Bigger Picture Moments: Bedtime Prayers

"Daddy!!!" the kids yell and dance around the moment daddy emerges from the dark of night, sweat drenched and adrenaline pumped after another evening bike ride.

He heads for the porch to complete his training with cool down stretches, but barely makes it half way through the living room before two kids barrel him nearly off his feet.

And instead of sighing at yet another interruption to his routine, he pauses to lean down with a grin that matches their enthusiasm and scoop them up into his arms.

No sooner has he finished asking if they "wanna help daddy stretch?" and they are all sprawled out on the carpeting of the front porch, legs and arms posed in after workout stretches.

"Look, mommy! I stretching like daddy!" they shout for all the world to hear.



"Ok, kids. Time for God-book!" he says after stretching time is over and they are all dressed for bed.

They race to see who can find the God-book first and hurry back to find their place on the couch, curled up safe and cozy in daddy's arms, eyes and ears and hearts hungry for His words.

As he reads, their eyes grow wide with wonder as they listen carefully to the story unfolding on the page and in their hearts.

And then, as their little minds continue to process these words, daddy looks into their eyes and tells them of the one God who loves them more than even daddy or mommy and who is just as eager to hear their words.

"What do you want to pray about?" he asks them one by one and we listen with ears and hearts to their list of thanks for everything from the door on our house to their healthy and growing new brother.

And mixed within the thanks are tender words of concern for the sick and the hurting, a reality their sweet little hearts already understand too well.



As I listen to their prayers, I am awed at their compassion and devotion.  Because it's not just bedtime that their hearts pour out in prayer.

No, they already understand at three and four what I am still learning - that prayer is not a one time, sitting at Santa's lap pouring out a list of wants kind of time. 

Prayer is a constant communion, day in and day out, from sun up to sun down with the One who created us and calls us by name.  He already knows my heart, but he longs to hear my voice, just as much as my soul hungers for His voice.

Once again I'm reminded, through a simple bedtime routine, that this journey of faith and grace is a constant journey and a daily growing closer to Him.  And I am grateful for the three and four year old who draw my heart nearer to Him as I watch their own journeys unfold. 

Linking up with Corinne for this week's Bigger Picture Moments.

Be sure to check out my Happy Family Review & Giveaway and enter for a chance to win free coupons for healthy and delicious toddler snacks and meals.

 

30 Days of Thanks

 Every day this month, I've been purposely recording my thankfulness.  I had begun to record my 1000 gifts over the summer after reading Ann's beautiful book, but I kept forgetting and letting the busy-ness of life get in the way.  This month, I decided it was the perfect time to remember how to give thanks, because joy is found when we focus on the blessings amidst the trials and tribulations of life.  And I wanted to share them here as a permanent record of the blessings He has given me.

Day 1: Today I am thankful for quiet mornings and Starbucks coffee.


Day 2: The pitter patter of rain on the windows while I cuddle up in my hubby's arms in our warm bed.  Sleeping in on a Wednesday morning and enjoying breakfast with my two sweet babies.




Day 3: For my biggest cheerleader, my constant companion, my unconditional lover, my best and truest friend, the man I said "I do" to 5 years ago...and every single day of my life since then.

For the three sweet women who have formed a "sisterhood" of support and encouragement through our similar struggles, for the family I am so blessed to be loved by no matter how much of a mess I am, for many sweet sister-friends and prayer warriors who have loved on me, prayed for me, and carried me through many a dark day.  I thank God in all my remembrances of YOU and always pray with joy for YOU.

Another thing to be thankful for today: early dismissal for me so I can take my little ones home at lunch time and take a nap with them.

A sleeping blue eyed baby boy on my shoulder - could anything be sweeter?


Day 4: Doctors and medicine who helped me through many illnesses, surgeries, and other health problems.  I probably wouldn't be here today without the amazing medical team at Children's Hospital, Milwaukee.  And I'm so thankful for my regular doctor who knows me and truly cares about me, always helping me find the best solutions for my ongoing health problems.



Day 5: An entire day of scrapbooking creativity with some sweet ladies today...and a hubby who was so sweet to let me have the day off.


