And We Gave Thanks...

 

Thanksgiving was so special this year.  It has always been one of my very favorite holidays.  One of the few times of the year actually set aside for nothing other than giving thanks to the Lord for all He has done for us.  Although I do love Christmas, Thanksgiving is so wonderful because it's just so simple.  Friends and family gathering together for a meal and to offer praises and gratitude to God for all we have to be thankful for during the year.  No gifts to buy.  No real holiday 'hustle and bustle' just yet.  Just pure and simple thanksgiving and fellowship.  And we have a lot to be thankful for this year.  Joe and I were talking the other night about how much life has changed in just 10 months or so.  This time last year these two little boys weren't so much as a twinkle in our eyes.  So grateful that we serve a sovereign God who "knows the plans He has for us."  There are still so many uncertainties for us but I rest assured in His promises for me.  

We started the day off getting in the car and heading over to Bartow for our usual gathering at Patsy and Smokey's.  It was such a beautiful day.  I think the boys particularly enjoyed being passed around, and Kate had fun riding the golf cart, checking out the museum, and swinging on the swing set.  

  

This was how our morning started off.  Kate didn't make this pic in her turkey shirt because she was still in the bed.  

Grammy & Grandpa with their 'grands'

Matthew had a slight melt-down during our photo session

Grandpa, John, & Kate

Stacy was kind enough to hold babies while Joe & I ate...looks like she's done this a time or two before :)

Magnolia Mornings decorated for Christmas...beautiful!

Anna and Terry on baby duty :)

Kate & Grandpa on the train outside the museum

Beautiful day

When we left Bartow we headed straight for Grandmama and Grandaddy's for dinner.  The kids were still hanging in there with us...

 One of the best cooks I know hard at work...love her!!!

Didn't get many pics but did manage to get this group shot...only one missing is Maggie

When we left Bartow headed for Grandmama's we were praying the kids would sleep in the car.  Unfortunately they did not comply.  Matthew and John were pretty well exhausted, but they only slept about 20 or 30 minutes.  Nice.  Kate decided she did not want to nap either.  Notice above where I said the kids were "still hanging in there with us."  By the time we left Grandmama's at about 7:30 or 8ish,  they had all three had their fill.  Matthew and John were totally breaking down in the backseat.  Kate, who is not accustomed to missing her nap but did manage to do unusually well all day, had also had enough.  At one point when all 3 were crying in the backseat Joe and I just looked at each other and started laughing...hysterically.  Yep, this is our life.  

  

Hope everyone had a most joyous Thanksgiving!  And hopefully your backseat wasn't quite this rowdy :)