Thankful

In a time of so much uncertainty and loss, it is so easy for me to lose sight of all that we have and fear instead of thank. My husband has such a grateful spirit, he reminds me daily that we have everything that money can't buy... since he is a better person than me, he follows the advice of our pastor and writes down 10 things he is thankful for everyday before he starts his workday. Here are mine today.

1. My marriage. I am married to a Godly man who wants to fulfill God's purposes for our lives and love me and Owen. He is good, and handsome, and so much fun to be with.
2. New life. My heart has expanded this year with Owen, he is such a miracle. Never did I think that I had any room left for such a big love to add in my heart.
3. Beauty. Everyday, no matter what mood I am in or what chaos surrounds us, God gives me beauty in nature, music, books, and people to remind me that he is good.
4. Our families. both the Burtons and the Saukkolas are amazing... where would we be without them?
5. Community. Mark and I are surrounded by some of the most outstanding people I have ever known. They support us and journey with us through whatever may be going on.
6. Our church. Right now I am in a spiritual growth group that is rocking my world. So thankful for the women who allow me to be vulnerable and imperfect.
7. God is god and I am not. I am so thankful that I have a good God guiding me, and that he is in control and I am not.
8. Running. It has mostly been a year without running with the pregnancy and post baby bod. Im so glad to be able to run again (even if its not as often)... it feels amazing.
9. My time at home with Owen. Im so grateful for this time off of work... it has been a dream. Im grateful that I have a husband who values me being home more than the money I would be making.
10. Hot beverages. Okay, so I didnt save the best for last... but where would I be without my cup of comfort? I love my hot coffee or tea... anytime, anywhere.

What are you thankful for?

My Favorite Place

Im convinced Crystal Cove is one of the most beautiful places in the world... when I need to feel alone, or need to get away and get my mind off of something, or just want to be somewhere beautiful, I go there. Last Tuesday Mark and I were craving a midweek vacation, so when he got home from work we strapped Owen in and caught the sunset at Crystal Cove. Its a mile away, but for some reason it feels really far from any worry or stress. Without failure, everytime we turn into the parking lot one of us says to the other, "Do you know this is one of my favorite places?" as if we had never said it before. It just feels good to say it. Owen LOVES the backpack. He loves the beach just as much as we do.

I may be sick of the heat wave, but I love the amazing sunsets. Have you seen one lately?

My bright spot.

My son is simply edible to me right now. I cant help it, he is so cute. He can brighten up any day, and make me forget any worry.

ps. Photo by Simon Pollard

Cute-a-saurus Rex

Gotta love the side view.Owen and Grandpa... BFFs.
Here's a sneak peek of Owen in his Halloween costume. We dressed him up after church on Saturday for the Harvest Carnival... it was pretty funny. Thanks for loaning us the costume Linds.

Jeremiah 17

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when the heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.

New things..

This week, Owen took his first shower with dad. It was a total hit. He loved every second of it and did not appreciate being taken out.

Owen met his new soul mate, Shelby.
As for the new crib, Owen has found his niche. I place him in the middle every time I promise. He snuggles his way into the absolute corner of the bed. I think he misses his bassinet. Check out all of the unused space!

We are out of the woods on the sleeping strike. He is back to his old amazing ways...thank you.