In December, I was thankful for . . .
1. this time last year I was shoveling snow from the driveway
2. contentedly happy to color together
3. we aren't setting up a real tree this year, but the kids are enjoying our felt tree
4. appointments with a fantastic orthopedic doctor! She gave us the OK on a fully healed right clavicle - hooray! And then distracted us with funny photos after confirming that his fall yesterday did, indeed, break his LEFT clavicle - Noooooo!!!!!!
5. a gloriously sunny day
6. snuggling with one of my kids and a book is like a magnet for the others to join us
7. with four more weeks of limited activity for our active guy, I'm thankful for "warm" weather that allows us daily walks outside.
8. legos bring learning to life
9. the piano bench is almost always pulled out because little fingers have been playing
10. my trusted friend, Denisse. I get to teach next to her on Thursday nights and I'm deeply grateful for how I learn form her while listening to her teach, and for the encouragement she gives as we linger in the studio to talk.
11. a surprise fresh delivery! I feel like a real grown up after receiving our first Harry & David box. Thanks, Heavilands!
12. a strong husband who knows how to have fun without kids
13. our kids love going to Sunday School! And their teachers are making intentional investments in their little lives, affirming today God's hand at work in each of them
14. Big Brothers and blankets make for great entertainment!
15. two boys with five years between them played happily together, making a fun mess with trucks! (6 cups baking soda + 1 cup white conditioner = indoor snow that's easy to clean up!)
16. the proud owner of his very own library card
18. a fun snack dinner at Trader Joes after 10+ hours of driving
19. a safe arrival and beautiful weather to burn off some energy
20. Grammy Deb and G-Daddy waited so we could help decorate the tree!
21. hearing her "ooo" and "ahhh" as the two of us searched for the perfect birthday party dress
22. we have loved celebrating this special birthday girl today! Gretchen is thoughtful, compassionate, loving, smart, kind, and our favorite 6-year-old!
23. a walk. by myself. in the middle of December. wearing a T-SHIRT!!
24. fun uncles and giggling cousins
25. the gift of family
26. an early anniversary breakfast date with my favorite guy
27. a little sick bug meant that she and I stayed home from church and enjoyed some special time playing games and sipping tea.
28. crossing paths allowed us time with the Mowery family. It was a blessing to catch up with these friends from our East Asia days.
29. G-Daddy is always ready to cuddle.
30. cousins
31. an early morning surprise breakfast date with my almost 8-year-old. The boy knows how to order!
31. playing at the park with my girls, and hearing Big Sister say, "next time I'll let you win".
As I've focused this year on purposing to be grateful, Colossians 3:16-17 became my "theme" verses:
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
There is always something to be thankful for.
We started the new year with a long day of driving home. I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us in 2016.
