Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so grateful that we have a holiday dedicated to giving thanks...especially right before Christmas. What more perfect time to reflect on all our blessings and then look forward to blessing the lives of others? I have much to be thankful for that I'm not really even certain where to start. My life has not been perfect. I am not perfect (just ask the kids!); yet, somehow the Lord has still seen fit to bless my life immensely. This year has been especially poignant to reflect on all my blessings. As some of you may know, Jeff and I have been trying for over a year to have another child. We have both felt that this is a righteous desire, but we have been unable to conceive again (following my miscarriage earlier this year). We have tried medical interventions, faith, prayers, and so much more yet this is a blessing that the Lord seems to be withholding from us. Personally, I have shed many tears. I have been angry. I have felt despondent. It is hard to experience a loss that never really was. It is hard to have a desire that will never come to pass; however, gratitude helps. When I have been able to step back from my pain and reflect on my life, I have realized that the Lord has never left my side...even if it is not in our future to have another child. I have been blessed with a husband who loves me more than any earthly expression could communicate. I have parents and siblings who have always been supportive, encouraging and loving. I know they have my back. I have been blessed to create one pretty amazing little boy who brings so much joy into our home. Moreover, I have been blessed to raise four other children who have taught me more than any textbook or university has. I am grateful for their examples of perseverance and love.  I have a comfortable home, warm clothing, plenty of food, etc. I have been blessed with faith that guides me through my life. I am truly blessed, even if that doesn't mean my life is my version of "perfect".

This year was especially fun for me because I got to spend Thanksgiving with my family. It has been a few years since I celebrated this feast with my parents or siblings. This year I not only got my parents, but my two brothers joined us as well! I never laugh as hard as I do when my dad and my brothers get together. We missed Nichole and Krystle, but they were celebrating Thanksgiving together in Florida. We did get a chance to do a FaceTime call with them. Thank goodness for modern day technology that allows us to feel close even when thousands of miles separate us. The day was full of food, fun, food, family, and food. We had our Thanksgiving meal for lunch then spent the rest of the day playing games and going for a stroll at sunset. It was great to simply be with family.

Mom and I cooking up a storm! This year I made EVERYTHING from scratch. 

Just a few munchies to appease the masses before the actual meal.

Talking to Krys and Nichole before the feast.

Jenn (Mikey's wife) made all the delicious pies! Yummy!

 After our beautiful sunset stroll, I went back inside to finally rest for the day. While we were watching TV, Jonas asked me to go cuddle with him. How could I resist?! There is nothing sweeter than the love of a child. So blessed! So grateful!