10 Things Tuesday - Relationship Addition

We're approaching Thanksgiving and I am excited to host it here at my house this year. It looks like we're just having two extras - my sister in-law and her husband, but we've left an open invitation for friends in case they can't leave town due to bad weather.

Yes, we have snow! Lots of it. In fact, over the past 24 hours we've been on blizzard warning. High winds plus lots of snow = very poor visibility. My back porch (which is covered) was covered in snow this morning. Crazy. The school district did not declare a snow day, so I just declared one on my own. I am not going to risk driving in those conditions!

Well, now that I've given the weather report, lets get on with the thanks-giving! This is my special tribute to all the people in my life that I am thankful for.

1. My husband - He is my best friend, an incredible dad, a comedian, a Pastor, a gifted musician, and more! I love him so much and if you want to read more about why, just go to this post.
2. Anyone who knows me knows I just adore each of my children! They all have such unique personalities. I am so blessed to be the mother of five wonderful children who make me laugh, challenge me to be a better mom, and keep me on my toes (and my knees) all the time! Just because today is his 4th birthday, I'd like to give special thanks for my youngest, CD. He's so fun and I'm glad I have this year and next with him still at home. :)
   
3. My mom - She is always there for me, even when things aren't going the best for her. She's such a good listener and I still go to her when I need sound advice. The older I get, the deeper our friendship grows. I appreciate all that she sacrificed for me growing up even in the most difficult of times.
4. I couldn't imagine not mentioning my dad, even though he passed away this last September. I have so many great memories with him growing up, and into my adult years. I spent the last week of his life with him and it was some of the sweetest time ever. He will be greatly missed this Thanksgiving.
5. My sister - Even though we are 3 years apart, we are the best of friends. I know I can always count on her through thick and thin. We are mountains apart now, but there is nothing we wouldn't do for each other. I love you sis!
   
6. My in-laws - I could not have been blessed with better in-laws. My Mother-in-law is the reason I wanted to have a big family. The first time I saw all of the siblings interacting I knew I wanted lots of kids. Everyone accepted me as one of the family right off the bat. Family get-togethers are always an adventure!
7. My friends the Phifers - They are such a big part of our lives. I am so blessed to have such committed friends. They were there for us when 4 out of 5 of our children were born. I love their two children and couldn't imagine life without them around! My friend Andrea is the first person I call if ever I need, oh, anything! She is so faithful to me and I love her dearly.
   
8. My friend Michelle - She is so loving and generous. Very sensitive to the needs of those around her. When I have need for prayer, I know she's going to answer the call. I love her family too. Every time I hang out with them I laugh. They are such fun people!
9. The teachers that my children have had since they reached school age - We have been so blessed with good teachers! I love how they have partnered with us to make sure our children get the education that they deserve.
   
10. Our church family - I am so thankful that we are in a church of people who genuinely care about us. The staff is wonderful and my husband really loves working there. The friendliness that I feel every time I walk through the doors on Sunday carries through the week. I know that if ever we have a need, our church family would step up to meet it.
    

These are just some of the current relationships that bless my life. I am so thankful for all my friends and family, near and far. And let's not forget my blogger friends! There are so many moms out there that I don't hesitate to ask for advice when I'm struggling. Thanks for being there when I need you most! :)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

May you find yourselves as blessed as I am by the friends and family in your lives.
~Melissa

Company Girl Coffee 5.8.09

Come on in, friends! Today I want to spotlight a friend of mine, Andrea. She's another Company Girl that lives in my town and I lean on her in so many ways as one of my closest and dearest friends. We have a blog together where we share our thoughts, dreams, and even our day to day tasks. I love that I can depend on her whenever I need advice or even if I just need to talk something through. She not only inspires me but challenges me to be a better person in every way.

Let me tell you a few things I admire about Andrea...

She's a devoted wife. No matter what he may be going through, she supports her husband. She loves him not only with her actions, but with her words. She does her best not to speak harshly to him or about him.

She is a wonderful mom. Whenever I'm stumped, I call her up for advice. She's a great sounding board and often helps me look at my situation in a new light when it comes to my kids. She motivates me to try new projects and fun things with my kids. Just yesterday she was telling me about her "summer plan" that she was creating so her kids won't get bored this summer. :)

She strives to create a peaceful atmosphere in her home. It's not always spotless, but it's cared for. This week she started her Spring cleaning and that nudged me to get the ball rolling too! She is also creative with her decorations and furniture. She has never complained about the amount of space she has, or not having the things she wants. If she wants or needs something, she'll search for it on Freecycle or Craig's list. She's so thrifty!

