Daily Disciplines: Day Three Hundred Sixty Two

Actually enjoyed a day of vacation.
   
 [This was probably my favorite gift to give this year. I had bought this little cardboard book for Adam before we knew about Cookie, it was his favorite book when he was little… So, when we found out about Cookie, I knew who would be giving this gift to ‘daddy’!]

Daily Disciplines: Day Three Hundred Sixty Two

For the last few days I was letting a little situation cause me to totally forget my list of blessings. Like, not a single thing could be good or right or lovely because of a tiny rain cloud… Well, the tiny rain cloud is gone and the situation handled, but I missed it. I missed an opportunity for growth. Since I recognized this error so quickly I can honestly say I’ve grown, but Lord help me make it the rest of the way!

[The situation was a little thing for work that I needed to take care of before my Christmas holiday. For a few reasons I couldn’t get it done and the stress of it was just eating me up. I went in on my time off and did what I could to make it right, and praise God, it paid off! Everyone was understanding and helpful and I can finally breath easier.]

  
[When you drive an old car and you get car decorations for the holiday you just say ‘why not?’! Annabelle The Lovable Tank got festive and she’s still rocking it!] 

Daily Disciplines: Day Three Hundred Sixty

I really like the quote ‘be stubborn about your goals, but flexible about the method’. I’ve worked on that for the past few years, and despite some people’s beliefs, I’ve been pretty successful. Today was a great example of how beautifully things can turn out if you’re flexible on the method, even if something is ‘a tradition’.
[Cook Family Christmas was pretty sweet today!]

  
[A picture of our tree from Christmas morning because why not]

Daily Disciplines: Day Three Hundred Fifty Seven

Experiences > Material Things

[Tis the season to stress about what waste of space filler gift to give someone you barely know, when really you could be going out and making a memory! The greatest present you can give is your presence.]  [Today I went with one of our youth girls to paint pottery and hang out as her Christmas gift. The time we spent was so much better than anything I could have gotten her…]

Daily Disciplines: Day Three Hundred Forty One

I made dinner and put everything away and it was awesome. Starting to feel like I’ve got a bit more energy which is nice… But I did still fall asleep for a bit this evening…
  
[I never got to post any pictures from our Youth Christmas Party!!! Towards the end I gave out some glow sticks I had, and you can see I ended up keeping a bunch!]

Daily Disciplines: Day Two Hundred Sixteen

I know that it’s just barely August, but today I did some Christmas List work. In years past I’ve shamed you all with my very very early Christmas talk, this year I’ve spared you somewhat. I so love brainstorming what I can bless people with and then go hunt for it!
  [We’ve got some beautiful people in our life!] 

Daily Disciplines: Day Twenty Three

The season has finally changed at Casa de Cook! Christmas stuff is all sorted out and put in its proper place. To celebrate Adam rearranged to living room and we have crazy amounts of space!! Photos to come.

[I’ve really wanted a Valentine’s Day wreath. Adam really wanted to take me on a date. I was feeling too tired for a date. He was still set on taking me out. I haggled with him and got this wreath instead of a date. It was awesome.]

Daily Disciplines: Day Three Hundred Sixty

Cleaning and preparing to have some friends over this evening was all my day really consisted of. The exciting part: I loved every second of today. I loved the sun shining, my new candle burning, the look of a clean bathroom… It was lovely.

[Thanks for my new candles, Spouse!]

Daily Disciplines: Day Three Hundred Fifty Nine

Today we celebrated with our families in a variety of ways: FaceTime, early morning breakfast, dinner and conversation, exchanging gifts, a nap… But the most important way we were able to celebrate was with our presence.

[Thanks for the new slippers, Spouse!]

Daily Disciplines: Day Three Hundred Fifty Two

I did the Christmas things. For example, I broke my stocking holder…again. I may have also wrapped some more gifts.

[This is funny.]