Gifts 860-906

Watching the sunrise moment by moment as it creeps up and through each cloud in quiet morning sky

veggietales

majestic horses running free

amazing thunder storms
hours of playing outside with nothing but nature
safe travels
welcome home greetings
hearing about our trip from my kids
meeting a new blog friend
a lingering summer
waiting for fall
deciding on a name
bickering with hubby
saying I'm sorry
pondering what God didn't have to do = grace
shuddering at what He should have done = mercy
giveaways, so generous
my favorite verse: Exodus 14:14
a growing belly
the times when my back isn't hurting
shoe glue
missing Oklahoma
children's books
watching Daughter read!!
The tale of Loveland
having a sister...help me love her more
fishing with my family
catching a fish or two!!
dragonflies of all colors
pears...how I love pears
little girls worrying about marriage
teaching them to be children
smudges on the mirrors
handprints on the window
growth spurts
perseverance
homemade gifts for family
dreaming of Christmas
oatmeal cookie oatmeal
Daughter's sassy attitude and hot temper
long eyelashes and
wide eyes
hair so soft like velvet
seeing armadillos! lol
a friend expecting a little one
banana smoothies
Trader Joe's vanilla wafers-OMG

Gifts 799-859

Helpful people strangers at airports

Amazing children

Daughter, getting so grown up and jumping at the chance to help mom

the aching in my heart saying goodbye to Hubby, even just for a week

smart packing 

wise planning

big hallways to run

snacks

the excitement of a child's "first" flight

meeting the kindest pilots

my stomach feeling sick during take off and turbulence for the first time ever

the eager and inquisitive minds of exploring children

questions

answers

chubby toes kicking the nicest woman the entire flight

taking in a new place

seeing a part of God's creation for the first time

stunning sunsets

even more incredible sunrises

being awake to see the sunrise

seeing nothing but rolling hills, blue skies as far as I can look

sitting outside holding baby as the sun rises slowly over the pond

quiet

hearing the world, God's world, moving around me

time with family

reflecting on old family memories

missing those we've lost

seeing them again in family videos

kids driving tractors

sidewalk chalk

learning about "tomatoes" and "tomato cellars."

majestic horses in the fields

the biggest sky I've ever seen

helping my parents in the kitchen

Baby loving on Poppa

Son helping Grandma-mother in the kitchen

Daughter learning new homework tips from Poppa

Talking to Hubby/Daddy every day

Missing home

Missing hubby

Waiting for Auntie to arrive

Swimming for hours at Grandma's house

(how often can we say that??!!)

throwing rocks in the pond

setting off fireworks

sleeping in one room together

admiring Oklahoma's adorable zoo

Running along the Arkansas River

The sweet and knowledgeable veterans at the air and space museum

the vastness of space

Myself, so small, not even a speck in this incredible galaxy

Being treasured by the one, the Force holding all "this" together

More galaxies than we can count or explore in a lifetime

stars, constantly being "born" and dying, Jesus knowing each one and it's number 

Realizing my place in this life

having a good day

Baby calling my parent's dog "Bewwah!!"

A fresh haircut

talking to my dad late into the night

Gifts 769-798

Failing

Happy Feet

Falling

Listening to my kids encouraging one another

scary dreams forcing me to pray through the night

Working on preschool activities with Son

Seeing his eyes light up as he learns

new schedules

giving up and admitting I cannot do it

seeking inspiration

Trader Joe's WOW enchilada recipe-- HEAVENLY

watching the birds outside in the mornings

hearing all about chinchillas from Daughter and Son

enjoying a few moments with hubby amidst the bustle of it all

hearing my mom's excitement over our upcoming visit

Daughter's Kindergarten teacher

Daughter's school and how much she is learning

Having the responsibility to teach my children about Jesus

Feeling tiny little kicks ;)

Baby's attachment to his crib and room

All the kids' love for books

pumpkin and pralines scent

knowing how much I don't deserve forgiveness

peanut butter and jelly waffles

packing lunches and love notes

Seeing Daughter make new friends

the leaves just starting to change color

waffle cones

haircuts at home- saving a little here and there

trader joe's coffee

Gifts 769-786

Watching Daughter dance

Her eyes sparkling on stage

Blueberry green tea

the crazy hairs I can't get to stay where they belong

Discussing books with friends
Baby room ideas
Baby names
Cheeks like the skin on a peach
coloring pictures with daughter
reading story after story with boys
not starting my day off with prayer and realizing the difference it makes
daughter learning to read
teaching bunny ears
asking God for help through a rough day
Resting, knowing He's got me ;)
a sky, scattered with beautiful and tiny white clouds
a sunset to watch in traffic
letting go of frustrations

