Holding on to Gratitude

We had a simply wonderful Thanksgiving.  My mom and dad came into town which is always a treat! (to read more about it click here, here, and here ...my mom is clearly a better blogger).  It was a great time to sit back and look at my life and realize how thankful I am for so many riches in my life.

The kids enjoying Aunt Jane's train display

Anna and Uncle Rich feeding the ducks

Inhaling pumpkin pie

Crafts with Aunt Jane

Riding in the "Candy Cane Express" pulled by they're favorite elf (a.k.a. Grandma) 

 

 

 

 

While we are so thankful for our life, friends and family here in Texas the reality of being so far away from our life, friends and family in Missouri really hit us during the holidays.   Thank you to all that keep in touch with us; it helps us not feel so far away : (  That being said I'm trying to go back to the meaning of season and be thankful for what I DO have instead of missing what I DID have.

So today my focus is being thankful for the advent season, and a family to enjoy it with.  Seeing the excitement of Christmas through my kids eyes is one of the many blessings of being a parent.   Todd and I this year (with the encouragement of our church) are really trying to focus on Advent.   Each night we are lighting the representative candle (this week it's HOPE) and going through the Big Picture Story Bible (which I highly recommend to parents of toddlers/preschoolers or the Jesus Story Book Bible for older kids)  We are having a blast together reading stories about hope and talking about why we celebrate Jesus' birthday.   To be honest I love how it's keeping me focused as the shopping/planning for the holidays sometimes distracts me from the big picture.  We hope you enjoy getting excited for Christmas as much as we are and are holding on tight to what you are most thankful for. 

Drinking Egg nog : )  (not me...yuck!)

Our make-shift Advent wreath and candles

Anna reading to us out of the Bible : )