Thanksliving

This year I have really begun looking over my life with different eyes.

With grace, with thanks, for each and every gift in each and every day.

It has truly changed my life.

I have not perfected my counting, with grace I am continuing to count more each day.

I share these to encourage you to make each and every day count, each and every gift in your days.

How thankful I am for Ann Voskamp and her passion through her book, “One Thousand Gifts“.

1. My Savior
2. My life
3. My curly headed peanut
4. Unexpected wonderful text messages
5. Quiet mommy night time
6. Crisp fall air
7. Help from my hubby n kiddos unloading groceries
8. Grocery bill under budget
9. My lil blessings and I having a movie night
10. God’s voice spoken to my heart
11. Smiles and cuddles during reading time
12. A husband that I don’t have to wonder what he’s thinking
13. My car with it’s heater
14. Blog posts that promote Biblical training vs. spanking. Helps me in my situation.
15. Yummy pumpkin marshmallow creme whoopie pies
16. Coolness of the morning
17. Hooting of an owl
18. Sunlight falling on leaves
19. Different shades of green
20. Sunlight falling on the kitchen floor
21. Music on A Holy Experience
22. Laughter from the lips of my babies
23. Tire swings
24. A writer’s heart in my peanut
25. The passion peanut has
26. The ingenuity of boo
27. Art of my daughter’s hand
28. Smiles beaming from kiddo’s faces
29. Fluffy white clouds
30. Beautiful curls
31. Simple excitement
32. Rain watering my garden
33. The sound of rain on my window panes
34. Breakfast for dinner
35. FaceTime chat
36. Sleeping babies
37. Fuzzy head on my boo
38. Beautiful silly smiles from my peanut
39. Aroma of homemade tortilla’s cooking
40. Kiddos excited voices to see daddy
41. The wind blowing through the grass
42. First flower blooms of the summer
43. Freshly swept floors
44. Clean water
45. Moonlit summer nights
46. Sounds of little feet pattering across the floor
47. Clutter to pick up ~ able hands
48. Days off to recover, relax and clean
49. Patch of grass for kids to play at the parade
50. Learning games
51. Listening ears
52. Tutus and heels
53. Dark curtains
54. Hammock swinging on a summer day
55. Forgiveness
56. Tears of repentance
57. Hubby’s return home
58. Fried fish
59. Tumbling dryer
60. Silence
61. Memories
62. Chirping birds
63. God’s unfailing love
64. Pixie dust, green grass, asteroids, weeping willows & Christmas (all seen in the fireworks July 4th, 2012)
65. Children playing well together
66. Kiddos maturing
67. Quiet moments with hubby
68. Baby smiles
69. My boo loving lil boy memories
70. Silly stories at bedtime
71. Dishwashers
72. Cool grass
73. Butterflies
74. Quiet answers
75. Fresh blueberries
76. Conversations with kiddos
77. Warm summer nights
78. Hubby’s salty hair
79. Hubby’s beautiful anniversary card
80. Peanut’s call to pray alone
81. Writing as a means to speak to peanut
82. Beautiful long eyelashes on peanut
83. Boos spike hair after a boat ride
84. God’s words for blogging not mine
85. New bread recipes
86. Hubbys humor
87. Peanut’s good morning eyes
88. Curly top peanut
89. Crispy fall season
90. God’s grace
91. Unexpected wonderful text messages
92. New blogging opportunities 
93. Warm woodstove fires started by hubby
94. Kiddos playing nicely and quietly on a Saturday afternoon
95. A large stack of wood to start off the fall/winter season
96. God speaking to my heart, the focus for my life this year (Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God = expect great things in my marriage from God, attempt to love my husband as God loves!)
97. Speaking to my kiddos from my heart
98. Clean soft sheets
99. God’s blessings of sleep
100. Warm fuzzy boots
101. Lovely chats with friends
102. Snuggles with peanut
103. Silly faces with boo
104. Silly faces with peanut
105. Babies for pray for and enjoy again
106. A hard working hubby
107. A friend to chat with at soccer games
108. Dinner out with the family
109. Movie night with the guys….even if they did make fun through most of it….
110. Hubby n Daniel laughing together while I was in the tub
111. Tv time with my kiddos while I’m sick
112. Aleve working
113. Being hungry!
114. The fluffy feel of powdered sugar
115. The beauty of flowers inside in the fall
116. Sunlight pouring in my kitchen
117. Being on my knees crying out in my heart to my Lord
118. Peanut’s taco dance
119. Fun pumpkin carving times with my lil blessings
120. Full moon shining bright
121. Breakfast in bed
