This year, I've accepted the challenge to find three things to be thankful for each day. These "gifts" should be my focus..... not what's wrong, but what's RIGHT. Listing these gifts will also document the happenings of our year.....and what a year it will be!!! I am blessed..... Some things are big, some little, some serious, some silly..... but all are gifts that make me happy. By the end of the year, I'll have listed more than 1000 Gifts...... 1000 blessings..... 1000 reasons to be happy.
Note: Some days are empty. I guess some days are just like that......
JANUARY:
1. a new year, a fresh calendar, my family
2. great customer service (Mainly Music), Jack's passion for violin, GPS
3. new crockpot recipes, collecting dolls for Mary, a hot bath
4. blackberry preserves, seeing a ladybug!, good ideas for my classroom
5. hot tea, a new bag, chore lists for the boys
6. having something to look forward to, a warm blanket, adoption Facebook groups
7. living in Tuscaloosa on National Championship Night, a job I love, sticky notes for to-do lists
8. buy one-get one at Publix, a full fridge, sunshine
9. surprising people, funny texts between Joe and me, quiet time alone in the car
10. knowing what's for dinner because of the PLAN, new lipgloss, naps
11. Max's responsibility in his academics, feeling ahead and prepared for the next week, great pictures of the boys (church directory pictures!)
12. a quiet night at home, fun traditions (Miss America!), Diet Cherry Coke
13. praise and worship music, friends who care, blogs that encourage
14. healthy children, helpful people, witnessing moments of pure kindness
15. emails from Karla, chocolate peppermint truffles (yum!), brussel sprouts (also YUM.)
16. pretty notebook and new pens, watching kids love a read aloud, prayer
17. Scripture, snow!, following the Lord's nudging
18. connecting with other adoptive parents, delayed school starts, trying something new (rutabaga!)
19. a clean car, my boys devouring good books, GREAT adoption ideas (flying the flag!!!)
20. Mary's blanket newly washed in Dreft, buying little girl clothes (Mary's first dress!), Girl Scout cookies
21. a WHOLE day at home, my new Scripture notebook (now overflowing with Scripture on adoption and waiting.... wonder why.....), a new project (materials: index cards and a date stamp)
22. encouraging words from Karla (no match, but still encouraged), Jergens lotion - cherry almond scent (just like Granny), Lavender Meyers soap on my kitchen sink
23. a new favorite song (Blessings), clean sheets, getting the next book in a series that has JUST come out (The Genius Files #3... Max is pumped!)
24. seeing my boys take initiative, DVR, a deep feeling of peace (even though our future calendar is FULL of question marks!)
25. Fridays, wearing tennis shoes to work, gloves
26. being alone in the house (if only for an hour or so), knowing that I STILL have that gift card from Michaels (gift cards are fun), American Idol recordings
27. good music, a full tank of gas, Jack in the orchestra
28. an extra planning time (art), cute Asian-themed fabric, chocolate
29. math games that teach and engage (five number...make problems), Think Tank Tuesday plans for the whole semester, Google
30. car chargers for phone, Sonic diet cherry limeade, Jack's heart
31. Max's folder full of good grades, getting organized, the whole family at home in the evening with nothing to do
February
1. Jack's writing ability (persuasive paper on prayer in schools), Sam's pizza, early bedtime
2. health, Joe doing the laundry, the thought of Spring (groundhog didn't see his shadow!)
3. when Max and I agree on his new shoes, seeing Jack smile (he liked his haircut), tulips
4. a new math trick that's easy to teach, Max finishing his outline without my help, my overhead
5. duty free lunch, Motrin, ladybug sightings
6. when my students do a really good job with something (PowerPoints), excitement over a read aloud and the story structure chart, meeting a new little friend (Lisa from China, age 5)
7. Jack's talent (5th chair at All-State!), a cute umbrella on a rainy day, getting a good parking spot
8. pajamas on a Friday night, open windows and fresh air, Taco Casa ICE
9. shortcuts to avoid traffic, NOT having an overdue fine at the library, the feeling AFTER I exercise
10. great music played by teenagers, a full freezer (thanks, Mudger and NN!), being able to fill someone's need, sweet prayers of friends (the Jacobs promise to pray for us at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem!) *** FOUR gifts today!!!
