This Thanksgiving was hands down one of the best we’ve had so far. Now that the boys are older, traveling, bunking in a strange cabin, and being away from the Xbox is a lot easier! The boys seem to surprise me daily as they’re growing up and becoming responsible young men. Who knew that would actually happen?!? {{giggle}}
This year was just like the past two, we traveled with some of our favorite people on the planet and picked a mountainous place to celebrate Thanksgiving. This year it was Hot Springs, Arkansas.
We’ve created our own traditions and rhythm: Hiking, Cooking, Eating, Playing board games, Campfire, Smores, Skit Night, Turkey Bowl, 3D Movie, and a lot of laughing!
This year the cabin was out of this world! It had a huge hot tub and the kiddos took full advantage. Never-mind the 40 degree weather. {{snicker}}
We all went hiking, took family pictures, and had a picnic lunch. It was 2 years ago during our hike that I ruptured a disc in my back. Needless to say, I was a little freaked out on the walk. I desperately tried to hide it as my boys kept asking me if I was OK and begging me not to hurt myself. Man, I’m hoping one day to fully heal emotionally from that experience.
Good news is I didn’t have any problems and it was an unforgettable day.
Here’s our annual family picture in the mountains.
Thanksgiving is always a treat as I have my sister-wives to cook all the important stuff! {{not really sister-wives of course, we were just joking about how great it would be to share the cooking every night.}}
I was in charge of the stuffing and pies. Dude, I get off easy every year. This is proof that I can cook – I just hate every minute of it. The girls are always surprised when I come with baked goods. {{bwaahaa!}}
I’m also in charge of the kids table every year. Having my new printables site made my job uber easy!
I went all out this year with placemats, straw labels, mini root beer labels, and muffin toppers. It was so much fun to put together! That’s so my thang. I will be really sad when Drake gets too old for the kids table. Thank heaven I have a few more years.
This was the first year that we had 12 year olds in our midst. My goodness this is such a strange time in our lives as a parent. {{you know what I mean!}}
All the little kids were absolutely darling and had a blast. By far this was the easiest year to entertain them and play with them. It was a true delight.
This year, I am exuding gratitude. I’m exhausted as I’m not used to this strenuousness work load. However, every day brings something new. I’m so honored to have this man by my side through it all. It’s been a rocky ride with the boys, but it’s such a relief to be able to see the fruits of our labors.
Speaking of, Davis bore his testimony in front of the entire congregation at church 2 weeks ago. Sadly, I wasn’t there to hear him as I was in bed from being sick for 5 days. But, he came home beaming and recounted the entire thing.
You know, you take care of them day in and day out desperately trying to teach them to be good fathers and husbands. You feel like you’re a complete failure because they fight you to brush their teeth, and then they stand up in front of hundreds of people and tell a story about an experience they had while on a camp-out that strengthened his testimony of Jesus Christ. Talk about a 180.
My little boy is most certainly turning into a man. Thank heaven for these little glimpses of strength and that what you’re trying to teach them is in reality sinking in.
I have much to be grateful for.
Completely enjoying your personal blog! Had no idea it existed until today.. 🙂 I had to click on this one bc I thought maybe you were in NC and didn't come see me?! And I had to comment, because that last part about Davis makes me cry.. a happy cry. What a reassuring feeling to know that they are listening. Most importantly, listening and growing a heart for the Lord!
Hey Lovely Lady! I miss you so much. Are you attending any conferences this year? I'm dying to meet up again.
I can't tell you how much I needed that from him right now. I've been really worried about him going to Middle School next year and now that I know he does have a testimony and building his own relationship with the Lord – it gives me so much comfort.
Davis has such a special soul. I just wish he was more verbal so I could know more about what's going on in that magnificent brain of his. {{giggle}}