blessings...

I am thankful for a decent sleep, and for the inspiration that rested gentle and pure in my mind when I prayed for a solution to an old problem, when I woke up this morning. I just didn't know what to do, and I knew I couldn't fix it by myself. I remembered a cool story from the Bible about David and Abigail. It was a perfect answer. Perfect. I love how Heaven helps me. As I said, the day was good right through... We had little girls coming out of our ears, and they danced and sang and played here with my own. I did little things around the house, and felt ok, in spite of the not-so-pretty purple marks under my eyes... I just didn't care, really- so happy to be up and about and have sweet little people around. I felt hungry, and ate. Yay! I chatted a little with a couple friends, and received a parcel from my beautiful sister. Precious handmade gifts spilled out with love from over the mountains... A simple day, really. It feels good to be friends with the people I liv...

After a mixed up little cocktail of medicines last night, I had another night of insomnia. Oops... it seems like that double dose of excedrin migraine wasn't such a good plan with my other little bedtime treats :O What amazes me is that I am up, and how resilient we are made to be as human beings. And not just our bodies, but our minds and our hearts. I can keep going when I don't feel like I have anything left and my hopes are just fumes. I can get up, and talk with my family and friends, and take care of our home, and I am even planning to venture out this afternoon for a sledding date with Emma in the new fallen snow... I can carry on, and eat a little, and actually make plans, even when I feel overwhelmed by the world, and life in it. I can try to be a gentler and more patient person today, even though all I really want to do is burrow into my bed and hibernate. I can listen and forgive when I'm actually inclined to become a hermit. I can consider ways to be more confi...

What I wrote on here this afternoon is lost forever in cyberspace. The post couldn't go up because of a problem with our internet connection, which my clever husband has since repaired single-handedly... a thing I could never see myself doing! It makes me consider what a blessing the internet is- having a little taste of life without it. I appreciate how easy it makes communicating, and learning things- from the weather to the news to wikipedia to the scriptures- it's all there; literally at our fingertips. Yay! What I had written earlier was that I really enjoyed practicing the piano today. I hadn't practiced for a while, and it feels so good to push my brain and my hands to do something that's hard for me, and super-satisfying when I get it together... whether it's an arpeggio with tricky fingering, or an intense few measures in a sonatina, it feels great to do it. I am blessed to have a brilliant teacher, and a supportive family; my husband is always more than h...

It was a pleasure to see and squeeze some friends today, who have moved away and are back around for Christmas. I especially love my one sweet friend; she is always a treat to be with. :) I am glad to say that when my daughters and I came back home after church, Kirby and Jack were looking a lot more alive again! We all relaxed together, watching the Nativity movie. It was so cozy. Just now, I feel blessed by the lovely (if very slow) walk we all just took together, under the stars. Emma was tickled pink to have her little doll with her, making dolly footprints in the crunchy snowcrust with her little Christmas boots on. Jack is still in his pajamas, so he wore his new snowpants, even though it's not very cold out there; just perfect for a snowy, starry stroll with my favorite people.

We woke up this morning to the sad sound of my boy, violently sick. I don't know how many times this happened before Kirby joined him. Needless to say, this put a bit of a damper on our day, especially for Kirby's Dad, who was now the only man up around here... having come a long way with his Mom for  Christmas visit... :(  My girls enjoyed plenty of time together, and I had some good talks with Ethel while we made food together in the kitchen. We also enjoyed a lovely walk in about 15 degree weather- a sunny blue sky. While we were walking along Broadview, we saw a horse and rider gallop through the field next to us. It was a treat; we are town- dwellers! Mary and Emma were a bit glum by dinner, sad that their dad and brother were missing out on the feast. I had the pleasure of providing some small cuddles to my dear little Emma throughout the meal, as we sat side by side. But by the time the meal was done, Mary was so upset she left the table feeling ill, and in tears. Than...

