ever. so. grateful.

"Gratitude is the fairest blossom 

which springs from the soul."  

~Henry Ward Beecher

At last!

A chance to reflect aloud 

on this past week's festivities,

and all of the things that continue

to pluck my heartstrings...

I am ever. so. grateful.

for family, and friends, and health;

for the tremendous outpouring of love 

that has come our way this past month.

Thankful for a weekend of rest,

and for all of the daily provisions 

that we can so easily take for granted.

Thankful that I've been graced with 

four whole weeks of kissing teeny tiny toes 

and chubby yummy knees 

and itty bitty ears 

and plumpy lil cheeks ~ 

for those who may have missed the news:

Luke Xavier Carrillo 
was born on 11-1-11 

at 11:21 am 

weighing 7 lb 10 oz 

and he is simply 

e. d. i. b. l. e.

When I look back at the years gone by,

I still marvel.

All of the mistakes...

And yet God was willing

to take my brokenness

and make me whole.

He was willing to pick me up 
out of the muck and myre, 

and make me...sparkle.

Useful...

so humbled.

and

ever. so. grateful.

My contribution to the Thanksgiving table

were these delicious pumpkin cupcakes.

I came across the recipe on Pinterest, 

and couldn't believe how easyyyyy it was.

(Click HERE for the recipe)

I added my own touch but throwing some chocolate chips into the batter,

and prettied them up with a homemade cinnamon and brown sugar whipped topping,

drizzling with caramel, and topped with a single candied walnut.

sigh.

life is good.