out my window

the view is simply breathtaking.

Prescott was finally hit with a winter storm. Mild, but totally real. Gorgeous, white fluff drapes over every yard, street and tree around our neighborhood. I dare say, we are officially snowed in. Our plans for the day seem to be canceled and we will be venturing with Jack into the white unknown. The sun is doing it's best to peak through the clouds, but I hope they don't let him. As soon as the sun hits the beauty, it will all melt. I think it's still cold enough it will stick around.

What a great belated Christmas present. My heart is overflowing.

What started out as THIS...

 Turned into this...

hello, winter. I've missed you!

oh, Christmas tree.

Growing up, the Christmas Tree tradition was one of our favorites. Every year my parents would gift us with a new ornament. Some of my top favs are (in no particular order.) 

1. Snow White from Disney Land 
2. A precious moments from my first Christmas 
3. My brother's ornaments, of course. Especially the one with all the little toys. 
4. The little mouse holding the tea bag and my sister's holding the tea cup. 
5. A simple globe with a Christmas scene on it.

Each year my brothers and I--and later when my sister was older-- would beg mom to get out the boxes and on a school night. After our homework was finished and the piano was practiced, we sorted out our ornaments-a very important part of the process. Each of us had our own little designated piles. We would then take turns putting them on the tree (we may or may not have argued over the best spots.) This was usually followed by dinner or dessert and a before bed sprawl on the carpet to just stare at the lights. Andy and I loved to "pretend Christmas morning." and could often be found wrapping old toys in newspaper and coming down the stairs just to feel the excitment of Christmas morning. 

I hope Jack and his siblings can have those kinds of memories.  Our tree this year is not my fav. We bought it our first year of marriage off of craiglist to fit our tiny condo. Now we have a beautiful big window that is just begging for a full tree with white lights. Maybe next year. Better yet, maybe next year I can talk John into a real tree.

thankful

In 5 days Andy and Mel come for a visit.

Am I excited? That's an understatement. I don't really say stoked (which, according to urban dictionary means, is "to be completely and intensely enthusiastic, exhilarated, or excited about something." but if I did I would I'd say I'm pretty much that about seeing my brother. 

Because he and his wife life in Nashville we don't see them often, but when do some serious fun occurs.



Seriously fun things such as...


...We stay up late watching hilarious youtubes we've found over the months apart.
...Typically watch the lord of the ring's trilogy.
...See a movie of some kind. This year it will be Harry Potter 7. Oh, boy.
...laugh.
...eat lots of queso.
...play video games (though this is mostly between my sister and brother)
...and enjoy the quirky dynamics that are sibling relationships.

I can not wait.

I'm also thankful for friendships. For gingerbread house making. For pals who are willing to come and eat dinner, watch Elf and have an adult slumber party (kids included.) Friends who make late night Starbucks runs with you. And so, so very thankful for a man who loves me just the way I am.

 

Speaking of Starbucks, I am thankful they are selling a buy-a-holiday-drink-friend-gets-one-for-free deal for the next couple of days!



Oh, and I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am for this wake-up face.

 

I'm so thankful Jesus is patient with me. That His love is so unconditional and lovely. That His grace covers all my sins. I pray for that kind of love for others, especially those that are so difficult for me to love. Especially those that drive me kind of up the wall sometimes. (am I the only one?) I love sermons like this. and I'm learning the difference between reaching out to someone because you love them and reaching out because you pity them. What are my motives and the intentions? Sometimes (ok, kind of often times) my predicaments are my own fault. I'm thankful Christ can show me how to love and speak truth in love, too.

 what are you thankful for?

check out other thankfuls here!