Happy Thanksgiving

From my family to yours, a very Happy Thanksgiving.

 

The three of us are abundantly grateful for each of you.
 

 

 

 

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

Psalms 118:1



In All Things

This morning, I woke up before the alarm sounded.

Before the sweet melody of my baby boy calling for his mama drifted over the monitor.

Before the coffee did its glorious thing indicating my morning vice was ready to awaken my sleepy self.

Before the sun's light and birth broke the horizon.

So here I sit, 

quietly, careful to not wake my two sleeping blessings.

I have already put the computer down twice.

Tiptoeing to my bedroom and then to Baker's.

I had the chance to do something I rarely take the opportunity to do.

To say a prayer, wish a blessing over both my sleeping husband and my sleeping son.

What a gift these two are.

An evidence of God's faithfulness.

An answered prayer.

Brian, an answer to my parents', who began praying from my birth for a Godly man for their daughter.

Baker, an answer to many prayers, who has been a source of incredible life and love.

And that's what is resonating on my heart this morning.

Thankfulness.

I have so much, the world offers so much, that could steal my joy.

Cause worry, and fear, and dread, and hopelessness.

But, this life, this one life I get. 

I choose to live in joy, in love, in hope.

I took out my camera as the computer warmed my knees and began scrolling through the pictures of yesterday.

Just another Saturday.

Not really anything out of the ordinary.

But, with every click, as my skin stretched across my face, my smile brightened, and my eyes welled with joyful tears.

Thankfulness.

I forget that sometimes.

To be thankful.

In all circumstances.

But then I am reminded of new mercies and amazing grace.

I see azaleas dancing in the morning breeze.

I see books and toys covering my floor, evidence of a fun late night play time with my little. 

I see laundry mountaining on my loveseat, and am thankful for a husband who does both his chores and mine.

I hear the soothing hum of the humidifier, and have to go take one more peek at my sleeping angel. 

I hear my big bear of a puppy dog step out to greet the morning, and do the most precious old man stretch.

I see. And I hear. And I love.

I continued with my camera.

And I saw these.

Ones I took during Baker's bath.

And I smiled some more.

And I think I even let out some sighs. 

The deep breath. 

Life is very, very good sighs.

Because, even in a makeshift bathtub on a Saturday evening, there is thanksgiving in this house.

There's stirring, and movement now.

There's more I could say.

There always is.

But none of my words compares to His word.

"Rejoice always. 

Pray continually. 

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Giving Thanks

Our holiday started with a craft.

A bib for Baker's first Thanksgiving Dinner.

 

This was comical.

My stomach hurt from laughing as we tried to manipulate Baker's teensy weensy painted hand to resemble a turkey.

 

Memories made.

A keepsake I will forever cherish.

I am so thankful for this little hand.

Baker's First Thanksgiving

 

We headed out Thursday morning for Thanksgiving with Brian's family.

 

Baker with his great grandmother.

 

 

I love this little crooked grin.

 

Boy wants to go so badly.

  

Little Boy just couldn't hang.

Being the center of attention is exhausting.

 

Then we made our way towards Tuscaloosa to see more family.

 

 

 

 

The camera was put down here.

Picture taking played second fiddle.

 

I was too busy playing catch up with family.

And watching an intense bow competition between brother and sister shooting Tom the Turkey in the backyard.

And sampling Mom's sweet potato casserole - it's truly divine.

And seeing everyone love on Baker.

And watching family do what family does.

 

Our family has celebrated Thanksgiving with my aunt and uncle every year for as long as I can remember. We've gathered together in Indiana, Florida, and now Alabama.

 

Time with family is so sweet.

 

Enjoying a little Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving.

It's just not Thanksgiving without Farmer McNugget.

 

 

We have a tradition at Thanksgiving dinner.

We go around the table and give each person the opportunity to give thanks.

It's incredible to hear each person, from my seven year old cousin to my eighty-nine year old grandfather, celebrate life and give glory to God for His many blessings.

 

We all left the dinner table a little fuller.

Full stomachs.

Full hearts.

Full.

 

I am abundantly grateful.

Somehow, someway, each year gets a little sweeter.

This time last year, I was celebrating news of a baby on the way.

This year, I am holding my dream come true.

 

We may or may not have joined the crowds for Black Friday shopping at midnight in matching t-shirts.

Yep, my mom's cooler than your mom.

 

Brian and I drove home today and reminisced of the wonderful time spent with family.

Time with grandparents who are smitten with their new great grand.

Time with aunts, uncles, and cousins stretching the length of the map.

Time with family who love and give and bless.

 

"Count your blessings,

Name them one by one.

Count your many blessings,

See what God has done."

 

A few pictures courtesy of my fabulous aunt.

She's also a fabulous photographer, Mardi Gras hostess, navel orange grower.

She's pretty great.

 

Baker loved Madeline's hair. Who wouldn't?

Those curls are to die for!

 

 

 

My sweet not-so-little brother.

I love this kid.

 

Baker with his great grandfather, "Paw Paw."

This picture is so special to me.