Thanksgiving

There were a lot of emotions surrounding our first holiday in the new house. Our first holiday as parents, we served Thanksgiving dinner at our place with both sides of our family surrounding us. This holiday, plans were challenged and Ben's parents were the only ones able to join us. But we had an amazing day, starting with a hot chocolate and paper from the closest gas station, watching the parade and lots of football, cooking, baking and eating yummy food.

Our daughters helped make the pies and mash the potatoes. The boys helped clean the house and set up for dinner. We turned on the Christmas lights at dusk. Then we set up the new tree before bed...we didn't decorate it until Sunday, but we put it up and admired the pretty lights. Our oldest daughter wanted to go Black Friday shopping with me, so I arranged my shopping so she could come too. We were up and out by 2:30 in the morning and had a blast together! 

There is so much I am thankful for this year...but I'll just share a few. I say a prayer of protection over my husband and his vehicle every morning on his way out the driveway...I am thankful for his safe travels. I say a prayer over my children every night before bed, for sleep and protection...I am thankful for each moment I am blessed with these children. I have spent many hours praying over the finances of building this house...I am thankful the waiting is done, the mortgage is final and the payment is what we expected. I have had a heart for discipleship and ministering to women...I am thankful for the opportunity to do just that at the House of Hope this past year and for upcoming opportunities. I am thankful for family and friends, for health and rest when we aren't healthy, for everything I need and a bit of what I want, for the opportunity to wake up every morning and serve my God. The Christmas season is now upon us...and I am thankful for that, too!