Thankfulness in 2011

To honor this year, I'm going to post 11 things I'm thankful for in 2011.



1. We were able to pay off our AmExp that we maxed out with Colton's sensory therapy. Credit card bills stress me out and we've been paying on this for almost 5 years.

2. Speaking of credit cards... my poor Honda Odyssey is on it's last few legs.  We have, once again, near maxed out a credit card with auto bills.  The Odyssey left us stranded and has since had so much work done on it.  However, the total doesn't amount to the cost of a new car or even a monthly car payment.  Grateful for those credit cards in emergency situations.

3. I found a new job.  I'm working from home on my time.  Hallelujah!

4. I'm thankful that we had a savings account that lasted us for 16 months before I found work.  It wasn't easy.  But every month, God provided.  One month we received a reimbursement check for over payment when we closed on our house (which was 16 months ago!).

5. I'm so so very thankful I was out of work when my Mom needed me the most.  I truly enjoyed my time with her so so many weeks.  It was hard and trying for us all, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.  How many daughters get to say they spent hours upon ours taking care of and loving on their mother and would do it again?  I wouldn't have had that time with her if I were working elsewhere.  So blessed for that time with her!

6. Courtnie accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior!  Not many blessings can top that of your child becoming a follower of Jesus Christ.

7. I'm so very thankful for my Kitchenaide!!

8. We have found a Life Group at church.  I have prayed for years for us to find and get involved with a small group of people within our church.  God certainly led us to the right people!

9. I started selling Thirty-One over the summer. It has definitely been fun and a true blessing for our family.

10. I'm thankful for my new wedding ring :)  I had gone over to Mom's to clean her house after her surgery and had put all my things in a bag.  When I was done cleaning and had showered, I went to put my jewelry on and my wedding band was all sorts of bent out of shape.  I was devastated.  The cost to fix it and resize it (I'm just a mite bigger now than I was when we got married).  We opted to replace it with a new solid silver wedding band.  Fits me perfectly!  Thank you my love!

11. I'm also thankful for friends.  God has given me discernment at just the right times and has allowed me to let some friends go and sent me new friends in return.  Thnakful for those friendships!


This next year, I'm going to be more intentional about thanking God for all of my blessings. 

December Recap

December has been adventuresome to say the least.  I'll try and do a little recap....

I found a job working online, and from home, working for a marketing company.  I'm doing online research and writing various reviews.  I love to write and really enjoy the work!  I haven't had any income in 16 months and miraculously our savings kept us alive for awhile.  These last few months were stressful (I'd be lying if I said they weren't worry free).  But God knew just what I needed and what would be best for our family. 

Breanne arrived home from Africa!  I screamed in the airport when I saw her.  It was a really loud shrill for about 2 seconds before I caught myself.  Unfortunately it was long and loud enough for people to stare at us.  But we didn't care, we had our B home!

Cameron had a quick blood test for allergies and it came back severe.  We received a referral for an allergist to do further testing.  Before his appointment I eliminated all of the foods he was "severely" allergic to - dairy, wheat/grain, fish, pork, corn, soy, eggs and nuts.  This is an impossible diet and I do not suggest it for anyone.  At his appointment they did further testing to see what all he was allergic to and just how bad the reaction would be.  They originally were going to split the tests in two different weeks for fear that he would have a severe reaction and need emergency attention.  (Just what every mother wants to hear!)  Luckily, he came through the first part well and they attempted the second part slowly.  To sum up the appointment, he is only NOT allergic to two things.  I can't say them and have no idea what they are!  He is severely allergic to EVERY outdoor allergen and is moderate to severe for every indoor allergen.  Basically, we can put him in a bubble and let him live alone or we can start weekly allergy shots for the next 3-5 years which we opted for. We've replaced his mattress, pillows, bedding, bought him his own personal air purifier and covers for the pillows and mattress.  I didn't take the time to calculate these expenses for fear I'd pass out.  But God is so good and knew we would need the extra income and because of this we were able to buy these things with cash.

Breanne had surgery on both of her feet.  The last year or so she's had these bunions forming on her feet.  The 4 months walking in Africa didn't help them at all.  While in surgery they confirmed it was congenital and she definitely needed surgery.  They shaved the sides of her feet and broke her big toes and reset them with pins.  Her toes were growing out, which created the bones to shape awkwardly and grow out as well.  Poor girl, they were bad.  They normally only do one foot at a time but Mom had already met their deductible and all out of pocket expenses so they went ahead and did both feet.  They paid nothing for B's surgery!  How awesome is our God?!  Now that B is back home and not able to walk, and Mom still can't use her arm fully or lift things, I'm back to using my new found nursing skills.  I spend my days helping the girls at their home and working from there and back home with my family at night.  We've even left Courtnie overnight so she can take care of B and help Nanie with everything else.  She's definitely grown a servant's heart during this time.  I've been so proud of her!

