Gracious, Blessed, Thankful

As I approach my 26th birthday, I have been reflecting on all the amazing things God has brought into my life. Ken, the love of my life, came into my life eight years ago and truly made my life richer. He loves life and makes me appreciate the things I have so much more. I could have never imagined at 17 how amazing my life would have turned out. Ken has given me the most precious gift a person could ever have...our son.
Brody has been the light of our eyes. My favorite part of the day is seeing Ken sit with him, hold him, and tell him all about the world. I can't wait for them to be buddies and go fishing, play sports and just hang out together. Ken is looking forward to it so much. He missed out on these experiences with his dad and you can tell he soaks up every minute of it. He never complains about the 4:30 feedings or dirty diapers. The best quality Ken possesses is his patience with me. I am not always the most compliant person out there. But he listens to me fuss and complain, and tries to make things better.
We are both so blessed to have a healthy and happy baby boy. All the stress and battles we have faced with Brody have strengthened us and brought us closer together. Brody is the most incredible gift we could have ever received. He smiles and the whole room lights up. He is making so much progress. He is rolling over, holding his head up and babbling constantly. He sleeps through the night and wakes up smiling. I only wish I could spend more time with him. Thank goodness for summers off.
We are thankful for the family and friends in our lives. And for many they are both. It is truly a gift to have so many aunts and uncles and cousins for Brody. I'm so excited about seeing Ryan and Brody grow up together. Getting the four boys together is so much fun. Its going to be a riot when they are all walking and running over each other and everything. Brody has the best sets of grandparents I could ever want for him. They are always eager to see him, and listen with open hearts to the many questions I have.
We are gracious to those people God has placed in our lives. We have such a great set of friends. To all of my friends from Rosa Scott days...I love you and thanks for hanging in there with me all these years! To all of our new friends...we hope to make as many great memories with you. To Bryce...you have been an amazing ear. I truly believed you were placed in our lives so that I would not think I was going crazy. Thanks for just listening to me without judgment or conviction. You always were truthful and encouraging.
Kim and Rob came into our lives as neighbors and made a footprint in our hearts. They have so much love for Brody...its absolutely amazing. They treat him as if he were a part of their family. I love to see Kim get so excited about picking him up and not wanting to give him back. I can only hope we give them back what they have given to us!
I am blessed to have the job that I have. While it definitely takes a toll on my mind and heart, I love my kids so much. To watch them come in as empty slates, and see them leave knowing how to read and write. What an amazing opportunity I have in life. I get to give this gift of knowledge and empowerment to kids over and over again.
26...a quarter of my life has gone. I can only hope I have lived it the way He wants me to. I can't wait to see what He has in store for the rest of it.