A new quoteable courtesy of The Man!

I love my "Man".  He really is The Man.  He has a super big heart.  Wants everyone to be happy. 

He has a creative, artistic streak that makes me look at the world differently and smile. 

So when I was getting ready for church and cruised through the living room, I stopped to ask him what he needed to do to be ready himself. 

He launched into an explanation about his outfit.  He is a clothing expert.  He has an opinion on colors, fabrics, textures, and designs.  Honestly, he has really good taste. 

So when he proceeded to tell me, "This is the only shirt that goes with these shorts." I was really proud of my ability to stay straight face and proceed into a normal conversation.  I honestly have to credit God with my composure.  His heart is so big, he genuinely was serious, I didn't want to hurt or frustrate him.  But I was truly in awe that he really thought these two items went together!

I explained he need to wear nice jeans or khakis...shorts or pants.  Not athletic shorts.  Pulled a pair out of the laundry not quite folded, but perfect for church.  I didn't snicker, didn't laugh and didn't try to correct him.  I did ask him if I could take his picture. 

 

Later, I would learn from Hockey Player, he only pulled his jeans on over his perfect shorts.  I definitely need to pull out the totes to help him find the perfect shirt for his perfect shorts. 

 

Little Princess makes me smile.....

Sometimes, I look through files on my phone to clean up extras no longer needed.  Pictures of register amounts for recording later.  Photos of clothes taken and texted to see if I should get or not...
You know just routine maintenance.  Then there are photos like these taken by my beloved children and I can only smile.....

You can't take the boy out of the man!

Hockey Player is 13.  He is growing up.  Just a inch or two shy of being almost or taller than dad.  Looks us in the eyes these days.  If I am barefoot and he is not, I am quickly reminded how short I am becoming.  He has tryouts coming up in a month or so.  His stick broke at the end of the season. 
He doesn't nag.  Daddy O reminds me often.  So finally I sat down with Hockey Player. 

We looked online.  He took me to Hockey Monkey and showed me the sticks he wanted.  I took a chance and went to Ebates and discovered Hockey Monkey was affiliated with them.  Joy of all joys!!  Not only did we discover his preferred sticks clearance, we scored 3% back on Ebates!!  So excited, I was quick to call and Facebook moms of his teammates. 

But that is not what this post is about.  I order online, but not a WHOLE bunch.  Though it is increasing in this season of life.  A huge package showed up at the door.  I kept hollering for Hockey Player to come.  He is entering this season of life where he can be slow to respond to mom.  He is starting to think for himself.  He tries to interpret my calls to determine if he wants to/should actually come.  It is really annoying.  So this particular day, he wouldn't come.  Not with all the cheering and cajoling of his sibs.  They even told him what they had...now guaranteed he might now have heard all the way in the depths of the basement.  But guaranteed he heard some sort of rumble and knew something was up.  Soooo, I yelled down to him, if he didn't get upstairs I was gonna stop the truck as it turned around and drove back by and send the package back with. 

He showed up! And he did this when I suggested returning his box.....

And I realized he is still my "little" guy at heart.  Especially when it comes to his "toys".  

 

He doesn't look all that happy, but that is Hockey Player.  He was posing.

Then Fun Girl got in there with him and they started measuring where they might need to cut the stick. (Aunt Shell, please note:  He is taller than Fun Girl!)

Trying to get a picture and this is what I got.  They were being silly.  However, this is a classic look.  For whatever reason, I seem to capture this expression a lot on film.  It is definitely not the one I am trying to capture!

This is what I wanted to see! 
Success!!!!!

