A little catching up...

I haven't been the best at blogging regularly for awhile now. I am hoping to do better in the coming months. Until then, here's a quick little photo update from the last few months. 

While we were waiting for our house to finish being built, we checked on it every Sunday after church. This time the kids played king of the gravel pit! 

The girls and I went exploring in downtown Franklin one Sunday afternoon... only to find out that in small town in the south nearly every shop was closed. So we took pictures instead. 

A Trader Joe's impulse buy turned into a wonderful, and beautiful, horticulture experiment while we were living in temporary housing in Franklin, TN.

Exploring a new nature park on a cold and rainy day. The different mosses and lichen that were growing in the dampness of new rain was spectacular.

Salamander egg sack. SO COOL!!!!

Everyone together for a trip to our new science museum. 

Our newest family members, our adopted kitties... Aslan is on the left, and Apricot is on the right.

Sleepy kitties...

Some Mother's Day silliness... at least they bought me Paleo donuts from Five Daughters Bakery first.

More donuts... this time for National Donut Day.

The kids and I traveled to Virginia and spent a week with friends doing science experiments. They videoed nearly everything, but thanks to Hannah, I have this awesome photo of an experiment they did burning different salt compounds.

Fourth of July, downtown Franklin style.

We had the opportunity to go watch fireworks in downtown Nashville, from the 21st floor of the "Batman Building". I've never been that close to a fireworks display before, nor have I ever been eye-level. It was an incredible experience.

Some fun, new artwork. Come over and see it in person! :)

A view of the sunset from my bedroom window last night. There is so much beauty here.

A clean kitchen counter... a rare sighting around my house. But a beautiful one when it happens.

Tea cups and clutter...

As a young mom I daydreamed about having tea parties with my girls. I don't remember playing tea party when I was growing up, but it seemed that every picture book we read about a little girl included a tea party with her three closest stuffed animal friends, so I wanted to be ready. Even sit-coms portrayed every girls under the age of seven as a precocious wee one serving up invisible tea and light as air imaginary cookies. So I bought the plastic tea set. And the porcelain one too. I even became enamored with the "tea set for one" that came out around fifteen years ago, and thinking I'd host some women's function for church at some point, I got some of those too. I made the cookies and brewed the tea. If you brew it, they will come, right?

Well, turns out, my kids would rather make a large latte than repeatedly fill a thimble sized tea cup with the stuffed animal friend they don't care about. And they'd rather have handstand walking competitions, or have a dance contest than sip lukewarm tea and chat. The tea cups and sets I have collected fill two entire cabinets and one shelf of another cabinet. They are whimsical, and cute, and currently collecting dust.

In place of fragile, breakable tea cups, we grab for sturdy, wide-mouth mason jars. We fill them with butter coffee or special latte creations, or brew some lovely herbal tea and in the crazy hectic-ness that is our day-to-day, we lose the mason jar filled to the brim with yumminess three or four times before we finish the whole thing. I let my coffee-loving kids drink coffee, and Hannah (our anti-coffee child) throws on her favorite coffee-themed shirt and sips a Chai tea. The irony of her "No Talkie Until After Coffee" shirt contrasted with her dislike of the delightful brew is noted a fresh each day.

We're in the middle of a transition right now, one that has led to some pretty major rearranging. I never just rearrange, I also cull out and contemplate what I want to do with this or that, or when was the last time I really used it. I ask myself who I want to be and what I really need. I have six little, yet growing bigger, people to consider, so I try to figure out what to keep and store and what has passed its prime. I think of the future and set aside our favorite things for the one-day-maybe-someday grandbabies.

I crave simplicity and feel smothered by disorder and chaos. I struggle to strike a balance and teach stewardship to our children in love, helping them to learn to take care of what they have but not turn the created into idols. So, as I was working tonight to move some items around, I looked at my tea cup filled cabinet and realized that in nearly two years in our new home, I haven't had a cup of tea. No one has. At the same time, I realized that I have a couple of boxes of passed down mason jars, which I cherish more than the unused tea sets, sitting in my living room and garage waiting to find a home somewhere on a shelf.

