1657-1665

1657. fresh bread made by my hidden talented baker Nathan! His bread tastes wonderful, and it pairs perfectly well with Kerrygold Irish grass fed butter. makes my heart so happy to eat it. 

1658. although i am not super confident or a self assured hostess [hopefully that isn't completely bad] i am thankful to the Lord for helping me open our home to so many people and offer simple, yet warm and purposeful hospitality. It is stretching me to forget myself,  not over analyze or get caught up in a performance, but to be a little candle light and make sure people feel loved with a Christ love. It is Him and Him alone at work within me, none of it is my fearful, uncertain, busybody self. Thank you Jesus for giving me numerous chances to love despite my anxiety and fear. We will be having overnight guests which again, causes that doubt and worry to rise up in my flesh, but I know He is good and He will direct my steps. 

1659. umbrellas. the wet light that bounces off the street from gathered raindrops. the gray clouds with the hint of sun behind them. 

1660. little floral printed shirt for koko. it looks so cute on her, with her tiny curls hugging the edges of her face, and her hair gathered in a wild bun. I love her. 

1661. a husband that washes the dishes by hand over and over again, even though we should be taking turns, who loads the washer with stacked up dirty clothes, who organizes the trash bins with recycled things, compost, and regular trash. He is such an unselfish and thoughtful person and i don't deserve a man who cares for our household so well. 

1662. a few trips slowly turning from just talk to in the works..

1663. walking home from where ever we are, i just love that we can walk and know where things are and are capable to get ourselves places without having to rely on outside transportation. 

1664. all the wonderful presents sent to us in card board boxes, making it a very joyful Christmas morning for us.  i am humbled at the generosity of others. 

1665. new makeup brushes, a beautiful makeup pallet on its way, adding to my little budding love of makeup narnia 

1641-1656

1641.  fresh cut flowers on the table

1642. time alone to shop, to read, to write, to walk the streets in no hurry

1643. fresh bread and rolls generously given by Daniel

1644. extra light in the dining room

1645. a week off from tons of events jammed into each week

1646. mulled wine

1647.  the smell of clean clothes draped on the furnace to dry

1648. the weather still is nothing to complain about

1649. mincemeat pies

1650. tea. milk. tea pots. scones. jam. clotted cream

1651. thankful my friends are still willing to keep up with me and try and stay connected

1652. face time with little jeannie. she always greets me with joy and excitement and that always makes me feel special and loved

1653. that some of these oxford students aren't like all the rest and understand me just fine, even my use of sound effects to explain something or a feeling

1654. deepening friendship with neil and ruth. that they express their love and appreciation verbally. 

1655. glass green bottles

1656. olive's little voice talking in simple yet clear sentences. "help me, mama." "hold it?" "downstairs." "love you! mornin'!"