Oh, Gobble,Gobble,Gobble Fat Turkey, Fat Turkey!

Us and what army is supposed to eat all of that food?!

We had a bountiful meal today!

Reed at his Thanksgiving party at school.

Cassidy at her Thanksgiving program. Her class sang the "Fat Turkey" song from which I stole the title. She was also chosen to be the last letter "G" in Thanksgiving. Her line was: "G is for Green Beans." And, if I may be so bold, she was the BEST "G" I've ever heard!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I rarely use this blog to write anything deep or profound... and yes, I know what that says about me! And I'm not really going to be deep or profound now, but I am going to share some of what I am so thankful for.

I have been trying to be more prayerful and introspective about my blessings over the past few days. I think I am especially guilty of sailing through my days without acknowledging just how amazing each moment is. I will never be accused of being overly sappy or emotional...dramatic, yes, emotional...not so much. And so, I think I just deal with each moment and move on without really relishing some things.

And the Lord has been calling me to take notice lately. So, I've compiled a list of some of the things I don't want to take for granted and I am thankful to God for.

1. Randy: He is such a great guy and I would RUN down the aisle to marry him all over again(He assures me he wouldn't be running the other way).

2. Healthy Reed and healthy Cassidy: These are two good kids. They are crazy energetic, but I am so glad they are happy, healthy and strong.

3. Our extended family: It is always difficult for me around holidays when our families are together without us. I question all the memories our children aren't going to have. But then I remember again that with modern technology, we are up-to-the-day informed with how everyone is. I love being able to talk to my family every day. The miles seem much smaller then.

4. Church family: There are those friends who "stand in the gap" for us. They love us, love our children, include us in their lives, send us on dates, laugh with us, share birthdays, sit at one end of our pew and bring a bag of goodies to distract the Cass, buy the right kind of bubble gum because they know the kids love it, help set up our tent in the dark, search for the perfect ballerina outfit, take Reed fishing and take pictures of the catch and my list could go on. We needed these people and the Lord has graciously given us a "family of friends."

5. Jobs: I have never taken for granted that Randy has a secure job that provides so well for our family...well enough that I get to maintain my status as a "lady of leisure" or, if you prefer,"chief pot washer and floor scrubber." I am also so very thankful that my family all have secure jobs in this time of great uncertainty.

6. Our country: Peaceful transfer of power from one party to the next is nothing to take for granted...just read the papers. Abundant food on the shelves in the stores, freely walking into worship, free public education, mail systems and the list could go on and on. For all that is uncertain and yes, a little scary, in our country - there is much more to be thankful and prayerful about.

7. Cars and a houseful of appliances: I am so glad we have working cars. I am thankful we have a house to live in. And I am REALLY thankful it is CHOCK FULL of useful things like: an air conditioner, a hot water heater, a dishwasher, an oven, a microwave, a washing machine and dryer. Seriously, if you take any one of those things away (there are more I'm not listing), I am in a MAJOR crisis!

8. my Vacuum cleaner: This one deserved its very own number just because I use it all the time. You all know we have ol' stinky brown dog in the house with us. I would go stark raving mad without my vacuum cleaner to suck up all the dog hair...just thinking about it makes me want to go vacuum.

9. our bathtub

10. Books: Mine and the ones I read with the kids each night.

11. The first 5 minutes of each morning with Reed and Cassidy...that's the only shot for cuddles!

12. Bedtime prayers and scriptures: We've been working on this one and I LOVE IT! You should just hear Cassidy say it...adorable! "The Lord you God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17"

13. Chocolate chips

14. God: The giver of all things, including His only Son (John 3;16). The author of a costly plan to save me even though He knows I am not only unworthy, but frequently ungrateful(Romans 5:8). The creator of the amazing world I live in who not only invites me to talk to Him, but longs for communication with me (Jeremiah 29:11-14). Above all else, for there is nothing without Him, I am profoundly grateful to know God, to be known by God and to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

Well, there are some of the things I am thankful for. It is definitely a rewarding experience to write them down. There are more I could have written down and more I will think of and wish I had written down. I am ABUNDANTLY blessed: "...A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured in your lap. (the middle of Luke 6:38)."