Better late than never!

I have decided to start a blog.  Why?  I think it will be a nice way to chronicle some of the cute and funny happenings in our family, and to share some of those with people we don't see as often as we would like.  It will also be a fun way to remember some of the little things that get lost if we don't write them down.  Like me asking Abby if she is smart, and her responding, "Yes my are!"  Or when she snuggles up next to Michael and says, "Oh, he's perfect for me!"  Why the title "Blessings beyond measure"?  I truly feel I have been tremendously blessed!  In just two weeks, my beloved and I will be celebrating 10 years of marriage!  We have been blessed with 4 amazing children.  I have the blessing of being able to stay home with our children.  I love being able to teach them and watch them grow and being able to catch all of those precious little moments that are not scripted or planned.  I feel very blessed to live on our farm, where our children have plenty of room to run and play and use their imaginations, and where I can feel free to allow them to run and play without having to watch over them every minute.  And most of all, I am blessed to know that I belong to the Lord, and that my Father in heaven is watching over our family and guiding our footsteps.  
Why the name "country ducklings"?  I thought it sounded kind of cute.  I also have heard that when baby ducklings hatch, they immediately begin to follow and imitate the mother duck, learning from their parents what it means to be a duck and what to do in all situations.  I have heard that if they do not have that model available, their chances of surviving are pretty slim.  That reminds me of what an awesome responsibility we have as parents.  Our children look to us from day one to learn what to do and how to live.  It really is a tremendous responsibility, and one that can seem very daunting.  How do we as parents know what model to use?  God, as our very own Father, provided that model in Jesus.  He shows us exactly what to do and how to live so that we not only survive, but thrive!  I know that I fall far short of that model, but by spending more and more time with Him, I strive to become more like Him.  Why?  Because four little ducklings are watching and following along.