Little Loves...

One of my friends often writes a little list of thank-fuls on the first day of every week, and she entitles it "Multitude Monday."  I kind of love that.  New day.  New week.  Fresh start.  And because His mercies are new every morning....there's nothing quite like starting a new week off with a thankful heart...

And there's nothing like seeing those same things that you see over and over again, week after week after week, with fresh eyes and with new appreciation.  Because I do believe it to my core that "the joy of small is what makes life large," and since all of life is just a whole bunch of little things, really - added up over time - if we can love and appreciate all of the little things.....well, that will make for one rockin' life, indeed.

And so, I continue on with my Joy Journey...
My never ending list of "thankfuls" that I hope to never, ever take for granted...

4272.  Things like healthy, homemade bread and
4273.  Freshly juiced fruits and veggies...

4274.  This little bit of pink who I babysit on Thursdays..
4275.  And for the soft little spot that each of my boys have for her.
4276.  For a bit of practice with the "other" gender.
4277.  And for her sweet parents who entrust her to my care.

4278.  For my middle boy's crazy creativity...
4279.  And for his grand plans for family time after supper.

4280.  For breakfasts...and sometimes for lunches of toast and homemade jam.
4281.  And for knowing that there will come a time when Mama's bread will no longer be requested.
4282.  But also for knowing that before that ever happens...there will be four pieces of toast requested when a sweet little sister joins our crew.

4283.  For crazy, Daddy love...
4284.  And for little boys so safe and secure...

4285.  For our local transfer station which we've aptly named our very own "free Wal-mart."
4286.  And for the super sweet stash that we just acquired during our last visit there...

4287.  For homemade smoothies...
4288.  And for little boys willing to try new things.
4289.  For a healthy baby growing...
4290.  And for my healthy body maintaining...

4291.  For long walks in the woods.
4292.  And for "daring explorations."
4293.  Snow that makes all things new...
4294.  And for reminders that His mercies are new every day.

4295.  For "new to us" wardrobes...
4296.  For hoodies that become the new fave...

4297.  For evidence of outside fun that was had...
4298.  And for cozy fires that keep us warm.

4299.  For evidence of his love for me before he heads to work...

4300.  And for Family Days where we leave it all behind.

4301.  For gifts from my girls...(and more bread consumed).....

4302.  And for outside fires and smores.

4303.  For constant companionship in the kitchen...
4304.  And for instilling the love of baking.
4305.  For coffee and Cribbage....
4306.  For slow mornings.
4307.  For stopping and seeing.
4308.  For looking and for noticing...
4309.  For messes and for the mundane.
4310.  And for the gifts.  The neverending gifts....if we would only stop to see.....

"The art of deep seeing makes gratitude possible.  And it is the art of gratitude that makes joy possible...And the feeling of joy begins in the state of thanksgiving" ~ Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts