Week's end with thanks

Candles lit.
A truly relaxing Thanksgiving break. In Jeff’s words, the best part: “We were never once in a hurry.” Amen to that. Vacation-time is never very restful with small children, but to not be in a hurry — bliss!
Fingerprints everywhere. Evidence of my two little miracles.
Kids playing in the bottom limbs of the Christmas tree.
How we’re all drawn to that corner. To light.
Precious friends back in town.
Quiet.
Puffer vest and fleece-lined boots.
Dutch & Heidi part of tear-down crew at church.
$2 inflatable light-saber at Target. Feel like I should write a thank-you note to whoever invented that thing!
Choosing to bless my boy — both pirate and Star Wars paper plates/cups for his birthday.
Understanding how much my Father loves to bless me.
Understanding how much my dear husband loves to bless me.
Freely receiving.
Freely giving — (or at least getting there!)
Stoking the fire.
Great Christmas music floating through the house.
Turkey stock from generous friend!
Simple meals.
Reading a book together, each night, with my man. A favorite new tradition!
Being challenged.
New light cast on the Bride of Christ.
My sweet boy reading so well!
Early morning snuggles — all four in our bed.
Her sweaty curls pressed onto her cheeks.
Crawling in as she wakes, pulling her into my arms, inhaling her sweetness. Wanting to remember these moments forever.
Family night!
New Lego set. Daddy assembling everything — he, enjoying it every bit as much as the kids.
Roaring fire warmth.
Sunny afternoon, walk along the lane with light saber, searching for star wars Storm Troopers.
Heidi calling out, “‘torm toopers!”
Lentil soup for dinner.
Glowing coals.
Little boy sleeping in.
Waking up, slow realization … Yes! It’s Friday … Jeff’s home!
House aglow: lamps, fire, Christmas tree lights.
Opening Christmas cards. Seeing faces we love.
Coming home cold from chopping the tree.
Little hands holding hot cocoa.
Milk mustaches.
Visit from aunty Debra. Greeted at the steps with Light Saber and Cutlass.
Dora undies peeking out the top of Heidi’s pants.
Her stray curls fallen, framing her face.
Kissing her little lips a hundred times a day.
Our morning ritual: “Mama, pease snuggle me by the fah?” (fire)
Heidi watching me work on my laptop, wanting her own: “Someday can you get me a ‘pooter has some buttons on it?”
Her putting rubber bands around my toes while I work.
Warming boots by the fire.
A friend’s house-warming party and prayer with people we love.
Stockings hung behind the wood stove.
Kids making special little crafts, kept a “secret”, and tucked into our stockings.
Origami advent calendar. It was so fun and easy, I might become a folding fanatic!
Reading with my man.
Our nighttime ritual: reading a scrabble on the ipad.
My lucky 203-point word.
Dutch & Cody’s hilarious leaf-war in the front yard. Little boys …
Muddy head to toe. Isn’t childhood wonderful!
Walk to the miniature donkeys. Crosses on their backs.
Heidi “reading” the Jonah story: “It’s a GIANT fish. It’s a mommy fish.”
Laundry done.
New facewash.
The feel of clean.
Doing this thanks-list daily instead of just at the end of the week. Helps so much to daily pause and remember His gifts!
That He hears.
Considering the lilies …
Knowing we need not be anxious.
Knowing He cares.
Snuggled down secure in His love.

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