11. new lipstick, color printers, getting something you have been wanting on CLEARANCE
12. Max's excitement over a project (animal cell cake!), Joe working from home, laughter
13. promises of prayer from a stranger (dude at Barnes and Noble!), the CVS coupon machine, Chinese New Year picture books
14. Mary's new tshirt (Happy, Happy, Happy!), Chinese food delivery (Trey Yuen...yum!), giant pecan turtle from Peterbrook
15. warmer days after bitter cold, surviving the painting of research bubbles, nice emails from grateful parents
16. a new song for my adoption playlist (Everybody), a cute movie, finding money in a pocket
17. a new China adoption tshirt, Lindt chocolate bar with almonds,
18.
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20.
21. stories from the farm (they trapped a SKUNK?), a great biscuit recipe, Max's texting skills
22. parfait from Panera, Max having fun on a field trip (Space and Rocket Center), hot cornbread with butter
23. thinking of Mary every time I see a little Asian girl, good news for sweet friends (Stewarts go to Bulgaria next week to meet their daughter!), having something to look forward to
24. watching The Amazing Race with my family, watching Max play a fun game (Capture the Flag at Awana... he LOVES this!), Kenyon Hamner.... our wonderful childrens' minister
25. cuticle cream that smells like lemons,
26. a "pause" when you need it (all plans canceled...headed home), kind doctors who read referrals for free, cheap pizza at a drive thru after a LONG, tiring day
27. prayer, hope, my husband
28. the END of February (my least favorite month), the prayers of friends, Karla Roozen Thrasher (social worker, angel, friend, therapist)
MARCH
1. covering gray hair, trips to the farm with ALL of us, hushpuppies at Catfish Cabin, flowers from a friend!!!
2. thinking about a new hobby (sewing??), town tea, Jack's impromptu hymn concerts
3. great deals! (found Mary's bedding!!), memory-making events (Jack meets Joshua Bell), a very cute new iPad cover (Audrey Hepburn!!)
4. Max being responsible for his new phone (that he bought himself!),
5.
6. Joe returning from being out of town,
7. Max NOT getting sick as the flu swept through his class,
8. China Love bracelets in the mail, a trip to 2nd and Charles, the ice at Zaxby's
9. book club, taking my time in Hobby Lobby (quilt squares!), checking something off the todo list
10. the adoption stories of really great families (Mancils speak in Sunday School), sweet potato tater tots, finding a lovely picture for Mary's room
11. crying during a great read aloud (The One and Only Ivan), Daylight Savings Time (I like it!), children's books inspired by true stories
12.
13.
14. notes from Max attached to the Diet Coke in the fridge, finding a Mellow Yellow Zero in the fridge that I'd forgotten,
15. adding a beach trip to the summer calendar,
16. my parents (Happy 46th Anniversary!), discovering emoticons, tax REFUNDS
17. chocolate pie from Jim and Nicks, Duck Dynasty recordings, to-go cups
18. safety during a storm, getting out of a meeting earlier than expected, laughter
19. a final math workshop for the year, Chick Fil A, my bed after a long, long day
20. a fun field trip, sentimental family things (Granny's old sewing basket), new phone tricks
21. Jack's excitement about his youth camp, late-night emails from Karla (!!!), a feeling of excitement
22. seeing our daughter's face for the first time!!! , JOY, Spring Break (Oh. My. Gosh. Finally.)
23. the half price sale at Carter's (I can now buy Mary some clothes!), a day with my Max (saw Oz and ate Taco Casa), submitting our LOI (Letter of Intent)!!!
24. finding something that I've been looking for forever (my bag of PENS!!), good reviews of a new Chinese restaurant/market in town, looking through old pictures of the boys
25. good news for other adopting friends, a new binder to contain Mary's info, Jared Case (Jack's youth pastor.... led the youth through Camp Transformation this past weekend....Jack LOVED it!)
26. a REALLY clean closet, finding/reading old journals (one entry was dated June 29, 1995 and it reads: "I just went out on a date with the man I'm going to marry." Yep.), fresh air (even if it is FRIGID.... SO not Spring Break temperatures!)
27. PA for our girl!, precious comments from friends, my THREE children
28. Night-Night (happy 70th birthday!), texts from Max with words spelled wrong, great info from our Lifeline Travel Meeting (!!)
29. great customer service (Toyota place!), time to sit and people watch (also Toyota place....), a happy from Joe (cute ladybug apron!)
