GRATITUDE CONTINEUS IN 2014

Just since the first of the year there have been many things to be thankful for.  I’ll list them below, and between you can enjoy watching Arnica play with a Christmas toy:

2592.  Fresh start of a New Year

2593.  Quiet day at home

2594.  Sharing books with J.

2595.  Getting work list done

2596.  Arnica’s gentle curiosity.

2597.  Fun of caring for chickens – it is fun!

2598.  Work for Andy to do – way to make a living.

2599.  Progress on improving things around our home – fixing up the place.

2600.  Opportunity to trust God to provide for us.

2601.  J back to me safe and sound after big ice climbing adventure.

2602.  Bald eagles over the Gallatin River

2603.  Laughing with Andy until the tears run.

2604.  Figuring out a mystery – who’s eating the chicken food so quickly

2605.  Worship lead beautifully by Paul

2606.  Reconnecting with people at church.

2607.  A new season of Downton Abby to enjoy as a family.

2608.  Bright sunshine through the windows

2609.  Ellie turns 4

2610.  Sophie returning to her cuddling ways

2611.  Bright yellow sun on the Bridgers as I wait for the bus in the late afternoon.

2612.  Deer along the road – young spikes so attentive and cautious and still with their moms

2613.  Anticipation for the start of photography mentoring – so much to learn!

CATCHING UP ON GRATITUDE

Catching up is a necessity of life these days – Catching up on house work;  Catching up on sleep (is that even possible?); Catching up on connecting with each other.

Life zooms and suddenly . . . well suddenly there is nothing but catching up.

I’ve been able to continue with my gratitude journal through the zooming of the past weeks.  Now it is time to share it here – believe it or not I haven’t updated on Gratitude since October 21, – just over two months.  Not good!

So it is time to share and share big.  But there are too many to share all of them – just a snippet to give you a glimpse at the beauty and grace of God in even the zooming parts of life.

2426.  Watching The Voice as a family

2432.  Daniel’s business growing;

2435.  Dried sunflower blooms as fall decoration;

2440.  New socks;

2446.  Watching Arnica and Arrison grow and learn how to play;

2450.  Growth that can come out of a painful situation;

2458.  Getting to know a friend better;

2460.  Bright colored fall leaves in Idaho;

2465.  The sound of wind against the house;

2469.  Getting to karate two times in one week after a month of sporadic attendance;

2474.  Yoga pants – comfortable new part of my wardrobe;

2476.  Fresh eggs from our own yard/chickens;

2480.  Fun time with the Rainey’s

2486.  The joy of photography;

2487.  Running into so many people I know when doing errands around town;

2491.  Sunrise over the Bridgers;

2499.  Strength I see in Marissa;

2503.  Thanksgiving with families from our Bible Study;

2508.  Making foods J likes;

2509.  Homemade hot chocolate after a cold afternoon walk;

2514.  Downtown date with J;

2518.  The amazing way different people’s brains work;

2523.  F-11 staff cleaning my lens and giving great customer service;

2526.  The writings of Ann Voskamp;

2528.  Temps above zero – double-digit temps that don’t start with a minus sign for the first time in a week;

2529.  The beauty of the river in winter;

2536.  Time with Roberta;

2542.  Getting a day’s “to do list” accomplished;

2547.  J growing a full inch in 4 weeks;

2549.  Inspiration from Holly Rainey for a winter table scape;

2551.  Tracy Van Omman’s generous gift of baking for J’s fundraiser bake sale;

2553.  The hope of someday making a photograph that is excellent;

2557.  The stark ugliness of the world through the filter of God coming down to save us.

2558.  6 eggs a day on average;

2559.  New C.D. player for Christmas music;

2560.  Focus on Jesus for Christmas’

2561.  God is a great initiator – see creation, conception, redemption;

2562.  Andy’s opportunity to connect with James;

2563.  J’s representing his ice climbing passion so very well in a discussion;

2564.  Finding a short clip from Brene Brown that perfectly meets a need

RELIEF IS ON ITS WAY!

I think we’ve done it!  We made it through!  Our family has finished with all its time-consuming obligations for this holiday season, which culminated with three bake sales and two concerts in one week.  May I never have to make another batch of almond roca and package it all up pretty to sell. 