122. Kiddos playing out in the Pre-hurricane winds
123. Kiddos reading to me at bedtime
124. Warm house to stay safe from the storm
125. Dinner with the family
126. Slow time on the road with kiddos
127. My lil blogger in training
128. Good weather for traveling
129. My kiddos progress with swimming
130. Good roads for traveling
131. Kiddos helping unload cars cheerfully
132. Rainbow colored sky
133. Birds in flight
134. The beauty of a falling leaf
135. A babe asleep in my arms
136. Schooling my kids at home 🙂 
137. Butterlfy kisses
138. Kids sleeping behind a door
139. Home waiting behind a door
140. God’s will waiting behind a door
141. Grace received from boo
142. My lil Indian peanut
143. Boos belly laugh
144. Beauty of a fallen leaf
145. Babe asleep in my arms
146. Kids learning at home with me
147. My lil ones sleeping tight in beds
148. My home waiting for my return from vaca
149. God’s gift behind each door we follow Him through
150. Silent mornings
151. Silent prayers
152. Silent thoughts
153. Golden rays of sunshine
154. Golden streets God has prepared for me
155. Golden rings that remind me of eternity
156. Saying goodbye
157. Parenting difficulties
158. Living far away from family
159. A baby’s belly laugh at phonic sounds
160. Peanut’s laugh at Cowgirls N Angels
161. The gentle laugh of my mother
162. Yummy cake pops made, shared and passed on
163. Brisk cool autumn air that is invigorating! 
164. Autumn leaves showing their true colors
165. Autumn promises of new life to come again
166. Friends and family gathering and fellowshipping
167. Decorating Thanksgiving weekend for Christmas
168. New Thanksliving tree tradition
169. My lil blessings
170. My nephew
171. My Godly parents
172. Sugar in the cabinet night before Thanksgiving 🙂 saved me a trip to the grocery store
173. My husband…..God knew I needed him though for a long time I didn’t understand)  
174. Friends who’ve become family
175. Laughter from my lips
176. Slowed down pace of life
177. Freedom in Christ
178. Eternity in Christ
179. Stubborn love from Christ
180. Cooking all day for a 20 min. family meal
181. Washing laundry again and again
182. Watching a friends kiddo so she could have a quiet afternoon
183. 10 min Cat Naps
184. 30 min. Workouts
185. 4 Empty totes = less clutter
186. Stretch marks from my blessings
187. Fine lines revealing a life full of laughter
188. Rough hands that show I am able to work
189. Gifts lost that are found
190. Girl time shopping with my peanut
191. Energy to get my home clean and  ready for the week
192. Preparing our hearts for Christmas through Advent
193. Preparing to have a peaceful month off from school
194. Preparing gifts to be given 
195. Clean hair scent
196. Hugs from my blessings before bed
197. Twinkling Christmas lights that look like stars
198. A picture drawn by my peanut for me
199. Reading cuddle time with my blessings
200. A bright orange sunrise
201. Neighbors willing to open hands and receive gifts on Thanksgiving
202. Community of believers counting our days full of gifts
203. Community of friends following God’s word throughout the world via FB
204. Tiny snowflakes on my porch and railings this morning 
205. Wisdom to say no to a big opportunity
206. I’m writing the book God asked of me. Even if no one ever reads it.
207. Silly bedtime fun with my blessings
208. My Savior’s blood shed for me
209. My heart
210. Red eyes from tears
211. Independence in my hubby
212. Difficulties in parenting
213. Beauty found in Christ alone
214. Late night ice cream trips
215. Books in the mail on the day they’re needed
216. My blessings….may I never take them for granted
217. My scouts….may I help, guide and be there for them
218. Snowflakes falling from the sky
219. Myself spotless white from my Savior
220. White candle for Advent waiting for Christmas Day
221. Advent Candle #1
222. Christmas lights resembling that starry night
223. My kiddos bright smiles
224. My piano
225. My violin
226. My messiness ~ for out of it God will bring beauty
227. My hubby’s shining face when smiling
228. My eyes when tears of joy stream down my face
229. My children’s eyes when looking into twinkling lights
230. Memaw’s silver hair
231. Silver spoons from my daddy’s and lil brother’s travels
232. Silver heels from my boo
233. My new camera
234. Quiet drives to cool off 
235. The love of my lil blessings
236. Gentle Spirit urging to give more
237. Time alone with my boo
238. Long chats with old friends
239. Sweet cheeks on a babe
240. Sweet coffee to start the day