30. a new crib for Mary, getting organized at school, lunch with the Ryan gang (All Steak in Cullman...yum orange rolls!)
31. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..... He is enough to be thankful for today (and everyday!)! Happy Easter! He is Risen!!!
APRIL:
1. sharing pictures of our girl with my teacher-friends, being able to answer questions about adoption to others pondering the process, sourdough bread
2. knowing there are only 7 more Mondays of school left, meeting a deadline, being able to encourage someone
3. a sweet card from a friend, a new Bible study(Disciplines of a Beautiful Woman), when my children say THANK YOU (Yes, Jack.... I will gladly go ALL the way back home to retrieve your forgotten orchestra music)
4. Motrin (pretty sure I've listed this before, but when you need it, you're really thankful for it...and probably won't be the last time it's mentioned), engaged students (thank you, special writing journals and Promethean clickers), sleep
5. praise and worship with my Jack, time to pray, that Joe and Max are having a good weekend together (Max's manhood weekend...... Passport2Purity!)
6. gathering items for another adoptive mom to take to Mary when she travels to Shanghai to pick up her own child!, sleeping late,
7. coupons,
8. locating and ordering Mary's finding ad,
9.
10.
11. safety in a storm, extra time at home (early dismissal), a free night
12. a quick LOA!, good news for lots of waiting friends, easy crib assembly
13.
14.
15. my husband's paperwork abilities.... I800 AND Visa applications are finished and in the mail! (and all I had to do was SIGN!), completely clearing off the calendar from July and BEYOND,
16. my adoption Facebook community.... sweet, prayerful, knowledgeable, faithful folks with a love for the Lord and His children all over the world, ordering a photo album of family pictures to send to Mary, seeing our note to Mary's nannies translated into Chinese (hopeful that they'll answer our questions!)
17. a helpful conversation with leave/benefits coordinator: I'm officially taking the next YEAR off!, a hardworking husband that provides for us so I CAN take the next year off, the blessing of saved sick days!
18. precious friends who teach me to SMOCK! (I like it!!!), a deep desire to nest and focus on my home and family, the sound of thunder when I'm safe inside
19. bedding for Mary's crib!, heirlooms, when a craft idea in my MIND turns out looking really cute (I'm not very crafty)
20. a beautiful picture for Mary's room ON CLEARANCE!, rain gutter book shelves are up and full of books, more quilt squares (only 70 more to go!!!)
21. watching Jack play violin, seeing Joe in his fancy clothes, enjoying on last Awana store night with my Max (he got something for EVERYBODY, including little peanut!) (best purchase in my opinion: FIVE little battery-operated fans for China....it's gonna be H.O.T.)
22. a productive school day, a short week, finding joy in studying new teaching/learning standards (even after 17 years..... I still REALLY like what I do!) (Even though I'm REALLY excited to NOT be doing it next year!)
23. a rare night at home (all lessons canceled!), Jack's fun at Battle of the Books, Max's fun on his field trip to American Village
24. sweet prayers of friends, getting to tell our adoption story, my crockpot, Psalms
25. finishing another school project (thanks, Nana at Snap Decisions catering: the Science Behind Cooking), time to catch up on blogs/recorded shows, receiving Mary's finding ad in the mail and learning new details about her beginning
26. a day off!, Visas arrived!!, a beautiful day with the top down on the car, boys get to meet Godwin from Duck Dynasty at the SOT crusade!
27. being able to share our adoption story in a radio interview for Moody Radio
28. Max's great performance in his children's choir musical, Joe having safe travels back and forth to Emmaus throughout the weekend
29. a nice walk with my Adoption Playlist in my ear, Crystal Light lemonade
30. I800 approval!, moving on to the next adoption step
MAY:
1. a clean house, VERY nice officers at USCIS, the smell of Clorox
2. Jack's awards at Honors Night (Honor Roll and Outstanding Strings Student), NOT having to wait long in a doctor's office (ENT with Jack), paperwork that I need arriving in the mailbox
3. dinner in the crockpot when I get home, a stormy night while I'm safe inside, an early bedtime
4. hitting the MOTHER LOAD of girl clothes at a yard sale!, finishing Mary's room, happy boys (they saw Iron Man today.... been looking forward to it....), watching the Kentucky Derby as a family (little tradition!)
5. the smell of honeysuckle
6. finishing a GREAT read aloud (Wonder!),
7. GUZ # and PDF (same day!!)
8. new adoption tshirts, positive people, Article 5 dropoff!
