Thanksgiving

I think every Thanksgiving since we've been married has been a little bit different, depending on what church events are going on and which family members are in town. While I don't always prefer changes at the holidays, I try to embrace them and enjoy whatever we end up doing, even if it's not "tradition". I get a little too focused on tradition and keeping everything the same, but sometimes change is good. It's fun, fresh, and allows for new traditions and memories.

Nate and I started out our day running a 5k, which was a lot of work, I mean, fun! I couldn't have done it without him! :)

Breaking bread for the stuffing the night before, a tradition we will keep no matter what.

Our first meal of the day was spent at a friends house. There were lots of kids and lots of food!

Our lovely hostess

Gorgeous nephew

His first Thanksgiving at 8.5 months old!

This year, my sister and brother-in-law got to stay with us for Thanksgiving which was SO special and fun. My sister and I baked together for 2 days and the guys smoked the turkey. We ate this meal later at night, and it was so delicious.

Kids table (see their little toilet paper roll turkeys? :)

This plate is very traditional to what we had growing up--turkey, homemade stuffing (best recipe ever), green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, Grands Flaky biscuits (we grew up on homemade bread, so the canned were a treat for us!), cranberry sauce and gravy. The sparkling grape juice and my grandma's beautiful china that I was given completed the meal. 

I was so happy and thankful that they were here--we had a great time together! One thing I've learned in my life is that friends come and go, but family remains. They will always be my #1 best friends!

My little pumpkin

Later on, my in-laws came over for dessert and brought a few of our nieces and nephews so the kids could play. As you can see, my sister and I got a little out of control with the desserts but that's how we roll.

We didn't get a family picture until after Nathan went to bed and we were exhausted from eating so much, but this frumpy picture is better than nothing I guess. ;)

This year, as with every year, I have so much to be Thankful for. It's sad what tiny situations come up in life that distress me, when in the big scheme of things, I have nothing to complain about. I have a beautiful, healthy family, an amazing Pastor and church, all my needs and most of my wants met and a loving, wonderful God who has saved me from Hell. If that doesn't make me get up every morning and shout Hallelujah, I don't know what will!

I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful holiday season! I can't believe another year has almost come and gone. Make every moment count!