I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (700-731)

700. Family Camp!

701. Books, blankets and snuggles.

702.Butterflies emerging from their cocoons.

703. The bright green on a grasshopper.

704. The smell of tomato soup cooking.

705. Fresh green beans.

706. Apples right off the tree.

707. Cool breeze unexpected on a long run to give me energy.

708. Crow of a rooster in the early morning/

709. Thumbs up from a stranger while running.

710. The smell of hay in the barn.

711. Sunrise over the lake.

712. Deer (buck) drinking from the still pond.

713. Fog on the lake.

714. Geese flying overhead.

715.Encouraging words from those I love.

716. Geography songs.

717. Warm laughter from like minded moms during a meeting.

718. Hundreds of birds flying together in harmony.

719. Purple mums.

720. Tassels at the top of corn.

721. The smell of apples cooking into sauce.

722. Leaves crunching under foot.

723. The smell of the Teavana canister when opened. YUM!

724. Fresh maple syrup.

725. The smell of coconut oil.

726. Hard working boys.

727. New mowers.

728. Soil prepped for fall/winter.

729. Fuzzy caterpillars.

730.The jump of a frog.

731. Basil and Rosemary drying in the shop.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (663-699)

663. Baptism of my dear 7 year old.

664. Hot sunny days.

665. BWCA

666. Canoe rides.

667. A wink from across the room.

668. Sand between my toes.

669. The quack of a duck.

670. Fireflies.

671. Thousands of twinkling stars.

672. Big fluffy clouds.

673. The sound of jars sealing.

674. The smell of fresh dill.

675. Sailboats.

676. Whispers from the other room.

677. Song birds morning greeting.

678. Rain so soft you can hardly feel it.

679. Red reflecting through the house from a colorful sunset.

680. Cool summer nights.

681. BLT's.

682. Juicy peaches.

683. New shrubs with flowers.

684. Fresh cut garden flowers for the table.

685. Bubbles escaping from fermenting sauerkraut.

686. Hint of pink on the top of the sedum.

687. New school year beginning.

688. Happy dances that are close to requiring a helmet.

689. Super hero capes and masks.

690. Zucchini bread in the oven, filling the house with a wonderful aroma.

691. Cords on the piano in the other room.

692. Girlfriends.

693. Giant slides.

694. Evenings at the beach.

695. School in action at the park.

696.  Hiking and silly faces with number 3.

697. Ripe tomatoes.

698. Orange blossom honey.

699. Sun rays filtering through the clouds.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (601-662)

601. Lunch with grandma and grandpa.

602. Kids joke books.

603. The way kids love to play with boxes.

604. Tomato plants ready to transplant.

605. Stop watches.

606. A good friends laughter.

607. Anniversary cards and encouragement.

608. 12 years of marriage to an amazing Godly man.

609. Hot soup on a cold day.

610.Flights that are on schedule.

611. Playdates at the park.

612. Christian friends.

613. Fishing floats.

 

 614. Fish on a hook.

615. Nets.

616. A day with an uncle we don't see nearly enough.

617. Bob of a line in the water.

618. Wood-ducks sitting on top the wood-duck house.

619.Documentary on Beavers and ducks! The love of nature!

620. The smell of lilacs.

621. Mazes made of tall shrubs.

622. Boardwalks through the bog.

623. The sound of water over the rocks.

624. The many colors of tulips.

625. My dad in uniform.

626. The National Anthem.

627. Bright pink flowering crabs.

628. Ropes courses.

629. Sleeping in.

630. Date nights.

631. Games at grandma and grandpas.

632. Tents in the back yard overlooking the pond.

633. Beaver tales.

634. Springs green grass.

635. Ambitious boys.

636. Gluten free salads.

637. Family bike rides.

638. Ripples on the water.

639. Morning song birds.

640. Bluebirds.

641. Riding bike to church.

642. 3 hard working happy helpers.