She's hard working. She took a job at her son's school to help with the household income. She also works childcare for a Bible study once a week. She's very aware of what their budget is and tries to help however she can. As I said before, she's very thrifty and hunts for the best bargains.

Did I mention creative? Check out her blog and what she accomplished over spring break! She knits and her things are beautiful! She made me a hat for my birthday that I almost wish I could wear during the summer, it's so nice! :) She even bought ME some knitting needles and yarn when I said I wanted to try to take up knitting. (It's a work in progress...)

Most of all, she's an incredible friend. I wish that I could say I've never let her down, but there have been moments where I just plain dropped the ball. She has always been so quick to forgive me when I come to her though. I love her for that. Her friendship means the world to me.

I am very pleased to spotlight Andrea this week and brag about her over coffee. She is such a positive influence in my life. If you that haven't met her yet, stop by her blog Life With You sometime and say hello. :)You'll be glad you did!

Love you Andrea!

Have a great weekend all!
-Melissa

My One Year Post

I just realized that a year and two days ago was when I started this blog! A lot happens in a year, and looking back, I am so thankful for how we have grown as a family and where God has brought us on our journey together. With that in mind, I thought I would make my 10 Things Tuesday post about things that I'm thankful for over the past year.

1. I'm thankful that God has really provided for us financially over the past year. Around this time last year we were sitting in a bankruptcy court because our business had to shut down, and the owners of the building we were leasing decided to sue for the remainder of our five year lease. We had no other options but to file bankruptcy. God is so faithful though, and He provided the means for us to survive through my husband's Realty license.
2. I'm thankful that we didn't lose our home in the bankruptcy. We have a roof over our heads and that's more than I can say for many Americans in this unstable economy.
3. I'm thankful for the time that we have been able to spend together as a family over the last year. I know that at times it felt crazy but as a Realtor my husband set his own hours so we were often able to enjoy the pleasure of his company here at home.
4. I am thankful that it never got so bad that I had to get a job outside the home, but that God provided ways for me to supplement our income through watching a friend's boys. I only had the privilege of watching them for a short time, but they were wonderful and I'd watch them again in a heartbeat!
5. I am thankful for my growing children. Only one child left to potty train! We've had lots of new stages here at our house. BC started Kindergarten. RL and JS have both lost teeth. Kids have learned to swim, and oh, talk!!! It's been so fun to listen to CD come up with more and more words every day! We also finally put him in a toddler bed. LR (4) is already reading some words and writing her name. They are growing up so fast!
6. I am thankful that in His perfect timing God brought worship leading back into my husband's life. He started at the Airforce Base Chapel as the worship leader. Although this wasn't his ideal job, it sufficed to get him doing what he loves again. It was a perfect transition for what was to come.
7. I am so very thankful that God led us to Mirabeau Chapel. There were actually two jobs that we were looking at, but God clearly closed the one door and paved the way for my DH to go back to full time ministry. The road was rough and the journey long, but there was much to be learned along the way. I thank God for where he has brought my DH to today. He is clearly where he belongs.
8. I am thankful for lifelong friends. During our journey, we have had the support of close friends by our side. They have shared our pain, and walked with us through a difficult season. Many have prayed for us and I cannot express how thankful I am for this. And for their loyalty. And for their patience. And for their understanding. But mostly for their prayers.
9. I am thankful for new friends. I have made many encouraging friends since I started this blog. Some are mothers, some are grandmothers, some are just beginning their journey in marriage. I am thankful for them all. I have treasured their encouraging words and look forward to getting to know them better. I am also thankful for the friends I have already made at our new church and how they have tried to make our transition as easy as possible. Baskets, cards, and warm words of welcome have helped our family feel at home.
10. I couldn't go without giving thanks to our extended family also for the support they have been to us in the past year. Parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents...they have all stood by our side as we walked through a tough time. We couldn't have made it through this past year without their listening ears, helpful advice and generous giving. We are so lucky to have such loving family surrounding us!

I have really enjoyed blogging my thoughts this past year. It started out as a place to record what matters to this family but it has become so much more. Thanks for sharing the journey! I look forward to sharing what God brings our way in the year to come.

"We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds." Psalm 75:1

In Company of Friends

Nothing of huge significance has happened in my life this week. The best thing about this week was that I got to spend a lot of time in the company of friends. On Monday I took my kids over to a friend's house to play so that we could catch up. On Wednesday I watched my friend's daughter so she could go on a field trip with her son. When she came to pick her up, she stayed to chat for a spell. Yesterday I met with a friend for coffee and we talked about life in general. Tonight we're having friends over for dinner and Sunday is our usual date with my SIL and her husband.

