Grateful

Hello There!
This morning it is cold outside (yes I know it's almost Winter) but for some reason today it made me feel incredibly grateful.  I don't know why or how to explain; other that I have a jacket on, a warm car to take my kids to school in, and a warm home to live in.  I can not explain how extremely blessed my family and I are.  I know I don't always stop and realize it, acknowledge it, or even appreciate the blessings that God had bestowed on me.  And why?  I know I don't always make it public (in such a wide open media) how much I love my family and the amazing things that they do simply because they want to.  I am not writing this to brag but to remind myself that in such a giant world of seemingly all bad things that I am surrounded by greatness.
This year had brought so many changes to our family.  Back in March I quit my job.  That was an amazingly hard thing to do.  There were so many questions.  I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do.  I needed my family and they needed me.  Bottom line.  It has been a new experience for all of us.  We are all still alive and I am still working on being the best housewife ever! (good luck, ha!)
Ansley has been involved in so many adventures as well.  This year she moved on up to middle school...yikes is all I can say but here we are at Christmas break and I think that we will survive.  She came up with a business and has been so successful (we really appreciate everyone of you who have supported her more than you know)!  She started back in July and she had donated $174 to the Douglas County Animal Shelter and $374 to The Pantry in Douglas County.  There are no words to explain how proud I am of her!  During the month of December she is participating in Dressember... a program that supports the mission work of International Justice Mission.  I am astounded by her heart and hope that it continues on the path that she has found.
Sarah has had an amazing year in school.  She has excelled in everything!  I love her yearning to learn and all of the questions that she asks.  I am so excited that she is loving school the way that she does.  I know that there is a tremendous amount of work that parents need to do with their kids school work but let me tell you an amazing teacher and school will make it so much easier!
Ansley and Sarah have both been so very lucky with all of their teachers!
Sarah's school is currently holding a winter coat drive thru the 19th.  They are accepting gently used and new children and adult items.  All coats are going back to a Douglas County child/adult in need.  If you have any items that you could donate that would be amazing!  I can pick them up from you and take them over if you like.
Jake and I went to Port Au Prince, Haiti this year.  Twice.  I can't explain to you how those two trips have changed my life.  If you ever have time, let's talk about it.
Jake has made a new friend who is working to help feed families and so far it has been so awesome watching his small ministry grow.
We have wonderful families and are friends are the absolute best!
We have an unbelievable church family and it has been so special making new friends throughout this year. 
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26- This I truly  have complete faith in.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Melissa