And of course we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  What a wonderful day it was!  It was a different kind of Christmas for the Gautreaux's since I was without a job for so long.  But again, God miraculously provides as he says he will.  Simply Amazing.  God is so good, all the time. 

Happy New Year!  I look forward to seeing what God has planned for the Gautreaux's in 2012!

November's 30 Days of Thankfulness

Day 1 - I'm thankful for the one-on-one time I've had with my mom since her surgery. What an incredible blessing to have been completely schedule free to take care of her all this time.

Day 2 - I'm thankful to be a stay-at-home-mom and I rest knowing that bills are paid, food is on the table and we have a strong family unit.

Day 3 - I am thankful for God's never ending, redeeming love. Without Him, our lives would be meaningless.

Day 4 - I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit, who prompts my convictions. I'm thankful for freedom of speech, so that I may tell the Biblical truth in all things.

Day 5 - Mom and I just had a 20 minute FB chat with Breanne. Oh, the Lord is sooooo good!  And  THAT's what I'm thankful for today - technology and social networking!  Although it seems silly, addicting and even petty at times, thank you to Facebook for providing the ability to "chat" with my sister this morning!

Day 6 - I'm thankful for my church family. After years of searching for the right church and always being drawn back to Lake Pointe Rockwall (even though is was just a bit further than we wanted), we finally make our home in Forney, TX and that same month LP Forney was opened. Thank you LP Forney for being an incredible church!!

Day 7 - I'm thankful for RAIN!

Day 8 - Thankful today for shelter from storms (and earthquakes and tornadoes).  At any moment of any day, my shelter could crumble.  I pray to be reminded to never take that for granted.

Day 9 - So thankful for the freedom to worship my God any time and any place!

Day 10 - I'm thankful for friends who are there when you need them. When I actually "CALL" them, they know it must be important and are there to listen and give advice all the time. Thank you!

Day 11 - Thankful for being rescued from tears and heartache by a sweet friend and then after that by my Mom.  (2nd update) - All 3 of my children and Courtnie's friend Caily are ALL playing together, nicely. Makes my heart so happy :)

Day 12 - I'm thankful for the few days we have that we are not being pulled in multiple directions. It's nice to wake up on our own and spend the entire day as a family simply enjoying each others company.

Day 13 - Today I'm thankful for the quality time with the family and a new week with a fresh start. Thanks be to God!

Day 14 - I'm thankful today for teachers who provide for, teach and care for my children during the weekdays.

Day 15 - I'm thankful for this quiet time I've had with our Lord lately. I've definitely had time to spend in His word and many hours to "listen" to His voice.

Day 16 - I'm thankful for the opportunity to BAKE!

Day 17 - I'm thankful and faithful that God provides.

Day 18 - I'm thankful for my produce co-op. You ladies are awesome and it's because of you that we are approaching 1 year together and I'm still not tired of what we do. Thank you!!

Day 19 - Thankful today for the greatest privilege God gives to us, the freedom to approach Him at any time through prayer.

Day 20 -  Thankful this stormy weather!! Incredibly blessed with all this family time we're getting, it might spoil me. The kids have enjoyed each others' company all day and Jason as allowed me time with him in the man cave. Love him!

Day 21 - So thankful my kids are home all this week. Thank you FISD for the whole week off.

Day 22 - Thankful my kids still want to talk to me, even if it is multiple times in the middle of the night. Love them! But bedtime is coming early tonight

Day 23 - I'm thankful for quiet times, so few and far between really, but oh so appreciated when they do happen!

Day 24 - Thankful for this time of year where nearly everyone is thankful and happy. It's almost like pessimism and negativity are obsolete.

Day 25 - I'm thankful today for one-on-one time with my hubby. I love you Jason ♥

Day 26 - Thankful for my family, especially my Momma. I love her so!

Day 27 - I'm thankful I've haven't snapped at anybody since I just realized I never took my medicine. It's your lucky day kids :)

Day 28 - So very thankful for the energy and desire to tackle the never-ending to-do list. It feels so great to mark things off that list :)

Day 29 - Thankful for shelter and heat. This cold weather has already bummed me into sweats and wrap around blankets. Brrr!

