Giving thanks

The year is almost over. 

I am thankful for His provision, protection and daily blessings.....

1899) an evening out with my dear friend and later our boys joining us

1900) a morning spent with my precious, adorable two and a half year old nephew

1901) a gift preparing: preparing for a wonderful trip with my daughter...going to see my sis and my mum

1902) gift happy: happy evening spent with hubby, just the two of us enjoying our favorite pizza place

1903) so grateful for my daughters excellent marks for her year end art practicals

1904) gift in community: thanksgiving picnic with our neighborhood family, relaxing and fun

1905) gift in community: thankful that our neighborhood family always look out for one another

1906) safe travels for my daughter and me

1907) thankful for a wonderful holiday with my sister and my Mum

1908) thankful to have spent my birthday with my Mum

1909) thankful for safe travels home again

1910) thankful to have spent Christmas eve and Christmas day with precious family

1911) blessed by the year end church service

1912) thankful to spend time with dear friends over the holidays

1913) thankful for our hope in Him

1914) thankful for my youngest's safe return from a five day camping trip

Good Gifts

A busy time of year with many blessings...

1884) sweet friends delivering a delicious cake for us to enjoy

1885) gifts spring : red poppies, lemons on my tree and sweet strawberries

1886) grateful for my father in law helping out with lifts when needed for my eldest

1887) thankful for a delicious meal cooked by my eldest and hubby, a night off for me

1888) my dad popping by unexpectedly and bearing gifts

1889) thankful for brilliant results for my girl's art exam

1890) a morning off, enjoying a movie with my youngest boy

1891) fresh, crisp carrots harvested from the garden and enjoyed

1892) gift in Him: a sweet elderly lady praying with hubby and me in church this morning

1893) blessed to hear the Word and take part in breaking of bread

1894) a relaxed family braai enjoyed together

1895) dipping my feet into the neighbor's pool to cool down, so refreshing in this heat

1896) catching up with my little sis, always good

1897) abundant tomato harvest from a plant that sprung up out of nowhere

1898) an evening of fun enjoyed with my oldest two

 

Counting my blessings

I continue to count the blessings showered upon us.....

1854)Gifts overjoyed :  filled with joy at the thought of our first home school graduate, grateful for the years with him at home

1855) overjoyed at his getting employment just two days out of school

1856) gifts eaten: dinner cooked by our daughter, tasty and delicious

1857) hubby sharing his birthday chocolates with me

1858)gift worn: gently used hand me downs from a sweet friend

1859)gift good: wonderful and precious evening shared with my Godfather, laughter, great conversation and blessed with take out dinner 

1860) a kind friend sharing packs of potato spice with us

1861) hubby winning the wonderful prize of a picnic for two and entry to the botanical gardens

1862) pure delight on his face when my youngest won a body board

1563) seeing generosity shown by my sweet girl to her brothers 

1864) time and chatter with my eldest as we travel to his place of work

1865) conversations with my younger sister when I needed a "shoulder to cry on" 

1866) gift from the window: glimpses of the majestic mountains

1867)gift sipped: early morning cups of coffee delivered to my bedside table by hubby

1868)gifts harvested: tomatoes, carrots, leeks and peas freshly picked from the garden

1869)gifts found in Bible reading: blessed time of reading, chatting and praying with my youngest daily

1870) gift of remembrance: remembering prayers prayed and delighting in answer given

1871) precious times with my teens lounging on our bed, chatter and laughter

1872) time spent with girlfriends, so good for the soul

1873) coffee shared with my neighbor

1874) an invitation to look forward to

1875) a fun parcel arriving from China

1876) my girl's art exam that went well
1877) gifts of laughter: those special moments that just set us off...shared with my kids
1878) gift golden: my wedding rings reminding me of what hubby and I have
1879) gift silent: a day of silently resting and sleeping when I wanted to, just what I needed
1880) a gift made: dinner made with helping hands of my younger two
1881) a gift shared: hubby sharing orange chocolate truffles with us
1882) sweet scented sweet-peas from my garden, the fragrance filling my lounge
1883) beautiful praise CD gifted by a stranger

Good gifts

Every good and perfect gift is from above. 

