A Quieter Week.

Well it has been back to work this week. No pupil free day, that is in a couple of weeks time. Straight back into classes. It has been an OK week. I have been busy preparing for our Professional Development Day which is being held on the Pupil free day.

I've had time to relax a little this week, catch up on some reading for pleasure. I've finished off a novel I started in the holiday and I started reading another. This is usually a no no for me, normally novels are left till the holidays, but I am trying to unwind and relax a little. I bought some new worship CD's in the holiday, and I have been enjoying just listening to them this week

The girls have been enjoying the beach a lot lately. Sarah is mad keen on surfing at the moment and heading to the Gold Coast with her sister in law every opportunity that they can.

In fact they are enjoying it so much that they are planning on a girls trip next year to either Bali or Fiji....

Here they are enjoying a few more beach antics. Some great photos.
Beach babes...

Chloe has also been enjoying trips to the beach... not that she has started surfing yet, but she does manage to sneak down to the beach most weekend. Unfortunately we don't have too much surf on the beaches around here. Our beaches are protected by the islands.

She managed to snap some great photos of her friend Zac doing some flips onto the beach.

She made sure she left her mark on the beach too.
Last week end Chloe thought she would try something new and spent the afternoon out with work mates doing this.

At least she came home in one piece. Oh to be young....

This evening I am grateful, very grateful.
It might have something to do with the mood I am in right now, and how emotional I am feeling, but I am sitting here tonight feeling very blessed, I am not sure about you, but my life is a real testimony to the Lord's faithfulness and goodness to us. He has shown us favour, grace, and joy through so many things and circumstances and I am just feeling so grateful and thankful.

We have had a huge month of catching up with people we love and who have had a wonderful influence on our lives - folk who have loved us and encouraged us in our walk with the Lord, who have blessed us in good and hard times, and I can't help but sit here tonight and be thankful for these many wonderful blessings.

I am thankful for

1. Extended family and the wonderful time we can have celebrating life together.
2. For the Christian heritage in our lives...
3. For a wonderful husband who has demonstrated his love for me by doing the little things, like bringing in the washing, washing up the dishes without me even having to ask.
4. That even after more than 30 years of marriage he still wants to go on dates... and constantly lets me know how much he enjoys my company.
5. For this wonderful country in which we live, and the beauty of God's creation. The rich colours of browns and reds of the earth, the richness of the greens grasses and trees, the brilliant blues of the ocean and the skies, and the fields of yellows and gold. I am in awe of the beauty.
6. Friendships that have been built over a lifetime and are as strong today as they were 30 years ago.
7. For the love and steadfastness of our kids...
8. Girlie time with my girls, shopping, pedicures and just having fun together.
9. Bear hugs from my son.
10. Long distance drives with my lovely husband - plenty of opportunities to chat, and sing and enjoy each other's company.
11. Celebrations of milestone events.
12. Sharing the gospel and meeting new people.
13. Making it through my first week back at school.
14. Encouragement.
15. The freshness of Spring.
16. The wisdom of God's word and how when I need it the most, there are words that speak directly to my heart and soul.
17. Worship music..
18. Scented candles and good books.
19. Life... abundant life...
20. Snuggles.

I don't know about you, but we all have something to be thankful for, don't we?
Hoping that you have an amazing week too!