A Month of Giving Thanks: a year later

Last year, I wrote the following post:

Giving Thanks

...for ten dirty feet that never seem to stop.

...for fifty little (and not so little) fingers that smudge the windows, find their way in cake batter and cookie dough, wipe my tears and tickle my tummy.

...for a husband that loves me unconditionally, no matter how unloving I can be at times.

...for home. It's not the house of my dreams, but the home within the house is greater than anything I've ever dreamed.

...for friends. The ones in real life and the ones that "live" in my computer. The friends that love me for who I am. The friends that know little about me, but are always there to listen and encourage in areas where we have a connection. The friends that I've known for years and the ones that I'm just getting to know.

...for health struggles and how God uses them in our lives to mold us, refine us and use us for His Glory.

...for giggles and belly laughs...especially when they appear for no reason.

...for hot showers...even if they are often interrupted.

...for warm sweaters and funky socks.

...for mint tea and kids that don't mind sharing their favorite mugs.

...for a husband that works a lot and still comes home and jumps right in where needed.

...for nose-rubbies and bear-hugs

...for Thanksgiving dinners past, a house full of loved ones all gone now. The memories with us forever.

...for Thanksgiving traditions...making butter, kids providing entertainment with song and dance, homemade cranberry sauce.

...for new opportunities and challenges

Most of all for a God that loves me more than I will ever begin to understand. That he came to me in the depths of despair, drew me to Himself,made this broken mess into His child is something that I will forever stand in amazement and gratitude.

How deep the Father's Love for me...

Thank you, Jesus...for this...for your Life poured out for mine...for me, this wayward, mess to find the way...for life more abundantly than I ever knew possible...for love that takes my breath away...
every time he kisses me,
every time they say "I love you, mommy",
every time I read your Word.



This year, I'll add I'm thankful

...for Koala hugs and bedtime stories

...for a husband that never stops trying to understand his children and lovingly, patiently, tenderly guides them through some tough situations.

...for the sound of the piano. It's old, out of tune and played by children with no formal lessons. Yet, it's beautiful to me.

...for a paper hand-print turkey taped to my computer monitor. May it always remind me to be thankful and to cherish the small things, more importantly, the small people in my life.

...for milestones, big and small. Those that are on time and those that have taken years to reach.

...for daily reminders to not take simple things for granted.

...for a girl that loves to bake and help in the kitchen and how she's becoming my right hand.

...for friends for my children. Thankful that they are eachother's best friends first, but that they are beginning to develop special friendships with others too.

...for grandparents that love my children even when they don't understand them.

...for boys that never give up. They are the greatest examples of perseverance and determination in my life. They inspire me, challenge me and never cease to amaze me.

...for the funny stuff that comes from the mouths of babes. It would be a full time job to try and record it all.

...for so much more than I could ever write in one blog post.

...for this life. This beautiful, messy, roller coaster ride of a life.
Every breath.
Every moment.
Every cuddle.
Every kiss.
Every tear.
Every time I feel like my heart can't possibly break anymore.
Every time that I feel inexpressible joy.
Every mountain.
Every valley.
All of it-a precious Gift
and I am once again, on my knees,
full of gratitude.