ThanksGiving...

Yes---I know... we are at least two weeks post Thanksgiving and I am just now posting!! There is just not enough time in the day!!
We spent Thanksgiving this year with Shea's Mom's side of the family. Shea's grandfather died just a few weeks before Thanksgiving and we had lots of family in town during that time. Spending it with them after this tough loss really was the best place for us to be.

We traveled down to Waxahachie/Ovilla area and got to enjoy Thanksgiving outdoors!
( all you snow bound people are are so jealous I am sure!!) The place we had it at hosts outdoor weddings and receptions, so it was just perfect! Losts of great food, wonderful family and just time to try to be quiet and rest. ( I say 'try" because it really was not restful time for Shea and I! All the other kids were older than Austin--but he was still determined to keep up--so therefore we had to keep up with him! He DID have a fun time though!!)


Getting ready to eat--Austin passed the time by playing in Rocks! Check out his cute Turkey bib!!


Playing on the swing after lunch!



Because this place host weddings, they had some neat places to play around and get pictures! This statue was just amazing! It sits at the bridge that people cross to go to the gazebo in the woods---so neat!

Austin's first game of Duck, Duck, Goose!! ( he was kind of confused by all the running around--but liked being in the circle!)

My Thankful list for 2008:
1) I am so thankful for God's faithfulness! It never ceases to amaze me that day after day, month after month, I am still able to be home with Austin. It is not easy at all--on anyone in the house ( Ok...maybe on Austin!), but we do it. We sacrifice and sacrifice to make it happen. God takes care of us...even when I doubt him!
2) The first one leads to my next one--the one who makes the most sacrifice in our home is Shea. He works overtime, 6 days a week, almost every week out of every month. He drives an old truck on the 90 mile round trip trek to work each day---and if he lucky enough to have good weather--and his bike actually starts...he sometimes gets to ride his motorcycle! He gets a few precious hours with Austin in the evenings and on Sundays...and the rest of time just works so that we can be provided for and I can be home with our boy. I know he dreams of one day it being different for us---but in the meantime, he gets up every day at 4am to make it happen today. I could not have asked for a better man to be my husband.
3) I am thankful for a perfect little boy who can bring me to my knee's with emotion, frustration and laughter...all in the same hour!! Motherhood has been a journey harder than I imagined--but God has provided some great rewards in Austin. He is a happy, funny and adventurous little boy--even at age 18 months! I know God knew what type of child we needed--and provided just that.
4)Family! We have such an incredible family! From our parents, to siblings, to distant cousins and those who aren't even really "blood " related! I just know we have such support--and that is such a precious gift.
5) Friends!! In my "older and wiser" years, I have learned to appreciate and treasure those great friendships. I feel so blessed by great friends--some here in the DFW area....but many who are located around the country. I am so thankful that God blesses us with Relationships!!!