Missing my parents, Potty Training, and Pumpkins

What a day today! Not because it was Halloween. But, because I felt like a new person today, refreshed and renewed. I'm striving to begin each day with a positive attitude and making the effort to decide that I'm going to have a BLESSED day even if things don't seem the way they should be or if my circumstances are less than normal whether physically or spiritually. The enemy may pour his lies into my thoughts and keep me from believing that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." but, if "Greater is He that is in Me, then he that's in the world." Then, the devil is a big fat liar! I'm sick and tired of being tired and depressed. My life is way too precious to waste time being unhappy. I want to be content with the fact that I am a child of God, a daughter of the King. That no matter how hard life can get, He will never leave me nor forsake me. Today, I had a chance to visit my parents' grave and each time I go there, I cry because I miss them so much and wish they were here to see their grandchildren. Most of all, to be there for parental guidance, support, comfort, wisdom, and just to feel their love. But, because of their absence, I know that I've grown to seek and rely completely upon my Father in heaven. A Father that hears me when I pray, corrects me when I'm wrong, supplies all of my needs, heals me when I'm sick, shows me understanding, comforts me when I'm grieved, strengthens me when I'm tired and weary, rewards me for being obedient, loves me unconditionally...


Also, today my oldest son Josiah made the effort to use the potty without putting up a fight. I was so happy for him and just the fact that it gives me hope that one day he'll finally say goodbye to his diapers for good! On the other hand, my heart had slight sinking feeling that my son is growing up so fast. These toddler days will be over before I know it and I'll be wishing I had more time with them at this age. The fact that I'm the most important person in their life and that noone is as beautiful to them as me, makes me wish they could stay this way forever. I love them so much.... Here are some photos we took at Arata's Pumpkin Farm last Sunday. It was there first time to go pumpkin picking and will be a tradition for us from now on.