Blessed Beyond Words

Wow! It's been such a long time since I blogged. I really miss it. But my oh my, life in the Binns home has just been super great, but super busy.

Below are a few recent updates and highlights, and I posted just a few photos to capture my family's blessed Christmas together. I wanted to post more, but I couldn't decide what to include. Besides, this post is already super long.

•I have been blessed with an amazing part part time position at Northwest Counseling Inc. in Bentonville-helping out as needed at the front desk. I work for and with such thoughtful and caring professionals. I love my time there. I also have been able to work with my husband at his office from time to time. I love learning more about his business and I love seeing him do what he loves.
•Richard continues to amaze me as his Financial Advisor business with Edward Jones continues to grow. He cares so much about the welfare of his Clients. He really does see them as family. I am so very proud of him.
•Clay's love for sports, especially soccer and football has grown exponentially. He takes a ball with him pretty much everywhere we go, so if you see us coming, put away your breakables :). I also have to praise Clay for his continued positive attitude and a continuous smile that just brings joy to your soul.
•Caleb is loving Taekwondo. Since starting it last May, he has advanced from White belt to Orange Belt and now to Yellow belt. ATA is such an amazing organization, teaching so much more than martial arts-they teach about bully prevention, respect for others, and self defense moves. Caleb has learned so much and I am so proud of his efforts.
•In addition to Church volunteer commitments, boys daily activities, work and school, our family recently purchased land and a rental house that we are improving as a family-boys included! Nothing like pulling up old carpet and tile to bring a family closer together :).

As 2012 comes to a close, I am reminded that although there has been a lot of difficult circumstances that have come our way, God has continued, by his grace, to guide us, support us, teach us, and comfort us along the way and He has blessed us more than mere words can express. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)"

Oh, I have to share that just today, God answered a prayer request that I asked only hours earlier. Clay is a Daddy's boy and naturally bonds with Richard. I asked him earlier this week to go to dinner with me one on one, but he wanted to play with his new toys. I was sad, but I wanted our time to be meaningful and not forced. Note: I do have date nights with Clay, and I know that as a parent, I can make him go, but we had just returned home after traveling and he was excited about his new games, toys, etc.

Well, this morning, I prayed to God to help me find a way to connect with Clay. I wanted some special just me and him time. Well, out if the blue, Clay came to me while Caleb and Richard were playing Wii and asked me if he could hang out with me and watch TV. We ended up spending over three hours watching TV, talking about important topics, and drinking Dr. Pepper straight out of the 2 liter. And all this time, we did not have one interruption. This time was a precious gift from God. He even asked if he could sleep with me tonight and being that Richard feel asleep on the couch, I said yes. Watching him now cuddled up with his "Build a Grinch" on the pillow next to me warms my heart. Thank you Lord!

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. (1 Samuel 1:27 NIV)

Finally, I pray you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, if not now, than soon. He doesn't promise us that life on this earth will be easy, but He does promise us that we won't ever be alone and that He has a purpose and a plan for all of His children (Jeremiah 29:11).

God Bless and Happy New Year!

PS
I had to post the pants my Mom got me. They are definitely out if my comfort zone, but I am going to step out and rock them or at least try :). Oh, and I also got them in pale green with grey print.