643. The smell of mulch.

644. Overalls.

645. Rain boots.

646. Crayfish.

647. Ponds.

648. The call of the loon.

649. Still lakes.

650. Praying together with friends.

651. Beaver wood.

652. Sunsets on the water.

653. Trail runs.

654. Family hikes.

655. Family breakfast parties.

656. Play dates at the swim pond.

657. Sandcastles.

658. Cannonballs.

659. Bacon.

660. Fire pits.

661. Wide open fields.

662.Velvet on a deer antler.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (518-600)

518. Breakfast together as a family.

519. Hot showers.

520. Thick smoothies almost like eating ice cream for breakfast.

521. Big beds. Large enough for extra visitor during the night.

522. Homemade birthday gifts that are made with love.

523. How deep the Fathers love for us!

524. Music that speaks to the deepest places of my heart.

525. An evening with other moms sharing ideas.

526. Puzzles!

527. Chess!

528. Ice free roads.

529. New desserts.

530. Balloons with helium.

531. Wide open spaces.

532. Squeals of joy as the boys hit their targets.

533. Rolling hills.

534. Melted snow.

535. Comforts of home.

536. Easter music.

537. White Easter lilies.

538. Family time in the car.

539. Excitement over seeing aunt, uncle and cousin.

540. Praying together and for each other.

541. New games.

542. The smell of lasagna baking.

543. Healthy snacks.

544. Tannerite targets and exploding pumpkins.

545. Warmth of sunshine through the windows.

546. Couches made into beds in the kitchen.

547. Colorful helium balloons.

548. The smell of spring.

549. Rich black soil.

550. Boys size aprons.

551. Warm floor tiles on bare feet in the early morning hours.

552. The feel of lotion on dry hands.

553. Jumbo size color dot domino's.

554. The rapid flow of the creek in the spring.

555. Sunlight reflecting on the water.

556. New seed packets waiting to be planted.

557. The dance of tall grasses as the wind blows between them.

558. Easter egg hunts that continue for weeks, because we love Easter all year round!

559. Eagerness to get chores done without complaints.

560. New cookbooks.

561. The smell of ham cooking.

562. Lessons that resinate in little mans hearts.

563. The birds early morning spring song.

564. Time with friends.

565. New recipe for granola!

566. Family movie night.

567. Spinning color wheel projects. Thank you Lord for all the amazing colors!

568. The smell of rain before it falls.

569. The smell of granola as it bakes.

570. Drinking tea and playing dominos with my boys on a rainy day.

571. Dancing around the kitchen island.

572. The beat of the drum.

573. "Restaurants" at home.