Gifts 744-768

The boys getting so close

Son doing somersaults

Baby trying hard to copy 

Realizing that people are just that, people

Keeping eyes and heart focused on Christ

Making amends

Shampooing carpets

Apple blueberry muffins

Homemade pina coladas

Tickles

Measuring kids' growth on the garage door

Simple pleasures hubby and I enjoy and share

Funny superhero faces of Son

Making the bed

Sorting socks

Working on homework with daughter

Sparkling toilets

Daughter's kind and loving reaction to other children being unkind

Son's speech : "free" = three "told" = cold

Finding a good vet

Birthday celebrations with friends

rearranging furniture

highchair tray smeared with strawberries and banana bread crumbs

laundry all piled up again this morning

Gifts 714-743

First day of school

Meeting the teacher

picking out school clothes

Daughter telling me she's growing up

Daughter making little changes to feel more grown up

Foggy mornings

Prayers on the way to school

Daughter praying for other children at school

routines

finding the monkey at Trader Joe's

Morning glory muffins

Son behaving so well

spending some nice time with the boys

devotions with the kids

Baking all day

new ideas

my calling

Baby waking too early

Watching the sunrise, holding baby close

Rocking in the wee hours of the morning

Baby calling "nigh nigh" from his crib

Taking steps toward and being intentional about focusing on my fam

Peace to assure you that you've heeded His call

Waving goodbye

Braids

Hubby taking care of us when I was sick

Getting better

feeling warmth

savoring His grace

Praying for Hubby

Gifts 671-713

Summer storms

Apple butter

Early morning grocery shopping

Crayons scattered all over the floor

Clean appliances

Son, willing to taste ANYthing

Taking a break from FB

Spending more time with my kids

Catching up on housework

Learning to pray

Oats 'n Honey

little girls' sleepovers

Learning to be a better mother

knowing my calling

having a sorrowful heart

Making mistakes

forgiving those who have wronged

praying for forgiveness for those that I have wronged

brave men and women leaving their families to serve mine

Hubby coming home each day

Helpful neighbors

Heart, heavy with gratitude

growing out of some pants :/

Hand-me-downs, just in time!

Sibling rivalry

Trying to teach Son and Daughter to show love

Realizing that I'm not often enough leading by example

Seeking advice

Learning to follow my own heart, knowing it's God who is leading

Praying desperately for Him to help me be a good mother

Realizing I've been letting Hubby down

Making changes

those changes being appreciated

Seeing the mundane become magical through my kids' eyes

Daughter's insistance that we're having a baby girl

Snuggling a friend's new baby girl

feeling overwhelmed with emotion at the thought of being able to have another baby

Hubby and Son playing catch with the dogs

Baby's LOVE for dogs

Preparing Daughter to start Kindergarten

Not gossiping

Trying to keep my heart and mind on things that are only from God

Gifts 645-670

Baby, sitting at my feet

Reading stories right after nap time

Watching Daughter grow up a little bit...putting away ALL her own laundry!

Catching up on mending

An empty hamper

My favorite song coming on the radio

Imagining the words

Feeling the earth shake

Hosanna

explaining heaven to Daughter and Son

Assuring them their blankies will be there ;)

praying for Hubby

selflessness

revivals...personal

brokenness

baby powder getting sand off tiny toes!

days at the beach

guest posting for a friend :)

Broken hearts for Jesus to heal

Yard sales

sorting socks

vitamin C

Ladybug in the house

Photo projects
writer's block

Gifts 629-644

Wooden spoon, stirring ingredients

Spilling batter on the counter while "helping"

playing hide and seek with kids

old friends reuniting

new babies everywhere

spat with hubby, bringing to light areas I need to improve

smell of cinnamon, brown sugar and nutmeg making me long for fall

a bounty of fresh zucchini and other squash

midday naps

being so tired it hurts

slowing down

lowering gas prices

anticipation

old songs

new songs

music that breathes inspiration

Gifts 615-628

Struggling to find a church "fit"

Early morning backyard play

Cool nights

Warm days

Planner, open and filled

the empty days

beach towels
Giraffes
A day at the zoo
daughter's curls
brisk mornings
diving deeper
convictions
Marveling at creation

Gifts 602-614

Sharing exciting news

Iced coffee

New parenting techniques

Smell of honeysuckle in traffic

neat mow lines in fields of hay

perfect bales bundled just days later

pregnancy sickness

fabric softener

longs rows of uniform white tombstones, marking sacrifice after sacrifice

birthday traditions

small celebrations

bedtime prayers

funny things kids say

Gifts 569-601

Foot Rubs

Pudding pie

Dinners with family

Thanksgiving feast in May

Sprinklers

New growth on baby trees

Pruning roses in the early morning

Buds in jars filled with cool water 

Hot tears stinging my neck as baby nestles deep, comforting in pain

Shadows

Dancing
clean sheets
silhouette of flowers in glass against morning sun coming through curtains

