2009 Book #42: Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts

I have finished another book! It is called Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts and published by Zondervan. It is in the Seasons of Tallgrass series.

Main character Mattie Evans is a young veterinarian who is trying to save a horse named Dusty after he was badly injured in an accident. Dusty belongs to the quarterback of the 49ers Gil McCray. Mattie's close friend John McCray is Gil's father. Gil ends up back home at the ranch, exactly where he doesn't want to be, because of Dusty's injury and his father's failing health. He wants to return to California but there are issues at home that he realizes he needs to confront. Mattie is somewhat stuck in the middle of trying to help both Gil and his father.

One thing I appreciated about this story was the important role of a couple of the minor characters, Jack (a ranch hand) and Clara (Mattie's friend). This is a well-written story of love, renewal, and forgiveness.

This one was enjoyable from beginning to end. It made me think of my friend from elementary school, Kelli, because her family raised horses and always went to horse shows. I apologize that it took me a while to actually read it. I had several I've been reading and this one got pushed aside. I do recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.

Have a day of blessings!

My dream come true :)

Last night I told my hubby I was so excited for today because it is Caleb's pumpkin party at school. I told him it is like a dream come true for me. It might sound silly, but this is what I always dreamed of being able to do. This is the first party they have had, and I'm so thankful and happy I can be the room mother and be there and be part of it.

We had a fun time this morning. I loved walking down the hall and hearing the buzz of happy kids in their classrooms. It was fun to see Caleb in the school setting, sitting at his table doing what the teacher said, with his classmates.

We played "pin the nose on the pumpkin." My Mom reminded me we played this in my kindergarten party! There is a picture of me somewhere, I hope to find it to show Caleb. Then we passed out treats. One Mom made cupcakes. Caleb asked Gramma to make pumpkin cookies so he passed those out. Plus some others brought juice and candy. Then after eating the kids made little jack o' lanterns on little foam pumpkin shapes. They seemed to enjoy that. We took a class picture at the end.

I'm looking forward to a fun weekend with my boys! We're going to a football game tonight and tomorrow will be some fun activities with Caleb the clown. He makes the cutest little clown! (See my FB for pictures!) Hope you have a great weekend too and be safe!

Have a day of blessings!

Thankful Thursday: Change

Thank you to Lynn for hosting Thankful Thursday this month. Hope you will join us! This week's theme is change.

Sometimes I think to myself how glad I am that things don't always stay the same. I think we all need the changes and variety to keep things interesting as we go about our daily lives. Many people say they don't do well with change. I like to think that God uses changes to help us grow and be more like Him. It is all part of the process of being closer in our walk with Him. We can't stay the same and expect to have a better relationship with Him. We have to change and grow. Yes, change hurts sometimes because we like to stay in our little comfort zones. But looking back you can see how beneficial the change was for you or your family and that God had a plan. I'm thankful for seasons of change and how God uses them in my life to teach me lessons.

I'm thankful for....

~ my husband's improvement in his sleep apnea since his tonsillectomy in July. He went back for a sleep study a couple weeks ago and this week went to the doctor for a follow-up. We prayed he wouldn't have to use the CPAP anymore and he doesn't. The surgery made a drastic difference for him.

~ my sweet son being nominated again! He told me this week it was because the other kids were talking in lunch and he was being quiet. I am proud of his good behavior!

~ fun memories we make each year going to the Light the Night Walk in memory of Peepaw.

~ laughing at funny things that happen. We have frogs all over our yard. They are tiny little things. I went to the mailbox this week and one hopped in the house! Thankfully I saw it and watched it (without even screaming or squealing!) and got it outside with the help of a plastic cup!

~ finding my lost cell phone. When I was going home Wednesday I realized I didn't have it with me. I told Caleb we better pray it's still at the library and if someone finds it they turn it in. They had it at the front desk when we arrived. I was so thankful!

Thank you for coming by today!

Have a day of blessings!

Winner!

The winner of the book The Last Word by Kathy Herman is #5.

Congratulations to heididh33! Email me with your address.

Have a day of blessings!

New resource for families

We received a new publication in the mail this week and I'd like to share it with you.
It's called "Thriving Families" from Focus on the Family. This is a new bi-monthly magazine and I've just finished looking at our copy. It seems to have something for everyone really with ideas for preschoolers through teenagers as well as separate columns for men and women.

You can subscribe now for $9.99 for a year. Hope you will check it out!

Have a day of blessings!