It may turn out to be wishful thinking, but I anticipate that the next ten days or so will be laid back and enjoyable.  We’ll have some folks over for Christmas dinner, but compared to what we’ve been through the past six weeks with trial prep, jury trials, school obligations and a few cold viruses thrown in, 13 people for a turkey dinner will be a piece of cake. 

It may sound crazy, but I’m looking forward to tomorrow when I can clean my house just because I have the time to do it.  I can go for a walk in the snow and not be counting the seconds it is taking away from other tasks that need to be done.  I can mosey out to check for chicken eggs anytime I want. 

Before Christmas I’ve got some wrapping to do and about 5 things to buy at the grocery store and one almost forgotten stocking stuffer, but then I’m done.  Material preparations are complete.  And thanks to Ann Voskamp, spiritual preparations are right where they should be for this stage of advent. 

Time to soak in the peace and joy of the season. 

Time to watch my boy relax – and grow, which he has done over an inch in less than a month.

Time to find a way to connect with my husband and create peace and joy and community between us after such a rush in different directions to get it all done – whatever “it” is.

Time to continue counting the gifts (I’m well over 2500 by now) and especially the greatest gift of all who was laid in a manger so He could be nailed to a tree so that I might be redeemed.

Tomorrow, hopefully, an update on that list of gifts.

 

A FALL DAY – AND SOME GRATITUDE

I got up early on Saturday (before the sunrise or moon set) and went looking for some of that glowing yellow.  A nice way to start a fall day – the rest of which was spent cleaning house and cooking for the boys!

Anyway, I thought you might enjoy photos from that adventure while reading all the blessings I’ve observed over the last couple of weeks.  By the way, it is constantly clear to me that these blessings I observe are really only a small fraction of the blessings God bestows on me each and every day.  Oh how easy it is for me to take for granted!   But these are a start.

2369.  Little bird huddling from the snow and wind right at my window

2370.  A drum lesson accomplished

2371.  Watching PBS shows as a family

2372.  Meeting with E and seeing her progress.

2373.  Early October snow.

2374.  Warm pajamas and new slippers

2375.  Friends praying for me so powerfully.

2376.  J’s joy at the snow

2377.  J spending the night at a classmate’s house

2378.  Snow lasting several days

2379.  Ice on the sunflowers is beautiful.

2380.  Extra time to get wedding photos processed

 

 

 

2386.  Having fun over dinner with 6 twenty-somethings

2387.  Andy getting through a BIG hearing calmly

2388.  Watching Tank and Sophie sniff each other lovingly.

2389.  J being sound in his social functioning

2390.  Pine nuts from Daddy.

2391.  Taking photos of the worship team – weaving in and out as they play and sing at their practice time.

2392.  Sophie’s attachment to J

2393.  Arrison and Arnica – watching them grow.

2394.  Being with Sophie when she gave birth.

2395.  Good talks with Andy based on Brene Brown book and interactions with a wise consultant.

2396.  Our house being called someone’s Home away from home.

2397.  Lunch with Kirsten

2398.  Support from Roberta re: diet and exercise issues.

2399.  Holding Sophie’s kittens.

2400.  J’s excitement over getting a phone.

2401.  J doing well at serving to the Life Recovery dinner

2402.  sun light through yellow cottonwoods over the creek.

2403.  Washing dishes with Eva and Emily L.

2404.  J sleeping well.

 2405.  Fun interactions with court clerks when there to do normal business.

2406.  J making positive statements about himself.

2407.  J able to go back to school after short illness.

2408.  Getting photos processed before the deadline.

2409.  Andy and J had safe hunting trip.

2410.  Nobody injured in Riskovich house fire.

2411.  Walking with Roberta

2412.  Fun watching Arrison and Arnika begin to interact with each other.

2413.  Knowing business owners that we can support like Eagle Tire.

2414.  J showing signs of feeling better.

2415.  Free internet photography lessons that teach a great deal.

2416.  Payment for September’s billing coming in a timely manner.

2417.  J doing well in the mornings before school – consistently cheerful and timely.

2418.  School was on J’s gratitude list – that is huge!

2419. Chocolate covered pretzels.

2420.  More bison meat in the freezer than I remembered.

2421.  J including younger guy in on some of his plans to make the little guy feel included.

2422.  Chicken coop progress.

And just for the heck of it, here is a photo of my greeting from Tank when I got back from shooting these photos – yes, he carries around a giant board bringing it to me to impress me with how much he loves me since he’s willing to let me see his stick.  That’s a lot of stick love!

