thankful

Thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays. It is a socially-accepted day where people around me give themselves permission slow down. It is a day when my family takes a break from the sprint of life and we allow ourselves to fall back into a mindset of simplicity. The expectations of the day are simple: turkey, family and laughter.  This holiday is more about presence and less about presents.

In preparation for this year's Thanksgiving, I wanted to teach my children (and most importantly myself) the importance of having an attitude of gratitude. We have been making thankfulness a deliberate part of our everyday lives.

At the beginning of October, we started a thanksgiving list. Each evening at dinner, we all share what we are thankful for and then post the note on the door. The kids have also made a point of asking their grandparents what is on their thankful list, so we can add their note to our door.

For the broader part of my family, this year I decided to try a recipe from here. As you may have surmised from my past posts, I have not been gifted with the passion for cooking/baking. But I decided to take a chance with the fickle nature of yeast and prepare Thanksgiving Buns (with the safety net of knowing Safeway was only a five minute drive away if things went bad!) To add to the Thanksgiving theme, I printed numbered thankful statements on paper and rolled the cut strip of paper in each bun. On Thanksgiving, we all took turns reading the statements and sharing our gratitude with each other. I couldn't have been happier with the result (side note, if I can bake these - anyone can!).

This weekend, I also took time to be present in the moment. This is extremely difficult for me, as I have a very anxious mindset: my mind is always racing. But I managed to pause a few times this weekend - and my soul feasted on these moments:
1375. Daughter and son jumping into a leaf pile.

1376. Son enjoying cold water from the hose on a warm fall day.

1377. Playing 'just dance 3' on the x-box with my son.

1378. Facetime conversations with grandparents living in BC.

1379. My mama's amazing cheeseball.

1380. Grace led by my dad.

1381. Uncle playing duct tape wars with my son.

1382. Seeing my aunt and uncle at all family gatherings.

1383. Surprise visit from my cousin.

1384. Watching Lord of the Rings with my husband (a fall tradition for us)

1385. Walking through the wetlands.

1386. Healthy kids.

1387. A son who wants to bake with me.

1388. Sunlight streaming through the window. This always mesmerizes me.

1389. Mom who always makes lots of turkey so I can steal some for my turkey soup.

1390. Husband who understands me.

1391. Father who shows his little girl how to fix things.

1392. Son's toothy grin.

1393. Daughter's love of swings.

Continuing my list of thanks...join other joy-seekers here.

blueberries and lemons

Today I did the oddest thing. 

I made muffins. Real muffins. 

Not the cheat-add-water-to-mix kind of muffins (like I always do), but real blueberry and lemon muffins. All I really wanted to do was shed my workclothes and slip into my comfy sweats and college t-shirt. But instead, the kitchen suffered blows of flour and blueberry-stained floors while my kids helped measure, mix and pour the homemade goodness.

(Do you think Martha's kitchen ever looked like this?)

Maybe this is the part I should mention that I am so tired that it looks like my mascara ran under my eyes. Big pockets of sleep deprivation announce to anyone who glances my way that I'm on the losing end of of back-to-school morning routines. 

I now have two babies (as they will always be known by me) who are in school. My boy is a confident Grade Two student and my baby (last one!) girl has now entered the kinder-years. She is beyond excited to take the bus with her big brother next week, and she loved going to "his school" this week for her orientation class.

As I fold little notes into my son's lunch kit for tomorrow's adventures, I glance around our home. So much has changed. Knicknacks have been given away, clothes folded and bagged and toys have been seriously culled as part of my quest for simplifying my life and our home.

Our family has entered a new stage. Family excursions are less about baby wipes and goldfish and more about backpacks and after-school snacks. 

In many ways it's exciting. 

We had an incredible summer filled with adventures that we couldn't have possibly experienced while we were in the toddler and baby stage. 

We are enjoying the intelligent, inquisitive questions that our son asks us, and are no longer surprised when he stumps us. 

Our daughter can now ride her bike without training wheels, and for the first time, we are all able to go bike riding together at a fun pace. 

I catch myself standing outside the kids' rooms listening to their chatter. They are friends and really enjoy each others' company. Negotiations, inside jokes and fantasy play are all part of their conversations. I am really starting to see and appreciate my childrens' unique personalities. And they shine.

Of course, I still have pangs of time moving way too fast. But for now, I am taking the time to enjoy the moments. 

Because if there is one thing I know for sure - all I really have is this moment....and fresh baked muffins.

i love

i love the way my daughter giggles loud and playfully sighs "mommmmmmm"

i love hearing my son talk about Star Wars and all his conquests in the game

i love the smell of our trailer when we pack it for a weekend adventure

i love watching cousins splash and be free at the lake

i love a husband who takes care of the trailer unknowns

i love being reminded that God has a plan for me

i love the sound of rain on the trailer roof

i love the competition of who can roast the best marshmallow

i love having a family to build memories with

i love that my kids aren't perfect...a reminder that  no one is, or can ever be while here on earth.

i love my life: the doubts, the joys, the hurts, the questions, the mess, the experience.

i love this life, gifted by Him to me.

mommies of little boys

I read a list today featuring 25 rules for moms with sons. My heart soared at her words and the wonderful opportunity God has blessed me with to be a mommy of my little boy...

Here's the link to the post. It's definitely worth a read.

taking time

Taking time to receive His gifts...

