Thanksgiving Blessings

This morning on my way to Thanksgiving dinner with Michael's family, I was listening to a christian radio station interview the parents of Michael Orr. Who is Michael? The movie and the book Blindside was based on the their true story. If you haven't seen that movie yet...just do it!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving; however, it was unfortunately cut short due to the sleet that was falling. With a two hour drive home we didn't want to take a chance.

Well, on our way home there was a homeless man standing beside a busy intersection . Michael is at Wal-mart, so I call him and tell him to pick up some gloves and stocking cap, some BBQ chicken and water. After hearing the message this morning on how this couple felt lead to "just turn around", I felt the Lord tug on my heart about helping this man. It is so cold and is suppose to get below 20 tonight. Michael also bought him a coat and gave him $20. (I told him he only had on a jacket.)

I am so thankful to have a home to stay warm in, a family who loves me, and food. I'm thankful the basic needs are met... plus so much more.

I hope we all are taking the time to reflect on our blessings today. I am blessed!

Please say a prayer for those who are alone on this Thanksgiving day, for those who are hungry, for those who are cold, and for those who are sick.

Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Happy Thanksgiving!!

So Thankful...

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. Each year we head to the boys Great Grandma Wiley's home on Thanksgiving day. This is one of the few times a year we get to see all of Michael's extended family. Of course, his sister and her family from Minnesota were missed. Here are a few family pictures before we left. We were all tired and full, but Natural Dam is so pretty I couldn't resist.

I am so thankful for my kids!

I am thankful for my wonderful husband!

On Friday, every year we go to my mom's home for a second Thanksgiving feast! The food was wonderful! Michael and I made a couple of new recipes this year that turned out great! Michael made Rhoda from Southern Hospitality's sweet potato casserole. It was scrumptious! I loved it, as well as others. I made a buffalo chicken dip that I got the recipe from here. It was a big hit too, and perfect for snacking on later. This could be made any time! I will definitely be making both recipes again. Last, but not least, I cannot go to my mom's without bringing my pumpkin roll. It is so good! Along with eating and visiting, we always play games and have a great time. However, this year was cut short because my boys were not feeling well. Cameron ended up coming down with croup.

In 2004, I started the tradition at my moms for everyone to write on a tablecloth what they are most thankful for. It is fun to look back over the past five years and read what we wrote.

I am thankful that staying home for eight years has taught me to be frugal.

Take a look at my frugal table this year. Everything you see on the table came from yard sales! The cream colored table cloth is actually a shower curtain. The orange runner is a curtain. The rustic candle holders were free, and the corn husks were $.50 for the bag. This cost $3.50 for what you see! I forgot to take a picture with the dishes, and Christmas decor is beginning to take over, so here it is.

I am also thankful for YOU, my blogging friends!

We Are Thankful...

My little Indian and I say,

Happy Thanksgiving

from our family to yours!

Our family turkey project for Kindergarten.

Thanksgiving Family,Food, and Fun!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. On November 26, we headed over the river and through the woods to grandma's house we go... We arrived the day before Thanksgiving for extra time with my In-laws. They are both wonderful to us and dear to my heart. I began shortly after my arrival making 5 different kinds of cookies and 1 other dessert. I love baking!

That night we played a great game of Shanghi with the crew. We got to see Great Grandma Mason too. I was glad she was feeling better.

Thanksgiving day we headed over to Great Grandma Wiley's house for dinner. Her small home, shrinks every Thanksgiving, but we all make do. This is one of maybe two times a year we get to see most of the cousins and family. Everyone seem to enjoy themselves and all the yummy food. We all miss Dina and Shannon and the girls...hope to see them soon. I'm sure they are COLD in MN! (And cute lil James)

The day after Thanksgiving (Friday) we headed over to my Moms for another Thanksgiving. Her new house was so cute and decorated so nice for the holiday. We had lots of more good food and fun. Mom always makes the best stuffing! Of course, I had to bring my usual requested pumpkin roll. This year I also was requested to try and bring a fruit arrangement. I had always wanted to do one, so I did. I thought it turned out pretty good...a learning experience. Everyone else did too apparently...it was all gone before the day was over. Who knew that it would be chosen over all the sweets!

My first fruit arrangement!

The pilgrim hats my boys helped me make!

The Razorbacks played (and won at the last minute! Wooo Pig Sooie!) so the men watched that, while some of the adults played some games. We had a lot of fun and now good memories.

I'm so thankful that the boys got to see 2 out of 3 of their Great Grandmas, 2 Grandmas, and 2 Grandpas this Thanksgiving along with most all the cousins.

My brother 11 days after

his surgery and his family.

My Sister's family

Where is my family?....Cameron started crying from being overtired...my boy needs his sleep! Therefore, no family pic of the Masons at Thanksgiving? Maybe next year?!

Grandma holding one tired boy! My Cameron!

Thankful....Happy Thanksgiving!

I know...I got a head start on Christmas for the first time before Thanksgiving. (Except for shopping, I try to do that year round). Yes, even on my blog. Traditionally, I wait until the day after Thanksgiving to bring in all the Christmas decor. While everyone is out shopping I usually am home decorating! I get to host Christmas at my house this year!! Yeah! That is the reason I already have one Christmas tree up! It's the most wonderful time of the year!

First comes Thanksgiving! I will not skip what I am thankful for in my mind and heart, just because I've started thinking of Christmas earlier. So, HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEK!
I am thankful for so many blessings the Lord has given me and my family:

My thankful list for 2008:
*The Lord Jesus Christ!
*The best husband, Michael
* Three terrific kiddos:
*Aaron
*Cameron
*Caden
*My extended family
*My sister and brother
*My wonderful Mom and Step-Dad
*My In-laws
*Friends (old & new)
*My church and pastor
*My health and that of my family
*God's provisions
*Being able to stay home with my boys for 7 years now
*Cameron saved and baptized by God's grace this summer
*Cameron being alive and healthy after his accident
*The little things in life
*Christian movies like "Facing the Giants," "Fireproof," and "The Passion"
*My last grandparent still alive...Grandma Lane
*Aaron accepted to the U of A
*Michael getting a raise at school
*Friends and family who pray for us
*Our country
*Losing 20 + pounds
*God's favor
*My Sunday School class
*My boys enjoying XCLR 8 at church
*A big home (well, big enough) for the boys to run around in and a roof over our head
*Troops around the world protecting my freedom
*Reliable transportation
*Food
*Learning new things
*Good teachers
*my 12 nieces and 1 nephew
*No more chronic pain...thanks Dr. Kim
*My brother coming through his ER surgery good.
*Beautiful sunrise and sunsets
*God's promises

*~HAPPY THANKSGIVING~*