The minimalism movement doesn't say "own nothing", it says "get rid of what distracts you from what you love". I want to live there. Less distractions. Less time spent managing my assets and more enjoying my blessings. So, let the purge begin. No regrets. More time for relationships. More room for joy.

Need a tea cup?

Sometimes it's the little things...

{I found this post in my drafts... but with Hannah beginning a new blog over at www.perfectingmyinnereeyore.blogspot.com, I thought I'd dust this one off as it compliments a recent post she penned.}

Tonight I have been listening to a storm raging outside as I've worked to put my craft room back together following our kitchen remodel. I was tidying the desk when I came across a notebook with a broken spine and began to flip through the pages to see if it was worth keeping. Inside I found my scribbled to-do lists for the two weeks leading up to our move to North Texas. A little while before that, I was midnight texting with a good friend back home. Then I flipped to the page detailing the plans of our farewell lunch and play date. Next thing I know, I was sobbing.

I don't think I've ever cried over rereading a to-do list before.

They usually make me smile, feeling so accomplished.

But this time, I did. I cried and cried. And cried.

I love it here, I really do. So do the kids. Elliott never wants to leave. We love our church, we're making good friends, we've found more opportunities for the children in an easily accessible distance than we ever had back home. One of the children has actually been struggling for a while with moments of feeling guilty for enjoying it so much here. 

But I cried because I miss the comfort of friends that you don't have to explain yourself to when you say something completely ridiculous. I cried because I miss the simplicity of skipping up to our little bakery in New Braunfels and not worrying at all about gluten or corn or soy. I miss my church family and my amazing friends. This move has been hard, as good as it has been, it's also proved to be one of the most difficult things I've ever experienced. I cried because every little thing that makes this feel like home leaves behind it the realization that San Antonio is no longer home, it is now a vacation spot.

Sometimes it is the simple things that help you remember how blessed you have been. They remind you to open your eye and see how new blessings are overflowing in your life. I'll probably toss the notebook, the broken spine keeps it from being durable enough to withstand being thrown in my bag for notes at church, but I'm thankful for finding it, and within it, being encouraged by seeing the hand of God leading us, caring for us, and keeping us close.

When you don't know what to say...

You may have noticed my absence in bloglandia, but then again, I'm not sure anyone reads this, so you may not have. :) Whatever the case, after our move I just couldn't find the words to describe the myriad of emotions swirling around in my heart. I still can't nail them all down, but I'm finally ready to talk about one aspect of this move that has been the hardest.

Moving is hard in many ways. Physically it is demanding as you pack and sort and move things into place. Mentally it is exhausting as you run through to-do lists and figure out all the nuances of your new area. Emotionally you face the sorrow of missing family and friends, of your routines and comforts of "home".

I've struggled to write anything here (though I've tried and deleted a number of posts) because I didn't know how to be honest about the depression that I have been fighting ever since our move. I've gone through nearly a hundred hours of Biblical Counseling training, I've counseled friends fighting depression, I've read the books on Christians and Depression, I honestly believe and trust that God has placed us here, and been gracious in so many ways here. But I've still fought it. And like any war, I've won some battles, and lost others.

The truth is, I have good days and bad days. The truth is, I recognize with all my heart that we are right where the Lord wants us, He orchestrated this move, He gave us our home, He placed us in a part of town that is close to so many things that it's sometimes embarrassing to talk about because I feel so richly spoiled. But there is also the truth that I left some of the most amazing people in the entire world; friends who would drop everything to come cry with me in sorrow, encourage me in trials, minister to me in suffering, laugh and tell silly stories with me over coffee, and our families who we'd normally not go more than a few days without seeing. And to a girl who didn't have a true friend in the world besides her mom until her late twenties, leaving my home and friends was like cutting off my right arm. And maybe my left arm too.

