• the word "clearance"
• waking up from a long nap
• the smell of warm biscuits or choc. chip cookies
• making over a room in my house
• receiving a card in the mail
• getting a run in before dinner
• a warm, cozy fire
• discussing faith with someone
• finding a purse or pair of shoes that you forgot about
• getting a new pair of shoes or purse (of course)
• an organized closet
• having our taxes done (don't I wish)
• refund checks
• the way my husband laughs at himself
• my children's scent fresh out of the tub
• cuddling in my PJs
• a great ending to a movie
• my "softy" on our blanket
• when Sheriff finally calms down and walks WITH me

• when I see a cracked cover on my Bible and consider the impact that has had on my life



• witnessing an embrace between my children (that was not forced)



• sharing an amazing sunset with my family



• getting "Mommy, will you sing to me tonight?" as I'm tucking them in



• the light in my students' eyes when they get it, know it and then demonstrate it



• My mom's voice



• memories of my sister Patty's practical jokes



• good friends that have seen you at your worst and still love you and except you



• the smell of "Love Spell" lotion



• laundry done, folded and put away



• when my man sees something that I need and takes care of it (which he's been doing a great job of lately!)



• being able to shop and wonder aimlessly with no time frame or agenda to rush me



• watching any animal play



• looking through old pictures



• an unexpected phone call from a friend just when I need it the most



• that BJ and I can't stand still when we worship



• Madi's cackle as it erupts from somewhere in the house



• A made up song from Morgan



• DJ's dimples



• Shannon's facial expressions



• when BJ opens a door for me



• when one of my children reach for my hand



• listening to a child pray



• how DJ giggles when he gets into bed because he's so excited to go to sleep



• when a friend is not ashamed to say "I love you"



• seeing my children give



• hearing of a friend's success



• watching someone grow in Christ



• a good conversation over a decaf toffee nut mocha



• joining a very familiar, but new family at New Hope



• still getting my Mila hugs (at Walmart)



• when BJ does the dishes



• the endorphin high during and after a 3 mile run



• when my children ask me to play with them



• love notes left on my pillow



• a clean vehicle with an air freshener smell



• making new friends and the possibility of a long journey together



• a stable, joyful Christian for childcare



• a running partner with the same pace as me (or so she says)
  

More to come in the future! Here's to all of you that bring a smile to my face- Love you

Last month BJ and I had a deal for our "renewal"anniversary that we had to make or create our presents for each other. It was hard for me to think of something that I could make that my man would actually enjoy. My heart was leaning toward a mushy list of things I love about him and for weeks before hand I was mentally compiling a list in my mind. Then it came down to a day or two before and I tried to imagine what he'd think or how he would react if I handed him a paper list. Yes... he would smile big, read with excitement and tell me all the right words but was this my kind of love language or his? I think you know the answer to that.

So instead I thought I'd make him a soundtrack of the newest Tobymac releases which he loves. I went to Tobymac's website and found that he's on tour and actually coming to the Tri-Cities in Feb! Ok, I knew this would send him through the roof! So I had to buy the tickets for his gift. How did I get around the deal we made? Well, Ticketmaster has this wonderful option of printing your own tickets for the concert and that clearly falls under the rules of "making or creating" my gift. (with the help of the printer) I know we're going to have a blast since after getting them we found out we'll be sitting with our Toby friends!!!! The kids are bummed because they don't get to go and show their moves they've perfected with Daddy in the living room.

Yes, BJ did fudge a little on the deal too. He took me out to dinner and I came home to a dark and quiet house. He excused himself to the back porch which left me very curious! He came back in and led me out to a lit fire pit and two chairs. (I've been wanting a fire pit since forever!) And my romantic man sat me down and pulled out of his jacket a piece of paper. He began to read to me a poem about us, starting with the first day we met through each big up and down in our life, each baby... the good times and even the trauma... up until that very moment beside the fire.

He makes me smile everyday, even through gritted teeth at times, but non the less. I promised to be with this man forever- that makes me smile. Funny how that all worked out isn't it. How he's the one with the words on paper. So with that said, I'm going to go back to my original plan and start making a list for myself. I'm going to start posting things that make me smile. My next post will be the start and I'll just continue to add to it as I post randomly. It's like finally doing something you've had on your "to do" list for over a month... Only this list isn't just for my man... it's for me. I need to release all these things in my heart that I'm so thankful for and happy about. Hope the next few posts don't bore you!

Remember my post on my good friend in Las Vegas? Well she's a part of the blog world now! Please visit Brenda and make her feel welcome.

Brenda, I'm so excited you're doing this! and looking forward to our weekend! Love ya!