Thanksgiving, Birthdays, and Love

We had a blessed four day weekend.

We spent Thanksgiving at both of our parents's houses. It was nice to be able to see some of Josh's extended family that we hadn't seen in awhile.

(My sis-in-law and I...and her little turkey)

(Everyone except my hubby who was taking the pic)

After we went to my parents's house, my sister and her hubby came over to watch Home Alone with us. I remember watching Home Alone every year on Thanksgiving on TV, so it's kind of a tradition for me. I don't think they play it on TV anymore on Thanksgiving, though, so we had to buy it a couple of years ago to keep the tradition going.

On Friday morning, we went to a Christmas tree farm so my brother-in-law and sister-in-law could get a tree. It's surrounded by apple farms and cute little shops. We had a fun time walking around. We then ate another Thanksgiving meal in the evening at my brother-in-law's house. We played a couple of crazy rounds of spoons there and enjoyed each other's company.

On Saturday evening, I threw an ugly Christmas sweater party for Josh's birthday! It was so much fun to see how creative people were with their sweaters. We even gave out a prize for the best one. We played a lot of fun games and stayed up way too late, but it was worth it.

(I couldn't find a sweater, so I improvised)

(My husband's brothers and their wives)

(Jeremiah won the contest!)

Sunday morning, one of my nieces got dedicated at church. It was such a blessing for us to be a part of that. I'm excited to see the kind of person my niece is going to grow up to be.


On Sunday afternoon, we went over to my parents's house to celebrate my mom's birthday (she and Josh share the same birthday). My sister and I made lunch for everyone, and then we watched a couple of movies.
When we got home, we decorated our Christmas tree!




By the end of this weekend, I was exhausted! But, it was such a blessing to be surrounded by such great family and friends. I love how full my heart felt this weekend. We have so many things to be thankful for.

Baby Love

As I was in the midst of writing my last post, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law were at the hospital, receiving the news that their baby was going to be born that night!


We got to go see her yesterday.


She's a beauty.


My two little nieces have been so healing for my heart. This was one of the hardest and most emotional years I've ever experienced...and yet, it's been one of the best. I can't help but look around and see all the wonderful things I have in my life to be thankful for. I feel so blessed. I may not have a baby of my own, growing inside my stomach or in my arms, but I have such a full life.

This week is one that we all stop and look at what we have, the things we can be thankful for. I wish I was this thankful all year long... God is so good and I too often don't acknowledge that. Let's be more thankful.

I'm Blank Because...

I love this idea that Little Miss Momma came up with last week. You can check out her post here.

I'm happy because...
The holidays are upon us!
I get to spend a lot of time with family this week
I saw Breaking Dawn this weekend
My niece is now 2 months old and is filling out oh so nicely...and my other niece will be here this week
We got to hang out with some old friends last week

(My niece)

I'm thankful because...
God sent His Son to die on a cross for my sins... (we watched clips of the Passion of the Christ in church tonight...so humbling and painful to watch)
I have some really amazing people in my life
We have a roof over our heads and a nice warm bed to sleep in
Even though we don't have a baby, we love each other...and that is enough

(From our honeymoon)

I'm weird because...
I really don't like eating my food with my fingers (I use a knife or fork as much as I possibly can)
I only like certain brands of bottled water
I only like waffles with peanut butter and syrup (had them for lunch today)
I hate trying new things...unless it's food
I keep all my bathroom items and cleaning supplies in certain spots...and get irritated when they get moved

(And, one more because I just couldn't resist)

What are you "blank because" of?

Thankful on Paper - Week Three

First of all, this month is flying by...is it really already the middle of November?

I can't believe it's already Week Three of Thankful on Paper either.



This week, I chose a dear friend to write to. She and I have only really known each other for about a year and a half...but she is one of my closest friends. She is really easy to talk to (we literally talk about anything and everything), and she's such a huge encouragement to me. I feel so blessed to know her.

Even though there is still one more week for Thankful on Paper, this has really helped me learn to be more appreciative of the people I have in my life.

5 Years

Tomorrow, my grandpa will have been in heaven for 5 years.

It's still hard with him gone...especially this past year. Things have changed so much in my family...and I wish he was here.

But, he is without pain...he is cancer free...and he spends his days (are there actual days in heaven?) worshiping Jesus. What could be better than that?

Still, I miss him, and I look forward to seeing him again one day.

(My grandpa and I...when I was a baby)

This day reminds me to cherish those around me. To make the most of the relationships and time I have right now...because you never know how long people will be in your life...or on this earth.

Hug people a little tighter, laugh with them a little longer, and share your heart a little more often.