As 2012 comes to a close, I want to stop and give thanks for all that the Lord has done for our family this year.  We had so much fun as a family! In January our second miracle child was born at a healthy 5 lbs. 10 ozs. and 36-1/2 weeks.  He was a healthy nurser right form the start and even though he’s been nicknamed “Nugget”, he could be called “Tank” because at 11 months old now he plows through everything including his older brother who is nearly twice his size.

I say miracle child because it’s been a journey for Jimmy and I to have children.  Nugget was pregnancy #6 and it is only God’s divine power and mercy that have enabled us to have these two precious boys despite a blood-clotting disorder that I was born with; and didn’t even know I had until we started trying to have a family.

We are thankful for God’s provision in the doctors, hospital, health insurance, nurses, and staff in helping us deliver our second son.  We’re also so blessed by friends who cared for our eldest while I was in labor and delivery, and friends on the birthing team who actually helped with delivery.  We are so humbled and thankful at God making us a part of the miracle of life.

Nugget is bright and cheery and has an adorable laugh.  He has a great sense of humor and loves to play with his older brother in a fearless sort of way.  He is frightened by loud nosies and doesn’t like to be far from mommy.  He loves daddy’s warm hugs and likes to pull on his beard. He pulls himself to standing now and can maneuver the edge of the couch or coffee table.  He has excellent fine motor skills and can detect and pick up the smallest speck of something on the floor with his thumb and forefinger – keeps mommy on her toes.

Our firstborn, nicknamed Peanut, whose name means “Happy and Blessed;” for which this blog is aptly named; will be three in April.  He talks in complete sentences now and is day-time potty trained.  He loves books and is already showing an interest in reading (though he can only name and sound out letters of the alphabet).   He easily counts to ten, loves to paint, and likes to build and organize.  He takes pride in having things in their place and tries to be helpful to mommy.  He gives hugs easily and will often plant a kiss on his little brother’s head during a family hug or cuddle.

We started 2012 off with some illnesses and God has healed all of those things for which we are so grateful including helping guide us a parents on how to feed and care for a preemie toddler (Peanut was born at 30 weeks in 2010).

We received help from family with our newest addition, including  the blessing of having my mom come to help us for almost thirteen weeks this year.  We praise the Lord for her good health and ability to be here with us during that time.  We also enjoyed time with all our family in town and out of state including my sisters, dad and step-mom, sister-in-law and her family, and mother-in-law, and even visits from some of our out of state friends and relatives.  Thank you all for taking time out of your lives to share your lives with us.

God, in His divine provision, allowed for us take on and complete another major renovation in our home this year, the master bathroom.  It is a peaceful oasis just steps from our bed and has been a sanctuary for one tired mommy on more than one occasion this year.  Thank you Lord.

Jimmy and I celebrated five years of marriage this year and we were even able to take a one night retreat, with a little tw0-month-old, to celebrate our time together. We’re so thankful for the time we do get together as a couple and are thankful for God’s provision in our good health, our unity, and our commitment to each other and we pray for continual unity and oneness as husband and wife.

This summer we enjoyed trips to the zoo, petting the giraffes, and watching hot air balloons sail into a sunny sky.  We held a wonderful baby dedication for Nugget and are so thankful for the Lord’s guidance in our parenting. This year Peanut learned how  to climb the jungle gym and slide down by himself too. And we took our first ever family trip to a pumpkin patch this year.

We are thankful for Jimmy’s job.  His company has faithfully proven to be one that follows the Lord’s plan but one that also honors family by supporting our family through illness and life-changing events. Jimmy is truly enjoying his work and we’re so thankful that God has blessed the work of his hands.

I celebrated my 40th birthday this year and was blessed by so many friends and family who came out to share in that milestone with me.  I’m so thankful to have lived 40 years of good health and to now have two beautiful children and one amazing husband as well as numerous friends and family to hopefully share the next 40 years with.

Jimmy’s father, Judge Albert Pruett, passed away this year, but we’re so thankful for all the years God gave us with Jimmy’s dad and for the provision the Lord allowed this year for Jimmy to spend time with his dad on multiple visits to see him this year before he passed way.  We’re so thankful too for the love and support of so many through this difficult loss. Thank you.

I’m thankful too for the love and support of other moms who have offered support and encouragement to me this year.  For their faithfulness through study and for being a light to me through MOPS and our small group study.  Thank you so much ladies.

We’re also thankful for our church who has shepherded us through Proverbs this year as well as offered healing words and recovery hope for our community as we suffered through fires this summer locally, and some nationally catastrophic tragedys like the loss at Sandy Hook Elementary.

We are humbled too for the gift of our savior.  For the providence and gift of Christ as we seek Him in the new year.  We praise Him for all He has done and we praise Him for what lies ahead.  We are thankful because we are fearfully and wonderfully made and he has a plan with a hope and a future for us in the year(s) to come.

I am thankful too for this blog and this wonderful technology to stay in touch with others and make new friends who are like-minded in ministry – discipling their children, being in God’s word, and being a blessing to others in this journey of mommy-hood.

Thank you if you are reading this.  If you are receiving this post thank you for touching my life and the lives of my family.  You are a blessing in more ways than you know. Thank you.

I pray the Lord’s richest blessings on you and your family in the New Year.  May it be a year of peace and prosperity filled with fun family memory-making, time for renewal, and time for connection with our Lord and all that is precious to you.

I praise and glorify His holy name and thank Him for a wonderful year and for His promise of the future.  Happy New Year!

In His Grip,

Monica

I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. (Eph. 1:16)