So Thankful

"Dear Lord, we give thanks for all your blessings- for this great feast that you have provided, for the warm homes that give us shelter, for the love of our family that surrounds us today, and for all the beauties of the earth that you in your great love and wisdom have created. Amen!" 

-The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks

What a wonderful, restful, delicious Thanksgiving holiday we had.  I got a nice break from school.  We had Wednesday-Sunday off.  I stayed home with Evangeline one Wednesday and we decided to just go ahead and kick off the holiday season.  I usually make myself wait to do any decorating, even to listen to any Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, but we just couldn't take it this year.  I said screw it.  We started with the decorating on Wednesday and even watched the Grinch for good holiday measure.  Later that afternoon I went to the local little shops in Martinsville and Marshall with my mamma.  It was fun.  We both bought Christmas center pieces for our tables.  When Kyle got home from work on Wednesday we put up the tree.  The house is decked and we are all cheerful! We enjoyed watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade beside glow of the Christmas tree this year. 

 

"A long time ago, back in the day, ornaments were just circles." -Evangeline

I saw a picture of these and just had to make them....



 

Here's a lovely little turkey and pilgrim E.B. brought home from Ms. Linda's. 

We ate our way through the week.  First stop, Wayne's house for Thanksgiving with the Hutsons.  Lots of yummy food and terrific people to share it with.  Evangeline was utterly worn out that evening.  We went to Peggy's house for dinner and it was all she could do to get out of the car.  Holidays are exhausting, kid.  You might as well get used to it. 

On Friday we had Thanksgiving round 2 with my family.  Dad made a middle eastern inspired feast.  He always likes to switch it up from the traditional fare. 

 

Candice and I were laughing about how much has changed since Evangeline was a baby.  She used to immediately start balling whenever Uncle Zachary would enter the room.  Now she can't stay away from her big Unc.

Zachary and Candice are in the process of moving out to the farm.  I am looking forward to having holiday get-togethers there.  I am also looking forward to acquainting Evangeline with this special place were so much of my childhood was spent. 

No words could ever express my thankfulness for this pair. 

Ok, now we are over the holiday speed bump that is Thanksgiving (sad but true, it's a speed bump). 

Back to Christmas...
We have been soaking up every tree-side snuggling, Christmas book reading, holiday show watching, carol listening, festive coloring, seasonal coffee drinking moment of December!  Hey, it's the most wonderful time of the year (other than summer break of course). 

We attended our church's annual Hanging of the Greens last Sunday.  I adore my church and church family.  It was a lovely evening.  Evangeline had a great time.  It makes my heart smile that she feels so happy at church.  Ahhh, there again...so much to be thankful for.

Evangeline has all kinds of little household items wrapped up in napkins, bags and boxes under the tree right now.  "Presents" for Mommy and Daddy.

Kyle and I went to see a movie the other day.  First movie we have been to see in 2 years.  Maybe only the 3rd movie we have seen in a theater since we were married in 2007.  It was a sad one, "12 Years a Slave".  We went out to eat too.  It was a full blown date night!  We capped off the evening with a little Christmas shopping before we rushed back to our little darling who was happily playing at Grandma's house.