So much joy

October may seem dull next to September, which is filled with birthday fun. A nephew wrapped up his first year; another turned four. Their adorable Western party was complete with cowboy hats and horseback rides. A neice celebrated her fifteenth birthday, and my husband and I turned 31 and 28, respectively. It was priceless when our four-year-old nephew called to sing my husband his rendition of "Happy Birthday." My in-laws celebrated 32 years of marriage, as well.

There will be at least one chance to celebrate in October—Canadian Thanksgiving. Even though I'm half American and have lived in the United States for more than a decade, I love to have a big dinner party, potluck-style, a tradition I began in college. Every year, the cool, crisp weather and changing leaves make me breathe a little more deeply and make me a little more grateful to be alive.

The glory of green

My husband and I enjoyed a splendid vacation to the Northeastern U.S. and the Canadian Maritime provinces in early September. We saw historic places and buildings on the Freedom Trail in Boston and little towns in Maine, and had the pleasure of spending time with two cousins and an aunt and uncle in New Brunswick.

The ultimate goal of the trip (from my perspective) was Prince Edward Island, where acres and acres of perfectly manicured, lush lawns were accompanied by red, storybook barns. Even though rain fell frequently, the trip was full of sunshine. We visited breezy, beautiful beaches, encountered friendly people, and spent time traipsing through Anne of Green Gables attractions (admittedly the reason we were there—I admired all the stuff of little girl dreams and imagined Anne herself, while my husband patiently accompanied me).

Even if I had never loved Anne or her playful, pretend world, I would still have deeply admired PEI. It is truly a beautiful part of God's beautiful world. As Anne once said, "The world looks like something God had just imagined for His own pleasure, doesn't it?"

Green Gables, a Canadian National Historic Site, sits on a perky green lawn on a very rainy day.
The building nearly became a clubhouse for a nearby golf course.

Anne Shirley's bedroom, in the Green Gables house around which the author created the story.

A day to celebrate

While I no longer celebrate with party hats, goody bags, and an animal-shaped cake, I do enjoy having a little fun on my birthday and just cherishing the day. It reminds me how much God has loved and cared for me the past year, and signals to me that He will continue to provide during the year ahead. When I think of His blessings, I am easily overwhelmed.

I also love family traditions: my husband sings "Happy Birthday" to me immediately when I wake up, my long-distance family members call and do the same, and my in-laws often kindly take me out to eat. And I get together with good friends (including one who shares my birthday) for some sort of party.

This year, my husband sent me flowers at work—very romantic! I was thrilled to receive them.

I love that God gives us little moments to celebrate, little moments of joy and family and hugs that remind us how good He is.