Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Joy Dare::December

I'm ending 2013 by writing my joys from December. What began as sortof of a scavenger hunt and experiment has turned into a habit and truly has brought be joy. I notice, and am thankful for, so many little details that I hardly noticed before. I'm honored that you choose to enjoy my gifts by reading. They will continue in 2014.

989. A story of love in marriage that challenges and inspires me.
990. Observing the season of Advent
991. Caffeine and conversation--unexpected and just what I needed
992. A circus performance in the living room
993. Aliza tells me what a great Mommy I am at a moment when I don't deserve it
994. Giggles at the end of a frustrating day
995. Castles made of pantry dry goods
996. Peanut butter hot cocoa
997. A husband who listens
998. Failing and trying again over and over
999. Dropping my children off to their Bible study classes because I desperately need a break
1000. Crazy Christmas tree decorating excitement
1001. A lovely walk
1002. Being intentional to remember to laugh
1003. Gramma feeling a year younger instead of older on her birthday
1004. Singing hymns around the piano
1005. A bunch of cousins ready to decorate gingerbread men.
1006. Christmas tea with my friend
1007. The hunt every day for Mary and Joseph
1008. Having lots of fun things to think about
1009. Little icicles
1010. Watching Josiah choose gifts for his sisters
1011. Honoring Aliza's decision when enough was enough and she needed to leave
1012. Facing another's grief. Offering a hug with few words
1013. 3 children born healthy
1014. Feet kicked up on the couch with a child on both sides
1015. Honesty
1016. Vegetable soup and biscuits
1017. Christmas luncheon
1018. Mom able to watch Aliza's dance class
1019. Siblings supporting each other
1020. Changing plans for something fun just because life is short
1021. Served an exceptional meal
1022. Gave Jeremy an evening to relax
1023. Hours of happy playing
1024. Dinner date
1025. Family day at home
1026. A little organizing
1027. A batch of puppy chow
1028. Pretend baseball game with a 2 liter soda bottle
1029. Anna singing If You're Happy and You Know It over and over
1030. A winter walk on the longest trail.
1031. Random out of the blue, "Mommy I love you's"
1032. A lovely phone conversation with Phyllis
1033. Better news than expected
1034. The season that gives me plenty of excuses to bake
1035. Napping in sunlight--there's nothing better
1036. Robins pecking in the grass
1037. So many opportunities to practice patience
1038. Brainstorming
1039. Woke up to a dusting of snow on the ground
1040. A hug
1041. An excuse for carry out and a free pizza certificate to make it happen
1042. Perseverance to finish school strong this week
1043. Community dinner
1044. A new game to play--Guess Who
1045. 2 hours of happy playing outside
1046. Another day of reprieve from winter temperatures
1047. A walk and a visit--cookies included.
1048. An Aunt willing to invest in a relationship with me
1049. Sales clerk helping me get a great deal
1050. Christmas caroling in the rain
1051. Connecting with a family from church
1052. A brother who has everything to fix anything--and who lives close by
1053. 2 toilets in the house
1054. Jeremy was right there when the pipe broke and water started spewing
1055. Christmas tea party
1056. Anticipation for Christmas morning
1057. My family willing to welcome a friend is alone for Christmas Eve supper
1058. Hours of sitting on the floor while Lego construction is happening
1059. Gifts that give
1060. Christmas dinner prepared in my kitchen
1061. At bedtime Anna snuggles in and says, "Mom you're my best."
1062. It's so late and I'm so tired but I just want to hang on to today. Christmas. The simplicity. The excitement. The contentment with what was received. The joy in giving. The family time.
1063. Christmas with Jeremy's family
1064. Coffee with some lovely ladies
1065. Time to just be
1066. Concert in Joel and Brandi's music room
1067. Generosity shown to us
1068. My family all together in a circle giving gifts
1069. Lingering just because we enjoy family
1070. The children enjoying new toys
1071. The upstairs cleaned
1072. The trunk full of recycling
1073. Manger scene complete
1074. Coloring party
1075. Logical advice from my daughter--Mom, just leave it for tomorrow.
1076. A mature response from the oldest when her younger sister destroyed one of her Christmas presents

1 comment:

Christie said...

A fantastic list my friend. It is official I want a lego friends set! That thing is A-W-E-S-O-M-E.