Lavender
Butterfly Bush flowers in jars on the table
visits from mom
spending time talking with mom
shopping with gift cards
sharing what I've learned
venting with yet still encouraging friends
positive messages
being busy
sitting and freezing the moment
remembering to pause and praise
dates alone with Hubby
laughing loud in the night
surprises
rainbows in photos
meeting with Aunt Ruthie
being encouraged
words of wisdom shared openly over lemonade and pie
sugar pie and berry pie

Gifts 526-568

Smoothies for dinner

Jokes from children

Giggles under forts made of old blankets
Long, deep conversations with friends
Iron sharpens iron
Prayer
Hunger
Secrets
Joyful news
Glory during devastation
Celebrating friends' anniversaries
Poetry
Telephone
Cherries, bright red and against the gleam of a white bowl
Stray eyelashes
Dreams
Desperation
Goosebumps
sweaty palms
friends gathered
carrots and pesto hummus
apple pie remembered in the oven
sharing with friends how God speaks to us
giving books that have blessed deeply
Layla's deep heavenly eyes
freedom to speak liberally of Christ
sharing experiences with others
relating with someone who has a heart yearning for the same goal
daughter running to window each morning
pulling open the curtain to see if it's a beautiful day!
Child thanking God for blessings from the backseat:
(her list)
trees
 bushes
sky
 strollers
 gates
 people walking
 cars
 the store
 the field
 neighbors
 our house

Gifts 464-525

Baby calling "Mama, Mama!"

Godzilla and Barbie playing in harmony

The smell of roses on the breeze through my living room window

Coloring

Baking cookies

Cookies for a lonely neighbor

God speaking to my heart

Amazing Grace

Singing "In moments like these..." as I rock children in the night

Children as a reflection of self

Lessons through their reflection

Prayer in the morning

Picture frames, waiting for memories to fill them

Spin Pins

Garage sales

Trash turned treasure

Simplicity

Desiring less of here and more of Him

Cherry Blossoms

Bird's nests

Buttermilk

Pancakes

Surprises for Hubby

Children's imperfect speech

Smiles from strangers

Preparedness for tomorrow

God's love shared

Each new breath

Color around me

Compassion from daughter

Playing outside

Believing without seeing

This list

Romance

Falling in love

Writing

Sharing

This moment, time standing still

Absorbing grace

Hot tears

The feeling right before tears spill over your eyelids

Holding child close while praising Almighty

Never ending gifts...this list cannot, does not stop

late afternoon sunlight, glimmering from children's hair

Eyelashes

Baby walking around searching for "Dada"

Bond between Father and son

Love of brothers

rustle of wind in trees

Stopping, the only way I can receive these gifts

Breathing them in, feeling them 

Heart skipping a beat in anticipation

Knowing there is change happening

Green tea with honey

Blessings

Thank Yous

Hair swept across my face, tickling my cheek

Being overwhelmed

God in this place, my home, my chaos, my mess, my life 

Maranatha 

Gifts 439-463

Daughter's Transfer request approved

the movie Up

quiet rain in the morning

feeling nervous

losing my camera

waiting for Him to provide

God providing, even when it's just a wish list item.
Making lemonade
Afternoon snack time with kids
Talking around the kitchen
long favored toys
getting to know my children
my new camera ;)
rose petals
sweeping crumbs from the floor
sunlight on freshly cleaned kitchen table
praying for patience
Receiving it
diffusing an argument and watching Son and Daughter exchange "I'm sorry's" and hugs
Baby's double chin
Earlobes
Cheeks
Baby "talking" to Son and Daughter
Being sick, forcing me to take more moments and live in them
catching my breath

Gifts 377-438

A new day

Intimate Birthday parties

Footie pajamas

Haircuts at home

Cast iron

Wooden spoons

Hours of baking

Hubby cooking dinner

half-priced Coffee drinks

New Baby words

Tickle-fests

Cleaning out craft "room"

My chaos

Hubby teasing me about being scatter-brained

Fabric

Wreaths: rag, tulle, floral, balloon...I love them!

