1541.-1547

1541. a long day with the kiddos while nathan was at conference. He came home, helped clean up for dinner and then excused himself for a few minutes. I worked on clearing the dishes and the kids would run back and forth giggling saying dad had a fun surprise for me. Finally the kids took me by the hand and made me close my eyes. They led me up the stairs, trying not to trip over strewn toys and old laundry and they stopped at the bathroom door. They shouted with glee, "open your eyes mom!!" Nathan and had drawn a hot bath with tons of bubbles, and lit candles. He even brought the wireless speaker up there and set up to play classic christmas jazz.. he told me to take all the time i wanted and he would finish cleaning up and getting the kids ready for bed. i felt like crying. i was so tired from 3 long days in a row and i know it was long for him too, but it was so kind and thoughtful of him and the kids to serve me that way. I got to take a bath, get alone time, and nathan only came in once to bring me a little container of chocolate chips. HUGE UNDESERVED gift.

1542. ukulele practice. love playing on this tiny instrument and it brings me joy. 

1543. autumn days. the air is breathable and clear, there is color everywhere, and its scarf and sweater season. 

1543. a ride in the car with him who i judged harshly at first, turns out to be an actual solid guy.  I am still shrewd as a snake, but trying to remain harmless as a dove. 

1543. meeting in homes, community, big pots of soup and crusty bread, prayers lifted. this is pleasing to the Father

1544.  tea. tea. tea. and more tea. especially with homemade cream. 

1545. face time calls with CHELSEA, LINDSEY, JEANNE, and LINDSEY!!!! the best gifts!!!

1546. hobnobs. crunchies, bountys. mars. england seems to be the champions of candy bars. they are all great and sometimes nathan brings me home one late at night and it makes my day

1547. confidence, security, rest, and affirmation of who i am in Christ. I am surrounded by brilliance and high achieving successful people, so its easy to feel small and stupid and of little worth, but God has been so faithful and kind to me. He is my portion. 

1535-1540

1535. long dark evenings to have introvert time.

1536. coaching Hayleigh's first basketball game. so much adrenaline and fun.

1537. large size white chocolate creamer found at Walmart today because target was sold out.

1538. paper mate flair colorful pens.

1539. long drives worshipping in the car on the way out to Lowell to worship and learn at impact. 

1540. Jesus the intercessor. so I can come before an AWEsome God.

1531- 1534

1531. orange + green tree dancing outside the wall of windows 1532. sweet older lady lets out a quiet gasp and eyes wide with delight as her son sets the latte art in front of her 1533. a sleepy 6-weeker is passed from mother to father in the comfy chairs while the people fill the seats 1534. where the baristas enjoy making a chai latte perfectly to my liking: sugar content low and spice content high

1524-1530

1524. a few hours with johnny while his mama has yet one more doctor's appt to check up on the baby sisters 1525. friday night lights with em+al+grace+cass. temps in the upper 40s, a small breeze, leaves across the concrete, hot drinks at half time. and watching super star brayden, who reminds me of david playing WR at FHE 1526. still waking up so early every day, and then the sun wakes up too. the most productive days. 1527. ferris parking lot at 830am on a saturday. 30 minutes to write on the blog before the doors open...at 9 1528. that theological discussion with baby linds a couple of days ago. i love when my mind and my heart are required to exercise. 1529. deep breaths, with little anxiety and good rest. feeling so different from just a few weeks ago 1530. a new [blue] decal in the entryway.

1511-1523

1511. november heatwave. t-shirts, sunburn, and driving with the windows down. 1512. estella, selena, and lainey. sweet, responsible little girls. 1513. a good week with molly. cuddles, those little moments when it is clear that she loves me and feels safe with me. 1514. watching a quiet cul de sac out an open window while the warm air swirls around my face and my bare feet. 1515. the beginnings of animal sounds from the littlest one. 1516. beauty of meijer gardens and the generous ones who made such a place possible. that statue of the two of them <3 1517. gold+cream globe to match the living room 1518. a few evenings with rach. they're rare, but they're appreciated. 1519. letters ready for the mailbox, hand-written on lovely $1 cards from trader joe's 1520. pear/carrot/blueberry baby food pouches. i don't care, i love them. 1521. waking up this morning just a couple of minutes before my alarm, feeling fully rested and ready for the day 1522. warm air vaporizer to keep me healthy through the winter 1523. perfume from katie, from the farmers' market: jimmy choo love? awesome. i'm a fan.

1506-1510

1506. a new haircut at the last minute by one of my best friends.

1507. fun makeup at the holiday open house. makes me feel pretty. 

1508. a gathering to have conversation about race and reconciliation. 

1509. a job interview for a friend. 

1510. slows bar BQ. yum. 

1496-1505

1496. a tiny mexican joint where we can feed the whole family for just around 20 pounds, and feel like we get to get out, like at home, and not be reckless with our money..i know its not a big deal, but it sure brings me a bit of joy

1497. my fluffy white comforter, detailed with flowers of gray, i spend a lot of time beneath it, it is a little gift

1498. peace and unity, unwavering in my marriage, all praise to Him who oversees. we grow in strength, closer to Him as we cling to each other, and i know this is a rare gift. I all too often take the love and commitment of my husband for granted, i am reminded even know to NOT do that

1499. Iris, Lauren, Hannah, and Giovanna, all lovely ladies that have extended warmth and friendship to me, not as an upper, but as an equal. I am thankful to just have any women community offered because i miss my girlfriends probably the most, if i am honest..

1500. listening to Ben read out loud. He is really getting it!! I can not wait till he can read fluently. Thank you Jesus for helping him connect the dots and strengthening his brain and brilliance. 

1501. extra eye lashes. yeah, i know its stupid, but they are fun and i love to wear them every so often because they make me feel a little extra pretty and i always wanted full voluminous lashes, and now i can. 

1502. the church here. God is present and working in the hearts of these people. He is quiet and steadfast, not having to prove anything, or show off. and yet, He will not be passed over, He does demand attention and acknowledgement. He is a great God, all powerful and all knowing. sure these minds are the brightest, the smartest, the most knowledgeable, but God is. He simply is. and you can't ignore Him. 

1503. Olive's skin has improved wondrously! she does not stick to the strict diet she once had to, because there are different food regulations here that don't allow some of the weird stuff that shows up un food, so she is able to have bread and oatmeal, and pizza without breaking out. she is doing very well. 

1504. I'm healthy again too. walking. carrying kids up hills. pushing a stroller with 100 pounds worth of kid in it, and eating less fast food has all bode well for me. I needed something to push me, or i know i would still be the lazy chip eating couch potato i was before i left. 

1505. laundry machine on the main floor!! in the kitchen!! easy access!!