One thousand gifts...

I recently joined a cross-country book club with some bloggy friends (thanks, Amy!) in reading a book by Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts. It is a book about living a full and joyfully contented life right where you are, wherever God has you. I was hesitant to read this book at first. I have read her blog for quiet a while and though I love her writing, her style is such that it has to be read slowly and deliberately. Almost like a novel? However, I have been pleasantly surprised in reading this book. It is really an enjoyable read, and it is also encouraging me to look at the little things in my life and truly be thankful. It is amazing the joy and contentment that comes from thankfulness....from "being thankful in everything."

As I'm putting these principles into practice in my own life, here are a few things I've been thankful for lately.

The mess that is my kitchen. The signs of life. That they are here and they play. The wagon, the blocks, the smiles they bring.

A work in progress. The things still to be done. The music that such labor will bring.

His patient hands.  All that he does for us. 

The mess that is this boy.  Chocolate from head to toe.  His energy and his mischief. 

Slurping spaghetti. Meals that make them happy.  Sloppy faces and smiles.

Gifts made by a heart friend.  Reminders to pray. Beauty in the cross.

Homemade ice-cream, shaken by little hands. Trying new things. Sweetness.

Her love for poetry. Writing in the quiet time of the morning. Seeing her love for the written word and catching a glimpse of her heart through it.

Birthday parties.  Pinatas.  Friends and growing older. Her pigtails and love for everything pink.  Candy that spills out.  Excited squeals.  6 years worth of blessings and then some.

Bright colors that fill our house and lives right now.  Crayon on everything and beautiful works of art. Things that are in row and neatly sharpened.

Birthday breakfasts. Our family traditions.  Breakfast served with candles. Sticky smiles.

Sneaky boys. His love for all things green. Little fingers, reaching hands.

Brothers.  Garbage trucks. Playtime in PJs. Sunny mornings. Working together. A rare moment of sharing. Knowing they love each other.  Seeing them learn from one another.  Marveling at the gift that they are to each other. 

Raisins. Snowsuits. Cozy hats. A break from the cold.  A peak outside on a snowy day.

Peacefulness. Quietness.  Solitude. A soft place to fall.

Crocheted hats. Pink flowers. Colorful braces. Wrinkled noses.

Icicles. The wonder of nature. How everything seems new with every snowfall.

Snow angels.  My angels in the snow.

Flying through the air.  Landing on our feet.  The freedom of childhood. Swingsets and snowboots.

Hearts, interwoven. Valentines Day. Thoughtful gifts and friends with which to share them.

Care in each letter.  Sounding out words.  Spelling from the heart.

Rosy cheeks.  Red noses.  Eating snow. Numb fingers.  Diving right in.

Paw prints outside the window. Anticipation.  Waking to see the snow as the sun comes up.

Helpers in the kitchen. Mommies in training. Pretty girls in pretty aprons.

Tip-toes beside me.  Straining to be grown. Knowing they will be soon.

Silly faces.  Homework. Being able to take the time to laugh. 

Sun-filled faces. Newness of life.  Joyful expectation.

These are a few of the things I'm thankful for today. I think I'm going to enjoy the journey of writing a few of them down.  Bringing them to the front of my mind.  Learning to enjoy the little things.