counting the blessings...

• 2 teenagers who can thoroughly clean a bathroom (my work as a mother may nearly be done)
• not only did nick make it possible for me to enjoy a community group ladies' night, he also lead the kids in cleaning while i was gone
• so much good time at the playground with various friends and siblings 

• 2 plates of delicious goodies from addie.  what a kind and beautiful lady. 
• "mommy, i love you." - real live action rapunzel
• these inhale/exhale prayers continue to strengthen my soul. 

• 7:22, 10:02, 11:14 prayers
• "you doing ok?" - eli
• more good stuff

• celebratory lunch with yaya and grandaddy in honor of nick's doctoral-ness.  incredible meat!  amazing pie!  random stuff left in our pantry :) 
• fall!!!! i love it so much. 
• so much fun with the leaves and the wheelbarrow

• melissa and jay stopped by spur of the moment....feels like we're really neighbors ;) 
• sharing buttermilk pie with laura lea
• emma's creative photoshop abilities (working on charts on a checker)

• my dad, sister, brother, nephew and aunt all made it to caroline's soccer game!
• taco soup at meme's
• Jesus is enough.  post-it note reminders on one certain door. 

• time with just emma (and getting to try the custard and cheese curds from culvers)
• the weight of the duvet..it's just right. 
• early morning set up (it didn't last long as little ones woke up...but it was sweet for the moments that i had it!)

• series of super awesome airbnb guests
• weekly meal from our care team.  it's unbelievable what a difference that makes as we foster.  
• dinosaur PJs and krullers to share

giving thanks for the many many gifts.

• God is so faithful to speak through His word.  a feast set before us...He welcomes us to come and eat!
• no matter how things are going in the world, our God will set things right...somehow, someday...He will straighten it all out.  

• real live action rapunzel earned the last sticker on her sticker chart!  (while simultaneously having her first night of going to bed without having a scream fest!)(currently working on the second night in a row!)
• Teen Advisor Podcast...right there with some of my other favorites 

• peaceful easy trip to and from mississippi
• Nick's amazing accomplishment.  

• the storefronts in madison, MS.  classy.  
• finding sneaky graduation ceremony selfies on my phone

• children who quickly accept apologies
• a cool teenager who let me borrow her shoes

• coffee + cinnamon rolls + time with molly 
• lovely reminders of Africa, the Africa Mercy and friendship. 

• nick had the waitress bring me a coke (in a fancy glass to boot)
• my capable, excellent-public-speaking, bow-tie wearing husband

• sunday afternoon post-nap trip to the park with lovely friends and mini-milkshakes on the way home
• when home school looks like this:

• even though the adjustment time wasn't so pretty, i'm thankful when disappointment ends with an afternoon/evening that was even better than i had planned for it to be
• lovely reminders that have come across my screen this week: 

• blueberry krullers from amy in the mail!!
• watercolor art class with addie over zoom

thankful things.

• "we are completely filled with God as Christ's fullness overflows within us." - Colossians 2:10 ptp
• the pool has been blue and clear for quite a while now
• the right reminder at the right time

• amy and papa came to visit!  
• papa's fried chicken.  i'll never not be thankful.
• friends, family and games around the table

• great 2 days at preschool for real live action rapunzel
• a sticker chart that is filling up
• pedicures on the porch

• yaya and grandaddy's kindness and thoughtfulness and willingness to help in any way they can
• park time with the joneses
• front porch views - including sweet little girls playing peacefully on this side of the orange chalk line and papa fishing with emma

• real mail from beth!
• packages that find their destination (and quickly!)
• sharing the mundane with a valued friend over marco polo

 

remembering who He is and a few of the things He's done

• will reagan's take a moment song 
• visit from the chase family
• how gabe and rachel are intentionally investing in their children
• a real live action rapunzel living in our house

• real live action rapunzel is super sweet so very much of the time
• witnessing the baptism of a lovely friend...and that nick was the one to baptize her!
• conversations about the favor of God (He has been so so good to me)
• another great day at CC

• delightful and delicious meal with yaya and grandaddy
• the hope of cooler weather
• answering a friend's airbnb questions
• nick's support, kindness, encouragement and willingness to do anything and everything he can to make my life the best it can be.  i wish every wife could be loved by their husband the way i am.