Makes me think of Big Daddy....

It's that time of year!

It's time for me to overload you with pictures!!! We shall start with our family pictures taken last weekend by our Aunt Karen. (If you are on Facebook...you've already seen these!) Enjoy!

We like to keep it real.

ThankFULL

Today I am thankful that our sweet Auntie Karen is celebrating her 48th birthday. I remember this past spring very vividly. I got news that Karen had received a diagnosis of breast cancer. I sobbed for a short while because I didn't want her to have to go through this. But then I stopped and prayed. God reminded me of HIS power and of Karen's faith in HIM. She did her chemo, dealt with the sickness and all the other lovely side effects, rang the survivor bell and is currently growing some new hair! All the while taking pictures for people and creating memories they will treasure for a lifetime!

In the words of Cohen, "OH I just love that Auntie Karen!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL!

ThankFULL

Today I am SO thankful that my kids still mess up the words to Christmas songs. We were listening to "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" today in the car. All of the sudden, Claire busts up laughing. "MOM!!! That guy just said TIGHTIES!"

"Ohhhh TIGHTIES of comfort and joy!!"

If I sold underwear, that would totally be in my jingle.

ThankFULL

Today I am thankful that my formal living room is decorated for Christmas! It's so shiny and bright!

(Pay no attention to the bottom of the tree. I won't buy a new tree skirt until after Christmas and I forgot to shove a blanket under there!)

ThankFULL

Today I am thankful to have my husband home. He's been gone for five nights and it was COLD without him here. It wasn't too lonely because I have two little yahoos running around and a host of family to keep me company. Which brings me to my next thankFULL. I am so thankful for my momma who came over to help me drag all my Christmas stuff upstairs. My house is starting to look a LOT like Christmas. YES, it is the week before Thanksgiving, but I LOVE to decorate for Christmas and I want to be able to enjoy it for as long as possible. Which reminds me, I am also thankful that I got two beautiful strands of garland from Sam's last year! PERFECT for my new banister!

ThankFULL

Okay...so I am a few days behind. BUT I have a good excuse and it goes by the name of migraine headache! I got one Sunday and was just not into looking at a computer screen!

On Sunday, I was thankful that I have finally found a medicine that works on my migraines. But most of all, I was SO thankful to wake up with my mom milling around in my kitchen! She made me a cup of coffee and we had the best day! She had spent the night because it was opening weekend 'round these parts! I vote that this is a new tradition...we loved it so much!

On Monday, I was SO thankful when I picked up my girl at school and she had the best day! She was also VERY excited to get to the eye doctor. She will continue to wear her glasses and she picked out a new pair that are ADORABLE! I am thankful that I do not have to choose between glasses for my child and food on the table. I am amazed everyday at the goodness of our Lord.

Today, I am thankful for my cousin Amy. I have mentioned her before in THIS post and I adore her. My kids adore her. We spent the evening drinking cream soda, eating ham and cheese croissants off of Mickey Mouse plates and coloring Shrinky Dinks. We managed to have a few meaningful conversations about life and God. The evening was wonderful. Thank you Jesus for surrounding me with so many wonderful people!