Today was a bad day, I physically couldn't get out of bed until almost 11am, and even when I did finally drag myself out from under the covers, I didn't actually get dressed for another 4 hours. I have no idea if my children did any school work today, for most of the day I didn't care, if there had been a deep dark hole away from everything, I would have crawled in it. I knew I couldn't stay there, so I spent a lot of time reminding myself of all the blessings we have, recounting all the ways the Lord has shown Himself faithful, trying to pull myself out of my "funk". And then there was this "ah ha" moment. Immediately, I recognized the pattern of my "ups and downs" on this journey, and it was a comfort to see the hope ahead.

After visiting a few churches in our first month here, Elliott and I decided on the church we wanted to attend, and recently went to the New Members Class and we are pursuing membership. We feel home at this church, I even found a "loud" friend, as well as an older woman I feel comfortable being transparent with, Elliott has even met a few guys, and the kids are settling in well. Tonight, we were scheduled to have one of the Pastors come over to share our testimonies and ask questions, and I was really excited to have them over. But when I awoke feeling that anvil of depression, I really begged God to show me why. It was then that I realized that joining a new church was a step towards settling here, which naturally means saying goodbye to a piece of home. That's when the lightbulb went on, and I saw the pattern, that even in blessing, every event that makes our new city feel like home means that I am having to let go of a little piece of "back home", and my heart aches.

I don't imagine that recognizing this pattern will mean that the hard days will magically disappear, but I do think that God allowing me to see this pattern was a gift. God showered His grace on me when I needed it most, reminding me that He brought us here, encouraging me that when you love well, there will be sorrow in loss, but also showing me that He is moving here, changing me, and holding me close. Tears will still fall, but He will comfort. 

For my "back home" friends, I hope you know that our doors are always open and there's lots of fun stuff to do here. For my "new home" friends, I'd love to have you over for a coffee. :)

Every day...

... the children wake up.
... the kids expect to be fed three times a day.
... snacks are asked for about twenty minutes after finishing one of those three meals.
... my energy runs out far before I think it should.
... coffee is made to fill in the gaps between my real energy level and my needed one.
... the pile of unfolded laundry mocks me as I rummage through it to find my favorite sweatpants.
... the dishwasher runs two or three times.
... I sneak off to be alone in the bathroom for 3 minutes.
... they find me.
... the kitchen counters beg to be cleaned.
... I ignore the clutter that has crept onto my recently cleaned off bar top.
... the dogs bark like they are going to eat whoever just rang the door bell.
... they jump on and try to lick them to death instead.
... the sun comes up in the morning.
... the sun goes down in the evening.
... I notice how many weeds I need to pull in my flower beds.
... I remind myself not to forget to look for the beauty of the flowers.
... we cheer and welcome Daddy home from work.
... I settle at least 17 disagreements/arguments/brawls by lunch time.
... I am realizing how each of my kids are unique, special, and different from one another.
... we are reading the Proverbs at breakfast and the Psalms at lunch.
... we are speaking to each other with God's wisdom more, and our foolish words less.
... we pray for the people in our Church, at the gym, our neighbors.
... I marvel at the good gifts that God has given us.
... I stay up late grading school work.
... the dogs pile up and sleep together on the couch.
... I seek to show my children the power of the Gospel as we walk through life together.
... the blessings are greater than the trials.
... I thank God for His lovingkindnesses to me. 

What do you do every day?

A cozy read...

In the last three days, the harried summer schedule we have been following has slowed down. Instead of rush, rush, rushing from one commitment to the next or preparing for a big trip, we have spent our afternoons cuddled on the couch, drawing at the table, or playing with blocks and cars while I read aloud to the children.

Monday we read Love That Dog by Sharon Creech. Yes, I cried. It was a delightful read, and completely written in poetry. But totally easy to follow and funny, as it is written like a poetry journal between the main character, Jack, and his teacher, Miss Stretchberry. Jack is probably in the 4th or 5th grade. I have already lent it out and am looking forward to reading it again.

