Happy Thanksgiving...

...from Abigail, Nathan, and Henrietta.

We decided this week that we would stay home for Thanksgiving and spend some much enjoyed time with Daddy. This, for me, meant my second attempt at "the meal". I have to admit I did dread it somewhat. When I tried this two years ago I don't remember pure celebration from the whole experience. (It could have been that I was in my first trimester with Nathan...note the similarities to my current status.) Anyway, what a great day today was!

1. I only had to call my mom twice, and my grandma once.
2. I felt great and full of energy.

3. The only ingredient I left out was 1 of the 2 boiled eggs from the giblet gravy. (Can you believe it Mom?)

4. I found the giblets in the turkey.

5. The turkey was done.

6. The turkey was done by 10:30.

7. ...allowing for the entire meal to be done by 11:00.

8. The kids were fantastic while I cooked and enjoyed the morning.

9. Tory got to sleep in.

10. AND I made two extra dishes that I had not planned on.

I could probably go on and on about how great our day was but I will stop at 10. Besides a wonderful Thanksgiving I have many things here on this earth and in this life to be thankful for. But am filled with the utmost gratitude for the eternal hope that has been given to me through Christ and his death on the cross. There are many who are suffering with illness, loss of loved ones, and fear of not knowing what tomorrow will bring. But if we have Christ, we can find joy in and long for the day of His return when there will be no more pain, no more death, and as Paul proclaims in Philippians, we will find our gain and complete joy. And so, as we prepare for this Christmas season we remember the price that was paid for us and rejoice in the Hope that it brings. I pray that your day was fabulous and that this time of year finds you full of hope.