Fabulous Feast with Family

Thanksgiving was a bit different for us this year.

Usually we go out to Preston's parents and have a Pond Family Thanksgiving, which is lovely,

but this year my parents came to town so we stayed home and feasted with just the 7 of us.

Having my parents around for the past week has many perks.  I love them dearly and am so thankful for them in my life.  They see a need and get it done (For instance my ceiling fan needed some TLC and my mom got up there and made it shine.  My dad spent 2 mornings this past week digging up our garden and preparing it for winter.  True love, I tell you.).  They also keep this place fun, wherever they go there is laughter...

It's also nice to just have more adults around.  We finally outnumber the kids.  Preston and I got to head to the gym on Thursday morning and burn off the turkey, just the two of us, while my parents stayed behind and kept the kids as happy as can be.  

This Thanksgiving reminded me, yet again, that I have so many things to be thankful for.

1) Our health.  My kids usually have the toughest immune systems on the block.  Well, Henry succumbed to some sort of bug and fevered for 5 days.  He was coughing and sleepy, and it was miserable for him.  I'm very grateful that we are usually healthy and immune.

{Poor kid slept through Turkey Dinner!}

2) My kids.

Henry was ill, but once the meds kicked in and he got some good rest, he entertained us all with a song he learned at school..."Happy Fanksgiving"

That kid is a hoot!  I love the "phew" at the end.

This little turkey is as crazy as can be.  Having his grandpa and grandma around has made him up his silly game.  He's constantly jabbering with them and trying to make them laugh.

My sweet little love.  She's still my best tiny friend and can be super loving (like today in nursery when she asked for me and told her teacher "I want to kiss her"). But this girl has got a wild side too.  She likes to tackle on the bed with her brothers and her stubborness is starting to show it's face (think: "I want a sippy cup not a big girl cup!").  This girl knows what she wants. But she sure keeps us all smiling.

3) My hubby rocks!  He works hard, plays hard and loves to cook!  He did 90% of the Thanksgiving dinner all by himself.  My mom did supervise and stir a little here and a little there...

James gave his work a thumbs up...

And Mom gave him a pat on the back for it...

4) Good food completes me!  I'm so grateful for deliciousness in my life. A trip to Menchie's (with a good friend, of course, or all alone after a busy day) tops off my night. I do love some tempura-battered-sushi, Cafe Rio specials, an RB's Coke or a Sam's Club pretzel, but it sure is nice to have a warm, home-cooked meal with the family.

James begged for the leg...

I'm grateful for so many things this year.  Heavenly Father continues to bless our family in so many ways.  I'm so thankful that I can see His love in all aspects of my life.

I love my family, my food, and my faith! 

Happy Thanksgiving!