And here are the kittens – growing so fast – they’ll be two weeks old tomorrow, and we finally got them moved into the house where they are safer and warmer.

The one with the dark paw is Arrison (I suspect a boy, but am not sure) and the other is Arnika, (I suspect a girl, but again, not sure).  Arnika has much lighter paws than Arrison, but both are cute, and otherwise they are close to identical.

GRATITUDE, GRATITUDE, GRATITUDE . . . .

Even after three years of keeping the list, it continues to have meaning – more meaning in fact than ever.    So, the list continues:

2307.  KLOVE for music in the car

2308.  J talks freely in the car and we have lots of windshield time so I can hear him speak

2309.  check we thought was outstanding had already cleared weeks ago, allowing balance in the accounts and relieving a sense of stress over the mystery.

2310.  Fog in the morning

2311.  Snow on the mountains

2312.  J’s reaction to the fog

2313.  Flower photographs,

2314.  Good discussion at Bible Study

2315.  Phone call from Daniel

2316.  Baby girl on the way.

2317.  Andy able to be productive after very discouraging events.

2318.  Warm hats

2319.  Good talks with J and K

2320.  Chicken noodle soup.

2321.  new archery target range from things we already have.

2322.  J getting a couple of phesant first time out.

2323.  Full payment received earlier than expected.

2324.  Run/walk with Andy on Sunday morning

2325.  Singing “The Great I Am” in church and almost losing my voice afterward

2326.  Good community at Manhattan Christian school.

2327.  All the fun shows on PBS – with lots of learning and cooking and mysteries.

2328.  Oatmeal

2329.  Eva thinking of us for a unique hand-me-down

2340.  Andy handling a strange form of rejection well.

2341.  God coming through with a better solution after the strange rejection.

2332.  The continuing power of keeping a gratitude list and being reminded to be thankful.

2333.  More flexibility in my schedule than I usually realize.

2334.  Being the family that runs out in the pitch dark to take photos of the ag workers baling and stacking hay at night.

2335.  Scrap 365 magazine – a great inspiration and a lot of style that is “up my alley”

2336.  Fall has arrived right on time.

FIVE ON FRIDAY

It’s been a long time since I’ve done a Five on Friday post.  That was back when I blogged regularly instead of erratically.  But I thought I’d give it a try today.

– one –

Update on Leo

Can you tell by looking at this photo that he’s blind?  He is.  But I have to say, he seems to be adjusting.  It is very sad when he runs into things, like the fence (thus the cut on his right eye).  We watch him carefully, and find he really knows our property well – navigates around with little problem most of the time.  He’s not as confident as he once was, but I wouldn’t be confident out in the field if I couldn’t see anything either (I’ve been closing my eyes when walking out there so I can get a sense of what he experiences).  In the house he does well as long as we remember not to leave piles of things on the floor or any cupboards or drawers open for him to trip on.  We’re working on our training on this.

Bottom line is after almost 3 weeks we feel like he is adjusting well, and we observe that he still wags his tail often, gives affection, likes to receive affection, and does not have any noticeable pain.  The vet did a follow-up with him this past Wednesday, and although it was very stressful for him to be in the vet office which is not familiar territory to him, he is otherwise adjusting well.  So, we go forward for now, watching and adjusting.

– two –

A BEAUTIFUL SURPRISE

Yesterday morning I went out early (pre-dawn) to the Headwaters of the Missouri River to do a senior photo shoot for a family friend.  We were surprised and pleased by the fog on the rivers (there are three rivers that join here to begin the Missouri River – the Jefferson, the Madison (where this photo was taken) and the Gallatin (which flows right near my house some 25 miles up river).

To give a little perspective, the father of the young woman I’m doing these photos for was struck by cancer this past winter/spring.  I approached and asked if they would be willing to let me take her photo, figuring that doing something special, but not having a cost for it would be a way our family could support theirs.  I was fearful that I had bitten off more than I could chew and that I would only be able to provide ho-hum photos when I really wanted something special and unique.

So, I spent quite a bit of time praying for the ability to get her something special, unique and that would make her feel great about her senior photos.  And God provided!  We had the most amazing fog with sunshine for almost a full hour of photo taking at three different settings.  That just never happens in Montana, but here it was.  You better believe this will be on the gratitude list!

– three –

The sunflowers continue to bloom and bring me great joy.  Saw some today that inspire me to plant more next spring/summer in a few additional strategic places around my yard and garden.  They are so simple yet so beautiful.  And so low maintenance!