 

 

 

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Counting...The Mom list continued (to 1060)

1043. Capturing grandchildren in film as they are
1044.  Holding Hockey Player in the NICU before anyone else
1045.  Worrying HOckey Player would receive enough touch and love while in the NICU
1046.  Praise music in the morning as she would get ready for work
1047.  Calling Little Princess her "China Doll"
1048.  Taking Fun Girl hiking and teaching her to think it through and come up with a way...to get on the otherside of a fallen tree.
1049.  Planning adventures with grandchildren
1050.  Acorn People
1051.  Pipe cleaner critters
1052.  Faces in the tree trunks
1053.  Talking tooth brush holders
1054.  Swim suit shopping for Hawaii
1055.  Demonstrating that learning never stops you can do it at any age
1056.  Life was never easy, but there was always good in it
1057.  Grandma and Papa stories on tapes
1058.  Not letting me mope and feel sorry for myself. 
1059.  Never too old to learn or try new things.
1060.  Life is an adventure...jump in with both feet and don't take yourself to serious.

Counting in 2013....the Mom list

So I haven't been posting at all like I would like.... I even compose lists as I fall asleep.  Sigh....
Here is some of what I have been counting this year.
1001.  Pinewood Derby Camp-ins... Hubby and Dad's Bud working on the car together.
1002.  Date night with hubby, even when I don't feel up to it 100%
1003.  Paydays
1004.  3 day weekends
1005.  Federal holidays...hubby is a federal employee = extra days off
1006.  Shopping for furniture with hubby
1007.  Cleared for Colorado

A list of moments with my Mom

1008.  Chin cupped in hands of my mom
1009.  Mom smoothing away my tears
1010.  Granddaughters faces cupped in grandmama's hands as she tells them they are beautiful
1011.  The struggle and fierceness to try and remember my name....when I tell her why I cry...she doesn't remember me...
1012.  Nodding her head when I help her by saying, "Heather"
1013.  For a moment, knowing my children by name
1014.  Swiping my Pepsi while I am driving by pouring it in her cup. 
1015.  Angry with me and leaves the house, yet she comes back and invites me on her walk.
1016.  A lifetime of nightly Bible reading continues in spite of Alzheimers
1017.  Knowing the great hymns and singing with music
1018.  Attending church, and praising God with abandon during the worship time
1019.  Packing her things and all the Bible notes found tucked in here and there
1020.  In some ways she was a minimalist, she didn't keep stuff to keep stuff, almost everything I touched of hers had significance and brought back a memory
1021.  Holding one another and crying together....brief moment of acknowledgement and grief over what was happening to her mind.
1022.  After meeting the nursing home staff and taking a tour, as we sat together and grieved, "You want to know what I think?  It is okay. It will take some getting used to."  A moment of acceptance, a moment with my Mom, the Mom I've known for all my years.
1023.  Watching Brave with Mom
1024.  Watching movies in general with Mom
1025.  Introducing Mom to the movie, "She's the Man"
1026.  Trading Mom a Pepsi for baby Joyness....So I could finally have a turn holding the baby.
1027.  Playing Mom's musical animals
1028.  Snuggling on the couch and resting my head on her shoulder for probably the last time
1029.  Listening to her remembering the hikes she took with my Hubby
1030.  Mom waking up early ready to go....frustrated that she has to wait on me yet again.
1031.  Tackle hugs in Walmart
1032.  The manners of my children....as they eat the offered cookie from Grandma.  The last cookies she will probably ever make.  They were BAD.  As in AWFUL.  I couldn't even finished it. (Grandpa sat on the couch watching, a little smirk on his face!)  Grandma was loving her cookie and couldn't eat it fast enough! Could have been a candid camera moment! 
1033.  The Grandpa figurine on the porch
1034.  Bright cheery floral bedding
1035.  Laughing together
1036.  Pressed Flowers
1037.  Finding a piece I cross-stitched and she kept it all these years
1038.  Flowers from my wedding that she kept all these years!
1039.  Finding her "lost" SS cards...no trips to the SS office required!
1040.  Grandma's goose and frog
1041.  Shiny gray hair
1042.  Chinese excercise balls for fingers

