A Thanksgiving Prayer

 
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart.

He has made His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.

He has given food to those who fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever.

He has made known to His people the power of His works in giving them the heritage of the nations.

Holy and awesome is His name. His praise endures forever!

(excerpted from Psalm 111)

par-tay time

The last time we had over fifty guests in our home, it was to celebrate the upcoming births of three baby girls.
It was a lovely event. I especially liked that my only "job" was to open my home. Some amazingly talented women did all the rest, including the dishes!

 Tonight's gathering will likely top that number of guests. Tables are set up, furniture moved, tealights set out, and the large coffee pot is being brought in from storage.

This morning, as I tap tap tap away, three beautiful children are being adopted by dear friends. Their family of three will now be a family of six!

What a joy to share an evening of celebration with them!

capturing

While I am capturing something beautiful, he leans out the car window behind me and snaps this picture with his phone.

Life has Loveliness to Sell

Another day is done, and with it, more than my fair share of beautiful moments:

-the morning sun on the kitchen floor. (along with the soap suds I used to wash this floor!)
-a unexpected hug in the hallway of Crane accompanied by, "Will you be my adopted mom?"
-playing Mozart with a flutist. I wasn't sure if we were dancing or playing. I think both.
-facebook messages back & forth with #1 Daughter.
-coming home to the smell of pot-roast simmering in the crockpot.
-viewing wedding photos in the loft. (Gracious me! Now THERE was a day chock-full of beauty!)
-sharing the murmuring of my chilly river with a big fish. Perhaps a late salmon? It splashed all around me & under my little green boat before charging toward the falls.
-a roaring bonfire which I shared first with #1 Son ( & cuppa Earl Grey tea) at dusk, and then with Hubby ( & plates of piping hot pot roast & mashed potatoes) in the near-dark of a temperate evening.

Please take a moment to read this poem; one of my favorites.

I hope you saw the loveliness in your own day. It is always there for the discovering.

A week in Richmond

 This face. I woke this morning missing this chubby face.

 A toddler-filled week in sunny Richmond, Virginia is now behind me.

 As for who was more blessed this week, we've had a few sparring conversations. I believe the blessings went both ways, deeply.

 Here we are, collecting pretty leaves. I mean, "weaves". We also shared some of these with her "widdle sister". Lord knows I enjoyed these two girls!

 Behold, the Baby: A snuggly inchworm of sweetness. He squeaks like a mousie. He promotes baby-talk from yours truly.

Across the miles & over the glowing screen of my computer, I say," I MISS YOU ALL, LOVELY FAMILY! Keep doing it right. The Kingdom of God is being built within your cozy walls!"

Elliot

Elliot Reuel: "The LORD is my God, He is my Friend"

 Welcome to the world, Little Man. What a privilege to spend this week -this, the first of your life- with you, your mommy & daddy, and your two big sisters.

My, my, aren't you handsome!