Giving Thanks

I have SO MUCH for which to be thankful that when I stop to really reflect on it all I get overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by God's amazing generosity and His grace. Overwhelmed by the love that surrounds me every day. Overwhelmed by the beauty in every day life.

A few specific Thanks today:

~ For my girls. Obviously. Some days it's easy to get wrapped up in the challenges of parenthood, and if I'm not careful I lose sight of the Gifts that they are to me in Everything. When I see them as opened presents from God, perfect and Good, I can't help but let my heart sing and shout from the rooftops what precious Loves they are. Bella's singing. Anastasia's smiles. Bella's silly games. Anastasia's mischief. Bella's inquisitiveness. Anastasia's exploration. Every. Little. Thing. that is my girls is something for which to be thankful.

~ For my Amazing Husband. Patrick is truly my complementary half. He balances the insanity that is my brain and lack of logic. He is the perfect match to me and an amazing father. Yup, he's certainly worth being VERY thankful.

~ For surviving 4 1/2 days without Patrick while he was in California. I am so used to having his help and the consolation of him being home early every evening that I was a little nervous. I'm also thankful for the help and company of my favorite neighbors, my brother and his family. Angela came and helped me clean up one day, and invited me to dinner almost every night! I think I was almost spoiled...

~ For our trip to New Orleans! Finally seeing cousins after 10 years and catching up with lots of laughter and love. For Po' Boys, Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Gumbo, The French Quarter, Hurricanes, Drive-Thru Daiquiri shops (more for Pat than me...), Dixieland Jazz, Jackson Square, mandarin trees in the backyard, great parks, and good friends.

~ For celebrating the lives of 2 great men. My cousin Walthen passed away at age 88, quietly with his wife of 65 years at his side right after receiving Last Rites and the Eucharist. His life was celebrated with his whole family around, lots of singing and laughing and eating, just the way he would have loved. Patrick's Uncle Steve died suddenly last week, unexpectedly but with his wife at his side. Pat was able to fly out for the funeral, and his life was celebrated with his children and grandkids around. There was lots of love, which, along with joy and laughter, is what Uncle Steve will best be remembered for by us! Bella took to him immediately, with his winning smile and contagious laugh. May the Souls of the Faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

~ For welcoming another gift of Life! Baby #3 is due in early June!\


So my Gratitude List, although certainly not exhaustive, did a decent job of updating the goings-on in our lives right now. We've been busy! Happy Thanksgiving! Now on to the preparation for Advent...