Counting to 1000

976.  God's protection
977.  My children's prayers over me, for my hurting heart and hurting head...healing.
978.  A daughter to drive us around
979.  Christmas break
980.  Sister in Laws who cross town and drive to hospitals
981.  Tylenol
982.  Kids who accept the inconvenience of life and know we will get there eventually
983.  Tears, the help the soul
984.  Christmas morning at home
985.  Contentment
986.  Good memories
987.  Cousin time in KC
988.  Flipping and jumping and giggling on hotel beds. (a No-No, but the memory still brings a smile)
989.  Dinner out and Hockey Player finishing off all the leftovers...will this boy ever fill his hollow leg?
990.  Clear roads and skies
991.  Forgiveness and acceptness
992.  Hugs and more hugs
993.  Hand holding and eyes that search
994.  Crazy expressions and laughing with my parents
995.  Memories of hiking mountains
996.  Sleeping in
997.  Friends who bring meals just because
998.  Friends who call and text because they know tis hard right now
999.  Immune systems kicking in and kids are recovering
1000.  18 years of marriage. 

Counting to 975.....

951.  Watching the Cosby show with mom and kids
952.  Routine of bible reading
953.  The opportunity to love by reading aloud
954.  Dollar day and a movie with my mom to calm her nerves
955.  Prayers being said and being answered
956.  Walks with grandson and grandma
957.  Naps for the weary
958.  Intuitive Princesses
959.  Curls
960.  Moments of thanks, deep rooted gratefulness and love not ever seen before
961.   Calling Little Princess by name
962.  Dad's Bud growing up in the kitchen and making Jello alone
963.  Uncomplaining helper in the home
964.  Husband who comes and sits with me in the quiet of the night as I cry and share my heart
965.  Pile of blankets finished and ready to be used
966.  The curiousity of my children as I sew...how little I do it these days.
967.  Bills paid...and the funds to pay them
968.  Lasagnas in the freezer
969.  Day of cookie making and laundry achieved !
970.  Stocking stuffers paid with register rewards and Walgreens points
971.  Another Christmas order paid for with swagbucks.
972.  God's creativity in stretching our Christmas budget.
973.  Packages secretly appearing under the tree
974.  Cold dog noses
975.  God provides in just the perfect measure for each day

Counting to 950.....

926. A husband who grants me time
927. Kitten snuggles
928. God is sovereign
929. Compassionate care givers
930. A son passionate about putting up and decorating the Christmas tree
931. A big sis who successfully helps little brother memorize his verses
932. Birthdays
933. A boy delighted by his cupcakes
934. Kittens attacking a bush, learning to hunt and the future promise of maybe a dead mouse
935. Rainbow colored confectionary
936. Warm December days
937. The men tossing the football in the front yard
938. The maturing of a young lady, becoming a young woman.
939. Time and learning more about my oldest son.... Still waters run deep
940. Discovering more of the heart of my littlest princess.
941. Tenacity and perseverance of a daughter working to help without being asked
942. Lessons in frugal-ness being caught
943. Missed calls...someone thinking of me
944. Knowing my Mom is loved by a wonderful Man
945. Motivators provided by God
946. The constancy of God in our home
947. Giving hearts
948. Whispers of possible blessings to give and share
949. Zip ties and kittens
950. The gift of praising God and the transformation it causes in one's heart

Learning experiences in the HARD

I have been quiet for a few weeks.   Been walking through a season and learning and leaning on my Heavenly Father.  Sometimes life is just HARD.  There is no way around it.  Sometimes not only it is HARD, but there comes a tiredness that is HARD to overcome. 

I am grateful to be blessed with a husband who allows me some time to wrestle and cry and work it through.  This year I have faced some overwhelming HARD changes in my life.  What makes it all HARD is I struggle with depression and while some seasons are easier to roll with the punches, others are not so easy. 

Earlier in the year, it became known that my momma has dementia.  She is way too young.  Her memory/mind seems to be declining more rapidly than we would like.  Growing up in a not so idyllic childhood there has been estrangement and stress in all the relationships in my family.  When my mom moved to Kansas, our relationship for the first time improved and we became a bit more like friends.  Guaranteed the first move in Kansas she was a couple of hours away, but then there was another move and she was closer.  Only 30 minutes driving.  Not really sure exactly when things started showing up and realized something was wrong, but it was shortly after the last move.  Just bizarre things.  Things I let annoy me.  Eventually it was things I allowed to hurt me.  Now I look back and I see, I see oh so much clearer.  The energy I wasted being annoyed, the energy I wasted on frustration.  I kept voicing I was concerned.  Never could put a finger on it.  The changes they happen so gradually.  Excuses are made, slip ups laughed off until no longer you can remember life being different.  Then a photo album comes out and as I flip through the pages I remember a different time.  Something is wrong....