241. Sweet gifts all around
242. A quiet n peaceful bedtime
243. Awana program
244. A brother’s selflessness
245. Peanut’s passion for Awana renewed
246. Boo’s acceptance that working hard is worth it
247. Life anew from my Savior
248. Forgiveness from my Savior
249. Grace from my Savior
250. Ornament hung and given from Pastor
251. A book held given from Pastor
252. Message spoken with passion by Pastor at the leadership banquet
253. Chatting with friends while kiddos played
254. New hot tea and teapot from mom
255. Time to set up my blog for the week
256. Learning how to love a slow life schedule
257. My hubby’s love for me
258. Food to fill my belly full
259. Lessons from Jesus
260. Art unframed from my lil blessings hands
261. Raindrops art unframed
262. Tears art unframed
263. Icy cold hands and toes while watching my kiddos play soccer
264. Icy cold sweet tea reminding me of home
265. Icy cold winters allowing time for reflection and change
266. My hubby’s breath as he sleeps next to me
267. My Savior’s blood shed for me
268. My comforter that warms my body
269. Berries on my advent candle urging me to slow down and count my moments
270. God’s gentle nudging and quiet whisper
271. Alone time to get errands accomplished
272. Extra $ in account for a ministry God laid on my heart
273. Time to teaching boo about opening eyes wide to see the gifts
274. Boo asking for a notebook to record his gifts!!!
275. Peanut writing devotionals to read to the family
276. Coloring time with my peanut
277. Long naps for the babe so alone time with peanut could happen
278. New brain for my washer coming
279. His stripes by which we were healed
280. Striped fuzzy socks
281. Striped candy telling Jesus’ story
282. My golden ring from my daddy
283. Pine trees
284. My lil blessings bent low in prayer for hurting families
285. Hand stamped Christmas cards
286. Stamped Bible from Pepaw
287. Old stamped letters from my daddy
288. My marriage saved by God’s grace
289. My new love of winter
290. American girl doll gifted to my peanut
291. Beauty of a babe formed in my womb
292. My Savior’s love for me
293. Forgiveness from my hubby
294. Small fingerprints on ornaments
295. Small raindrops filling the skating pond (now for it to freeze please!)
296. Small homemade birthday gifts that mean the world to this mommy!
297. Frosted Christmas cookies
298. Frosty windows reminding me of the warmth inside my home
299. Extra days off to do nothing
300. Quiet still birthdays
301. The heavenly host of angels proclaiming the coming of our Savior
302. Angelic voices singing of our coming King
303. Angelic songs about coming to our home in heaven above
304. Wood stove burning brightly in my living room
305. Child’s face lit when hugged n loved
306. Candle lit to bring Christmas scents to our home
307. A birthday that wasn’t full of depression
308. A wall of fear/vulnerability overcome by peace from God
309. A small humble home filled with Christ’s love and friends building relationships
310. Hubby taking boo shopping alone
311. A peanut sleeping only with me because she feels icky 🙁
312. Alone time with boo with my arm around him in public
313. A painting with stars reminding us of God’s promises shining like stars in the darkest of night
314. Stars painted by my boo’s hands
315. Stars in the Christmas story books we read reminding of the “Jesus star” so long ago
316. An imperfect perfect Christmas
317. My hearts desire for a different CHRISTmas
318. A small home full of warmth and love
319. Shepherds coming in haste to see Christ
320. Mary’s ponderings
321. Joseph and Mary’s marveling though they knew Jesus was God’s Son
322. Unfailing grace
323. Unending mercy
324. Stubborn love
325. Game time with my blessings
326. Dinner time with my blessings
327. Fellow sisters with similar like passions
328. Energy to complete projects that need to be done
329. Peace in counting when feeling down
330. Time with my children when they’re ill
331. Memories of a changed heart for Christmas 2012
332. Friends lingering at my home
333. Hubby lingering around the house just a bit longer for my sake
334. My lingering Savior always near, never far
335. A new day of hope
336. A new year of hope
337. A new eternal life coming for me someday
338. My birthday remembered by my lil brothers
339. My childhood family memories
340. Memories of my lil blessings being first laid on me
341. A fulfilling year anticipated
342. A “new” marriage relationship anticipated
343. A new family focus anticipated