574. Empty spaces.

575. The color of wood ducks as the sun hits them.

576. The happy new day dance.

577. Organized shelves.

578. Orange blossom honey.

579. The smell of a new baby.

580. Uncontrolled smiles.

581. Great test scores.

582. AWANA awards.

583. The sound of frogs in the spring.

584. The smell of soil.

585. Wood duck eggs.

586. Clothes on the line.

587. The smell of cake baking.

588. Unexpected partner on my morning run.

589. Flowers on the front step from and "anonymous" friend.

590. Mail that touches my heart from a dear sister in Christ.

591. Dance parties with glow stick bracelets.

592. Tents.

593. The feel of my teeth after flossing.

594. Green shoots coming up in the perennial bed in the spring.

595. His voice over the phone that makes you feel his smile and love.

596. Fresh mopped floors.

597. New school books.

598. Good deals.

599. Tea parties with special friends.

600. Boys reading me bedtime books.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (483-517)

483. Ponds 1st open water of the spring.

484. New piano books.

485. Snow melting low enough to swing again!

486. Whole foods.

487. Fresh made Strawberry Lime Sorbet.

488. New neighbors happily honking horns as they turn into the neighborhood.

489. Wind-stopper hats.

490. All the amazing colors splashed across the sky.

491. Smell of all natural tea seeping.

492. Juicy pears.

493. Spring showers.

494. Smell of warm cookies fresh out of the oven.

495. Warm woolen socks.

496. Teen Challenge and its positive impact in so many lives.

497. One on one time with the kids.

498. Fresh snow.

499. Long fruitful conversations with friends.

500. Kids playing board games in harmony.

501. Play-doh cookies.

502. Frost on the window panes.

503. Popsicle stick, dental floss, q-tip bow and arrow projects.

504. Photos and hand-prints from Ethiopia.

505. Knock/knock jokes.

506. Soft gentle hands folded in prayer.

507. Swings blowing in the breeze.

508. "Aha" moments.

509. Excitement over granola!

510. Steam rolling out of the mug inviting me in for a hot drink.

511. Glow in the dark stickers.

512. Popcorn made in coconut oil.

513. Trips to the island on the 4-wheeler.

514. Winter scuba divers.

515. Spring chicks.

516. A donkeys brays.

517. Palm branches waving in the air.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (451-482)

451. Counting by 8's.

452. Being covered by thousands of hand stitches done in love. Miss you grandma!

453. Days stranded at home.

454. Mentoring from an experienced trusted Godly friend.

455. Ice cold water.

456. Fresh paints "new look".

457. Mr. willing to run errands.

458. Waffles with a great deal of butter.

459. Treadmills (there is a foot of new snow outside).

460. Eagerness to do History lessons.

461. A fresh look with rearranging old furniture.

462. The twinkle in his eyes as he watches momma play the leg guitar.

463. Boys clapping along with praise music unashamed to praise Him.

464. Dished done when I return home.

465. Weekend with girlfriends.

466. His hug.

467. Amazing speakers (Ann Voskamp and Liz Curtis Higgs).

468. A dear friends very pregnant belly.

469. Fresh flossed teeth.

470. the sound of rushing water from melted snow down the street to the storm drain.

471. Starting the day with a song of praise for the mouth of my youngest.

472. Cordless hot pots! So excited!

473. The smell of gingerbread baking.

474. Salty hard boiled eggs.

475. Spring sunshine streaming through the windows first thing in the morning.

476. Imagination writing of a 7 year old.

477. Morning run in the undisturbed snow.

478. Peace of a new day.

479. Quiet home in the early morning hours before dawn.

480. Open days on the calendar.

481. Hot soothing tea.

482. His hands of love that wipe a child's tears one minute, then fix the car the next.

Joy and Thankfulness!

Thanks to Ann Voskamp's book 1,000 gifts and her amazing blog I have started seeking joy/thanks in everything that I do, everywhere I am, and in everything I see. "If you want to be happy - give thanks." Ann Voskamp.  I am blogging my gifts occasionally as I have time to transfer from my journal to the blog.

I attended an amazing conference with some Christian friends to see Ann Voskamp speak. I was so excited, I also got to meet her. What a joy and blessing this wonderful woman is! She speaks like she writes, smooth, heartfelt, joy filled and loving. What a gift!

Pretty sure I was in the middle of saying something when the photo was taken (I know hard to believe).

The other main speaker at the conference was Liz Curtis Higgs. What an amazing woman! One moment I was laughing so hard my side hurt the next weeping. She has a unique gift for speaking truth and teaching straight out of the bible. Praise God for her, Ann, and the many other speakers that allowed God to speak through them to the over 1,000 women that were there.

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.

