a Tennessee Monday

81. Visiting my grandparents in east Tennessee.

82. Glorious fall-colored mountains and lovely weather, and the opportunity to spend an afternoon at Cades Cove (one of my favorite places on this earth).

83. My grandmother, who has Alzheimer's, walking into her kitchen as I pulled muffins out of the oven and saying, "I love you; it seems like it's always been like this." (Not entirely sure what she was referring or if she really knows who I am most of the time, but it was a very sweet moment.)

84. Visiting over tea with my lovely sister/friend/cousin Sabrina.

85. Seeing the sunset over the Smoky Mountains from the Foothills Parkway

86. A good conversation with my pastor

87. Encouraging texts to let me know a friend is praying for me.

88. "Hellooooooooo ma'am!" Never fails to make me smile. Thank you, Sir Green Shirt.

89. Technology, which allows me to listen to the sermon I missed last night while I drive across Tennessee this afternoon.

90. New music to play over and over on "Nonny" (my non-iPod) that keeps me focused on the Gospel.

ever so thankful

61. The opportunity to make a quick trip to Houston to have lunch with my dad while he was in town for a business meeting.

62. A wonderful Sunday of fellowship with my Life Group, dear friends, and at church.

63. my new Lesley Gore pandora station. I anticipate this being the soundtrack to much future baking.

64. Fun with coworkers painting mugs during our store party.

65. Trying out new recipes!

66. Sunday afternoon book study with Sabrina and Everly

67. Perfect tea-drinking weather (so far today I've had two cups of Earl Grey and one cup of Vanilla Rooibus...mmm!)

68. Texts from friends, keeping me accountable about spending time in God's Word

69. Julie and Julia movie night with Sabrina, Everly, and Birdie

70. A phone call from my brother in Haiti while he was at Notre Maison; I was able to get an update on "my" baby (she's doing very well and can sit up on her own now!).