9. the END of testing, colorful Sharpies, new notebooks (I won't be at school next year, but I already have my planning binder going for the NEXT year when I return. It's tradition this time of year.)
10. dinner and laughter with sweet friends, a beautiful quilt Mudger found for Mary, texts from Max
11. great toddler ideas on Pinterest, Jack's smile, being ALMOST done with the class video
12. my Mom, being a Mom, Mary's birthmom
13.
14. Strings in Schools program
15. surprise baby shower from my Bible Study group!, being able to share our adoption journey
16. Simply Lemonade with Raspberry
17.
18. a day of nothing (except watching Downton Abbey!!),
19.
20.
21. hearing Jack practice guitar in his room
22. Max's 5th grade graduation (so sweet!), surprise baby shower from my class!, Article 5 pickup!
23. emails from the US Consulate in China (we are now waiting for TA!), Max's great performance at the school talent show, Jack's last final!
24. The. Last. Day. Of. School. WHEW!
25. fun morning on the Quad with the family
26. Mudger and NightNight coming all the way to Tuscaloosa to pick up the boys for the week of fun in Gatlinburg, not having to wait a long time for haircuts, knowing I can sleep in tomorrow
27. a day out on the lake, a wise husband who makes sacrifices for our family (anyone want to buy a boat to finance an adoption??), Jack's A in algebra!
28. a very clean, packed-up classroom, Febreeze, a walk on the Quad with Joe
29. happy boys (riding the rides at Dollywood), Gotcha Day pictures from friends in China, JOY
30. summer vacation, a new downstairs air conditioner, free tacos
31. new pictures of baby girl!, dinner with Joe (almost free with coupons. score!)
JUNE:
1. knowing that this will be the LAST garage sale I will ever have (never again), having a clean garage, PawPaw and his lawn mower
2. seeing my boys after a week, time at the farm, Target brand medications (SO much cheaper)
3. a fully funded adoption (goodbye boat, hello Mary!), kindness from the ladies at the Central Office as I finished up my FMLA paperwork,
4. surviving our vaccinations, being done with our vaccinations, not having to pay for our vaccinations, the nice nurse, Lindsey, who found the TINIEST needle she could for our vaccinations
5. Joe getting home safely (had a hard time with weather in airports today), umbrellas
6.
7. beach time with my family, new headbands for Mary from Aunt Paige, an adoption agency that I can trust
8. a beautiful ocean view, getting the traditional photo at the beach, peace and quiet
9. a REALLY good salad (at the beach), laughing with my boys, good deals at the outlets (found Mary's dress for her Consulate Appointment.... CUTE!..... AND got $7.00 shirts at the Polo Outlet for the boys. Happy.)
10. Netflix (the boys talked us into it.... we LIKE.), the patience of my boys (RAIN at the beach, but they're content anyway)
11.
12. snow cones, a clean house, word from Karla that TAs MIGHT be moving....
13. Max's smile, fried green tomatoes, my adoption FB groups (misery in this TA wait loves company, right?)
14. the Lord's patience with my IMpatience
15.
16. Jack Powell: today he turns 14!; Joe Powell.... love raising kids with him; Night-Night..... what a blessing to have a Daddy that I love and respect
17. TA!!!
18. Max Powell (Happy 11th birthday, dear baby), quick CA!, fun texts between Joe and me
19. flights booked easily (and not as expensive as we thought!), helpful bank folks who helped me search for crisp bills, sufficient funds
20. friends who leave gifts on our porch, a great deal on a new phone to replace broken phone just before travel, moments of quiet in the midst of chaos
21. our adoption journey (let the adventure begin!), neck pillows, the video screens on our plane
22. safety in travels, health, sweet guide Maggie
23. a delicious breakfast buffet, watching Max enjoy the escalator in China, a good air conditioner in our room
24. Mary Jewel Powell! (GOTCHA!), easy transition, Gerber Puffs
25. good sleep for everyone, Mary's laugh, Cheerios
26. the Ergo, Papa Johns (in a faraway land), the hot pot in our hotel room in Shanghai
27. seeing family in Shanghai, experiencing a delicious authentic Chinese meal, sweet gifts to remind us of Shanghai
28. safe flight to Guangzhou, kind Lifeline guides who make this difficult process easier, those carts for your luggage in the airport
29. Mudger! (Happy birthday!), fun Mexican meal as a family of five (Tekila's in Guangzhou, China), Facetime
30. bottled water, unique souvenirs from Mary's birth country, that little blue stroller
JULY:
1. Mary's CA is DONE!, shopping on Shamian Island, Mary's first steps
2. not dying in that van to Hong Kong, seeing the beautiful lights of HK, our porter, Casillas, who helped Joe with Disney directions and kept our secret
3. boys got to do Hong Kong Disney!, finding more Puffs at the train station, room service at the Metropolis
4. safety in travel, Mary doing mostly well on the plane, my two traveler boys
4. (we lived this day TWICE) getting OFF that last plane, seeing the family and that big sign at the airport, seeing Mary in her crib in her room in her house
5. Mary's great transition at home, seeing Joe push her around in her car, introducing Mary to both Barry Manilow AND Raffi in the last 24 hours
6. SLEEP, noodles, SLEEP (BOO jet lag)
7.
