I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (402-450)

402. Big boys learning to drive the four-wheeler.

403. Snow wet enough to build forts!

404. Made-up silly songs.

405. Purging "junk".

406. The way an orange smells while you peel it.

407. Substitute teachers.

408. Doughnuts!

409. First thoughts of the day being God's promise.

410. The feel of spring coming.

411. Confirmation from God!

412. Bike rides in mid Feb.

413. Melting ice.

414. The pink hearts everywhere reassuring that He loves us.

415. Hot peaceful showers.

416. Valentines parties with friends.

417. Afternoon sledding.

418. Days off school to party and play.

419. Godly friends who lift you up and hold you accountable.

420. Cards and flowers from the Mr.

421. Sunshine streaming through the windows.

422. Popcorn/movie night.

423. Homemade bird feeders.

424. Fresh haircuts.

425. The "fingers" of snow made by the blowing wind.

426. Broomball/hockey with friends.

427. Squeals of delight as they travel down the luge track.

428. Fresh painted walls.

429. Anticipation of a date.

430. New red pens.

431. Bedtime tea.

432. The excited anticipation of a visit to my sisters.

433. Winning a game squeals.

434. Doing math in his head.

435. Convicting sermons.

436. Groceries gotten.

437. Red leather.

438. Cousins 7 and 9 years old getting baptized and publicly showing their faith!

439. Snowmobile rides.

440. Big brother reading books to little brothers.

441. Beautiful sisters inside and out.

442. Prayers felt in the middle of the night as my sister misses sleep to pray.

443. Godly friends.

444. Family members who love God and show evidence of this love through the way they live.

445. Sisters hospitality.

446. Sleeping in my own bed after being gone.

447. Wonderful neighbors willing to watch the dog.

448. The dogs "hot laps" in excitement when she sees you.

449. Friends willing to share some organizational ideas.

450. Frost covered trees.

Ready, Set, Go!

The numbers selected and blocks of wood and wheels purchased, they (with dads guidance) were ready for the fun to begin.  Our two oldest boys spent the month of January gearing up for the AWANA derby. They LOVE to spend time with dad in the "man-cave" doing guy stuff. Building derby cars was no exception.

After hours of sanding, painting, laughing and eating peanuts the cars were ready.

Noah made a good run last year and had high hopes for another good race. This was Jacob's first year - he and Noah were excited about every aspect of the event. The day of the race came and the boys decided to dress in colors to match their cars. I am not sure what was more fun, watching the cars race down the track (each car raced down 4 times - once on each lane) or watching the excitement of the kids.

In the end Noah won 1st place for the Sparks group and Jacob's car won 1st place for the Cubbies group. They were all smiles. They had the 3 top cars (Noah's, Jacob's, and the T&T winner) race each other for the fastest car of the day. The first time down all three cars tied.

Their number 1 fan wanted to get in on the action as well. Jonah really looks up to his big brothers and was just as excited as they were.

 Noah winner two years running ;)

Jacob all smiles as usual!

When all was over, the boys still talk about the best part. It was not the trophy or the actual race, but instead it was the time with dad, spray painting. My heart is full. What fun memories in the name of Him who created all things.

Climbing High!

When did they get so big? This year for Noah's birthday adventure he decided he wanted to take a trip to the cities and do some rock climbing. What a fun day! What a fun field trip! We ended up buying a punch card. Cannot wait to go back!

This was right after we told the boys we were going to have to head out for the day. As you can tell the youngest was none to happy about the idea of leaving!

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (301-401)

Sorry that this one got a little long. I have been keeping my journal up, but have not had the time to post for a little while.

301. Hungry boys that eat well and appreciate their meals.

302. Duck calls.

303. Family game time.

304. Grateful hearts for birthday outings.

305. Excited cry as they reach the pinnacle.

306. Special breakfast.

307. Days off during the week.

308. The smell of toast in the toaster.

309. Zumbo Kiss peppermint.

310. Glow-sticks.

311. Bandages.

312. That He never gives up on me!

313. Waking up to the smell of chicken stock cooking.

314. Hot tea with honey.

315. Excitement for Awana verses.

316. Gifts brought for brothers with Awana bucks.

317. Creative play.

318. 3 boys doing school work in harmony.

319. Home wax kits.

320. Visits from old friends.

321. Coloring in the lines!

322. Thinking outside the box.

323. Cozy spaces with those you love.

324. Peaceful heart.

325. Friends confidence.

326. Working together in the kitchen.

327. Singing as a family.

328. Clock memory games.

329. The proud smile of the couple next to me as they watch their daughter swim.

330. One minute it is snow/wind/clouds and the next minute sunshine!

331. Cannon ball dives.

332. Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes.

333. Frosty whiskers on the dog on our morning run.

334. The smell of baking bread filling my nose as I walk into the house.

335. Fresh breath.

336. Ice cold water.

337. Eagerness for reading the bible.

338. Heavy snowfall on Sunday afternoons.

339. Upbeat music making the boys dance unprompted.

340. Clean uncluttered cabinets.

341. Talks into the night with the Mr.

342. The countdown before the rocket takes off.

343. The sound of boots running in the snow.

344. The smoke as the rocket takes off.

345. The smell of sugar free suckers.

346. Sounds of walkie-talkie fun.

347. Coffee brewing.

348. Memory work put to practice.

349. My boys reading to me.

350. Lunch with dear friends.

351. New library cards.

352. The pink only found in a sunset.

353. Walking into the warm house.

354. His smile from across the table.

355. Boys in aprons.

356. Spelling tests.

357. The hum of a kazoo.

358. Family diet changes.

359. Fresh page on the calendar.

360. Excitement of soccer with a friend this spring.

361. Smiles from strangers as we buzz through the store.

362. Smell of rotisserie chicken.

363. Candlelit meal time.

364. Juice out of wine glasses.

365. Hungry family well fed.

366. "I will help..." cards.

367. Cheerful attitudes.

368. Weekends.

369. Bible verses put to song and sung!

370. A warm oven baking on a cold day.

371. Snow tracks to keep me from slipping on my morning run.

372. My youngest taking off his socks to dance and totally rock out!

373. Mail from our sponsor child.

374. Dancing with such excitement you need a water break.

375. Looking at the snow falling to feel like we are in a beautiful snow globe.

376. Early run before the plows are out. so peaceful.

377. Matthew 18:15-20 out to action in the other room.

378. Play-doe.

379. Coconut oil.

380. The house creaking from the cold as I am snuggled in with hot tea.

381. The smell of peppermint.

382. The sound of wheels across the floor as derby cars are completed.

383. The "grit" in face scrub.

384. Honey!

385. The smell of the grill in the middle of winter.

386. Salty peanuts.

387. Eager helpers.

388. Realizing there are only 12 weeks left of the school year.

389. Anticipation of snow.

390. Watching big boy play 1/2 time basketball.

391. Awana derby cars.

392. The boys cheering their cars on as they race down the track.

393. Time with dad in the shop.

394. Singing praises into the night.

395. The sound of the washer cleaning our clothes.

396. The surprise of a made bed.

397. Completion of another Awana book.

398. Boy eager to read the bible to himself.

399. Splash made by big kicks on swim lessons.

400. The beauty of snow storms.

401. Unexpected nights at home.