gratitude*sunday

I'm happy to be joining Taryn at Wooly Moss Roots for the weekly gratitude*sunday.  All week long, this little practice brings me into a quieter place of heart-filled appreciation.

This week I am grateful for...

~ how gentle, quiet music can transform a rambunctious household into a more sedate (and manageable) household

~ after dinner games with the whole family around the kitchen table...we have to cultivate more of these!

~ the freedom of homeschooling to allow my children to pursue those activities that interest them (mid-week ski day!  four skating days at the outdoor rink!  Love!)

~ finding a little silver lining with being the wife of a ski guide who is away so much.  This week, Papa walked in the door and Forrest declared, "I am shivering with joy that Papa is home!"

~ after this long week away, Papa scooping the children out the door to the skating rink and leaving me in a very quiet house to relax and putter in a decadent and luxurious few hours

~ realizing that I really do need help while Josh is away and then, with a very deep breath, asking for it.  It has been two years since our daughter's diagnosis, and we have no one to help us in an emergency.  This was worrying me enough that I turned to friends for help...and it certainly surprised me how eager and helpful twelve friends in our community are.  A true reflection of their character ~ our family is extremely grateful to them all!

~ my three children telling me, several times a day :

    River : "I wuuv ooo sooooo mush, mama!"

    Summer : "I love you so much - you're the best mama I've ever had!"

    Leif : "I just love you, Mama."

    Absolutely.  Positively.  Good.  For.  My.  Soul.

I am blessed.

Comments

[lori]

dear jules, i feel full of gratitude just reading all this.

i do understand the challenges of being married (however happily and gratefully) to a guide. although my children are all grown and gone now, it is still hard to be alone much of the time (be careful what you wish for) while he is out at the islands for days at a time. i know it takes a lot of creativity and a little bit more effort on everyones part, but i know it is so worth it too because papa (and my chuck) is so happy doing what he does and i'm sure does well. i always thank goodness for kind compassionate guides, keeping people safe and giving for many a once in a lifetime experiance.
sending hugs dear friend and warm ocean breezes.

[lori]

oops! forgot to say snow skiing day looked excellent! it's easy to see how wonderful josh is at his guiding!

[Melanie]

Oh Jules, this is all so lovely. I am so glad you were able to ask for help (I too have so much trouble asking for help!) and have such support. I love that you are surrounded by such love and joy- and can you feel it coming frome me too?
HUGS

[Taryn Kae Wilson @ Wooly Moss Roots]

Jules,
I always love when you join Gratitude Sunday. Beautiful list, as always.

I added a quote from you on my Gratitude Sunday page and linked to your blog. Is that alright? You can see it here:
http://woolymossroots.blogspot.com/p/about-g-r-t-i-t-u-d-e-s-u-n-d-y.html

Love,
Taryn