I sure do value the importance of friendship. That's part of why I really enjoy Company Girl Coffee. I love to sit at my computer and share my life over a cup of coffee, then take time to stop over and see how you are doing. It always lifts my spirits and calms my soul to check in each week. I love to pray for you, laugh with you, and even cry with you. That's what friends are for after all! Many times I nod my head in complete agreement while I'm reading because I am either experiencing the same thing, or have been there before. So today I just want to say thanks girls, for letting me be a part of your life!

Whether I am opening the doors of my home to those who are near, or opening my heart to you out there, I LOVE BEING A COMPANY GIRL! : )

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms." -1 Peter 4:8-10

Company and Company Girl Coffee

Welcome to Company Girl Coffee! Today I am in much need of a second cup of coffee...or three, or four! Stay for a bit, help yourself, and I'll explain. Once a year I temporarily lose my common sense and behave like I am 20 again. For six years now (I was in my twenties back then) we have been gathering with our friends to celebrate and bring in the New Year together. This year we had a total of 12 adults and 7 children New Year's Eve. We play games and talk as we catch up on each other's lives. It involves a lot of laughter, food, and staying up late. I look forward to it every year, but every year it gets a little harder for this thirty something year old to forfeit her sleep.

Last night I stayed up with the girls playing a silly game and having a ball. It's great to just let loose and laugh with them. The setback is, I'm feeling a little tired today. Staying up late 4 nights in a row is starting to take its toll on me. Go figure. It's the best though. I couldn't think of a more perfect way to start the New Year than to be surrounded by friends and family.

The Journey of Motherhood

I am so thankful for all of the women in my life that are on this journey of motherhood with me. Some of them are further along than others. They have children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. I have friends with 1 or 2 children, and up to 8 children. We are all in various stages of our journeys, but we have one thing in common. Motherhood.

Motherhood, although extremely gratifying, can be exhausting at times. Day in and day out there are certain tasks that have to be performed over and over. Take meals for example. I plan a meal (if I'm on the ball), make a meal, serve a meal, clean up a meal. Then I do it again at lunch, and again at dinner. The next day I get up and well, you get the idea. I start all over! This is only a small part of my daily routine as a wife, mother, and homemaker.

On most days, I do these things with joy. Do I always feel like making a meal? No. Do I do it out of love to serve my family? Yes. I can't manage my household and love my family by serving them only when I FEEL like it.

What I am learning more and more about motherhood is that I need to lean on the strength of God and the women that He has brought into my life as mentors and friends. I am not alone in this. I'm not the only mother who grows weary at times. I see it all around me. In friends, family, and women at church. I notice the weary expressions on their faces and I listen to the stories that seem to say "I feel so discouraged."

When I look at my "to-do" list every day I realize that even if I get everything marked off on Monday, there will be a new list waiting for me on Tuesday. Who wouldn't feel discouraged by that? I have read countless books on homemaking, organizing, and parenting. Many of them have been helpful. I have adopted several techniques and incorporated lots of different ideas into my routine and lifestyle over the years.

No matter what though, I keep coming back to one book. God's Word. It is filled with promises of hope, strength, and rest. When I read it, I feel comforted and encouraged. It provides everything I need to keep pressing on in my journey of motherhood.

That's reason enough for me to wake up every morning and serve my family wholeheartedly. Not only that, but I will encourage those around me to do the same. I offer them the same encouraging Words that God whispers in my ear every day. Listen closely. Can you hear Him?

"I am with you my daughter...don't give up."
"There is a harvest waiting for you, so don't give up."

I still have hard days. The important thing is, I look to Him to be my strength. God has blessed me with so many women in my life that I can't help but be energized by them. Just one look around me and I know that I am not alone. And I will do my best to make sure that every mother that crosses my path in this lifetime knows that as well.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don't give up." - Galatians 6:9

Friendship in the Valleys

I have a lot of close friends that are going through difficult times right now. Often, the Lord will place their burdens on my heart so that I can carry them in prayer. I am certain that when I have gone through my own valleys, they have been faithful to carry me in prayer as well. True friendship is like that. Words needn't be exchanged. You can just sense that they need prayer.

This psalm is my prayer for my sisters in Christ this morning. It goes out to you with all my heart. May you lean on Jesus as you walk through the valleys, for He is there with you. And when it seems like you can't go any further, He will carry you. I love you and am praying for you always.

Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.