Last night we watched Charlie Brown's Christmas, which reminds me of Christmas at Dad's.  I still love Linus' voice. There's nothing like it. And he's right about the true meaning of Christmas. Tonight, when Kirby's parents are here, we'll be doing what he did, and reading the original Christmas story from Luke 2. We'll sing some carols and exchange all our gifts. It still seems a bit strange to me, doing all that tonight, but it's a tradition we've always kept from Kirby's parent's- the German side. And I do love it, every time it comes around. It's not bad, presents early and all that...  :) After Charlie Brown we watched It's A Wonderful Life, which reminds me of Christmas at Mom's. I hope I'll also be doing what George Bailey did, and somehow sweetening and brightening the lives of the people I know, in spite of all my flaws... with my real, unglamorous life.  Not a lot can matter more than this, because it's what...

Literally... A wicked summer hailstorm came and eventually, after almost endless fun with the insurance company, we received reimbursement for our cedar shake roof. It is enough to re-roof (in a normal shingle), and pay off our car, which we did today! Thank Heaven for what only Heaven could have sent. There is no relief like paying off a debt. This evening, Kirby and I went to the temple together. It was wonderful- what else could it be? I love the feeling of knowing that while we enjoyed the peace and serenity there, we were passing on temple blessings to ancestors who never had the chance during their life on earth. It was a great Christmas gift for me, to be able to go together... And the dinner by the fireside in a restaurant in Waterton wasn't too bad either. I am convinced that I am a very blessed woman. Life is a beautiful, rich gift...

Mary and I had most of the night and day sick in my bed together! It was not fun to feel ill, but I am grateful for the silver lining; we had hours to hold hands and we talked a little here and there... Sometimes she lay her head on my shoulder, and I played with her wild hair. The down time came at a price, but it came...  :) Thank Heaven for Kirby- the kind of man who takes care of things while I'm down! He looked after us, and then looked after the house and Jack and Emma today.  And I'm grateful for my sweet generous children, who saved so hard and were so happy to buy some lovely Christmas gifts for their family. I know I am blessed.

I don't have to have any more experience with insomnia- 3 nights in a row has provided sufficient evidence- it's not for me. The case is closed. However, I faked my way through the week, acting out the part of a real person doing my real life pretty well, actually. I think. As long as it worked for my children, (which I think it kind of did?).... Anyway, it's over now, and I am grateful that the Christmas holidays have started! And that I had a dreamy Saturday, which included special friends, and having Mom come! We have been baking our favorite Christmas treats and she is teaching me how to do family history, which is petty addictive, actually. I feel so connected, and part of something old and unique. I am thankful that Mom was here to hear my girls play their special pieces on the piano in church today, and that my children are such cool kids, (they are busy making gifts this afternoon :), while their Papa bear gets a well deserved nap. Speaking of which, I think I shoul...

The snow falling outside here today has to be the lightest and flakiest I've ever seen. It could be an ad for amazing pastry. If it's going to be winter, December is a good time for it, and if it's going to get cold, then throwing in some breathtaking snowflakes is a very civilized way to present it all... So I am happy to sit here in my little gingerbread house as it receives its artistic layer of white icing sugar tonight!

When Kirby's alarm clock rang this morning, I was still waiting to fall asleep for the night. I had fallen into a brief and disturbed dream around 2, but other than that I'd spent the night lying in bed, trying vainly to sleep... I stayed there, hoping for a chance, and I heard Emma playing Still, Still, Still softly on the piano before school. It was sweet music to my ears, that little lullaby, just then. I am looking forward to a follow-up appointment with my neurologist in a couple days, because I have been reading from a book (written by a very qualified and experienced neurologist), which has helped me to understand a bit more about all this, and what can help! I think there may actually be a light at the end of the tunnel, and of course, that's happy :) We are so blessed to live in a time and place full of knowledge and awareness and helpful information! Literally at the tip of our fingers... I read an old novel, in which a very minor character was a woman who lived ...

Now that I've been up for a while, there's more to be thankful for. This evening after dinner we talked with our children about the true meaning of Christmas, and how we can celebrate this in three very meaningful ways; giving each other gifts from the heart (taking time to be with and do for one another), caring for those in need, and offering some real personal change as a gift to The Gift- Jesus. Well, after this, with a couple songs and a couple scriptures, we were all feeling it, despite the fact that the success of this venture looked quite dubious at the outset! (Emma was in tears after yet another 'rough play' with her brother, who was not feeling much disturbed by this at all. Someday they'll learn...? I live in hope, and in the meantime can only try...) As soon as Emma was on her way to bed, Mary wasted no time in setting about her sweet task of making a book of gift cards of her sister... the hours of love and time and energy she is giving are priceless....

