Counting blessings

In this month of Thanksgiving, I've been photographing each day something I'm thankful for. It's a good practice and forces me to pause daily to find something, large or small, for which to be grateful.

But it's sometimes hard to translate into words, or pictures, what's really in your heart. Though I've mostly taken photos of things, it's the intangibles that are the true blessings.

I'm so thankful for the way I was raised, for the happy childhood I was given. I'm grateful for my own little family, my husband and children, who mean more to me than they will ever know. I'm thankful for all the undeserved grace I've received, for being loved, for friendships and new adventures.

Though we've had our share of struggles these past few months, it's all just part of living. The endless list of blessings reminds me that life is good!

Here's hoping your list is long as well. Happy Thanksgiving!

Fall-y

Fall color finally arrived in our part of the country, and not a minute too soon! This weekend I saw lots of Christmas greenery appearing on houses, lamp posts and trees around town, almost hidden in some cases by the surrounding foliage still clinging to the trees. The maple in my back yard is hanging onto its leaves, though I did mow--yes, mow--a lot of leaves this morning with my mulching mower. We'd hoped the leaves would fall this weekend so we could get them mulched and bagged while temps were in the 60s, but the tree wouldn't cooperate. I felt it was mocking me today by raining more leaves down on me while I worked to get the first batch mulched!

So it's Thanksgiving week, and as usual, I don't feel ready. To clarify, I'm not ready for what comes after this week...the onslaught of gift buying and preparation for Christmas that always leaves me exhausted. My lists get longer and more detailed, and I take great pleasure in checking items off when finished.

But before we get to Christmas, we really should enjoy Thanksgiving. I mean, really, who doesn't love a holiday devoted to delicious food? We'll be traveling a couple of hours away to share a meal with my parents and in-laws. I'll be bringing a pumpkin cheesecake, cloverleaf rolls, and this yummy Nantucket cranberry pie. How about you? What foods or activities are you most looking forward to this week?

Gearing up and giving thanks

So Thanksgiving week is here and there's no denying that the holiday busyness is upon us. I'm hosting my family for the Thanksgiving meal and I've been busy in the kitchen already. Two loaves of pumpkin bread, one loaf of banana bread, one pumpkin cheesecake, and one flourless chocolate cake are now safely tucked away in my freezer. Whew! The turkey is thawing in the fridge, sweet potatoes and Yukon golds are in the pantry, and fresh green beans are chilling in the crisper. Wow, what a lot of food! I'm counting on getting at least two meals from the feast, so it seems good to prepare a lot.

My mind is also busy with the thought of Christmas presents. I'm trying to simplify this year, turning my photos into gifts, and making donations to charities like this one. I love shopping on Etsy, too, with so many great artists and affordable options. Something like this would be fun to give to family or friends.

In the midst of all this, I remind myself that the food and gifts don't matter nearly as much as the people for whom they're intended. I'm so grateful for my husband, children, parents, siblings, and close friends! They are what make my life full, give me a reason to smile, and keep me lifted up. They are life's real blessings, and for them I am truly thankful.

P.S. If you're interested, details on the hat can be found on Ravelry.

Pause

I'm taking a break in the midst of my holiday preparations to remember why we celebrate. Gratitude for so many things, large and small. Appreciation of the many blessings of life, the greatest of which are my family, my faith, my friends. My cup really does overflow.



Here's wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy Thanksgiving. And don't forget to eat a piece of pie for me!

Thankful

Giving thanks for:
♥My family
♥My church
♥True friends
♥A safe, cozy home
♥Plenty to eat
♥Time to be creative
♥Freedom

The list goes on and on! Hope you have a safe, happy, Thanksgiving, wherever you are!