Thinking of thanks

Last year on Thanksgiving I recorded what the kids said they were thankful for on that particular day. This year I continued the tradition by jotting down what they expressed thankfulness for on our way to Grandma and Grandpa T's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Here is what they said:

Isaac

Chick-Fil-A, White Castle (can you see a theme here?), and school

Lucia

Our kitty cat (of whom she is, incidentally, terrified), us, clothes, a house, and Christmas

Jude

My birthday (he's been talking about it all year!), my house, my church, and my teachers

Dahlia

Grandma and Grandpa, Bisabuelo, and Jesus (okay, I must be doing something right)

As for me, I am thankful for God's faithfulness and for the ways in which he has revealed himself to me so powerfully this year. I am also thankful for a husband who, despite having to work long hours, still finds time to balance the checkbook, maintain the house, and support me in any way he can. I am thankful for our church, which has enabled our family to grow in so many ways this year; for our parents, whose assistance has often kept us afloat since the kids came along; and for good friends who continue to give of themselves to help us clothe, teach, entertain, and love our kiddos.

And, yes, I am thankful for the little rascals themselves:

Posing outside Grandma and Grandpa T's house on Thanksgiving Day

 
(Even if they do continue to give me fits when I'm trying to get a good group shot!)

Thankful for today

Today, when our morning rest time was over, Isaac sat up in his bed, smiled at me, and exclaimed, "Hewo, Mommy!"

Today, as I was getting lunch ready, Isaac picked up a plate from the counter, pointed at the picture on it, and asked me, "Weez dat?" I told him it was Winnie the Pooh, and he proceeded ask what was on each of the other plates.

Today, as we were finishing lunch, Isaac looked at me and said, "Miss Stephie!" (his speech therapist). I replied, "Yes, you're going to see her at school today. And you'll see Miss Jen and ... who else are you going to see at school?" Isaac beamed and (correctly) answered, "Miss Kawen!"

Today, as I buckled in the kids for the ride to school, Isaac looked at the temporarily vacant space next to our van and asked, "Where za car?"

All things that the parents of most 3-year-olds take for granted. All things that made today a very good day ... because Isaac said them.

Today we are thankful for answered prayers!

Giving thanks

We give thanks for our food before each meal, and in the past few months the kids have started jumping in and thanking Jesus for all sorts of other stuff before I can say "amen." Last week on Thanksgiving, I explained to them that, although we offer thanks to Jesus every day, this is a special day when the entire country comes together to express thanksgiving. Then I asked them, "What are you thankful for today?" Here is what they said:

Isaac

blueberries! cat!

Lucia

Abuelita, Abuelito, babies, "jammie socks" [footie pajamas], diapers, and wipes

Jude

a lot of church, a lot of clocks, a lot of dump trucks, a lot of diggers, a lot of race cars, and rocks

Dahlia

lemons, Abuelita, Abuelito, and neighbors

As for me, I am thankful for a husband who is in the trenches with me, works hard to provide for our family, and lets me know that he appreciates what I do. And both of us are incredibly grateful for the gift of these four healthy, feisty, almost-3-year-old children:

Did I mention that I'm also thankful to still be (relatively) sane?

11 months old ... and thankful

I can hardly believe it, but the Fab Four turned 11 months old on Tuesday! Unfortunately, all four of them (and I) came down with nasty colds the next day, so we were forced to skip Thanksgiving dinner at the in-laws' yesterday and settle for eating the leftovers that they were kind enough to drop off later.

Still, it was definitely a better Thanksgiving than the one I had last year! And in spite of the snotty noses and crankiness, we have much to be thankful for: thriving babies, the loving kindness of friends and family, and God's faithful provisions at every turn. Oh, and let's not forget the smaller things, like the fact that the babies finally started sleeping allll night this month—I feel like a new woman!

If the babies could tell me what they are most thankful for, I think they'd pick the newly gated living room, which is giving them the freedom to play and explore to their little hearts' content (hmmm, maybe that's why they've been sleeping better):

The Fab Four at 11 months: Lined up at the gate to greet a visitor

Can't wait to see what life will be like with 1 year olds ... the big day is less than a month away!