I am grateful tonight to be feeling alot better! I shouldn't complain about the flu and all its delights... I know I don't get it as badly as some people do, and it seems to be passing pretty quickly. Still, I am glad to see the back of it! It's nice to be a little more up and alive. I am also glad that the accompanying migraine has found the door. At least I had a little variety in with it this time! Emma wept, Mary nursed me like an angel, and Kirby took care of the family, etc. plus he read Dickens' Christmas Carol to me until I fell back asleep last night. Jack was even quite kind to me, when he saw me suffering in bed. Poor boy. I am blessed to have a comfortable home and caring family, especially when feeling a little under the weather. And thank goodness it's over before Christmas!

The other day Jack mashed his thumb in gym at school. Dancing. Actually, it's a nasty sprain that has doubled the size and added some interesting color variations to the skin of his right thumb. So he hasn't been able to practise the piano for the past few days. We miss the rousing renditions he normally provides us of an ever growing list of hymns, while we are getting ready for school in the mornings! :( He has been advised by his parents that he may quit studying piano when he can play the hymnbook, and he isn't wasting any time.) His sisters, however, continue to practise away, and I love listening to their music. So tonight I am grateful for my Grandpa who funded the piano we received as children, and parents who funded the lessons... And for the insanity that drives me to teach my own children to play. I am the only person I know who does this, and for good reason. Living with one's piano teacher, day in and day out... practise in and practise out, requires alot o...

Yes, I am grateful for my slow cooker. It's just your average crock-pot, but when you think about it, that's saying something! Very little preparation time, the simplest ingredients, several hours of doing sand thinking about other things, and voila- dinner! Not just any old dinner, either. Oh, no. The tenderest meat, the most infused flavors, the fewest dishes. And I should add that it's great for fondue, or chocolate making... Today, for example, I went to my piano lesson, came home, threw (almost literally- it was that fast!) a frozen pork roast into the slow cooker, did the house (the very quick version), ran out to watch Mary's school class at the ice rink, took some cute pictures, brought her home (running errands on the way), and continued with an eclectic combination of the children's after school chats, piano practise,  laundry, and so on... A little before dinner, I opened the pot, and sliced (if you can call it that- it was falling apart!) the meat... The...

We made hundreds of fondant dipped Callebaut chocolates here today. Seven women, nine small children,  and one large golden retriever. It was great. Few things are more satisfying to me than having people in my home and feeding them. I inherited this trait from my parents, and from theirs... I wasn't exactly serving meals today, but the volume of yummy food we made and tasted was enough to trick my 'feed people' gene into feeling very satisfied indeed. I am thankful for Cavell, who gave up her day to help and teach us. And I am so happy to have countless cherry, orange, and almond chocolates I can share this Christmas. Now for the Veto. How can I describe to you the bizarre and hilarious 'voice' and matching 'personality' Mary does now and then... If you are lucky enough to be near this charming girl, maybe you can ask for a taste. She makes me laugh so hard I am crying, and can go on as long as she likes, producing tears of mirth in her often serious mothe...

I am happy to say that we finally have our tree up! And everything else... now the house feels all cozy and there's that special Christmas tree-light glow permeating the whole place. Aaahhhhh... This is kind of a Charlie Brown moment for me. And sadly, I think Kirby feels our tree is a tad bit Charlie-Brownish. But it's like something homey out of a story book. What more could we really ask of a tree? He picked a good one. Poor Jack got roped into pinning up a ribbonny garland around the living room, which makes him feel almost Grinchy... Oddly, he isn't a fan of garland. He was up sick more than once last night, with a nosebleed thrown in for good measure, but thankfully he felt pretty much better by lunchtime today, and I think he will have his energy back up by tomorrow morning. Mary and Emma were adorable, doing the tree ornaments, among other things. Kirby made some good headway with the outdoor lights, after setting up the tree, and ~calmly~ stringing on its lights. D...

