Thankful Holiday

I am thankful that we got to host Thanksgiving this year!  We haven't done it since 2010, and that was in Tonica, and I don't have a lot of super happy memories there, so I was excited to be able to create a new one this year. I felt like I needed to do something different this year, so I thought, what the heck?!? Why not do it here?  I'm glad that the rest of the family was on board to try something new too!  It was a great reason to have everyone come see our place and check out Midland!

This is just the appetizer spread!

The Adults (sometimes, anyway)

The big kids with Grandpa

The little kids

Anyway, I'm sad that I didn't get a ton of pictures and the ones I did get, the lighting is pretty awful.  (Avery got a new camera this year and we haven't been thrilled with the results.)

At the end of the day, I think we all came away feeling uplifted and thankful.  The conversation was nice, the company was even better, and the memories were priceless. 

Thanks for coming, family!!

Throwback Thursday (with waaay too much melancholy)

I came across some of our old family portraits as I was cleaning and organizing the basement the other day.  I decided I needed to scan them and then just get rid of the HUGE prints.  They were literally like 16x20 and what not and I am no longer into storing stuff that isn't serving a purpose!  PURGE, people, PURGE!!

Anyway, I just got so melancholy and nostalgic and misty and sentimental and felt all bittersweet.  My heart!!  I can't take it sometimes!!

This family!  My people!

The little girls!  Now they are big, and I have to remind myself of how little they once were.

That Mark! What a hunk!  We've been through a LOT, but we've come out stronger and better than ever before.  I love him so much.

I have so much to be grateful for.  I am so, so blessed.

Avery, 18 months

Maryn, 18 mos.

I wish I could tell myself to just hold on, be patient, give it time!  Another daughter will bless your life, just trust, have faith!

My family. Gifts from God. Amen.

Halloween 20-Fifteen (It Rhymes!)

We had a fun Halloween this year, but who am I kidding?!?  We always have fun Halloweens.  It's the MOST wonderful time of the year (sung to the tune of famous Christmas tune...ahem.)

Anyways, I got to help out in Parker's classroom for their party.  That was fun. They have a cute parade, play games, and have HEALTHY snacks!  Who is this teacher?!?  haha!

Anyway, LOVE HALLOWEEN!!