The best thing about Thanksgiving?
Gathering together at Granny & Papaw's house with all of our loved ones . . .
I cherish this strong tradition more and more every year.
At only 2 1/2 weeks, this was Hudson's first trip to Booneville and first Thanksgiving. I was of course very excited to show him off to everyone.
Our tradition has always been to gather on Wednesday night for feasting & fun - usually card games (though we've been known to line dance, battle it out on the Wii, or enjoy a jam session). This year, it was karaoke. . . and the whole family joined in.
Always a smilin'. . . I sure love this man :)
Although a few found fun in other outlets . . .
And to accommodate our ever expanding family, we decided to move our BIG meal from lunch on Thursday to dinner on Wednesday (since we were basically having 2 BIG meals anyways - lol)
Just isn't Thanksgiving without Papaw's delicious ham
One things for sure - the Hicks' know how to make a great meal
A Thanksgiving Day Prayer (by Scott Wesemann)
Lord, so often times, as any other day
When we sit down to our meal and pray
We hurry along and make fast the blessing
Thanks, amen. Now please pass the dressing
We're slaves to the olfactory overload
We must rush our prayer before the food gets cold
But Lord, I'd like to take a few minutes more
To really give thanks to what I'm thankful for
For my family, my health, a nice soft bed
My friends, my freedom, a roof over my head
I'm thankful right now to be surrounded by those
Whose lives touch me more than they'll ever possibly know
Thankful Lord, that You've blessed me beyond measure
Thankful that in my heart lives life's greatest treasure
That You, dear Jesus, reside in that place
And I'm ever so grateful for Your unending grace
So please, heavenly Father, bless this food You've provided
And bless each and every person invited
Amen!
Thanksgiving Day
For our new tradition, we started out the day with a deliciously home-made breakfast by Chef Papaw (and his helpers). Yummm. Then it was off to Russellville, where we were invited to join Darrell's family for lunch. Once again - Yummmmm.
While we were there, we took the opportunity for a mini Thanksgiving day photo shoot, celebrating these two PRECIOUS little boys that I am truly thankful for.
Hunter had quite a challenging morning with a whopper of a melt down at Granny & Papaw's - which left us all a bit frazzled, so it was wonderful to finally see these precious smiles from him. So in the spirit of being "thankful," as I think back on the day, I can honestly say that Hunter has taught me so much and I am so thankful that God chose me & our entire family to raise him. He has brought me more love & joy than I ever imagined. But it's the other stuff, the hard stuff, that has probably helped me grow the most. I've gained even more patience and self-control, I've prayed & turned to God more, I've learned to turn "the world" off and listen to myself more, and I've gained such a compassion and understanding for other parents and other children. (especially in those embarrassing moments of Wal-Mart tantrums and tired or hungry melt downs) :) I must admit, I thought I pretty much knew everything about having kids . . . until I had them. Very humbling. But I'm thankful for it, for the growth, and for the change in my spirit. I'm also very thankful for praying & supportive parents/grandparents and of course a loving, praying husband that is devoted to our children as much as I am. But more than anything else, I'm thankful that I can depend on Christ, knowing that He's way ahead of me and has everything figured out already. . .
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8
These were the very first shirts I'd ever appliqued, which I thought turned out pretty cute. Hunter of course loved matching his baby Hudson and felt special that he got the shirt with the "pick-up truck" rather than the wagon. :)
Another Thanksgiving has come & gone so quickly. . . and we have so much to be thankful for. I am blessed beyond measure, beyond words, and way beyond my expectations for this life.
All my thanks, all my praise is given to You, Lord.
Psalm 100
A Psalm of Thanksgiving.
Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
