Gratitude Friday

Way back in the day, when I actually blogged on a regular basis, Fridays were dedicated to reflecting on the blessing in my life. I am going to try posting every day this month. Gasp! How will I go from posting a couple, maybe three times a month, to daily? I don't know, but I'm going to try. I may only post a photo with a word or two, but hey, if I'm going to pay every month to keep this space, I need to actually use it, right? Let's get this party started with some happy thoughts.

First of all, I'm so happy that after a summer that seemed to go on forever, autumn has finally made an appearance.

I cannot count my blessings and not mention this one,

Oh my what a gift she has been.

If you had told me when I started this blog that in a couple of years I'd be proudly calling myself Nana, I'm not sure I'd have been happy about the prospect. Now I can't remember life before her.

She fills up my heart in a way I never knew was possible. She makes me feel younger and happier and brighter and just better.

The past couple of years have been filled with changes. Changes I could never have predicted.  I'm a nana. My babies are grown and have jobs and are living life as grown-ups. How did that happen? Casey is loving life as a Marine. Something I wasn't happy about in the begining, but has been a blessing. Alyssa loves her job as a psych nurse. Again, not a path I ever expected her to take, but she knows it was what she was meant to do. It makes this mama so grateful!

So does this,

and this sweet guy,

They fill my heart I tell ya! My heart overflows. For that I am so, so grateful.

Happy Friday friends! See you back here tomorrow.

Comments

[Nina Diane]

I couldn't agree more on the nana part....my grandson Maddox is such a joy to Johnny and I. He fills our life with such joy. I just can't even explain the love we have for him! and we are in the same situation as you...seeing changes, watching the kids grow and move out and start their own lives! But it's good....we are now getting ready to throw a wedding for our daughter Jacquelyn. wow...talk about emotional...haha!!

[Lynne in NC]

Autum,
So happy to read that you plan to post more regularly. I know your life has been busy, but I am thankful you decided to give more frequent blogging another try.
I've missed your writing and the posting of your creations.
Love, love, love the photos of Little Miss B in her ballet attire.
Peace,
Lynne

[Tonya Richard]

You sure do have a blessed life, Autum! I am grateful that you will be posting everyday this month, your blog is one of my favorites : D

[Amber Carrillo]

Such a cute little ballerina - love it :-)

Isn't it amazing to look back and see how far God has brought us?

[Karen]

You have so much to be grateful for! We all do, if we just stop and look around us. Your sweet grandbaby is just gorgeous! I love those long, dark eyelashes.
I've not done a lot of posting these days, either. I enjoy reading your posts and look forward to more in the days to come.
Have a blessed week-end Autum!

[Elaine]

I understand the being a Nana blessing so very well! So happy all is going well in your family...HUGS!!! Bayleigh is so beautiful!!!

[Lynn Alexander]

Autum, you don't realize that you are a blessing to all of us as is your blog. I will enjoy hearing from you. There is a reason God does not allow us to see our path before it is time! We could not walk it or ever dream it could be so grand. Bayleigh is a dream, Your Marine will come home one day a man. Alyssa will excel in her path.
Lynn
PS. thanks

[Bev]

You said it beautifully - your granddaughter is such a gift. Our three little grandsons have been such gifts to us, as well. They remind us to slow down and look at things like ants and the underside of chairs and make us remember how fun it is just to run barefoot and chase a ball and just sit and hold a little person while they tell you what's on their mind.

Changes. Yes. I remember many of your changes from the posts. Changes that took you on unexpected paths that brought you where you are today.

And I'm reminding myself of that truth. That God leads us places we would not choose to give us gifts that we did not expect. I need that reminder as our little guys move out of town after being near us all of their lives and as we're preparing to move my mother, who is slipping away with dementia, close by us. I want to remember to take the long view here. To look for the gifts.

Bev

[Autum]

Bev,

God leads us places we would not choose to give us gifts that we did not expect.  So, so true. Why is it so hard to let go and let God, when in retrospect so many of the bumpiest paths in my life have led to the greatest gifts? Its hard to see it when youre in the midst of the struggle.

Are your grandsons moving? How difficult that must be. I see Bayleigh every day. In fact, shes probably with me more than her parents because of Alyssas work schedule. I miss her when shes at home, just a couple of miles away. I hope the move isnt very far.
Bayleighs paternal grandparents live several states away. One in NY and one in West Virginia, so I know how  fortunate I am to have her here.  They traveled to visit his family last Christmas and I couldnt wait for them to get back.

Im so sorry about your mother. Watching someone you love slip away is heartbreaking. {{{{hugs}}}}

Thank you so much for your kind words! I hope you have a lovely weekend! The weather here in NC is supposed to be beautiful!

xo Autum

[Autum]

Awww Lynn, your comment is so sweet! Thank you!!

Actually Casey is stationed very close to home, about 2 hours away and comes home almost every weekend! It has really been a good thing. Im very happy to say I was wrong by trying to discourage him from joining.

Have a lovely weekend!

xo Autum

[Autum]

{{{hugs}}} to you too Elaine : )

xo Autum

[Autum]

Thank you Karen!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend : )

xo Autum

[Autum]

Thank you Amber.
Looking back is a good thing. Even looking back at hard times reveals lessons learned and gifts received.

Bayleigh starts ballet lessons next week. Say a little prayer for her teacher ; ) Shes a busy one! I cant wait to see how this goes. She loves the dressing-up part of it. Well have to see if she loves the taking instruction part of it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo Autum

[Autum]

Thank you Tonya! Now that Ive  put it out there, I hope I can follow through ; )

xo Autum

[Autum]

Lynne, you always leave the sweetest comments! Thank you so much. Really, it does mean so much to me.

Enjoy this first real taste of fall. It feels glorious out, doesnt it? Makes me want to bake : )

xo Autum

[Autum]

I love the name Maddox : )
I know I had a very special relationship with my granny, so Im very glad I have the opportunity to pass along some of the special love that was showered on me.

I love weddings. Alyssa got married in Alaska, so we didnt get to do the wedding thing.  It saved us a lot of money and stress Im sure, but I hate that we didnt get to share that. I know between the two of us we would have had a blast with the planning.  Enjoy yours! Id love to see pictures.

xo Autum

[mijk]

Ok I'll take up the challenge! Every day in october.... (Starting now) a day late...

[Amber Carrillo]

I'm sure she will do fine...my 4 year old takes ballet here and has the cutest teacher - an older English woman...and there are a few chatterboxes/high energy girls in the class but somehow they all follow pretty well....

Hope you have a great weekend too!

[Autum]

Im sure she wont be anything the teacher hasnt encountered before.  Shes very bright and catches on quickly- when you can get her to focus. That will be the key, getting her to focus.  I do love seeing her in her little leotard and tiny pink ballet shoes though : )

[Autum]

We can cheer each other on!

xo Autum