A Pictorial of Thankfulness

Thanksgiving weekend has now wrapped up. We were at Mama's (away from Internet access ~ AND I'm still experiencing some strange computer issues. My guru is trying to keep it from being fatal but it's not looking good...) and we had a wonderful time "just being" with family and friends. I've been treasuring in my heart so many things that I'm thankful for. I decided though that with my mind lately, I know that not writing down means that things will slip from memory, so here is a pictorial (only partial ~ I wanted to concentrate on living in the moment most of the time and used my camera less than normal; most of the pictures from this weekend were taken by Ian) of the things that brought joy to my heart this Thanksgiving holiday...
...two little girls who were in cribs side by side three years ago in a SWI in southern China, orphans no longer, but rather cherished by their respective families.
...folks that have become family via the bond of 11 sets of parents being in a "delivery room" together nearly three years ago as we met our Guangdong girls. I treasure every gathering with each one of Kylie's "China sisters," and while this time only three families were gathered, we still had a blast.
...my larger than life, self-proclaimed "Superstar" who usually commands attention ~ even at the cost of ruining an otherwise decent picture. My heart still skips a beat when I think how easily we could have missed him due to being hesitant about "special needs"...
...sibling love and the joy of "slamming the couch hog." It isn't often that Traci and I get to celebrate a holiday with our little brother Alex and we loved having him with us this Thanksgiving to watch the Macy's Parade, eat too much food and squash...
...having a son and now comprehending that "wrestlemania" is a good way to tire boys out ~ and for the boys pictured!
...a calm dog who can lay around in such chaos.
...one child who prefers trying on clothes instead of wrestlemania ~ and the source of clothing known by Kylie as "Abby's tuff."
...that as of Thanksgiving Day, 43 days have passed since we were LID, meaning that we are 43 days closer to having Darcy home.
...for Adam's Christmas CD, sitting around the fire with family listening to it in the background AND for how well friends and family have responded, meaning that they are closing in that once seemingly "insurmountable gap" of needed money to bring their precious children home.
...a fun loving daddy who can turn a nylon dog leash into a harness for a swing, a daredevil of a daughter who wants to give it a try (can't wait until she's tall enough for roller coasters!), and an aunt and uncle for my kids who love to play games.
...the simple joys in life ~ like a huge arm full of leaves!
...this quintet of kiddos (soon to be an octet) and the fun relationship they have together!
...jumping in leaves ~ and the fact that Traci and I have hubbies who were willing to watch this gang while we went shopping to buy Traci's kids some toys with gift cards and cash from their shower.
...my Mama and the place I call home.
...the three other people that currently make up my family ~ even if they are BEDHOGS!
...friendships that endure living 2 1/2 hours apart for over a year ~ both the little girls, we moms, and the two dads.
...holding a sleeping child.
...a sister who saved an Airhead (look at the top right corner of the picture) to throw to her little brother ~ and had pretty good aim!
...the woman my kids call "NaiNai" (not really, they call her Grandma "last name" but we'll use NaiNai here) and the gift she gave me in her son!

And most of all, I'm thankful for the God of creation who is big enough to rule the universe, yet small enough to care about the details of my life. He has blessed me so...