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.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (271-300)

271. Uncontrollable laughter.

272. Fun school.

273. Hot tea.

274. Praise music.

275. New recipes.

276. Hersey Nuggets.

277. Clean garages.

278. Sisters who encourage me to be better.

279. Husbands that take charge so I can rest.

280. Good friends.

281. Ice skates.

282. New days with new blessings.

283. Quiet house.

284. Bright shirts and new belts.

285. Kids excited to worship.

286. Being at home in the warmth without having to go anywhere!

287. Birthday cake and ice cream.

288. Carmel rolls.

289. Homemade thank you cards.

290. Homemade dill pickles (and the garlic at the bottom of the jar = yum)!

291. Wild grape jelly that oozes in all the cracks of my toast.

292. Our dogs excitement over the mail carrier.

293. The smell of clothes drying.

294. Thick lotion on dry hands.

295. I love you hugs after rest time.

296. Boys that love to put what they have learned in school into a drawing (Vikings Ship).

297. Head lamps.

298. Hot apple cider.

299. Unsolicited "I love you" from brother to brother.

300. Sketch books and pencils.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (211-270)

211.Our kids being more excited to give gifts than to receive them = Blessing!

212. Quesadilla maker!

213. Boys eager to make supper.

214. New recipes

215. Boys that love smoothies with spinach in them.

216. Warm house to protect us from the cold winter wind.

217. Books of the Old Testament put to music and sung by my boys.

218. Airplanes bringing my husband home from a mission trip.

219. All 3 boys napping at the same time!

220. Reminders of accountability from a dear friend.

221. The twinkle in his eyes as he enters the house!

222. Great BIG hugs!

223. Happy hearts.

224.Talking all night about adventures.

225. Snuggling after my run (and shower or course).

226. His breathing slow and steady as he sleeps.

227. His smell.

228. Strong confident loving hands.

229. Monkey cheeks.

230. Brother love.

231. Outgoing personalities.

232. Smell of bacon cooking.

233. Soup in the crock-pot.

234. Small/mini shopping carts and happy helpers.

235. Notes in the mail.

236. Birthdays!

237. Smell of potatoes baking.

238.  Birthday cake.

239. Boys in ties.

240. Frosty mornings.

241. Flannel sheets.

242. Photos of Dirbe!

243. Good manners.

244. Donuts!

245. The smell of bread baking.

246. Loose teeth.

247. Crisp clean sheets.

248. Warm towels out of the dryer.

249. Sleeping in!

250. Vicks.

251. Boys eager to start school work.

252. Snow covered fields

253. Animal tracks in the snow.

254. The thought of spring planting.

255. The way my teeth feel after flossing.

256. The smell of coffee brewing.

257. 1 on 1 time with each of my boys.

258. Harsh truths = loving realities.

259. Salt and vinegar chips.

260. Boys that play well together.

261. Books that speak straight to my heart.

262. Challenging puzzles.

263. Sunshine after the storm.

264. Icy/fast sledding hills!

265. Greatful hearts.

266. Smells that remind me of happy times with those that are no longer with us.

267. Boys in chef hats.

268. Sugar free breakfast of smoothie with my Vitamix and Danish.

269. Christmas songs as ring tones.

270. New goals for the year.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (170-210)

170. Zerberts from boys! 3 year old, 5 year old and 6 year old that is ;)

171. The smell of bread in the oven.

172. Very large cardboard boxes made into fortresses.

173. Getting tasks checked off the list.

174. Calls from Nicaragua.

175. Photos from Kenya.

176. Mission work

177. Warm cookies and cold milk.

178. Hand written thank you notes from the heart.

179. A dust/salt free truck after a much needed car wash.

180. Frozen eyelashes on my running partners smiling face after a run.

181. The excitement of the 1st day of swimming lessons.

182. Birthday coupons!

183. Drums made of empty pales.

184. Fleece jackets mid winter.

185. Running into old friends.

186. Warm sunny winter days.

187. Steamers

188. Warm cornbread

189. Proverbs

190. Sleeping all night!

191. Early risers to do school work after taking over 2 weeks off.

192. Birds song

193. String of popcorn hung outside on the trees.

194. Longer daylight hours.

195. Friends to sled with.

196. Crockpot meals.

197. The smell of the roast cooking as we walk into the house.

198. Naps

199. Gift cards!

200. Ice cream with chocolate and peanuts

201. Anti bacterial wash cloths (love Norwex)!

202. Songs of a 3 year old!

203. Morning kisses

204. Being able to stay home with our kids.

205. Oreo's

206. Fresh air

207. New PJ's

208. Long talks with a dear friend.

209. Boys that can get their own winter gear on!

210. Snowpants.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (126-169)

126. Exciting news from friends!

127. Ugly Christmas outfits.

128. Worship with our family.

129. Lightly falling snow.

130. Helpful boys.

131. Freshly shoveled driveways.

132. Large tables so everyone can sit together at meal time.

133. 5 year old boys on their birthday.

