Thanksgiving 2019

As always I am a day (or two) late and a dollar short (a few short on those too).  We had a really nice Thanksgiving break, it went much too quickly and wasn't exactly restful, but very enjoyable.  Monday morning I woke up to hear the boys hollering about a mouse, which had decided to hang out under our Christmas tree.  120lb+ Beau put his entire body under the tree to check it out and thankfully did not eat the little thing.  I was able to corner it in the kitchen where it somehow climbed in between the baseboard and the cabinet, yet to be found, lol.  The girls worked a few extra hours and we got most of our Christmas decorations up.  Justin had off Wednesday to Sunday, so he was able to leave work behind for a good chunk of time.  We left Wednesday for a southern Thanksgiving.  We were able to find another doggy daycare when the one we usually use was full and Justin was able to fix one of the issues with our car, so it made for a smooth trip.  The sun popped out for some of the day on Thursday, allowing for the kids to play outside.  Friday morning we got a call that we needed to come get Beau as he was lunging at the staff and they were unable to care for him.  After giving him some CBD oil he calmed down enough to stay at the facility the remainder of the weekend (though he is not welcome back, lol).  He is quite honestly, just a big old scared boy, who doesn't want to lose his people or his lady friend (Lena).  Hey, and thankfully he hasn't marked the upstairs Christmas tree, which was the first thing I thought he would do.  Anyway, we were able to spend lots of time with family, eat lots of delish food, and share lots of laughs.  Thanksgiving is still my favorite holiday, I just love the simplicity of it, and the opportunity to focus on all our blessings!

This year I am thankful for so much!  I am always thankful for routine, just the everyday life we are able to live, which means we have made it home safely every day, we have jobs, food, a warm home, and health.  I will never take those things for granted, and though I know at some point one or more of those might be taken away (for a time), God is faithful to provide and I can rest in His peace no matter what.

I am thankful that Caleb has a sweet Christian teacher and a good friend, who lives across the street from us.  I am thankful for the relationships he has with his siblings.  And hey, I am thankful Caleb is finally sleeping in his own room all the time.  Caleb is thankful for ice cream, his friends and family, his dogs, and for dinosaurs and Minecraft.

I am so thankful for how well the school year has gone for Emily, like way above and beyond what I have expected!  I am thankful for the staff at her school, they have done a tremendous job of helping her and watching out for her.  And I am thankful for the friendships she is continuing to develop.  Emily is also thankful all a good school and for all the people who help her.

Emily and her friends

I am thankful that Luke has a good group of friends, especially a few guys who like being involved in things and encourage Luke to join them.  I am thankful that he has found fun in going to the weight room a few times a week with his friends.  Luke is thankful for a free country where he can worship God anytime and for his family and friends.

I really try not to group Heidi and Anna together in everything, but they do so much together that it is hard not to.  I am so thankful for the provision of a healthy work atmosphere for them and for Godly mentors who are helping foster a good work ethic, it is great to see them succeed at their first job.  I am really thankful for their friends, they have made such good choices in friends.  I am also thankful for their safety as they have learned to drive, and trust God to continue to keep them close when they get their licenses in the not so distant future. Anna is thankful for friends and family, for a house, car, phone and a full belly.  Heidi is thankful for good friends and family and a fun church.

I am very thankful that God has continued to keep Justin safe at work and at play.  I am thankful for Justin's job and his willingness to work even when he really dislikes his job.  I am thankful for Justin's help and partnership and the fun we have together. 

I like to write this Thanksgiving post each year, more for myself than anything.  I am incredibly grateful for my family, it is so fun to grow relationships with each of them and see them grow and change.  I am always grateful for God's provision in every area of my life, there is never a shortage of good things.  Happy Thanksgiving!