– four –

A PROJECT

J is learning to hunt for birds through an organization called Pheasants Forever.  Last weekend he and his class learned about upland game habitat, and he is determined to create some good bird habitat on our property.  This involves creating a little channel for water to flow.

But first he had to find the existing channel, clear the weeds from around it, and then begin to enhance it.

It is a big investment of his time and energy, but not as big a job as it would be if the old channel weren’t there to begin with.  I don’t understand the full project/vision, but Andy does, and I trust he and J to be doing something good.  I think it is a multi-year process, but the first step is to get some water out there, and then to plan some shrubs.  Hopefully in a few years we’ll have an active bird habitat – hope the birds like our dogs!  Although, considering the above, Leo doesn’t really present any kind of threat.

– five –

 Guess who doesn’t want to be left out of all the activities?  Miss Sophie goes out and sits and watches J digging in the field.  It is kind of cute!

MULTITUDES ON MONDAYS – AUGUST 5

Busy, busy, busy!  It seems to be the story of our culture.  But I’m working hard to not be too busy for the really important things.  Not to be too busy for hugs.  Not too busy for words of affirmation to a teen in need.  Not too busy to notice the hurting folks all around.

And not to busy to be thankful to God for all the wonderful little treasures he blesses me with every day. 

So, the list continues:

2130.  Good less expensive hair cut.

2131.  A husband with integrity

2132.  Tom Miner Basin hike and discovery the beauty of a new to us place.

2133.  Asked to help out with something I’m good at.

2134.  Ability to work well with my good friend Eva – we can accomplish a lot together!

2135.  Good discussion with Andy about issues from our past

2136.  Peace in the face of exploring possible change.

2137.  J facing fears and handling blood test well – he’s healthy as can be.

2138.  J’s good health

2139.  J’s finding ways to entertain himself when we are at work.

2140.  Beautiful backyard for summer company and time around the fire pit.

2141.  Sleeping out under the big full moon two nights in a row

2142.  Storm door to replace the old broken one for free on a street corner

2143.  Lettuce from our garden

2144.  Air conditioning returned/repaired at the office.

2145.  Fun with young people of the worship team.

2146.  Friend sharing her heart in a vulnerable way.

2147.  Desire to be artsy – that feeling in my heart that it is time to create again!  Otherwise known as “I got some mojo flowing”

2148.  Good resources when needed for Andy

2149.  Anniversary well celebrated – this is our sweet 16 year!

2150.  Winning on a difficult case for a special client.

2151.  Enough lettuce from the garden for when we have company.

2152.  J doing well talking to his doctor (showing independence!)

2153.  Fitting into a pair of pants I always loved after 5 years of being too big for them.

2154.  Successful photo shoot for Emily.

2155.  Finding $20 in the pocket of those old pats that aren’t too small for me any more.

2156.  Beautiful place to take photos right where I live.

2157.  J back in karate.

2158.  Inspiration for prayer and fasting day.

2159.  Karate parents being such a supportive group.

2160.  J’s able and willing to talk openly about his feelings as he starts his teen years.

2161.  Janice is my friend and J’s surrogate grandma.

2162.  Meat in the freezer helping with the grocery bill in a time of tight budgets.

2163.  Cool weather for morning walks.

2164.  Daisy’s in my garden

2165.  Holly hocks starting to bloom bright and pink

2166.  J’s seeking a job – and not being shy about it, but being a go-getter.

2167.  July was a good billing month.

2168.  God’s provision in bits and pieces

2169.  Fun taking photos of the Stewart family and getting to know them a bit better.

2170.  Getting some quality photos of Eva’s family.

2171.  Extra school supplies ready for use

2172.  Last year’s clothes will fit for the start of school.

2173.  J willing to try solutions to his disorganization issues.

2174.  Cool evening air to sleep in with the windows open.

2175.  Phone call with Eva during a busy time for her.

2176.  Extra dishwasher soap in the basement just when I thought we had run out.

2177.  J getting together with friends over the weekend.

2178.  Time to clean my art area – so I can use that mojo!

2179.  Andy supportive of a family gratitude journal project.

2180.  Smell of banana bread baking

2181.  J likes orange shirts and they look good on him.

2182.  The creativity of God reflected int he little fairy head flowers (see the first five photos above)

2183.  Hearing good things about Andy’s reputation from community members.

2184.  Inspiration in Ann VosKamp’s blog posts – seems like they all speak right into me these days.

TIME FOR MORE GRATITUDE

I’m decorating this list of things for which I’m thankful to God with photos of the murals by Diego Rivera at Coit Tower (from our vacation last month).  I was so impressed with these painting and just can’t get them out of my mind.