They are there, you just have to find them....

1833)  Gifts enjoyed : another evening with my cute nephew, always a blessing to have him here

1834) an evening with my daughter, just the two of us enjoying a beautiful movie together

1835) Gift accomplished : sorting out years worth of books and managing to sell some for a neat little profit

1836) receiving a lovely goody bag with all sorts of treats

1837) winning a watch in a lucky draw

1838) my dad popping in with bags of dog food just when we had run out, a blessing

1839) my teens lounging on my bed and chatting and laughing with me

1840) hubby making us burgers tonight, a night off for me

1841) a wonderful afternoon tea celebrating a birthday with girlfriends, lots of laughter

1842) nature club outing enjoyed... soul food and good company at the end of a busy week

1843) thankful for unexpected orders this week

1844) thankful for wise decisions my daughter has made, blessed to see her growing into a beautiful young lady with a heart after God

1845) brisk beach walk with my younger two, great for calming the mind

1846) a gift strong : my husband, ever stable

1847) reminded of and resting in the knowledge that my childrens'  futures are in His hands

1848) gift in Christ: grace .... undeserved but given

1849) delicious celebratory birthday breakfast for my brother, lovely to have 3 generations of family together

1850) gift enjoyed: family fun time out in nature again, beautiful fynbos on the mountainside, a cool mountain waterfall, soul food!

1851) blessed time in church this evening

1852) answered prayers

1853) gift from a friend, black kale plants for my veg garden

Grateful thanks

Despite the mundane daily tasks and anything that may be going on, 

there is always something to be grateful for....

1816) harvesting from my little veg garden, a delight to pick things to add to our evening meals

1817) reading aloud to my younger two teens, thankful they still enjoy it

1818) great progress made in helping my eldest study for his upcoming English exam

1819) a forgotten chocolate discovered in the cupboard, shared and enjoyed

1820) a surprise visit from my sweet baby nephew and his dad

1821) thankful to find just the right color mosaic tiles I need for an order, yes I am getting orders!

1822) my dear gentle and sweet friend stopping by, lovely to catch up with her this evening

1823) my sweet girl making us all french toast for lunch

1824) neighborhood braai this evening, kids loud and full of energy, 

wonderful to see them so happy and care free

1825) friends enjoying an afternoon braai here, lovely to catch up with them

1826) my precious 2 year old nephew sleeping over...

....giggles and laughs, 

his cute husky little voice stringing sentences together,

 baby kisses and cuddles and stories,

 and a full night slept through!

1827) a good long afternoon nap just when it was needed

1828) hubby helping me make dinner when it was getting late and I was not in the mood for cooking

1829) a Sunday call from my mum

1830) sushi shared with my girl

1831) left overs for dinner, a blessing as we got in late

1832) a gift read...a reminder that He is always working, yes always

Always, yes always...

There is always something to be thankful for. 

No matter what the days bring, seek out the good and that for which you can be thankful for. 

Over the last week, a busy one, there has been much to be thankful for.

1797) two free gazania plants from the nursery

1798) a morning run and swim at the beach before school, thankful that we have the freedom to do so

1799) thankful that so many are keeping my boy in their prayers as he writes final exams

1800) thankful for a lift to and from exams today for him

1801) thankful that today's practical exam went well

1802) hubby's helping hands at dinner when I was not feeling too well

1803) catching up with a special friend when she needed a friend

1804) pizza for dinner, a treat

1805) gift of change...spring, a beautiful season of growth and change,

 loving my garden and the daily changes

1806) a gift small...snippets of time on the weekend to just be, and get lost in creating with mosaics

1807) a gift read...a message from my Mum, just perfect timing, must be mother's intuition!

