284. heat. heat. heat. heat.
285. hot chocolate in a new mug
286. quiet afternoons when Norah naps and Ben sits quietly on the couch watching Jake the Pirate and my dishwasher sings of a job well done.
287. a sparkling clean kitchen. at least counters clutter free and swiped down, dishes done, daylight streaming in from the window
288. tasks that seemed daunting to proceed ahead with, and then the accomplishment of being able to check them off the list
289. thankful for the grace of the police officer not giving us a full ticket, even though our rear window was obstructed in view, no proof of insurance, and expired tabs. a small fine is nothing compared to our fully deserved punishment.
290. thankful for the gift of travel. Since marrying Nathan, I have traveled more by plane, by train, and by plush vehicle more than I ever did growing up. So thankful he takes me on trips, flies me places, and gets us out of the house.
291. that I have my eye sight. that I am not swarming with unknown disease like I have in my past, thankful that I put my contacts in without pain or a hefty price to pay, and that I can wear my glasses and not feel like a total dog. [a lot of times, yes, but there is room to dress them up:)]
292. grateful for a responsible husband. he is never lazy, dead beat, or selfish in thinking. he cleans out the van and vacuums it without asking, spends hours on the phone taking care of insurance policies and coverage, and fills my vehicle with gas, unprompted. I know these are huge gifts.
293. that Norah still cuddles with me. she caresses my face, squeezes my neck, and cozies up against my chest without being sick or tired, she just comes to find me and I love it that she wants to be close to me. it makes me feel so special and loved by her.
294. and I love that her hair has finally grown, giving her a more feminine look, and we get to experiment with bows and braids and pig tails.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
gifts 276-283
276. Jade is the New Black and Wooden Shoe Like to Know are two beautiful nail colors by OPI that i find great delight in;)
277. the growing anticipation of another upcoming vacation to beautiful California, one of my most favorite places on earth. Looking forward to a more frequent appearance of the sun, lovely palm trees that sway and are not ashamed of their looks, and sinking my teeth into a huge good quality In N Out burger.
278. the consistency of my friendships. the ones that matter have stayed put, continue to encourage and be present when needed, offer wisdom and affection, and I am so thankful for them. such gifts.
279. you know, my sex life has been pretty rough only recently in the last 2-3 months, I blame it SOLELY on this pregnancy, but I am thankful that one, i can even still have sex and my desire is still strong for my husband, two, that I can rest in the knowledge that mostly, about 90 percent of the time, sex is rocking and fun for both parties, and the dry spells just creep up during pregnancy, so THIS SHALL PASS....right?! and so so so thankful for a gentle and understanding husband who is so overly aware and attentive to my every sigh and discomfort. He is always offering other means of physical comfort, whether it be a long back rub, a head rub, many hugs and kisses, slowed down time, and allowing me to rest and picking up so much of the slack. I can not thank him enough, or the Father of gifts for bestowing me with such a gracious husband.
280. I am always learning and striving and chasing after with desperation a true heart and life of humility and the more I dive into it, I sometimes fear of drowning, because there is such a depth and richness there, and I have not even scratched the surface. I am also learning [the more difficult way] that humility is easily misunderstood. I have had a close friend question me [in complete love and gentleness] thinking I had a low view of myself, or asking if I really knew how much the Father loved me and viewed me. I think he was asking me these things because sometimes humility comes across as so small and unassuming, giving little thought to self and affirmation, but honestly, I DO know where I stand with Jesus, I have never been more sure. His love is so big and He takes great delight in His children, and I am one of them. I do not put myself down anymore [used to be a constant struggle] or bash what He has created in me, I simply do not try and talk about it, because humility just thinks of itself less, not that I am less. I would rather veer toward the side of maybe too much smallness, than being filled with arrogance or self assurance. So maybe that gets me in trouble. But you know, I am thankful that as much as i am learning, the Father knows me so intimately and well, that my audience is for One, and He is who I aim to please. He is Who I want to be small and tiny for. I have much joy. I don't walk around feeling sorry for myself, or thinking I am a little piece of shit [I sure once thought this way] but I am content to rest in being a tiny child of God, a walker of low ground, and a silent confidence finding my identity in Him. May He be praised for what He is doing in little me. All this being said, I am just thankful. I deserve none of anything, yet He still lifts me up on solid ground. no matter who understands or not.
281. thankful that my son possesses such a sweet and tender spirit. He is so gentle and affectionate, he loves to sing and make cards for people, he is thoughtful and sensitive and i view him as such a gift to my heart.
