Instead of Resolutions or Intentions, I am coming up with
One Word this year after reading this book

Kids book I am currently reading on my lunch break 

counting it all joy

A few years ago I read the book One Thousand gifts by Ann Voskamp ... this book has changed my life.

Even though it took me some time to read the book and a few years to complete the practice (counting to 1000 gifts) it is a practice I will continue in my life.

1001.   Receiving one gift after another

1002.   A granddaughter's birthday celebration

1003.   The gift of pausing to watch the red cardinal against the   white snow

1004.   The gift of doctors, nurses, hospitals and medicines particularly for diabetes

1005.   The ability to snowshoe at the age of 61 

1006.   Friday night pizza with family playing catch phrase, so fun! 

Day 4

So very grateful for the gift of coming to visit family in TX  .... 

So very grateful for the time with Annika learning not only reading, writing and math but what foods are carbs and how her body feels different when she drinks water before meals

So very grateful for Eden who is eager to learn alongside of her big sister and cares so well for that little sister

So very grateful for the littlest Davis girl and how she kisses me on the cheek and says "Nana come, Nana watch me."

Family is such a gift and I feel so blessed ....

So very grateful 

Day 3 .... Daughters and Granddaughters out for a walk

Nora (2), Eden (4), Annika (almost 6)

Eden took this picture

morning quiet time in TX

Eden journals in my journal

Annika follows along in a picture Bible while I read in my bible

Day 2 in TX

Yep, I am in TX with my son-in-law, daughter, and 3 granddaughters. One on the primary reasons I came was to help, support, and encourage my daughter as my oldest granddaughter (6 years old) was in the hospital with a new diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes and is now home. Life has changed for this family dramatically but the same God of last week is present in this home today. 

I have seen my family love, support and pray for this adjustment. I have seen my oldest granddaughter learning to live differently when it comes to food, blood sugars, insulin and I am more than amazed at how well she is responding. Some kids are so resilient and I am seeing this in my sweet Annika. She is the same, happy, content, and trusting little girl she was last week before this new routine. Her mommy does such a great job explaining about carbs and numbers, snacks and of taking blood sugars and giving insulin.  

I love being here and just watching all the learning and loving that is going on in so many ways. So grateful for the gift of being able to come to TX!

ps I also saw today ways my only son and daughter-in-law are supporting from a distance as Carrie opened "this" package .... no coincidence that this morning before getting the mail Carrie and I were talking at the park about how she wants Annika to still be able to cook and make snacks with her in the kitchen! I love this  family and I am seeing yet one more time how good God is!

"this" package

# 11 United States Army stationary .... September 30th 2007 (reading and typing old love letters on Valentine's weekend)

Mom and Dad,

Well I'm sitting in the barracks this evening with only a few other girls because most are upstairs watching a movie. I wanted to take this extra time I have to tell you both how much you mean to me. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for you both. Since I was young I knew I had loving parents. You guys were always there to comfort me when I was sad  or hurt, always there in joyful times and always there to correct me when I had done something wrong. The biggest thing that was most important was bringing me up in a Christian home. I loved our family devotions and prayer times. I know for a fact that I wouldn't be so strong in my faith if you both had not shown me the way. Now, I'm able to go out on my own still firm in my faith. That's because of you guys.

I love you both so much and I want you to know that always I think the love grows more and more each day, and it's because it's a different love because of our separation for such a long time. I've really been able to realize how much I'm like both of you and how much I need both of you. I cannot wait til I see you both! I know it will be different, but there's no worries because it's a good change. I've stayed firm in my beliefs and values. Whenever I'm having a tough time, I'm able to look back at your letters and they help me drive on. Trust me mom and dad, I definitely wouldn't  have been able to do all this without you and your support. I see some of the people here that don't even talk to their parents and I don't know how they do it. Some girls envy what I have with you guys and I tell them I am blessed. Well, as I come to a close with this letter, I just once again want to tell you guys how much I love you both. It's really hard to completely put into words, but it's just important for you to know that I love you both will all my heart.

It's coming sooner than I thought it was 44 days :-p    Ash

Lots of Love on Valentine's Day

                              Nora Just finished her Laundry

Fun at the Park

Eden is Four

Oh Eden how I miss seeing you and celebrating your birthday. I also missed writing a post / letter to you this year so ... even though it is a bit late I want you to know how proud I am of you ... of the young girl you are becoming. I love your smile. When your mommy was 4 years old she was a big helper around the house  just like you. She used to unload the dishwasher like you and she helped with her little brother and sister just like you. 

I am praying for you Eden that you would "put your trust in God and never be shaken." Psalm 125:1

Happy Belated Birthday .... I love you so much more! Nana  

# 10 Mom and Dad, September 26th, 2007

Hey! How's it going? It's been a while since I've written so I thought I would write a letter. Things here haven't been too great. Our drill sgts and commander told us we've lost our minds since we started AIT. Our phase banners are called again and we lost all privileges. I mean everything. We have to do bay maintenance until 8 pm and lights out is 30 minutes later. It's just enough time to shower and get ready for the next day. We don't get a pass this weekend either which is really hard for me. I'm hoping that this won't last for long though. Hopefully I'll be able to call you tomorrow. We didn't get to make phone calls on Monday but I wasn't going to call anyway. Monday was when everything happened and I knew it would just make matters worse. I don't think we are going to get our cell phone either. Not even "best of the best". Our commander has really strict rules and with him being upset now I don't know when we will have privileges again. How are things in Minnesota? Have you been babysitting little Syd quite a bit? I'm sure I'll be doing that when I get home. It will be the perfect time to catch up on our auntie-nephew relationship. :-p How's my room coming? I can't wait to be back home. It will be so welcoming and just in time for thanksgiving! I'll probably gain like 15 pounds ... that's OK thought. Daddy has the broker found any xtera's for me yet? Just kidding, I know it will take some time before you get a call from him. Please keep writing because letters are always a help at night. I promise I'll do my best to write. It really depends on when we get our free time back .... well i love you both so much. I don't know what I would do without you both mom and dad. 48 days and counting .... Love, Ashley # 5