50 Things that Matter

Part of the reason I keep this blog...besides that I love to write and don't have time to keep a real journal anymore ...is so that my kids can always have a record of some of my thoughts!
I found a little book at a store called 50 Things that Matter and it got me thinking...

50 Things that Matter to me in the day-day life I live:

1.  Jesus' Resurrection.  Christmas is fine and all, but without the living part...well, Christianity could just be another religion.
2.  My husband's unconditional love
3. The fun my family has together
4.  My children laughing

He watched this for weeks and finally got to ride!

5.  Being able to play outside mid-morning on warm days with my kids and  not a being stuck in a classroom with kids that aren't mine
6.  summer nights out late playing in the yard
7. traveling anywhere you can, as much as you can
8.  letting the kids run wild
9.  camping out
10.  hiking to waterfalls
11.  throwing rocks (I have learned to really enjoy this pastime with the boys).
12.  cool nights on the porch swing
13.  walking with J on the driveway even if is short bursts
14.  laughing with girlfriends
15.  having friends who don't judge me when I mess up
16.  loving children that aren't mine
17.  petting animals of any sort
18.  getting lots of good exercise
19. my mom not giving us sugary cereals, soft drinks, cheese puffs, and spaghetti o's growing up!--so thankful!

20.  compassion

first tennis lesson!

21.  having a dad who played sports with me
22.  tennis
23.  encouraging people when I can
24. giving compliments
25.  Popsicles
26.  dancing for fun and silliness
27.  learning new things
28.  good books
29.  Bible verses that change my life, convict me and inspire me.
30.  missionaries
31.  feeling cool river water run through my toes
32. smelling mtn laurel

33.  jumping waves in the ocean
34.  sun therapy after a mid-mo winter
35.  snuggling up with the kids in bed with a book
36.  kissing Cay's cheeks
37. playing sports with Jeb
38.  singing with Molly and her sweet, sweet voice.
39.  a mother in law who will help me keep the babies and really acts like she always enjoys it!
40.  late night chats in the dark with J about all kinds of things important and silly
41.  watching my children learn
42.  enjoying and respecting college students, even though I don't get paid much to teach them
43.  walking to the waterfall
44.  getting muddy in the creek
45.  hearing the river and digging in the sand on the shore
46.  reorganizing things and throwing out junk (I do get in trouble for getting rid of stuff sometimes though)
47.  a husband who is happy to keep the kids for shopping, girls night, etc.
48.  good pictures that make you laugh and weep, too
49.  telling people what you think (yes, I do go too far sometimes  but at least folks know where I stand)
50.  a church that focuses on all the right things (not perfect, but focused)
so I could not stop at 50 and I just left this blog open for days as I thought of them...
51. frappucino
52.  getaway adventures with J
53. going out of your way to invite new people to things and plug them in to friends!
54. try new things...don't be so close-minded towards other experiences/food...or too afraid!
55. good college friends who make you a better person even though they were only with you for a season
56.  making smores
57.  swimming all the time in the summer
58.  saying thank you often and much for big and small things
59.  going to church and loving it ...not just when it is convenient or special
60.  going for a walk
61.  seeing a little baby smile
62.  having a sister who is a friend
63.  my flowers blooming each spring  esp. the ones from Granny's
64.   snow days when school is cancelled
65.  a good find at a thrift store
66.  my mom cooking good meals and having us all sit down together usually

Mildred almost froze in our freezer, sneaks in my car, and has been rescued off the roof.  If he did not love this cat so much, she would be GONE.