My inspiration for today is this image of a single daisy, growing in bramble and parched vines.

In San Francisco, CA, 7 1/2 years ago, I took the above photograph as Peter and I honeymooned. The flower’s simplicity stood out to me all those years ago. How could such a lovely flower could survive and grow in such odd conditions?

Little did I know, in 2002, that this photograph would bring gratitude and hope to me today.

What I am grateful for:

• The twins and I are very healthy. Only 4 more weeks until delivery, if not before!
• Friends and family, that pitched in to help around my house and with the kids, as I was on modified bed rest.
• Decaf cappuccino mix from the whole foods store.
• My new “office/ blogger home” we made over the summer. Goodbye playroom. Hello new computer room!

What I am hopeful about:

• Being able to find joy in the chaos that 4 kids, 5 years old and under, can bring into a home of 1, 000 square feet.
• Remembering to grow in Christ; my writing abilities; and my marriage, all while growing my big pregnant belly!
• Spending time with the kids full time, after being away part-time for the last  3 1/2 years. (Still have mixed feeling here.)

Just a Blink readers:

It’s good to be back, writing out of the bramble of writers block, chronic pain and general busy-ness.

I am starting to grow like a strong, lovely daisy in all surroundings and circumstances. I can thank God for that!

I am planning on touching in when I can.…I ‘ve been decorating, the rooms are switched, and I am sure my belly could be a blog post on its own!

Love,

Jess

]]> http://justablink.com/2009/10/grateful-sunday/feed/ 0 http://justablink.com/2009/08/living-in-the-moment/ http://justablink.com/2009/08/living-in-the-moment/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:39:38 +0000 Jessica http://justablink.com/?p=2567

Family Portrait Summer 2009

Lately

Summer has been so fun! Many fun “nesting” projects, swim outings and outdoor adventures have been happening around here.

The twins are healthy and growing (currently at 29 weeks). Only 9 weeks to go before baby girl A and baby girl B arrive.

I have posts and photos in mind, of our room changes, craft projects and belly growth. But for now I’m just popping in to say HI!

You see, it is summer…I’m out there, living in the moment.

Thanksgiving kicked off an attitude of gratitude in my heart. I had no grand plan, daily read or assignment.

I am just keeping my eyes open and more importantly my heart open to contentment, peace and thankfulness.

Here are some of the little things that have helped make my season merry.

1. A handmade set knit by a friend just for my little guy that Ry absolutely adores.
2. A trip to Ikea that offered a close parking spot on a very bitter cold and dreary day followed by a kind woman in the Ikea cafeteria that cleared my tray for me because she’s “been there” and Molly discovering the free cookies while Ry played in Smal-land (Ikea’s play place). All of which led to the purchase of new bins and an organizing frenzy that suited my needs quite nicely.
3. Lunch and story time with a friend. Ry, Lucy, Becki and Molly.
4. Sharing the wonder of Advent season with Ryan. Every step of Christmas (Jesus’ birth) and Christmastime (snowmen, candy canes, etc.) seems to bring him overflowing joy for which I am very grateful.

I am joining in with Heavenly Homemakers today for a round of Gratituesday.

Laundry Room Lessons

Upon learning that my washing machine was in fact unrepairable I felt bummed. When I found out I broke the machine from jamming it too full for too many years I was disheartened.

We had a one month during which all of our clothes were being piled high and toted around to Grammy’s “Laundry-Mat”.

Yes, my son is jumping into the dirty "hamper".

Of course since we are in the middle of “redoing” the main level I was less than thrilled to reallocate funds from decor toward a washer. I mean, I was just about to buy fabric re-enter the fabric store for the 5th time hoping this would be the time I didn’t have a dizzy spell and dry mouth from utter disorientation.

But look it came with a friend. Awww

I thought for sure that when this day came I would kiss the pretty buttons and hug the machine for its awesomeness. But, instead what I found was a huge amount of gratitude for the simple ability to do the wash.

I am very grateful today for the honor to load up my family’s dirty duds. I hope this new found respect for clothing maintenance lasts a long, long time.

Love, Jess

2. Glad helping hands at the Library

3. Guidance from the Good Book