Day 6: Church family who loves, encourages, and is always there for us.  Sermons that convict and encourage me.  Two pastors who lead our church with wisdom and love, always seeking to serve and walk in the Lord.


Day 7: The sweetest little "classroom helpers" and friends who take care of my little ones while I'm teaching.


Day 8: Two sweet sisters, Melissa and Kelly, who always know what to say to put a smile on my face, encourage me when I am feeling sad, and love me no matter how much of a mess I am and for two sweet brothers, DJ and Daniel, who give me the biggest hugs and never forget to say I love you.  I am truly blessed.


Day 9: The comfort of a hug, a coffee date with a sweet friend, and the beauty of Galatians 6:9 when we gather together in prayer to bear one another's burdens.

My daughter learned how to say "I love you" and it completely melted my heart. I've been waiting for the day she would say it to me and it couldn't have come at a better time. 


Day 10: Three sweet women who share a sisterhood of understanding, unconditional love, and constant communication.  They understand me like no one else does, because they know exactly the burdens I have carried.

Day 11: Freedoms we enjoy every day won by men and women who serve our country and their families who sacrifice much daily and the freedom that can only be found in Christ.

Last night, my little man climbed up on my lap, looked me in the eyes, and said "I love you".  So as not to be outdone, my daughter leaned over to give me a kiss and said "I love you".  Melt my heart.


Day 12: Parents who are always willing to lend a helping hand (especially when it involves their grandbabies ;) and whose commitment to each other and the vows they made in marriage is the best example to us of what a marriage should be.

It turned out to be a wonderful, beautiful day!  I completed my first ever running race - a 3 mile prediction run (I may have walked most of it and finished last, but I FINISHED!).  My parents came to cheer us on along with our little ones who were excited to say "Go daddy!" and "Go mommy!".  Then we enjoyed lunch with my brother, Daniel, for family day at Lakeland and a beautiful walk around campus.


Day 13: Homemade gluten free bread, gluten free cereal, and vanilla flavored coconut milk.  A tummy that is slowly healing on a gluten free, dairy free diet.




Day 14: Listening to a beautiful barbershop quartet sing praises to our King last night and being part of such a sweet church family.


Day 15: My engagement/wedding ring found after a frantic search last night with no results...only to be found this morning when my daughter told me it was by "eebees" (aka: videos).  For the memory of the night my husband first told me he loved me...and asked for my hand in marriage.  I've never once doubted saying "YES!".

Enjoying a spontaneous family night tonight watching a Netflix movie and cuddling up on the couch with my three favorite people.


Day 16: Insurance to help pay for all my medications and doctor visits.  Medications that help control my asthma, allergies, and anxiety.


Day 17:  Green tea to soothe my sore throat, sweet melody of music in the background from Ann's blog, and His mercies that never end.


Day 18:  Gluten free all purpose flour and the smell of homemade chocolate chip cookies and banana bread baking in the oven.  One last box of fresh winter produce from our produce share.  Waking up with my sweet son cuddled up next to me in bed.

Two more days of subbing and then back to the world of a stay at home mom again.  I will miss teaching, but I am SO looking forward to being home with my little ones again.


Day 19:  Sleeping in on a Saturday morning and waking up to our little ones climbing in bed with us.  Looking forward to spending the day visiting with my sister. 


Day 20:  Starbucks coffee for a morning drive.  A full night of rest and memories of a fun scrapbooking day yesterday.  Spending time sharing my heart with my best friend, my hubby, before falling asleep in his arms.

Day 21:  A lazy Sunday afternoon with a little bit of house cleaning (a clean house makes me happy :) and a 25 pound, hard earned weight loss.  (And the fact that I didn't just lose it - I'm NEVER planning on "finding" it again!)

One more day of substitute teaching and then a mini-vacation back "home" with my family.  Packing up the van tonight so we can leave right away after school tomorrow.  I can hardly wait!


Day 22:  Six weeks of substitute teaching at a school I love and feel privileged to work at and looking forward to a mini-vacation back home with my family.


