Kreative Blogger

Thanks, Leigh, for thinking of me for this award. I was thinking about it all afternoon. I made a list, then revised it, then combined items. Once I got going on it, it was harder than I thought it would be to narrow it down to seven things. But, here goes...

Seven Things I Love

1. Mark -- He's my hero, my cowboy, my knight in shining armor. I'm so proud to be his wife! Sometimes I can't believe that I was lucky enough to find someone so wonderful, and that we've been together almost 9 years. I love the life that we have built together, and I love that I will grow old with him by my side.

2. Zack and Xander -- I originally wanted to put them as separate things, because I love them do differently (like "I Love You the Purplest"). I love that Zack is now reading and that he loves to be active, even when he's running up and down the hall, screaming at the top of his lungs. I love that Xander is putting words together and understanding concepts I wouldn't have thought possible for a 1-1/2 year old to understand. I love hearing them laugh, seeing them be good brothers to each other, helping out with things. I love it when they make new discoveries that blow my mind ("Where did he learn that!?"). I love that I have the privilege of watching them grow and helping them learn.

3. Family -- When I was younger, I thought that having such a big family was a curse. Though I still wouldn't wish it on someone, I love it now! I guess I've grown up and become a wife and mother, so I can relate to them at a different level. I do wish that I could see them more often... I love my mom, and I miss her dearly. She was a wonderfully generous woman (she would have to be to raise 10 kids, though, wouldn't she?). I wish that my children could have known her, but I also hope that I am making her proud with the way I am raising my children... And Mark's family, it's almost polar opposite to my family, but I love them, too. I'm glad that we live so close to Mark's mom, and that the boys get to see her so often.

4. Friends -- Old friends and new, from school and work and church. I would love to 'hang out' with people more. But it's reassuring to know that, with true friends, it doesn't matter how long it's been since we've seen each other or even spoken, the friendship never really changes.

5. Enjoying God's Creation -- When Zack says his prayer at mealtime, he always says, "Thank you for the whole world and everything you created." Having a picnic outside when the weather is just perfect; stepping out onto the beach (just for a moment, while delivering pizzas) to see the entire rainbow across the ocean; seeing the sun's rays streaming through a break in the clouds; watching the Mama Bird in her nest, so careful to protect her babies; realizing that is was God's hand that turned my car all the way around so that Jessianne and I would live; enjoying time spent with people that He has put into my life; and just taking moments to realize how blessed we are!

6. Being creative -- My whole adult life, I've always thought of myself as creative. My favorite center when I taught first grade was art. I love drawing, making scrapbook pages, making crafts, even decorating cakes my own way. I would really love to get better, get really good at one of those things. I also love being involved with the kindergarten Sunday School class. It gives me a chance to be creative and share my knowledge and faith with those children (without all the paperwork and accountability of teaching school).

7. Chocolate -- Yup, I'm admittedly a chocoholic. Just don't put coconut in it!

***The Kreative Blogger Award was passed to me and now I am passing it on. Liz, Andrea, Karen, Eileen and Susan, I can't wait to hear about the things you love!***