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Friday, August 23, 2013

It is still Friday I promise

It is time yet again for another episode of Daniel's take on Friday Favorites.

1. Good books. I was able to read a fun book this week it was the last in a trilogy. It is great to be able to take sometime and a book and be somewhere else.

2. Twitter. I use twitter to follow a bunch of people I don't know but their conversations are funny and make my day better.

3. Apple Soda. I found some awesome apple soda at Ikea. It is one of my favorite drinks some how tart, bitter and sweet at the same time.

4. Rain. Or most specifically the smell after a rain storm. That slightly ozoney smell that means things are fresh and new.

5.Recycling. The city we live in just started doing recycling. It is amazing how much less trash we have now we can recycle some of the stuff.


Friday, August 16, 2013

This week

I'm sorry it's been so long. Summer has just flown by.

1. Tomatoes! We have so many. I'm so grateful for the ability to grow produce from one tiny little seed. Then I can have tomatoes all year long! I already have 14 pints with many more to come!

2. Comfy couches. Finally after 6 years of marriage, we broke down and bought couches. We've been using hand me downs and then the ones that I liked at RC Willey came on a really good sale. So we bought them! They are so comfy. I just love them!

3. Vacations. This afternoon Daniel and I are headed to Bear Lake for a couple days with my family. I am looking forward to relaxing with my family for the whole weekend.

4. Sharing. I shave o many blessings and I'm grateful for all the people that work so hard around me for those blessings and that they are willing to share. (General, I know, but still!)

5. Ikea. I know, silly. But it has some good stuff that can make my life easier. I'm glad there is somewhere to get useful stuff!

Monday, July 8, 2013

A few days late...

I certainly enjoyed the holiday. You? I mostly spent it at home sewing and catching up on all sort of cathartic quilting - just the kind I needed. I spent lunch on the 4th with my grandparents - our weekly Thursday lunch.

1 - Thursday lunch! Every Thursday since I got home from China and once a week for the 3 years proceeding, I have spent one lunch at week at my mom's parents. They live close to my work and I sure enjoy it. I have gotten to know them so much better and our relationship has grown wonderfully. I'm grateful for them in my life and for all that they are and that they do.

2  - America. I have always known this is a great country and living outside of it for 19 months certainly added my appreciation. There were some trips that when we reached American soil it felt blessed. There certainly is something special about America.

3 - History. I got my Bachelor's degree in History. The things we can learn and understand about now can be immeasurably increased by our knowledge of what came before. History has always inspired me and it continues to do so.

4 - 56 men who pledged their life, their liberty and their property to securing the birth of this country. Each one of them suffered greatly in one way or another before they died, loosing either their life, their liberty, or the property as a result of signing the Declaration of Independence. I've had the privilege of seeing the original a couple of times and it truly is inspiring.

5 - My DVD player. I have watched lots of my favorites while sitting at my sewing machine. It has done my soul good!

What's making you smile this week?

Want to know more? email us at danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Friday, June 28, 2013

Today's list

Holy Hannah it's hot. My car said 105 degrees on my way home tonight. I hope my garden doesn't die!

1. Air conditioning! Whether it's central air at the office, the AC in my car or a functioning swamp cooler at home, I'm so glad there is a way to cool air for our comfort!

2. International communication. Daniel is in China for a little while and because of modern technology, he can call me from his cell phone in Xiamen, China to my cell phone in Utah. It's great. It makes his being gone much easier to deal with.

3. My sewing machine. I love to sew quilt tops. I have a harder time saving the money to get them quilted and bound, but I sure do love seeing a finished product. While Daniel is gone I have pulled out my sewing machine not to put it away til just before he comes home. I have all sort of projects ready for the doing!

4. Good TV shows. There is so much on TV that can't be trusted to be uplifting or kind. So it makes me all the more grateful when I find a show I can enjoy without worrying about language, or immodesty, or violent or gruesome topics.

5. Shorts. How much more comfortable is life when we can wear shorts!

What's making you smile this week?

Want to know more? email us at danielashleyadopt@gmail.com


Friday, June 21, 2013

Today's smiling moments

I try my hardest to post weekly, I promise I do! It's crazy how one week can get away from you.

This week:

1. Daniel's job. It has its hard points, everything does, but he is able to enjoy his work and provide for our needs. That's a big deal. I will be able to stay home once we are placed with and that feels good and safe. I'm so grateful for that.

2. My kindle. I read. A lot. I always have multiple books at my fingertips for my waiting time - whether down time at work, waiting at the Dr's office, or simply as I wind down for the evening. It's great. Technology is amazing.

3. At the same time, I'm grateful for books. I actually split between e-reader and paper. There is something satisfying about turning pages and watching your progress. Besides what a book can offer otherwise. I always enjoy a good read. I've been indulging in a few lately.

4. Fresh tomatoes. Oh my goodness. I got my first garden tomatoes Sunday. I got home from our Father's day celebration with my family and there were 2 little bright red sun ripened cherry tomatoes. I washed them in cold water and they were delicious. The warmth from the sun, the vine fresh taste. I'm drooling again thinking about them. I can't wait for more!

5. Cookies. I always enjoy a yummy cookie. And oftener, I enjoy cookie dough. But shhhh, don't tell. I don't think you're supposed to eat raw dough.

What's making you smile today?

Want to know more? danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Friday, June 7, 2013

Friday Favorites

This has been a long but a quick week. Funny how that happens.

1. Modern Medicine - I'm grateful for all the advancements of western medicine and how there is so much we can to do help when we feel ill. I'm glad for the knowledge.

2. Hugs. Isn't it amazing what a hug from a friend or family member can do for you? Hugs convey so much.

3. Pansies. I have a bunch of periwinkle pansies along the front of my house. They are happy smiling flowers in one of my favorite colors.

4. Cookie dough. I love raw cookie dough. They say it's not healthy, but I've been doing it for over 25 years - and I'm fine. So...bring on the dough! Especially when it's cold from the night before. Yummmm.

5. Sunglasses. By simply putting a dark lens in front of your eye, you can see in what would otherwise be a blindingly bright day. And it's better for your eyes.

Just  few things that are making me smile this week. What's making you smile this week?

Want to talk more? danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Friday, May 31, 2013

Friday Favorites

I apologize for not posting the last couple weeks. We've had super busy Fridays.

Things I'm grateful for this weeL

1. Good laughs. My morning started out with me being kind of ornery. Unfortunately. But right after I got to work, my cousin sent me this picture:
That's me looking ridiculous in the back. I look terrible, but it's pretty funny. I've been laughing to myself ever since. Yay for good laughs.

2. Broccoli. I love broccoli. I had some for lunch today and it tasted oh so yummy.

3. My China experience. I am grateful for that in so many ways, but today it's about the friends we made there. Tonight we are going to get sushi with the couple that spent 6 months with us there. I'm excited.

4. My friend Eryn. She's kinda super woman. She is due with her baby in two week. Her house is in the process of being sold. She has 3 kids at home. She is a full-time homemaker and mother. We got the chance to grab a bite last night while the husbands were kickin' it together and I'm just impressed with her. She sets a great example of loving her children and handling pressure with a grace and smile. Even when she's frustrated and very tired.

5. The color blue. I guess I should say, that I'm not color blind. But blue especially. It's one of my favorite colors. (Let's be honest, I just like color!). Have you heard of color aromatherapy and the idea that colors convey moods? Blue is my happy color. I bought 3 blue shirts last night. I'm happier and calmer in blue.

What's making you smile today?

Want to know more? danielashleyadopt@gmail.com