grat.i.tude

because this is the month of gratitude, i have to publicly (as public as this is) say how grateful i really am. my life is good and i don't have a lot to complain about. my little family is healthy, our home is warm, and we have food to eat. that's more than a lot can say. 

i really feel lucky. when i sit down and really think about all the good in my life, it's overwhelming. it definitely out weighs the bad. i'm grateful for trials and heartache and for the stronger person it makes me. i'm also so grateful for those things that make my heart just burst. i get to stay home and be with brooklyn all day while my husband provides for us. and yes, i have a little job on the side, but it's for fun and it's fun to be helping out a little again. 

i'm grateful for a husband who thinks to take pictures when i don't. these are all (except for the last one) taken at joann's a couple nights ago. while i was busy, james dressed brooklyn up in all these different hats and props and it was so fun to look at these the next day. definitely made my heart burst.

i need to be better at remembering the good and being grateful for it. there is no reason i shouldn't feel happy/lucky/grateful every day of my life. i'm so glad november is here so that i get a little extra reflection on the topic of gratitude. i. am. so. grateful. 

Gratitude past due...

So I decided to sneak into the blog to write a little thanksgiving post about my beautiful wife. I apologize in advance if it turns out weird because I'm writing this on my phone. The truth is that most of the time I take Melinda for granted. I'm am very humbled by her diligent example to me as a mother, as a wife, and as such a hard worker. She truly is a miracle in my life. A blessing that I can't explain but that I'm so very very grateful for.



She does such a great job with this blog. I have no doubt in my mind that one day our posterity will look back on her and praise her name for the excellent job she did in recording a neat family history. Even when she's writing about lipstick, leggings, and linens she leaves a lasting impression. I can't tell you how many times I have cried out wondering what I ever did to deserve such a wonderful woman to be my eternal companion.



I am ever grateful for the opportunity to try and live up to what she deserves. She comes from a talented and loving family that have helped to shape her into the amazing person that she is and I can't thank them enough for all the good they have done in her life.



Melinda this is for you. I love you. I truly do cherish and adore you and pray to be someday the man I know you deserve. You make me happier than any other person in the world. You are my world. I can do so much better and I will because of your patience and constant support. I know how difficult I can be and I'm sorry. May the Lord bless me to be the blessing in your life that you are in mine. Thank you sweetheart! We have a long ways to go yet, but what an adventure it will be.

With all my soul,
James Burdell

posted from Bloggeroid

My Knees

I woke up this morning feeling incredibly guilty.

I haven't spent enough time on my knees thanking my Heavenly Father for this sweet baby that He's given me.

It still doesn't feel real that she's actually here. I have to remind myself every morning that she's mine. And then it's like Christmas. I can't get to her fast enough

and

kiss those tiny cheeks, hands, toes, mouth, tummy, forehead, legs, and anywhere else I can get my kisses on. 

She looks like her daddy. Especially when she's awake.

She definitely has her own personality. She is strong willed. Oh boy. I think we're in trouble.

Every day she's melting our hearts more and more, and therefore, should bring me to my knees more and more.