i will be thankful

Today was one of the those days. The kind of day that makes me hit the snooze no less the 5 times, groan and pull up the sheets, and sigh as Tim tells me we really do need to get up now. The kind of day that makes me wish this crazy Chicago blizzard was already here.

Because I felt so morose this morning, I decided it was about time to reflect on the things I'm thankful for. I will be thankful for this day.

Today I'm thankful for:

1. My husband, who makes me smile even when I'm most determinedly sour. I love you.

2. My striped long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, down vest, and blue jacket who together have done an excellent job keeping me warm.

3. A certain participant at work who loves chocolate and laughed with me at lunch.

4. The Gospel of Matthew, who joined Tim and I over our breakfast this morning.

5. Journals and pens, particularly a Micron 08 and a new double tipped calligraphy pen... it's just more fun to write with your favorite pens.

6. Sunlight, increasing every day. "When he shakes his mane, we shall have Spring again." The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

7. Books of poetry, most recently, my copy of T.S. Eliot poems.

8. A dinner date with Tim. Best husband ever.

9. Family. Even when I don't see you all for a few weeks or a few months, I think about you guys all the time. You are loved.

10. Jesus. Lately, I have been enjoying our time together so much. Thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for Your patience and forgiveness. May Your name be praised forevermore.

Today was a pretty good day after all. What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear about it. Happy Monday!

beautiful gifts

Two beautiful things from today.

The rain on our car as I waited to go into training for work. I love the sound of rain on the car and seeing the droplets accumulate on the window. I've always loved being in the car while it rained, taking long drives especially.... watching it stream down the windows, feeling the cold glass against my hand, my cheek.

The pink sunset sky. Tim and I ran downstairs to get a picture of it before we ate dinner. Within minutes it was gone. Glorious.

God's gifts to us are many, and beautiful.

our weekend

We had a very fun weekend. I realize it more and more as I look back on it.

Saturday we:

• Baked banana muffins
• Watched "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown"
• Took a nap
• Attempted screen printing for the first time (definite fail, but we will try again!)
• Watched a movie
• And ate ice cream sandwiches.

Sunday we:

• Went to church
• Painted signs and carved a pumpkin
• Dressed up like we were tailgating
• Walked to Starbucks with Anna (pumpkin spice latte for me and a mocha for Tim)
• Hung out at Trunk or Treat
• Admired the cute costumes (personal favorite: triplets dressed as dalmation puppies)
• And went to McDonald's with Pete and Rachel. As Rachel said in her sweet blog, we got to see God's love at work. Though I was reluctant to go to McDonald's at first, it was clear that we were meant to be there to help a sister in need.

This weekend was short, this weekend was good. Thank You Lord for friends, rest, and love.

*Photo courtesy of Anna Bobalik

lovely monday

Dear Week,

This Monday has been lovely.

1. A less stressful day at work, new energy to go on.

2. A lox and goat cream cheese sandwich.

3. Pretty clouds.

4. Homemade pizza.

5. A night at home with Tim.

6. Joy.

7. Realizing, the good gifts from today were from God. Thank You for a lovely new beginning.

Hope your Monday has been blessed. What are some things you are thankful for this week?