Another Beautiful Day in January!

     It  was another beautiful day today.  I still am amazed that this is January and not April ! I keep thinking one of these days it will stay winter and we will get the weather consistant with living in Illinois.  One of these days.  But not today. :)

     Our day was pretty laid back.  Doug did some more irrigation work and we helped him move some things from field to home.  Brooke, Megan, and Michelle went home. The kids played outside, and I took a nap! :)  Yeah for me!! :)   Doug also took a trip to Hopedale to pick some things up and took Olivia along.  Which made her most happy to spend undivided time with her Daddy.  :)

     Later on in the evening it was decided we'd take a special trip to Cracker Barrel.  We received a gift certificate from a very special person for Christmas.  And ever since the day after Christmas the kids have been reminding Doug that we needed to try it out!  :)  So today was the day, and it of course, was completely wonderful! :)

Em took the kids out to play and when she brought them back in she made them Hot Chocolate!! Which made her the greatest Big Sister in the world!! :)

All the Whitakers at Cracker Barrel thanks to a very sweet Bryce!  Next time you are coming with us!  :)

A very large plate of extra yummy, completely white flour, not good for you, but oh so tasty biscuits!

A very happy mom and very proud dad.

     After that it was home and bed for all the littles AND the bigs.  They have been staying up later than usual reading / visiting and it was starting to show a little.  And with tomorrow being church they really needed to catch up on some sleep.  Is it me or does it seem like the last few weeks has been a whole month of Sundays?? :)  It's been wonderful hasn't it?  :)

     So finally, I guess the blessings and gifts are easy to think of for today..... (I think I will start numbering them from 1 to 1000 to make it easier for me to keep track of...maybe...?)....

                      7.)A most heavenly, much needed nap!  :)
                      8.) Older girls that really enjoy spending time with the littles in our family. :)
                     9.) A special dinner out thanks to someone who is special to our family! :)

     Easy, a complete no brainer today!  So far we have had pretty much great days since I have started keeping this list.  Will I be able to praise God for blessings even when I have bad days and it is harder to think of good.  Probably....A friend and I were joking that you know your having a hard day when all you can come up with was that the mashed potatoes for supper were extra creamy! :)  So, if I start commenting on the texture of food you'll know the day was extra trying!!  :)  ha! ha!! 
    
     But God will always remain God. Never changing, always with us, always good, always, thankfully in control.  Loving us completely as we love our own little and big ones.  A wonderful / peaceful/ blissful thought. 
     Thanks for visiting!  See you tomorrow.....Good Night.  ;)