NOVEMBER | THANKSGIVING.

8. For sunshine, and Indian Summer.

9. For clean floors.

10. For a child that sings all day - even when she's supposed to be sleeping.

11. For Eucharisteo.  And a list a mile long.

12. For answers to prayer - even when it's not the answer I wanted.

13. For my sweet littles - and the opportunity to teach them - at home and afar.

14. For orange chocolate bars, and the poems they are wrapped in.

15. For quiet moments between.

16. For rain.

17. For the ability to be resourceful.  Creatively so.

18. For the workshop.

19. For Isabel.

20. For forgiveness.

21. For 2 months without migraines.

22. For music - and the fullness it brings to my happy house.

23. For my dad - and his second chance.

24. For travels - to be with family near and far.

25. For the mountains. And fog.  And the mysteries that surround them.

26. For busy-ness.  And for being caught up.

27. For coffee.

28. For dancing with the girls - when I am tired.

29. For friends who get it - and who let me be me.

30. For new plans.  And letting go of old ones.

AND ONWARD WE GO...

Hoping each of you have been able to take a moment - each day - to be thankful for what you have been given.  For the things that are too easily taken for granted.  For the beautiful moments that go as swiftly as they come.  Make it a habit, dear friends...  Carry it into December.  And then into the new year.  Be thankful, daily, for the good - the happy - the difficult - the trying - and the forgotten.  Be blessed - again and again - by the moments you collect.  For they are treasures.

xoxo,

amanda

WEEK ONE | THANKSGIVING.

2.  For overwhelming grace.

3.  For the end of the storm.

4.  For the beginning of new things.

5.  For the man that is my partner, my best friend, and my husband.

6.  For this house - where the sunlight dances.

7.  For the freedom to go - and do - and see - and celebrate.

I am always so humbled by this process of making this list.  Just by the act of softening your heart to the possiblility of blessings amidst the storm, you open a door.  

Wishing you all a beautiful week - full of wonder and thanksgiving.

xoxo,

amanda

NOVEMBER | A MONTH OF THANKFULS.

If it was left up to me, I would pick this image apart.  I can list at least 10 things - within first glance - that I don't like about myself.  In my head, I am younger, blonder, and have less wrinkles.  I am probably the only one who looks for those things in this image, and if I'm not careful - I will ruin this rare moment all too quickly.  For those of you who love me - you will sweetly combat my list with a list of things you love best about this image.  A sweet friend took this for us the other day - and I am choosing to NOT look at my flaws.  I am choosing to be grateful - for her, for loving us enough to take it - and for us, for letting her.

On this first day of November - I am thankful for my family.  US.  Together. 

Most of you are the same way...  You will tell me all about it these next few weeks.  I understand.  But this year - I encourage you, Please - look at the gift of togetherness first.  Look at the way THEY see you.  A husband who is standing there, right beside you, proud of you and proud of the family you have created together. And look at your little ones - hugging you tight, believing with all their hearts that YOU are - the most beautiful woman in the world.  Let them love you.  And let that be enough to be fully present in the moment.  Because your family is not your family without you...  they are just pieces.  You are the connection that makes them wholly an "us."  And not just a "them."

Let's call the wrinkles - trophies of happiness.

Let's say that gray hair means we've finally reached the platinum level.

Let's say that our skin has aquired a patina from years of love and slobbery kisses.

Let's say that the moment - right here, right now - is better than the one we have in our head.

And if you are still just having doubts - call me.  I have a list a mile long of what I love about each and every one of you.  I'll share it if you let me.  Because, you see, I've been studying your beautiful faces for years now...  and watching the dynamics of your sweet families.  And I've been overwhelmed by the moments in between, the love you share, and the way it all bubbles over just because you are TOGETHER. You have blessed me abundantly, dear ones.  And I'd love to return the favor

So start there - on day #1 - and be thankful with me...  for your familes.  For YOUR togetherness.

I challenge you, sweet friends.  To celebrate this entire month with us.  A month of thanksgiving.  A new thing, each day, that you list out loud.  And then share it with us!  This year marks our 4th year of this little tradition.  Thank you to those who have shared in each of those years...

xoxo,

amanda