1684 -1688

1684 a sunny 18 degree hike with molly in the pack, behind belita's house, and along the railroad tracks 1685 an afternoon cross-country skiing with a very patient friend 1686 leftover thai food with broccoli and big rice noodles 1687 blush bridesmaid dresses for june 24 1688 grand rapids green (that's really the name of the color) yarn for a chunky cowl neck scarf

1676-1683

1676. my curling iron blew its fuse which was frustrating and disappointing, so i decided to try a "no heat" curling method last night skeptically. I woke up, preparing for church this morning, and to my surprise, the method worked! Not uniformed controlled curls, but fluffy, bohemian curls, which i don't mind every once in a while! I was gifted with lots of compliments at church today and that made me feel very special. so a few gifts traded all from a broken curling iron:)

1677. a new brother in Christ and friend, Zachary Jackman, a wonderful, joyful, upright man, we knew of him before meeting him in person, Nathan did some work producing a video for him, and we all belong to the Trinity church family. Met him at church this morning and it was as if we were friends forever! What a gift to share in his ministry in Iraq, to get some time with him, and share encouragement. Praying there is opportunity for Nathan to go minister with/to Zach in Iraq. 

1678.  2 new scarves, warm, cozy, huge, and totally me. gifted from two thoughtful sisters. 

1679. Ben playing with my hair while chatting how electricity works. 

1680. skyping with my mom and dad. they purchased their tickets! they are actually coming!! I feel incredible peace and joy about this. 

1681. that my husband would even consider how i feel and what i long for, and will bring it to the Lord in prayer, think about it, and see if it would work. this is a gift to me because i know he could easily blow it over and not really put any thought into it. 

1682.  the scent of a burning candle

1683. that i am bypassing the frigid cold this season. 

1673 - 1675

1673 i met a family at meijer gardens this morning when i was there with molly. after a few minutes of observing it became apparent to me that the mother and the father were struggling with their children, 2 boys - i'm guessing 12 months and 27 months. i followed molly closely to be sure that there wasn't a problem. i also noticed another woman there, clearly unrelated. the mother explained to me that they were having a problem with their children, the older one in particular, and that his teacher had taken her afternoon to work with them on skills for handling their son's tantrums and rough play. i was so impressed and so proud of those parents for loving their boy enough to learn and thankful to that teacher for loving her student enough to help. 1674 watching maddie so enjoying working on a loom hat, and even more excited to share the finished product with brand new baby across the street. 1675 baby wilhelm! healthy boy, surprising everyone by coming 2 days early

1667 - 1672

1667 tickets in the mail for the march 12 rend concert! 1668 bogs: tall, high quality winter boots. for the first time in my life 1669 the most perfect new scarf from kendra 1670 health coach certification in the mail 1671 ESL class starting this wednesday! 1672 feather pillow - the best for sleeping

1662.-1666

1662. Tiny baby coca colas. Haven't had them in a while, which is good I know, but I missed them. 1663. Fresh hot homemade chai. 1664. Real, raw, broken talks with our brother and guest. 1665. When my son says sincerely, "mom, I'm sorry for being disrespectful. I know I should be thankful for the gifts that I am given.  Will you forgive me?"  The penny is dropping!! 1666.  Straight hair with no straightener.  1667.  Warm fuzzy pink socks with grips

1658-1661

1658. a successful week managing without dad, of course not super easy, but thankful for the opportunities it gives me to stretch and learn about my capabilities. I always learn and grow, that's for sure..:)

1659. visits from new friend, Fiona. a kind and warm soul, very thoughtful and helpful. thankful she helped break up the week alone.  always so thankful for women friendships offered to me so freely and willingly. it is a MAJOR gift. 

1660.  our first visitor! always a little apprehensive and nervous concerning expectations and being good hosts, but so far it is going fine and I am praying it will go well the remainder of when our brother is here.

1661. my HUSBAND is HOME!!!!!