Happy Turkey Day!

Such a thankful baby girl...in her first pair of Keds!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

Millie Janalee's first Thanksgiving was a very fun one!  And there is more fun to come as we celebrate with Russ's family Saturday.  I should first begin by talking about how excited Millie Janalee was about the turkey.  I know this because she woke up around 4 am ready to eat, play, and celebrate.  Susu took care of that one while this mama went back to bed.  Ha!

Once Russ and I woke to the sound of coos coming from the bassinet in my childhood bedroom, we got ready to make a very special Thanksgiving visit.  Russ's grandmother was ill when we planned for her to meet Millie Janalee, so she had not met our new angel yet.  Russ and I took Millie Janalee to Munu's house to meet her great-grandmother, and it was a wonderfully sweet visit.

After a short visit, we made our way to celebrate with my side of the family.  This was a very special Thanksgiving for us, since every single person on all sides of my family came to town to celebrate.  This has never happened that I can remember.  I am so so so sad that we never got a full family picture.  Seriously.  You know how sad I am.  The truth is...I ended up with a bad headache in bed before the night was over.  The thought never crossed my mind again...until this morning.  I'm hoping that we can all get together again soon!

Millie Janalee and Aunt Gail

Some of our family members had yet to meet Millie Janalee, so she was so happy to meet new people.  The funny part is that she met them naked.  Now, you know how hard I work to make sure Millie Janalee is dressed with a hairbow and combed hair most every day.  My mother thinks this is so funny that the one time I needed her to be looking cute to meet her Aunt Gail and a few others, she spits up all down the front of her precious smocked turkey bubble.  More than ever!  I ran to stick it in the quick wash so that she would be dressed for our visitors.  Except they came a little early.  Yep.  I was proud.  There laid my child naked in the floor sporting only a bib and diaper.  I know.  I know.  No one cared but me.  It was just one of those "real moments."  One of many more to come.

While the girls gathered around the children and the kitchen helping Kristin prepare the food, the guys enjoyed a little game of golf in the back yard.  a pretty competitive game, I understand.

Anna Claire, Millie Janalee, Amanda, Aunt Gail, and Maw Maw

Sweet cousins

Anna Claire had so much fun talking to "the baby."  She showed off her "bling" bracelet and petted her head and just stared at Millie Janalee while she did her baby things.  Amanda was the baby whisperer as we watched the rerun of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Millie Janalee fell fast asleep in her lap.

We enjoyed a full day and evening of visiting with family we haven't seen in a while.  Some we haven't seen in years.  We watched the kids play, watched some football, laughed, and talked about old times.  I led tours around Kristin and Lee's lovely home, while Kristin and Mama (and Russ) slaved away in the kitchen.

I should add that Kristin and Lee were the most wonderful hosts!  Their home was impeccably clean and beautifully decorated.  The food was well thought out with appetizers and finger foods served around 5 and supper served around 6:30 or 7.  Kristin did a great job of preparing as much as possible beforehand so that she could enjoy the afternoon and visit with us.  Mama took a couple casseroles to her house closer to supper time to stick them in her oven when Kristin filled hers up.  I'm thinking a double oven may be in Kristin's future as much as she cooks and entertains.  Russ helped Kristin make last minute cooking preparations, and the next thing I knew...a delicious cuisine was served!

Casey, Kelly Jo, Aunt Gail, Uncle Donald

Jack and Russ

Aunt Patsy and Clancy

Uncle Howard, Millie Janalee, and Aunt Patsy

Supper included chicken and dressing, ham, turkey, holiday peas, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, green bean bundles, twice baked potato casserole, and rolls.  I'm sure I'm leaving something out, but it was AMAZING!  We had leftovers for lunch today and relived the night.  I'm pretty sure we'll have more leftovers for supper too.  And that's great with me!

Aunt Gail and Maw Maw

Amanda, Jason, Uncle Donald, and Anna Claire

My cousin, Amanda, and her husband, Jason

My cousin, Casey, and his fiance, Kelly Jo

Dustin, Lee, Sheila, and Kristin

Daddy and Mama

Our first Thanksgiving as a "party of three" was very special!  We have so much to be thankful for this year.  But, we have much to be thankful for every year.  When trials and struggles arise, we know we have the One to thank daily.

"Thankfulness is not some sort of magic formula; it is the language of Love, which enables you to communicate intimately with Me.  A thankful mind-set does not entail a denial of reality with its plethora of problems.  Instead, it rejoices in Me, your Savior, in the midst of trials and tribulations.  I am your refuge and strength, and ever-present and well-proved help in trouble." - Jesus Calling

From our family to yours...Happy Thanksgiving!