thankful

My kids are awesome! I know most moms say that; I'll bet a good half of them actually mean it...but mine really are-NO REALLY! With one in college(Kayla), one in high school(Kara), & one in diapers(Avery), it can be an adventure (aka nuthouse) here at times. We call it fun chaos and most of the time it is pretty fun. Wild, exhausting, goofy fun. Who knew being parents could be this good? Who knew being married could be this amazing? Who knew life could turn out so blessed for a girl from such a broken background? NOT ME! God keeps His promises & gives us our hearts desires when we put our faith in Him!! That's what I remember when the baby has learned to take off her diaper (yes, a poopy one!!) and run around the house; when the almost 19 yr old STILL hasn't found a job and needs money again; when the high schooler withdraws after spouting off and acts like she HATES her parents with a passion unbeknownst to anyone else. I remember that we are giving these beautiful girls a childhood we never knew. They know stability. They know they are loved above all else. Peace, joy & contentment are the norm! A lifestyle I wasn't sure existed is now a gift Brad & I give to these beautiful children daily. There are no fights, drunken brawls, broken promises, wondering where we would be living from week to week. We may not have a whole lot compared to some people, but we are still proud and happy. We love what we do have. It's far more exciting to us than a new car, designer clothes, or nice furniture (which we would LOVE to have, by the way). It's why we're here. God has done a miracle in our lives and we continue to stand in awe of this little family that could. He looks past all the baggage from our upbringing, dysfunction, mistakes & flaws and loves us unconditionally. WOW! Life is good. And this girl won't forget it!