This past month though, with a kiddo in the hospital and a call that my Granny was declining and not doing well at all and I should visit as soon as I can.  Estrangement happening again with my Dad and my Mom not being the Mom I remembered, I crumbled.  Sometimes you just want your Mommy and her hugs.  You can't always have what you want.  I had to find what was enough.  So I have been quiet here, but not so quiet with my Heavenly Father.  Remembering to praise Him for who He is and in all the ways He loves me and shows me He is there, even when deep in my heart I just want to have a pity party.  Allowing Him to collect my tears.  Putting one foot in front of the other, although sometimes it is pretty sluggish.  Trying to push through the dark clouds and trust God is with me even in the storms and it is HARD.  Cause that is what it is about TRUST when times are HARD.  During the easy times building a foundation that can whether the storms of life no matter what they bring.  Something my Mom taught me just by living day after day with the Lord for almost as long as I can remember back to.....

Counting to 925.......

901.  Presents wrapped and disguised till their appointed day

Hurts happen, rejection tears at the heart and the pain threatens to overwhelm.
902.  Then I read:
THANK ME THROUGHOUT THIS DAY for My Presence and My Peace.  These are gifts of supernatural proportions.  Ever since the resurrection, I have comforted My followers with these messages: Peace be with you, and I am with you always.Listen as I offer you My Peace and Presence in full measure.  The best way to receive these glorious gifts is to thank Me for them.  It is impossible to spend too much time thanking and praising Me.  I created you first and foremost to glorify Me.  Thanksgiving and praise put you in proper relationship with Me, opening the way for My riches to flow into you.  As you thank Me for My Presence and Peace, you appropiate My richest gifts.  ~ Jesus Calling
A loving gentle reminder for the day and the turbulent seas calm. 
903. Feeling the sun shine on my face and experiencing God's love
904.  Warm sun
905.  Knowing my Creator finds me acceptable and good enough
906.  Knowing my God and Savior knows my heart
907.  In His eyes I am worthy of His love
908.  Feeling His Presence at all times, good and bad
909.  Prayers of a child, acknowledging God's nature
910.  Discipline turned discipleship as behaviors are discussed in the light of God's words.
911. Child like excitement in my husband as he anticipates carmel rolls
912.  Joy of being able to have pecans for the first time in 6 years on carmel rolls
913.  Day of being homemaker, not home educator
914.  Soaking in God's love
915.  Husband sleeping in the other room
916.  Timely hug
917.  Fun Girl's constant enthusiasm for getting in training time in the pool
918.  Sleepy young man sleeping in late
919.  Crack in the heater caught before carbon monoxide was an issue
920.  Funds to cover the repair
921.  Purr of contented and at peace kitten, recognizing it as a reflection of my heart as well
922.  Clean laundry folded and waiting to be put away
923.  Kittens exploring the out of doors
924.  Boy on a swing, just "hanging" out
925.  Anticipating time with family 

Counting to 900...............

876.  New painting sheets to color and gift
877. Ballet skirts and pink tights skipping in the wind
878. Dad's Bud giggles
879. Handwriting
880.  Puzzles and quiet afternoons
881.  Discovering 3 playing cards in a quiet corner
882.  Reconnecting with an aunt at the swim meet and a chance to say thank you.
883.  Coming home and all under the same roof
884.  Breathing easier
885.  Doctors who listen and "get it"
886.  Friends who help with transportation
887.  Older children who know how to get along when life throws a curve ball
888.  Naps
889.  Coupons and deals galore equal a semi stocked pantry
890.  Present shopping with hubby
891.  Date night with hubby
892.  Free gift cards to pay for date night !
893.  Suprising discoveries for Christmas gifts
894.  Unexpected moments to catch up with sister
895.  Time with Little Princess
896.  1-2-3 I love you game with The Man
897.  Kitten love and snuggles
898.  Fun Girl and Hockey Player still wrestle, though it is more evenly matched these days
899.  Leisure Sunday mornings at home while waiting for immune systems to rebuild
900.  Hockey Player's smoothies

Counting to 875......

