Thanksgiving

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts." ~1 Chronicles 16:8-9

 

Today I am grateful for my sweet babies and Buddy the Elf. He made his first appearance this morning. The kids were so excited about his arrival. I saw about a 10% improvement on their behavior. I was hoping for perfect angelic children, but I guess we'll settle for 10%.

 I am thankful for Nate's imagination and personality. He loves to laugh and has more energy than anything I have ever seen. This child never stops. Tonight, before bed he told me he wanted to be 5 things when he grew up. 1.) In the army 2.) A gun shooter 3.) Do what daddy does (he pretty much has no idea about the details of that, but I thought it was sweet) 4.) A police 5.) A back flipper...as in he wants to do back flips for a living. He told me that one was #5 b/c you have to be bigger to do that. I cannot wait to see Nate do a back flips and get paid for it when he "gets bigger."

This morning he dressed up as Darth Vader and put on all of his medals.

 Watching the Lions vs. Packers

 I am thankful for Anna Marie. She is so snuggly and has recently become a mamma's girl. Both of my kids are usually obsessed w/their daddy, so this is a welcome change. I love reading her stories, listening to her read stories, and rocking her to sleep. She still has a little bit of baby fat on her cheeks, and they are extra kissable. Anna is talking up a storm and knows how to throw a huge fit to get her way. She is a perfect blend of sweet and sassy!

This afternoon Anna helped Mimi stuff the turkey. She really wanted to help and would not take no for an answer.

 Nate and Peyton

 Dustin and Jessica

 I have no words....

 Sisters

 I am in LOVE with this picture. I am so grateful for LouLou and Mimi!

 Our Thanksgiving spread: 2 turkeys, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, glazed carrots, olives, green bean casserole, corn casserole, crescent rolls, homemade rolls, stuffing, dressing, cranberry sauce, 3 pies, cookies, bread pudding, brownies...We literally ate 1/4 of everything we had. Dinner was delicious!

 Willie, Linda, and Jake

 What's Thanksgiving w/o...Twister?!

 I am so thankful for my family!

 I am grateful for my best friend and the love of my life. Thank you for working so hard to provide for our family, for being such a wonderful father and husband, and for loving me unconditionally. You are always teaching me how to be a better person. I fall more in love with you every day, Willie!

Today was full of blessings, but we were left with a huge void. We had a tough morning knowing Morris wasn't going to walk into our house this afternoon. I take such comfort knowing that Jesus knows our suffering. Among so many blessing, Jesus is my greatest. Thank you for your suffering, your love, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. Thank you for your faithfulness and for the peace that only YOU can provide.

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptable with reverence and awe." ~Hebrews 12:28

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18