Tuesday we read Hate That Cat also by Sharon Creech. Yes, it is a sequel. Even more endearing and precious than the first. Jack is a year older, and he is happy to have Miss Stretchberry again. Yes, I teared up. Again. A sweet, touching book.

Today we began The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg. I didn't want to put it down, but I promised the kids they could go swimming at 3:30pm. Even with swimming promised, there were gasps of distress when I laid aside the book. Something tells me I know what we will spend the afternoon doing tomorrow. 

How are you spending your lovely summer afternoons?

Thankfulness...

This last year has found me itching to get rid of all the excess in our lives. What is entangling us and keeping our family from having more time together, having more of an impact on our neighbors, friends?


I saw something at the end of January that I have been mulling over in my mind ever since... I think it will be my mental banner as spring arrives and I take a few days to clean up and clean out some long neglected corners of our home.

"What if all you woke up with tomorrow were the things you thanked God for today?"

Would that change what you kept around?
Would you find yourself in prayer more?
Do you think you would see the riches in having less?
What would you change about what you kept? What you bring in?

I am seeing how much of my "keeping" has been out of guilt and embarrassment over my poor stewardship in the past. And I am thankful that God does not dangle shame over my head, but extends me unmerited grace and mercy, and that gives me the courage to make changes that will free me up to be available for the good works He has prepared for me.

As the weather warms up, I see a school holiday being called - Decluttering Day! And for anything we keep, I pray our hearts will be bursting with thanksgiving for the abundance of blessings He has given us.

So thankful...

I am so appreciative of all the notes and calls and texts I have gotten this week, it has been a treasure to my heart in the midst of this trial. Monday I got a call about some blood test results that could mean nothing or could have meant the first of many tests and a potential chronic and debilitating diagnosis. Since I knew worry could add nothing to the situation, I submitted to additional tests and just waited to hear. In the mean time, I moved along with life, a household of six children, three dogs and two rabbits affords quite the opportunity for distraction. :)

I did share some of the "what if" possibilities with a couple of friends and they prayed for me. A peace and a calm that could not be explained was with me all week, I am continually reminded of the beauty of Christ's Church and thankful for the place God has me. During the days of waiting, I was trying some of the things the doctors told me to do, and a small amount of relief was being achieved. In the middle of gymnastics and martial arts classes for the kids on Wednesday evening, I got the call about the second round of blood work. Totally normal. No sign of the "scary" diagnosis. Praise the Lord! There was no real explanation either, so, I am currently chalking up this bout of physical pain to my soon being closer to 40 than I am to 30.

While physical pain has been a near constant companion the last few years, I am gaining a better perspective. I can relate to Paul's thorn in the flesh, I personally know how my inability to "do what I used to do" motivates me to look to the Lord to complete what is lacking in me. God promises in James 1:2-4 that trials are for our good, to strengthen our faith and grow in us endurance and in Romans 8:28-29 we see how all things are being used to conform us into Christ's image. I am thankful for God not just giving up on this proud, self-important sinner. I am thankful for His mercies, new every morning to walk in the good works already planned for me.

And I know God isn't finished yet, proved so clearly by my flipping out over the messy upstairs when I went to put the kids to bed last night... proof of my flesh still raging, proof that when I take my eyes off Jesus, I sink as fast as Peter did. Oh, that the Lord would choose to return soon. The no tears and no pain of heaven sounds so amazingly good! :)

Day 6: Project...

Studying the Middle Ages has been enjoyable for our whole family. As a part of our co-op, I am co-teaching the 6th grade History class. Today, I led the kids in a lesson on heraldry and they designed their own shields. I am continually impressed by the creativity of these kids! Our co-op has been such a blessing, I love seeing all the things the kids come home with each week, and am so thankful for the other moms who pour into my kids. 

Tears of laughter...