As long as it is called Today: Christian home keepers (October)

Welcome to "As long as it is called Today" as we encourage one another. I hope you will join me each week on Tuesdays as we encourage each other in our daily lives as Christians, spouses, parents, and home keepers.

Here is the link to last week's question. I enjoyed the fun fall ideas you shared!

Today's question: Do you have any yummy fall treats you enjoy making?

My answer: Here is a recipe for something I made on Monday. I found the recipe on another blog. They are tasty! Caleb liked them. I don't think he would have eaten them if he had seen me pour in the pumpkin!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Mix:
2 beaten eggs
1/2 Cup soft margarine
1 C. pumpkin pie filling

Add and mix:
1 2/3 Cup flour
2/4 Cup sugar
1 T. pumpkin pie spice
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt

Add:
1 Cup chocolate chips
Bake 20-25 minutes at 350.

Hope you enjoy these. I look forward to reading other fall recipes!

(Don't forget about the book giveaway I'm doing also! Today is the last day to sign up!)

Have a day of blessings!

Rainy Monday

How was your weekend? We went to the Light the Night Walk. This is our fourth year to participate in memory of Peepaw. We raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It was a nice evening for the Walk. My aunt, cousin, and Mom come and go with us. We always have a fun time eating out together and then going to the Walk. My husband drives us. This year was the first year we didn't push Caleb in the stroller. I was proud of him for walking the whole way. We made two laps around the park, and he didn't seem to mind walking!

Sunday I was very tired and took a nap in the afternoon after church.

Today has been a rainy Monday morning. I have been home doing laundry and ironing. I have a full week the rest of the week, so I'm doing what I can get done today. Tuesday I'm going to a continuing education class. I hope it's an interesting one! Wednesday and Thursday I'll be at the food pantry in the morning and then Thursday I have to get my permanent crown put on my tooth. I had no idea they were giving me a temporary one when I went to have the work done two weeks ago. Then on Friday is Caleb's pumpkin party at school. I am the room mother and need to email the other Mom's to remind them of what they are bringing. We are playing "pin the nose on the pumpkin." I have pictures somewhere at my Mom's house of me playing this when I was in kindergarten. Also we will make little foam jack o' lanterns from a kit from Michael's. My Mom made pumpkin cookies too and someone else is bringing cupcakes. Then Saturday is Halloween. We don't make a big deal out of it, but Caleb is dressing up as a clown. (You can see a picture of my cute little clown on Facebook later this week!) He said a long time ago he wanted to be a clown so Gramma made him a costume. (I was a clown one year too and need to find that picture also to show him!) We will probably take him to one of the festivals or "trunk or treats" at one of the local churches. There are a few ladies from church who would like to see him also so we might go visit them.

Do you have a busy week ahead? October has been busy for us! I'm looking forward to November and the holidays.

* Also, I am having a book giveaway on Tuesday so go sign up today if you are interested in a great book with a great message.

Have a day of blessings!

Proverbs & Prayers Week #43

This week's verse is Proverbs 23: 15, 16--

"My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right."

Please share any prayer requests you have by leaving a comment. I have a few to share this week that I want to remind you to pray for as you pray this week:

~ Katie and Clayton....young children battling brain tumors.

~ Orion's family. I visited them last week. Continue to lift them up as they live without their son.

~ Christine, Debbie's sister. Pray for complete healing of her eyesight.

~ Kristi's family and daughter Rachel.

Thank you for joining me in prayer. I hope this is the beginning of a wonderful last week of October for you!

Have a day of blessings!

"A Child is Born"

I heard a story on KLOVE this week about new photographs that were taken of a baby developing in the womb. Have you seen them? Click here to see them. I am amazed to see the details of the tiny fingers and blood vessels.


(Also if you haven't signed up for my book giveaway yet, go do that too!)

Have a day of blessings!

Thankful Thursday: Things that make you go hmmm

Today for Thankful Thursday we are at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Lynn's theme is "things that make you go hmmm?" What a fun theme for Thankful Thursday!

Do you ever think to yourself "I wonder why....." I have thought this many times. I wonder why God created mosquitos. I wonder what it was like on Noah's Ark or to be Daniel in the lion's den. I wonder how He knows every hair on our heads. I wonder why He made the sky blue and grass green. I'm thankful that we don't know all the answers. We don't really need to know. We just need to notice and be appreciative and someday in Heaven maybe we can ask.

This week I'm giving thanks for...