I missed a day not long ago, and I want to mention a couple blessings I shouldn't fail to count. One is big and one is small. I will tell you the little one first: A mini series on BBC TV called Bleak House. (Yes, from the novel by Charles Dickens- also very good :) I am so inspired my the humanity of some of the characters in this literature/drama... I want my children to see it. Enough about that- it speaks well for itself... The big blessing I must relate to you is a shining example of heroism that has had and I think will always have a powerful effect on us, especially on my boy, Jack. A 19 year old boy who has been a good friend to my 13 year old. That's saying alot right there about his big heart and good nature- but it gets better. He just donated one of his kidneys to his father. I thank Heaven that my son has the privilege of rubbing shoulders with such a selfless hero as Dustin.

Thank Heaven for a day of rest. I am blessed to have this carved out every week of my life, thanks to my religion, and I really make the most of it! Today after church I cozied down on the couch in the warm sunshine with my girls and wrote Christmas cards. It was quiet and peaceful and I loved every minute of it... I think more of the family and friends in my little address book, of course, when I am writing to them- so thank Heaven for the old tradition of Christmas cards! After dinner (an eggy and vegetabley version of shin-ramyun- instant spicy Korean noodle soup made by none other than -the man who cooks ;) we moved the sofa to sit together and watch and listen to the broadcast of the Christmas Devotional from the Prophet... Mary and Emma knit- I wished I could knit too, but that's out now :( ... anyway- I am happy they like to do it! I actually fell asleep. (Near the end! I didn't miss much of the music and words of love and inspiration- don't worry!) Then I played a l...

Oh yeah, and one other little thing I like about Grandpa- the kind of daughter he raised to be my Mom... She's great. I am breaking out the Christmas recipes here, and starting to make some of those special treats she made for us when were little... the orange rolls and Swedish strips are a couple all-time favorites that will always smell and taste like home. And I hope I'll get a Christmas visit with her this year... she's like Santa Claus and a fairy godmother all rolled into one- this lady loves Christmas! I know why. It's because she's all heart; loves giving. And she loves Jesus. Her children are all blessed to never doubt our mother's faith. And she loves us... it all started when we were fat little babies. She adores little people, and I guess by the time we weren't so itty-bitty-adorable anymore it was too late- she was hooked.  :) Oh, and I hope next week I will maybe accomplish as much as she does in an average day. Now that my children are half gr...

I got a great e-mail the other day from my 84 year old Grandpa, who is a very cool guy. Easily the most considerate person I know, he is a hero to me in many ways, and I am very aware that my life is blessed by his... He constantly models a love of learning, and a caring interest in people. He has a way of making the one he is with feel like the most fascinating person anywhere... I especially love the memory of his recent visit down here; seeing my little Emma absorb his loving attention while she talked about dolls and other such interesting matters in her life. She glowed, basking in the warmth of his undivided attention, and I'll never forget it... Of course, no one can do me a greater kindness than to love my children- I am a mother! And for myself, I have yet to see a birthday or Christmastime pass without a beautiful handwritten card, often containing a touching message, and a gift. I don't even know how many grandchildren, never mind great-grandchildren he has, (between...

A couple winters ago when I was suggesting to Kirby that we transplant ourselves to a more civilized climate, the poor man mildly suggested that we invest, instead, in a very warm coat... which we did. For everyone. And when I went out this morning, I appreciated some very good returns on that little investment. I am probably the most bundled person I know around here, and that's all right with me. As one who 'feels the cold', I am very grateful for everything cozy I have, in which I can wrap every part of myself, before braving the elements. And my children, too! Just looking at anyone who doesn't appear snug outdoors is enough to make me cold, so imagine my children's joy at the process of escaping the house in the mornings! Alas, I am resigned to their dressing more and more to their own idea of 'warm enough'... Still, it's a great comfort to know that none of us really ever need suffer with the winter weather. And I can always warm their hearts with ...

