Blessings right now...

For some reason, I was just thinking about things I love and am thankful for this week. There are some weeks where I feel so restless in my life and wish for something different, but I'm trying to be content with the life God has given me and see all of His blessings... no matter how big or small! So, here are some of my current blessings!

1. I am thankful for... a warm cozy home to share with my hubby. A recent fall storm brought wind and lots of rain and it just felt so good to be inside baking with candles and fun music playing. Growing up, my mom always made our house a home and some of my fondest memories were in the fall with all the yummy smells coming from the kitchen and that same sense of security and love. I'm so glad to have that now in my own home!

2. I am in love with... food blogs! As I continue to wait for a new job, I have more time to cook and bake. This is especially glorious as I love the flavors of fall. The food blogs I have found usually post season friendly recipes and I've been getting so many ideas (which most have turned out to be really good!). For example, I found pumpkin streusel muffins, pumpkin granola bars and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies... yum! My three favorite food blogs currently are Finding Joy in My Kitchen, Two Peas and Their Pod, and The Cooking Photographer. Check them out!

3. I am glad for... our marriage LifeGroup at church! What a great group of people and amazing discussions. I love the chance to learn how to better love in our marriage and share in the joys/struggles in each couple's life.

4. I am excited for... a chance to serve on our upcoming trip to El Salvador. Eleven of us from our church are headed off for a medical mission trip with King's Castle in El Salvador next week! It is such a blessing that Chet and I are both able to go as, since we met, we had talked about doing some kind of medical mission trip. Though we will be sleeping in different dorms (boys and girls), I am looking forward to serving with him in this way and sharing this experience.

5. I am enjoying... going to the gym! I joined the YMCA back in June when our old gym closed and I couldn't be happier! Both my body and mood feel better when I am exercising and they have so many different activities so I don't get bored! Also, now that my friend Faith is a member, I have a workout buddy so it is doubly fun.

6. And, for a final list here are other things that make me happy right now... homemade pumpkin puree, roasted pumpkin seeds, spice and/or apple candles, fires in our firepit, crock-pot meals, a new window/trim in the back bedroom, weekly walks around Greenlake with friends and their babies, job possibilities, Pandora radio blasting through the house, library books, mulled apple cider, fall leaves and even a bit of rain/fall storms.