This morning, I woke up earlier than my alarm clock, like usual. ( Sometimes I wonder why I even bother with it, but the first time I don't set it, I oversleep.) So I trudged upstairs for my diet coke and my morning computer time. The first post on my facebook page was a reminder from a friend to be thankful today, to give thanks with a grateful heart. (It was a general reminder, mind you, not one aimed specifically at me!) And oh, how grateful I am for my beautiful family.

For my husband, Daryl. God sent him to us right when He knew we needed him. He is my rock and my very best friend. He is an amazing father and the hardest worker I know. He works three jobs and does so willingly, just so we can have what we need and what we want. He is honest and loves the Lord and sets a great example for our children. He has taught our son how to treat the woman he loves, and our daughters to set their expectations high. My boy. What an amazing young man he has grown up to be. He is such a mini-me, with all of his little quirks and worries, but such a good good man child. Yes, the momma in me is not willing to give up the child part. He loves the Lord and wants to serve Him with his life. He is going to school and working many hours a week without too many grumbles. He treats his girlfriend like she is a princess, and still makes time to let his momma know that he still loves her too. Love him, love him, love him!

My Sarah. People always say that she looks just like me (neither of us see this, btw), but I see in her so many things that I wish I could have been at her age. She is wise beyond her years and such a little nurturer. She has confidence in herself, and realizes her value as a daughter of the King. She has set high standards for herself, and refuses to accept less. She has a beautiful voice and beautiful hair and a beautiful spirit. I am proud to call her my daughter and my friend.

Maddy, Maddy, Maddy. My sweet little Maddy. She wears her heart on her sleeve and loves with her whole heart. Her biggest love is Jesus, and she steadfastly works on being a better servant, better daughter, better witness for Him. She isn't afraid to speak her mind, and she doesn't accept no for an answer. She is up one minute and down the next, but I can always count on her to do everything she does with purpose and passion. She is unpredictable, but she makes things interesting and fun!

This picture just sums up Hannah perfectly....jumping for joy. She is our long awaited blessing who keeps us smiling every day. She is nonstop chatter, even in her sleep. She finds the wonder in every situation and makes me remember what fun it is to be a kid. She loves God and believes with the innocence and passion of a child. Her favorite thing to say to me is, "I love you too much, Mommy. More than anything in the world, except God." She has kept that sweetness close, but is starting to come out of her shell to others.

My Char Char. My unexpected blessing. My sweet sweet, laid back child. The baby who allowed me to enjoy infancy one last time. She is cuddly and spunky and is starting to love books. She has a little naughty streak in her lately--coloring on walls, throwing sand and anything else that isn't nailed down, but she still lights up my day, every day. I love the way she loves her sister, the ow-tie (outside), and her "ba."

Thank you, God, for these amazing blessings in my life. I am so undeserving, but so grateful for the chance to be their wife/mommy!