2007 Eli was 3 months

Dan, Eli & I in Oct 2012 Eli is 5