I am a reforming perfectionist. I still like all my cans in the pantry facing the same way, but I no longer kill myself over making sure all tomato products are together (ok, I do once or twice a year but then I let it go). I have taught my children the best way to fold towels and match socks, and while they seem to doubt me, I assure them that I have tried out enough methods through my years that they should just trust me and do it my way! I like the vacuuming done in an orderly manner, and I chase down every speck I can see trying to evade a Dyson capture. Clean isn't clean until it feels clean, and because I like it perfect, I sometimes leave things dirty a little too long until I have time to do it "right".

In my early days of mommying, I was paralyzed by my perfectionism. If I couldn't make it perfect, I wouldn't even try. If it made a mess, I avoided it like the plague. Hannah and I read and read and read. I knew how to do that. We colored a lot, because who in their right mind would give a toddler anything as messy as finger paints! Crafts bothered me, not only because of their mess but because they never turned out looking like the thing they were meant to, so I stopped doing them. So we read more books.

Fast forward to starting to homeschool... besides being a perfectionist, I was also clueless. When I am clueless, I tend to fake it until I make it, which generally means I will look around for someone to emulate. I had a sweet friend, she was homeschooling her three little kids, so I just followed along, read what they read, bought what they bought. It didn't occur to me until years later (and much frustration) that in my copying of her I had made no allowance for the fact that her children started at four years older than Hannah! Not realizing anything about gross or fine motor skills, having no clue at all about what was "normal", I was overly exacting for fear of screwing up and proving everyone right (that I couldn't homeschool my kids). The scars of my insisting on perfection (even though I haven't for many years now) remain and I cringe every time I see Hannah or another child's countenance fall when I correct their paper or work. 

I am thankful for how the Lord has transformed my mommying, and our homeschooling. I know that the Lord continues to work in my life, conforming me more and more into His image. I have joked with Hannah in many a tense moment, that God chose her to be the firstborn in our family because she was tough enough to withstand all the mistakes that the Lord knew I would make. I usually tell her to think about how easy she is making growing up for her little sisters and brothers, all my big mistakes will be out of the way. We laugh, but there is a lot of truth in it.

I remain cautious when grading papers, knowing the hurt I have caused, especially with H. I have prayed the prayer of Isaiah, that the Lord would restore the years the locusts had destroyed. And tonight, it seemed like a new blade of grass was growing in a field formerly destroyed by harsh words and demanding expectation.

I love teaching my children, but every once and a while it has been a good investment to "buy" teachers for them (like Steve Demme from Math-U-See on DVD and now Andrew Pudewa from Institute for Excellence in Writing). They latch on to an idea shared from a "professional" more quickly at times than one shared by "just mom". :) Tonight, Hannah and I were going through her IEW paragraphs. In the past, something like this would have resulted in tears. Loud ones too. We have such a track record of ending "check out" sessions with tears that I tend to dread them.

But God showered His grace on me today. It was a hard day, with lots of in-fighting among the children, slowness to do chores, grumbling over responsibilities, and of course, schoolwork. Nearing bedtime Hannah was ready to go over her work. I conjured up a smile to cover up my dread of the inevitable tears and dismay. Hannah had done a great job on the paragraphs, and she didn't mind that I was correcting her spelling, she was even teasing herself a little over some of the real whoppers. And then we got to the last sentence, "I sure am glad that God created the cephalopods, aren't you?"

When I edit, I tend to read out loud. And when I come to a contraction, I tend to read it like it was not one. So, as I read her sentence aloud with Hannah sitting beside me, I read aloud, "I sure am glad that God created the cephalopods, are not you?" Hannah's head snapped around and she said, "Are not you? Where did you get that from?" I reminded her that contractions can be separated into their original words before they were "squished" together and told her that I read that way all the time. She cocked her head, I bowed mine a little, fearing the onslaught of tears thinking I may have offended her. She said in a strange voice, "Are not you?" and then she laughed. I looked up, not sure if I heard right, then she started really laughing and saying it again and again like it was the strangest way of speaking she had ever heard.

