21 November 2012

Of Thanks


Ryan makes good things happen.  It's one of his many qualities for which I'm grateful.
I'd like to think that my talents complement his, that we're a good balance for one another, helping each become better through the conduits of being in tandem.
The beauty and mystery of a family is all the talents coming together to create a unique concoction, sometimes creating harmony and other times a dissonance that has me tilting my head in discomfort until it ceases, as it inevitably does, or else why have a family at all?
squished
Olive, with her ever sunshiny disposition, her dramatic body language, complete with the frequent jazz hands and open mouth.  She has no time to waste on clouds of gloom and runs quickly until sunshine hits her cheeks again.
Pearl, true to her name, creates something of beauty with trials and discomfort.  Her sensitivity to others is elevated beyond the normal 9-year-old.  Her show of gratitude comes from someplace deeper than lessons from parents.  We, in turn, are grateful for her.


Azure's body is much too small to represent the amount of fiery spirit within.  She is passionate, and listening to her relay a story from her life, you can feel that passion.  She loves equality, and while she finds a huge amount of injustice in the life of a 6-year-old, I know that quality will play out beautifully like the well played strings of a violin, if we're getting cheesy, in the years to come and she learns how and where to release the fervor that lies within.


Sometimes I feel overwhelmed at the task of mothering these souls.  These souls who have come to us as their own, with just a tint of their parents, some of my need to create, a bit of Ryan's sensitivity for others and desire to right the wrongs of the world.
choices
They are these, and they are their own.
And we get to watch and attempt to help, perhaps more like flounder, as we teach what we know, share what we've experienced and hope and pray that they will want to learn and use our mistakes and missteps to their advantage to start life a few rungs higher.
Drummer's personality is unfolding.  He is blessed to have a flock of adoring fans built into his daily life.  Parents and sisters alike who rush to soothe his cries, to pick him up and show him the world.  He is demanding, but I have a feeling he will give more than he'll ever take.
Divine has shown signs of a good mother already, as Drummer will turn to her first among the sisters.  She likes to please others and make people laugh, and talents of a visual nature come easily to her.


in the "hive"
choosing charms for their bracelets
Clover doesn't miss a thing.  She knows when we've passed our street, she knows who is where, and she knows where things are (although it's often because she has hidden them).  She knows.  Her knowledge will soon be wisdom and she uses those pieces to identify outcomes and possibilities.  And boy, is she fun.  
So, as we prepare to celebrate our day of giving thanks, I feel gratitude for the personalities that I call my family.  They add flavor, they add zest, and above all, they help me to strive to be better, and soon they will surpass everything I'm able to teach them.
Which is exactly how I would have it.
Happy Thanksgiving.

28 comments:

  1. beautiful~

    happy thanksgiving to you as well~

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's really lovely how you appreciate the unique qualities of each of your children. This post made me want to drag my own daughter out of preschool for a hug.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful, just beautiful. All the best to you and yours on Thanksgiving and always......

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ah Katy, I have been an avid No Big Dill reader for years now and this is probably your best post yet. So beautiful and spoken perfectly with your motherly love. Thank you for sharing your life, thoughts and family on this space. They are a joy and sign of encouragement with every post.
    http://brindyayn.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is just beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for sharing your reflections on your family, it was lovely to read of their emerging qualities.

    (small note for editing suggestions - 'complement', and 'fervour')

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This post makes me cry. It's so beautiful. I love the last photo so much.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I agree with Emily, that lost photo is so great! Beautiful thoughts my dear Katy! How blessed they are to call you mother.

    ReplyDelete
  10. :0) perfect

    My favorite picture....watching the sax player. Love all the contrasts that picture holds.

    ReplyDelete
  11. So lovely, a delicious blend of pictures as words. Once again. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. How fun it must be to have so many little ones and to see each of their personalities emerge! I'm loving that with my two! Family is the best. Lovely post, Katy.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh, this a wonderful post! I love the way you appreciate each child - being a mother is a beautiful thing! Your photos a lovely - that last one is priceless!

    Did you hit Savannah again? I just went last week and had a marvelous time! I would love to hear all of your suggestions. It looks like you hit two of my favorite places - Savannah Bee Co and The Candy Kitchen! (did you get a warm praline?)

    ReplyDelete
  14. What beautiful words. Your babies are blessed to have you.
    I am always surprised at how a mumma knows her children, and you are no exception. It is a blessing to learn about our children as they grow - and how much more they teach us about ourselves.
    Happy Thanksgiving all the way from Australia!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love all of your photographs as well as the sentiments attached, but I think that last photo is my favorite. I can almost hear the music.
    Have a fantastic Thanksgiving. It is good to be reminded once a year that we are all such fortunate Mamas.
    ~Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  16. what a lovely love letter to your children. years from now they are going to read this and feel truly , deeply loved and respected as individuals. I just wish I'd done this for my sons who are 24 and 28 but I'm going to sit down and do it today. Happy T-day!

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is such a lovely post! It makes me so excited to meet this little one I'm going to have soon and see her personality develop. I always enjoy your posts where the photos tell a story.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Well said, Katy. I see you in each of your children ... good job!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Happy thanksgiving!
    A comment on your children out growing your knowledge... I'm 29 and I'm still learning things from my mother ;) currently i am learning mostly about mothering and marriage :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thank you for another wonderful perspective on motherhood and raising our kids. You have to go to threadless.com and check out their Big Dill t shirt. Every time I see it, I think of you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh you have so much to be thankful for! Your family is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing them with us! Clover sounds so much like my son! ;0) we all need a finder in our lives! (Even if they are the one who hides it! LOL) squish each one of them! Our kids are the most precious gifts!

    ReplyDelete
  22. It's so amazing to see the personality that they are born with emerging into the space of a family. Thank you for sharing your words and your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  23. That little azure is such a cutie!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Please write a book one day. Thank you for letting us have a peek inside your beautiful life with such vibrant souls. I love your family and am determined to finally meet you! Your children are so blessed to have you.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Please write a book one day. Thank you for letting us have a peek inside your beautiful life with such vibrant souls. I love your family and am determined to finally meet you! Your children are so blessed to have you.

    ReplyDelete
  26. ". . .to learn and use our mistakes and missteps to their advantage to start life a few rungs higher."

    I concur. Excellent!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post today. Love you so!

    ReplyDelete

Be a lamb & tell me what's on your mind.