~ my husband's wisdom regarding finances. We talked about our plan of where we both want to be for the future, and I enjoyed sharing with him and hearing his thoughts.

~ my son's sweet nature. He gives the sweetest hugs and snuggles.

~ reading good books (see review and giveaway below! It's a GREAT book with a wonderful message!)

~ having umbrellas to use in the rain.

~ God's love.

Thanks for visiting me for Thankful Thursday. I'd also like to share two other things with you today. First is my devotional called "Seeing With His Eyes" over at Laced With Grace.

Second, don't forget to look at the previous post for a review of a book I just read as well as a giveaway for that book.

Have a day of blessings!

Giveaway + 2009 Book #41: The Last Word by Kathy Herman

I’ve finished reading The Last Word, book two of the Sophie Trace Trilogy by Kathy Herman. I had been excited for this to come out after reading book one The Real Enemy. I was not disappointed! This is another great read, and I found it hard to put down.

Sophie Trace Chief of Police Brill Jessup must be on guard at all times because someone she convicted years ago is now out of prison and has threatened Brill. He’s already gone after others and Brill is next on his list. Besides this danger, Brill’s daughter Vanessa comes home from college seven months pregnant. I thought the author did an excellent job telling this story and making a strong point through the book about the importance of the witnessing as Christians.

One thing that I liked about this second book of the series is that the author did not spend pages and pages referring to the first book. She did make mention of events from book one. It wasn’t necessary to read book one to enjoy this book though. I’ve read some books in a series that I feel spend too much time repeating what happened in previous books which is information I don’t want to reread. I really liked how Kathy Herman mentioned things from book one but didn’t dwell on it in great detail.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to number three!

****Also I want to give away a copy of this book to one reader. Please leave a comment on this post. I will have a random drawing on Tuesday, October 27 and announce the winner. Giveaway open to US residents.

Have a day of blessings!

As long as it is called Today: Christian parents (October)

Welcome to "As long as it is called Today" as we encourage one another. I hope you will join me each week on Tuesdays as we encourage each other in our daily lives as Christians, spouses, parents, and home keepers.

Here is the link to last week's question.

Today's question: Share a tip of something to do with children in fall.

My answer: We love to go take pictures in the pumpkins! I love to see pumpkin pictures of other kids too.

Have a day of blessings!

And the winner is....

Congratulations to our winner of last week's giveaway for Gary Chapman's The Marriage You've Always Wanted. Random.org picked 3 so the winner is Ruth Stiles. Please email me with your address!

Have a day of blessings!

Praying for you

This morning as I was ironing I was thinking about you, my blog readers, and praying that God would bless you today. I tried to remember those of you who I know read my blog because of your comments as well as those whose blog I read.

I prayed for you who are sick and under the weather.
I prayed for you who are traveling this week to the bloggers retreat in Florida.
I prayed for you who are worried about your health.
I prayed for you who are speaking at the bloggers retreat.
I prayed for you who are dealing with financial troubles.
I prayed for you who are writers that God would bless your words and your readers.
I prayed for you who are pregnant that God would protect your little one growing inside you.
I prayed for you who are Mommies that God would help you as you daily love your children.
I prayed for you who are dealing with troubles in your marriage that God would bring renewal.
I prayed for you who are depressed.
I prayed for you who are working to reach out to others.
I prayed for you who are daily facing chronic illnesses.
I prayed for you who are people I know in real life who read my blog.
I prayed for you who are starting new businesses that those would be successful.
I prayed for you who are my relatives that you would know God's love today.
I prayed for you who are mourning the loss of a loved one.
I prayed for you who are caring for your elderly parents.
I prayed for you who are not sure about your future.
I prayed for you.
I prayed for you.
I prayed for you.

In case no one has told you lately, you matter...you are special.

Have a day of blessings!

Proverbs & Prayers Week #42

This week's verse is found in Proverbs 22:17, 18:

"Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips."

Please let me know if you have a prayer request. I'd be happy to pray for you. I do not have any new ones to mention at this time for this week.

Have a day of blessings!

Thankful Thursday: Entitlement or Riches

Today we are meeting at Spiritually Unequal Marriage (I misspell unequal every time!) for Thankful Thursday and this week's theme is "Entitlement or Riches."

This struck me as I was reading Lynn's post....."Sometimes we can become overwhelmed with our current circumstances and forget the riches right before our eyes."

Has this every happened to you? I'm sure it has at some point. It's easy to forget how much we have when we're focusing only on the things we think we deserve or the things we don't have at the time. Lynn goes on to write that a way to combat those feelings God's way is to serve. What ways do you have of serving others?

