Thankfulness is a way of life.

This is a very special picture to me.

Clayton drew it for me when I was in the hospital 2 years ago.
All my children drew pictures for me, but Clayton worked away at this for hours.
Can you imagine his dedication to detail each and every rain drop like he did?

He presented it to me on Thanksgiving day 2008, just after I had arrived home
and was tucked comfortably into the couch.  I couldn't keep my eyes open because of
the pain medications which made me sleepy, but I listened to all the bustle and activity
with a heart overflowing.

That saga in my life is now a distant blur with only fond memories attached.

This, my life today, is the part of my life I live in.
I have found that almost no matter the circumstances,
a perspective that is viewing moments and seasons through the lens of eternal value
and a heart determined to worship and glorify the Lord,
can choose to be thankful.

There's usually more to be thankful for than what I see
when tragedy or turmoil blindside me;
doldrums or depression cause a dark curtain to cloud my vision;
or the common annoyance inconveniences me.

It may sound cliche, but counting ones' blessings is a good practice.
It will form a habit,
and eventually a way of life.
A thankful way of life and a heart of gratitude in all kinds of circumstances.

Amongst the things I'm thankful for tonight...

That AJ will be home day after tomorrow.
That Carolina will soon complete her potty training.
That I can shower at my brother's until my pipes are thawed.
That I can wash my dishes with hot water
because of frost-free valves in the yard, big pots, a propane stove.
That my composting toilet will be usable in the near future.
That the snow isn't high enough to need to dig a path to the outhouse.
That without so many modern conveniences, I have cell service and Internet (?!)
That wipies are a workable alternative to a real hand washing.
That my children think this the greatest adventure EVER!

They certainly have the right perspective:-)

This is the Psalm which warmed my heart and enriched my meditations today:

Psalm 70:4

"Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: 

and let such as love thy salvation 

say continually,

Let God be magnified."

Indeed.
Let God be magnified!!

Strange Way to Spend the Day

Apparently a full day of traveling two days ago took the starch out of me, because this is what I've had to resort to while I catch up on some rest:


















A very good way to increase motherly guilt - especially during the school year.
One of my best friend's reminded me that it's silly to try and do the normal tasks as I continue to recover from that surgery.
I think I'm especially lagging because of the blood loss. Other than that, and still being a little sore, I am feeling great!

Despite the setback of my laziness, I DID manage to bathe three little girls who needed their hair washed.
Seeing Carolina in the mirror offered a temptation I could not resist. Eventually the camera revolted and told me there was no room left on the memory card. O' well. I got a couple... at least!















































































We joined Daddy Bug for a company Christmas dinner tonight.
It was held at a Japanese steakhouse, and ended up being quite fun actually!
We sat at a bar counter around a grill, and watched the chef cook our dinner in front of us.
It was rather like a show, with him tossing an egg (still in the shell) and catching it in his hat after throwing it in the air a few times; setting the olive oil on fire, and juggling the cooking utensils!
Carolina was especially preoccupied and completely forgot to wiggle and complain in between bites:-)

Tomorrow off to spend some time with our friends in Missouri... can't wait to see them!

Building Alters

Come read about our own memorial - though not a pile of rocks, perhaps just as able remind us of the goodness of God in our lives!

Child Of My Heart
at: Plunged Into The Deep
(click here)

Spoiled Rotten!

Here I am.

Alive.

And very well.

Holding the lovely flowers that my dear Mother-in-law sent!

She sent some to Mrs. Smith too:-)

Thank you dearest of Mother-in-laws-ever-to-grace-my-life!

(Note the matching pajama bottoms?)

Love you!!!

That Was a DATE?

I got the nicest date today with my husband ALONE! (gasp!)
I would not have ventured out just yet, but needed to get some blood work done.
That counts for a date in MY book!

One of the nurses I saw today asked how many pregnancies I've had (seven), and how many children I have living (five). Turning away from protocol for a moment, she asked the ages of my crew and if I had a picture of them.

Oh NO! My moment of glory - a chance to show off my absent children and NO PICTURE?!!

"7, 6, 4, 2, and 1" I told her "and I'm afraid I don't have a picture. I never go anywhere without my children! I suppose if I'm going to start, I'd better carry a picture of them for proof!"

AJ says we will promptly go back to taking them everywhere again. We like it better that way:-) But for today... we enjoyed a quiet lunch at Olive Garden (looked right past that pepperoncinni), and my Dearest bought me another battery charger for my camera battery which I have been sorely missing for a couple weeks. I am VERY excited about that, and you can expect to see pictures once again starting tomorrow!!!!!
What do you want to see pictures of? I'm happy to oblige:-)
Also, I'd love to hear what strange outings constitute a "date" with your beloved - TELL ALL!

Thank you each for your continued prayers. Thank you for your encouragements here and on my other blog. Thank you, brother for calling me today; Kelly, for YOUR call; Mrs. Smith for watching my hoodlums once again; and all you visitors to my blog who never say hello - your presence blesses me too!

All my heart,
Analene

More Pondering One Week Later

I reflect with much emotion and heart overwhelmed with gratitude, on the mercies of The Lord in the surreal circumstances of last weeks emergency.

Click here:

"Because of HIS Blood"

at: Plunged Into The Deep