Little Blessings

We’ve been having a rough couple of weeks with our one child breaking her leg and having to be non-weight-bearing and another child battling a virus that makes her cough violently at random intervals. The coughing leads to less sleep for me as she wakes up multiple times a night and sometimes wakes up the other child in the room from her coughing and crying. And then today, Aaron got a surprise out of town work trip on the truck, so he’s gone till Saturday. And still there is good.

I have worked to cultivate my ability to seek positive in nearly every situation. To find something to be thankful for. And since it is Thanksgiving next week, it seemed appropriate to share my list of little blessings today.

1. I had about an hour notice that Aaron was leaving for 2.5 days. I was grateful to have canned ground beef and just enough tortillas to make a quick batch of flautas to pack in his lunch.

2. Two of the children simultaneously took hour+ naps today, which is a rarity these days, so I was able to have some uninterrupted time working on a writing project.

3. My great aunt and uncle stopped by for a quick visit, and it warmed my heart. My aunt also brought some delicious cookies and banana bread that we had for an afternoon snack.

4. The child who is sick willingly takes “medicine” (home remedies) and asks for it so I don’t have to expend energy to fight her about it.

5. I have nothing that won’t wait so I can spend hours every day holding children who just need a little extra snuggles.

6. I have pre-made espresso shots in the fridge so I can quickly make myself an iced Maple breve to help caffeinate my day.

7. We finally found a gym that will suit for the next pickleball tournament that we are hosting.

8. I can quickly fill the dishwasher and run a load so I don’t get dreadfully behind on dishes while mothering the sick and injured.

9. I live in such a modern time that I can simply pre-order the things on my grocery list, and they will be ready and waiting at the store when I go to pick them up. And someone will even load them into my vehicle for me! I might as well be a queen!

10. Most of all, I can feel Jesus’s presence very near me and sustaining me through this intense mothering season, and it feels good.

So there’s my list of 10 things I’m grateful for today. What’s on your list?

My Beloved

It’s been 6 years. It’s been the best 6 years of my life. Being married to my best friend is the absolute best thing in the world. It might sound cliché, but it really is the truth for me. Aaron is my favorite person in the world, and I am so glad he is in my life. There is no one I would rather be with. I am head-over-heels in love with him.

Here’s a short glimpse into our love story… ❤️

First date, Valentines Day 2017, in Winchester, VA
Impromptu photos in the snow
Proposal, April 2017
Wedding Day, October 7, 2017
Happily Ever After
Honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Snowboarding for the first time (me) on the actual coldest day of the year. It was 0F without windchill. 🥶
Couples’ night in 2019 just before Ida joined us
September 2023, more in love than ever 😍
Our family now with three littles, 4 and under, and so much love, life, and energy

Marriage has been such a beautiful thing. Being each other’s favorite people is the best. You know it’s good when the four year old announces, “Mom, your babe is home!” every day when he comes home from work. 😄

I love our life together. God handpicked exactly who and what I needed in a spouse, and He even gave me the few specifics that I desired, like big hands, a bass singing voice, an uncommon Mennonite last name, and the ability to speak a second language.

To have someone who knows you so fully and loves you so completely is amazing. To have someone you can feel completely safe with is the best. To get to live life with your best friend every single day and laugh together and cry together and raise little ones together is so much fun!

We have the best adventures, and I can hardly wait to see what the next decades hold. I love you infinity! 😇