I made a mistake, and these murals are not by Diego Rivera himself, but in his style or realism.  Here is a quote from a website about Coit Tower that will correct my mis-information:

Not to be missed are the murals decorating the lobby, considered to be one of California’s best examples of depression-era public art. Part of a Public Works of Art Project, they were painted in 1934 by 25 artists. Done in Diego Rivera’s social realism style, they are sympathetic portrayals of the daily life of working class Californians during the depression.

Because some people felt the murals were subversive and depicted “Communist” themes, the authorities delayed the opening of Coit Tower for several months. Already outraged by the shooting deaths of two strikers during the Longshoremen’s Strike of 1934, the working community was upset even further by this delay, adding to the general distrust of authority.

The lobby murals continue behind a door next to the gift shop, up the stairs and around the second floor. This area is closed to the general public, except during free guided Coit Tower tours given by City Guides.

So, here are the things I’m thankful for (or at least some of them):

2046.  Lava Lake fuller than I’ve ever seen it

2047.  Same going into Lava Lake after much encouragement from J.

2048.  Interaction with Judge in a social setting – and the compliments she gave re: my husband

2049.  All the extra skin for Fergus the mastiff puppy to grow into – he’s going to be huge and he belongs to someone else, but we got to watch him for a weekend.

2050.  Photos that got wet when a storm swamped our bedroom were salvageable.

2051.  Lupine blooming in lots of places – seems extra plentiful this year.

2052.  Tacoma’s sweet garden

2053.  Finding Fergus after over an hour of searching – he was sleeping in the long grasses shaded by the tractor.

2054.  Having an extra bed to sleep in when our bed was swamped by the storm.

2055.  Re-discovering old photos of our property and appreciating the changes over the years.

2056.  Oodles of laundry done and put away.

2057.  Progress in the flower garden – fewer weeds, although there are still plenty of them.

2058.  J’s good reaction to Pheasants Forever program.

2059.  J’s volunteering to make dinner while Andy and I cleaned up after the storm damage in our bedroom.

2060.  An opening for J in Wilderness camp – getting off the waiting list and into the camp at the last-minute.

2061.  Elena at church – a nice surprise to see her there.

2062.  Leo able to walk nicely on a leash when the truck broke down and we had to walk back to the office.

2063.  Peace in our hearts with J being at camp – assurance that he would do well at a new experience.

2064.  Reasonable June billings in spite of 10 days off for vacation – Andy worked hard!

2065.  Time to work in the garden.

2066.  Ideas, visions, excitement for the future of our yard.

2067.  Phone call from the Beckers.

2068.  Seeing lots of beautiful Lupine along the road as I walk in the mornings.

2069.  Pineapple popsicle after a long hot walk.

2070.  Finding usable stuff by the dumpster that will enhance our yard.

2071.  The look and usefulness of large mason jars

2072.  J being back from camp

2073.  J’s interest in being a camp counselor next year

2074.  Lots of social plans for J.

2075.  Green fields with blue skies

2076.  Calendar issues working out well to take on some photography challenges/jobs.

2077.  The fun of planning to shoot a wedding for a very nice but broke couple.

2078.  J and N setting up a fort of tarps so they can sleep out in the summer rain.

2079.  Cranberry capsules for UTI issues and their quick effectiveness.

2080.  Dry roadbed for walking up Yonder Rd.

2081.  J’s confidence in his friendship with N.

2082.  Lightening after dark.

2083.  Friends who say “We love you guys” when we are parting company.

2084.  Little babies in church.

2085.  Dark skies behind bright green hills

2086.  N’s comfortable to stand in the bathroom doorway and talk to me while I brush my teeth – our home a place where J’s friends feel comfortable and able to talk and share with us.

2087.  Dinner together around the table

2088.  screech owls back after missing a summer.