At this point I began laughing with her. It did sound funny when read aloud. But not as funny as all the other examples we came up with...
"I am so glad Mom took us to the movies, are not you?"
"I think brownies are the best, do not you?"
"Was not that funny?"
"Did not you clean up your room?"

We both laughed so hard we couldn't talk and E came down to figure out what was wrong with us. He said it didn't sound like we were doing homework at all. Hannah and I finished going through her papers. We were still tearing up and laughing anytime we came across a contraction, poor girl will probably never read a contraction the same way again! And I am praising the Lord for such a silly and sweet time, on any day it would have been wonderful, but especially so today and even more so with Hannah.

When friends visit...

We were blessed by getting to spend a few days with a sweet friend. I didn't get a photo of our shoe shopping... but here is a small glimpse at our whirlwind visit...

We miss you Meg! 

I love these kids...

I don't think I was very well prepared for mothering...
Some days are idyllic...
Other days seem to disappear right before my eyes...
Many days I fear that I am screwing them all up...
God has used my children, more than any thing else, to sanctify me and conform me to His image...
The process has been filled will joys and sorrows, cheers and tears...
But I can't imagine my life without these blessings...
I put this picture as the background on my laptop and I can't stop smiling when I see it...

Encouragement and coffee...

253. Seeing blessings in the mundane
254. Dogs who curl up and sleep on the couch with us for afternoon read-alouds
255. Grocery shopping with three of the youngest, and for a GF treat at the checkout
256. Coffee and shopping with a sweet friend, reminding each other of God's sovereignty and perfect plan
257. Elliott baking brownies
258. A great start to the new school year, and even more wonderful things coming soon
259. God's Word and the testimony of past heroes of the faith

Can't help but keep counting...

246. For chiropractors who help "get the kinks out"
247. A surprise dinner with friends
248. Getting some organizing projects started
249. Costco's Rotisserie Chicken being Gluten-Free
250. Cleaning up my email and getting some scheduling done for the Fall
251. An afternoon nap which helped me cope with a 5-day migraine
252. A faithful piano teacher who comes every week to teach my wiggly kids how to play the great hymns of the Christian faith

Crazy behind...

Since starting to count my blessings, I don't think I have ever gone four days without jotting something down... But as I am learning, the blessings abounded, even as the days spun past...

Friday...
218. Finishing week 3 of school
219. Having friends over to play and share lunch before they go back to Maryland
220. Cinnamon, the poodle, not limping anymore
221. Chasing rabbits, again, and catching them
222. Helping a friend make a cute headband for the high schoolers going to camp this week
223. Dinner with dear friends, and for laughing at their impersonation of the baby lizards they are raising
224. Kids who enjoy sharing time with adults

Saturday...
225. Spending the day with E's parents on his mom's birtday
226. Giving a haircut and shave to James, my father-in-law battling brain cancer
227. Watching my children cherish the time they have with their grandparents
228. Homemade pizza
229. Pineapple Upside Down Cake
230. Squishing onto the couch to cheer Team USA on in swimming and gymnastics
231. Getting to bed early before church

Sunday...
232. Cuddling sweet babies in the church nursery
233. Getting to sing silly songs to the little ones and watch them smile
234. Serving in ministry with friends who love the Lord
235. Grocery shopping alone in the afternoon
236. Greek yogurt for a snack
237. Choir practice before evening service (I love making a joyful noise unto the Lord!)
238. Starting to organize a Homeschool Choir with friends from church

Monday...
239. Sharing breakfast with our Maryland friends heading home this week
240. Watching a movie in the afternoon
241. Catching up with two friends who called in the afternoon
242. Sharing a "John the Baptist" lunch with the kids (fruit, nuts, yogurt)
243. Reading the Bible right when I woke up, and for God's grace in rekindling my desire to be in His Word
244. Meeting with our builder to go over house plans and totally rearranging everything
245. Going to bed before midnight

... and the blessings rain down...

