A bit of Thanks.

In time spent away from the craziness of everyday life (and in light of this past Holiday), I have remembered the importance of a thankful heart.

Everyone possesses the power to embrace what they have or to wish for something more.

I am convinced the first is far superior.

So.. in case you are curious, here's what I am most thankful for..

The beauty of the fall season

The reason to make time for enjoyment of family and friends

Holiday treats-- yummy hot drinks, scented candles, beautiful music, and delightful foods

The warm, cozy feeling of being sheltered from the harsh, cold weather outside

The contagious merriment in the streets and community

Our Church, and the restoration it invites into our lives

The man who continues to love me despite my flawed self

The pleasure of giving love

And most of all (you guessed it), the Prince of Peace that calms my heart, and gives joy abundantly

Oh, and I can't forget the awesome pajamas that get pulled out this time of year!

I hope you all are enjoying this time as much as I am!

Awesomely awkward..

I feel no inspiration to write about touching and lovely things today, although I feel like I should considering it was indeed a lovely day today.. Instead I've decided to share some interesting photos, to say the least, with the intent of helping you crack a smile..

Enjoy!

Ben, contemplating the cheesy goodness that he is about to experience.

Oh.. that's cute John.

Aladdin? Is that you?!

Friends.. meet Harry.

This is my Grandpa; he laughs heartily.

..you decide.

For some reason Brian is reminding me of an excited turtle... ?

Scratch that.

Hey guys, sheeee's the pregnant one, not me.

.. But I wonder what I would look like...?

It's lights out for this lady!!

(catch the black eye?)

Cute Vaughn :))

(Hopefully you don't read my blog..)

The results of using Axe body spray for men..

missing Manhattan.

Something about autumn has aroused a longing for my small, friendly college town: Manhattan, Kansas. Today it was down in the fifties and all day long I have been thinking about the small things that I miss about that place...

I miss my walks; to class, around town, and to work.

picking up beautiful red, golden and orange leaves to arrange on my dresser..

..taking pictures of anything pretty..

I miss my job as a barista at the best coffee shop in town:

Bluestem Bistro.

grilling with these cats, and serving delicious food..

.

taking shots of espresso just for fun..

I miss the patio and its stringed lights and the way it made you want to stay outside until your fingers became numb from the cold.

hanging, drinking coffee or wine, listening to live music, conversing about anything interesting...

..and the crazy regulars that accompanied me..

I miss the park.

..reading a book or just relaxing with good friends..

I miss Aggieville.

..Mae's, Kat House, O'Malley's..

I miss Rock-A-Belly.

..and all of the memories from that place..

You can't go back to a place and expect it to be the same. But you can blog about it so that you always keep those memories alive.. :)

Manhattan is a truly wonderful place.