it's the little things:: sandboxes, sandals, and ice-cream sandwiches

Happy Friday, everyone! Don't be jealous, but I got to sleep in today. The children spent the evening at their grandparent's house and stayed overnight. We're not picking them up until this evening. I love grandparents, don't you?

I decided to link up with my lovely almost-39 week pregnant Lindsay over at Hello Hue for another round of It's the Little Things! I love looking back on my week and reminiscing on all the little things I'm thankful for in my life. After starting the book One Thousand Gifts by Anne Voskamp, I'm trying to make it a more daily, hourly, and even minute-ly (is that a word?) practice: to constantly be in prayer with God, thanking him for every little thing He's given me.  Even if it's clean underwear.

My Little Things:

- Too many ice-cream sandwiches to count. And Diet Coke.

- Watching my kids play in the playground sandbox. I can't help but cringe while watching them dig down deep in the dirt, scoop up a huge pile of sand, and then dump it on their clothes. But, man, do they enjoy it.

- Chia's feet finally being big enough to wear her saltwater sandals! I've waited all summer for this! Who cares if she still can't walk!

- Making a custom order "mommy and daughter" matching headband set for an expecting mom (the beautiful Melody of Dance Parties in the Rain). She used the newborn headband as the surprise announcement to her family that they were having a girl!

{source: dance parties in the rain}

- Still getting to have virtual coffee dates with my readers. It's been so much fun hearing other people's hearts and realizing that we're all really going through similar struggles, even if we are on completely different paths in life. For those of you who recently emailed me and haven't heard back: expect a reply soon!

- Extra special baby cuddles with a teething toddler. I'll never turn down a sweaty snuggle in our rocking chair with this girl.

- Having a book club with some lovely local ladies in my area. It's exactly what i've needed this summer: intentional community with other women who are looking for the same thing as me; a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. It's been such a blessing this past month and I'm really loving the book we're reading: One Thousand Gifts by Anne Voskamp.

- Watching my kids learn to communicate better and better every day. Josiah's vocabulary is growing at a rapid pace. The kid is speaking in full sentences and amazes me with the stuff that comes out of this mouth. An example: Yesterday, after arriving at their grandparent's house, Josiah hears the kid next door crying. He says to me, "Something's wrong! Let's help him! Hey, kid! You sad? Cool bike!" Man, I love him. Oh, and Chia? Her new word of the week is "kitty." Melts. My. Stinkin'. Heart.

What little things are you thankful for this week? Leave a comment or share your own blog post by linking up with party over at Hello Hue!

Also, check out my guest post over at the Influence Conference Blog! I'm sharing my favorite blog posts of the week!