25 Days of Thanks: Day 8

I'm thankful for "FIRSTS".....today, Ryder gave me his first real kiss (one where he leaned toward me and knew what he was doing) It was the BEST!!!! Melted my heart...and then I kept saying "give me one more" and he would give me another one...then I would clap and say "thank you so much!!"...this went on for about 5 times...and then I got a hand in my face...literally!! Guess he was tired of giving them out! Can't wait to get more tomorrow(:

25 Days of Thanks: Day 7

oops....forgot to post last night!
I'm thankful for the need a child has for it's mother....I was needed between the wee hours of 12:30-2am last night...and I was the only one that could comfort him and he wouldn't let me put him down! Now, at 12:30am I wasn't really thinking I'm thankful for that....but in hindsight- yes, I am thankful(:
Which reminds me as we remember "Orphan Month"...I think all the time about how sad it is that there are so many children around the world (147 million to be exact) that don't have the love of a mother- that want so desparately to be loved but have no one. I'm thankful to be a in church where we are continually reminded of ways we can love, pray, and support the Orphans.

25 Days of Thanks: Day 6

I'm thankful for JOY!

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

I'm thankful that even though I'm not "happy" all the time, I can have Joy because of Christ and the Hope I have in Him.

I was going through some pics on my computer and found these two pics.. (the bottom one) is from November, 2008 -the day we found out we were finally pregnant and the top one is from a few minutes after we found out we were having a boy. When I saw my face in these pics the first thing I thought of was pure JOY!

25 Days of Thanks: Day Five

I'm thankful for TWO wonderful families! Andy and I are so blessed to not only love our own parents- but our in-laws as well! We are both so thankful for the opportunity of growing up in Christian homes. We're thankful that both of our parents have been married for 35+ years and the example of a Christ centered marriage they have set before us. We're thankful for all of our siblings and all the new siblings we're about to gain via marriage! Love you all so much!!(:

25 Days of Thanks: Day Four

I'm thankful for the Holiday Season that is quickly approaching! I'm thankful for all the fun festivities, the decorating, the great food, spending time with family and friends, giving thanks, and celebrating our Savior's birth. Over the past few years the Lord has really stretched me to focus less on all the "fluff" and more on Him- most of this is due to our business being slammed during these few months...over the last few years we had to skip most xmas parties (so that we could make the food for all the people having xmas parties- ha!) and I didn't even get a tree for a few years (and yes, that was very sad...I LOVE decorating for Christmas and it was a bummer to not have the time). So because of all that, many years it didn't "feel" like Christmas. It was actually kind of refreshing to be able to fix my eyes on Him. I hope I won't forget that this year(:

On a completely different note, if you live in Bham, come by Ashley Mac's Cahaba Heights this Friday and Saturday for our Holiday Open House- lot's of free samples. Check out our Holiday Menu on our website www.ashleymacs.com

25 Days of Thanks: Day Three

I'm thankful for the 7 amazing years that Andy and I just celebrated a few weeks ago. By far the best 7 years of my life! I love him more now than the day I married him.....I used to say I was obsessed with him (and yes, it's true, I am) but Andy said that sounded weird. So whatever, I'm really in love-you get the idea! I also grow to love him more everyday as I watch him in his role as a dad....Ryder is one lucky little guy! Ryder thinks Andy is the greatest- he grins from ear to ear when he sees him pull up the driveway every night. Here are the little twins below...Andy doesn't see why I get a thrill out of dressing them alike...but isn't it so fun?!!