“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal

into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our

past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

~Melody Beattie

In the name of gratitude and truthfulness I’ve decided to post a little piece of reality here once a week. Likely just a single picture. See my original post here.

This weekend I’m grateful that only the adults have slept with one of these by the bed.

If you’d like to join in with a reality check of your own, please add a link or note in the comments!

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal

into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our

past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

~Melody Beattie

In the name of gratitude and truthfulness I’ve decided to post a little piece of reality here once a week. Likely just a single picture. See my original post here.

If you’d like to join in with a reality check of your own, please add a link or note in the comments.

I’m grateful that the little feet in this house are warm.

* I found the quote above on Deb’s lovely blog – it said just what I was trying to say. Thanks, Deb!

There was a day this week when things were not going smoothly for me. I went to bed the night before with a to-do list as long as my arm and woke feeling pressured and anxious before stepping out of bed. If the start of the day was bumpy, the rest of it was downright rocky.

Nothing was getting done as I’d hoped, new to-dos were springing up at every turn, the house was a disaster and I was brimming with complaints. I don’t know what was going on with me that day but I felt like I was under attack. Peace and gratitude were not in the picture.

Then I read this post at exactly the right moment (thanks, Lisa). I paused in my frantic rushing and looked around with grateful eyes. I picked up my camera and took pictures of the mess and realities that speak loudly of the blessed life I live.

It’s not pretty but it is the truth – at some times a little harder to take than at others. I have no desire to show all our messes here – and I’m sure you’d rather not see them. But in the name of gratitude and truthfulness I’ve decided to post a little piece of reality here once a week. Likely just a single picture. And although I feel like I’m sounding a little lofty here, I’d like to add that I am doing this first and foremost for me because the reality is what so often makes this life beautiful and I hate to forget that.

I don’t know how long I’ll keep going with it but if you’d like to join me post a link or comment below. We all know that reality can be harsh but we’re in this together right?

Today I’m thankful for the signs of spring across my floor, a door that does its best to keep the weather out and the sunlight the streams through.

Wishing you a week ahead full of peace, love, blessing and gratitude.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Liam!

Turning five is a big milestone. Babyhood remains only in memories and boyhood looms ahead. In some ways it seems hard to believe that this crazy, joyful, gentle child is only turning five but in the same thought hard to believe five years have passed since he entered this family. Such a spark, such adventure, such energy, laughter and, uh, lunacy this precious boy has brought into our life.

Gentleness is a trait I greatly admire and I love the measure I see of it in this beloved boy. His speed (and volume) are set a little higher than the rest of us but he’ll still slow down for a book, a snuggle or to care for a sibling. I have never heard an unkind word pass this boy’s lips. He is thoughtful and sweet. He will notice your new hair cut, new sweater or new recipe and compliment you on it with no realization that he is absolutely charming.

The kid practically has me swooning some days when he notices I brushed my hair!

He’s a treasure.

And a keeper.

And we all hope he stays this way forever.

Is that too much to ask?

We had a happy weekend back at home although my thoughts have often been wandering to Japan and the many, many people affected by the tragedies there. We choose not to immerse ourselves in the news coverage, although I understand those who do – especially those with loved ones in the country. I struggle with this decision at times, combating guilt that I am somehow not giving the pain of these people due attention but also knowing the fear that it brings it my life and how it affects my family. Instead we are praying for the people of Japan, for the country itself, for those searching for loved ones and the many who are seeking clean water, food and shelter. We pray for restoration and hope. We believe in the power of love.

And as we reflect on devastation that can strike so suddenly, we cry out in gratitude for the many blessings we have and hold our dear little ones a little tighter.