Day 23:  A great grandma who still knows who I am and loves when we come to visit.  Being "home" with my family for Thanksgiving.  Running with my brother in the Santa Scamper last night.


Day 24:  Not being able to eat the traditional Thanksgiving dishes...because it means I won't overeat and my tummy won't hurt.  Two kids who fight nap...because it means they can think and understand and speak and hear.  Being up early on a holiday...because it means I can enjoy some quiet time by myself before a busy day.


Counting my blessings today: still having grandma here with us, a hubby who's willing to help out and love on my grandma just as much as any one of us,  foods that are gluten free and dairy free that I can eat, iphones when the internet stops working, hearing my daughter say "I miss you" and "I love you", cuddling with my little man, knowing my hubby safely arrived after a 50 mile bike ride to my parents' house last night, crockpots a plenty to keep our food warm, my husband's job that is stable and provides us with more than enough, watching the Packer game with my family, and so, so much more.  God is good!


Day 25:  My wonderful extended family and spending precious time together on Thanksgiving day.  My hubby who has been intentional about telling me he loves me and is always my biggest cheerleader.  Gluten free pancake mixes so I can still enjoy a yummy breakfast with my family.  Black Friday shopping deals online so I don't have to brave the crazy crowds. Iphones and mifi so we can still have internet access at my parents' house when the internet service messed up and canceled it.


Day 26:  Shopping with my brothers and sister, a fun family photo shoot in the rain with our awesome photographer, and finally running a 12 minute mile.


Day 27:  A restful night of sleep in our own bed, time spent with my hubby after the little ones were in bed, and a quiet Sunday morning.


Day 28:  A quiet early morning run and how much I enjoy running, bath tub fizzes to lure my fearful-of-water son to take a bath, staying HOME with my babies today, memories of my grandpa (post heart attack and bypass surgery) chasing my kids around the house on Thanksgiving day, and stepping on the scale to discover another pound of weight loss towards my goal.




Day 29:  Dancing with my kids in the living room to Christmas music together, running 2 miles this morning and loving it, Christmas cards complete and ordered (and the beautiful family photos we have to display on them), reading Genesis 1 to my daughter and hearing the faith of a child understand that God made all things.


Day 30: An almost four hour nap yesterday afternoon, family night last night, a new cell phone charger, kids who once again love bath time, and a lazy Wednesday morning.

All photos credit: Ann Voskamp

Sunday Scripture

Photo credit: DerekL

 

"Oh come, let us sing to the LORD;
let us make a joyful noise 

to the rock of our salvation! 

Let us come into his presence with 

thanksgiving; 

let us make a joyful noise to him 

with songs of praise! 

For the LORD is a great God, 

and a great King above all gods."

{Psalm 95:1-3} 

This month, in honor of Thanksgiving, I'm re-learning to give thanks to God in all things.  I'm posting 30 Days of Thanks on facebook and will post them all here at the end of the month.  Will you join in on this giving thanks, here, on facebook, on your own blog, or simply on a piece of paper at home?  It's all about turning the tough moments into opportunities to praise the One who has blessed us with more than we deserve and being reminded that He really is GOOD at all times.  I find that when I focus on the blessings He has given me, I can find joy no matter what comes my way.  

And, a HUGE congratulations to my sweet friend, Kristin, on the birth of her beautiful baby boy, Matthew.  He is absolutely precious!  I'm so happy for you, Kristin!

Thanksgiving in Michigan: A Photo Essay

What is Thanksgiving with the Hanes family without lots of delicious, homemade pies?

The newest family member, Lucy


We still love babywearing!  I was excited to use my handmade mei tai carrier again after replacing the brown panel fabric that was falling off.


winter baby bundle


cuddled up with Grandma


enjoying a visit from (Great) Grandpa & Mary


Ted helped Joey build the tallest lego tower


when all is quiet...trouble is brewing!


Valerie learned two new words - "moo" and "cow" - thanks to the cattle Ted's dad raises


his parents also sell Christmas trees - I love how this photo of the pre-cut trees turned out


riding in style ;)


fast asleep


a little afternoon stroll 


through the Christmas trees


why, hello, Mr. Cow...


puppy love


bedtime tickle wars


peek a boo!