Day 30 - So thankful in a world of chaos, our God is Unchanging, never taken by surprise, ever on His Throne and Ever Faithful! Be blessed today!

Mama & Me

Yet, another pinterest idea!  I made this journal for Courtnie and I.  We write each other back and forth.  I usually write in it and sneak it in her room so when she goes to bed she can have something sweet to read.  She's soooo eager to right back though that she runs it back to me before she finally gets in bed for the night.

Colton wanted a journal too, which is great since he really needs to start writing more and even reading bigger words than the books at school.  So we made one for him too!  I wrote him his first note the other night and the next morning he wrote me back.  He basically asked me the same questions I asked him and never even answering my questions!  It will be neat to read them over the years and see how far his writing and reading skills advance. 



November Pics

Here are some random pics from November. 

Courtnie's Shoes, which we had to THROW AWAY so she wouldn't wear them anymore!  But first she made us promise her new ones, which we gladly bought.  I wish I had gotten a better picture of the second angle.  The back side of her shoe was half missing!  These may very well be the worse death of a pair of shoes I've ever seen.



I was asked to make 6 large cookie trays for a business' 6 top clients.  At first I thought it would be fun and easy.  It didn't take long to learn it was fun and lots of work!  I think I worked well over 12 hours getting all 6 trays ready.  The extras were made into a tray for the kids' Elementary school.

These is my newest home decor.  I've had it for awhile but knew I hadn't blogged about it.  I just LOVE it!

And this last picture is so stinkin cute!  There's just something so special about a sleeping child.  Sure, it's nice that they are quiet and still and nothing new can be broken or arguments to be had.  But really, they look so angelic while they sleep.  It makes the days events worth it all.

Family Advent Calendar

Yet another pinterest idea!  Easy to make, I had all the items need already at home. and the kids LOVED it!  Now to talk to them about Advent and the reason we honor this season.

1. Make a paper chain for the tree.
2. Buy an unwrapped toy to donate.
3. Make Christmas candy.
4. Write a letter to Santa
5. Everyone pick a story for bedtime – Mom and Dad will read them.
6. Make a holiday wreath.
7. Elf on a Shelf…. Where is he?
8. Make paper snowflakes and decorate the windows.
9. It’s family game night!
10. Invite a friend to church tomorrow.
11. Dance and sing to Christmas music.
12. Make a WELCOME HOME banner for Aunt B.
13. Make Christmas cards for family and friends.
14. Is the sky clear? Get out the telescope for some star gazing, if not, go for a nighttime walk with your flashlights.
15. Make Christmas crafts today.
16. Bake a batch of Christmas cookies.
17. Bake another batch of Christmas cookies and share with neighbors.
18. Family Wii night.
19. Make a list of ten things you are thankful for. Hang it where you can see it every day.
20. Make and hang edible gifts for the birds and squirrels.
21. Watch a Christmas movie together.
22. Make a gingerbread house.
23. Drive around and look at Christmas lights.  Don’t forget the hot chocolate!
24. Make a birthday cake for Jesus.
25. It’s Christmas Day! Read the birth story of Jesus.

Uh-Oh Jar

I have this new found LOVE for pinterest!  You can follow me HERE.  It has really inspired my crafty side (I use this term loosely, very loosely).
I found this Uh-Oh jar and wanted to do it for the kids.  So from now on, every time I hear whining, complaining, tattling or the dreaded phrase "I'm bored", they will have the most wonderful opportunity of picking something out of the Uh-Oh jar to do.  So much fun!!

Here are some things in there for them to do.  If you think of any other ideas, please do share!

Clean your bathroom.
Play Wii
Watch a movie in your room.
Read a book.
Dust an area (Mom’s choice).
Draw a picture.
Make a collage from magazines.
Pick up Oakley’s poop J
Vacuum your room.
Sweep the kitchen.
Clean out the van.
Sweep the driveway and sidewalks.
Clean some glass (Mom’s choice).
Write a letter to someone special.
Clean off back porch.
Do Mom’s exercises.
Organize a closet (Mom’s choice).
Ride your bike outside.
Write a story.
Take Oakley for a walk.
Bathe Oakley!!
Call a grandparent and tell them how special they are.

Idle Time

Since I was asked to leave my most recent "ministry", I have found my idle hands being kept busy in a different way lately.  I truly believe that this time off from any commitments has been a blessing - I have been able to care for my Mom one-on-one all this time.  In addition, she has provided me with much comfort and friendship that I so desperately needed with my sister being gone.  Not many people can say they have truly, and whole-heartedly enjoyed taking care of their parent(s).

