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......