This week I am thankful for many things. Here is my list:

~ sweet words of my husband. This week on the phone it made me smile for him to say I was a blessing. It makes me smile now to think of him telling me that.

~ good reports from school of our sweet boy. When he was put in the car Wednesday afternoon the lady told me he got nominated again. This is his third time. He said this time was for doing what he was supposed to be doing in the lunch room. It makes my heart happy! He gets to choose a prize of a tattoo or a free meal at Chick fil a when he's nominated. He picks chicken. :)

~ my dental appointment on Tuesday...no root canal needed. You can read about it in the post before this one.

~ our wonderful day together at home on Monday without work or school. It was so nice to do things with Caleb from our "before school" routine, like "book nook."

~ the cool weather. It was chilly this weekend and we needed jackets. I love getting comfortable in my robe and fuzzy socks!

Hope your week has been blessed. Thanks for stopping by today! You are special.

(Also I'm having a book giveaway--Gary Chapman's The Marriage You've Always Wanted, check out this post to find out more and to be entered.)

Have a day of blessings!

Dentists!

Is going to the dentist on your list of favorite places to go? Mine either! I have never been afraid of dentists because of the wonderful care I received as a child. I'm so thankful for this. I know many people who dread dentist visits, and I'm glad I don't have this fear.

However, as an adult I have not been careful about keeping up with teeth cleanings and exams. When I went in September, some problems were found. The main one was one tooth needed a crown and a possible root canal. That appointment was on Tuesday. They had told me the dentist was very gentle and it wouldn't hurt, but I was still nervous about what to expect. I'd been praying I wouldn't need the root canal. He started the procedure and stopped after a bit, and I heard him say he wasn't having to do the root canal. I can't tell you how thankful this made me! As I was paying as I left the girl told me at least you didn't have to gave the root canal. I agreed and told her I'd prayed I wouldn't.

So a day early for Thankful Thursday I had to express my thankfulness that....
1. I'm not afraid of dentists.
2. I didn't have to have a root canal.
3. We have dental insurance.
4. And we don't have loan or vehicle debt so the part insurance doesn't pay we are able to cover.
5. My husband supporting me through this. It's his turn next.

How do you feel about dentists and oral health? Do you brush twice a day and floss once a day?

**Remember to look at the previous post for a book giveaway!

Have a day of blessings!

Giveaway + As long as it is called Today: Christian wives/husbands (October)

Welcome to "As long as it is called Today" as we encourage one another. I hope you will join me each week on Tuesdays as we encourage each other in our daily lives as Christians, spouses, parents, and home keepers.

Here is the link to last week's question about being a Christian.

Today's question: Have you read any books, seen any movies, or attended any conferences that have been helpful to your marriage? Tell us about them.

My answer: I've read many. One that I read recently is The Marriage You've Always Wanted by Gary Chapman. You can read my review of it here. I enjoyed this book and want to give you a chance to learn from it too.

I am giving away a copy of both the book The Marriage You've Always Wanted AND the study guide. If you'd like to be entered, leave a comment at this post answering today's question.

*This giveaway is open to US residents only. One winner will be drawn at random next Monday, October 19 and winner announced next week on "As long as it is called Today."

Have a day of blessings!

Columbus Day holiday

Today we've been at home, and it's been so very nice! It's wonderful to have both my boys home from work and school. I've been doing laundry and picking up while they've worked on the camper and in the garage. I can tell Caleb has enjoyed a "do nothing day" and having time to lay on the floor and play with his toys. While I was folding a load of clothes I enjoyed listening to him play and talk, a sound I've missed lately with him in school. After that I caught him putting up the towels for me, which made me smile. He's had fun helping Daddy clean out the camper too. The day has passed quickly.

What did you do on Columbus Day?

Have a day of blessings!

Proverbs & Prayers: Week #41

This week's verse is from Proverbs 21:30--

"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord."

Let me know if you have a prayer request this week. I'd be happy to pray for you.

Please remember in prayer:

~ Orion's family. Orion went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday at the age of 4 1/2 years. The services were on Friday. Please keep his family lifted in prayer. His Mommy has been with him at the hospital for the past two months so pray for her as she adjusts to being back at home.

Have a day of blessings!

Book #40: Sometimes a Light Surprises by Jaime Langston Turner

In catching up on some of my reading I have finished Sometimes a Light Surprises by Jamie Langston Turner.