Even in trials...

One of our puppies got hurt today, we are not sure if it was while he was chasing after the rabbits who escaped, or if it was when the youngest dropped him in the kitchen...

A friend who lives overseas kept me updated on some emergency surgery her child was having...

Another friend just got some hard to hear news about her youngest child and his medically uncertain future... 

And yet, in it all, God is God and He is using these things. From the mundane to the tragic, He has orchestrated each of these events to teach us more about Him, to conform us into the image of Christ, His Son. And all the while, through the sorrows and the joys He is revealing how He is sending blessing in the everyday things around us, if only we will take notice... 

211. Fresh fruits and veggies to enjoy at every meal
212. Being able to trust the Lord no matter the circumstances
213. Laughter with friends
214. Snickers dip with Granny Smith apples
215. Praying for friends who are dealing with medical emergencies
216. Repentance, and God's mercy shown through little children
217. Clean laundry piling up in the red chair in my living room

Awesome day...

204. Getting some great deals on a lot of wonderful fresh fruits and veggies thanks to an early morning trip to Sprouts on "Double Ad Wednesday"
205. A child thanking me for correcting their school work with a sweet attitude
206. Children content with a simple lunch of fruit and nuts (our "John the Baptist" lunch)
207. Excitement and anticipation about my Fall schedule for kids' art classes I host at my house
208. A long FaceTime call with a friend in VA, and praying for her as she and her sisters leave for a missions trip to Africa next week
209. Coffee to sip throughout the afternoon as we read Johnny Tremain aloud
210. Watching the "Loopy Project" pile grow as the children save up potholders to make place mats for each other

Seven more things...

197. The napless boy-wonder falling asleep flat on his face in the middle of the living room at 5pm
198. Helping a friend with scheduling for the nursery, only to be inspired to work on the schedule for the media team (You know I like making charts, right?)
199. Praying for a friend ministering to young ladies
200. Two happy dogs who love to cuddle and play
201. Already having the children's homework checked before bed
202. Chocolate with nuts and marshmallow homemade candy (also known around here as "Rocky Road")
203. God's Word, a balm for the hurting and a comfort to the weary

Late night chats...

190. An afternoon with a friend, sharing life - both the fun and the struggles and pain - encouraging one another with God's perfect and true Word
191. Dinner out with my family, for healthy appetites
192. Children happily working on school work, even on disjointed, running behind days
193. Finding cute backpacks for the kids that weren't covered in cartoon characters, peace signs or skulls
194. Knowing that I can trust God with all things, big and small, happy and sorrowful, now and forever
195. Being rewarded with a free coffee after patiently waiting an hour for the espresso machine to be fixed at my neighborhood Starbucks
196. The richness of fellowship with like-minded believers and being reminded that maturity in Christ has less to do with age and more to do with intensely seeking to please to the Lord in every area of my life

... twenty-eight days of counting my blessings... and fifteen days of daily being in the Word of God... more things to be thankful for...

Count it all joy...

183. The giggles and laughter from a little boy in the nursery when I played peek-a-boo "sound edition" (depending on whether he raised his right arm or left arm or both arms, I made a different crazy noise)
184. The toddler girl who danced and danced while I sang songs like "Ho-Ho-Ho-Hosanna, Ha-Ha-Ha-leluia, He-He-He-He saved me, I have the joy of the Lord!" and "Jesus Loves Me" in the morning nursery
185. Getting a text message from a sweet friend in Virginia, always so faithful to keep in touch
186. Having the opportunity to pray for a friend's son whose favorite little furry pet is dying
187. Oatmeal cookies and an ice cold glass of milk 
188. Hugs from a friend moving away
189. Observing my oldest resisting the temptation to wonder off with friends to an area at church we have asked her not to, even though she didn't know I was watching (construction zone)

... realizing there are even more things I could be thankful for today...