So Thankful.....

for many things this year! There are too many to name, but there are three things that I am especially thankful for this Thanksgiving.

1.) Our little Turkey, of course!

Thank you to one of my mom's former students, Jessica, for Elle's cute bib and hat!

This year was Elle's first Thanksgiving, and I can't describe in words how special this day was! It felt so amazing to be holding the most precious gift from God in my arms this year. Just when I think I can't possibly love Elle anymore, my love for her grows even more each day! She is the light of my life, and I don't know what BJ and I ever did without her! She is definitely our entertainment now, too! So much fun! Thank you, Lord, for our sweet baby girl!

Elle on her first Thanksgiving!

At work, we dispense infertility medications, and I am reminded everyday of how blessed I am. I just don't understand why God allowed me to have a child, when there are others out there who have waited so many years, and are experiencing so much heartache right now. I am so undeserving. He blessed me with an easy and healthy pregnancy, and most of all - a healthy baby. I haven't taken a day of my motherhood for granted, and I thank Him that I know what it feels like to read that positive pregnancy test, what it feels like to have contractions, what it feels like when a baby kicks while in the womb, and what it feels like to give birth to a sweet little life- all such precious moments that some people never get to experience!

2.) Health and Family

My heart has been so heavy for all of those who have lost loved ones recently. Thank you Lord for protecting my family and keeping us healthy!

Our first Thanksgiving as a family!

BJ's grandmother passed away a few weeks ago. This was BJ's last living grandparent. We got Elle's middle name, McCaslin, came from her. Elle never got to meet her, and I really regret this. She had been sick for several years, and was living in a nursing home. I'll be honest and say that we never got the courage up to bring our new baby into that sickly environment to visit, and I would give anything to change this now. If I had tried harder, we probably could have found a way to make it happen under better circumstances. It is so easy to tell yourself that there is always tomorrow. This was an unfortunate reminder to me to live everyday as though it were your last. Each day is a gift from God, and we never know when we will be called home!

3.) God's gift of Eternal Life!

In a world where nothing lasts and things are always changing, we have hope! God is eternal, and He has promised believers eternal life!

When BJ and I moved into our house a few years ago, we invited both of our families to our home for Thanksgiving dinner. I think it is safe to say this is now a Thanksgiving tradition because it stuck! Each year, we end up having about 20 family members over for dinner. Needless to say, if the kids keep coming - we will need a bigger house soon! :) We really enjoyed spending time with everyone! Here are some pics from the night!

Elle with Uncle Landon

Elle with Nana and Poppa!

Elle with Great-Grandma Rita!

Can you tell that Elle is loved just a little bit?! ;)

Here are the 2 little munchkins of the family - Elle and Emma!

We love our little princesses!

It was nearly impossible to get a good picture of them together!

TAKE ONE......

(tried to give them ornaments to help them smile....FAIL!)


TAKE TWO.......

(Elle didn't like her shoes, so we had to take them off! Emma says, "What now, Elle?" haha!)

TAKE THREE.....

How sweet is this?! Finally, a keeper!