Things I'm Happy About

One of my sweet aunts gave me a copy of 14000 Things to be Happy About for my birthday one year when I was younger. I used to keep it on my bookshelf directly next to my bed and just browse through when I need some encouragement (I was a very dramatic teenager).If you have never flipped through the pages of this book I highly suggest it. This list is obviously not complied by someone living in my section of the world or of my age classification.. some of the items listed are completely foreign to me and most are absurd.

I have always had it on my bucket list to create a unique list for me. Perhaps my list will not make it to 14000 bulleted items (I tend to run quickly from monotony and listing each smell or certain flower that makes me smile would be ridiculous) but I would love to have a list to flip back through or pass down to Adi one day so she can see a little insight into this momma’s soul.

So I begin:

-         How soft my leather purse straps feel after sitting in a hot car for a few hours

-         Chic-Fil-A drive through speed & customer service

-         The way Adi growls when she gives bear hugs

-         Sweet tea – my husband’s sweet tea to be exact

-         Thick, velvety foam from a Coca-Cola being poured over ice

-         Grass that feels like carpet

-         Every time Adi sees a flower (or weed) she tells me, “I go pick fwower.”

-         Stark contrasts in clothing (esp. white pants with black shirt and shoes)

-         Shoes (in particular: cowboy boots, heels, and anything red)

-         Pictures with the background out of focus

-         The tool race at Braves games

-         Smells that conjure up sweet memories

-         How yellow highlighter marks will not show up on copies

-         The heat of a pool after a summer thunderstorm

-         Bath and Body Works Coconut Mango scent - tropical vacation in lotion form

And just for my memories- here are some fun moments from the past week or so.

I surprised Jon with Braves tickets last week for fathers day. As an added bonus I had 2 extra tickets so I got to invite my sweet bestie and her hubby. I miss this girl!

Hubby was ecstatic about his surprise. We had a great evening.

Adi renewed her obsession with water (she had been in a month long phase of hating it or being scared - I'm glad it had passed). Our church has a fountain on during the summer months after church. She has always loved to splash around in it for a bit and it makes her take a wonderfully long nap on Sundays so it makes momma happy too. :)

Why I've been avoiding you...

I've been ducking and dodging my blog for about a month now. Oops... I come to you now with my tail tucked between my legs because, oh the horror, I have somehow forgotten to spend a few minutes introducing our camera to our computer... still. Oh darn... Please forgive me wonderful blog, I'm begging. Maybe next time?! ;)
Hubby started his new job last Monday. Not the position he had hoped for but it's a foot in the door to better things - YAY! Yesterday he called me and excitedly hollered (that means yell for anyone not from GA), "I'm driving a dump truck!" I must admit, his excitement made me giggle on and off for the remainder of the day. I love to see his energy, enthusiasm and confidence back up. (Not that his confidence has ever been low but I've seen it genuinely rise.)
With the new job came putting my sweet munchkin back in school. She loved it and was so excited to go the first two days. By Wednesday of last week, however; the newness had worn off and she cried after me. It has progressed now to the point of crying and telling me to hold her when I merely turn on the road for the school. I have been assured by all of the staff that as soon as I walk out the door she quickly segues play time and eating breakfast. But does that do anything to mend this momma's heart? Definitely not. I long to hold her and rock her and comfort her myself. I know she is such a sponge now and I wish I were the one to be filling that sponge with knowledge and God's promises and love.
I know that is not my reality right now and I should not dwell on it. I know that God has wonderful plans for my family and for Munchkin.. I'm just struggling with handing this over to Him and asking for His Will on this subject instead of begging Him making provisions for me to be able to have the longing of my heart.
On a happier note.. I get to meet up with girls from high school this weekend. We all live relatively close to each other but all of our lives have taken such different routes it has been difficult to get together for the last few years. Needless to say, I miss them and can't wait to see them and their families.
Niki

Pictures

And I promise that I will figure out very soon how to upload pics to my laptop so y'all can enjoy some of the pictures from both her party (including the awesome ark) and Easter. :)