Last year, I committed to documenting three things every day that made me happy. Three GIFTS for that particular day that brought a smile to my face.... or rest or relief or peace. It was SO FUN to look back at all the gifts listed and RELIVE what was a WONDERFUL, LIFE-CHANGING year for our family. So, because I know the Lord has great things in store for us again this year, I'm going to do it again! Just like last year, I imagine some days will be empty.... cause on some days, life is hard. But I'm excited about the GIFTS in store for 2014! Let the new year BEGIN!
JANUARY:
1. fun ping-pong tournaments with my boys, watching Mary eat a deviled egg, my FAMILY
2. laughing with my children, goals for a new year, a clean kitchen
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4. Extra Care Bucks from CVS, technology, sleeping late
5. Orphan Sunday at church... precious!; looking forward to Downton Abbey, fuzzy socks
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7. school cancelations (even when I'm NOT teaching!), really good oranges
8. finding a new song, the beginning of a new Bible study, delayed school starts
9. roasted broccoli, Mary's first speech therapy session, feeling the sunshine after many cold, gloomy days
10. being done at the social security office, frozen bananas dipped in dark chocolate
11. book club, a sunny day
12. paper plates, watching Jack lead in worship with is youth praise band
13. Mary's growing patience as I fix her hair, new hair bows!, encouragement from the ear doctor (failed hearing test in both ears, but he's not concerned....)
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15. using a gift card to buy puzzles on sale, really learning about the history in the Bible, seeing Max's smile as he came out of his first private cello lessons (he loves it!)
16. getting my run in earlier in the day, watching Mary do puzzles
17. a nap with my girl, catching up on American Idol with my boys
18. getting Mary's Social Security card, a clean grill, lotion for dry hands
19. a DVR full of great recordings, a few moments of silence, remembering a 20% off coupon that I'd forgotten I had
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21. stew on a cold day, when Jack wants to talk books
22. a powerful Bible study, watching Max carry Mary around, Sonic Happy Hour
23. new pictures of our Mary's past!!, blankets, when the person in customer service at Disney tells me to have a magical day
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25. a sister that I can call when things just get ridiculous (it's her birthday today.... she is MUCH older than me!), an AWESOME movie (Saving Mr. Banks....ohmygosh), that Joe had dinner ready when the boys and I got back form the movie (and it was delicious!)
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28. safety in travel on icy roads, that Joe has a warm place to stay in Bham, electricity
29. Joe is safely home!
30. surviving Mary's first haircut, another snow day
31. celebrating Chinese New Year with my family, eating on the GOOD china for the first time, a meal all together in the actual DINING ROOM
FEBRUARY:
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2. seeing Mary in her China silks at church
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8. watching Jack get ready for his first formal (he and Kate looked precious!), a Newks salad (ANY Newks salad), capturing sweet moments on camera
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12. HUGE snowflakes, my family all piled up in the car together, an evening at home by the fire
13. Jack's excitement for All State,
14. having a Valentine card in the house that says DAUGHTER, Mary likes Jr. Mints!
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22. Max's smile after his first cello audition, having a surprise check waiting at consignment, blueberry cobbler
23. watching Mary eat a sucker,
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26. Max made All-City orchestra!!, having Max home from Space Camp, a precious shirt from sweet friends (Made in China, Loved in America)
27. Little Lambs (so. many. bargains!), when Jack can help Max with math homework cause the rest of us can't remember how to do it
28. cheeseburger Friday with Joe at home, the excitement the boys have for their youth retreat, Mary modeling her new clothes
MARCH:
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2. Jack's awesome violin solo at church
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6. my new Swiffer wet mop (there WILL BE clean floors)
7. time away by myself (off to my first Created for Care retreat!!), Panera parfait, a beautiful view from a room that I have all to myself all weekend! (Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier is AWESOME!), a whole hour of quiet time for my first session, amazing worship with other adoptive Mamas, getting a letter from Joe in my packet when I got there!
8. sweet conversations with other adoptive Mamas, finding two sweet adoption picture books, sleeping late, awesome messages and quiet time to think about them
9. seeing my family after a much-needed time away, a warm afternoon, worship
10. when grocery shopping is over, feeling that I have more patience after time away
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13. Mary passed her hearing tests (finally!)
14. ease of returning something at Walmart (wasn't expecting it to be easy)
15. getting more great deals on cute clothes for Mary, things that are easy to put together (Mary's got a new stroller for Disney!)
16. Mudger and NightNight (happy anniversary!), watching Jack play violin, hearing Joe sing
17. being DONE with a trip to Walmart
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19. hearing Beth Moore tell a story
20. when Joe returns from being out of town,
21. Mary's a great traveler, ALL my kids are great travelers, getting it ALL done before we left town, cute new Disney shirts for Mary
22. Happy Referal-versary to Mary Jewel Powell!, driving through the Disney sign!, easy trip down
23. Mary's reaction to Mickey Mouse, music in the bushes, the smell of the oranges in Soarin (and the music, too)
24. no meltdowns for Mary today at Animal Kingdom!, listening to my boys play and laugh with their sister, family time
25. Mary meets Cinderella, music in the bushes,
26. character greetings, the boys' faces when they come off a ride they love, Mary napping in her stroller
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