This is the story of widowed Ben Buckley, his secretary Caroline, a young girl he hires Kelly, and one of his daughters Erin. Each character has huge issues . Mr Buckley lives his life one ritual after another since the murder of his wife over twenty years ago. Caroline loves watching and reading mysteries and has a troubled relationship with her son. Kelly is a young girl from a large family who is very surprised to be hired by Mr. Buckley. She faces ridicule from her coworkers and continues to do what she can to be a light to them.. Erin is full of bitterness because of her father's actions after her mother's death.

I will admit this story was not a page turner for me. I enjoyed the story, but it seemed to move slowly and I had trouble getting into it. I think the reader will be able to find someone to relate to in this story and their struggles.

I appreciated the theme of light in this book. As I was reading it reminded me of senior year English and studying themes in various books.

Have a day of blessings!

Book #39: Take One by Karen Kingsbury

This is my first audio book. I've checked movies out from the library that I thought I'd watch when Caleb was in school as I did laundry, ironing, etc. But it hasn't happened yet! When I saw my favorite author Karen Kingsbury's Take One from the Above the Line series, I thought I could try the audio version.

Friends and former missionaries, Chase and Keith are in Bloomington, Indiana working on a new movie. These producers are Christians and want a movie that is set apart from other trash of Hollywood, a movie that will change the world Because of this they are an independent film therefore they are on a low budget. They have worked to raise enough funds for the filming and as they begin to shoot, troubles come from all directions. Will they be able to continue until their dream is fulfilled?

If you are familiar with Karen Kingsbury's series, you'll know the Baxter family. They are in this series as minor characters, which is nice since they feel like "real people" after reading so much about them in the other books.

I highly recommend this book and already have listened to part of Take Two!

Have a day of blessings!

Thankful Thursday: Count Your Blessings

This week for Thankful Thursday we're over at Lynn's (Spiritually Unequal Marriage). She wrote a wonderful TT post and mentioned the song "Count Your Many Blessings."

This is really a great theme for me for this week. My heart has been heavy. Little Orion went home to be with Jesus this week. The funeral is Friday morning. I know he's healthy and safe in Jesus' arms today, and I'm glad he isn't going to have to suffer. My heart hurts for his family though, his Mom and Dad, brother, sister, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Through the pain I can be thankful for this little boy and knowing God had a plan and purpose for his life.

Have you counted your blessings lately? Here are some of mine...

~ supportive husband. When our son was awake in the night coughing, he got up with us to check and see if he could do anything to help out. I love this about him! It really blessed me to know he cared and didn't just lay in bed as he could have done.

~ funny boy. I love that he always makes me laugh. When we were sitting on the couch I told him it was time for bath. He paused and said, "I don't smell bad" as he sniffed his arm.

~ friends.
~ purple flowers in my backyard.
~ cool mornings.
~ rainy days.
~ fun trip to the State Fair.
~ books.
~ 5 senses.
~ blogging friends.
~ mail.
~ fall decorations.
~ email stories that make me smile.
~ reading with my boy.
~ Bible.
~ answers to prayers.
~ food.
~ music.
~ books on CD.
~ YOU visiting my blog.

Okay, your turn! Count your blessings! If you start it will probably be hard to stop!

Have a day of blessings!

As long as it is called Today: Christian women/men (October)

Welcome to "As long as it is called Today" as we encourage one another. I hope you will join me each week on Tuesdays as we encourage each other in our daily lives as Christians, spouses, parents, and home keepers.

Here is the link to last week's question

Today's question: What does it mean to you to be a Christian?

My answer: To me being a Christian means following Christ's example of living in all I do. I know I'm not going to get it all right. but I know I can keep trying and working towards that. Being a Christian is something you are daily, not just on Sunday's or not just on paper because it sounds good.

I hope you will join in and give your answer today. Thanks for participating.


I have some book reviews I'll be posting plus book giveaways sometime soon!

Have a day of blessings!

2009 State Fair trip!

Howdy folks!

For the past several years we have made a family trip to the State Fair of Texas. (Here is last year's post.) I remember the first year we went that right before we left for the day we went to the baby booth to change Caleb, and he peed all over his pants. Other memories are when Caleb was old enough to do "Little Hands on the Farm." Also he was so excited the first year he got to do the Pee Wee Stampede.

We were all looking forward to the trip. This year since we have a school boy we had to go on the weekend though instead of during the week like we've always done before.

