so thankful

This past weekend was Thanksgiving in Canada, and in trying to keep my mind focused on Being Thankful, I made a list of all the things I can thank God for. (I couldn't sleep, so I got out of bed and made quite a list!) **in no particular order**

*Thankful for my children. They are amazing. I get absolutely giddy when I think of them and their personalities! I love them and want to squeeze them all day long! Sometimes I think, 'man, they can't get any better than this!' but I know it will. There will be more things to discover, more events to go through, and new things to learn. They excite me!

*Thankful for a van to be able to take the kids to school, to visit friends, get errands done, to offer carpooling… I love the freedom it gives me.

*Thankful for my family & friends who keep me sane, who love me despite my short-comings and foot-in-mouth syndrome; who care for me, who encourage me, and give me Joy.

*Thankful for my husband who loves me unconditionally. He amazes me and I am floored by him. He is so smart and kind and wonderful. He cares for me, loves me, encourages me, helps and supports me, and makes me laugh. I absolutely love him and am giddy at growing old with him. I hope I never lose my excitement & amazement for him. He is my Joy.

*thankful for my neighbours who care for me. We have been blessed with having Jenny & Steve next door. My friendship has grown this year with her and I am so pleased. We are alike in many ways, so our conversations have uplifted me, grounded me, brightened me, changed me, and made me feel "Normal".

*Thankful for my church. I love Jericho Ridge! I love Pastor Brad. And I love Meg, and I love everyone we meet! I feel At Home there. The kids love it and we've made friends. God is Good and we are so happy to be a part of a church who thrives to change and grow as a community. Love. Love. Love this place!!!

*Thankful for friends who call unexpectedly. I love being pleasantly surprised. It makes my day knowing that someone cares for me and is thinking and wants to connect with me.

*Thankful that I am still learning things about myself and being surprised. I love that!

*Thankful for Nathan, for being such a good "half brother". He holds a special part in my heart, having grown up with him. Having him become a good friend to Jono has been so wonderful; a little strange at first, as I never would've predicted it, but I am so grateful. He has been such a wonderful addition to Jonathan's life and I love seeing how it has effected him. It's good to see him be able to not only share his talents and interests with someone else, but to be able to build up in areas he's needed encouragement in. It's wonderful to see him have a positive male model—even if he sometimes deals in grey! (lol) I love that Jono has someone who he can spend time with.

*Thankful for the opportunity to join SU! I may be only breaking even, but I am able to support a (healthy) habit and have fun! I love SU! and stamping and have gained confidence and direction and a happiness.

*thankful for LCS and my parents for the chance that my children can attend there. LCS has been such an amazing experience and I am happy to be a part of the school. I am giddy that Abi is surrounded by godly things. I know I can't protect her, and am very aware that attending a Christian school doesn't stop you from being badly hurt, but I know that I can trust this school. The teachers are wonderful. I lvoe knowing that Abi will get a great education and learn how God fits into Everything in our lives, and I am so excited to watch her grow. I can't wait until the boys can go there too!

*Thankful for Teacher Michelle! She has been a great friend to me and make me laugh. I have loved her from the beginning when Abi was in preschool 3 years ago. (wow, that long ago?) I love that she's teaching Kai now. She is so understanding, caring, patient, fun, creative and I have learned so much from her.

*Thankful for our ST Linda (didn't think I'd ever say that!) for spending time with Kai, for showing an interest, for her suggestions, and for teaching me as well. She is bridging the gap between us and our communication barriers with Kai. I am grateful Kai is where he is; that we are able to get the therapy.

*Thankful for FB. Sounds silly, it's true, but I am SO HAPPY and Giddy to have reconnected with much of my family. I have waited YEARS for something like this! I LOVE LOVE LOVE everyone of my friends & love getting know family members I haven't seen in over 10 years. I am so happy and want to hug everyone right through the scren! Facebook was made for people like me. (so was some medication, though, too, LOL!)

*Thankful for MWP for all the girls who have supported, encouraged, loved, prayed, and cheered for/with me over the year. They mean so much to me and are very much a part of my extended family. I am grateful for their friendship. They've kept me sane as well!

*Thankful that despite the feeling like my body is failing me, I have a well-abled body to complain about. That I am able to see my children accomplish things. That I can hear the music that moves my body and connects me to God. That I can touch the soft skin of my babies and the roughness of my hardworking husband. That I can smell the food that I cook (or buy!) and can eat it. I am thankful for my freedoms and for the land I live in, the generation that I am a part of, and that I have the ability to be active. May my complacency break me.

*thankful that my heart is still able to recognize the MANY MANY Blessings God has given me even when I endure my very common "EHH!" days. Thankful that God doesn't NEED me to do a thing, but LOVES me enough to WANT me to. Thankful that He blesses me abundantly. Thankful that sometimes, in my mind, I can not JUST Fly, but I SOAR.

I asked the kids what they were thankful for, and these are their contributions:

*Thankful for my Mom & Dad because I love them. ~ Abi

*Thankful for Abi because she plays with me. ~Kai

<3