1808) good to be in church this morning

1809) thankful for the gift of granadillas

1810) my sweet two year old nephew phoning me to say hello because I wasn't in when they popped by... so cute and heart warming

1811) winning another prize today 

1812) time out with my girl when she needed it....

a stroll in a local garden, pretty poppies for her and a visit to an art exhibition

1813) my girl cooking dinner tonight, a blessing to have a night off

1814) the sounds of laughter... my three and hubby enjoying being together

1815) beautiful scent of sweet-peas and lavender freshly picked from my garden this evening

Giving thanks

There is much to be thankful for each day...

1781) another beautiful spring day beach walk...

crunchy sand underfoot,

 light ocean breezes, 

sun on my back,

 gulls crying overhead, 

beautiful shells collected,

 crazy dog 

and 

two energetic teens

1782) thankful my boy is in the team for basketball tomorrow, happy to see him happy

1783) wonderful to hear from my big sister tonight

1784) gifts orange and red... 

.... beetroot plucked fresh from the earth and colorful poppies from a nearby farm

1785) messages sent and received, wonderful to be connected to family though they are far away

1786) hubby making a braai midweek, a night off cooking for me

1787) my beautiful friend treating my girl and I to brunch at the seaside today

1788) treasured memories, shared laughter and tears with my dear friend

1789) a wonderful pj party with about 40 teens here...loud, lots of laughter and great fun and games

1790) my brother and his family popping in

1791) beautiful bright red and orange flowers given to my daughter and shared with me

1792) summer seeds gifted by my dad

1793) grateful thanks for the lift out to exams from his Opa for my boy today

1794) a gift eaten...dinner by hubby as we were in late from Afrikaans lessons this evening

1795) long chat over the weekend with my far away and much missed Mum 

1796) beautiful compliment that meant so much today 

Sweetness of September

"In our daily lives we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful but the gratefulness that makes us happy " A. Clarke

1758) The sounds of the neighborhood kids playing outdoors.

1759) A free box of fabric softener to share with friends delivered to my door.

1760) Another box of freebies delivered, delicious chocolate Horlicks

1761)San Parks free entry week and a visit to Cape Point with friends, breathtaking views, fresh air and fun.

1762) A visit to Silvermine Dam with my younger two, free entry, sun warming our backs as I read aloud to them, scent of Fynbos filling the air and beautiful displays of spring flowers.

1763) A house full of lady friends, laughter and fun

1764) A pod of dolphins gracefully surfing the waves at Muizenberg, amazing and beautiful to watch

1765) Warm fires, keeping us cozy as the snow on the nearby mountains chills the air. Thankful to my brother for the endless supply of wood.

1766) My hubby, working hard around the home, fixing things up and making it look good

1767) Time spent at my Dad's place with my youngest, blessed to have a break from the mundane tasks at home and be spoiled by my Dad 

1768) Breath taking views from his peaceful home, good for the soul

1769) My Dad, patiently teaching my youngest and me to paint with oils

1770) A box of free washing capsules to share delivered to my door by Home Tester Club

1771) Heritage Day spent in true South African style, relaxing around the braai with neighbors and family

1772) A sweet friend passing on loads of beautiful new and barely used summer clothing 

1773) One of my longest standing friends coming to visit, wonderful to have her as a guest in our home, memories and loads of laughter shared

1774) My friend blessing me with beautiful new lounge cushions

1775) Family dinner for our daughter's birthday, good food,  laughs and fun

1776) Birthday celebrations for our sweet 16 year old daughter, house full of happy people

1777) Thankful for the beautiful friends my daughter has made over the last few months

1778) Thankful to be part of a caring, friendly church family

1779) Beautiful spring weather and a walk on the beach with my teen boy and our crazy dog
1780) House full of teens again tonight, loud and happy

 

Grateful thanks

I am grateful for what I have and welcome His good and perfect gifts each new day....

