Feeling Grateful

I have had so many things on my heart to blog about lately with no time to do it. I have so much to be grateful for this holiday season! Don't you love Thanksgiving? Even though it can be busy, it is such an opportune time to focus our thoughts on our Lord, our families, and everything that we are grateful for in our lives. I know that sometimes I need reminders to keep a thankful heart.

My husband and I agreed that it is time for me to quit my medical transcription job (we have been slowly weaning ourselves off this income for a few years). The Lord provided someone to replace me, so I should be done in the next couple months. I have also had less work recently. It is wonderful to be able to focus more on my husband, children and home!

Our children have begged us for the past several years to have outside lights for Christmas, but we haven't put them up (mostly out of busyness and not wanting to take the trouble). This year, they begged again, and I asked them if it is really that important to them. They all said yes and gave their reasons, and I thought, "Why not? What's the big deal anyway? It might be a nice new family tradition." So, I talked to Rob, asked him what he thought, and we now have a new tradition. Putting outside lights up earlier in our marriage (when Nathan was a baby) was quite a production, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect this time. Rob kept it simple, though; we bought some of those icicle style lights. And guess who put them up? Nathan and Jordan did it by themselves for the most part! Another huge blessing - they are growing up so fast!

Rob lost his grandmother last week. That was a difficult time, but although we will miss her, it was such an honor to know her and to have such a godly heritage to pass down to our children. She passed into the arms of her Lord last Wednesday.

It rained all night last night, and I think it's still pouring. I think the kids and I will straighten up the house, make something hot to drink, and read some Thanksgiving titles. Maybe we'll do some baking. It's a great day for it! We go to my in-law's home for Thanksgiving, and Rob's dad does almost all of the cooking, so I don't have anything to do for the dinner. I think I'll take the time to have a cozy family day with the kids before things get too crazy with church and other holiday events.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!