Here, in this Place

The sight of a child laughing wildly at the leaves blowing by.

The heavy, earthly smell of a good farm dog, laced with sweat from the day's work.

The sweet, crisp morning air etched in a glimmering fog.

The checking off of chores from the to-do list, making way for puzzles, long walks, and sticky baby fingers.

The warmth and protection of his hand on my back as he leads me into a room.

The smell of homemade bread and the promise of full bellies.

The blessing of work and the provision it provides.

The thing called family, a piece of Heaven on Earth.

Time Heals Old Wounds

Never has a saying rang ever true than this one.....

Just the other day, the hubby and I were talking about where we have been and where we hope to be headed. We have walked through hard times together, holding on and remaining strong together. We have had our fair share of hiccups and heartbreaking moments, but we remained steadfast and committed. We vowed to walk this road together, unsure of the switchbacks, hills, and steep climbs that lay ahead. We trudged on together.

And over the course of miles and miles, we have come upon a road well traveled and worn. We don't know the way, but we trust in the capabilities of our Creator and each other to see this through. We don't feel the need to flee or run for cover anymore. Our hearts were shattered in tiny pieces and throughout this journey, God had begun to put the pieces back in place.

With the dawn of a new day came the promise of new opportunity. We spent less time looking back and more time looking forward. With our eyes set to the horizon, we took a deep breath, knowing that He alone knows the path. So instead of fumbling about trying to figure this journey we call life out, we tossed the map aside and gave in to faith.

Those days consumed by darkness helped to bring us to a place of light and life. For that reason alone, we will be ever grateful of such heartache. This is the time for positive affirmations, happy memories, belly laughs, and cheek-pinching smiles. Our hearts are light as we rejoice in coming through the darkness. This light will not be taken for granted and should we be faced with darkness again, we will walk and we will wait for the light that comes in time.

A Few Random Notes

• First off, this may be short since I sliced my finger on a mandolin today making sweet potato chips. Ouchie.....(never mind the fact that my other thumb just healed from a carving knife fiasco).
• My son started walking! He took his first step on 12/21/12 and now there is no stopping him! I'm pretty sure that by his first birthday he will be at a full-fledged sprint.
• The weather here in Texas has been bone-chilling cold and I am loving it! Soup is in the works again this week as is some homemade bread. I can smell the bread baking in the oven as we speak.
• I am now up to three jobs.....yep, that's me. No sleep, and none of those jobs are counted under the mommy/wife column. But that's okay. God will give me the strength I need to see this season of life through. My family is depending on me to see to it that the bills get paid, especially since my husband is in school full time. Time to circle the wagons.
• We will be celebrating a first birthday very soon! The theme is a cowboy/chili cookout. I have plans of decorating with hay bales, mason jars, candles, cowboy gear, and red and white checkered tablecloths. (90% of these items are already in my house!). We are going to cook the chili outside over the open fire pit. It will be low-key, simple, cozy, and one down home, good ole honky tonk!
• If I get ahead of myself, I begin to wonder how I will manage to get through the coming days, but  I trust in God and His ability to see me through. 
•  That picture shows how we do chores now....he screams at the top of his lungs if he sees me outside and doesn't get to come. So we compromised. He bundles up and sits with a toy or two in his stroller while I work. I'm pretty sure he has the better end of the deal!
• And now I must wrap this up....typing sans a thumb is getting to be tricky. Bring on the week ahead!