1734) a wonderful evening enjoyed together as a family experiencing African cuisine and culture

1735) gift long awaited: a wonderful weekend at a seaside village with family and friends

1736) happy kids, all 7 of them getting on so well, laughs and fun all weekend

1737) the earth laughing in a wonderfully colorful array of spring flowers scattered on the hillside, a feast for the eyes

1738) the quiet shy buck, hermit crabs scuttling across the sand and elegant pink flamingos all declaring the Creator's greatness

1739) kids wading through the lagoon's turquoise waters , collecting shells where the water laps gently on the shore, gulls screaming overhead and beauty as far as the eye can see....memories made

1740) discovering a treasure trove of mosaic supplies in this little seaside village

1741) generous loan of my sister in law's large car and safe journey there and back

1742) finding my son's lost wallet

1743) leftovers from the weekend away that fed us for two days

1744) a morning walk with my sweet girl, spring flowers, scampering squirrels, geese and guinea fowl

1745) a visit from my sweet baby nephew and his mom

1746) gift given: blessed with beautiful seconds and some new clothes passed on by a kind friend

1747) a beautiful song sent to me by another sweet and gentle friend

1748) free exercise class at the fit club, enjoyed with my girl and a friend

1749) my prize arriving: a box filled with different types of rice and a wonderful Indian recipe book

1750) news that I have won another prize, a resturant voucher

1751) early morning walk with hubby, our youngest and our crazy dog....crisp and cool, the air laden with the scent of fynbos, mountain views, all so good for the soul

1752) thankful to return the cell phone we found to its rightful owner

1753) friends popping in unannounced for a cuppa and good laughs

1754) wonderful service in church tonight

1755) morning walk with the younger two and friends because we can on a "school day", blessed and thankful

1756) winning another prize today...R500 Sea Harvest Hamper!

1757) thankful for free Afrikaans lessons at our local library, thankful to the retired teacher who gives up his time for us

Monday's Multitudes

The week seems to have flown by...

There is much to be thankful for....

1715) wonderful surprise in my inbox this morning, won a voucher for dinner at a restaurant

1716) hubby and our 18 year old preparing a delicious dinner tonight

1717) our 3 teens happily playing playing card games for hours

1718) the helping hands and willingness of my dear family to help out with tasks I can't do because of my broken finger

1719) school done in the comfort and coziness of my warm bed because it's freezing cold out there

1720) an evening together, just me and hubby

1721) conversations with a far away friend

1722) my girl restored to health after a week long bout of high temperatures and hacking coughs

1723) time with my sweet 13 year old boy who has a wacky sense of humor who makes me smile and laugh

1724) time out with a friend I have not seen in a while

1725) the 2 younger kids and I enthralled by the antics at the circus, lots of life giving laughter and fun

1726) blessing of books given away by a friend

1727) partaking in breaking of bread

1728) much needed rest

1729) a productive morning in the kitchen with the kids

1730) winning a prize again today, a recipe book and R500 worth of product :)

1731) our 3 kids and a friend playing games together, lovely to listen to the laughter

1732) a wonderful exercise class, first in a while, oh so good for the body, mind and soul

1733) wonderful to have caught up with family over the weekend, long distance calls that are so precious

Good and perfect gifts

Joy is multiplied as I give thanks for His good and perfect gifts...

1699) snail mail with a surprise from my mum

1700) a cosy wood fire tonight, blessed by the loads of wood from my brother

1701) wonderful evening connecting with dear friends

1702) thankful that hubby was there to catch me and care for me when I passed out after smashing my finger to smithereens in the car door

1703) thankful for technology, keeping me in touch with far away family

1704) hubby making dinner when I could not

1705) a gift ugly beautiful....my finger, bone smashed badly, but joint undamaged

1706) gift of family.... my dear mum who prays for us all daily

1707) gift of family.....my mom in law who selflessly lends her car to us when we need it

1708) gift of family....new church family that we are getting to know and feel part of

1709) wonderful gift of a ticket to the women's "Good Life" conference at church, wonderful weekend hearing His word and shared with beautiful ladies 

1710) celebrating our youngest's 13th birthday with family and friends

1711) my kind neighbour baking the scones for our guests when I couldn't

1712) gifts written and read...beautiful blessings and words of encouragement from far away family members on our son's special day

1713) gift in church...our daughter's baptism, thankful that she has chosen to serve Him all the days of her life

1714) a fresh realisation of God's endless and undeserved grace lavished on me

Yes, always...