Check out my sewing blog to see the cute Thanksgiving outfits I made for Valerie and Almanzo.

In All Things, Give Thanks

"Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

I know this verse and I believe this verse...but, sometimes, it's hard to rejoice evermore.  Sometimes, I don't even know how to pray.  And sometimes, giving thanks is the last thing on my mind.  Sometimes, it's just really hard to understand what God's purpose and will is. 

I've been in some kind of mood the past week and a half.  Part of the reason was my hormones and the weather, but there was something else I couldn't quite figure out.  Every little thing was making me feel overwhelmed and I couldn't stop myself from stressing out or worrying about the most minor and seemingly insignificant things. 

On Saturday, I visited with my family.  I enjoyed watching my little ones charm their aunts and uncles, loved seeing my dad and his dad work side by side to finish a bathroom project that was bigger than they expected, cherished the time at Starbucks to sit and talk with my sisters and brother, Dan, and was truly thankful for the family God has blessed me with.  Shortly before dinner, my grandma joined us.  The moment I saw her, my heart sank.  I could see the heaviness in her walk, the overwhelming sadness in her eyes.  That's when it hit me - I miss my grandpa.

I knew the first holidays would be hard, but I thought I was doing so well.  I didn't think it would be this hard.  I don't understand this grief.  One minute I am fine and the next it is almost suffocating me.  It hits me like a tidal wave, instantly consuming me.  In that moment, I can see myself sitting beside his bed saying goodbye, watching the pain of his sickness take over his body, and hearing him gasp for breath as his body started giving up the fight.  I find myself walking through the moments, his last moments.

I remember the moment I first realized he was dying, the moment I knew it was really the end.  My sister called me in tears.  "You need to come now, Steph.  Grandpa is dying."  As I hung up the phone, I felt my heart break and I couldn't stop the gut-wrenching, overpowering tears from flooding over me.

But I also remember the memories, all the moments he has been there throughout my life, making me smiling, encouraging me with his words or a hug, and telling us stories of his life.  As I thought about getting ready to visit Ted's family for Thanksgiving, I suddenly began to remember last year, when my grandpa was sitting at the dinner table at my parents' house, saying grace and enjoying a meal with us.  I remember being thankful, so thankful that he was there, because we almost lost him, but I didn't know we really would lose him so soon.

I've also been thinking about Christmas, the first Christmas in two years we've been home.  We visited with Ted's family for Christmas the last two years and, while I love seeing his family, I missed singing Christmas carols, opening gifts, and putting on the Nativity play for my grandparents.  Two of my favorite memories of Christmas at my grandparents' house are the smile on my grandpa's face as we retold the Christmas story and hearing him sing Silent Night in German.  Now that we are finally around for Christmas again, he is no longer here.  And oh, how I miss him.

But, even in my grief, I realize I can be thankful.  I am thankful for the memories.  I am thankful to have loved and to be loved.  I am thankful for family and the legacy my grandpa left.  I am thankful for my grandma and that we still have time to make more memories with her.  I am thankful that I can still run into the arms of my Grandpa Fochs for a big huge hug.  I am thankful I haven't experienced this kind of grief until now.  I am thankful for my husband, who, even though he doesn't completely understand my grief, is always there to hold me, love me, and kiss my tears away.  I am thankful for my children, who remind me that life goes on and that life is beautiful.  I am thankful for friends who listen, really listen, as I pour out my heart, and don't tell me to get over it, but remind me to not shut out God and to allow Him to heal my broken heart.  But, mostly, I am thankful for a God who has given me more than I deserve, a hope and a future, and that one day He will wipe away all my tears and there will be no more pain and no more sadness. 

Thanksgiving

We spent a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family this year.  What a blessing it is to be part of such a large family who truly enjoys getting together.  (And, if you ask my husband, we come up with any excuse to have a family reunion!)