So far the best part of my day has been the part I have been up for. The afternoon... :) And in that time I have put myself together, done a little laundry, eaten a banana and one of Mary's yummy brownies (yay, the doctor said I have to try going back on a normal diet for the next few weeks- Christmas cookies, here I come!), watered the plants, and had reasons to talk with several of my friends. A couple on the phone, but mostly online. I am blessed to have some of the kindest, most positive and caring people I know as my friends. We can laugh together and help each other out, do things together, and feel connected, appreciated, and understood. It's a perfect pick-me-up for times like this, when I come into my day rather late, feeling a bit shell-shocked... I need to break out of my little headachey world, and keeping in touch with my friends snaps me into reality pretty nicely! Speaking of which, I think it's time for me to add to my impressive list of accomplishments for...

So happy just now to be up and enjoying the light of day with almost no pain, as the worst migraine I can remember has kept me in my dark and silent bed since early yesterday. And grateful in my heart that even when I woke up with it yesterday morning, finding no relief after over an hour from my medicine, I was given a blessing which brought miraculous and instant relief, allowing me to go to church- where I had the sacrament (which grace I always feel the need for by Sunday!) and to teach a lesson to the Relief Society class on a topic close to my heart- gratitude. :) I have a consult with another doctor this afternoon for another delightful little matter, which I hope will soon be dealt with and over... how blessed we are to live in a time and place where good medical care is available to all of us- not always fast or pleasant, but it doesn't take much imagination to see how life would be without it. Oh and one more thing that I feel very grateful for at the moment- that I was a...

We took the children to the lake today to play on the ice and in the snow, so now it's officially winter! They raced over the ice on crazy carpets, and made up a curling game with rocks... It is usually a little uneasy for me, playing out on the ice over a deep cold lake, but today I was unconcerned. Emma and I waltzed- it was perfect! Then, on to the main event of our day- building the pseudo-igloo in a huge drift... I think today's snow fort was the best ever. This is all part of a favorite tradition of ours; every winter we go out there at least once or twice, and it's always pretty memorable. How do I enjoy the cold, snow, and ice? Easy. There are these lovely little cabin-huts by the shore, where I keep the home fires burning, the hot chocolate hot, and smokies and buns at the ready. My other pleasure on these winter play days is being the event photographer. That way we never forget the fun that all these sub-zero temperatures and howling winds bring. I am blessed to...

Yesterday I was at a university hospital having a painful procedure done by the neurologist, her desperate effort to prevent my almost daily migraines. It hurt, and I was glad Kirby was there holding my hand, as I couldn't help crying. This morning when Mary came in to see me, (I will still have migraines for the next couple weeks even if this works, and I have to cut back on the meds I indulge heavily in to be as functional as I am, so I was lying in the dark again...) she was sweetly moved with compassion seeing the little bruises on my face, and I felt blessed by her caring tenderness. When I finally emerged from my bed,  just a little while ago, the first thing I did was take a hot shower. It will always be a luxury, no matter that I can enjoy it every single day. I am so blessed to be able to feel hot water warming and cleansing, and relaxing... How many live without this simple pleasure? I can't take for granted today the refreshing comfort it is to me.

I really believe in attachment parenting, so I am always looking for ways to connect and reconnect with my children.  So often though, the business of day-to-day life can take over and leave my loving intentions in the dust. It is these times, like tonight, that I really appreciate the hour (or minutes :) I can claim with each of my dear little people (including the not so little boy) for a while at the end of the day... Emma and I wrote and decoded messages to each other in her cool new alphabet/language. She is so creative! Then I moved next door where Mary showed me how fast and furious she can solve a tricky new kind of math equation she's been learning at school, and we chatted over a magazine we both enjoy, all while I put braids in her hair for cool waves tomorrow! Jack and I usually hang out in the living room, since his bedroom is a tad chilly for me and my low blood pressure (read- chronic chilliness :) He tells me about the latest amazing developments in the world of su...

I am and always have been and always will be blessed with the gift of a good dad... He has shown me amazing unconditional love all my life- he still calls often just to keep in touch, then really listens and speaks from the heart. I can tell he's sincerely interested in and supportive of me and my family. As one of his four daughters, it has taken me until very recently to really appreciate his ability to handle us (including our emotions :) with true fatherly sensitivity and skill. He's always demonstrated acceptance and understanding to each of us, which is really saying something! He likes hunting, and baseball, and military history and dogs... but he loves his family, and we always feel it. I appreciate his example of kindness and humanity, patience and peace, loyalty and hard work. The longer I live in the world, the more I recognize the value of this powerful gift... I and my life will be forever blessed by his strong and decent influence. Thank Heaven for Dad... He'...