1681) my dear friend tutoring my daughter, going above and beyond what was required

1682) gentle rains watering my newly planted seeds

1683) hubby helping with dinner again, such a treat to enjoy his cooking

1684) gift in His word...

 " Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning ; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion ; therefore I will wait for Him. " The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him.

1685) catch up over hot chocolate and cheese cake with an old school friend and her gorgeous kiddies

1686)  thankful for a bowl of warm food, a crackling fire, and our warm home this evening

1687) wonderful to watch my three...hours spent together playing a new card game, laughter and bonding

1688) hubby making dinner again and family time enjoying a comedy together

1689) a trip to the nursery with my friend when I was feeling blue, finding pretty pansy 6 packs on special to brighten my garden

1690) wonderfully sunny day, a walk in the forest with hubby and our crazy and energetic dog

1691) coffee and chatter with my brother and his little family

1692) long distance chats with my dear mum

1693) an evening enjoyed together, just me and hubby
1694) answered prayers and His goodness
1695) wonderful lunch at church
1696) hearing His word at tonight's service
1697) relaxed chatter with my dear friend as we worked on our craft projects
1698) a warm fire and a good home cooked meal on this cold evening

Little things to be thankful for...

1656) gift from far away....seeds arriving for my veg garden from my far away farm sister

1657) girl friends evening out...freebies, fun and laughter

1658) my sweet daughter working long and hard to make delicious cup cakes for her brother's birthday

1659) celebrating our son's 18th birthday....special memories made with family and friends

1660) Christmas in July dinner hosted by my mom in law on his 18th, wonderful family time together

1661) my youngest winning a 3DS

1662) a gift fresh...beautiful rains sent from above

1663) a day resting and with no agenda

1664) gift together...my youngest and I spending a productive morning enjoying school together

1665) a sweet friend treating me to lunch out at one of my favourite places

1666) a home school dad giving up his time to teach the youngsters basketball and not charging for the lessons

1667) my dear new friend visiting and the two of us spending time working on our mosaic projects

1668) my oldest son making a delicious 3 course dinner for the family to enjoy

1669) good sound advice and guidance from someone I trust

1670) finding party pack treats at very reasonable prices

1671) a gift eaten...hubby making dinner, giving me a night off

1672) a wonderful 13th birthday party for our youngest, stress and fuss free morning of fun at the Science Centre surrounded by his friends

1673) perfect sunny weather and an outdoor afternoon enjoyed at another birthday party, wonderful to connect with friends

1674) a late evening visit and from a sweet friend

1675) a gift heard...my voice heard and understood

1676) early morning chat with my farm sister

1677) Sunday morning breakfast with my Dad

1678) another birthday celebration, delicious food and wonderful company
1679) a gift outside...a neighbourhood stroll and chatter with my sweet girl, hearing the birds chirp, seeing and smelling the beautiful flowers that seem to think it is already spring
1680) a gift inside....the heady scent of jasmine that we picked on our stroll

Counting Blessings

1634) my sweet nephew here, baby kisses and giggles and fun 

1635) gift learned: a weekend away, paid for about 3 years ago but not taken... 

still available and booked for a weeks time

1636) a morning of mosaic and chatter with a dear new friend

1637) delicious dinner made by my almost 13 year old boy

1638) a nap when much needed

1639) treat of a free Mandela Day haircut with friends

1640) wonderful to "give back" with kids this afternoon, packing stationery for underprivileged little people

1641) blessed by my doctor giving me a free consultation today

1642) a lovely surprise gift from my dear sister

1643) my new and amazing friends, seeing them and catching up

1644) my brother, his insight and hospitality when I needed it most

1645) chai lattes and breakfast with my dear cousin and aunt

1646) a warm fire and family conversations 

1647) a day resting and relaxing after a crazy busy week

1648) dinner made by my dear hubby

1649) long distance conversations with my mum and older sister

1650) wonderful worship in church this morning and an encouraging message

1651) beautiful weather and an impromptu neighbourhood braai this evening

1652) being able to laugh at ourselves

1653) hearing the words "I missed you".... filled with so much meaning for me

1654) a surprise blessing from my dear sister

1655) sharing with a dear friend

Perfect Gifts

Over the past week there has been so much to be grateful for......