2089.  Sunflowers growing thick stalks

2090.  Doe and tiny fawn near the canal seen on my early morning walk.

2091.  Loud sounds of birds throughout my walk.

2092.  Watching a red-winged blackbird chase a large crow through the air.

2093.  Momma bunny guiding baby bunny off the road as I approach on foot.

2094.  Living in a neighborhood with several baby colts this season.

2095.  J’s excitement about biking.

2096.  A super sharp focus photo of Leah – one I can be proud of.

2097.  Social plans for J

2098.  Leo getting better at receiving his shots.

2099.  Camera sale making my goal suddenly attainable.

2100.  time and energy to clean the kitchen after dinner instead of the next morning.

2101.  Agreeable photo model in Emily.

2102.  Truck repairs cost less than expected.

2103.  Phone dropped into a cup of coffee still works.

2104.  Inspiration from disabled speakers on the radio and internet.

2105.  Ann VosKamp’s blog really providing great materials the last few weeks

2106.  Fan effective at the office when the AC went out.

2107.  J wanting to learn more photography

2108.  Delicious cherries

FLOWERS FOR THURSDAY’S GRATITUDE

Before I start here, I want to express (perhaps “again” but it never seems to be enough) that the gratitude I feel is not some gratitude to the unknown or unidentified.  It is specific gratitude to God for the specific gifts He has given me. 

My life is full of His many many blessings, as the list proves.  But it is also hard at times – very hard.

These gifts are the reminder that God has put specific things in my life to be encouragement, sources of peace and joy, reminders of His love even through the hard stuff.  And He has placed them when and where He does with a purpose. 

So, as you read this list, whatever your beliefs about God, I just want it to be clear that these are gifts from God in my book, not a bragging list of what I’ve got and not everyone else does.  Nor is it an attempt to prove my worth by showing my blessings. 

It is a pure expression of gratitude for the intimate details that God works in my every day, every moment life.

Two nights ago there was a beautiful glow on the landscape in our yard.  Please note, I did not say “landscaping”, I said “landscape.”  As these photos will establish, we do not have much in the way of planned and organized landscaping – it is “au natural” for our home, and really that is fine with us.

Anyway, the light was such that I was inspired to take photos.  So out I went.  These photos decorating this list of blessings are the result.

So, here are portions of the list, which grew greatly on vacation:

1883.  Lots of blooming trees this year.

1887.  The fun of making plans for a day in San Francisco

1890.  Dramatic clouds and reflective light in the sky.

1895-6.  Andy taking a new last-minute case without panic (totally out of his comfort zone) and his calendar suddenly clearing to make that a possibility.

1901.  Birds playing “tag” on a split rail fence when I was walking by.

1907.  The power of our Bible study group praying for each other.

1909.  Dinner with good friends and new friends

1911.  Seeds in the ground in time to be well watered by a steady rain

1913.  Good dental appointment – no cavities or other problems

1918.  Being able to rent a car without an official credit card

1921.  Dim Sum in China Town – feeding 5 for $35 with lots of leftovers and it was delicious!

1923.  Easy parking the whole time we were in San Francisco

1925.  Beauty at the sea-shore despite all the development

1929.  Andy’s joy at seeing beach where he used to scuba dive with friends

1934.  Other people’s small (tiny) bathrooms bringing a renewed appreciation for the fact that our home has big bathrooms – just didn’t realized how blessed we were in this way without seeing that it is not universal.

1935.  California smells:  Oak, oleander in bloom; eucalyptus; manzanita, sea-shore

1944.  J’s appreciation of details in photographs displayed at DeSassiet museum (Santa Clara University campus)

1947.  Being able to talk to Daniel and Eva while on vacation.

1949.  Pine nuts from daddy to bring home and enhance our cooking

1952.  Redwood trees and Big Sur river

1953.  Safety while visiting the fissures – didn’t lose any young children over the edge!

1955.  My cousin’s three-year-old-son’s way of narrating his life – so cute!

1957.  Touching El Capitan n Yosemite

1959.  Sarg’s vigorous state at age 89

1966.  Kids playing with big phone airplane

1971.  Fresh fruit

1974.  Water balloon launcher and six children

1979.  Access to old family photos – especially seeing photos of my mom when she was young

1982.  Colorful boardwalk in Santa Cruz

1985.  Finding MIL’s grandfather’s grave after many years – and exploring the area while we were at it.

1992.  Learning about ducks as egg producers

1995.  Janet’s roses

1996.  Smell of white poppies at the Peardale house

1998.  J’s interest in rasing chickens and ducks

1999.  Grandpa’s willingness to struggle with the effect of PD – joining in on eating out, picnic in the park, little bits of a walk.

