Thursday, November 26, 2009

I am Truly Thankful Today

On days like this when I reflect on the blessings in my life, I am so thankful for the Lord's grace that has brought me to this point in my life. I am thankful that my parent's brought me to church at a young age and that I heard the good news of Christ's birth, life, death and resurrection for my sins. It was at that point that my life had true purpose and that still today, I live for eternity. "This world is not my home, I am just passing through".

I am thankful for my parents who continued to bring me up in the ways of the Lord. We didn't have much as far as possessions go, but we sure were happy. I am thankful for my relationship with my parents and siblings that are so strong still today.

I am thankful that I met Tim at Centre County Christian Academy in 8th grade. We were "enemies" for that first year, but then became best friends for our 9th and 10th grade year. We then dated (on and off) from our 11th grade year until we got married right after 4 years of college. He is my best friend and a wonderful father for our baby girl.

I am thankful that in marrying Tim I gained a "second family" - the Baylor Family. The have all been gracious and loving and I couldn't ask for better in-laws.

I can't help to think back to last year on Thanksgiving day. I was VERY pregnant, thinking
Maddy could come any day (although she ended up being very stubborn and coming weeks later). I had only one more week of teaching left before I went on maternity leave- boy was I excited!

It's hard to believe that she just turned 11 months old! We are only 27 days away from her FIRST birthday. The time has just flown by, probably because we are having so much fun! Needless to say, we are thankful for the gift of our daughter. We are thankful that she is healthy, hyper, and happy ;) She is crawling so quickly now, cruising around everywhere-sometimes holding on with only one finger. But she hasn't quite tried to take that first step yet, but that's perfectly fine with me- I am so happy with the stage she is in now. She is a blast! She is sleeping great at night (sometimes til 8 or 9 in the morning after going to bed at 7 or 8 at night! What can I say, the kid loves her sleep! She is down to two naps most days - which makes errands a bit easier. All in all - this is a great stage and we are really enjoying it!

I am thankful that we have tickets to go home to PA from December 16th - 26th. It will be so nice to spend some quality time with family and friends.

Here are a few pics from recent days:


Tim showing Maddy a train at the Christmas store

Mom and Dad Baylor visited last week and helped to watch Maddy while I was doing my field experience. Thank you guys! Here mom is showing Maddy a pretty princess hat.
Dad Baylor reading Maddy her favorite book (Old McDonald Had a Farm)

Tim and I before our date night last weekend. Doesn't Maddy looked thrilled?!


I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

4 comments:

cranny + b said...

Julie--this post was so sweet and encouraging to read through.....And your Madison is absolutely beautiful.

Happy Thanksgiving to you.........

JordanandSue said...

So sweet to hear how far God brings us!! I love those pics of you guys, and it's so neat to see God's hand in every little thing. We love you guys :)

juliechall said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you too! Miss you guys!

shanna said...

OK, Julie, Can I just say that I LOVE every one of your posts? They are so sweet and filled with grace.