 1611) gifts in weakness: getting a good rest in when I was tired 

1612) hubby cheerily lending a hand at supper time when I was feeling snowed under

1613) catching up with a friend over coffee and my mom in law too

1614) perfect windless and sunny weather in the middle of winter

1615) my teen son treating me to ice cream at the beach

1616) a gift of growth: my sweet teen girl having grown so much this past week while serving at kids holiday club

1617) gift of life:beautiful life giving words

1618) blessed with a cuppachino machine, gifted by my cousin

1619) girlfriends sharing their pizza and laughter with me

1620) my kind neighbour washing away the grey for me

1621) beautiful gift of a hand made bag arriving from the USA today

1622) a great afternoon with friends, swapping clothing....

my wardrobe getting a face lift and increasing dramatically at no cost!

1623) decadent pancakes shared with the neighbourhood this evening as an end of school holiday treat

1624) a beautiful church service this morning....

encouragement to "live life forward"

1625) my cousin and his wife popping in for coffee 

1626) Bastille Day celebrations with the neighbourhood.....

enjoying delicious French Onion Soup and a selection of cheese and French bread...

 and of course plenty of good conversation and laughter too

1627) a message from my dear friend letting me know she had blessed me with a ticket for an upcoming woman's conference

1628) blessed with pies at lunch, a real treat for the kids

1629) a relaxed and enjoyable first day back at school

1630) thankful for a copy of a new book I have been asked to review... 

beautiful story that I am reading aloud to my younger two

1631) sharing an enjoyable afternoon at the waterfront with my friend,

 enjoying chocochinos while the seals slumbered nearby, 

 happy kids getting to see the aquarium and treated to ice creams....

a car full of happy noisy kids on the way home

1632) thankful for hubby's help at dinner when we got in late and a warm fire on this cold night

1633) seeing His hand in our lives

July's gifts

  Each day brings a multitude of opportunities to feel gratitude and appreciation....

1584) beautifully kind and sincere compliments 

1585) healing tears and laughter shared with new friends

1586) wisdom and insight 

1587) exercise that releases tension from the body

1588) my dear sweet neighbour treating me to dinner out

1589) a de-stressing neck massage

1590) winning a prize: a hamper filled with delicious chocolates and other treats

1591) watching a comedy with my friend, good for the soul

1592) a sweet friend preparing dinner for my family

1593) chatting with friends as we did beading together

1594) good coffee and warm blankets

1595) hot chocolate on a cold winter evening

1596) family pitching in to help with household chores

1597) loads of fire wood delivered by my brother

1598) beautiful messages from my mum and sisters

1599) time to just be...

1600) breakfast and conversations with a sweet new friend that lasted 5 hours!

1601) a bad fall but not too badly hurt and managing not to break the mosaic I had worked hours on

1602) a wonderful fun filled day enjoyed with my children

1603) the company of my cute little nephew and his mom and dad, good food shared,

 a warm fire and lots to catch up on

1604) a card and little gift from my mum

1605) home made ginger and melon preserve sent from my far away farm sister

1606) time enjoyed with hubby

1607) watching my almost teen boy enjoying time with his much younger second cousins, 

us mums enjoying each others company too

1608) a book prize arriving in the mail today, perfect to stash away for an up coming birthday

1609) taking care of my delightful nephew, his sweet face brightening my day

1610)  breakfast with a new friend, wonderful to catch up and share each others joys

June's gifts

Though it is still Sunday, here is tomorrow's post.

Days have run into one another and keeping track of and counting my blessings has been a little different. Usually I write them down day by day, but in the last while I have kept a mental note of them....

I continue to be amazed by His goodness.

