capturing our blessings :: 19 & 20

Left: comfort food on a stormy day.

Right: sunshine after rain.

capturing our blessings :: 18

Sunday brunch at home with my man.

capturing our blessings :: 16 & 17

Left: Team building/filming Advent videos in the snow.

Right: Afternoon caffeine/things that make my headaches feel better.

capturing our blessings :: 15

Comfy shoes.

These are technically slippers, but I've never cared too much about that distinction. Also literally running around all day at work on Monday left me with a blister and these are some of the only "shoes" my feet can stand right now.  So I'm very thankful for them. :)

capturing our blessings :: 14

Smart people.

Last week in Bethany's E-newsletter we asked people to let us know what they were thankful for.  This response was from someone named Linda.  This is my handwriting, but her awesome perspective.

capturing our blessings :: 13

Having company on official name change day.

This pic was taken while waiting to change my name on my driver's license, but today included stops at the Social Security office, DOL, and a couple banks to change my name on all official documents, credit/debit cards, etc. A long process, and a lot of waiting. Luckily Michael and I were both able to take the day off to get all of this done, so it was fun to have a buddy with me. Incredibly grateful for him, and to officially be a Monroe. :)

capturing our blessings :: 12

Chocolate chip cookies from Irwin's Bakery.

capturing our blessings :: 11

Small things that feel giant.

Example: spacing and hanging these hooks in the kitchen all by myself. Now my aprons have a home! Our new place is slowing coming together... :) 

capturing our blessings :: 10

Unpacking.

Such a relief to finally be unpacking our kitchen stuff!  Painting the kitchen has taken a whole lot longer than we had planned, and I am mighty sick of eating out.  Can't wait to find the pots and pans tomorrow (fingers crossed).

10 on 10: November

See more 10 on 10 sets here.

capturing our blessings :: 9

Friday office dogs.

Each Friday someone on our staff brings their dog in to work with them. It is pretty awesome. This is Lola. Isn't she adorable in an ugly kind of way?

capturing our blessings :: 8

My commute.

Today I am grateful that I live a mile away from my work. I am especially grateful now that my car is temporarily out of commission. A couple of days ago when I was parking, my stick shift (Shift lever? What is it called on an automatic?) literally fell apart in my hands. Mid parallel park. It was actually kinda funny. But now my car is awaiting repair, a desperately needed oil change, and additional coolant. (Did I mention my husband is awesome and doing all of that for me?)

But as I walked across an overpass, with hundreds of cars traveling north and south on I-5 below me, I became acutely aware how blessed I am to live and work in the same neighborhood. While lines of cars were waiting on onramps to join the stop and go traffic, I was enjoying the view of sun shining on snow-capped mountains in the distance, and the sound leaves cracking under my feet. I've also been meaning to walk to work more than my lazy self has managed on its own, so I'm hoping being forced into it will snowball into a new habit. Here's hoping...

P.S. I apologize to anyone who has a long commute, including, but not limited to: my husband, dad, brothers and a couple of my very best friends. I love you guys. :)

capturing our blessings :: 7

 Afternoon sun.

capturing our blessings :: 6

Surprise visits from friends.

Rachel and Miles (3 months old today!) stopped by the office this morning to say hello. Such a treat. (And deserving of two photos.) :)

capturing our blessings :: 5

All Staff Prayer.

Every Monday morning we get together as a staff and pray--sometimes about things in our own lives, sometimes we read a devotional, and sometimes we pray over requests in our congregation.  Today, we had the opportunity to pray over requests from Rwandan pastors that were brought back with the mission team who just returned from two weeks there. It was incredibly humbling to read prayers for shelter, new glasses, and medical help for tooth pain (among other things). It's so easy to forget how richly blessed we are, and today I'm grateful for that reminder.  I have a home, glasses on my head, and the ability to go to a dentist (though I often avoid it).  Thanks be to God!

capturing our blessings :: 4

More time.

When I was growing up "fall back" almost always meant an extra hour of sleep before playing a soccer game on a blustery (and usually rainy) day. Today, it meant extra ease in making it to church.

This picture was taken as we got into Michael's car to head to church for the first time in months. Life has been a little crazy recently, in the best possible ways: Michael got a new job (that he LOVES), we got engaged, planned a wedding, got married, moved in together, then moved again a month later. We are still living amongst boxes and it has been a wonderful, albeit stressful season, but we have been missing our Sundays at Bethany, and time spent worshiping God with our church community. 

I'm a little ashamed to admit this, but at times, it can be really difficult to worship where you work. I often find myself cringing at typos and feeling anxious that I put the wrong date for an event in the announcements. It can be exhausting, and a challenge to stay focused on His word and the teaching. But luckily for us, God doesn't give up, and keeps calling us back to Him, even when we have been pulling away.  Today as I sat in the pew, I felt so grateful for that, and for the many many gifts Bethany has given me over the years. 

And I am especially grateful for the extra hour this morning that made getting there that much easier. :)

capturing our blessings :: 3

Voting.

(Also: free stamps. Thanks Vicki!)

capturing our blessings :: 2

Generosity.

Sometimes even the smallest gesture can mean so much.  Today I am grateful for generous friends/coworkers.

capturing our blessings :: 1

Modern technology: hanging out with my husband while we are both at work.

(Joining the Gough sisters this month and photographing life's blessings each day in November.)