The few posts I've done since Marie was born give me a glimpse, suddenly putting me back, only a year or two, but they seem so long ago. How much has changed, especially in me!
I am thankful, and happy, this Thanksgiving. As Pastor David said in a recent sermon, those who know Christ should be happy. Not just "joyful". I think there is a valid distinction between the two, and we should always be joyful - but we should normally be characterized by happiness as well.
And although we are certain to have ups and downs (I really wanted to say undulate but I'm afraid it's pretentious), I am thankful that Parker and I have been learning this. But here is my official list...
1. I am so thankful for Parker. I could make a list full of just the ways I'm thankful for him. I appreciate him more continually. Every time I am discouraged in some way about him, God works in him and I am amazed.
2. Marie - she is such a joy. And a challenge - pushing me to grow. She's thoughtful and smart and loves babies and helping, and reminds me how much I need God's help to be the mother I should be.
3. Jed - sometimes Parker and I just sit and marvel at how hilarious he is. He's the goofiest little boy I've ever seen. Totally confident in himself, he does everything with his own silly twist, even when he's (constantly) trying to imitate Marie.
4. Gravenor - I am so thankful to have my happy little boy back. He's just about the smiliest baby ever, even more than Jed was. I am thankful for formula that makes this possible, even if it's stinky and messy and not as fun as nursing! I am thankful that he just loves his family, and is probably going to be another boy who prefers his grandpas over just about everyone.
5. Baby! This little one first tried to make its presence known by stealing all of little big brother's food. :) What fun to think of another little one already, to wonder what Gravenor's relationship will be, hardly a year older than little sibling.
6. Ultrasounds! If it weren't for ultrasounds, I'd still be wondering whether this baby is due in April or in August!
7. Parker working at the church. This new job has been a great blessing to us in many ways, not the least of which is how late he leaves for work in the morning! We love that he gets to see the kids in the morning.
8. We also love...days off! He worked a half day yesterday and doesn't work tomorrow, and we get two weeks of vacation, not including church trips.
9. Books! I finally have set a goal I've kept up with all year, and I'm almost done with my book for November, having read over a book a month. It's been years, if I've ever done this. Certainly there's been years I've read more than 12, but not necessarily at least one per month. It has really been a blessing, and I've read some great books.
10. Baked oatmeal. We loved baked oatmeal around here. I love how easy it is and that the kids love to eat it.
11. Rebekah. After multiple attempts over the years, I've finally found a prayer partnership that's stuck. We've gotten to the point that even if we miss a week or two, we'll still get going again. It's simple, but we have faith it will be powerful, and it's good for our relationship.
12. A little baby boy! After multiple miscarriages and years of praying for another child, my friend is halfway through her pregnancy, and we are thankful.
13. Rosina! I've been waiting for a niece a long while, and I couldn't have asked for a sweeter one.
14. Cornwell Camera. I've had some fun photo sessions this year and grown in my photography a lot.
15. Marcus and Jasmine. What a joy to see this sweet friend of mine and her now husband seeking to obey God and grow! I am excited to see what He does in their lives.
16. Egg nog. My kids discovered this recently, and can't get enough "egg nog milk". This perhaps comes from the fact that I think eggnog is too strong (and expensive) and weaken it with milk...
17. My husband who figures out technology for me. I am so going to be that old lady who doesn't get how stuff works, even if I am comfortable with older technology.
And that seems like a good number to end on, symbolically - I could go on forever, so at some point, I just have to randomly stop.
What are you thankful for?
6. Ultrasounds! If it weren't for ultrasounds, I'd still be wondering whether this baby is due in April or in August!
7. Parker working at the church. This new job has been a great blessing to us in many ways, not the least of which is how late he leaves for work in the morning! We love that he gets to see the kids in the morning.
8. We also love...days off! He worked a half day yesterday and doesn't work tomorrow, and we get two weeks of vacation, not including church trips.
9. Books! I finally have set a goal I've kept up with all year, and I'm almost done with my book for November, having read over a book a month. It's been years, if I've ever done this. Certainly there's been years I've read more than 12, but not necessarily at least one per month. It has really been a blessing, and I've read some great books.
10. Baked oatmeal. We loved baked oatmeal around here. I love how easy it is and that the kids love to eat it.
11. Rebekah. After multiple attempts over the years, I've finally found a prayer partnership that's stuck. We've gotten to the point that even if we miss a week or two, we'll still get going again. It's simple, but we have faith it will be powerful, and it's good for our relationship.
12. A little baby boy! After multiple miscarriages and years of praying for another child, my friend is halfway through her pregnancy, and we are thankful.
13. Rosina! I've been waiting for a niece a long while, and I couldn't have asked for a sweeter one.
14. Cornwell Camera. I've had some fun photo sessions this year and grown in my photography a lot.
15. Marcus and Jasmine. What a joy to see this sweet friend of mine and her now husband seeking to obey God and grow! I am excited to see what He does in their lives.
16. Egg nog. My kids discovered this recently, and can't get enough "egg nog milk". This perhaps comes from the fact that I think eggnog is too strong (and expensive) and weaken it with milk...
17. My husband who figures out technology for me. I am so going to be that old lady who doesn't get how stuff works, even if I am comfortable with older technology.
And that seems like a good number to end on, symbolically - I could go on forever, so at some point, I just have to randomly stop.
What are you thankful for?
