Giving Thanks

Our little blessings being sweet and silly.

Every year as a family tradition, Jeff takes the kids, a cooked turkey and pumpkins pies up to our church to distribute to needy families. On the way to church, they pray for those families receiving the meals and pray for the blessings of our family. It is a tradition that we have enjoyed and one that has shown our children what it means to be thankful for the blessings God has given us and the ultimate blessing of His son. This year we hosted Thanksgiving dinner with my parents, Aunt and Uncle and cousins. It was a great meal but more importantly a great opportunity to fellowship with loved ones. It was especially busy and special because we were able to celebrate Micah's second birthday! As a two year old, he is really proving to be a big help to me and a great big brother to Nehemiah.

Birthday Time!

After plates were cleared and company was on their way home, we sat down for my favorite after dinner treat...the Black Friday Ads! Every Friday after Thanksgiving, including last year in Orlando and the year before when I was 9 months pregnant, I always get up super early and brave the crowds for the best deals. This year was no exception as I hit the stores to soak up the frantic holiday atmosphere. Although I didn't get everything I wanted, I did get enough (just ask Jeff). And, most importantly, it was such a rush to get that great deal before most people get up!

Fall Fun

Autumn is our favorite season. While the cooler air and changing leaves make everything outside more beautiful, the crockpot full of stew and the warm apple pie in the oven make the inside more beautiful! So here are a few pictures of us enjoying the season.

Halloween

The end of October is a special time in our house, no not because of Halloween, but because it is Jeff's birthday. Jeff and I do not really celebrate Halloween with witches and ghosts and scary movies, instead we enjoy carving pumpkins and chatting with the neighbors as our little ones dress up as a favorite character or adorable animal.

This year we were able to join my parents at their hometown Halloween festivities on Thursday afternoon. They started with a costume parade, which the kids eagerly marched in, and ended with trick or treating to the local businesses downtown. After several blocks of collecting candy and enduring the unusually warm day, we were ready to go back to Grandpa and Grandma's for a cooler change of clothes and Jeff's birthday dinner. You would think that with all the candy the kids got that night they would have no interest in the fudgey frosted cupcakes for dessert, but alas, you would be wrong!

Finally, on Saturday we got back into our costumes, although some with less layers, and headed around the neighborhood. After only eight houses the rain came and Jeff, Nehemiah and Micah ran for home. Another three houses and Noah and Bella were wet and tired. A thoughtful neighbor took Calla around to the remaining homes, although personally I think she enjoyed hanging out with her friends more anyway. Once home, we checked out our loot and trudged up the stairs for baths. With the doorbell still ringing, Jeff was as busy downstairs as I was with four little ones upstairs. Finally all was calm and everyone was in bed, now we just needed to enjoy our extra hour of sleep!