Friday after school we loaded up. We made a couple of stops along the way. We stopped for me to pick up coupons for the Fair at McDonalds. Then we stopped for supper.

Then the boys wanted to stop here . . .

. . . to get one of these.

I found a room at La Quinta for $34 a night with the weekend special plus the discount we have through ACU! We've been pleased with LQ overall, and I was excited to find one so cheap compared to most others that were $70-$80 normally. We ended up going to bed late because when we turned the lights off we saw a flashing light in the smoke detector. It was enough to be annoying, so we switched rooms. It was like a camera flash, and it went off every 45 seconds to a minute. We were glad it wasn't beeping, but it was worrying Caleb and hard to ignore.

Saturday morning Caleb was awake very early, I think around 6. He went to the bathroom and said he was hungry. I gave him some graham crackers I'd stuffed in our snack bag. After 7 Daddy took him down to try the continental breakfast. He didn't eat much though--I think he was excited for our day!

Since it was the first Saturday of the month we found this . . .

. . . so Caleb could make this.

He's been to all the workshops this year, and this was his third workshop in a different city than where we live! I knew he'd want to do this month's project since it was a fire station. I just love the little bank. As you can see in the picture it has three slots for saving, spending, and sharing, which is what we've been doing with Caleb except in envelopes and a piggy bank. I like having it all in one place!

Next it was on to the fair. With the coupons we got Caleb's admission free and four dollars off one adult ticket. So we all three got in for $26. (Not that anyone cares, just for my own reference!!)

We went to the favorite petting zoo.

Then it was time for the 12:00 Pee Wee Stampede. Caleb got his number and hat. He was in both bare back riding and bull riding. He won a trophy in the bull riding! It was so fun!
We headed over to find some lunch.

Caleb and had corn dogs. (Lunch total was $16.) We walked around some of the booths, and the boys loved the auto show. We always get in the seats of several of the vehicles. This year they had a fishing booth. None of the fish were biting though. Caleb wanted to scoop one up with a net! He was very patient, and I wonder how long he would have stood there. It's probably time to go fishing with Gramma again! He really wanted to catch a fish.

We went over to hear the wonderful Marine Drum & Bugle Corps.

There is something stirring to stand in a very light drizzle singing the National Anthem with hundreds of others. After the performance we headed back across the park. Caleb wanted cotton candy. Of course the price is a bit ridiculous, but he always wants it and I always say no. But this time I said yes. :) Daddy and I had a funnel cake. I was debating on getting an ear of corn but didn't want to be too full for supper! I took Caleb to play in Big Tex sand box. He loved it. It was neat how all the kids were so content in the sand and none of them wanted to leave!

We went over for Daddy to test drive a Traverse. Caleb and I rode along. Then Caleb got to go to the kids' area and drive around a kids' sized Escalade. By this time it was a steady drizzle. Caleb said he wanted to do the Ferris wheel. I told him it was kind of expensive, and he got to do the cars this year. Plus I was thinking how we needed to leave soon and I didn't want to walk over there or stand in line. We had a full day and Caleb was okay with not riding it this year.

We all got pretty wet walking to the car. Caleb fell asleep while we drove to eat.

We all slept well and headed home Sunday morning. It was a great trip and I'm happy we have this tradition!

Have a day of blessings!

Marriage Monday: Extreme Makeover

Want this button?

Extreme Makeover: How God Renewed Our Marriage Against All the Odds.

Every marriage goes through rough patches—and some are severe—but the good news is God's Word is completely adequate to help us through. Click on the button above to join us today for Marriage Monday.

While thinking about today's topic, I had a hard time coming up with something to share. We have had our times of disagreements and hard days just like every married couple. We've used these times to learn and grow instead of drive us apart. I couldn't think of any story to share of how our marriage has gone through any extreme makeover.

What I did think about is how we are different today than we were when we said our vows 8 years ago. We were so in love then and that love has grown deeper. We thought we knew everything about one another but we realize we keep learning new things. We've learned so much through the years. He knows what I like now and does those things to make me happy, like praying together and telling me good night each night instead of rolling over and going to sleep. Marriage is something that takes consistent work. You can't just decide one day, "I think I'll put some effort into my marriage today and try to make my husband happy." You have to consistently grow and build day after day.

On our wedding invitation was the verse Ecclesiastes 4:12-- "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." That has been an encouragement throughout our marriage, and we know that the third strand is God. He has been our helper and given us blessings in our marriage for which we are both thankful.

Have a day of blessings!