So Many Things to be Thankful For

Every year at this time, as Thanksgiving comes and goes quickly, and Christmas ramps up earlier and earlier....we try to remember all that we have, and all that we are thankful for.  This has been a good year for our family, even with Walker's accident this summer.  We are healthy, we are employed, we have each other and God, and a wonderful network of family and friends that we can rely on when needed.

Since Christmas will be here before we know it, and our children are already trying to write their Christmas lists, we decided we needed to slow down for a minute.  This year we literally had NOTHING to do for Thanksgiving.  We weren't celebrating with our family, and it seemed like all of our friends were out of town this year.  Rather than making a big "to do" out of our Thanksgiving meal, Steve cooked a big breakfast, and we had a casual late lunch.  We worked on a 2000 piece puzzle, took a family walk and watched a movie.  It was a very low key, yet pleasant day.

2000 piece puzzle only took us 3 days to complete!

Helping make the breakfast casseroles

However, one thing we did do this year was elect to serve breakfast to First Light Women's Shelter this morning (the day after Thanksgiving).  When we found out they had a full house (75 women and children), we enlisted the help of a couple of friends (to help with the cooking and storing of the food).  We divvied up the responsibilities and all met up at 7am this morning.  We were in charge of the sausage balls, fruit and two breakfast casseroles.

Once we arrived at First Light, everyone found a role, and we served breakfast.  Everyone there was grateful for the warm breakfast (since the shelter was technically observing a holiday, and warm meals are not served on those days).  Our children got to participate, and give back, and we all walked away feeling even more grateful for our blessings (because we all know that can change on a dime).

We served with Brett and Malin Terry and Wade and Kelli Martin and children.

Though this was our first VERY low key holiday, we wouldn't have changed it.  We hung out as a family, talked about family goals and enjoyed each other's company...for most of the day :).

Bama Game!

At the end of the season, there is always an "easy win" for Alabama, which is the perfect game for children to attend.  Steve was excited to bring the entire family to the Bama-Mercer game.  He had a cousin in town from Florida who he hadn't seen in over 10 years, and he was going to be at the tailgate too.  I was confident that Walker wouldn't make it past halftime, but as it turns out....he did awesome!  We tailgated with the Tanners at Steve's parent's tailgate and Walker was so excited to be apart of the excitement.

Walker eventually got sleepy, since the game was during his naptime, so he took a little catnap during the third quarter, and then enjoyed watching the entire fourth quarter.  Preston is totally into Alabama football now, so he had no desire to leave either, even if we were killing the opponents.

Steve and Mike

Boys had fun climbing trees at tailgate

Mary Case, Caroline and Bennett

Pres and William

One of my favorites: Walker holding up his tiny fingers for 4th quarter

Overall, it ended up being a fun day with friends, family and Alabama football.  Roll Tide!