Full of Beauty

I haven't been as diligent this week to writing down my thankful full moments due to not feeling so good and being out of town. However since I have been laying in bed with no energy to do much of anything for the last couple hours I thought I might try to remember some highlights from the week.

139. Flight was delayed by almost 4 hours but found out before we left for the airport so we were able to stay home until the new time
140. Found out once I got to the airport we got $100 voucher for each ticket for the delay to use on southwest.... just another reason to fly southwest
141. I was able to pack Noah's, Dassah's and my stuff in one suitcase
142. The airplane ride is always an adventure.... due to no naps with the delay in flight, Noah kept falling asleep while he watched a movie and Dassah was eager to meet and smile at everyone on the plane including the people behind her by climbing on the seat to see them throughout the flight.



143. The kids running to greet their cousins and aunt CeCe
144. Staying up late and getting to have good hang out time with my sister
145. Fun game of tennis
146. Enjoyed a Scotland treat made by my brother in law Nathan yummy yummy

147. Relaxed while my sister gave me a wonderful pedicure and Dassah one too!

148. Got to hear in person from one of my heros in the faith Brother Yun whose biography is written in the book The Heavenly Man
149. When I asked Noah and Ellie to play a little bit more quietly during the service, Noah's response was "But Mama we are having a big party down here with the animals"
150. Soaked in the presence of the Lord with the incredible music at Harbour church
151. Hearing about my parents and Faith's special trip
152. Seeing the excitement in Noah's face to see and play with Faith
153. Laying on my mom's lap on the living room couch and falling asleep while she played with my hair
154. Going to the beach in the morning and enjoying the perfect weather, the vastness of the ocean and sand, the large rocks that can withstand the waves and the kids making castles out of the sand.

155. Eating at Jack's old fashion hamburger place with Gram (Momo). Great food and good dancing entertainment from the kids to the oldies.

156. Birthday Tea Party for Dassah. As I gazed around the room I felt like I was surrounded with Beauty from my Gram, Mom, Sister, four gorgeous nieces, Noah's gentle ways with Dassah and Dassah herself.

157. Creative alternative for the cake for a last minute tea we used Brie Cheese to put the candle in. It worked out great.

158. Swimming in the pool, playing in the sprinklers on the golf course, climbing trees, playing soccer, and playing hide under the covers in bed.
159. Cheesecake factory for dinner and watching all 14 of us devour two pieces of cheesecake
160. Hearing the sounds of the violin throughout the house at different points during the day as my nieces practiced for their concerts.
161. Seeing incredible Artwork done by my niece Shanley of a self portrait painting

162. Hearing about and seeing pictures of the amazing home school activities that my sister does with the kids
163. Dassah even got to participate for a little bit by dressing up with the girls before they left to do their Oregon Trail adventure.

164. Pumpkin Cranberry Waffles with homemade whipped cream for breakfast
165. A super sweet message from my hubby on my voicemail for our anniversary
166. Touched by cards and sweet gift from my parents and gram
167. Always enjoyed coming in at night to find what position my sleeping buddy would be in our big bed that we shared.

168. Coming home and having Paul pick us from the airport and there was a rose waiting for me in the passenger seat. What a man!
169. Hearing that my dear friend gets to go see her husband who got transferred back to the states because he got hit while serving in Afghanistan. He is still in the hospital but on the recovery. I am looking forward to giving them both a hug when they get back to Kansas.
170. Celebrating Dassah on her real birthday with Grandma, Pop, Unlce Eric, Aunt Susan and cousin Eliana and having a cookout.

171. Hearing Dassah say "I'm two"
172. Going to Noah's Ice Cream Art fair Social and seeing all the wonderful things he has been making in preschool. The picture below has a caption on the face on top that reads , "This is my mom. She is smiling because she like snuggling with me."

173. Having my husband take good care of me and the kids the last couple days off and on as I have not been feeling very well and have needed to lay down a lot
174. Going to a baby blessing for a friend and feeling the presence of the Lord. It was fun to have the baby move in the womb while I was praying.
175. Both kids in bed by 8

Full of Enjoyment

   101. Hearing Dassah say “George… Monkey and do her monkey sounds with her hands by armpits when she wants to watch Curious George on the computer.
102.The smell of turkey bacon in the oven

 103.Noticed that Dassah wiggles her toes just like me when she gets excited.
104.Walking out of Costco with kids happily in the cart, Paul and I both pushing it, then he looks at me and gives me a sweet kiss under the moonlight.
105. Surprise Chai from Kait
106. Noah and Dassah sword fight while Dassah is wearing her high heels

107.  The quietness and peacefulness of the Brown house such a great place to seek the Lord

108. Love the way Dassah says, “Woody” and Buzz is just “and beyond”

109.   Helping preparing Passover food with Jess at her house and enjoying the smell of chocolate as she makes the yummy chocolate and carmel matzah while I grate cheese and peel eggplant.
110.Getting custom printed roses from Shea and Malachi for Passover and hearing Malachi say as he got in the car, “I love you”

111. Noah asking if he could sit with Kait for part of the Passover… loved watching them from across the room as they interact with each other. They have such a precious relationship

112. Worshipping Jesus by celebrating Passover with two other congregations in our city. We had a 120 people there and there were even more people on a waiting list. So exciting to see the body come together around all the Biblical holidays
113.   Reciting and singing Dayenu part at Passover always hits me hard as I realize how the Lord truly has given us above and beyond what would have been sufficient. Plus, I just love our worship team they always lead me into the presence of the Lord.  

