So the camera's on the fritz. Totally stinks because Olives has been doing some pretty A-1 things lately. I'll post some older photos so there's at least something fun on our blog, not my ramblings alone.

I had Bible Study Fellowship this morning, and of course it was amazing. I feel like God is teaching me so many things..hopefully I'll learn how and where to apply everything in my life instead of just leaving it in my head. Things get lost pretty easily up there, trust me.

Our BSF teaching leader read Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation of Thanksgiving, given October 3, 1863. Here is just a piece of that gracious speech:

"The year that is drawing toward its close, has been filled with blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God."

Isn't that amazing? In the midst of a civil war, Abraham Lincoln was able to call to mind the many blessings and provisions of God in His faithfulness. And yet, here I am, no country to run during a civil war, but forgetting to acknowledge the hand of God and what trials He has brought me through and is bringing me through even now. Humbling to think about, isn't it?

On a much lighter note, here is a picture of our most insane blessing this year- Oliver Isaac. I can't even believe I get to be a mom, much less a mom to this little pumpkin. We (Andrew and I) often marvel at how much fun and laughter a baby brings. I've said this before, but I used to be the person feeling sorry for parents of young kids because it looked like so much work. Whoa honey, I didn't know the half of it. But God puts so much love in your heart for that little person, it doesn't matter how much work it is, you do it and love it because of Him. I guess that wasn't really a light note, but the photo makes up for it..He's kind of a dweeb. Also, Anna and I in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

Plus I'm blessed with an amazing husband. Andrew is a very patient person..I know because I test him on this often. -I realize that I mentioned my blessings the other day, but I'm just so overwhelmed I can't stop talking about it.. The Lord has been good to me. My life is definitely not perfect, nor will it ever be, but to think of where I would be without Christ and His care and provision, makes me want to shout about His faithfulness.

Wow, I apologize for the small sermon..I don't even know what it's about for sure..

Anyway, I pray that everyone has a Thanksgiving overflowing with evidence of the Lord's unfailing love and faithfulness. Happy Thanksgiving!

I am very happy to report that Oliver no longer eats socks...that I'm aware of. He must have forgotten how great they taste! Now that he eats Cheerios, though, if you asked him he would probably say he'd never go back. His latest most funnest thing is looking at books. Mr. Big Boy studied a book quite extensively today. Despite what the charts say, this wuv is above average. ..in the crazy department, as well as academic. I needed to post a picture of Olives reading so that people would believe me..quickly document it before he eats the book. These photos are actually from a couple weeks ago, when the love affair with books started.

Today I have been reminded of how blessed I am, with family and friends and God's grace. I pray that everyone can experience the power of His love as we approach the Thanksgiving/Christmas season (I didn't want to write "holiday season" for fear that I would come across as being politically correct, which is the very last thing I would ever want to be ever). So with that, God bless us all, everyone.

So I guess I should start recording the happenings of our little family. It's just so crazy around here it's a little difficult.

Oliver's basically in charge, which I don't think is a good thing..although it makes for some pretty hilarious/pull-your-hair-out-intense times! He's just learning how to baby crawl instead of army crawl, so that's exciting. Although, I was just noticing how nothing is safe anymore..he reached up on the coffee table (which he had pulled himself up to), and dumped my coffee out on the magazines that had, until then, been untouched and unaffected by chubby little grubby little paws. What da heck.

Andrew is really enjoying his cabinetry business. There are definitely times when we have to remind ourselves that God is faithful and will provide, but I think that's probably the best place we can be..you don't have to try and remember God's faithfulness when you're experiencing it first hand. It's really neat to see Andrew loving what he does and finding satisfaction in using the creative gifts the Lord has blessed him with. His business partner and his wife just had a baby this week, so that's exciting and awesome to have them in the same stage of life as us.

I'm just chillin with Oliver, thinking about picking up some painting jobs if they come my way. I may have a sickness..I enjoy painting rooms..I think it's the great feeling of completely transforming a space with just a coat of color. It's so refreshing and rewarding.

That's all for today, the boss says it's time to get out of the exersaucer and see something new. I never thought I would become the mom who plays by the kid's rules, and here I am, just such a person.