134. Morning parties.

135. Boys in cowboys boots!

136. Broom-ball with dad and cousins.

137. Fresh water on the ice.

138. Winter campfires and their smell.

139. Ponds ice that looks bright blue in the moonlight.

140. Moonlight.

141. Hot Tamales.

142. Afternoon naps.

143. Clean sheets.

144. Showing Jesus love on the front page of the local paper.

145. Everyone sleeping in the same room for the night.

146. The smell of clean floors.

147. Unexpected compliment from a stranger.

148. Feeling God's presents in church.

149. Chocolate and peanut butter = YUM!

150. Leftovers.

151. Family parties on New Years Eve.

152. Neck gators.

153. A great deal of butter.

154. New Years fresh starts.

155. New calendars all clean and white.

156. Facetime.

157. Sisters that I love!

158. Clean counters and workstations.

159. Seasonal coffee creamers.

160. Hot soup on a cold day.

161. Homemade soup.

162. Freshly sharpened pencils.

163. Boys eager to make me coffee.

164. Snuggles from my husband before he heads to the airport.

165. Gemma tails wags when she sees me.

166. Chicken Noodle soup.

167. Snowflakes made out of coffee filters painted and hanging on the window.

168. Safe return for mission trips to Africa.

169. Peaceful days at home.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (51-125)

51.Corn bread made gluten free!

52. "What's in the Bible" video series.

53. Canned goods to make meal prep a breeze with there is not much time to prepare, Stew!

54. The library.

55. Unexpected visits from my sister Jill.

56. Canned homemade tomato soup.

57. Central vac.

58. Really cold ice water.

59. Big sisters 40th birthday!

60. Foss.

61. Thoughtful cards from friends. They seem to know when I need it most!

62. The beat of the drum.

63. Old farmsteads.

64. Coming home!

65. Bouncing balls.

66. Grandma and Grandpa Diers hugs!

67. Corn syrup free candy!

68. Sunny winter days.

69. Christmas cards in the mail.

70. Early bed times for the boys!

71. Road trips with the boys.

72. New treasures found at old farms.

73. Family heirlooms.

74. Random days off school during the week.

75. Chapter books geared towards boys by christian authors.

76. The way butter melts into fresh banana bread.

77. Pretend play.


78. Early bedtime for mom!

79. Snow!

80. Luge tracks made by dad in the backyard!

81. Hours of sledding.

82. Snow forts.

83. Snow covered trees.

84. 2 hour lat starts from school ;) .

85. 3 year old "reading" books to himself.

86. Hot chocolate and marshmallow cream all the boys can drink.

87. The night off cooking.

88. Flannel sheets.

89. Grandma and Grandpa Diers eating with us.

90. Grandma and Grandpa Diers listening with much interest at the boys read books. They are always so encouraging!

91. Haircuts at home.

92. Happy 3 year old after getting some much needed sleep!

93. The stretching, grunts and wiggles of boys waking up early.

94. Early morning cinnamon roll cake smell filling the house.

95. The excitement of the dog.

96. Kids having an overnight with Grandma and Grandpa Diers while mom and dad have a date night.

97. Hot tubs.

98. Christmas lights reflecting on fresh snow.

99.Cookies out of the freezer.