Wednesday evening we drove to my parents' house to spend the night.  My sisters, my mom, my aunt Sheri, and I had our first annual Girls' Night Out while the guys watched the two babies.  It was SO wonderful to have a night out without the kids.  We went to Olive Garden and all ordered soup, salad, and bread sticks - YUM!  We had a super sweet waitress from Jamaica - wish I had gotten a picture of her, but I was too busy laughing as she told us stories and joked around with us.  She did take a picture of us though, so we could document it (or, rather, so I could blog about it ;).

That night, Ted and I didn't get much sleep, because our Sweet Pea decided she was not too happy to be sleeping in a different place.  We ended up having her in bed with us, but it took us until 1:30 am to finally settle her down.  Thankfully, our Little Pumpkin only woke up once in the middle of the night and didn't seem to be bothered by his big sister's screaming one bit.

Thursday morning, Ted and my brother, DJ, got all geared up for the Turkey Trot.  I decided to stay in the warmth of my parent's house, but my mom braved the cold and took some pictures for me.

We then enjoyed a delicious brunch with my parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and Uncle James' family.  All the food was prepared the night before, so it was really easy to get it ready in the morning.

In the afternoon, my family enjoyed watching the Packers beat the Lions in the annual Turkey Bowl while our little family of four took a much needed nap.

Finally, we headed to my grandparents' home for dinner with my dad's family.  All but one of my dad's seven siblings were there with most of their families, so we had quite the crowd - it took FIVE tables to seat us all for dinner!  My grandpa led us in a Thanksgiving prayer, thanking everyone for all their support after his heart attack and thanking God for protecting and healing him - there were many teary eyes, because we came so close to losing him.  It made me SO thankful for the wonderful family God has blessed me with - you can ALWAYS count on them to be there in your time of need.

Of course, everyone enjoyed meeting our Little Pumpkin and our Sweet Pea enjoyed her share of attention.  I didn't see her much the whole evening, because she was entertaining everyone!

One of the best memories of the evening was listening to all my aunts, my dad, and my grandpa singing around the piano.  It reminded me of Christmases long ago when everyone lived close by and would fill my grandparents' home year after year with laughter and singing.  All of my dad's family were blessed with beautiful singing voices and they always sing in sweet harmony - it was the most beautiful sound!

I hope you and your family enjoyed a blessed Thanksgiving too!

An Attitude of Gratitude

As I have challenged myself this week to be thankful in EVERYthing...I've realized my attitude IS starting to change.  Instead of complaining, I stop myself and think about how I can be thankful for the situation.  Like, when my children are BOTH crying and whining at the same time...I realized I am SO blessed to have two healthy children.  I'll take the crying and whining any day...as long as they are here in my arms.  Or like when I wake up early because my Little Pumpkin wants to be wide awake at 5 am...I realized I can be thankful for the quiet of the morning and a time to prayer or study His word.  I also catch myself getting upset with my husband when he comes home from work and goes straight to biking, leaving me no break...and realize I can be thankful he has a job that provides for our needs and allows me to stay home with our little ones...and that he stays healthy and active, setting a good example for our children (and for me, too!).  Plus, yesterday he surprised me by coming home for lunch and BOTH our little ones were sleeping so we enjoyed a quiet lunch together.  It was so sweet and I was SO thankful!

We are looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with my family and SO thankful that we have family to celebrate with.  Recently my grandpa had a heart attack...but God spared him and we are SO thankful we can go to his home and celebrate the holidays WITH him.  Last winter, my other grandpa was so sick with pneumonia, we were almost prepared to lose him...but it was not his time yet and we were blessed with more time with him.  I am blessed with FIVE grandparents, including one GREAT grandma who are all very much alive and well.  I am also thankful that all of my dad's siblings, except one will be there to celebrate with us along with most of their children.  I can't even remember the last time we had that kind of turn out for Thanksgiving.

Of course, Thanksgiving leaves a sad, empty feeling in the hearts of my mom's family...just one year ago we lost my great aunt Carlyne.  I still remember the last time I saw her...she was in the ICU, could barely talk and looked so weak and thin...but she gave me a big smile and told me she loved me.  I am so thankful I had that moment with her...but, most importantly, I am thankful for a God and Savior who will one day wipe away ALL my tears.  He IS good...and His steadfast love endures FOREVER!