With Thanksgiving approaching, I find myself, like most everyone else, reflecting on just how much I have to be thankful for. The list is staggering, and it's a huge comfort when I'm feeling blue just to stop and think about how tremendously the Lord has blessed me and my family.
This year will be (I think) the first time we have had Thanksgiving alone, as a core family. Even in the years we have lived far from the hub of our family, we have always had a sibling or cousin or someone with us. With Mel at home in Georgia, and Pat receiving a "better offer" from a young lady, it's just me, Chris, and the kids. In a way it's nice to do our own thing, but I find myself longing so much for my family. Memories of all those holidays at home are flooding my mind . . . Granny's dressing, uncles watching football, and the rest of us crowded around the dining room table after dinner to play board games. Those were the days, and I really miss them. I'm excited to establish new traditions with my kids, but I so cherish all that family time when I was growing up. I hope you'll all play a round of Catch Phrase for me this year.
My greatest blessing is by far my family. My grandparents and parents, aunts, uncles, cousins. My wonderful brothers and sisters. My in-laws. My neices and nephews. I love these people and thank a loving Heavenly Father for allowing me to be part of such a wonderful heritage.
I'm so very thankful for my amazing husband and for my children. There is no greater blessing in my life than to be the mother of these incredible little people who make me happier than anything else ever could. I sometimes get impatient with them; life is challenging from day to day. But there is absolutely nothing I would rather do than spend my time with them, trying my best to prove worthy to be entrusted with their care. How merciful is the Lord to give us the opportunity to live together forever! I'm so excited to spend eternity with them!!!
So to all my family back in Georgia, Florida, Washington, Maryland, the Netherlands, Massachussetts, Missouri, and wherever else you are right now -- Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for being part of what I consider to be the greatest family on earth. To all my fantastic friends, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families as well!
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5 comments:
I miss y'all SO much and wish with all of my heart that y'all were here with us - not just for the holidays, but always! We will be thinking of y'all.
Kiss and hug the kids for me and tell them that I love them - and my love to you and Chris, too!
Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for including us Missourians as family; it means a lot to me. You are such a great example of love, faith and gratitude. I hope I can be more like you!
We also will be doing Thanksgiving as a core family for the first time. In Utah we always had family or an "adopted" sister (our friend Krystal) to celebrate with. I miss everyone. Let us know what traditions you come up with--my family was never very big on Thanksgiving traditions outside of the meal and I would appreciate any ideas!
Love, Becca
What a sweet post. You know what your blessings are and you love so unconditionally! I also want to thank you for your sweet, wise words in your email. Keep on blogging...I enjoy your posts so much!
Love, Kat
We were the late ones this year,, but we had a good reason. Brian had surgery and was moving very slowly!!! We really missed all of you. I love you and say a prayer daily for ya'll. It's hard to post since i have dial up still. Have a great holiday season. MUCH LOVE AND KISSES!!! LOVE, AMY
This post was heartwarming, Julie. I feel the same way about my family, being with family, joy that they can be mine forever. And grateful that I get to be a member of such a great bunch.
Wanted to chat with you more at church, but didn't really get the chance. I'd love to hear how your first at-home Thanksgiving went.
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