1552) a phone call that brought necessary change

1553) my sweetpea coming top of the class for her first ever exam

1554) hope for change

1555) meeting beautiful people who make me laugh

1556) covered in prayer

1557) feeling empty but knowing it can and will be different

1558) smiles of my precious family

1559) visit and chats with a friend

1560) enjoying making a gift for a dear friend

1561) flowers from my sweet nephew and my brother

1562) hubby making delicious dinner

1563) understanding and insight that brings peace

1564) time spent holding hands and chatting with my girl

1565) doing pottery for the first time in my life

1566) a day of rest and restoration

1567) hugs from my eldest

1568) thankful for my Dad and my hubby who is an awesome Dad to our three

1569) beautiful songs and birthday cake shared with people I met recently

1570) gift of words of wisdom that mean so much

1571) gifts from His word :

 God often uses our hard times to refine us into the people He wants us to be. Give Him your praise for His care:

You have dealt well with Your servant,

O Lord, according to Your word.

Teach me good judgment and knowledge,

For I believe Your commandments.

Before I was afflicted I went astray,

But now I keep Your word.

You are good, and do good;

Teach me Your statutes

(Psalm 119:65-68).

I am persuaded that neither death nor life,

nor angels nor principalities nor powers,

nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth,

nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us

from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord

(Romans 8:38-39)

1572) gifts moving : hubby and I hand in hand as we walked and talked on the beach, watching kites soaring high and free and swooping low

1573) time enjoyed catching up with girlfriends while hubby braaied for us

1574) spending time with my cutest ever nephew

1575) a new friend treating me to dinner out, good to laugh and chat

1576) facing difficult truths and trusting for growth and change

1577) hugs from my beautiful kids

1578) relaxation techniques learned while soft music plays

1579) kindness and empathy from beautiful people

1580) tears that bring healing and release

1581) tea time treats from my neighbour

1582) good food cooked by hubby

1583) chats with my mum and sweet sister

Last of May and counting on

Thankfully counting His goodness and mercy....

Day 25

1533) thankful for fun family time out today, exploring new places

1534) sharing a simple meal around the table with the kids and hubby

1535) a nap when feeling exhausted today

Day 26

1536) a gift worn: my boots, cosy and comfy on this rainy day

1537) gift white:  bowl filled with steaming hot soup for dinner

Day 27

1538) visitors that made me smile

1539) sounds of guitar and giggling as my oldest taught his students

Day 28

1540) all wrapped in blankets and keeping cosy as we did our school reading today

Day 29

1541) at gift around 8h00: a call from my dad

1542) around 12h00: chai latte and chats with girlfriends

1543) around 20h00: houseful of noisy, happy teens having fun

Day 30

1544) my sweet baby nephew here for the evening, bedtime prayers and his sweet "amen" 

Day 31

1545) walk in the forest with my youngest this morning

1546) finding yogurts and cheese in my fridge, gift from the neighbour

1547) leftover dinner after a long day

June

Day 2

1548) my daughter baking 

1549) neighbours in pjs and gowns coming over for scones, jam and cream and a warm fire on this freezing evening

Day 3

1550) gift in today's conversations:  chatter and laughter with my daughter as she did chores and I cooked this evening

&

1551) my eldest passing his learner driver's license first time round today :)

May's mercy despite madness...

Yes, May has been mad but there have been moments of blessing and mercy.

 I choose to continue being thankful to God ....

