'tis the season, part two

simple reflection 

is my decorating theme 

this year

my girls (mrs g and abigail) helped me pull it together

I am thankful for their encouragement

  (still love this little tinsel tree from target)

Remembering

the reason 

for it all.

fadedcharmcottage

'tis the season...

choosing...

To give thanks

 is an action 

and 

rejoice is a verb 

and these 

are not mere pulsing emotions. 

In the silent times : seek God

In the painful times : praise God

In the harried times : hallow God

In the terrible times : trust God.

And at all times, 

at all times

Thank God.

Ann Voskamp~One Thousand Gifts

Today, I am  reminded 

 (again)

that

giving thanks

 is a choice.

I am choosing thanks, are you?

it bears repeating...

Today and everyday.

she's so sweet...

 Dear Abigail,

I am so proud of you. You please my heart sooo much. 

I love how you work hard for your team.

I love when you fist-pump.  I love how you run to the front of the line to congratulate the opposing 

( & winning) team. I love your laugh. 

I love watching you with your nieces and nephews.  I love that you serve others with your music.

I love the twinkle in your eye.

I love that we are going (together) today to your first make-up date. I love seeing your sisters and sisters-in-law as your *friends* on your first day of Facebook.

I love that you invited me to be your *friend*. 

I absolutely love the music you bring to our home.  

I love your gorgeous dark  hair and beautiful brown eyes.  I love your  style.  I love hearing you giggle with your friends.  I love your intensity. 

I love that you were born into our family at just the perfect time.  I love watching you shoot 3-pointers.  I 

love your faithfulness. I love your piecrust.  I love 

your innocence and purity.  

I love seeing you read your Bible at bedtime.  I love that you have answered the call of Jesus. I love that you are truly growing into a beautiful young woman of the Lord.  I love that you are my daughter. 

I love YOU.  Always. No matter what. 

Mom

 Yes, she is sweet 16.

Here's a glimpse of her party.

sweet and sassy

just like her

pink, stripey-straws

 pink candy

and

pink # 5

a vintage mustang...her dream car

Happy Birthday, 

my sweet, sweet  girl!

just sayin'...

I am coming out of hiding

to say thank you and to say goodbye.

White Wednesday 

has been an awesome opportunity 

 for me to share 

my white world with you.

So let's party one more time!

 I've gone through some of my files 

and 

pulled out a (just a) few 

of 

my 

favorite white photos.

white lace

my white room re-do's

 (some) of my white pretties

 my white handiwork

 white christmas

 white celebrations

my  white projects

  *miss gracie's* white shopkeeping

 That's a lot of white

and 

a lot of WHITE WEDNESDAYS!

White really is my favorite color!

and now it is time.

THANK YOU, Kathleen

for your faithfulness

every week.

Good bye,

 WHITE WEDNESDAY.

I'm gonna miss you.