thankful

(So thankful to Krista for this photo of our clan that is extra treasured in this photo-less season between cameras.)

Well, the video I'm going to post is coming just in time for American Thanksgiving, but actually dates back to our Canadian Thanksgiving. In part, a symptom of just how full this fall has been. Thanks for your patience in this record-setting blogless season of mine. Especially my beloved blog stalkers (you know who you are!). In fact, a special thank you to you... for caring so much about us.

Do you have those days where you know you have so much to be thankful for, but feel you're looking at your life through a darker lens of ungratefulness that you can't seem to lift? Today was one of those days. Thankfully, I can say 'was' and not 'is' before the day is over. After unloading an honest tangle of thoughts on my best friend -- my gentle and patient hubby who knows how to lend an ear -- then reading a stranger's beautiful blog about her own darkness lifting (and on being kind to ourselves), and giving it all back to the One who knows all of my days before I have lived them, the lens is much clearer now. Thankfulness, welcome back.

I'm deeply thankful for the Peace that passes all understanding. Thankful for a husband who has the gift of being fully present and available to his family when he's here, and who is such an amazing dad to our girls. Thankful for encouragement that seems to come at just the right time, and often from the most unexpected people. Thankful that God is leading me to a place of greater freedom and away from the 'false responsibility' that has been my life-long companion. That He has spoken to my heart with words I didn't even know how deeply I needed to hear. Thankful for friends who feel equally compelled to pray and have made space in their life to do just that. Thankful for a fireplace and a warm(ish!) home on a cold day... even if I did hear a suspicious scratching behind the living room wall tonight. (Sometimes having a canine in the house is pushing it... rodents are absolutely unwelcome!) Thankful that the fridge and cupboards are full when I know full well that's not the case for far too many.

And so thankful for Maia and Eliana. This fall, God has used our girls to weave joy into our days. In one of the more serious seasons of our lives, they have kept us laughing. Eliana has developed a little sense of humour all her own. Every other thing that comes out of her mouth seems worthy of writing down. For example, she ends all her successful trips to the toilet now with the same exclamation: "I am so PROUD of you, mommy!" Maia has begun to love singing about as much as dancing. Mostly precious made-up songs that I should also be recording the words to. In the last two months, she's taken a new interest in learning to read. And I am having as much fun helping her learn to read as I had hoped it would be. Tonight I introduced her to good ol' Dick and Jane. She loved it! Thank you, library.

So back to Canadian Thanksgiving. The cousins on Tim's side of the family were hilarious around the dinner table. Notice how the new addition to the family doesn't flinch at all the hub-bub... These kids are so precious.

And I am so thankful. And planning to stay there.