Thankful Thursday

1.  Lance's safe return from Florida
2.  snow
3.  Jolly Holiday Lights - Mara loves driving around looking at Christmas lights, so we decided to take the kids.  Mara enjoyed the first 10 minutes once we got to the lights, but she didn't appreciate the 30 minute wait to get to them or the other 1 1/2 hours of driving 2 miles an hour to get to the end.  Very thankful it was so busy raising money for the Make a Wish Foundation.  Also very thankful we were able to enjoy it with our two healthy kids.
4.  Pastor T's sermon - Jesus doesn't mind getting involved in my messy life.  In fact, He loves it. 
5.  dinner with my parents, grandparents and aunt
6.  my mother-in-law's homemade salsa

Yes, Lance and I almost devoured an entire jar and a bag of chips in one sitting.  If Mara would have been awake, both would have been gone!
7.  my parents' anniversary - I feel very blessed to have parents who are happily married.  They are great role models for us and others in their lives.
8.  seeing the look on Micah's face as he watched the garbage truck do it's dumping action out our window
9.  snuggling my kids on the couch on a cold morning instead of showering and heading out the door
10.  Micah's imitation of sounds we make
11.  a nap
12.  Kleenex with lotion
13.  Bar Keepers Friend - Why have I not used this before??
14.  baby sign language -  I forgot how exciting it is to see them use a sign for the first time!
15.  the W Family is moving to Adel this weekend!!
16.  our drive through doctor - thanks S!
17.  getting Christmas cards in the mail - Mara and I fight over who gets to open them!  She won this time.

18.  Mary - What a willing servant.  She survived childbirth in a stable.  No epidural.  No lactation consultant if her baby didn't latch right away.  No bassinet, just a manger with straw and cloths.  She rocked her Savior to sleep.  That blows my mind.  She trusted God and obeyed his call.  I need to be more like her. 
   
And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.  Luke 2:7