Last night I took awhile to fall asleep. Let me say right away, I appreciate that this is only an occasional treat for me ~ someone I know and love has done more, on less sleep, than I can wrap my head around. Just thinking about her life makes me tired! Still, she does it with charming grace, and brilliant energy... day after night after night after day... Thank Heaven for her shining example to keep me from self pity when I am especially tired. Speaking of which, I am now reminded by my eyelids of last night's adventures with my pillow! What I feel really grateful for right about now is that day is done. Two out of three are tucked in, and I am not long from such a state myself. Aaahh...

Sundays I always feel more of the Spirit, my favorite feeling... it makes me happy, and really, what do I want more than that? Exactly. I woke up to my dear little daughter making me gluten-free pancakes, since she couldn't bear for me to miss out on the regular ones she was making for the rest of the family! That's pure love, and I felt it. I listened closely as my friend's son spoke to us at church... he has only just come home from a mission. I hope that one day I will see my own son become that kind of strong and good man- one who loves God and cares about people. I listened to a friend, and felt like I wanted to, and could help... I know that is what the spirit of charity feels like. I watched a film about the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I was touched to tears by the sense of love and truth I felt in its message. I thank Heaven today that I, flawed as I am,  can feel God's spirit of love and joy and peace, even here in this imperfect world...

Kirby and I just got home from a day at the temple and then in Lethbridge- on winter roads that in itself is a blessing! And it's sweetened because we found our children safe and sound asleep in their beds (in a clean house :) ... no one crashed when they went out sledding today while we were gone! All very happy... However, what touches me most tonight is the way I felt listening to a couple songs (river, and song for a winter night) from a favorite Christmas album of ours... Kirby and I had been talking about Christmas presents for each other. It's hard to think of anything we might like, or use, that is even remotely affordable, that we don't already have! So we both said what we never thought we would; neither of us really wants the other to buy us gifts this year... I told my hard-working husband that I want to give him something special- 'the gift of contentment'... (more on that later). He, for his part, always wants to give me so very much! Anyway, as we wer...

I love books. They take me places I can never go, allow me frequent time travel, and give me the benefit of experiences I could never have- including some experiences I would never want to have! Sometimes I miss England; I crave the culture and castles and cobblestones, and rain on green grass, ivy on the brick garden wall, old streets and houses, the beach and pretty hedgerows in rolling fields, the way our language is spoken, and the roses out my kitchen window... this is my favorite place to go when I am tired of real life at the end of the day. And when I read true stories of heroes who brave the intense storms of their lives with courage and love, I want to face my own days with a fearless heart. I like how my books make me think and see the world and its people from so many new and different perspectives... Old novels are my favorite way to learn history and absorb cultures in which I will never actually immerse myself. I do not have a university education at my fingertips- but I...

I like being here at my house- it's cozy. Especially when it's minus twenty degrees outside, and I have a blanket here on the couch, or a blanket and a space heater if I'm downstairs, or a nice hot bath if I'm upstairs. Pretty much, I just like to be warm and this is where it happens most. And best. I am thankful for lamps and a furnace, and a warm duvets on our beds. So while I'm here being warm, these are some things I am happy I can do... read, do laundry, cook, keep in touch with loved ones, clean up (10 minutes in any given room = my version of instant gratification :), sit and talk, eat, play the piano, look after my family, make photo albums and other cozy things... And actually I like to watch good films in the family room sometimes, too- even when I am ironing through the movie. I can get alot of clothes ironed that way, being warm the whole time! I believe the parts of life that I would happily forgo are more tolerable because we can be cozy at home in bet...