Day 7

3 gifts about my home

1488) my kids about the house all day, us learning together, growing together and sharing together

1489) our awesome neighbourhood, just today, delicious dinner made with ingredients contributed by 3 households and shared among 3 households

1490) our garden, quietly lying outside in the shade and reading aloud to my youngest

&

1491) a call from an up country friend today that made a big difference, His timing for sure

1492) His protection over my mom in law as intruders entered her home in the dark of night, thankful she was unharmed

Day 8

1493) hubby bringing home pods of coffee he was given and the loan of my dear neighbour's machine so we can enjoy the coffee 

1494) a cute teapot made just for me 

1495) call from my farm sister

Day 9

1496) mother's day treat of Le Fish spa treatment

1497) dinner by hubby when my neck was incredibly painful

Day 10

1498) a gift outside...a friend popping by unexpectedly and enjoying the sunshine with me

1499) inside...happy teens cooking the evening meal and chattering away

1500) upside down...my youngest boy caring for me even though he is sick, warming a bean bag to ease my painful neck

Day 11

3 gifts about my parents

1501) such a blessing to have a long chat with my mum this morning, encouraged by her always

1502) my dad's sense of humour, always makes me laugh

1503) hubby's parents, good to see them today and celebrate my father in law's birthday

Day 12

3 gifts held in hand today

1504) hugs from my 3

1505) my favourite chocolate from my eldest boy

1506) pain killers sent by a friend that  finally worked for my neck

Day 13

1507) gift found in my mum.... a call and prayers from all the staff at her work as soon as she heard my daughter had been hurt, comforting to know she was praying

&

1508) seeing the care and concern my boys showed for their sister who needed sutures in her foot

After this day, it became a blur....

days were difficult, challenges of their own and more unbelievable storms to come... 

as I write now I reminisce and count the joys despite the heart breaking challenges

1509) coffee and overdue catch up with a dear friend

1510) my youngest feeling stronger each day as medication kicked in and cleared infections

1511) the doctor confirming that my eldest seemed to just have a virus and not the return of glandular fever

1512) treated to take outs for lunch by a sweet friend

1513) a beautiful gift that arrived late from my daughter in celebration of Mother's Day

1514) long and fast beach walk on a beautiful day, clearing the head somewhat

1515) gift found in little people: laughs and giggles with my nephew, 

him sleeping peacefully next to me, his sweet kisses and cute conversation

1516) my sweet girl treating me to coffee and cake 

1517) good sound advice

1518) connecting with each member of my far away family during a difficult time

1519)  tight hugs from my eldest as my body shook with sorrow

1520) gifts of laughter: hearty laughs with my precious three

1521) hubby's hugs

1522) naps when I could not not any more after almost sleepless nights

1523) celebrating a dear friend's birthday and her delight in the gift I made her

1524) catching up with a friend from long ago

1525) my sweetpea writing her first ever exam and feeling confident

1526) gift in a plate: treated to take out dinner by my brother

1527) gifts in community: dear friends who have checked up and encouraged me daily

1528) gift sweet: my ever sensitive youngest, knowing just when his mom could do with a hug

1529) my daughter recovered well, stitches out today

1530) enough coins dug out of my purse to treat the kids to cinnamon doughnuts this morning

1531) hubby making dinner tonight, a blessing for me to have a night off at the end of this week

1532) knowing that despite it all....But God......

Counting Joys

Thankful for blessings..

Day 30

a gift given, made, sacrificed

1473) given...a glorious autumn day

1474) made...target made last month on sales, so a little something extra in my deliveries today and hubby making a braai tonight (no cooking for me)

1475) sacrificed....my dear friend sacrificing her cleaning lady and sending her over to do my windows

May

Day 1

gifts tasted

1476) sweetness of a day off in the middle of the week

1477) delicious soup made by my neighbour and shared with me

&

1478) fresh seaside air on yet another glorious autumn day .....

.... crazy dog and kids running wild and free

Day 2

1479) a gift flat...my magazine subscription gifted by my sister arriving each month

1480) a brisk morning walk with my friend on a chilly morning

1481) gift of laughter as a family as we enjoyed a comedy together tonight

Day 3

1482) delicious warm left overs for lunch on this chilly day

1483) winning a book prize today

Day 4

1484) spending the day in my pjs but still getting much done

1485) my neighbour giving us meat that she was not going to cook, fed us well and enough left over for hubby's lunches too

Day 5

a gift in a smile

1486) smiles all round as hubby's Dutch relatives visited today, beautiful day shared together

Day 6

gift found in Christ

1487) forgiveness... precious gift and precious conversations