** a beautiful weekend spent visiting wonderful friends, both old and new.
** in thanksgiving for my Courtney finally gaining some weight. Three pounds down and twelve more to go.
** my sons patience with his sister and her great desire to make us all deaf with her "happy singing". J-man just laughed and sang back. It was quite the racket.
** the Eucharist...it sustains me...always
** being able to serve my fellow parishioners in some small way. We are so blessed by our church home St. Mary of Sorrows.
** my mothers safe return from her trip abroad to Russia.
** my mothers love for her eight children and her commitment to pray for each of us everyday. She amazes me.
** snuggling on the sofa with my daughter and she hums quietly.
** time spent in quiet, thanking God for my many blessings
** a gentle breeze blowing in the middle of my run
** homemade strawberry rhubarb pie and ice cream
** holding my husbands hand while we sit together watching the sunset
** a peaceful nights rest without any seizures for my daughter
** a smile from Miss Courtney to greet the day
** an open door to my home and company for dinner
** a visit with a dear friend while sipping cold iced tea on a hot summer afternoon
** celebrating someone else's hard earned achievements
** lifting up and encouraging my reader with word and prayer
** homemade jam bars in the oven
** barbecue chicken and ribs, so juicy they require extra napkins
** music playing in the background as I clean, scrub and sing along.
** letters in the mail filled with smiley faces, crayon colored pages and beautiful greetings.
** beautiful stationary to write a return letter
** a challenging homily from the Deacon that makes me stop and ponder in prayer "what kind of soil am I? rocky or fruitful?"
** a cool shower after a hard workout
** cotton spandex that breathes
** wearing a pretty summer dress that makes my guy smile at me across the room
** blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, peaches...summer bounty so sweet.
** a table set to greet company to share a meal
** the beautiful power of NFP and the continuing witness of St. John Paul II through his Theology of the Body
** quilting needle in hand, pulling thread in and out. So soothing
** nights spent watching yet another John Wayne movie with my beloved.
** singing in the rain - live and in person - not the movie :)
** a home that is well worn and welcoming. No room for perfectionism.
** new pillow covers made with the hands of a talented sewist.
** tracing my daughter sweet fingers as they curl around mine.
** a family that works together to provide for each others needs.
** for my husband and sons employment. May God continue to protect it.
** a loving God who allows me to come broken, discouraged and hurting and begs me to lay it all down so HE can carry it for me.