282. Thankful for moments in carefully chosen restaurants when my meal is placed in front of me, I partake and JUST HIT IT. The food is excellent and tastes so delicious, I am just so excited at this point that one, I am out to eat, and two, paying for the food was well worth it. It's just a little thing, but I am so ecstatic when i hit it:)
283. good babysitters. T, J, and M, all take such good care of my littles, loving them, getting on the floor with them, making the evening special for them, tickling, laughing, and playing, my heart is so full when my children are well loved by others. it brings me peace.
277. the growing anticipation of another upcoming vacation to beautiful California, one of my most favorite places on earth. Looking forward to a more frequent appearance of the sun, lovely palm trees that sway and are not ashamed of their looks, and sinking my teeth into a huge good quality In N Out burger.
278. the consistency of my friendships. the ones that matter have stayed put, continue to encourage and be present when needed, offer wisdom and affection, and I am so thankful for them. such gifts.
279. you know, my sex life has been pretty rough only recently in the last 2-3 months, I blame it SOLELY on this pregnancy, but I am thankful that one, i can even still have sex and my desire is still strong for my husband, two, that I can rest in the knowledge that mostly, about 90 percent of the time, sex is rocking and fun for both parties, and the dry spells just creep up during pregnancy, so THIS SHALL PASS....right?! and so so so thankful for a gentle and understanding husband who is so overly aware and attentive to my every sigh and discomfort. He is always offering other means of physical comfort, whether it be a long back rub, a head rub, many hugs and kisses, slowed down time, and allowing me to rest and picking up so much of the slack. I can not thank him enough, or the Father of gifts for bestowing me with such a gracious husband.
280. I am always learning and striving and chasing after with desperation a true heart and life of humility and the more I dive into it, I sometimes fear of drowning, because there is such a depth and richness there, and I have not even scratched the surface. I am also learning [the more difficult way] that humility is easily misunderstood. I have had a close friend question me [in complete love and gentleness] thinking I had a low view of myself, or asking if I really knew how much the Father loved me and viewed me. I think he was asking me these things because sometimes humility comes across as so small and unassuming, giving little thought to self and affirmation, but honestly, I DO know where I stand with Jesus, I have never been more sure. His love is so big and He takes great delight in His children, and I am one of them. I do not put myself down anymore [used to be a constant struggle] or bash what He has created in me, I simply do not try and talk about it, because humility just thinks of itself less, not that I am less. I would rather veer toward the side of maybe too much smallness, than being filled with arrogance or self assurance. So maybe that gets me in trouble. But you know, I am thankful that as much as i am learning, the Father knows me so intimately and well, that my audience is for One, and He is who I aim to please. He is Who I want to be small and tiny for. I have much joy. I don't walk around feeling sorry for myself, or thinking I am a little piece of shit [I sure once thought this way] but I am content to rest in being a tiny child of God, a walker of low ground, and a silent confidence finding my identity in Him. May He be praised for what He is doing in little me. All this being said, I am just thankful. I deserve none of anything, yet He still lifts me up on solid ground. no matter who understands or not.
281. thankful that my son possesses such a sweet and tender spirit. He is so gentle and affectionate, he loves to sing and make cards for people, he is thoughtful and sensitive and i view him as such a gift to my heart.
282. Thankful for moments in carefully chosen restaurants when my meal is placed in front of me, I partake and JUST HIT IT. The food is excellent and tastes so delicious, I am just so excited at this point that one, I am out to eat, and two, paying for the food was well worth it. It's just a little thing, but I am so ecstatic when i hit it:)
283. good babysitters. T, J, and M, all take such good care of my littles, loving them, getting on the floor with them, making the evening special for them, tickling, laughing, and playing, my heart is so full when my children are well loved by others. it brings me peace.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
271-275
271. a comfy couch with my favorite flannel penguin blanket.
272. a big thunderstorm on a peaceful sunday afternoon tucked away in my cozy house with my family
273. gray skies. pitter patter of raindrops. wind. all reminding me of God's great power over the Earth.
274. 2 friends with new life in their bellies that i get to hold soon.
275. neighborhood kids bible study at the stenders. and the meal they are about to start making for their parents right now.
272. a big thunderstorm on a peaceful sunday afternoon tucked away in my cozy house with my family
273. gray skies. pitter patter of raindrops. wind. all reminding me of God's great power over the Earth.
274. 2 friends with new life in their bellies that i get to hold soon.
275. neighborhood kids bible study at the stenders. and the meal they are about to start making for their parents right now.
Friday, November 15, 2013
269-270
269 a new muffler. for half the price.
270 "oh and i also changed your oil, ran it through the car wash, and vacuumed the floors"
270 "oh and i also changed your oil, ran it through the car wash, and vacuumed the floors"
Saturday, November 2, 2013
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