851.  Compassionate doctors and drug samples
852.  Promotions completed and fulfilled
853.  Another bit of organization done
854.  Quiet afternoons for sick children to rest
855.  Swim meet fun and improvements

856.  A day well spent and quick power naps
857.  nebulizers, antibiotics and steroids
858.  Caring Security guards that let us in.
859.  O2 checks and God's provision in medical care
860.  Awesome nurses
861.  Fun Aunts and Cool gifts
862.  Croupy Coughs clearing the gunk
863.  Caring siblings cleaning and holding the fort down
864.  Flexible bosses
865.  Free wi-fi
866.  Angry Birds Star Wars
867.  Voting early and being able to stay home
868.  Productive evenings
869.  Alone time with Dad's Bud
870.  Hearing Dad's Bud ask for prayers, he knows God listens and heals
871.  Getting a chance to share about my church and Awana
872.  Independent children
873.  Dad's Bud outgoing and dynamic personality
874.  Fun Girl's intuitiveness and knowing
875.  Hospital recliners and cots, a place to sleep and lay down.

 

 

Counting to 850.......

826. Gold in the greens
827. Brothers and a tire swing
828. Upside down smiles twirling in the air
829.  friends who hear and surprise!!
830.  Yarn and the mysteries it holds...tangling, detangling and yet woven in masterpieces
831.  Stolen moments
832.  77 degree temperatures on Nov. 1
833.  Pretty blooms reminding me of a Happy Birthday
834.  Generous flood of birthday wishes, so overwhleming
835.  Garage sale finds...quarter treasures for a grand neice and a friend
836.  Scents of delicious-ness throughout my home
837.  God's provision and perfect timing
838.  Promise of yet another day
839.  Hubby who helps in the cleaning up of yuck-i-ness!
840.  Un expected lessons from the Bible and in Compassion
841.  New friends
842.  Easy fix when it comes to online shopping and shipping goofs
843.  New shoes and feet that don't hurt

844.  Time with Grandpa
845.  No sight of THE mouse.
846.  Kittens who make up with one another and are best of friends
847.  Birthday roses on my fireplace mantel
848.  Date night
849.  Unexpected birthday wishes
850.  Sweater and cozy socks

Counting to 825..............

801.  Plan B in place
802.  Birthday dinners that provide lunch the next day!
803.  Tired children...means they had a good day of fun
804.  Spontaneous conversations...opportunities to build relationships and love others with the love of Jesus.
805.  Letters written
806.  Lessons in righteousness in place of fairness
807.  New swings to replace the old and smiling children soaring to the sky
808.  The sound of the washer and dryer as I sit and put my feet up.
809. Kitten Paws
810.  Dad's Bud careful building of kitty condos out of boxes
811.  Giggles and joy as my children enjoy the presence of kittens, even if they are older kittens
812.  Quiet late night introductions
813.  Sleeping girls
814.  Breathing treatment to settle down an over done child who was struggling to breath on top of everything else
815.  Big Warrior Husband shows his tender side by loving on kittens when all is quiet
816.  Encouragement from friend that in spite of my child's struggles he is making great strides.
817.  Humor in discipline and correction
818.  Experiencing a gentle answer turns away wrath
819.  Cast is off, brace is on, Hockey Player is skating once again
820.  A dizzy Fun Girl regains her equilibrium
821.  Shopping trip results in 6 new mix and match tops for me!!  Finding something I feel pretty in!
822.  Fun I had with children while shopping
823.  Pumpkin toes courtesy of Fun Girl
824.  Lessons learned, even if it was the hard way
825.  Getting to Vote!