8. watching Harry Potter with Max after Mary goes to bed
9. successful trip to Sams with three kids, feeling normal again, Mary's ease in going down for a nap
10.
11. conversations with Max after his football practice, seeing Jack read To Kill a Mockingbird, getting a great picture of the 5 Culhane cousins
12. my new vacuum
13. going through and organizing one of the big "piles" in the house, watching Mary play, stormy afternoons
14. boys getting to go to the movies (thanks, PawPaw)
15.
16. getting my 2nd wind just when I need it, knowing that people are praying for you
17. fun day for the boys (tubing with Nana and Papa Chuck!), a clean house
18.
19. a good night's rest, Mary's feeling better, boys having fun at the farm
20. cute pictures of Mary in her China silks, following the return of the Stewarts from Bulgaria on FB
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22.
23.
24. Mary's one month Gotcha anniversary!
25. Mary's first swimming experience (LOVED it!), glimpses that Mary is attaching to us, seeing Max with Mary at the pool, Jack enjoying a day with church friends and night with school friends
26. sleeping in MY bed, both boys reading without being told, Joe spending time with James at the hospital
27. Google, trips to the store with Joe, finding new foods Mary likes (baked potatoes..YUM!)
28.
29.
30.
31. the International Adoption Clinic, nurses at Children's Hospital who make drawing blood less awful than it could be, healthy children
AUGUST:
1. friends who rescue you when you've lost your keys (thanks, Jenne), time to watch actual television (DVRd episodes of HGTV Design Star to be exact), that Max loves his football coaches
2. a REALLY good burger, the fact that I'm NOT totally missing getting ready for a new school year
3. introducing Mary to ALL of the Duren clan,
4. Mary's first Sunday at church! (she did GREAT!),
5.
6.
7. Joe's catching up with Bill Black at lunch (and bringing home LOTS of girlie clothes and some Baby Face Bands!!),
8.
9. that Sam's lets me get cash back so I don't have to go to the bank,
10. safety on Jack's rafting trip,
11. great youth group for BOTH boys to KNOW, GROW, GO;
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14. Max's fun time at his farewell 5th grade pool party, insect wipes, Taco Casa rice
15. Jack's enthusiasm about all youth group activities, season kickoff of Duck Dynasty (we like)
16. kindness of RQMS faculty and staff, Max's excitement about school,
17. final tubing session of the summer for the boys,
18. Jack's happiness about orchestra starting again,
19. great first day of school for both boys, the blessing of having the year off, a great place to walk at the University Mall
20. Max's efforts at football, a good book, insect repellant
21. great report from developmental specialist at IAC, watching Mary sign, good lab results
22. Jack's diligence in his school work (this is kinda new!), hand-me downs from friends, the new Comcast remote (the down button works!)
23. insurance paid for the parasite meds!, a night at home with the whole family, Mary going down for nap AND bedtime quickly and easily
24. Max picked out his cello today!, Mary sorta kinda watching Cinderella for the first time, Joe found Max's phone!! (it's been missing for a bit)
25. that Jack looks forward to the mini concerts at church on Sunday night, seeing Mary sit with her Sunday School class at the table for the Bible story; the life of James Hartley
26.
27. great report at Mary's cardiologist appt! HEALTHY HEART!; thankful for closeness of UAB/Children's Hospital and its resources; thankful for skill of surgeons in Shanghai, China who fixed Mary's heart!
