Gray skies, grateful lives.

   I was born with approximately twice the needed amount of Vitamin D to survive, as other people.  So sometimes, when I find myself waking up to yet another drizzly, dreary day, I am tempted to bemoan my fate at ending up in the rainy Northwest.  But that doesn't really do anyone any good, does it?  No, I think it's wise to combat rainy, gray, feels-like-winter-even-though-it's-supposed-to-be-spring days with an attitude of gratitude.  So here are some old, random photos, displaying some things that I am infinitely grateful for. 

1. A hard-working husband.

   I'll be honest.  When I stop for a moment and try to imagine what it would be like to be married to a man who didn't take responsibility in providing for his family, and gambled all his money away, or just spent it on other selfish pleasures before first and foremost saving up and making sure his family was well-cared for....well, I shudder, grimace, and hop happily back to reality where that is NOT the case.  Thank-you JESUS for a hard-working husband who actually likes his job, has a passion for growing his business, enjoys finance/math/numbers and all that entails, knows how to save without being too stingy, and gives generously to those in need.  So, so, so grateful.

2. Hair that somehow always looks/feels best after a certain skilled friend cuts it.  Why a salon cannot seem to bring the same desired result, I can't figure out.  Jewel Miller, move thyself and thy household WEST!  You're sick of all that sunshine in Phoenix anyway, right?

3. The ability to reproduce.:)  I am slightly convicted on this one, as it has not always struck me first and foremost as a blessing, but rather more like an inevitable outcome.  However, I am trying more and more these days to see it for the precious, priceless gift that it is, no matter what may come my way.  (Or how many may come my way;)

  Ahh, the moment of truth. Those two little pink lines in the test window. If you've been pregnant, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  That whole "Lungs stop breathing because heart has lodged itself somewhere in the throat area" feeling.  It's joyful, terrifying, exciting and completely and totally dumbfounding, all in the space of a second or two.  It's quite the rush.

    But in spite of all the craziness, sleep deprivation and the hard work, I am infinitely grateful for the life God has blessed me with in Jocelyn, and the growing life inside of me.  I wouldn't change a thing.

   4. The things we were able to enjoy and do before children.  Now my selfish nature tends to think this time maybe wasn't long enough, but the point of this list is to encourage thankfulness, and that's what I'm trying to do!

 Random overnight trips to the coast

 Camping trips

 Dates with coffee and bookstores

 Trip to Seattle to visit friends

   And so much more.  Yes, it's been a good life so far.  I am looking forward to whatever the future might bring!  And with all the rainy days we've been having, it looks like I will be wallowing in thankfulness for quite some time.

Not a bad place to be. :)