2013

1. A new year with new beginnings
2. A dream coming true by God’s hand alone
3. God’s words to my pen to others hearts
4. My children’ts laughter while eating icicles
5. Piano keys tinkering
6. My hubby’s truck pulling in the driveway
7. Snow insulating our house
8. My lil blessings
9. Provisions from my Heavenly Father
10. Big dreams
11. Small gifts with big words
12. Imperfection
13. Spontaneous worship
14. My wise grandmothers
15. Butterfly pocket tokens
16. My eyes for with them I see the gifts God gives
17. My children’s prayers
18. The sound of blades upon the ice….oh the anticipation
19. My stepsons ok answer when asked to grab something at the store
20. My entire family loving dinner
21. No more perfect mom’s book
22. Making plans for hubby’s birthday
23. My children relaxing on a quiet winter morning
24. Being a yes mom
25. Opening day on the ice
26. Teaching peanut to skate better
27. A birthday gift from a friend
28. Soy creamer that allows me to enjoy coffee
29. A new ebook title and subject
30. Children loving breakfast this am
31. Hubby visiting with me last night
32. Mom telling me what dad needed/wanted for his bday
33. The dusky light of a sunset
34. The surprising reflection of tree branches on the snow
35. Lovely shadows of the moon beams on the ice
36. Devotionals that speak directly to my aching heart
37. Making the choice to spend quality time with my lil blessings this year
38. Unexpected play dates for my kiddos
39. Holding my peanut while heartbroken tears fell down her face
40. Totes of school textbooks that my mother saved for my homeschooling days
41. My family at the dinner table all together
42. A caring Pastor
43. Peanut only having a concussion
44. Vacations scheduled
45. Quiet night with hot tea and a good book
46. Difficulties that make me stronger in Christ
47. Burning eyes that tell me it’s time to accept the blessing of sleep God has for me
48. A sour attitude to teach and train to right
49. My peanuts sweet voice when asking for forgiveness
50. Just right cuddling up with kiddos reading before bedtime
51. Sunrise, the promise of a new day
52. Daffodils, the promise of new life
53. Sunset, the promise of blessed sleep coming our way
54. A gift above, the roof over my head
55. A gift below, my husband downstairs on the couch
56. A gift beside, my pillows waiting for me to rest my head in blessed sleep
57. I am learning to look to Him in ALL things
58. I am “diving in” though the water’s deep
59. I am a mother to two lil blessings
60. A quiet voice when everything in me wants to raise it
61. The opportunity to be an imperfect mother to 2 babes that He created within me
62. That He loved me enough to life His hands off His Son to become a sacrifice that I might have life
63. Rings that unite hubby and I
64. Gifts given away ~ 1000 Gifts  (x5)
65. Time with a dear friend over lunch
66. My boo’s heartfelt honest prayer
67. My hubby’s diligent outside work in the midst of snow
68. The falling snow on a day when I have no where to go
69. Butterfly kisses
70. Hubby’s prayer at the family dinner table
71. Time cuddling with hubby
72. In Him all things are possible
73. Through Him I have perfect strength
74. Because of Him I am redeemed
75. A fulfilling life in Christ
76. My marriage
77. My lil blessings
78. Snowflakes
79. Dew drops
80. Frost
81. My heavenly home Jesus is preparing for me
82. Frozen water falling from the sky tonight
83. My grandfather’s wonderful advice
84. A loved ones wrinkled hands
85. A baby’s smooth skin
86. God’s arms unfolded wrapped around me
87. Christ’s light
88. Christ’s acceptance
89. Christ’s forever forgotten forgiveness
90. Warm blankets
91. Living life slow today
92. Beginning to grasp that life is not an emergency
93. Games and reading time with my kiddos
94. The opportunity to blow dry the curls on my peanut’s head
95. Time cooking in the kitchen with my lil blessings
