Thankful

For new traditions. This was our first year having Thanksgiving on 'Thanksgiving'. It was a wonderful day filled with all the joy of being a family. While it would have been more complete with our extended family, we made the most of our time. Dan and I got up early and started the turkey (a freebie from the Railroad) which was a tradition we were used to with Dan's old company. Lyndsie helped with the stuffing, Kyle sat at the table making turkey cookies (see post below) and I was mastering a new sweet potato recipe from the Pioneer Woman.
We enjoyed some favorite Christmas movies, ate dinner and had a nice lesson on 'Traditions'.
It was so nice having my husband home, watching him catch up on some much needed quality time with the kids. All he asked for was some SNOW.

A few years ago I made a 'Gratitude' tin. We filled it with strips of paper that we had all written what we were grateful for. This year, I created these small little 'Thankful' books for everyone. It is now our new tradition to revisit the previous years writings. It was kind of emotional as we each took turns reading. Kyle apparently was confused as to what 'gratitude' meant so when he read that all he really wanted was to earn his Brown Belt in Karate, I couldn't help but tear up. I LOVE moments like these, they make my heart feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and the love I have for my family grows ever so strongly.

Krystina and I set the table...you know me, I MUST go all out!

Dan probably won't like this picture, but I need to take them and have them around for me and the kids, to remind us that Daddy has infact been here, and then we don't miss him so much.

Thankful for this wonderful meal we were able to share as a family.

How so very thankful I am for all that we have. It has been a rough year, and we are moving on. We have so so much to be grateful for.