114.  Cousin dancing at Passover

115. Brunch on Resurrection Day with the family. Paul helps the kids retell the story with symbols that are in eggs. I was so proud of Noah for knowing most of the story and putting together what the symbols meant. For example we would show him a donkey then he said, " because Jesus rode in a on a donkey and the people called him King." Then at the end the egg was empty and he paused for a while and then said excitedly, “Oh I know the egg is empty because the tomb was empty because Jesus rose from the dead”

116.   Kids excitement of finding the hidden eggs and all the fun, creative, healthy, and thoughtful things grandma put inside their eggs. 

117.   Paul’s dad, Mike, and Paul spent several hours in the front yard moving plants, tilling the ground, putting gravel, sand and brick down to make me a little patio. As I sat on my chair on the patio, I couldn’t help but think of what a beautiful picture they showed me today of God. Father and Son working together do bring about a desire of my heart. I am humbled and thankful.
118.   The kids sitting at the table and chairs outside for the first time drinking lemonade and waving at the people either walking by or in cars. It was so much fun to be out front when Papa and Harrison pulled up in the truck.

119.  Watching Noah as he plays with his animals in the dirt and makes up stories for them to act out.

120. Dassah’s excitement over the mention of getting to go in the Hot Tub with Papa “WOW, water… bubbles” ( I looked over the fence to see them in there together and sneak a picture and Paul was teaching her how to go under water by holding her nose) precious.

121.  Getting alone time to sit and read a chapter in my 1000 gift book on my new patio
122. Looking up and seeing the light shining on the trees leaves

123. Getting a gift card in the mail to go out to eat
124. Making travel plans for the summer

125.   Kid fingerprints on the window

126.Enjoyed my planned surpise date with Bailey as we drank hot tea out on the patio and had a real meaningful conversation

127.  The grace to not give when teaching kids about obedience and experience joy when they finally obey

128.   Talking with people about Jesus and watching his divine connections happen

129.Swinging with the neighborhood kids

130  Sharing real life with other moms
131.   Feeling more pregnant last couple days but haven’t throw up.
132. Noah waking up this morning and telling with with joy in his voice, "I had such a good dream Mama, Cassie wasn't in Israel anymore she came on a church night outside and played with all us kids. We were all so excited to see her and I gave her all my money."

133.   Reading and finishing my book while it rained outside during nap time

134.   Dassah and Noah wanting to pretend put Paul and I to bed on the couch. They put a blanket over us, sang “I love you, Lord”, gave us kisses, babies, water and said Night Night as they giggled and walked away.

135.   Noah talking to the baby in the belly tonight saying, ‘I can’t to meet you. You are going to come at Christmas time and get gifts. You will like it.” Dassah just gave my belly kisses and said , “Hi baby, hold you….”

136.   Getting out a new paper towel roll upwrapping it to discover it has something written on it… I could hardly believe what it said. “There is plenty to be thankful for you take the time to look.” Yes God using the very tool I use to do my every cleaning with to remind me of thankfulness. I love it and I love you, Jesus.

137.   Packing for tomorrows trip to Florida went smoother than normal

138.   Butterflies in my stomach of excitement to see my sister, brother in law and nieces tomorrow

Full of life

I continued to write out moments that I am thankful for this week. Moments that make my life full. 
Jesus said.. ".... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 7:10) 

      

50.        I came across this picture of my mom and Dassah on my screen saver, and it made me realize how much I see of my mom’s joy in Dassah’s smile. When I felt like we were to give Dassah the middle name Joy, I admittedly thought of my mom and how her middle name was representing my mom.  This picture proves it.

51.       Late night wrestling out some issues through prayer, conversation, exposing lies and the peace that followed when the decision was made.

52.       Noah asking if we can get Wyatt’s favorite cheese sticks - the orange string cheese - at the store. It makes me so thankful that not only does he still remember him, but he still wants to be like him. I remember when Noah had me text Leah to ask her what Wyatt was wearing to the play place so that he could match him.

53.       Cutie Pie Oranges - fun to peel, sweet to taste

54.       Conversation with a friend about walking out freedom and hearing her desire to rescue others, even if it means humbling herself. Beauty and bravery emerged in us both by the end of the conversation.

55.       Wendy’s free kid’s frosty and lunch in the car - no cooking, dishes or mess

56.       Noah’s smile when he found the Buzz Lightyear costume at Kidscope, and it fit him perfect. When we got home, he said, "I wish I could have taken that Buzz costume with me."

57.       Seeing the light shine through the family room window in the mid-afternoon.

58.   Reading Luke 1 and being reminded of what a huge and humbling privilege it is to carry a child - and how life truly starts in the womb with God’s design and purpose for each child. Not to mention how alive his or her spirit is in the womb - so much so that John jumped in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary, who was pregnant Jesus, came into the room.

