who wouldn't be?

things to be thankful for?
i've got a few...

i'm thankful for this boy's tenacity
because even though some days when it's not my favorite trait
(like when he asks 'now can i watch scooby doo?'
for the 48th time in a row)
it amazes me how he can put together a whole
lego set in one sitting,
or can make up an entire new civilization of stormtroopers & ogers...
& i know that as he grows it's the thing that's
going to help him get through crazy amounts of homework
& college applications
& i bet it will help him to get the girl, too :)
& so for this boy i am thankful
he teaches me that being focused & having a goal
is important & admirable & really pretty cool :)
i'm thankful for this girl's zest for life!
everything she does, she does with enthusiasm
(fits & tantrums included...go big or go home:)
she sings & dances as she lives her life...
her room is a treasure trove of rainbows & glitter...
& when she gets the urge to draw or paint
watch out.
no surface is safe.
we have gone through so many mr. clean magic erasers
& so much carpet cleaner we could have our own aisle at target
& a big part of me wishes we lived in a house where
she could just have free reign to paint & draw all over the walls...
i do worry that we are stifling her when she gets in trouble
for expressing herself creatively...but maybe that's another blog post
the guilt day post, not the thanksgiving day post :)
& so for this girl i am thankful that she is her full self without apology
(though we are working on the apologizing...believe me.
not for being herself, of course,
but for calling her brother a 'chi-chi head'
(her own made up swear word), yes)
she shows me that anytime is a good time to be you...

i am thankful for this man's ability to just be real...
his yearning to know God, not just hear about him & sing & leave
is so inspiring to me...
he gets up at 5am every wednesday to meet with his group of guys
& study the bible & learn more & discuss & figure things out...
in july his best friend died & he's been struggling
but he's also been working through it
not ignoring it, or stuffing the feelings down because they are difficult.
he has always been very much himself
& can spot a poser from a mile away
& i have always really appreciated that about him
but this year in particular
as he has struggled & asked & wondered & questioned
& said 'if not now, when?'...
& so for this man i am thankful
that he shows me that asking the tough questions doesn't hurt for long
& that just being yourself is better
& that if you want to run a half marathon, do it
even if you're really sick :)

& one more thing i'm thankful for?
a little family that does craft projects together...
i mean really?
could i ask for anything more?

oh & one more...
i'm thankful for you guys
comment or not
it's fun to know you're out there...
& i know you're out there :)

happy thanksgiving, loves!

:)

ps i am thankful for my camera.
i am thankful for my camera.
i am thankful that i have a camera.
even if it is taking blurry shots right now.