100. Clean house!

101. Noah's comment, "School is fun."

102. Paper, glue and scissors.

103. Carmel corn.

104. Extra big hugs!

105. Unexpected free time!

106. Birthday boy Jacob more concerned about making something for the people attending to his party than what gifts he would like to get.

107. A forgiving husband.

108. The smell of wood burning in the fireplace.

109. Snowflakes that shine in the sun.

110. School in bed!

111. Praise music to start the day.

112. Dad being able to come on a field trip.

113. Free hot chocolate for 100 unsuspecting people.

114. Unexpected gifts at the front door left by a friend.

115. Frosty afternoon runs.

116. Family time by the tree.

117. Boys that love salad.

118. Field trips as a family.

119. Hot coffee on a cold morning.

120. Long underware.

121. The excitement of homemade gifts.

122. Unexpected visitors.

123. Carolers.

124. Christan DVD's.

125. Presents in the mail that make me feel special.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (16-50)

16. Tacky glue

17. Gemma snores as she is in a cozy ball on her bed this cold winter day.

18. Homemade powdered sugar.

19. My husbands sense of humor.

20. My sister Molly's visit.

21. The smell of pork roast cooking in the crock pot.

22. Jonah's eagerness to "bunk: in with his brothers on the floor to make room for his cousins.

23. Light weight, wind stopping, breathable running jacket.

24. Gluten free, corn free, egg free, and  dairy free puppy chow!

25. Fruit smoothies for breaky.

26. Fog that just touches the roof of the car as we drive under it.

27. A great uncle that was always positive about everything and everyone. He was such a good role model for humility.

28. An amazing relationship with my sisters and their families.

29. Cousins that love to play legos!

30. Breathtaking orange moon to fill the night sky.

31. Popcorn with lots of butter and salt!

32. Stickers!

33. Our young Jacobs belly laughs!

34. When we have a sick kiddo that he gets the vomit in the pale.

35. Rainy days to water the plants in before the cold winter sets in.

36. Couches in the kitchen.

37. Recordings of the Christmas program from church so we can listen and enjoy it again the next day at home.

38. Christmas music on the radio.

39. Husbands help with sick kids.

40. Fevers that are down.

41. Hearing my moms smile over the phone.

42. Being able to connect with Aussie friends through facebook. I miss them and am happy to see photos and keep up with what they are doing.

43. Being able to stay home with the kids full time.

44.Twinkling Christmas lights throughout the house.

45. Daily advent projects in an attempt to prepare our hearts for a Savior.

46. 3 eager boys to help with any task you give them.

47. Smiles so big they show dimples.

48. Construction equipment across the street for the boys to watch.

49. Our oldest singing the 10 commandments.

50. Text messaging.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (1-15)

I have had the book 1,000 gifts (by Ann VosKamp) rolling around in my head and heart for some time now. This morning as I ran, it really resonated with me. I have a choice every day, to be thankful and joy-filled or not to. I Choose Joy! It is not possible to have feelings of joy and gratitude at the same time feeling discontentment. One way to keep the feeling of joy is to journal all the things we are thankful for on a daily (even minute by minute) basis. I am going to attempt to work my way to 1,000 gifts.

1. Crisp early morning runs.

2. Ponds that look like a giant mirror, reflecting Gods beauty.

3. Christmas lights to guide my run.

4. Snuggling under the down comforter with my boys in the early morning hours.

5. Crumb-free floors.

6. Warm winter days when we can still ride our bike to the park.

7. The surprise of my husband coming home from work early!

8. Our middle sons natural scent as he snuggles in with me for a hug and kiss.

9. Piano music filling the house first thing in the morning.

10. Our youngest fulfilled "flute" music.

11. The dogs happy dance as she sees you coming.

12. Memory work on Character Qualities recited and put into action by our oldest.

13. The chance to build the Great Wall of China out of FloraCraft Styrofoam with our 1st grader. I love homeschooling!

14. The happy sounds of tent builders in the next room.

15.The generosity of those supporting mission work.

How has God blessed you today?