59.   Deciding to seize the moment and go get a pregnancy test

60.   Finding out that I am literally full of life today. What a beautiful gift to our whole family.

61.   Seeing Paul’s face when he opened the door and saw the word “baby” written out in rocks.

62.   Hearing how the Lord had already prepared Paul’s heart since he had the thought earlier in the week, "We have really great kids; maybe we should have more."

63.   Surprised by how excited Noah was when we told him the news. He actually is the one who has told most people the news, in his words, “My mama is about ready to have another baby.”  He told me he was thinking, while he was lying in his bed, how excited he was to tell his preschool teacher, Miss Anne.

64.    Hadassah picked the "New Baby" book for her bedtime story the night we found out. This book was in Noah’s room among 50 other books. We used to read it to Noah before Hadassah came. Hadassah has never read it before, and she can’t read; so the fact that she picked this just made me laugh, and I could feel the Lord smiling down on us too. I have a feeling He might have had something to do with her choice.

65.   Hearing and seeing people’s reactions - mostly surprised and then excited.

66.   Each hug or encouraging word of excitement - I felt like they went right into the baby’s spirit as well as mine.

67.   Seeing Hadassah’s excitement when she sees Cassie over Facetime. She can hardly contain herself; she smiles huge, puts her hands together by her face, and says “HI CASS” in her not so quiet voice as she tries to grap the itouch.

68.   Overhearing some of Noah and Cassie’s conversation and laughing on the inside as they discuss Noah’s hair

69.   Sabbath naps for the whole family

70.   The feeling of oneness with life

71.   Kids playing in a big pile of dirt in my neighbor’s driveway

72.   Chicken salad sandwiches on croissants

73.   Opening up the windows and feeling the wind

74.   Walking on a farm with a mentor of mine and hearing God stories, feeling such a sense of peace, and learning about the principles of first fruits from trees on her land. Did you know the first year you are not to pick the fruit from the trees? It actually does something to strengthen the tree and produce better fruit. What a beautiful example to us, to make sure we are giving our first fruits to the Lord.

75.   Feeling honored as my mentor shared her heart with me about her mother’s homecoming. I grieve with her and am thankful the Lord revealed Himself to her mother in powerful way before she took her last breath on earth.

76.   Getting flowers from my three boys when they came home from their trip to Costco. Smelling the lilies throughout the day, and watching new ones come to bloom, invokes thankfulness in me every time I pass by them

77.   Waking up early and enjoying the silence - except for hearing the birds sing to their Creator outside my window

78.   When cancer and strokes hit people suddenly, I am so glad I have Someone to go to who is the One who holds life and death in His hands, as well as His children.

79.   Overwhelmed with news, kids’ behavior, and with my emotions all over the place these days due to pregnancy.  I went and sat on the floor at the base of my bed, put my head in my hands, and was praying.  Dassah came in, took my hands from my face, put her hands on my face, and kissed me on the lips.  Then she just sat in my lap and cuddled with me. It was such a timely gift from such an active little lady.

80.   Holding hands in the night 

81.   Super cute little girl spring clothes that have been passed down or presents to Dassah

82.   Dassah starting to get curls

83.   Dassah’s excited smiling face when I go to get her up from naps or in the morning

84.   Nature walks with the kids down to the bridge and waterfall. We saw a red robin, a blue bird, wild flowers and two butterflies chasing each other. And Noah pointed them all out to me

85.   Hearing Dassah say “Chase” anytime we see someone run

86.   Story and cuddle time with Noah

87.   Family celebration of baby on Tuesday night with Harrison - we toasted with ice cream

88.   Wonderful husband doing dishes

89.   Father in law uprooting and replanting all my hostas and moving out my bricks in the front yard

90.   Revo cup for first time to see Kait and got a bonus treat because Matt, Cristina and Cassie also were there. I love surprises when it involves cool people, cool places, and good food and drinks.

91.   Grace in the frustrating mom moments of kids fussing shows me how in need of a Savior I am - and for His Spirit to daily fill me

92.   Enjoyed getting to know some new friends who are passionate about the Lord. We had them and their kids over and cooked out. Their kids are around our kids’ ages and gender, so it was a lot of fun. Good conversation with the adults while the kiddos played outside.

93.   Packages from Mom with goofy candy for April fools and creative books

94.   Early morning time with hubby and hearing about what the Lord has been speaking to him personally

95.   Watching a beautiful couple in our community fall in love, and delight in getting to hear their story from them in group. Their joy and smiles are contagious

96.   Dassah tucking her babies under the blanket with her at bed time… she is such a good little Mama

97.   Experiencing people get set free from things in their life

98.   Going to IHOP and getting prenatal prayer and feeling the presence of the Lord in such a strong way that tears slowly started to fall as I sang - and watched Dassah dance with all her might.

99.   Seeing how much flowers react to water made a huge impact on me - and how thankful I am that the Lord made water free so I can abundantly enjoy it and its benefits to me

100.   Listening to a Misty song today, having my heart beat fast when she says, “We miss you Jesus. We are lovesick Jesus. And we want you to return. For the Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’”