forgive me as i wax sentimental

but i can't help but feel blessed lately. and it doesn't even have anything to do with the thanksgiving season. well, maybe subliminally.

exhibit A: paul. simply put, he's the best. circumstances have been such lately that i've fallen in love with him all over again, but in ways that are even deeper and more complex than before. he is everything good to me, and i adore him. and it didn't hurt that he let me do this (pic below) for about 4 hours on black friday afternoon (because, yes, i was up with the crazies...but that doesn't make ME a crazy...does it?)

exhibit B: a nutcracker date with layla (pre-date photos below...because the other two munchkins wanted to be included somehow). i'm loving one-on-one time with my kids lately. it doesn't happen often enough, so i cherish each time. layla got all dressed up for the ballet, and when it was all over, she looked at me and asked, "wait, is it OVER? that was too short!" she was spellbound and has since been practicing her moves to one day be the sugar plum fairy.

exhibit C: lazy, happy days. the kids have all decided that charlie is their "brother." i have to scrunch my nose a little bit at this over-the-topness, but they're very gung-ho about it. which is weird, because layla still is terrified of him.


exhibit D: going to church. just because i'm finding joy in spiritual things lately. this isn't always the case, so i'm thankful for it now.

exhibit E: christmas. the little men are sweden's version of santa (kind of). they make me miss my parents.

exhibit F: when i catch my kids giggling. layla was helping carson tie his shoes today, and they were laughing so hard together. makes me all warmish inside...especially when i can reach for our new camera and (kind of) capture the moment.

anyways. color me grateful.