Favorite Things

I feel like we're at a wonderful place within our little family of four, plus two wiener dogs. Matt's job is going well. I'm getting back to my favorite hobbies. The kids are healthy, sleeping well, and as always, very giggly and full of surprises. What more could I ask for? Here have been some of my most favorite things as of lately:

- Tobin has had thoughts about his future and is already making plans. He wanted to marry Heidi and I quickly put a stop to that. Then he decided on another precious little friend of his. He has told me that he's going to be a fireman, and Zoey is going to be his firewoman. He's also told me that he's practicing being a good daddy so that he can take care of Zoey's baby someday. What a little guy!

- Tobin and Heidi have bonded in ways that I've prayed for since finding out we were pregnant with her. They are so close that Heidi lights up when Tobin walks in the room and Tobin gets a big grin on his face when he sees her. They have giggle fits together over nothing...I'll walk in the room and they're just laughing with one another for no apparent reason. Tobin shares all of his toys with Heidi and even takes in consideration if it would be something she could choke on. He'll put the questionable toys up high where she can't reach it. He's already looking out for her.

- When Heidi is going down for a nap or going to bed, I'll hold her and give her the lovie blanket I made for her. She grabs it ferociously and rubs her face back and forth on it. She then starts to suck her thumb and lays her head on my shoulder. This is one of my favorite daily moments with her that I will always remember.

- I've started working on opening my own Etsy shop. I you haven't visited the website before, Etsy is a place online where people can sell handmade, homemade things. I will announce the shop opening after I have items listed for purchase. I still have a little bit of stitching to do. Stay tuned!

- Matt has started coaching softball, and although I know he misses volleyball, he still continues to be a great influence and positive coach for the girls he sees every day. I can't say enough how happy it makes me that Matt loves his job and is able to subtly shine Christ's light in a public school setting. What an opportunity he has been given and it's a responsibility he doesn't take lightly.

There have been all kinds of small daily joys that I've been trying to take the time to enjoy instead of rushing through chores and errands. We're coloring more, reading more, and imagining more. I feel like everywhere I look, families just like us are facing severe hardships - divorce, kids with cancer, miscarriages, military deployment, not to mention the devastation in Haiti. We are incredibly blessed with amazing friends, a secure job, our house, our health, our family, and our faith. Thank you, Lord.