Praises...

Warm fall days. It seems to be lately that I couldn't ask for more perfect weather. I wonder if we could stretch this until somewhere in the neighborhood of December 23rd?

Watching Dax and Lily play together without Finn. they just really played. Swinging in big kid ways with daredevil stunts and twists. No arguments, no hitting, or screaming. What a nice vision!

Dax loving Finn so much that he hates being separated from him. Not sure why he can't be a bit more kind sometimes but he doesn't like to be away from his little guy!

Watching how Finn fits into the gang. Watching how he never wants to be left behind. The reaction he had to "rejoining" the group after running errands with dad. He did a little dance, smiled from ear to ear and ran right down to the swing set.

Watching Finn dance...he's got some rhythm, that guy! I'm not sure it's the kind of rhythm that will carry him to successful high school dances but it sure is cuter than just about anything now!!

Kids who care more about mom's booboo's than mom! Watching Lily and Dax "patch up" my leg when I cut it. (minor scrape). They worked together to clean it and put three different band aids on till they were satisfied it would hold. I love watching them give care, it gives me hope!

Knowing God hears me and loves me even when I'm grumbly!

Standing outside the glass door looking in, watching my whole family move around inside. There is real perspective there. You're always in the middle of it. Outside looking in just somehow makes you smile. That warm feeling that came over me knowing those are my peeps, all four of them and the dog...my peeps. thanks God, you're a pretty great guy!

My husband who is spending a lot of added alone with kid time this week!

Finishing my first purposeless novel in at least a year. I forgot how good it feels to every now and then escape from reality into the pages of a book.

Reading lots and lots of very purposeful things lately. I'm learning so much I'm starting to feel like Lily!

A room full of teenagers signing praise songs. There was just something pretty amazing filling that place tonight. (admit it girls, even you sang, i watched!)

Getting back into the swing of youth. I always forget how much I enjoy it till I'm there.

Our new church. This is the first week we're in the building for things. It's good to see so many people. Even though it's far from perfect, God can live there. It will be good, even if we occasionally have to sit on a lap or two! =)

Coming home to 3 sleeping kids...this people, some sort of miracle! (thanks, Mike!)