96. Hubby sleeping in bed with me
97. My boo’s blue eyes
98. Blue skies coming up ahead
99. Blue dolphins from my daddy
100. Unexpected days off
101. Borrowed time with my lil blessings
102. New life found in Christ
103. My inherited blue eyes from my daddy
104. Fingers running through hubby’s hair
105. God refilling my love for my hubby
106. Puzzle time with my boo
107. Valentine card making lesson from my peanut
108. Kiddos working diligently cleaning living room
109. Being willing to bend when plans fall through and still have a good evening
110. A princess sleeping in bed with me
111. Working a puzzle with my boo
112. Quiet time home with the family
113. My kiddos love of reading God’s word aloud
114. French vanilla creamer
115. 3 new printables laminated from A Holy Experience taped to my fridge door
116. Food with which to nourish our bodies
117. Friends’ helpfulness
118. Friends’ love
119. Friends’ support
120. My stepson’s keys on the piano
121. Remembering to speak quietly when frustrated with the kiddos
122. Light at the end of the tunnel
123. Hush puppies, a blast from the past
124. God’s amazingness shown through yet again
125. God’s word so old, yet new each day to my heart
126. My boo’s missionary interview on paper
127. My best friend working out beside me
128. My wedding photo hanging on my bedroom wall
129. Red comforter to keep me warm
130. Red, tear brimmed eyes in hopes of what is to come
131. Red roses from the past that remind me of love strong and true
132. 1st letter from our sponsored child
133. God’s word to bring peace to my heart
134. Peanuts reply to our sponsored child
135. My van
136. Hubby’s fishing boats
137. God’s handiwork
138. God’s gift of salvation through His beloved Son Jesus Christ
139. God’s grace written providing grace again and again each time His word is read
140. God’s love revealed through each word we read
141. My head in surrender when all I feel is failure
142. My lil blessing listening to history and geography with eyes wide
143. My lil blessings ritual of many different kinds of kisses
144. My church doll my mother made me when I was child
145. A shelf my grandfather made my son when he was a baby
146. A shawl that was made for me all the while praying for me through a difficult time in my life
147. Baby taking a nap
148. Playing rummy with boo
149. Kiddos having a Godly program to attend (Awana)
150. Upbeat spirit
151. Kiddos going to bed beautifully….possibly due to my upbeat spirit
152. Hubby grabbing meat and veggies before snowstorm
153. Christ’s broken body hung on a tree
154. An angel hubby fixed from my mom
155. Dresses thrifted that held memories that I’ll never forget
156. A beautiful sunrise
157. An apology from hubby
158. Hubby’s bday surprise wknd away
159. Kiddos laughing playing with baby
160. Laughter abounds when butterfly kisses are happening
161. Laughter from scouts when I misspoke for the 4th time
162. Cuddle time with baby “working”
163. Time with my kiddos with textbooks all around
164. Hubby’s safety while working when boat broke
165. Going through a valley in my marriage again, knowing that what lies ahead is greater than I can imagine for The Lord holds it in His hand!
166. Letting go of my past dreams of a wonderful marriage, knowing that God has me where I am for His purpose!
167. Putting myself out there again, attempting to not have expectations
168. Welcoming arms when arriving home from the gym
169. Hot fire burning behind the wood stove door
170. Hot shower to relax after a long day
171. God’s iron strength He is for me
172. Grasping that I am an imperfectly perfect princess of THE King
173. My little ones arms around me
174. Losing weight I carry around making me more healthy
175. Finding the perfect gift for hubby for vday
176. Happiness in my heart and on my families faces when making their favorite goodies, showing my love for them