The snow is cold and not nice to drive in (at least I have a car :), but it is so pretty! Of course it's the first real winter weather we've had; I probably won't feel the same about fresh snow in March or April, but today I think it's just lovely... It's easy now to see it as a gift from above, making winter look good. It's got the girls and I thinking about Christmas, and Jack thinking about skiing. I think Kirby is just busy thinking about his masters paper! But what is really Heaven sent for me just now is the mercy of my little Mary girl. She and Emma were playing out in the snow yesterday evening before supper, and a window broke. It was an accident, and it was only the outer pane, but I am ashamed to say I got angry and shouted at her. She wept and apologized and pulled out all her Christmas savings, and then very sweetly forgave me when I simmered down and said sorry to her for losing my temper. Just imagine how I felt when the doctor said her eye was s...

Emma got a strike up at the bowling alley with her school class! I am having a very busy day, and then in the middle of all the hustling around, I got to be there for her big smile when she scored! It definitely made my day. :) She is a great girl, and I live for those smiles- the happy moments...  I thank Heaven today for the privilege of being her mother. There are few things so satisfying as being with my children- connecting, and knowing I can make life a little sweeter for the ones I love so much. xo

Today I went shopping in the city with a friend- it was hard work, and we had fun together, because she is a fun person:)  We found some clothes for ourselves and our families and some Christmas things for our homes, and I brought home a couple of interesting books. The part I am grateful for tonight, in a funny way, is that we didn't really need any of what we purchased. It is all icing on the cake. We are so blessed to live in such a prosperous time and place; there is more than enough to go around. If someone needs- I mean really needs- something, there is almost always a way to get it. I thank Heaven for butter on our bread and icing on our cake, and more than that, for the sweet family I brought it all home to.

I love cooking, making food for my family, friends- anyone I can get into my kitchen, really. But today, when I came home from church with a lingering migraine and sweet little daughters who wanted to spend some time with their mama, I was oh so happy to have Kirby say he'd be doing the cooking today. When the missionaries arrived at 5, we all sat down to a delicious roast beef dinner- and yummy dessert afterward. Talk about going the extra mile. I love this kind man who so often enjoys doing loving and helpful things that show me, and our lucky children, that he really means what he says when he tells us he loves us.

Earlier today Kirby and Mary and Emma were out for a while, so I had Jack all to myself. At about noon,we walked up into the hills by the creek with Jasper. He stayed close to us because Jack carried the ball. My boy talked with me about cars of course, and other things too, when we could hear each other. We got a pretty intense workout, pressing into the gale force wind, and when we came back home we had lunch together. I should probably stop feeding him; yesterday I bought him a pair of size 12 basketball shoes. No more milk, anyway.  ;) Today I'm just happy we're friends.  A boy is one thing, a 13 year old I can like is a gift!

So glad today that even though it is windy and cold (for a cozy-loving girl like me), there is sunshine... That even when I don't feel well, there is medicine... That when I'm in a low mood, it will pass... (And I can usually help it along out by doing something happy :) That even though I am not the person I hope someday to become, there is time... That even though there is always more to do than time to do it, there is such a thing as enough... I am grateful for grace.

Last night a soldier, R.C.M.P. officer, and friend came to talk to my cubs about Remembrance Day. He did a great job, and I appreciate the time he took after a long day of work, and with a young family at home, to bring his things and teach the boys what it all means. Then this morning my children had a soldier song playing on youtube before school. So here's me, in tears, writing about tomorrow, today. I just can't comprehend the sacrifice that has been made, and is still being made, by soldiers who leave loved ones safe at home to go slay the dragons for us. I will be forever thankful to Dad, who kept us standing in the bitter Grande Prairie cold, at a Remembrance Day ceremony where we'd gone up to visit our grandparents. I thought he was so mean. Since then, of course I realize that he was passing on the family values of peace and freedom, there in the snow. Remembering. Thank Heaven for Grandpa, and the thousands of others who've traded their comfort, and sometimes ...

I have a friend who doesn't have much , and I read a line from her today saying how grateful she is to have a home... she'd seen how some poor people far away are without even that. I told her that her gratitude is the gift that allows her to enjoy all the other ones. And I believe it. I am so touched by her example . If she is thankful for her poor home, I must be very thankful for mine, too. And my life is really so overflowing with blessings ... I loved walking in the cold sunshine this morning with a friend... I loved finding a sweet little love note from my husband this morning... I am grateful for a beautiful family, and clean air, and even the dog... I could go on forever like this; I think I will. ..