Thanksgiving

Usually around this time of year, I start thinking about all that I am thankful for and all of the blessings that God has given me, but this year it has really hit me a lot more often, and I am glad for that. I am glad about that because it is making me appreciate everything and everyone that we have in our lives, and it also makes me think, why? Why us? I see all the problems of the world, and it makes me realize that all of my problems are so miniscule compared to others. I'm afraid that I take for granted a lot of things, like living in this country, my husband having a good job, our family being healthy and safe, and our two precious, sweet babies. I have been trying this year to think everything through before I take it for granted. When I get sad about Melanie having Celiac disease and not being able to eat what her friends eat, and she can't have her Happy Meals anymore, I stop and I just thank God that all she has is Celiacs, because that is totally manageable, and I think about how I am glad that we caught it early. If I get nervous about thinking we don't have enough money, I think about everything that we do have, and if we have to cut back somewhere for a little bit, we aren't having to choose between paying utilities or eating one month. If I get upset at something that Congress or the President is doing, as annoying as it is, living in this country is still better than anywhere else in the world.

I don't know if I am expressing myself the way I want to, but I just wanted to say that this year I am thankful that I am more aware of everything in my life and everything that we have been blessed with. We have an amazing family and friends, a home, running cars, and our pantry is never empty. I also know that we did nothing to deserve this life that we have, and I thank God everyday for everything He has given us.

.....On a lighter note....I asked the girls what they are thankful for this year. Melanie said, "My family." Meredith thought about it for a second and said, "Bubble gum." :)

There's no way it's already Thanksgiving...

Well, it really didn't hit me until this morning when I didn't have to take Melanie to school this morning that it is the week of Thanksgiving! Where did this year go?

We decked the halls earlier today, and all that's missing is our Christmas tree, which will be here next weekend! It was so warm out today (I am sitting her with the fan on) I decided to get it all done. The girls are so excited for Christmas this year.

Meredith has been my little scaredy cat lately. Everything is scaring her...our Santa that climbs the ladder, Gary the Elf (who returned from the North Pole yesterday) and being away from me at all. I know one day I am going to miss her being all over me, and it doesn't bother me at all that she wants me, but I just worry about her being so scared and sad all the time all of a sudden.

She also has been super funny lately. Grandma Wesley moved down to my mom and dad's about a month ago, and so I try and get the girls over there to visit with her during the week. Her favorite show is Judge Judy, so now Mere is saying that is her favorite show, and she wants Judge Judy toys for Christmas....I hope she's not too disappointed when there aren't any Judge Judy toys under the tree!

Melanie had her Thanksgiving lunch at school. I had asked her if they were doing anything special, like wearing a costume or singing a song. She said no, so I didn't bring my video camera or anything. Luckily, I had my regular camera and got my little turkey marching in and singing her songs! She told me later that she "forgot they were doing something." Oh well, good to know for next year! Always make sure to bring the video camera!!

We also made our way up to Athens with the girls for a game earlier this month. We had such a blast and it was cold, so we moved over to the sunny section of the stadium, where the girls did our hair. So funny!!

I also haven't posted anything about Halloween....we had the cutest Rapunzel and ballerina EVER! They had fun and were so cute...the only issue we had was when someone was passing out million dollar bills with their candy as a joke and Melanie was VERY upset when she discovered they weren't real! They have already been discussing what they will be for next Halloween....Melanie is still undecided, and Meredith said she is either going to be Miss Piggy or Jason Segel. Really Mere?? I honestly don't know where she gets her material. She knows Jason Segel from the Muppets movie, which she has been ready to see ever since she saw the first preview months ago...we are taking her on Wednesday. :)

WELL, while I have been writing this, the girls have been outside jumping on the trampoline in their bathing suits. My neighbors already think I am crazy, but when they see my girls in bathing suits outside in November, they will think I am completely nuts!