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!!!!!

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'!"