Thankful

I am thankful for:

* the mercy and love of our God, whose providential care is always with us, especially during the darkest times.

* the truth and beauty of the Catholic Church

* my hard-working, faithful, handsome husband and the love and bond we share that gets stronger every year.

* the privilege of being a mother to my five children, who have forever changed me and give my life so much joy and meaning.

* our two saints in heaven, who are praying for us.

* the circumstances which have allowed us to build this new-to-us-but-used house on this particular piece of land. God's hand has been so apparent throughout this process.

* the gift of homeschooling. The value and benefit of homeschooling becomes very clear as my children have gotten older. As we work our way through the high school years, with frustration, fear and doubt as my ready companions, there have come moments with both my older children, where I can see clearly that the struggle was so worth it. It's a marathon, difficult to do, but with so many rewards at the end. I am thankful for those joyful moments and the bond homeschooling creates with those teens, even when they don't think they need or want it;)

* family members, especially our parents, who always love and support us

* for the help that has been freely offered and given by family and friends during the construction of this house, especially during the not-so-fun land clearing process (during the hottest part of the summer) and hopefully during the upcoming painting process ;) These offers of help touch our hearts and let us know we are loved.

* the interest and *insistent* help our dads have given us during this home building process. We couldn't make them go home!! We couldn't have done this without you!! My father-in-law continues to be a constant presence at the house site, offering his help whenever he can. My father reluctantly left for Florida for the winter and cannot continue his "sidewalk superintendent" duties as thoroughly from there, but calls me, my uncles, and friends to keep tabs on the progress:)

* Cousins/nieces/nephew who make family times 'sweet' ;)

* for my sister-in-law, whose birthday was yesterday. I won't give her age here, but I will say she puts more candles on her cake than I do!! hehehehe! (Sorry about that; I couldn't resist!) She is more like a sister to me than anything. I am thankful for her friendship and love, our family co-op which has enriched our learning experience, and her willingness to join me in a Margarita or two! Happy Birthday, Serena. May God grant you many more!

* the inspiration I have received from this blogging world.

* the food that will grace our table today, and the hands that make it.

* much more, but this is getting long!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!