{Giving Thanks}

Forever on Thanksgiving Day

The heart will find the pathway home.

~Wilbur D. Nesbit

There are so many wonderful traditions that are centered around Thanksgiving. It almost seems impossible to list them all. For most families, Thanksgiving is a time to get together, have a ridiculously large meal which is usually followed by a fairly huge slice of pie with extra whipped cream, and of course football occupying the Television.   

I have been fortunate enough to enjoy Thanksgiving surrounded by my family and friends in the comfort of my parents home. I have experienced the “traditional” all American Thanksgiving while soaking in the traditions of another country. I have devoured the diversity of a good ol’ southern turkey feast with family arms wrapped around me while my husband was off serving our country. I have been blessed to be able to sit around a table holding hands with military friends who became my family.

For the past two years, the now Louisiana Mall’s have been able to host Thanksgiving in their very own home. I can say without a doubt that this is a tradition that I have truly come to LOVE!!!

I have quickly learned that every Turkey Day is different and that no matter how much you prepare or how many times you check your list, someone will always have to make their way to the store to fight the crowds for “one” more thing. However at the end of the day, I can look around my house, smile at the group of people who are comfortably resting even though they are feeling as if they have gained an extra 10 pounds in one sitting, and count the many blessings I am grateful for in my life.

This Thanksgiving holiday, we had visitors from near and far.

Nana & Papa drove a straight 24 hours just to spend the week with us! I know that they were bored out of their minds on this trip but I think they should know that their presence was much needed and very much appreciated by all of us!!! (My goal next year is to not be gimping around in a big black boot).

We did however manage to make it out for one special surprise date.

Lunch, frozen yogurt, and THE MUPPETS!!!!

I’m not sure who was more excited...

the children or Nana & Papa!!!

By Thursday, the house was bursting with joy 

as 1 very content puppy 

enjoyed the amusing entertainment brought on by 8 pairs of little feet

An {almost} adult

A Country Boy

A Marine

Military Brothers

And 

2 Beautiful Sisters!

We  definitely enjoyed a glass or two of this

or maybe it was a shot or two of these!

Good times, great family, and lasting memories for my children!

These are the moments that I have come to treasure!

Not what we say about our blessings, 

but how we use them, 

is the true measure of our thanksgiving.         

~W.T. Purkiser