2000.  Andy’s willingness to do what it took to go on family vacation.

2003.  Photos of J with his grandparents

2010.  Fog coming over the Berkeley Hills

2011.  Smooth sailing through TSA at SFO

2015.  J’s constant drumming and rhythm expressions

2018.  J dealing with his own bag issues (independence) at the airport

2019.  Andy praying for our day starting us out on the right foot and bringing about a good day in the midst of a busy schedule

2025.  Burning enough calories in a day to promote weight loss

2030.  Enjoying music on The Voice together as a family

2032.  J’s smile while in his first class back at karate after several months off

2031.  Tank’s joyful relationship with water and all things wet.

2034.  Liking the results of incorporating the tripod in more of my photography

2037.  Fun comments on my blog from people who I enjoy on-line.

2038.  J’s exhaustion means he was very active the day before.

2040.  Open/transparent discussion in Bible study.

2041.  J doing his chores well unsupervised

2045.  Watching the little twitches in Tana’s (cat) face as she stalks a moth

2046.  Ideas for improving our work situations.

2047.  Lupine in bloom along the road where I walk and run

2048.  Friend Holly giving encouraging words and bringing up relevant points that strike at my heart

2049.  Mangos at Costco (just the right level of ripeness at the right price).

2050.  Surprises around the house from the Hawley’s time there

2051.  Although Sophie’s kittens were still-born, she is healthy and recovering well.

2052.  Leo successfully stayed with Aunt Nettie while we were away.

2053.  Green everywhere on our home landscape.

2054.  Flowers are beautiful even when they grow among the weeds

2055.  Rose bush that grows through the deck cracks and makes a unique decoration

2056.  Big clouds over still snow-capped mountains seen from our property.

2057.  Raspberries for a snack

2058.  Seeds that have sprouted – carrots, pumpkin, peas, lettuce and beans to come

2059.  Ideas to improve our yard

2060.  Connecting with people after being away for 10 days

2061.  Running 3 miles relatively easy after too long of a break

2062.  Friends for J to connect with

2063.  Bright colored shirt that used to be too small fitting and matching my fun skirt so I can feel good about what I wear without having to purchase anything.

2064.  Job/money-making opportunities for J as he begins to save for trip to Washington D.C.

2065.  Getting parenting inspiration from watching some of the things that other parents do well.

2066.  Plans, ideas and dreams for the future to sort through, analyze and make decisions about, but ability to not have to rush.

2067.  Even when being in relationship is hard and chaffing, continuing the relationship is possible and desirable.

2068.  The hard parts are never unaccompanied by grace and gifts

SOME DAYS ARE A CHALLENGE – GIVING THANKS

A morning of harsh words happens sometimes. 

Especially after a weekend of on and off tensions.

Frustration abounds. 

Depression lurks and oppresses.

All is not lost, but there are moments where it feels like it might be.

Ever have that series of days?

Yeah, me too.

But there remains much to be thankful for :

1788.  Good dinner with triathlon teammates

1789.  Evening with old friends from far away and others who have stayed close.

1791.  Thinking about Andy’s strengths

1799.  Seeing Sandhill Cranes dancing for each other on the hill-top while out walking

1810.  Herbal remedy for minor health issue

1811.  Good water out of the tap – wonderful well, for which I’ve been thankful before.

1815.  Little purple flowers at the base of the big aspen trees.

1819.  J’s confidence in Red Lodge

1824.  Goat milk ice cream

1831.  Little boy’s imagination – Midnight Mission to space

1834.  Tank digging in his giant water dish and happily splashing water all over the place – oh the joy of that dog!

1839.  Time to talk with Janice Lambert and absorb her wisdom in raising boys.

1847.  J helpful to others – and others acknowledgement of that helpfulness.

1854.  Being strong in a pressured conversation.

1858.  J sleeping in the car

1867.  Good times with nice people in our home.

1869.  Rain for days making everything green and wet.

1871.  Time for some art.

1872.  Old photos of Andy when he was a child.

1878.  Wyatt walking and raising money for his cause.

1881.  Woodpecker in the tree across the road – and chance to watch it every time I go for a walk.

These are just the skim off the top of the vat of things written in my gratitude journal since the last time I posted gratitude.  A reminder to myself that there is much to be thankful for, and in being thankful, I’m not offering praise to the unknown, but praise to the creator and God of my heart!