Thursday, January 05, 2017

Thankful Thursday



My goal for this year is to rest.  This doesn't mean sit on the couch binge-watching Netflix (although I am loving Luke Cage), it means taking time to quiet my mind.  This week I had several great opporutunities to rest and I am thankful for:

1.  Snowshoe date with Gary.  Oh, it was so needed.  I love that we both have a heart for adventure, nature and photography.  Kids make it tricky to indulge in these together so I am so thankful for the times that we can get away!


2. Grandparents to watch the kids.  Maybe 2-3 times a year we get a night without the kids.  So thankful that they are still willing and able to take them.  Now to find someone to watch them for 7 days so Gary and I can escape to Hawaii!


3.  Going to my oma's funeral.  My oma passed away last week and we were able to go to her funeral in Lethbridge on Tuesday.  Oma had such a large personality and her family was so important to her.  She had eight children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren than I dare count–she invested so much of her time and energy into each one.  My dad, uh, rented a jet so that we could all go.  Although not the best environmentally it worked so that my sisters and I could all go to the funeral as it's tricky leaving our families/work etc behind.  Big high five to my dad who is a huge lover of all that is aviation--especially the take offs.  So great to see our extended family again (we have such a great one with so many uncles, aunts and cousins) and celebrate a wonderful woman.


4.  An 8th birthday for Koen.  He was SO happy to be celebrated and to have a party. I was nervous that the snow would keep everyone away (our road is an ice rink) but he still had 5 friends who were able to make it.  They played many games, watched "The Secret Life of Pets" theatre-style in our basement, and ate a lot of food!

{This was the first time I didn't decorate a cake.  I made it from scratch and threw some sprinkles on–he didn't want anything on it so it was very easy! Yes, Kai is GoProing his birthday. They got a microphone for the camera so we'll see if the video is any better.}

5. Health. Health. Health.  Dare I say we made it two weeks through Christmas holidays HEALTHY.  Nya did have an ear infection and bronchitis right at the start but some antibiotics and she was all good.  Thank you, God.

{Koen wanted a Sharks hat for his birthday.  I think he must love the Sharks because his friend does too.}

6. Having boys and a girl. I do love that they can learn how other personalities function and can appreciate the opposite gender.  I grew up with all girls and Gary grew up with only brothers–there was some definite learning that had to go on for us.  That said, she is one gracious girl because these boys are pests!


7. Cuddles with Koen. He has a lot of energy but loves to cuddle and be held tight every single day.  I don't know how much longer he will continue like this but I'll take it for now!


9. A safe place to wrestle.  I've been thankful for this trampoline a time or two but it really helps them get exercise in any weather!


10. A great two weeks together.  Normally I am ready for the kids to go back but I'm not!  It was so nice having an awesome trip to Disneyland in the first week and then just swimming lessons and playing in the snow the second week.  Now, if Gary was not home to assist me, I would be SO ready for them to go back!


So there we have it!  I feel so happy about how the year has started.  A little nature adventure and a whole lot of family time.   What is something you are thankful for today?

Love,
Louise

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