Thanksgiving is such a precious holiday. While trying to avoid any and all cliche, I just can't help but reflect and appreciate all of the amazing blessings God has given to me. If I'm being brutally honest, I'm ashamed to say how often I find myself whining about those #whitegirlproblems...if you know what I mean. When I truly reflect, it's ridiculous how often I let myself feel sorry for myself about the most trivial things. Our air conditioner broke. I can't afford that new outfit. Dog hair everywhere! I hate my hair. I could really use some more sleep. My 'friend' hurt my feelings. ...and the list goes on.
When I really step back and look over my 'problems', it makes me feel nothing but guilt and shame. It's all about perspective. At least we can afford a new air conditioner. My dogs are awesome-who cares about their hair! Who needs sleep? I get to spend more time with my baby! I have many other friends and family who love me and are there for me when others may let me down. Even though it shouldn't be, it's a constant struggle to remind myself that I am beyond blessed with everything I could ever need in this life, and I should thank God for it every single day. Since becoming a parent, it is amazing how my vision of life has totally transformed. Everything in my life is about my kids and keeping them safe and happy. It's definitely turned me into a fearful person. Reflecting on blessings truly makes me scared. Surely one person can't be as blessed as me? I keep waiting for something bad to happen or a real testament of life to come my way. All I can do is remind myself everyday to be thankful for what I DO have and forget about what I don't, thank God every second of every day for his blessings, and constantly be mindful of those who have it way worse than I do.
That's why I love Thanksgiving. For one small moment (getting smaller and smaller thanks to Black Friday), it feels like the country stops, takes a step back, and realizes what amazing gifts we've all been given.
MY THANKSGIVING!
This year, we spent Thanksgiving day with most of Mike's side of the family. Like always, it was a relaxing, delicious, and memorable occasion. Robert, Jess, and the boys spent the day at their house celebrating with Jess's sister and her new baby boy. Fortunately, Robert brought the boys over for a little bit to play with Grace. It was a beautiful day, so Mike and I took them all outside for a little catch. Not sure the boys were completely into it, but Grace definitely enjoyed herself.
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Even though Tech lost...at least Grace looked cute representing! |
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Gikum and his girls. I think they look related, don't you? Same face.. |
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Mike and Nate |
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Clay and Grace |
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Grace and a rare photo of Mommy! |
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Playing some catch! |
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Matt and Cessy teaching the three point stance! |
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Grace's turn! |
Matt and Cecily joined us outside for a little bit until we decided we had left the two babies inside with the grandparents. We figured we would go back in and help them out! Mike's Uncle, Aunt, and cousins joined us a little later and we had an amazing meal, of course! I don't think I need to say that I was beyond stuffed. Everything was so delicious! I always get a little sad that I don't have enough room for ALL of the desserts. :(
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Bolding boys and their babies. |
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Clarky's first Thanksgiving! |
After dinner, the Cowboys game, and a little relaxing, we headed home to start packing for our weekend trip to Abilene. The next morning, it took us a good hour just to pack the stuff in the car. We have two kids in the backseat, two dogs in the far back, and a cargo carrier on top. Pretty ridiculous, but I like it! Almost time to rock the 'burban! The road trip went smoothly. I spent the majority in the backseat between the two carseats watching Barney and entertaining Clark, but that's the way it goes. Mike's just our chauffeur and pack mule now. Thanks sweetie!
We had a great weekend in Abilene. We got to visit with a lot of family, Mimi got to hang with her great-grandbabies, and Grace got to play with Sadie--which she always loves! HOWEVER, there was a serious bug floating around that house. On Friday night, my uncle got so sick that he had to go to the emergency room. Then, on Sunday, Mike and Grace both woke up sick. Grace had an awful cough and they were both throwing up. I was scared to death that my six week old Clark or my dad were going to catch it. Let's not forget that my dad is only a few weeks into recovery after his surgery and I imagine throwing up would not be good for the healing process. Fortunately, we all made it out okay. Grace had to stay home from the babysitter for two days, and I had to watch a lot of Barney, but everybody's back to normal now!
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Sadie & Grace- who was too busy coloring for a picture! |
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Mimi rocking baby Clark |
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Grace giving her brover some lovin' |
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Grace holding 'it' |
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Mimi and three of her six great-grandbabies!Back at home... |
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Grace having a sick day from the babysitter. |
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At least Clark feel well! |
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Even time for a bath! |
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slummin' it like a champ |
In other news...
Now that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas time is a'coming! Today, our Elf on the Shelf arrived! He had to wait until today because Mike was out of town Monday and Tuesday. I think Grace just halfway knows what's going on, but it seemed she settled on the name, 'Balls'. So it looks like for the rest of our Christmas', Balls the elf will be joining us. Her first task was to fill a bag full of toys to give to children in need. She was very excited about it, and filled the bag right up. I'd like to think that my daughter is just very generous and cares about others in need, but I'm pretty sure she just thought it was fun to put things in the bag.
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Our "want to be naked all the time" stage is in full swing! |
I also got all my Christmas shopping for the kiddos and men done today! Now, I just have to worry about the ladies...they're the hardest anyway. This Saturday, we're all headed to the Polar Express in Grapevine...to meet Santa and have some serious hot cocoa- considering it's supposed to be around 30 degrees! I'll be sure and take lots of pics!
Everyone be safe in this winter storm and remember to be thankful! :)