28.
29. time spent in Goodsprings; good ole country cooking; town tea (thanks, Mudger!) Joe and Jack had a great time at the Casting Crowns concert
30. sweet Ms. Howell who measured Jack for his orchestra TUX today!,
31. Max got his new cello!, it's Gameday and we have nothing to do!, it's a three day weekend and all my people are home! (that's code for JOE CAN HELP ME WITH THIS WACKY TWO YEAR OLD)
SEPTEMBER:
1. enjoyed visiting with church family at picnic, Jack and Max BOTH enjoying youth activities (swimming tonight after church picnic), air conditioning
2. a day off for EVERYONE (LOVE having my whole family home! Happy Labor Day!),
3.
4. watching Max play with Mary outside of Moody while waiting on Jack,
5. Mary FINALLY finished that awful antibiotic, surprised the boys with Duck Dynasty 3 DVD, got to meet Max's teachers at Open House
6. got TONS of great stuff at Little Lambs consignment sale!, Jack's good report from school Strings seating audition, a quick school week for the boys
7. always enjoy going to book club, watching Harry Potter with all three boys after Mary went to bed (Max even passed out the wands....), MORE deals at the Little Lambs half price sale!, Joe hooked up our new GRILL!
8.
9. the ability to put alerts on my phone to remind me of things
10. when Joe gets back home from out of town
11. getting great pictures of my kids, watching Mary eat a really long noodle, wet wipes
12. Max's first football game!, starting a new book that Jack has read and talking with him about it
13.
14. a great word from the Beth Moore simulcast
15. a pretty bouquet of roses, home cooked meals from the Mudger
16.
17. Mary did GREAT with her tubes - no tears AT ALL!, spending oodles of Scholastic bonus points (thanks, Paige!), kind nurses and doctors who provide awesome care
18. talking books with Jack (Divergent is GOOD)
19.
20. Joe Powell (happy birthday!), a great report from Mary's eye doctor appointment, Jack has a 105 in Geometry on his progress report (those who have followed his math drama know this is GREAT)
21. fun Chinese traditions to celebrate with Mary, discovering an AWESOME Asian market, a Powell pajama day!
22.
23.
24. watching Mary go down a slide
25.
26.
27. a nice quiet birthday, my new picnic table and screen door!, Edgars birthday cake
28. a great smelling pumpkin candle, setting up my stockpile closet!!
29. Mary's sweet baby dedication, the sewing talents of Melissa Jacobs (she made Mary's dedication dress!), Mr. Chen's (again!), getting that HUGE box of books from Scholastic!
30. a great haul at CVS, a lazy rainy morning, when Mary takes a REALLY long nap
OCTOBER:
1. great pictures outside the church with Mary in her dedication dress, a whole month of planned-out menus
2.
3. new Disney reservations for March, a great new recipe that EVERYONE likes (grilled chicken wraps with spicy cheese), candy corn
4. a night AT HOME!, seeing the look on Jack and Max's faces when they're having a good time
5. meeting lots of new Chinese friends!, a beautiful sunset
6. enjoying Jack's orchestra concert at church, several GREAT deals at CVS (I paid NOTHING for a LOT of stuff!!!), a rainy afternoon
7. a full spray bottle of ammonia and water
8.
9. a clean house
10. great pictures of Max playing football, having baby dolls in my car
11. going to bed at 8:30
12. Jack's smile when he finished his All State auditions, another GREAT consignment sale, a lazy Saturday at home
13.
14.
15. Mary's first piggy tails!!!
16. reading to Max's class ( I've missed reading aloud to a group of kids), a quiet lunch with Joe while Mary naps, having Joe work from home
17.
18. Mary's first trip to the farm!, getting out of town for a bit
19. a great day at the farm, a new organized coupon binder (thanks, Mudger!), having everyone together
20. Jack's praise band leading in worship, Max in his vest, a great picture of all the Ryan grandkids
21. Jack's hard work paying off (brought up a not so great midterm grade to an A!), watching Mary lick the Guthries sauce off her french fries, cooler air
22. Mary Powell (she turns 2 today!), Mary's birthmother (so thankful she chose LIFE when so many do not), all THREE of my children!
23. overwhelming generosity of Joe's coworkers at the shower they gave us
24. Jack's great performance at Spooktacular
25. a beautiful cake for Mary's first birthday at home, all A's for both boys
26. watching Jack play the violin in Good Springs, watching Max have a conversation with Damon
27.
