Jastef

Our two kids would come next in line, for things I'm thankful for. I am everyday amazed at how God uses them (in a big way) in my sanctification process. Just when I thought I'd arrived... God blessed me with children to remind me that I still have far to go.

With Ethan, the Lord has taught me that I am not nearly as patient as I thought, but at the same time, reminded me that He is a patient God and is very long suffering with me. I will never forget the overwhelming sense of love and joy I felt when I held Ethan for the very first time; those first moments of realizing I had such a deep and tender love hidden in my heart for this little boy, were incredible. He's my best friend while Daddy is at work. I love watching his mind work and seeing all the new things the Lord is teaching him, both physically and mentally. Being pregnant for nine months and have that little baby growing and forming inside me was an amazing miracle and another testimony to me of God's awesome power, but -- watching them develop from a tiny newborn, to walking, talking people... its a whole different miracle and quite a wonder. I love watching his physical development. Especially these days, as it feels like there's something new everyday. Last night he told me that his muscles are going to be like Daddy's when he's 30.

I'm thankful for those random kisses on my face, followed with "I love you, Mommy." I'm thankful for those times when he says "I'm sorry, Mommy" without me having him say it. I'm always thankful when the Lord gives me those little glimpses of our hard work, coming to fruition. When Ethan teaches Rachel, instead of hitting her, when he obeys me or Jase instead of running the other way, when he tells us he loves Jesus and he loves going to church, even though he may not fully understand what he's saying. I love the morning time when he pops out of bed and says "Good morning, Mommy... how was your sleep?"
I am thankful to have a husband that teaches my children to be considerate of me and very loving and tender with me. I'm even thankful when I have those frustrating days and then stop and realize God only gives what is good and right for me at the time He gives it.

Rachel is my little helper and for that, I know I will be very thankful in years to come. Right now it can be a bit overwhelming - with her taking everything I folded out of the basket and unfolding it, or emptying the kitchen cupboards, just because. She likes to organize and re-arrange and so I know we'll have great fun someday. I'm thankful for Rachel's life and for her good health. I'm thankful for her smile and sweet voice. She has been God's tool to remind me of His grace on those days I have that I just wish would end. She is a happy girl and loves people. I'm thankful for her kisses and her love for her Daddy and me. She has a tender heart and I am SO thankful for that. She's easy to deal with (a large percentage of the time) and aims to please, which is so nice.

I'm so thankful to the Lord for blessing us with a girl. To think I wanted a boy so badly, when we found out we were pregnant with her! God knew exactly what we needed and I can see how having a little sister to love and protect has been a huge blessing for us with Ethan. His personality definitely needed a little sister next and not a brother. I love watching my kids interact with each other. To see Ethan kiss her boo-boo's and to have them stop and hug each other, with out me encouraging it. I love to hear Ethan say things like "I want you to have another baby like Rachel because it would be fun to have two of her!" I adore watching my kids with Jason. Their love for him is priceless and I am so thankful to have a husband that knows when the work stops and the family time starts. I'm thankful for their fun and sometimes spontaneous outings with Daddy (also thankful for the break it gives me!) and so happy when they come home and say they missed me.

Verses in the Bible about children have always been very precious to me, as I've always known they're a blessing... but becoming a mom to these two has really brought home the truth and grace in this verses especially. Our quiver isn't even near full yet, but the promise in this verse is still wonderful!

Psalm 127:2-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!