Counting to 800.............

776. Words of blessing from my son
777. Swimming challenges and coaching from my daughter...inspires and challenges me out of my comfort zone
778.  Tender fingers finding where the soreness is in my foot
779.  Inspiration in my son's eyes and mind
780.  Time to visit with father and son about challenges of the season and what God just might have in store. 
781.  Commitments to pray and seek what we might do in this season of different-ness
782.  Friendly smiles and misdirected packages found
783.  The promise to see friends soon
784.  Experiencing and getting to see God work and evolve my son into the man He created him to be
785.  Soup in the crockpot
786. Beans soaking for the next day
787.  The warmth of the Sun on my face reminding me of the warmth of God's grace on me
788.  Pink horizon as the sun says good night
789.  Friends who stop in as they pass through town
790.  A son who does not erupt when there is injustice
791.  A cheerful helper at the grocery store
792.  Songs of praise in the kitchen as a meal is prepared
793.  Visits with extended family, brief as they may be still too precious to let go of
794.  Pruned bushes
795. Stained fences, a big job completed before winter
796.  Patient husband through the constant plan changes
797.  Fixable errors
798.  A refrigerator and pantry restocked
799.  Days with Grandpa C
800.  Hugs from a too cool almost teenager

 

Counting to 775........

751. Brothers playing quietly w Legos after a morning of bickering.
752. Clear blue skies after a very dirty previous day
753. Help on the kitchen
754. Unexpected head massages and afternoon naps
755. Sparkly splashes of light playing on the walls
756. Glimpses of the young woman she is becoming
757. The perfect fit if a little hand in mine
758. Contented baby willing to rest in my arms whilst momma takes care of a couple of things.
759. Worshipping with my earthly family and my church family for the first time in weeks
760. Snuggles of my children
761. Evaluations and recognizing that much is being accomplished
762. Productive days
763. Gaining strength and stamina in the silence of water
764.  Coaching from Fun Girl
765.  Shared laughter with my daughter
766. The hum of a sewing machine
767.  Smells of a busy kitchen
768.  Finding lost keys...answered prayers
769.  Sleepy prayers
770.  Pictures shared by friends
771.  Imaginative friends
772.  God's reassurance in His love for Me
773.  Caring Siblings
774.  Promise of extended weekends
775.  Unexpected rewards

Being able to see and more.........

Hmmm, driving home from Jenks, Oklahoma, I discovered home much of a MidWest girl I am.

 

 I like the wide open spaces. I love seeing the horizon that includes land and sky.

 

Not much for a landscape that includes lots of brick buildings, sidewalks and being underground. I have visited those places and was struck by how obstructed my view of God's creation was by all that man made.

 Some call me a city girl, because I am not much of a fan of dust and dirt and I am allergic to most things that pollinate.

In my fairy tail world missing dirt, dust and spiders, I am a Country Girl.

I like the views.

I enjoy gazing upon God's nightly paintings I the sky.

 

  But

I realized on the same drive I am the girl that likes daylight.

I don't like to drive in the dark.

 I don't like not being able to see the horizon.

  I like to know what is ahead.

I can say the same thing about Life.

I don't like the feeling that I am driving off into oblivion.

I don't like suprises. I want to know what is going to happen.

It is hard to trust the road is going to be there especially when speeding down the road at highway speeds or that nothing will jump out in front me.

Sometimes it is hard to trust that God really knows what He is doing.

Sometimes it is hard to know what it is God would have me to do.

 I fret and worry and pray God will get me home in one piece.

 It has gotten a little easier over the years, but not much. I just don't like it.

I don't like not being able to see what it is ahead.

And Each and Every Time 

I arrive, it is with a sigh of relief and a readiness to rest.

And a gladness that I am Home

I think Heaven is going to be at least a little bit, just like that.  

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counting to 750.....

