Busy + fun + love = blessings

Alli's party went very well espcially considering we ended up with 17 girls, WOWZA!  They were a fun, sweet bunch.  I have decided 2nd grade is my favorite age for kids as a whole. With my own kids, I have really tried hard to enjoy each age and stage they were in at the time.  I'm just so thankful she finally got to have her party.  It was so important to her.  All 3 of the Woods' kids are like that.  They have always cared more about the party than the presents.  That says to me that they care more about relationships than things. That fact makes me very happy.  It's what I have always wanted for them, to value people and not things.  Don't get me wrong, they LOVE getting gifts, who doesn't? 

As soon as the last little girl was gone Saturday morning, we went right into action getting ready for my brother's wedding.  It was a very cold day with even a few snowflakes but it was perfect.  To see my brother so happy, so peaceful, was priceless.  I'd have stood in Antartica to see that (well, maybe not with tights on).  The bride's father and mother took us out to eat (all 21 of us) and it was wonderful. Her family was very warm and they treat Ava as if she is their first granddaughter.  What a blessing!  Ava came home with us to spend the night and as JT and Stephanie were leaving, Ava waved and said, "Bye, dad-dy, bye mom-my."  Needless to say, it brought tears to my eyes.  Ava may not have been born with a mommy but she has one now.  God is so good. 

Sunday was Valentine's Day. The kids loved their new books and candy.  Chase began right away reading on his.  To see him reading, on his own, because he wants to, pumps me up!  Those of you who know what struggles we went through, I am sure understand.  I was treated like some sort of Valentine Princess.  I woke up to a beautiful display of  gorgeous, pink tulips(my favorite flower), a huge box of Turtles(my favorite candy), a bag so full of VS goodies (another fav), and the sweetest card.  Brad always picks the best cards.  I give him a hard time because he used to write in them and now he says, "It says it for me".  Honestly, I love reading the cards he picks. Brad is the best man I know.  I'm amazed at his heart and how after 14 years I love him more than ever.  After breakfast, we did some shopping and then met some of our best friends for dinner.  It really was a flawless day, the kids were happy and behaved, and we had a great time.

This past weekend was busy, fun, crazy, and a blessing.  When I woke up Monday morning I honestly said, "Wow, is the weekend already over?"  Thank goodness, due to snow, our inservice was cancelled because, although I was looking forward to it, I was exhausted.  I spent Monday curled up on the couch with my new book.  So wonderful!  I have so many things to be thankful for, and I am.