Son's face as family and friends sing Happy Birthday

Birthday cereal

Birthday traditions

Warm weather 

Water toys
Child's excitement and gratitude for a gift
Stepping on toys ;)
The whoosh of the dishwasher at night
Smell of fabric softener
Finding something with ease, thanks to the few and far moments when I am actually organized
Little shoes
Cloth diapers (sometimes-heehee)
organic food (I may have mentioned it before)
Yogurt covered pretzels- FROZEN
Homemade birthday banners of felt
"Godziwah"
Five layers of perfect party cake
Hubby's talented catering work
The Trash Man
Stickers
Calendars
Getting ready for Kindergarten
Groupon
Smudges on the windows and mirrors
Never ending hand prints on the TV
marker lines on the wall
Knowing that will all stop someday ;)
Leftovers
Non-stop joking when Hubs is home
Grilled Mahi tacos for lunch
vegetarian dinners
eleven hours of prepping, baking and cooking with hubby
crazy love
learning from the wisdom of those that have gone before me
shelves lined with books
toys left under the kitchen table
morning cuddles
sunlight spilling through the blinds in the morning
play dates
Cinco de mayo party at the park
balloons
cookies
Daughter's prayers; gratitude for her "squishy baby brother like a chicken"
Somehow, my family's needs met, each and every day
Son saying "I like Jesus. He's my friend."

Gifts 366-376

Daughter practicing her dance routine at home

Tying Son's purple princess blankie into a superhero cape-totally legit

Cutting boys' hair in sink 

BBQ at friends' house 

Talking to friends late into the night

All three kids napping at one time

New mercies

Puppy dog eyes when kids are in trouble

The beauty of the fields of flowers, row after row

Pulling weeds in the morning

Green smoothies for breakfast
Encouraging and supportive words from friends

Gifts 320-365

Park time with friends

Splashing water turtles

Caravan errands with friends

enjoying treats and quiet in the parking lot

Vegetables

Nuts

Fruit

Spontaneous play dates

Running in the sprinklers

Spraying the hose in the house window- on accident, reminding mom of being a child

Good days, turned bad. Forcing me to HIS feet, begging for forgiveness

The privilege of being a parent to His children

Frozen yogurt with berries

Frozen yogurt twice in a day

The kids exclaims about the sunset painted across the sky

Last minute, past bedtime family treat runs

Riding bikes with kids

Daughter eating a carrot, and being so excited about it!

Tiny fingernails

Identical feet of siblings

Crazy sunscreen hair

Baby's creative ways to play with toys

Food Inc and the control of my nutrition that it has spurred me to take

Reusable shopping bags...hopefully soon I'll remember to bring them with me

Crafts with Daughter

Hunger for His word

Anticipation for church

Anger, frustration, bitterness...leaving nothing else to do than pray

Realizing that in order to show true gratitude for what I have been blessed, I must be a blessing

Baby's incredible love for Daddy

Watching trash truck from window

Running to wave hello

Picking flowers for neighbor

Listening to kids' Bible songs in the car

Daughter's pride in her artwork

Son's sweet play with Baby

Brotherly love

Calm after the storm

Proverbs 27

New flip flops

Peals of giggles in the car

Building forts

Solving mysteries in the backyard

Chasing butterflies

Pulling weeds

Packages on the doorstep

Gifts 305-319

Inspiring sermon, spoken from the heart, on Easter
Wonder in a child's eyes

Giddy excitement for special holidays

Siblings helping each other all on their own

Watching animated movies about the Easter story

Lazy mornings in bed with the whole family

The pure faith of a child, never questioning

The friendship of Jesus

Friends so close they are family

Roses from the yard, in jars on my table, unfolding giant to reveal God's wonder
Chubby hands pressed against the door, begging to go explore
Washing cars in the sunshine
Playing in the sprinklers
Laying on the concrete, warming in the sun's rays
Quiet time alone

Gifts 278-304

Shadows from the clouds, sprawling across the hills

All the smells of nature during my bike rides

Free coffee and tea

Reflection of children in the rear view mirror

Looking in the backseat, only to have each child grinning ear to ear, waiting for me to smile back

Children's eyes watching the world out the window

the glow of the sunset across a face

tears glistening on eyelashes

strawberries sliced sweet on toast

long days at the park with friends

impromptu bath time with friends ;) 

child's excitement over the smallest of joys

cool, fresh water

climbing fences like a kid

baby clapping just because

Daughter's beautiful auburn hair

A hundred kisses for Son at bedtime...every night

Daughter finding comfort in our bed after a bad dream

Son waking just to hear a song in the middle of the night

Baby's smile and bright eyes first thing in the morning

Crackers

Marshmallows

Reading children's books about the true meaning of Easter

Hearing Daughter and Son pretend playing, inviting Jesus to their party. 

Fabric softener

The smell of the dryer running at night...smelling it outside, one of my favorite smells

Our electric bill...that it comes every month and we never fear being without