726.  Health insurance and flexible spending accounts that last as long as they do.
727.  Smiles and laughter in the midst of runny noses and coughs.
728.  Sunsets and drives with my daughters
729.  Hanging out with Little Princess...just sitting and being  side by side
730.  Watching Fun Girl reach new goals and achievements and her smiles to go with them.
731.  Colors of fall, God's creativity beats anything man can create.
732.  Strawberry filled, covered and topped cupcakes
733.  Meeting some of Fun Girl's friends and team mates
734.  God inspired remembrances and quick purse search for needed inhaler
735.  My husband stops by home just because I asked for a hug, never mind he was tired and wanted to go on to his sleep castle.
736.  Suprised sightings of Papa Mac in town and getting coffee
737.  Getting to get hugs from Papa and Grandmama Mac unexpectedly.
738.  Watching the hearts of my children for their grandparents.
739.  Children laying on the floor working on math coloring sheets quietly and cooperatively.
740.  Friends helping with phonics for fun and learning in the process as well.
741.  Snatches of time to say hi and connect with friends
742.  Warm cozies for soothing ear congestion
743.  Discovering new skills, talents and interests... So much in this life to learn
744.  Praying friends
745.  Welcoming wag of a dog's tail.
746.  Postcards in the mail from Sunday School teachers
747-749.  Snuggly blankets, warm homes and smells of things a cooking
750.  Passions shared to teach and bless those who seek.

Counting to 725.......

701.  Polka dot socks for Granny...been looking for warm socks for awhile.
702.  Blessing of Kohl's cash and new shirts for hubby.
703.  Safe Journeys for my Men
704.  God's protection over Hockey Player.
705.  A broken arm, but it is one bone.  Growth plate is missed. Wrist is missed. Thank you Jesus for protecting him.
706.  Wise Son who would choose to listen to the doctor of his own accord if we were to let him make the decision whether he would get on the ice or not. 
707.  Husband who believes 5-6 weeks is not so long compared to the risk of surgery
708.  My son's stoic understanding and tolerance as I shed tears into his hair as I hold him late at night. 
709.  The compassion and love my children have for one another
710.  Productive weekend in spite of head colds and not feeling well.
711.  Unexpected quiet family time at home in the evenings.
712.  Sister who steadfastly shares thanksgiving and joy even in the midst of the mire.
713.  An aging woman who walks the halls singing praises, praying and sharing Jesus' love with anyone willing to listen.
714.  Memories
715. Snuggles with any one of my children.
716. Husband who sees and shares with his family
717. Husband who spends his day off working at home and helping with cool lessons.
718. Birds on the line.
719. Discovering sisters who awaken through the night listening and checking on... Tender hearts and care taking spirits of love
720. Family nights at home.
721. Cool fall breezes
722.  Medicine and nebulizer and even steroids for a little The Man.
723.  Green casts that make me smile.
724.  Shaggy bangs and boy turning man smile at his momma
725.  Son who willingly helps when asked and joyfully looks for chores in the morning to do

Counting to 700......

Counting to 700...

676.  Rain and the cooler temperatures it brings....changes of seasons.

677.  Quiet of the hour

678.  Sunrises exploding in His glory

679. Early morning exuberance

680. The Man's joyful heart

681. Tears because (he) might not get to say his verses

682. A warrior who is fighting pneumonia and fatigue but doesn't stop his memory work and comes to Awana only to say his verses

683. Driving home and always seeing the flag waving at us. 

 

 

 





684.  Late bloomers

 

685.  Piano Recitals and Piano Teachers who love to teach!

686.  Cool fall weather

687.  Central heat

688.  Time with just my girls

689.  Inner and Physical Strength of my Little Princess

690.  Pumpkin Patches

691.  Playing with my children

692.  Playing with my mom friends

693.  Giggling uncontrollably

694.  The sense of abandonment of being out in the country

695.  Big wide open spaces for Dad's Bud

696.  Allergies that stay quiet while I play

697. Coming home to laundry folded and put away

698.  When hubby takes the day off to play

699.  Watching my children snuggle their dad

700.  Smiles on caregivers faces as they "play" with my Granny.