Thankful

Sorry this is getting posted so late, but better late than never, I guess. We had a great Thanksgiving~ spent that day at Mimi and Papa's house, and then the following Sunday had dinner at Nana's. It was great all around. I hate it that Thanksgiving seems to get passed over or rushed through in order to get to the mad dash that we call Christmas (which I also wish was done differently, but that's another story for another time). I've always loved Thanksgiving, because it is so important to stop and think about all the things we do have to be thankful for. And even though Texas is not known for it's beautiful fall colors, the pumpkins and changing trees do make me happy, and get me in the spirit of the season.
Here are a few things that I have been thankful for this year:

1. I know this is a given, but I am so incredibly thankful for those four very special men in my life. Being queen of the house is, for the most part, a very sweet place to be.
2. I'm so glad that I have my mom, dad, sisters, and in-laws nearby. Family support is so often taken for granted, and I don't know how we would make it without them~ their help with the kids, the advice and wisdom they offer, and the time they take to be with us. So very special, and very much appreciated.
3. I'm thankful for the incredible store I was able to work at this year. Recollections is my happy place, my home away from home, and the girls there have become my second family. As sad as I am that we are closing next year, I am choosing to be thankful for the incredible experience I have had there, for the opportunity to create things and teach others how to do the same, and for the friendships I have formed that I know will last forever. I haven't really let myself think about what I'm going to do when the store is gone, because it's really hard to imagine, but I am trusting that it will be okay, and am excited about other doors God will open as a result.
4. My church family...especially our Sunday Morning Bible Study class. I have realized even more these past few months how incredibly caring, compassionate, and thoughtful these people are. After my surgery in October, meals were brought over for nearly 3 weeks, friends came to help me with the kiddos when my mom was unable to (which, btw, my mom practically lived with us those first few weeks, taking care of the kids, making sure I rested, did laundry, cleaned, etc, etc, etc.), and people that I don't even really know were constantly stopping me to ask how I was feeling and to let me know they have been praying. Wow.

It's been a good year, and with all the stress of busyness, bills, and other not so fun stuff, it's good to be reminded of how very blessed we are. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving too!