a lot to be thankful for

On this last day of August, I am reflecting over our summer and it has been a really great summer for our family. Last year, our summer project was tearing down an old deck, breaking up concrete and regrading the backyard. It was exhausting and consumed our entire summer. This summer was more relaxing and our only house project was hitting our 1970’s basement which is in much need of TLC. We are breaking that project up in small baby steps. That left time to really relax and enjoy each other, work out at the gym, serve at our church, fellowship with friends and family and meet some new friends too!


Our family did say goodbye to several friends and loved ones and through faith we believe we will see them once again in heaven. Some that left were as young as 44 and others, though seasoned with age, it still seemed too soon to say goodbye. Each touched our lives in many ways and, in time, we will find a place for our grief. We will take what they have impressed on us and share it with others.

With life so fleeting, I am reminded to slow down, yet again, and look into my children’s eyes and really look at them, really listen, and linger a little longer as I hug them and tuck them in at night. Yes, there will always be house projects and life gets messy and loud, but they are only little once; once. You never get that time back. So I am soaking in their energy, laughter and never ending questions and focusing on being joyful and content with what I have been given.

And boy, do I have a lot to be thankful for!

... and so much more!