22 November 2019

He never runs out of gifts...


  • "For everyone in every way can we choose radical compassion and empathy?" - mike foster
  • 166 pages.  way to go, nick!!!
  • fun at sky zone


  • community group laughter
  • the way gina believes in our family...what an encourager.  
  • great quote 


  • getting to clean out the midtown room closet (and then being given a starbucks gift card...that's like someone giving me a giftcard for eating cookies.  i really like cleaning out closets!) 
  • comfy sole hope sweatshirt (and wearing it 3 days in a row)
  • lovely gift from lovely cottage guests! (made from a coffee sack!)


  • lane's peace and faith
  • face time with nick
  • that so many americans will be a little more focused on thankfulness than usual this week

15 November 2019

when i look there's always more.



  • walking with sunette...her south african accent (and friendship) is good for my soul 
  • peaceful quiet evening at home...finished a book and a movie!
  • apples and cookie butter and thoughts of ann-marie and memories of tom

    • electric blanket warmth
    • sitting on the porch with amy taylor
    • caroline's courage and 80's awesomeness. she's way braver than i ever was.
    • the ease of getting eli's braces wire fixed.  serff orthodontics continues to impress.
    • "I, the God of Hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Me." - romans 15:13
    • kids climbing trees...in panda onesies no less
    • when at least some of the errands are quick and easy
    • an epic number of capp blasts this week (thanks to molly and gift cards)
    • popcorn and fist bumps and sisters
    • honest texts and true friendship 
    • hearing more of the doblin's story.  
    • nick's awesomeness.  i love him so much. 
    • Andrea's youtube channel (check out my beautiful friend and some good thoughts on being thankful in the tough moments!)

    08 November 2019

    full. so full.


    • little art gallery in the bathroom
    • "you cannot tell her story without including her faith journey." - Kasi Lemmons, director of the movie "Harriet", speaking of Harriet Tubman
    • boys playing risk (and following in the footsteps of their fathers)


    • "How can I make your day better?" simple question that changes things. 
    • caroline + velocity classroom sessions this week
    • seeing a beloved friend's handwriting on instagram...and knowing she's going to be one of the best CASA workers EVER

    • quite possibly the best birthday yet...worship night, breakfast with family, family & friends frisbee and picnic, family in town, thoughtful friends, lots of treats...all planned and organized and made possible by Nick.

    • birthday pedicures with my sister and 2 daughters (zoe is just a little too little to appreciate the joy of the pedicure) followed by successful thrift store shopping and take out chinese food


    • caroline's selfie game: #onpoint 
    • 39 reasons why Emma loves me 


    • papa's fried chicken (i'll never stop being thankful for it)
    • the simplicity of set up for the E2F+ event 
    • sweet afternoon at the Harvest Festival in Talbot County

    • having the youth in the backyard for the pursuit fall festival 
    • when all the little projects get done
    • good quotes that go along with good conversations


    01 November 2019

    plethora and abundance!!


    • extra poppyseed chicken to bring home
    • lovely "coffee and conversations" event on saturday!


    • respite care for one sweet little girl
    • facemasks over facetime for abigail and caroline
    • perfect time at the park (11 kids + capp blasts + munchkins + molly's laughter + amazing weather)


    • pizza with christal
    • E2F+ presentations at CCC
    • Getting to be a part of the E2F+ team
    • enjoyable time at the jeeah's hope fall potluck (and caroline's creative picture posing)



    • elevate campout success
    • eli's ability to get himself up and out the door all on his home #lifeskill
    • re-watching wonder with my family
    • emma's independent pumpkin carving 



    • nick's thoughtfulness/efforts to celebrate my birthday all week
    • fierce lady friends

    • the world has a new mount!  thankful for a safe arrival. 
    • this display in CFA reminding us to pray for men and women are serving our county. 


    • shiloh!
    • yaya's halloween hosting.  this year was my favorite yet.

    • all the kanye talk 
    • one "seal of approval", a huntress (who was cold and had to add a non-part-of-the-costume sweatshirt), an adorable monkey who has her head in the candy bucket and one amazing big brother who pushed the monkey around and taught her to say "beep beep."  i'm really grateful for my kids.