In this "idle" time, my mind has wandered.  I've found time to volunteer at the kids' school and I'm now volunteering for www.traffic911.org.  This organization is very new and I've found myself being pulled to do more.  And of course when you have a calling to do more for God, Satan tried even harder to bring you me.  Which is exactly what he's been doing.

I've found myself keeping busy cleaning, taking care of odds and ends, and even trying my craft hands at new projects around the house.  Thanks of course to pinterest :) 

But most importantly, I've spent many hours in prayer.  No better way to keep yourself grounded, focused and busy than through prayer!  I've posted on Facebook a few Prayer Calls for the day and have LOVED this!  People will tell you exactly what they want prayer for, which I am not good at myself.  I like to ask people to pray for me but never give specifics and yet I prefer specifics when praying for others.  Maybe I should pray about why I do this....

In changing my prayer style, Satan his having to fight harder.  Through these last few weeks, I have found myself closer to God and in more direct communication with Him as well.  Sometimes I shout my praises and if I were to be truthful, sometimes I shout my heartache and frustrations. 

I know He has something so grand in store for my life.  I want to leave this life knowing I had an important role.  Yes, raising my family, being a mother and wife, and taking care of the day to day events in the Gautreaux house are important, but I wanted to leave my mark elsewhere.  I have compassion for those hurting and I wanted to make a difference. 

Being led to traffick911.com was not by coincidence, I know this was a God-led thing.  I know in my heart, big things are about to happen for the Dallas area and the rescue of minors being trafficked for sex and exploitation.  I know I am supposed to be working with these girls.  I know my circumstances in life are all going to come together for this one purpose. 

Now to be honest....  I want to get moving with this!  My idle hands have had about all the "idle" they can take.  I'm ready for changes to happen.  I'm ready for God to reveal my direction in all of this.

Pray for me please.

Time Warp

Our ice maker is currently broken.  For whatever reason, I was able to find ice cube trays in the house.  I do not keep junk in the house to save for a possible ocassion; if it hasn't been used in a year, it goes.  Now the only reason I can think of our use for ice cube trays is when I was making baby food and friends that was a LONG time ago!  But alas, I've found a new need for them......

Back to the ice maker... it's broken.  Do you know what I've been doing for a week now?  Making ice!  Poor Colton just stares in awe that you can "make" ice.  Forget the science he learns in school and the random days when we get icy weather, but to MAKE ICE?  He clearly doesn't get that ice is made from water and that it doesn't just randomly fall into the freezer or fall from the sky.  It never fails, he looks at me like I'm taking "thrifty" to a whole new level - popping ice out and refilling it with water.  Who does that anymore?

I'm thrifty, but I'm over making ice!

Boys Being Boys

We saw RAIN people, RAIN! 

School Days 2011

Another school year begins.....

Cameron started 8th grade (gulp), Courtnie started 5th grade, and Colton started 1st grade. 

And here is the much dreaded first day picture!!  Getting this picture is like pulling teeth, every year.  I warn them, give me a good smile and we can be done.  But they always make this such a task!  I did get somewhat of a good picture, no one was crying or mad or grumpy and they're all facing the camera and smiling.  I guess for a picture they do not ever want to participate in, this is pretty darn good.  Colton however doesn't seem to mind.  I was able to get a picture at his desk and even of his new shoes!!

Pics with Aunt B

My sister wanted pictures taken with "her babies" before she left for Africa.  Sometimes pictures capture the best moments and this sitting is definitely one of them. 

Brownwood Kind of Summer

This year ALL 3 kids went to Brownwood with my Aunt and Uncle.  Colton was able to go because my Mom and sister went.  He requires extra sets of eyes for his own safety!

I used to LOVE my summers at the farm but now that I'm older, I don't really dig the hot, sticky dirty days.  And once upon a time, I thought the phrase "watch for snakes" was just used to keep from running completely off without supervision.  Today, I know that phrase really does mean to watch for snakes!  And as a child, I never had to check my bed for scorpions, my parents did that when we weren't around. As an adult, it's MY job to check the beds and shoes for scorpions.  No thank you!  Not my idea of fun anymore I dare say.

But my kids.... THEY LOVE IT!  They definitely did not get their love for the outside from me!!

You see that ugly face of hers?  PROOF right there she's not as sweet as candy!

And this my friends is Colton's ugly face!  No need for proof, we all know he's rotten!

What did Jason and I do with our extra long weekend?  Relaxed.