Week's end with thanks

Trip to the zoo with friend of 31 years. All of us into our car. Five carseats and five loud happy children. Good times.
All five children making it happily all the way through the zoo. Success!
All the animals out! Crazy otters playing, all the lions right up close, turtles pressed up to glass, both giraffes out to play. Thanking God for the kiss for my kids.
Hearing my husband preach. Love that man.
Two children perched on two knees. Love those kids.
Two little hands tucked in mine.
Friends who just love us so.
Laid-back bday party at the park. No banners and balloons, just banana muffins and smiles.
Preparing for Bible study. Every year wondering, “Why did I think this was a good idea?” Then seeing faces, eager hearts and thirsty souls. Love love loving the Word and God and remembering, “Ah yes, this is why.”
Coming home after, mind mush and blissfully happy.
Playing Legos all afternoon.
Homemade salsa with tomatoes just picked.
First day of jeans after summer’s heat. Love that feeling.
My favorite kid recipe for “yummy bars”: Every random item I have in the house including 4 overripe bananas, a canister of quick oats and an entire jar of unsalted peanut butter. Mix it all together, bake for 30 minutes and voila! … “yummy bars.”
Afternoon playing pirates in the yard. Throwing nerf soccer-ball “canonballs” at Dutch in his ship, pelting him over and over and over and him, laughing hysterically and insisting, “Again! Again! Again!”
Whoops! Mommy pelting Heidi in the face. I really did try not to laugh…
Hearing Dutch singing along to the worship songs even though he didn’t know the words.
My boy in a clean white t-shirt and faded jeans. I’m biased but he’s so stinkin’ handsome!
Mentor Retreat!
My parents who give up their home and sleep in their motorhome so we can use their house. Those folks of mine are amazing.
First laundry load in the dryer. I love my clothesline but there’s something about fluffy towels and sheets and pressing my face into everything warm and clean.
Kneeling in front of the dryer, folding. Good things happen when we get on our knees.
Kids carrying laundry baskets.
Pulling down fresh hand-me-downs for the new season. 3T pink sweatshirts and 5T cargo pants. How did these kids get so big?
Smiling as I survey the holiday outfits we’ve been given. Heidi will need to attend seven Christmas parties … (Just kidding! We’ll give some away!)
Home church services. Dutch on the bench-stage, playing his guitar and preaching.
Heidi’s prayers.
Heidi’s first searching questions as read about the cross: “Mommy, why God haffa die?”
Grace.
Veggie Tales outtakes.
Great New Seasons SALE this week on all our favorite items! The cashier laughed at my 20 blocks of cheese, 10 dozen organic eggs, five bags of organic oats and fourteen cans of organic tomatoes but it was a steal! Fun to remind my kids about God’s amazing provision. Just when we were out of everything He provided steal-deals on our favorite foods. Thank you, Father.
Family Date Night. Yes, it was just pizza at the Costco food court, but our kids were in seventh heaven!
Daddy’s day off: Picnic lunch at George Rogers park.
These seven mentor-girls who bless my life.
Women’s Ministry team that’s beautifully knit and feels like a comfortable sweater of friends. How blessed are we?!
YOU. Thanks for dropping tender lines that breathe life again and again.
Heading out to Riversong.
Crawling inside books.
Quilts.
Down comforters.
Jeans that fit just right.
Just-washed hair that swings and shines.
Anticipation.
Expectancy.
Hope.

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