Thankful Thursday #148!

"They sang with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD:

'For He is good; His faithful love to Israel endures forever.'”

~Ezra 3:11a

Happy Thursday, friends and family! ❤

Today, I am thankful for:

1.  Adorable kids who make life more fun!  Here's my honorary nephew and mini-BFF, Tate, after building an amazing block tower! =)

And here he is with his dad being excited to show me the willow tree bridge because he heard I love tree bridges! ❤

2.  The joy of watching the step-by-step progress and process of my future home taking shape, and the sense of anticipation of good things ahead!

3.  Eddie Kaufholz (one of my fav podcasters from Annie & Eddie), who has responded with kindness and good humor both times I've emailed him, and who has released a new podcast and newsletter this month!!

4.  A delightful Cracker Barrel dinner + games with Mom and Dad and these two (Jace was at Axel's house).  *We also found some fun Christmas stuff and a lovely wooden "Welcome" sign for my new house in the CB gift shop! =)

5.  For the major benefit of saving some money by living with Mom and Dad for what will be just over six months when my house is ready late October!  It's been nice having "Kyndal's room" to sleep in, my own bathroom and shower complete with two cabinet sides (one where I do my hair and the other for face washing, makeup, and teethbrushing), both closets for my clothes and shoes (divided into work clothes vs. non-work clothes), and Jace's room as a makeshift living room where I can do cycling, yoga, and strength classes... and then recline and watch my shows whilst Mom and Dad watch the news at night!

6.  That movie theaters are still going strong (I wondered at times if the pandemic would kill them forever).  I so enjoy a good movie in the theater setting... including this one, which they brought back to theaters with some extended scenes.  Saturday was National Cinema Day, so all movies were $3, which was lovely! 

*Also, it makes me happy that Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick has started a new trend where the actors talk to the audience before the film begins.  How great are Toby, Tom, and Andrew!?  This movie was fantastic and changed my mind on the multiverse concept (which was mostly just annoying to me at first, but if it means  more films like this, bring it on)!!

7.  Finally, I'm thankful for finding this joy-filled photo from Christmas Eve 1996 (I think that's the right year).  Mom had wrapped a series of gifts for Emily, a scavenger-hunt-style present where the boxes are wrapped Russian nesting doll style then the smallest one holds a clue for where you find the next set... eventually leading you to the real gift, which is typically far less memorable than the fun of the hunt for it!  Anyway, cleverly avoiding a stupid argument, Mom assigned me, Rach, and Blake specific spots to help Emily with unwrapping, and here it was my turn.  It makes me happy that everyone looks overjoyed, and Emily looks really excited!  And of course, I love seeing the Christmas decor of 9121 in the background, as well, hence me leaving the uncropped version as well as the closer one! =)  Hooray for Christmas cheer - past, present, and future!

May you believe by faith that God exists

and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.