being present

gratitude is constantly on my mind right now. i guess the season contributes to it, but i think it is more than that. nonetheless, nic listed what she is grateful for today and asked us to share our lists with her, too. i thought i'd record mine here...

on this very day, i am grateful for:

~the men and women who have selflessly given up some of their own freedoms to fight for the very freedom i constantly enjoy.

~the mindfulness to be present in the right now....knowing how quickly this moment will be gone

~cleaning the kitchen with the girls this morning while dancing, laughing, and taking lots of breaks to just enjoy each other.

~picking up anika from preschool and listening to her little voice excitedly tell us about who liked (and who didn't like) the grapefruit that she wanted to bring and share with her friends.

~the thoughtful husband that i have. he took the girls last month and got me a gift card for a spa day. he took the afternoon off today so i could go be pampered.

~the pampering....it was heavenly.

~that upon arriving home, i was met by 3 happy little girls who were eating a nutritious dinner made by that thoughtful hubby.

~finding toys, dolls and make-shift tents ALL over the downstairs....evidence of fun, happy play time with dad!

~that 5 years ago, this very minute, i was almost 12 hours into the most excruciating pain i could ever imagine. i am grateful for that back labor....because in 8 more hours it would give me the greatest gift in the world....the privilege of being a mom.

~for blogging friends like nicole i'm grateful for her beauty....beauty with words, beauty with photography, beauty with shepherding her children, beauty on the outside, and a beautiful heart.