gifts along the way. always more along the way.

• a better week this week than the last 2 
• eli's home from Impact! 
• quite possibly the best facetime call with nick yet.
• the best portrait of Jesus that i've ever been given. 

• good news from my dad's appointment.  yay for a heart that's back in rhythm!
• we have internet again!  (and patrick at WOW did a pretty decent job of making up for the 2 weeks of stress and frustration)
• cheryl has made it to the Global Mercy!
• SSI sticker on the pilot...to match the one on nick's car :) 

• a jeeah's hope check, free bag of peanuts and a jebco mailbox at ACE home hardware on St. Mary's Road 
• a daughter handling some tough things with wisdom and grace and peace
• keeping the nursery with ashley - it's fun to serve and have time with a friend!
• yup. this: 

• "ok, you don't have to" - the response when i said i didn't want to do something
• mail from nick! and lauren! and beth! 
• the journal made it to sweden
• sweet little girls having a tea party

• an 108-days-early birthday present from Jen.  goodness. her thoughtfulness and generosity and kindness are uncommon and so very lovely!  (and the gift itself is wonderful!!!!)
• the neighbors were kind enough to cut the few feet of our grass that connects to their property out by the road 
• knowing that the motivation will come back (it's ok to not feel like doing something...)
• the real reason we have 2 sinks (i'm really thankful for these cats.)

• cake batter milkshake, delightful friendship and an afternoon by the pool
• molly's (and AnnaBeth's) willingness/eagerness to have Zoe for a sleepover
• teamwork making the dreamwork to get the spider/web down 
• passing on my one and only driving trick to caroline (which isn't even my trick!  it's nick's!)

• having/getting the right amount of copier ink to get the CS job done
• sisters watching high school musical something or other together
• comfy PJ pants. 
• sweet time with emma (and her cute braces!)

• fun little projects to work on with Laura Lea
• crepe myrtles blooming
• caroline's fruit and veggie board.  
• a few "volunteer" zinnias!  

treasures.

• quick and easy internet connection at the library (and plenty for Zoe to do while I do my thankful Thursday list!) 
• more good books to read
• sweet connections made at breathe
• James was able to cut the grass
• seeing Eli on impact's instagram
• salad eating girl!

• thinking through all of the things that ARE NOT broken...thankful for all the things that ARE working
• 2 naps in one morning
• the omojolas have their daughter!!!
• got the rearview mirror back up (and it's staying)
• encouraging quote from Mr. Chambers: "My Heavenly Father knows all about this."
• challenging quote from Mr. Chambers: 

• nice trip to warrenton. just over 24 hours well spent.
• got to see nick!  (and even earlier than we anticipated!)
• tasty Mexican food on Main Street
• papa's Rice Krispies and chocolate cake
• lemon pepper boneless chicken that came out super fast (such a significant reminder that God gives good gifts even in the midst of frustration)

manna on the ground no matter where i go

• papa pulling a toothbrush out of his pocket (i'm still laughing)
• months and months of uninterrupted internet
• lost in your love
• sweet girls to share a sweet time at Callaway with....butterfly center and circus...lovely way to spend a few hours and make the most of our trip to pine mountain to drop Eli at Impact

• being butterflies with the big butterfly (AB's idea)

• just right jeremiah's ice with emma (strawberry shortcake that included biscotti bits)
• a simple swap that brought life back to a beloved pen 
• i was loved
• this guy...thankful for the way he loves the Lord and pursues Him...thankful for the way he thinks...thankful that he's at impact in an environment where he thrives and learns and grows

• church sunday morning...the way Jonathan weaves cityscape culture into the things he says and does (intentionally and unintentionally)(and that communion bread was so very delicious)
• trader joe's treats from ella
• paying attention to the words from honey in the rock and realizing what a wonderful song it is
• "the usefulness of my life is His concern, not mine..." - dominique voillaume

• mr. wright's help with the fuses/breakers
• getting to talk to nick
• molly's tip about the things on sale at target (saved more than i spent)
• a house full/pool full/day full/table full - FULL - of middle schoolers.

• FINALLY getting somewhere with the wonderful WOW folks (here's hoping)
• emma's enjoyment of all the dance classes
• lauren's refreshing friendship (and cookie bringing skillz)
• friends and siblings who went down to the river to see eli and ella grace

• eli's wifi hotspot (doesn't make sense....but we're grateful)
• mail from nick!!!
• emma's grace and understanding when things took alot longer wednesday morning than i anticipated
• amazing incredible news from the omojolas!!
• that smile on eli's face

• life is not always as complicated as it has felt this week
• blood levels that miraculously get into normal range and allow friends to go to maine
• a little wednesday night pickleball with yaya (and that the gate opened)
• caroline's excitement about her sandals getting here

giving thanks with a grateful heart...

• lane's willingness to drive the trailer home from the beach for us
• papa's fried chicken for lunch 
• clean car (thanks to Eli for taking it for me)
• silly things that make me smile:

• Lane's grass cutting abilities (and that he shared them with us!)
• Zoe got to feeling better super quick
• getting to talk to nick 
• Truth (especially for Yaya and Grandaddy as they grieve the loss of their friend)

• the Walmart order was finally right!
• sweet 4th of July full of fellowship and tasty food and fireworks
• remembering I have a package of twist & pull twizzlers in my bag
• Eli's excitement about applying for Impact360 - and getting to read his answers to the essay questions

• super awesome guests in the cottage this past month...and their kind card and gift
• healing and cleansing tears all throughout church Sunday morning
• realizing the tubing trip starts at 7:00 (good to double check these things so that your kids don't show up super late)
• fun mall outing with Zoe.  (girl was super excited about the jewelry store and about walking by Claire's...I was super excited about getting my ring cleaned and the Japanese food)

• beautiful lunch/brunch celebrating Janet's future daughter in law 
• an organized (for the moment) pantry
• best iced coffee I've ever had...and delightful friendship that far surpasses the coffee
• all I have is Christ - beautiful song sung by Shane and Shane