... thankful...

We're home ... from a long anticipated visit with Larry's brothers and parents traveling from the East ... and a long anticipated 3-day-respit. Both were good.

It was so good, as always, watching Ian and Luke enjoy life. Hearing Ian's deep musings, (" ... so what is 'ur fab'wit, Gwamma?" "Favorite? Favorite what, Ian?" "Fab'wit cumput'r." "Oh! What is my favorite computer game?") We were sitting out on Uncle Tim's patio while most of the rest of the family were eating inside. Ian loves using Dad's laptop, playing the games Gramma Lynn bought for his birthday. It's just funny hearing a three-year-old voice a question like that -- and that he would even ask someone else's opinion rather than just voicing his own. Hmmmm. Must have earned that somewhere....

I enjoyed the time visiting with the family, being with the brothers and sisters-in-law. We're so blessed -- just to get along so well, AND to enjoy one another. Larry's dad and mom are gracious, proud AND grateful for the family, and tickled to see the great-grandkids play.

Luke was fascinated with Mom's choice of a tablecloth for the birthday party. He spent 10 minutes going round and round thetable naming the trains, especially citing each repeat of Thomas. And Ian was mesmerized with Mom's creations in the frig. What a love gift! Amazing how gifts to please someone else so often end up blessing you!

The party was fun, watching family help put together toys or play with the boys. Someday maybe there will be more little cousins to play with. We're really thankful, after 30 years of birthdays, Christmases, Thanksgivings with just our immediate family.

But now, back home, alone, a little tired, I'm so so so thankful.

I'm thankful for my children and their families.

I'm thankful for parents that hung together in good and bad, and always tried to love each other more.

I'm thankful for a man I can trust, who does his best each day at his

job, who treasures his family.

I'm thankful for a home and freedom. For income. For the trust. For the safety. While watching opening ceremonies of the Olympics, I heard of a country where average income is $150/ year. Such pressure on these athletes to win!

I'm thankful to have been a mom, to have taught, encouraged and loved children. These children have found great spouses. Together they are each teaching, loving and encouraging others. Life is hard, but God is good.

Now, the next chapter! One daughter recently reminded me how God meets our needs like He cares for the flowers of the fields. God will give me wisdom to know what to do and how to "be" in this new chapter. It's mysterious ... but I'm thankful for the freedom to march ahead without fear!