1331. Sick days to recharge.
1332. Hurried mornings with kids.
1333. Daughter's baby bear sitting in her carseat "to be safe" until I pick her up from daycare.

1334. Dog who eats morning cheerios that spilled all over the carpet.
1335. Boy who can make his own breakfast - but not too big yet that he needs mommy to help clean up the mess. XOXO
1336. Waking up in the night to grab my little girl and bring her into my room. Totally selfish on my part - but my heart needed it.
1337. Nana and Papa who watch and play with their grandchildren.
1338. Turkey dinner with all the trimmings because it's a Sunday. Thanks mama.
1339. Watching my husband play a sport he loves.
1340. Candles and cozy blankets.
1341. curling up to sleep under a fluffy duvet blanket.
1342. Watching daughter run down a soccer field. Such joy in her eyes.
1343. Oatmeal muffins in the oven.
1344. Hearing the words "I love you mommy" everyday.
1345. Husband's smile.
1346. Dog who follows me around the house.
1347.An extra paycheque.
1348. Reminders to rest.
1349. A beautiful, warm fall season.
1350. Watching the miracle of pregnancy develop with my two sisters.
1351. Just because love notes.
1352. My son's two grown up teeth.
1353. Son drawing whipped cream happy face on pumpkin pie.

pausing in thanks to receive His giving...

Reflecting on the gifts my heart received this weekend of Thanksgiving...

1321.

1322.

1323.

1324.

1325.

1326.

1327.

1328.

1329.

1330.

treasure

"Don't let go, okay mommy?"

My little man pleads these words out of his pursed lips as the tips of his toes balance him on his shiny red BMX bike.  The wobbly movements on the steel frame match the wobbly knees of a boy who is breaking free of training wheels, ready to blaze his own path on his own terms. I grip the back of his shirt in my fist, holding tight to the little boy I used to hold tight to my chest.

He's ready now. He scoots forward with his toes tapping the black asphalt, one leg hesitantly lifting, searching for the black pedal while his body leans left, then right....I hold on....

His other foot now finds the back pedal and he balances strong, propelling himself forward...he gains speed, confidence....and I let go...

My vision is blurred with tears as I shout "you're doing it baby!! You're doing it!!" He rides down the street, while his daddy, sister and mommy shriek in pure delight. Praise to a boy who overcame his fear of falling, praise to a boy who pushes his limits and praise to a boy who fills my heart with so much joy.

There have been many boundaries pushed, expanded and redrawn this week for my little six-year old.

A new big-boy room where hockey heros replaced somersaulting bunnies and a giant tree. The yellow bus now carries my boy to his full day adventures in Grade One, and I get to relive his day as he recounts the recess games, music class musical chairs and colouring projects. I get lost in his story-telling, loving the way his th's sound like zaaa's and the way his big gap-toothed smile melts my heart.

I want to take it all in and remember these details forever.

"Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" Luke 2:19, NIV

Today I ponder my treasure that has been gifted to me by God...
1301. Mama learning to let go, and boy who can now fly on his bike.
1302. Handy husband who created a hanging bed for our boy's room.
1303. Boy who delights in using his money to buy candy from the store, and shares his bounty with everyone (including the neighbours)
1304. Grandparents who create magic in a bike ride.
1305. Daughter who always puts her underwear on inside out.
1306. Husband who has life in his eyes.
1307. Floating down the river with my boy and his uncles.
















1308. Winding our way through a cornmaze.
1309. Daughter who always gives me morning cuddles.
1310. Beautiful last days of summer.
1311. Healthy kids who love to laugh.
1312. Grape hubba-bubba and blowing giant bubbles.
1313. New classroom and his very own desk.
1314. Chocolate ice-cream covered faces.




















1315. Outdoor movie nights with friends.
1316. Husband's gift of balancing our finances.
1317. Uncle who is under doctor's watch.
1318. New clothes for school.
1319. Travel plans for me and husband.
1320. For this day.

Join me in counting your blessings?

merry and bright

Continuing to focus on the blessings in my life...

1032. Husband whose eyes sparkle with hope.
1033. Husband who holds me close.
1034. Christmas family time with my husband's family...and getting to see Kelsi and her beautiful daughter.
1035. Cousins eating at the kids' table for the first time.

1036. Watching my son play with Lego.
1037. Accident-free travels on treacherous winter roads.
1038. Hearing Grandpa-Great read the Christmas story from his worn bible.

1039. Supportive friends.
1040. Love notes to Jesus.

1041. Watching my son's kindergarten class at the Christmas concert.
1042. Watching my daughter play with her dress during her preschool concert.
1043. Hearty hugs.
1044. Watching my kids' excitement build as Christmas nears.
1045. Stolen moments of cuddle time between Grandmother and Grandson.

1046. Grace gifted to me.

rule your own city

Doesn't this look so fun?

 

Don't you wish you were talented enough to draw something like this? 

Me too.

Here's the good news - this paper city (which includes people, vehicles and even a helicopter!) is available for FREE on the Made by Joel's website. The best part is that he made printable templates, so even if my kidlets get too excited and rip/crumple/(insert action here), I can easily print a new one. 

YAY for imaginative play and YAY for someone who can draw better than me and YAY for sharing!

*update:

Yesterday's freezing temperatures kept us tucked away inside, so what better time to build our own city? Here are some snapshots of our building process: