Thankful

With Thanksgiving fast approaching I can't help but get excited about seeing family.

When my husband and I married 20 years ago, we never in our wildest dreams thought we'd move away from family and friends and settle into a community so far from home.

A few years ago I had a beautiful handmade sign made, and it's now hanging in our dining room that says, "Home is where your story begins", and oh how true that quote is!!! For home, is where my heart is drawn especially, during the holiday seasons. Remembering all the memories...of past holidays spent around our dining room table.


Some years, it was just my parents, two brothers and myself. Other years, it was with extended family from across the country.

This year, we will spend Thanksgiving with my parent, my older brother, his wife and 3 daughters, my younger brother, his wife and two sons, and my Grandfather. There will be lots of laughter, crafing for the kid's, and of course, the Packer game!!

One thing I'm learning the older I get is just how BLESSED I truly am! I'm blessed because I have a Savior who came, and died on the cross for me and through that I have eternal life.

I'm BLESSED to have been raised in a Christian home, and for God bringing an amazing, Godly man into my life.

I'm BLESSED to have 2 beautiful children who Love the Lord, and bring such joy, and delight to our hearts.

I'm BLESSED to know, that my Jesus is more than enough! This world tugs, and pulls at us telling us that we need a bigger house, a fancier car, a bigger this, a better that. When the reality is, THINGS will never fulfill the spot in my heart, that was designed for God.

As my family begins prepartion to travel home minus Ashley, my heart will be SO full of Thanksgiving as I'm being reminded of just how important it is, to be right in the center of God's will. For you see, although we will be without our precious Ashley this Thanksgiving, my heart finds great joy knowing that this is the longing of Ashley's heart:

"It's obedience....not the number or value, but if I am willing to do what HE (Jesus) asks of me and follow in his footsteps"

Happy early Thanksgiving Ash.....and trust me, you'll be getting a phone call on Thanksgiving day, from a missing you like crazy Dad and Mom, to a crying G-pa and G-ma, and some excited kids (Tiffany, Natalie, Stephanie, Hunter, and Romie Jr.)missing you like crazy, wishing you were here....to celebrate Thanksgiving with us.

Don't worry, we'll continue on with the family traditions of making crafts, playing *pin the feather on the Turkey* (G-pa's favorite game), and watching *Funny Farm* while eating popcorn and drinking pepsi.

We LOVE you more than LOVE Achie! xoxo

Praying that each you, regardless of your situation, or circumstances find something to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving Season.