Milestones

In the past week, my kids have reached a few milestones. We like to celebrate the little things (monthiversaries, half birthdays, etc) in our family, and I think these steps might require a little celebration of sorts. Perhaps a cake or some cupcakes are in our very near future.

First milestone this week: We took the guardrail off Collin's bed. He had started playing with it during naps and bedtime, so it was time for it to go. For the first couple of nights, we put couch cushions on the floor by his bed, but he didn't need them.

Second milestone: We had to lower Jenna's bed. She's been pulling herself up in her crib, so we had to lower the mattress a little bit. From the looks of it, we will be lowering it all the way in the very near future.
Third milestone: Collin got his first bike. We picked this bike up at a yardsale this afternoon. As soon as he saw it at the yard sale, he yelled, "It's Collin's bike! Need Daddy get Collin's bike!" We decided to give it to him right away, since his birthday isn't until December. He LOVES his bike, and I'm thankful for yardsales!
Every milestone is bittersweet. Each one marks the beginning of new exciting things to come, but it also means that my babies are growing up too fast. I'm so thankful to live in a time when I can capture each stage and every little milestone on camera.

Works of God Monday

When I was in college, a time was set aside every Monday in chapel for students to share testimonies of how God had worked in their lives recently. Five years later, I still take the time almost every Monday to reflect on the works of God in my life, and now I've decided to share them with you.

Today I have been reflecting on these blessings:

• God has provided consistent work for Matt - The first quarter of the year is typically a slow time of year for anyone in Matt's work, but he has not had one day without work in 2011. In fact, on several occasions He provided work for Matt and another person. In addition to Matt's work, the Lord has provided me with consistent tutoring work since the beginning of the year. It's such a blessing to be able to work without leaving my kids.
  
• God has placed us in a great church - Finding a good church was extremely important to us when we moved in September. About a year before we moved, Matt started listening to the sermons posted on RBC's website while he drove to his jobs. I would also listen to them occasionally (usually when Matt said, "Hey, I heard this really great sermon the other day. You should listen to it.") When we realized we would be moving in the area of RBC, we decided to visit. We already knew the preaching was great, but we wanted to see what the place was really like. To make a long story not quite so long, we found a church family that we wanted to be a part of and have been part of RBC ever since. We are so thankful for God's clear direction in this important decision.
• God has given us Christian neighbors whose kids are the same ages as Collin and Jenna - Even though we moved six months ago, we haven't spent a lot of time outside getting to know our neighbors yet. Today, I was able to get out with the kids and enjoy the beautiful weather. While at the playground, I met some of our neighbors for the first time. Even though I just met them this morning, we quickly discovered not only the bond we have in our kids being the same ages, but also the bond we have in Christ. I was so encouraged by my conversation with sisters in Christ this morning.
  

What about you? How has God been working in your life lately? I'd love to hear (read) about it!