28.
29.
30. a great Fall Festival at church, Mary's first pony ride (which she did NOT like!)
31.
NOVEMBER:
1. Kleenex with lotion
2. the talent of Jack Powell (played beautifully at his first wedding today!), beautiful fall weather, gathering SMORE ingredients! (with a coupon that made the Lindt chocolate bars 23 cents!)
3. fellowship with sweet friends, a recipe from Pinterest that I actually did right
4. watching Sesame Street with my girl
5.
6. seeing the change in the leaves, the sound of rain on the roof, having a fire in the fireplace and my screen door open (Joe says that makes no sense, but I love it.)
7. going to Christmas Village (Mary's first time!), watching Max pray with his peeps after his football game, getting a start on my Christmas shopping
8.
9. Mary's first time at Dollywood! (LOVED the tram); watching the boys enjoy roller coasters; time with family
10. quiet mornings at the cabin, open doors and fresh air, Mary taking a long nap
11.
12. a night at home!!, clean sheets
13. diapers (Mary has rotavirus!), not having to worry about sub plans when someone at home is sick
14.
15. Christmas shopping online
16. watching all three of my children hang ornaments on the Christmas tree (Mary figured it out very quickly and loved it)
17. Jack's awesome ASTA concert, Jack's news of All-State, hugs from Max
18. Diet Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash (Christmas in a cup!)
19. surprise check from the city schools (no, they aren't giving away money, but I'd miscalculated my National Boards money and it came in the mail! Yay for it being more than I'd thought it'd be!)
20. stuffing Samaritan's purse shoeboxes with the boys and watching them say a prayer over their box (yes, this was done in the car on the way to church, but HEY, we did it)
21. Catching Fire with my boys!, listening to the boys list all the books they want to read, Max letting me hold his hand during the scary parts of the movie
22. delicious boston butt from a family fundraising for their adoption, Mary giving us kisses on BOTH CHEEKS (we think she's part French), rereading a book about Jackie Kennedy
23. Christmas decorations
24. a GREAT CVS haul
25. no carpool!,
26.
27.
28. having Mary home for her first Thanksgiving, family, getting an early deal at WalMart
29.
30. watching Downton Abbey with Max
DECEMBER:
1. ant spray, watching Mary dance, naps
2.
3. poinsettias, ability to track packages on FedEx, duct tape, and ANT SPRAY again.
4. kindness of the folks at the AIDB
5.
6.
7. finishing a LONG walk, gloves, hearing Denny Chimes go off while walking on the Quad
8. watching Jack play violin, when Mary keeps her bow in all day, umbrellas
9. a new calendar!! (an it's SO pretty!!), the fireplace, my crockpot
10. finding an unexpected perfect gift through Facebook, a clean kitchen, watching Mary watch Cinderella and laugh at all the funny parts
11. SUN!, a wrapping marathon, getting MUCH marked off the list
12. a family that laughs together, wet wipes, the Hobby Lobby app that gives me a 40% off coupon EVERY DAY
13. listening to Max tell me about all the REAL history that surrounded the time of Downton Abbey, being ALMOST done with Jack's epic project
14. a really good sandwich on really good bread with really good cheese, family traditions, joining in a project with our church family
15. great pictures of my kids, a strings concert sing-a-long with my boys, when the guy at Barnes and Noble suggests that you do two separate transactions so you can use the 25% off coupon that lasts all day on BOTH of the items you bought, not just one.
16. reading a picture book in the big bed with all my peeps
17. Jack in a tux, Max in a Santa hat, Mary in her sparkly red shoes, the Strings in Schools program
18.
19.
20. a night at home!!
21. watching Mary take in her first Christmas, helpful friends, easy recipes
22. family time
23. being cuddled up on the couch with my boys
24. traditions with my family, being DONE with the wrapping, watching my kids be happy
25. family, Jesus, Shady Lane Farm
26.
27. late-night texts from my boys when they are out of town, watching Cinderella with Mary
28. a date with my Joe, getting my house back to normal (love when the decorations go UP and love when the decorations come DOWN), Teavana coupons
29.
30. Joe Powell (Happy #18 Anniversary!)
31. great memories to look back on, sweet preparations for our church's Orphan Sunday, quiet time right at midnight as the year ends
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