autumn in the country...

our church goes on an annual retreat every fall at the lakewood retreat center. here are a couple of pics i got of thad...the older two were too busy doing all of the fun stuff there for me to get pictures, or was i too busy doing fun stuff? human foosball is the yearly highlight, and thad is watching the kids' game in one of these to follow...

thankfulness...

we had an amazing thanksgiving, hanging out at home. jerry grilled the turkey, we had sweet potato, corn and green bean casseroles, homemade cranberry sauce, fresh pumpkin pie, and pecan pie...yumminess!

for the month of november, i posted "thankful thoughts" on facebook. since i didn't blog much, i thought i would add those posts to look back later on.

november in review...

I am thankful for my husband, he's amazing!

I am thankful to have the privilege to live in a country where I am free to speak my mind, free to worship however I see fit, and free to pursue happiness...thanks to all of the veterans of the past and those currently serving our country to keep these freedoms alive!!!

Just reminded of God's promises...never leaves or forsakes, and promises to take care of us...thanks to a rainbow I just saw in the sky!

I'm thankful for my kids, along with their quirks that drive me insane, and their illnesses/accidents that make life interesting...I know I'll miss all of the craziness once they're grown!

..."baby dude" is no longer a baby *tear*...I'm thankful that Thad is successfully sleeping in his "big boy" toddler bed tonight (the first night), since we had an unexpected need to disassemble the crib this evening. (sniff, sniff)

I am thankful for the beautiful weather we have had the past few days...and as it continues for today's soccer games. :)

I am thankful that I get to worship with my family today.

I am thankful for insurance to pay for my trip to the chiropractor today...and that pays for my kids' various ailments as they come up!

I'm thankful for my chiropractor for his amazing adjustment! I am still in pain, but at least I can sit comfortably AND stand up straight now! And...Nick got his allergy shot this afternoon, they all got flu vaccines, and we caught Thad's ear infection as it was starting. So yeah, thankful for the insurance AND the doctors!!! :)

I am thankful for the gift of hearing a little one's first words...yesterday's new word was "apple" and it was SOOOOO cute hearing Thad's little voice say it!

I am thankful for how much fun I have at school, being an "audience" makes it rather interesting and enjoyable! ;)

I am thankful for my soft, comfy bed...especially when I am exhausted and my back hurts, it's so snuggly with my big comforter and fluffy pillows. :)

I'm thankful for my beautiful daughter...she's so excited about her school chorus solo and her part in the church Christmas program...she's funny, loving, and does a great job at being an awesome big sister!

I'm thankful for my amazing teenage son...he's awesome with Thad, helps us out by babysitting, attempts to get along with his little sister...he's artistic and creative, and I am amazed that he is doing such a great job at teaching himself to play guitar!

I'm thankful for a short work week! Only two days this week, then a 5 day "weekend"...woohoo! :)

Thad is going to need surgery for a hernia. Surprisingly, I'm not stressed or overwhelmed, this is what my life has become between all of my kids and their injuries, illnesses, etc.--it is what it is, and God will take care of us just like He always has! :)

I am thankful for all of my amazing friends, I am truly blessed!

I am thankful for growing up in a loving home, having an awesome mom and dad to bring me up in church and teach me how to deal with life! (and thankful for getting to talk to my mom for awhile this evening too...love you Mom!!!)

I am thankful for God's provision for our family. He always provides everything we need, but not necessarily all of our "wants"...food, clothing, home, jobs, family..., friends...we are truly blessed and I am so thankful to Him for everything He has done for me!