Thanksgiving 2014

Well this Thanksgiving was a tough one as it was the first one without Dad.  I actually had a surprisingly great day and thought about how much I had to be thankful for.  God has a way of working in our hearts and I believe this past Thursday, he overwhelmed me with all I had to be thankful for....(even if my sister was 12 hours away ;))

In years past, Thanksgiving morning is definitely hectic at our house.  I am usually rushing to prepare warm food to take to our families gatherings, trying to get all the kids in their coordinating outfits with hair done and well to be 100% honest, Josh usually hunts. LOL. I told myself this year wouldn't be like this. I would soak in and savor every moment with my kids and families. Time is too precious to waste.

The day started (bright, early and fairly stress free) with a new tradition I hope to continue on in the years to come.  We went to church to help prepare meals to take the local county jail for each inmate and also served an "Open Community Thanksgiving" to those that had no where to go or nothing to eat. Josh, myself and all three kids helped and were involved in this and I absolutely loved the idea of giving back...I mean, after all, that is what the day is about....being thankful for what we have and sharing with those who don't. Below is me and three of my best friends (I'm blessed with many). I am thankful we were able to serve together on Thanksgiving and hope to continue to do so. 

After church (around 11:45 am) I headed over to Dad & Theresa's house.  Josh's family had his Thanksgiving at the exact same time so he took the boys with him and I took the girls with me. I will say, usually I wouldn't split up from Josh, but this being the first year and only 2 months after my dad's passing, I wanted to be with my family.  Jordan, Kim (my sis), Max and Jasper weren't able to be there....well, because they were having their own fun ;) (and visiting Jordan's family- who we love!)

We spent the entire day just vegging out......hence the photo dump. Overall, Dad would have been pleased...lots of food, resting, grand-babies and football!!! 

I'm thankful for the blessings that I do not deserve. I'm thankful for my salvation. I'm thankful for unanswered & answered prayers. I'm thankful for my family. I'm thankful for the 59 years I had with my dad. I'm thankful for the way he raised us....alone....when most men would have quit. I have so many things to be thankful....I  couldn't dare make this holiday about anything else.

God Bless,

xoxo Emily