Happy Thanksgiving!!

In my efforts to give our family's Thanksgiving dinner a little bit more meaning, I suggested a few weeks ago that we all go around the table this Thanksgiving to say what we are most thankful for. Of course, my family members looked at my like I'm such a pathetic dork and said something like, "Ummm, yeah, sure ... I mean ... I guess we could do that if you want." I suppose I understand this response, seeing as how we have like 30 people who can barely sit through the pre-meal prayer without laughing (this would be my husband and his brothers) and crying (my mom, aunts, and grandpa). So I'm not going to bring it up at the table this year. Instead, I've decided to start a new tradition for my new little family. Today, I'm starting a Thanksgiving journal. Each year, I am going to have each family member write what they are most thankful for. I think it will be something special to look back on as my kids grow up, and hopefully something to remind us that Thanksgiving is about so much more than our meal.

I know that Tanner would probably say that he's most thankful for his favorite soft blanket.

I'm not sure what Jon is most thankful for. (He's still sleeping!) **P.S. When Jon woke up, he said he was going to say the same thing as me and that I stole his idea. Same words and everything ... imagine that. **

Here is what I'm thankful for:

I'm thankful that the Lord has made his faithfulness so obvious to us this year. He guided us with such a steady hand as we made one important decision after another. I'm so glad that we decided to just "let go and let God" when we didn't know what else to do. We were SO SCARED to leave the Army, and the LORD came through with an amazing job for Jon, which just *happened* to be close to our families. We had no place to live until the weekend before our movers came, and He provided a wonderful home for us in a little town that I've fallen in love with (incidentally, it's rated as one of the top towns in America to live in -- how cool!). And best of all, we were given the most perfect of blessings in our little Tanner. I get teary just thinking of how things have fallen into place for us. Thank you, LORD, for making it so clear to us this year that You are with us always.

Some pics of our day ...

Me and my sweet mother-in-law

Grandpa Fagan, Uncle Dennis, and Brent

My father-in-law, me, and my dad
Nicole, Grandma Fagan, and my mom. Nicole was teaching us all how to smile for pictures while still looking natural. The secret is to say "Heyyyy." I think Grandma's really got the right idea!!

My boys disappeared after dinner. I found them together in the bedroom napping. So cuddly together ...

My sister, Kat, and Jon's brother, Pat. It's a long story.

Nicole and her sweet Shanna

Another "Heyyy" moment with Missy, Lindsey, and Aunt Sue.

The boys went hunting for pheasant early the next morning.

Jon, Pat, Eric, and my dad. All of the young guys were West Pointers. Although they don't hunt often, we assumed they at least knew how to handle a weapon.
And we were right. I guess we are going to eat these birds sometime over Christmas break. Can't wait ...